Grenadier Company, 42nd Highland Regiment for the French and Indian War

 

Warlord Games Highland Grenadiers painted as the 42nd Highland Regiment.

 

Another excellent product to fill out my unit for Rebels and Patriots (Paid Link) of the 42nd Highland Regiment is the blister pack of Highland Grenadiers from Warlord games. Four figures come in the pack - and my pack had 3 different variants. Not bad! As with the Line Company Highlanders from Warlord Games, these grenadiers are armed to the teeth with broadswords, dirks and pistols in addition to musket and bayonet. There is controversy as to when the red stripe was added to the Grenadier Company's tartan but I am not going to go down that rabbit hole. I decided to add the red stripe mainly because I think it looks cool. I'm the Colonel, and like in the old days, I paid, er, painted the uniforms!

 

 

A grenadier was originally a specialist soldier, first established as a distinct role in the mid-to-late 17th century, for the throwing of grenades and sometimes assault operations. At that time grenadiers were chosen from the strongest and largest soldiers. By the 18th century, dedicated grenade throwing of this sort was no longer relevant, but grenadiers were still chosen for being the most physically powerful soldiers and would lead assaults in the field of battle.

 

  

The wide hats with broad brims characteristic of infantry during the late 17th century were discarded and replaced with caps. This was originally to allow the grenadier to sling his musket over his back with greater ease while throwing grenades (initially, only these troops were provided with slings). Additionally, a brimless hat permitted the grenadier greater ease in throwing the grenade overhand. By 1700, grenadiers in the English and other armies had adopted a cap in the shape of a bishop's mitre, usually decorated with the regimental insignia in embroidered cloth.

 

 

Grenade usage declined significantly in the early 18th century, a fact that can be attributed to the improved effectiveness of massive infantry line tactics and flintlock technology. However, the need for elite assault troops remained, and the existing grenadier companies were used for this purpose. As noted, above average physical size had been considered important for the original grenadiers and, in principle, height and strength remained the basis of selection for these picked companies. In the British regiments of foot during the 18th century the preference was, however, to draw on steady veterans for appointment to individual vacancies in a grenadier company (one of the eight companies comprising each regiment). On occasion, such as at Louisburg and at Quebec, Grenadier Companies from various regiments might be "brigaded" together to form a larger elite unit.

 

 

Another winner from Warlord Games. Now when my flags come in, I'll be able to post the command element and show the whole unit together.