The Loyal Lusitanian Legion was first formed in England in 1808, initially raised from Portuguese who had fled the country as a result for the French occupation in late 1807 and early 1808.
The Legion was to consist of 3 battalions of 1,000 men, a battery of 6 guns, and some cavalry; it does not appear that the later were ever raised. There was initial talk of red uniforms, but that choice was unpopular with the Portuguese, so dark green uniforms reminiscent of the British rifles were ordered.
When the core of the Legion arrived in Oporto in August 1808, it recruited additional men in Portugal. Most but not all of the officers were British. The Legion was paid by the United Kingdom, and fought at Alcantara, Talavera, and Busaco. It was commanded by Colonel Robert Wilson, who was given the rank of Brigadier General in the Portuguese army as well. Much of its service was spent in independent actions behind the French lines or supporting the Portuguese and Spanish militias.
The LLL was disbanded in May 18111, and used to form the new 7th, 8th, and part of the 9th Cacadores.
The flag was taken from the internet; I cannot vouch for its accuracy, but it looks good at least!
The figures themselves are Old Glory 2nd edition British line, painted as the Legion. There is an excellent account of the Legion's history and actions on The Napoleon Series, here.
Your Legion looks good and so does it’s flag!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jon; Glad you like them!
DeleteI had no idea this legion existed Peter, these look great!
ReplyDeleteI first became aware of the LLL from Rene North's Almark book on troops of the Peninsular War 40+ years ago. They are a nice change of pace in the Allied roster!
DeleteLovely work on them, don't see them too often. Those OG figures are rather nice as well.
ReplyDeleteThey particularly participated in smaller actions, but as noted, were also present at several of the larger battles as well.
DeleteThey look great Peter. I didn't put a flag on mine, but looking at yours it really sets them off nicely.
ReplyDeleteThe flag is interesting, and obviously similar in pattern but not color to that of the Portuguese regulars. As noted, I cannot vouch for its authenticity! I looked at your LLL as I was painting mine!
DeleteLovely work on these Peter - always good to have an "unusual" unit in your collection. The OG second edition are nice figures too - I have some Brits in my 1812 collection, as well as some of their Austrians in my Napoleonics!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Keith. I have a strong collector streak (don't most of us?), so unusual and colorful units are always an attraction!
DeleteWow, the LLL! After all this time, one of us finally produced one. And, nifty at that! Good work, love the flag.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joe. With quite few Portuguese additions to paint up, the chance to do something different was welcome, and I had these troops, in mind from the start of the Portuguese Expansion Project (PEP).
DeleteThe Legion looks fabulous Peter.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Richard!
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