Following on from this earlier thread TMP link ; another unit re-discovered during my rummage is the Hanoverian Legion (in French service), which I again painted for our Fuentes de Oñoro mega-game in 2001.
As the name would suggest, this legion was raised in Hanover prior to the creation of the Kingdom of Westphalia. Although theoretically a multi-battalion unit, the Legion only managed to deploy a single battalion into the field. This was sent to Spain, where it was brigaded with the Légion du Midi and 26e Légère. A cavalry regiment of three squadrons also existed, though it is unclear where it served – sources are split between Italy and Spain (it does not appear to have taken part in any major battles).
The Legion was initially uniformed from old Hanoverian Army stocks of red coats with white facings, though these were soon replaced with new coats in French style, though retaining the traditional Hanoverian red colour. However, the facing colour changed to blue and the old hats were replaced by French shakos. Button colour was silver. Despite being a light infantry regiment, coats were cut in line infantry style, with square-ended lapels.
The battalion had a curious organisation of five companies (as indeed, did their partners-in-crime, the Légion du Midi) – 1x Carabinier company and 4x Chasseur companies. The Carabinier company wore white fringed epaulettes and bearskins with white cords and plumes, reflecting the Hanoverian/British tradition of white grenadier distinctions. The Chasseur companies all had green fringed epaulettes, white shako cords and green plumes.
The Legion was not authorised Eagles, though the 1804 Pattern Drapeau was carried, with the corner-medallions (which normally displayed a regimental number) being 'blanked' by silver discs.
returns to Flintloque to paint an Ogre.
