Prussian IR 40 von Schimonsky - Jena Auerstadt 1806

Regiment of the Day

Today we have the legendary Prussian Infantrie Regiment Nr 40, von Schimonsky, which fought as part of von Schmettau's 3rd Division at Jena Auerstadt, 1806.

Another fine set of figures from AB - 3 bases of Prussian regular musketeers from Infantryie Regiment 40, von Schimonsky. (+ 1 skirmisher stand with matching facings)

Dark violet facings for this unit, and white breeches. It is difficult to find an accurate record of the colour of the trousers worn by Prussians during this early period - there were a huge variety of shades in use from yellows through to browns, and the occasional white.  Possibly mixed within the one regiment as well. I have gone for all-white with these guys.

Note also the pom-pom colour, which Prussian units use as a further regimental distinction. White pom-pom, light blue dot on the top and a ring in dark red.

I decided to get a little inventive with the drum - I used regimental facing colours for the body of the drum, which looks great, but is probably not overly accurate. In my little 15mm world, von Schimonsky won a very serious drinking contest one night at the Potsdam barracks, upon which he was awarded the right to decorate the drum in regimental facing colours. !!

View from the rear quarter,. Note the correct application of long powdered queues - a remaining feature from Old Fritz's dress regulations of the 7 years war. 

Gotta love ABs for realism and attention to detail.

Another view from the rear quarter. Note the application of an NCO figure with spontoon on the right flank of the rear rank. I have one of these on the right of each regiment of Prussian line, to keep those troops in perfect order. 

The flag for this unit is a slightly different to other Prussian flags of the period, in that it is all one base colour - a pale red, or salmon pink colour.

One of the things I like about painting my own flags is that it allows for perfect matches of colour in a way that is difficult to achieve with an inkjet. There is also the bonus of being able to create them on an as-need basis, rather than hunt for mail order. and wait for delivery.

IR 40 von Schimonsky arrayed in line of battle - the much preferred method of fighting for the Prussian army of the period.

Historical references do suggest that the Prussian army in 1806 had indeed practiced attack columns, skirmish lines, and other new-fangled revolutionary 'French' ideas just like any other army of the period. 

However, there is great truth in the old adage "Stick to what you are good at" ... and when it came to linear precision and volley fire on the battlefield, the Prussian knew no equal.



Hope you enjoyed reading about this regiment - because there are dozens more to come yet. Thanks for reading.