Today we have a small unit of rather elite cavalry - the von Trützchler Hussars, being part of the Saxon advanced guard division at Jena 1806.
On 14 October, the Saxon Hussars were behind the allied right flank at Vierzehnheiligen, attached to Grawert`s division. They were in action repeatedly under command of GLLT von Polenz and covered the withdrawal. They later crossed the River Ilm at Weimar.
No comprehensive Saxon casualty lists exist for the 1806 campaign ... however, according to Friesen's "Versuch einer Geschichte des Königl. Sächs. II. Reiterregiments (pages 63-4), the regiment lost five killed and nineteen wounded at Jena (with some number captured, perhaps as many as eleven).
Napoleon himself was quite concerned about the enemy cavalry prior to this campaign. A scarcity of French cavalry, and the impressive reputation of the Prussian cavalry was cause for major concern for the Emperor to be. With the Saxon cavalry in particular, Napoleon is reported to have rated these the highest of all horse in Europe.
"For their cavalry alone, it would be worth negotiating a treaty with Saxony".
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| Figures by Eureka, from their in-house sculptor Alan Marsh. Fantastic job he did on these figures too - they are designed to fit in with AB's both in terms of size (18mm) and quality. No problems on either of those scores. White uniforms throughout, blue facings, blue saddle cloth with white wolf's teeth pattern on the border. |
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| Like the AB range as well, Alan has gone for a small variety of poses within the one figure code ... adds a touch of realistic animation to the whole when the figures are grouped together. Not overly sure about the plume color - I did some research on that one and found a few possible variations. Red over white seemed to be the most referenced coloration for this unit. Note also the red and white waist sash - same as Prussian Hussars. |
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| Fine threads indeed ! On campaign, white uniforms would have got dirty rather quickly. On the eve of battle, soldiers in white uniforms would routinely apply white chalk to 'brighten up' the dregs they were wearing, so as to appear to the enemy fresh and well prepared ! Remember that one next time you are in a rush to get to work ... wear a white shirt, and always carry some chalk on you to make a fine impression at meetings. A bit of lace, a fur pelisse, and a fancy mirliton cap with plume also works a treat as well. |
Enjoyed this post Steve, although I don't think I'll try the chalk trick on my white lab coat, LOL. I don't recall seeing these earlier Saxon Hussars modeled before - I have the later Saxon Hussars in their light blue uniforms in my collection, though!
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