Saturday, April 28, 2018

Spanish Garrochistas (Lancers)



One of the more unusual units to see action during the Peninsular War were these "Garrochistas"


The Garrochistas were a sort of Andalusian cattlemen that used long lances to prod bulls!


The wore their regional costume of (usually) green jackets, red head scarves, and broad hats. There lances were quite long. 


These Garrochistas participated in the defeat and surrender of Dupont's French at Bailen in 1808. 


These are once again 28mm  Brigade Games figures sculpted by Paul Hicks.
The Talavera Campaign in a Day with Snappy Nappy is tomorrow!


A Garrochista

 Another drawing of a Garrochista.


A pair of modern Garrochistas. As I understand it, they are a part of the Bull fighting shows as well.


26 comments:

  1. An unusual unit of horsemen, for sure! I would have no trouble putting these cavalry into the fighting in Mexico during the 1860s.

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    1. Yes, I think they'd fit well there, too!
      They need a few more figures to bring them up to a full unit, which should be forthcoming in the next 2 months.

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  2. What a different looking unit indeed :-)

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    1. Not your typical Napoleonic unit, that's for sure!

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  3. A most unusual topic. I've never before heard of these fellows.

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    1. I'm not sure if they saw action other than at Bailen, but there are monuments to them in Spain! Front Rank does them, also.

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  4. Beautifully done Peter. Very attractive looking unit.

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  5. Probably not the best ones in battle, but they look wonderful, congrats!

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    1. Thank you, Phil! They were accomplished riders, although with little experience in battle tactics!

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  6. Great looking and unusual unit, good luck with snappy nappy!
    Best Iain

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    1. Thanks, Iain! Show time is in 3 hours; about to head out to start set up for the game.

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  7. Great to see the more unusual units Peter. Looking forward to seeing the results of your Snappy Nappy game.

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    1. Thanks, Jon! They actually managed a charge in today's game.

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  8. Lovely work, and it will be great to see if these fellows uphold their Bailen reputation in the Talavera campaign.

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  9. What fun to field such unusual troops!

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    1. Thanks, Scott - they are off the beaten path for sure! :-)

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  10. Great unique looking unit Peter!

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    1. Thank you, Mark! They certainly are unusual!

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  11. Just the inspiration I needed. Many thankd

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  12. just did some front rankers ...so many colors n all but went green jacket n yellow n red ....with red yellow flag on lance but legs i changed because of the drawing thank you..

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