If you are going to have an epic battle, you might as well have some epic Commanders along for the ride:
John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough. The greatest general (in my opinion) England has ever produced. He never fought a battle he didn't win and never conducted a siege that was not successfully concluded. Marlborough's stand has a Dutch officer reporting to Marlborough while his trumpeter and an escort from the Royal Scottish Dragoons look on. Next to Marlborough is the Queen's Regiment.
Prince Francois Eugene of Savoy. One of the great commanders of the Age of Lace; ironically, refused a commission in the French Army by Louis XIV and thus entered Austrian Service. Forged a great partnership with Marlborough. Prince Eugene is escorted by a dragoon of the Prinz Eugene Dragoons and an officer of the Darmstadt Kuirassiers.
Maximilian Emanuel II von Wittelsbach, Elector of Bavaria. Max Emanuel II fought successfully against the Turks on many occasions and defeated the Imperials (Austrians) at Sieghardin on March 11th, 1703. Max is giving orders to a senior regimental officer while one of his staff officers looks on. A dragoon from the Dragoon Regiment Santani provides protection.
Maximilian Emanuel II von Wittelsbach, Elector of Bavaria. Max Emanuel II fought successfully against the Turks on many occasions and defeated the Imperials (Austrians) at Sieghardin on March 11th, 1703. Max is giving orders to a senior regimental officer while one of his staff officers looks on. A dragoon from the Dragoon Regiment Santani provides protection.
Camille d'Hostun, Comte de Tallard and Duc d'Hostun, Marshal of France. A highly successful commander, he received his Marshal's baton when he led 8,000 men against 20,000 Imperials at Speyerbach and captured the city fortress of Landau. Marshal Tallard is accompanied by a staff officer and French dragoons.
Do you really think the battle of Malpaquet was a victory?
ReplyDeleteSeptember 11, 1709 Marshal Villars inflicts four times more losses than he suffered. He withdraws with all his artillery. The losses endured by the Duke of Malborough and Prince Eugene of Savoy dissuaded them to resume toward Paris.
Malpaquet is a tactical victory but a strategic defeat which saves France from the invasion and allows it to prepare the victory of Denain.
As you said, a tactical victory.
DeleteNeil
For what my view's worth, the simple test is "Did the regiments that fought it get a battle honour?" The British only grant them for victories. There are no battle honours for Fontenoy and Lauffeld.
DeleteGorgeous uniforms and paint job, so many lovely colors...and, of course, French are the most beautiful! 😊 Great job Neil!
ReplyDeleteThanks Phil! I had fun painting the French flags which I love.
DeleteThese command stands are terrific additions o this project. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jonathan. A great colorful period to paint.
DeleteNeil
Superb work - and combined with the finest wargaming period and one of the grandest/finest/best sets of rules out there. V&B remains hard to beat.
ReplyDeleteDuc de Gobin,
DeleteI agree both on the period and the rules. Colorful uniforms but not the painting difficulty of the Napoleonic era and for big battles there is no match!
Neil
If you are going to "do" WSS, you may as well go with the A Team commanders! Look forward to seeing your battle report in due course.
ReplyDeleterross,
DeleteYou are absolutely right!
Neil