""Typical" French Corps" Topic
9 Posts
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Dobber | 11 Dec 2014 12:52 p.m. PST |
hey guys, I have been gaming Nappies a little bit, but don't know much other than the "cursory" info. I'm looking to start my own collection of miniatures for the period. My rules will most likely be Black Powder (although I have a few other sets I like/want to try) and I am thinking I will use 3mm O8/PicoArmor stuff. My question is what would a "typical" French Division/Corps look like? each unit will be a battalion, so no need to go farther down than that. thanks guys |
Ed von HesseFedora | 11 Dec 2014 1:26 p.m. PST |
It varies considerably, but for 1812-ish roughly: Three infantry divisions Each infantry division of two brigades and one medium foot battery Each brigade of two regiments Each regiment of three war battalions One cavalry division of two light cavalry brigades and one horse battery Each brigade of two regiments Each regiment of three or four squadrons Plus a corps artillery reserve of 1 or 2 12pdr batteries and maybe another horse battery. However…most corps were slightly different some how or another. Ed |
Ligniere | 11 Dec 2014 3:12 p.m. PST |
Dobber, It will obviously vary from year to year and theater to theater, but you could assume the following as 'likely': 1805-07 1-2 Heavy Foot batteries at Corp level 2-3 Infantry Divisions + 1 Light Cavalry Brigade 2 Brigade per Infantry Division + 1 Foot battery + 1/2 Horse battery 2 Regiments per Infantry Brigade 2 Battalions per Infantry Regiment [Battalions were 9 companies strong at this time – 750-900 men] 6-9 squadrons per Cavalry Brigade [Regiments took the field with 3 squadrons at this time] 1809 1-2 Heavy Foot batteries at Corp level 2-3 Infantry Divisions + 1 Light Cavalry Brigade 2 Brigade per Infantry Division + 1 Medium Foot battery + 1 Horse battery 2 Regiments per Infantry Brigade 3 Battalions per Infantry Regiment [Battalions were 6 company strong at this time – 500-600 men] 8-12 squadrons per Cavalry Brigade [Regiments fielded up to four squadrons at this time] 1812 1-2 Heavy Foot batteries at Corp level 2-3 Infantry Divisions + 1 Light Cavalry Division [2 Brigades] 3 Brigade per Infantry Division + 1 Medium Foot battery + 1 Horse battery 1 Regiment per Infantry Brigade 4-5 Battalions per Infantry Regiment [Battalions were 6 company strong at this time – 500-600 men] [Battalions also have regimental guns – typically four light guns] 8 squadrons per Cavalry Brigade [Regiments fielded up to four squadrons at this time] 1815 1 Heavy Foot batteries at Corp level 3-4 Infantry Divisions + 1 Light Cavalry Division 2 Brigade per Infantry Division + 1 Medium Foot battery 2 Regiments per Infantry Brigade 2 Battalions per Infantry Regiment [Battalions were 6 company strong at this time – 500-600 men] 9-16 squadrons per Cavalry Division + 1 Horse battery [Regiments fielded between three and four squadrons at this time] Battalion strengths would obviously vary, the suggested numbers are typical campaign numbers. Squadron strengths would also vary, a typical squadron might field about 100-120 men. A foot battery would have eight pieces [six guns and two howitzers]. A horse battery would have six pieces [four guns and two howitzers]. In the earlier period [pre-1809] battery compositions would be very mixed, as guns seemed to parceled out to corps in multiples of twelve, so a corps might get 24, 36 or 48 guns of various caliber. You see more structure to the composition and battery strength post 1808 – in my opinion. |
Gonsalvo | 11 Dec 2014 3:58 p.m. PST |
There was often an effort made to have one Legere regiment per Division, although certainly nothing rigid or even consistent in that way. Sometimes the Legere regiment would be in its own, 3rd Brigade, amking 5 regiments of infantry total for the Division. Some Corps had a full light cavalry Division instead of just a brigade of 2-3 Light cavalry regiments (Chasseurs and/or Hussars, and post 1810, Chevau-Leger Lanciers). Napoleon liked to change things up pretty often, both according to the needs of the moment, and to keep the enemy more in the dark from an intelligence standpoint. It was not unusual for a Division of Dragoons or even Cuirassiers to be attached to a Corps, although that was usually a very temporary arrangement (1-2 weeks). Of course, some Divisions might even have a mix of French troops in one Brigade and Allies in the other – for example the Hessian or Baden infantry (and cavalry) contingents in 1809. |
Who asked this joker | 11 Dec 2014 4:13 p.m. PST |
1815 at least they strove for 4 infantry divisions of 2 brigades each. There was also 1 cavalry division with 2 brigades of cavalry. Each division had a bettery of artillery. Finally the corps had 1 heavy battery of 12lbrs. In 1812 and earlier, divisions often had 3 brigades. Artillery was also more numerous. |
Ed von HesseFedora | 11 Dec 2014 5:22 p.m. PST |
See? I TOLD you it varied considerably!! ;) Ed |
21eRegt | 11 Dec 2014 9:23 p.m. PST |
Dobber, My suggestion would be to identify what nationality you are most likely to game against, what year(s) they represent, then research a historic OB to guide you. Then you and your opponents will match up historically and you can find an appropriate OB to build. Enjoy the gaming. Michael |
Dobber | 12 Dec 2014 8:54 a.m. PST |
thanks a lot guys that was exactly the information that I needed. so would I be correct in assuming that the dragoons and Curiassers and Lancers were held at army level then? I'm a big cavalry head so I'm going to need some of those!! You were not kidding about the variation! I'm going to be collecting both sides, so who I'm fighting isn't much an issue. The French fit my temperament, so i wanted to do "my" side first! I'm thinking of getting Austrians to oppose, but I'm not sure yet. . |
marshalGreg | 12 Dec 2014 1:34 p.m. PST |
@ Dobber That is how I started, going back now since 1985. I went with the French III Corps (Davout's April org.) of 1809 as my model. Just missing 2 regts to complete of the 4 DIVs at 5 per at the moment. I since completed III Austrian Corps, most of the Austrian I reserve Korps and have enough (that need mounting) for the Austrian V Korps [which contain a brigade of Hungarians ( the dudes in the Lt blue tight pants and shakos]! All good stuff and period so have fun with it! MG |
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