"Russian Militia during 1812 campaign" Topic

The Opelchenie present some interesting opportunities as outlined in Dr. Summerfield's fine work on the subject by Partizan Press.

I've ordered some Front Rank figures but would like some variety.

Any suggestions?

Thanks, Will

Remember the officer were normally in regulation uniform normally of the 1806-07 variety.

For the Moscow Militia, I would have 2-3 "pike blocks" to one armed with muskets. Remember that these could operate in open order but would not be controllable.

The Opolchenie could operate in its own brigade or you could employ them to "stiffen" a line infantry brigade. You never have enough cheer leaders.

The Opolchenie were often used to construct the field defences so this could be done during a battle under the supervision of an engineer. Also they could be used in the same way as Handlangers to fetch and carry for the artillery.

The cavalry is certainly the most interesting. Some could be classed as regular rather than irregular lancers.

Their main role in 1813 was in sieges and in the Kleine Kreige. It was the Opolchenie involved rather than peasants. The Russians did not want to arm the peasants.

I am pleased you liked my little book and my poor Russian did not go to waste.

(2005) Cossacks Hurrah
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(2007) The Brazen Cross; the Russian Militia, Partizans and the Russo-German Legion of the Napoleonic Wars
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There are also a number of interesting passages in Lowenstern's memoires.
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Stephen

Stephen, thanks very much for the follow-up. I was looking at the Triangle Miniatures web pages and found some interesting figures in the Barber line including some militia cavalry.

Our group link begins the new 1812 campaign this fall. I suspect we will fight 5 or 6 period battles a year for the next two years with a few "other theaters" battles thrown in. We just completed our 1809 thru 1811 Peninsular campaign earlier this month that also went for two years.

Thanks again, Will

Steve Barber's figs are nice, not much flash.

Try Prussian Landwehr, I use Calpe figs for Opolchenie with flat hats.

The Prussian Officers with similar headgear would also do

I have seen some Outpost miniatures from their Russo Turkish wars range, they are nice figs but the guns are a bit late, if you don't mind not having a flintlock hammer visible, they might do. Some of their Don / Ural Dismounted Cossacks and Caucasian/Carcassian dismounted Cossacks are very nice.

Some Opolchenie units wore "Cossack" uniforms, some were as Hussars and some were dressed as lancers, in 28mm it is just a paint job.

Warlord's Prussians are nice too. If you mix Warlord, Calpe and Front Rank's Smolensk Militia you can get some very nice varied units and as FR do not produce a standard bearer or a drummer, they are inviting us to go elsewhere!

rabbit

Rabbit, excellent suggestions. I have Suren 30mm dismounted Cossacks that fit well with the newer 28mm castings. I think the mixed units would be fun to produce. Thanks very much! Will

One of our members just sent this question…

"Old Glory has something called "russian militia" but I can't tell what they are on the website".

Can anyone answer his queston? Thanks, Will

One of the great omissions in OGs 25mm Napoleonic range is Cossacks.

Dear Will
It is again what Province of Landwehr that you are considering. In 1813 most Opolchenie had a similar appearance to the Prussian Landwehr. Much of the cloth and manufacturing was undertaken in Prussia to re-equip them.

The Moscow Opolchenie certainly had a Prussian Landwehr apprearance. Afterall the Landwehr Cross was modeled upon the Russian. Russian cross was brass whereas the Prussian Landwehr cross was white/tin.

I quite like the selection for the Mounted Opolchenie especially the St Petersberg Horse. A very interesting unit and among the better formations. I would class this as with the Guard Cossacks as Regular Line Lancers. Remember that most of the fur caps did not have bags as shown. These have been modelled upon the Don Cossacks. Only the St Petersburg really is the exception. The Mimonov Hussars of the Moscow Opolchenie later became a regular unit.

The Opolchenie cavalry should be treated in the main as regular cavalry except those raised among the Cossacks and other iregular cavalry. This is a good mix when mixed with Cossacks and Cossack Opolchenie. Add a Regular Dragoon or Hussar Regiment then you have a classic Striefcorps.

If you are dealing with Cossacks then consider the Tartars, Khirgiz and Bashkirs to give colour. Many were horse archers. Their officers often wore armour.

Contact me offline if you wish. I could send you a PDF of some of the illustrations in colour. Alas at that time only a few pages could be in colour.

It would be good to know which Opolchenie or Region would be your preference.

Currently finishing a volume on Prussian Landwehr, Volunteer and Streifcorps plus another on Prussian Cavalry.

Stephen
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Stephen, …that's interesting? I posted a reply and it went away. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…?

Anyway I've e-mailed in an effort to assist the gentleman who will be painting the militia units for our upcoming campaign.

I agree with those who've recommended Calpe. They look like fantastic figures. I plan to do at least a couple battalions of 32 figures each.

Thanks very much, Will

1. The Opolchonie were peasents. Hence the pitchforks, etc. Moscou did raise two Pulks of middle class Yagers with sporting rifles, though. Many of the cavalry were also middle class, as well. This class was normally not draftable.
2. The third rank of many of the Musketerskii Pulks was by this time Opolchonie.
3. The Opolchonie I met at the first Borodino reenactment looked more like sack-cloths. A rough brown burlap sack for a hat, a simple spear or pitchfork, a larger burlap bag with arm and head holes, and sleeves sewn on, with burlap drawstring pants. These were Russians renacting their own ancestors.

Femeng2… Thanks for the information. Defending you homeland doesn't really need uniformity as long as the task is accomplished. Besides, there will eventually be uniforms for the parades of celebration. Will