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!
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.
The Talavera Campaign in a Day with Snappy Nappy is tomorrow!
A Garrochista
An unusual unit of horsemen, for sure! I would have no trouble putting these cavalry into the fighting in Mexico during the 1860s.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think they'd fit well there, too!
DeleteThey need a few more figures to bring them up to a full unit, which should be forthcoming in the next 2 months.
What a different looking unit indeed :-)
ReplyDeleteNot your typical Napoleonic unit, that's for sure!
DeleteA most unusual topic. I've never before heard of these fellows.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if they saw action other than at Bailen, but there are monuments to them in Spain! Front Rank does them, also.
DeleteVery colourful.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt about that! :-)
DeleteBeautifully done Peter. Very attractive looking unit.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carlo. They certainly are unique!
DeleteProbably not the best ones in battle, but they look wonderful, congrats!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Phil! They were accomplished riders, although with little experience in battle tactics!
DeleteGreat looking and unusual unit, good luck with snappy nappy!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks, Iain! Show time is in 3 hours; about to head out to start set up for the game.
DeleteGreat to see the more unusual units Peter. Looking forward to seeing the results of your Snappy Nappy game.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jon! They actually managed a charge in today's game.
DeleteLovely work, and it will be great to see if these fellows uphold their Bailen reputation in the Talavera campaign.
ReplyDeleteThey fought passaby well today!
DeleteWhat fun to field such unusual troops!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Scott - they are off the beaten path for sure! :-)
DeleteGreat unique looking unit Peter!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mark! They certainly are unusual!
DeleteJust the inspiration I needed. Many thankd
ReplyDeleteGlad you found it of interest!
Deletejust 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..
ReplyDeleteGlad you found them helpful!
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