This week’s Franco-Prussian War unit is the 1st Westpahalian Hussar Regiment, No. 8. Formed in early 1815 from a squadron each of the 2nd, 3rd and 6th Hussars it served in the 100 Days campaign as the 8th Hussars. The following year the Regiment was brought up to strength with the addition of the 4th and 5th squadrons and was renamed 8th Hussar Regiment (1st Westphalian). It participated in the first Schleswig-Holstein War in 1849 and was renamed again in 1861 to 1st Westpahalian Hussar Regiment, No 8.
It fought again in Denmark in 1864 and in Army of the Maine in the western theatre of the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. In 1870 it was assigned to 13th Division, VII Corps, First Army.
In 1888 it was renamed again as Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia (1st Westphalian No 8) and on the accession of Nicholas to the throne in 1897 to Emperor Nicholas II of Russia (1st Westphalian No 8). Mobilised in 1914 it started the Great War on the Western Front, before transferring East in November of that year. In 1916 the regiment was dismounted and in May 1917 with the removal of the Tsar the regiment changed its name again, back to 1st Westphalian Hussar Regiment, No. 8. In 1918 the regiment returned to the Western Front where they were merged with other dismounted cavalry regiments to form the 14th Cavalry Rifle Division. It took a major part on the defensive battles until the end of the war. It was demobilised in 1919.
To round out the week we played an American War of Independence game today. I had intended to get my AWI French on the table, but managed to leave the tray at home. At least my Brutish and Hessians made it to the table. I only managed to take a few photos of what was a rather short, but enjoyable game.
Nice FPW cavalry unit Mark. I did not realise I would be missing an AWI game today - bugger! Hope you had a good one - why was it short - fewer players = less troops on the table? What was the outcome? The Brits in the second to last picture look very determined to do someone some harm!
ReplyDeleteWe had only five players, but about 20 units a side. The reason for the shortness of the game was largely dice luck, good luck on one side and bad in the other (quite appalling on one player’s part). The writing was on the wall by lunchtime, although we managed to stretch the game out until 2:00 PM.
DeleteNice work on the Westphalians Mark. That is quite an intricate uniform. Very frustrating leaving the French behind, but the game still looked great without them.
ReplyDeleteThat is my 16th regiment of hussars across five wars and there are another three to do for the FPW. One good thing was that we had plenty more troops to replace the French.
DeleteStriking work on the hussars. Even more impressive when seen en masse. Lovely work. Fine AWI scrap too!
ReplyDeleteI do like Hussars! I put the AWI. Game on rather hurriedly after the original game organiser had to bail out due to an outbreak of the plague at his home. For a scratch game it was a good bit of fun.
DeleteImpressive miniatures all around. Don’t you HATE it when you leave troops at home. 😀
ReplyDeleteSure did annoy me, and the boys were so looking forward to making it to the table for the first time - they are suffering pretty horribly from cabin fever having been in their box since exiting the uniform store!
DeleteLovely looking Hussars Mark…
ReplyDeleteA game with friends…however short… is always a good thing.
All the best. Aly
Thanks Aly. It is always good to get together for a game, especially on a wet and miserable Sunday.
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