Originally Published on the Spanner and the Yank Web Site. Used by permission.

AB French Dragoons: A Figure for All Seasons

It's not easy to build a Revolutionary period army (1792-1799) in 15mm. Battle Honours has a limited, but nice range. And it appeared Tony Barton would copy his designs for AB. While they offer a few Austrian/Hungarian infantrymen in kasketts, it appears the plans were left on the drawing board.

Enjoying the larger 18mm size, I've taken to using AB's bicorned French (1798-1806) figures to build demi-brigades, circa '96. Purists will quibble with the rolled greatcoats and uniformity. But by alternating colors and using patterned trousers, you can achieve a decent impression that's not too far off the mark.

Cavalry proves tougher, however. There is only one type of French trooper -- the dragoon -- that can pass uniform muster for 1792-1801. Barton sculpted AB's to reflect the uniform, circa 1804-1812. The earlier dragoon uniform was baggier and the tails longer. While there were modifications to the earlier helmet, they were minor. By the standard of the times, the dragoon uniform underwent minor changes from the fall of the monarchy.

T.B.'s dragoons are very nice. I imagine they were an early addition to the line and are a bit on the small side when compared to recent AB's (though certainly compatible). The gamer can obtain excellent flexibility with these figures, fighting battles from Castiglione to Wagram.

A selection of the figures

Those who like their mounted arm charging across fields will be dissapointed with the pose, as the dragoons having their sabres shouldered. They should be mounted on horses at a walk or trot. I personally prefer this pose as it is indicative of what most cavalry did during battles... wait, or manouver at a walk. There is an ominous quality in the silence before all hell breaks loose.

The officer is particularly nice with its excellent face and stretched body, as if ready to stand in the stirrups.

The officer

I'd rate the dragoon trooper and trumpeter 8.5 and the officer a 9.0.

They served everywhere. And while confusion over their role in the French cavalry may have resulted in less prodigious feats than those of cuirassier or hussar counterparts, both dragoon and chasseur regiments are essential to a realistic depiction of the bulk of French cavalry in the field.... particularly in those early years.

Good Gaming!

Mike

Some of the figures painted up by Phil Barlow.