Thursday, December 13, 2018

Tiroler Landsturm #4, Freiherr Ferdinand Mittwoch



Next in the "green" division of Tirolese rebels is this unit raised by Ferdinand Mittwoch, and armed with pitchforks. 


I found this interesting flag design in the course of a search for Tyrolean flags using German words. 


The "flames" around the edges are of course very "Austrian" in appearance, and it has the red eagle of Tirol in the center. If I recall correctly, the actual flag dates back to the 17th century! I used the online image, edited in MS paint to make the flag, and then "enhanced" the printed version with paint. The pinkish hue to the white areas in the border is present in the original images. 


Continuing on with the narrative of the Rebellion:

    The aid came. [Marechal] Lefebvre, in his brutal fashion, plundered and burnt as he advanced, and published a proscription list instead of the amnesty promised. The natural result followed. Hofer persuaded the bold Capuchin to leave his monastery, and he, with two others, called the western Tyrol to arms. Hofer raised the eastern Tyrol. They soon gained a powerful associate in Speckbacher, who, conscience-stricken by Hofer's reproach, had left the Austrians and hastened back to his country. The invader's cruelty had produced its natural result. The Tyrol was once more in full revolt.


    With a bunch of rosemary, the gift of their chosen maidens, in their green hats, the young men grasped their trusty rifles and hurried to the places of rendezvous. The older men wore peacock plumes, the Hapsburg symbol. With haste they prepared for the war. Cannon which did good service were made from bored logs of larch wood, bound with iron rings. Here the patriots built abatis; there they gathered heaps of stone on the edges of precipices which rose above the narrow vales and passes. The timber slides in the mountains were changed in their course so that trees from the heights might be shot down upon the important passes and bridges. All that could be done to give the invaders a warm welcome was prepared, and the bold peasants waited eagerly for the coming conflict.



    From four quarters the invasion came, Lefebvre's army being divided so as to attack the Tyrolese from every side, and meet in the heart of the country. They were destined to a disastrous repulse. The Saxons, led by Rouyer, marched through the narrow valley of Eisach, the heights above which were occupied by Haspinger the Capuchin and his men. Down upon them came rocks and trees from the heights. Rouyer was hurt, and many of his men were slain around him. He withdrew in haste, leaving one regiment to retain its position in the Oberau. This the Tyrolese did not propose to permit. They attacked the regiment on the next day, in the narrow valley, with overpowering numbers. Though faint with hunger and the intense heat, and exhausted by the fierceness of the assault, a part of the troops cut their way through with great loss and escaped. The rest were made prisoners.

    The story is told that during their retreat, and when ready to drop with fatigue, the soldiers found a cask of wine. Its head was knocked in by a drummer, who, as he stooped to drink, was pierced by a bullet, and his blood mingled with the wine. Despite this, the famishing soldiery greedily swallowed the contents of the cask.

[Yikes! Talk about Klingon Blood Wine... ]

20 comments:

  1. Another impressive-looking unit Peter. When the fighting is over they look as though they can march straight back to work in the fields. I especially like the job ou have done with the flag. Very unique.

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    1. Thanks, Lawrence. I really liked this flag when I found it. Most of the modern Tiroler Schutzen companies have their own flags that date back at least a century (and often far longer), and I have used some of them for inspiration as well.

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  2. Another fantastic looking unit. Are the figures conversions. If not who sells them?

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    1. Thanks, Ray. These figures are all sold by Eureka. They aren't easy to find on their website. They are listed under Eureka>28 mm>Wars of the French Revolution>Tyrolean Militia, 1797 - 1809.
      http://www.eurekamin.com.au/index.php?cPath=87_126_743_762&sort=3a

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  3. Cracking job, impressive base and weapons!!

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  4. Wow well dressed pitchforkers, and amazed someone actually makes these figures!! :)

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    1. They do seem attired in their "Sunday Best" :-)

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  5. Great looking pitchfork weilding peasants!
    Best Iain

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  6. the story just adds to novelty of this project. Another fine addition, and a fascinating project overall.

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    1. Yes, the history is almost as quirky as the figures!

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  7. Another fine addition to your growing Tyrolean mob. The pitchforks are nasty looking weapons and long enough to discourage a cavalry charge.

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    1. Thanks, Jon. The variety of pole weapons supplied with these figures are part of the fun of building the units. There are 5 different kinds, so I chose to arm five of my units uniformly with one type, and the sixth will be a mixture of all 5 types.

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  8. Those are wonderful looking figures Peter. The pole arms make them look quite fearsome and I do like the way they are defending the barricades. That's a really attractive and well made flag too.
    Best wishes,
    Jason

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  9. Love the hats, Peter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. Freiherr Mittwoch says, "Ja, es ist wirklich alles über die Hüte!"
      :-)

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  10. Your flag turned out great- very natural and realistic.

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