Wednesday, June 3, 2020

54e Ligne, Early Imperial uniform


The 54e Ligne had it's origins in the Royal Roussillon regiment, itself dating all the way back to 1657.


This unit of Old Glory figures have worn out their white pantaloons, and replaced them with non regulation brown ones. Perhaps this was a foretaste of their future years spent campaigning in Spain.


The regiment fought with the Grande Armee, seeing combat at Austerlitz (1805) and Friedland (1807).


It was sent to Spain in 1808, and spent many less than happy years there through 1812. 


With the debacle of the retreat from Russia, during 1813 battalions of the 54th fought in both Spain and Germany.


During 1814, 1 battalion was in France, and saw fighting at  Fere Champenoise.


During the 110 Days Campaign of 1815, the 54e formed part of the Armee du Nord, and fought at the Battle of Waterloo. 


An unusually large portion of this regiment is wearing their fatigue caps in place of the bicorne and bearskins, and quite a few seem to have lost their headgear altogether!


The regiment's eagle is adorned by a flag from Adolfo Ramos.


    I haven't forgotten about Caldiero - this unit will be participating. Just finalizing some details before I can start the actual game!

21 comments:

  1. I do enjoy seeing the French in bicorne! I like the brown pantaloons too.

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    1. They will probably be unique amongst my French line in having brown pants... or at least ones that are painted on! :-)

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  2. I've always had a weakness for floppy hats and bicorne's. Nice unit.

    Cheers
    Kevin

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  3. Good looking unit, lots of animation, great OG figures.

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    1. I've really enjoyed painting these OG figures in "campaign dress"; lots of character!

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  4. Great info and another super looking unit.

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  5. Another lovely looking line regiment! I really like the bonnet it's quite elegant,I can't stand the later fatigue hat for some reason !
    Best Iain

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    1. Thanks Iain. I agree, the fatigue bonnets are cool, but the later, more practical caps just lack that panache!

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  6. Splendid - these are real fighting men! Lovely job.

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    1. Thanks for the kind words, Tony. They are headed for Caldiero!

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  7. Nice work Peter, and the 54th really have quite a history. I wonder if anyone made it through all those campaigns?

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    1. As the regiment did NOT participate in the Russian campaign, probably at least some did.

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  8. Enthusiastic chaps there, nice work! :)

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