"Three Weeks in November: A Military History of the ... " Topic

…Swiss Civil War of 1847.

"The political phenomenon known as the 'Springtime of the Nations' swept through Europe in 1848, toppling thrones, forcing old autocratic regimes to grant constitutions to the people and bringing street fighting and large scale campaigns to cities and states across the continent. What is not generally known is that a precursor to these events had already taken place in the center of Europe in the Alpine valleys of the collection of independent states known collectively as Switzerland. In November 1847, twelve of the Swiss cantons went to war with seven other cantons over the future of the country. The campaign lasted just three weeks, with only a few hundred casualties and ended with the establishment of the modern Swiss state we have today. If it had not ended so quickly it is likely that France, Austria and Prussia would have become involved, which would have led to a European-wide war.

This book is unique in that it concentrates on the military aspects of this episode in history. As well as an outline of the campaign itself, it covers the strengths and organization of each canton; in 1847 each was a separate state with its own army. Included are chapters on the uniforms of the cantons' armies, their battle flags, weapons and distinguishing badges. The major battle of the war, at Gislikon (modern Gisikon), a small village with a strategic river crossing, just north of the city of Luzern, is treated in detail. As well as the general picture, individual soldiers' stories illustrate the combat techniques of the period. Biographies are given of some of the leading figures from both sides of the conflict, which demonstrate the European dimension. Many served in French, Dutch and Neapolitan armies before taking appointments in the Swiss canton armies…"

Main page
link

Amicalement
Armand

I bought this book a couple of years ago. A good read about an interesting 'event' that I suspect not many of us know about. The actions described could be easily wargamed but I suspect not many people will have or want to build Swiss armies. You could substitute Napoleonic figures or fight the battles as Napoleonic scenarios. I recommend this book.

Excellent book with everything you need to start a project for the "conflict" except the miniatures! There is a background history, description of uniforms, equipment, leaders and campaigns. Also some maps and color plates as I recall. There was a Wargames Illustrated article that included additional information on appropriate figures to use as proxies and conversion ideas.

I want to do this project at some time, probably in 10mm. I'd probably use Neil Thomas rules for it but tweak some things to make the combat less lethal and morale more brittle.

Thanks!.

Amicalement
Armand