This is the first unit of what will be a fairly large German ("Hessian") contingent as part of my forces for the American War of Independence.
The British really did commit a very large force in their attempt to crush the rebellion of the American colonies. However, it was recognized that the existing forces available were inadequate to the task, especially considering the other demands on the British military. Therefore, they negotiated a treaty with the Landgrave of Hessen Kassel, which was signed on January 15, 1776. Bu its terms, the Landgrave agreed to provide a force of 12,000 men for service in North America.
Perhaps the most famous of these were the Hessian Jagers, who were experienced men armed with rifles.
The first Hessian troops departed May 6, 1776, and arrived on Staten Island in New York in early August of that year.
The Jagers had a very distinguished record during the war, and were well respected by both their British allies and the opposing Patriots. These are Perry figures.
At times the legwear varied from tan or brown to dark green. The vests and jackets were dark green, with crimson facings. Belts were brown. Officers were distinguished by gold trim to their facings.
There is a US re-enactor group for this unit; here are some of the men at an event. Note the silver and red sash of the officer, as well as the gold trim on the facings. I'd call this shade of red scarlet more than crimson, but it looks sharp regardless.
Another picture from their site, showing the hornist with his quite large hunting horn. There are various depictions of the colors of the cords used on the horns; I went with green and red.






Nice work Peter - this is a unit I don't have and maybe I need to look at adding them to my Hessian collection!
ReplyDeleteThanks, keith, and you definitely "need" these fellows.They foughtvat most majopr battles of the Revolution, in part as a counter to American Riflemen. There was only 1 battalion (here was a brunswick Jager battalion as well), but there impact was outsized!
DeleteJaeger units are so cool and useful . The Hessian are coming! The future is promising.
ReplyDeleteThe Hessians are definitely coming, and ja, die Jager are very cool!
DeleteThis is another great set of Perry sculpts beautifully done. Are there any more Hessians in the production line Peter?
ReplyDeleteOh yes indeed, Lawrence - at least another 4 Musketeer units, 4 Fusilier units, and 3 Grenadiers plus a bit of artillery and command are planned; some may be Brunswick units, including the dismounted dragoons that fought at Bennington in 1777. 5 more Hessian units are on the painting table, nd I expect them to be done within the next week.
DeleteA superb start on your German contingent. Great sculpts and great painting.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Richard. Many more in the works; I probably need to order more flags!
DeleteSplendid brushwork Peter, I need some Jagers to add to my collection this year
ReplyDeleteThanks, Matt; glad you like them!
DeleteWunderbar, cool uniform colours
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gary; they do stand out from the crowd of units seeing action in the AWI!
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