"OOBs for the WSS? And a good beginner's guide?" Topic

Hi all,
I've got a killer idea in mind for a WSS project, and I'm looking for a bit of information to get it started. I've been looking around and haven't been able to find an OOB of a battle- any battle- in the period that has accurate-ish numbers of troops listed. Does anything like this exist out there?

For instance,if I wanted to try to figure out the strength of individual units, where could I get this information? All I can find on it is vague estimates. Maybe I'm not looking in the right place?

For that matter, I could use a good beginners guide that includes something about general tactics, ranks used (were they still at four or more in this period?), cavalry/infantry ratios, etc.
Thanks!

EDIT: Found this, I spoke too soon! link

Yes, the Blenheim OOB is what I am using as a guide.

Extremely good stuff here, not only does it have a great entertaining description of Ramillies but a big detailed OOB
link

All kinds of useful info and motivational pics here:

warflag.com/blenheim2004

And here

link

The strengths given in the Wiki article,particularly for the Franco-Bavarian army,are suspiciously "even"--500 per batallion,for the most part. Not surprising, given the skimpy sources cited. It's been called "treat with caution" a few times here.

Charles Sharp had a long article on OOB's in MWAN a number of years ago. Sorry I can't give you the issue number, as I'm not near my library. He emphasized the fact that many of the French units were seriously understrength, and 350 would be a good average.

You didn't ask about uniforms,but FWIW, this site has some:

link

The Baccus site has a painting guide also.

Anatomy of Victory,by Brent Nosworthy,has a discussion of formations and tactics,although it covers developments over the course of the 18th century. IIRC,it sort of glosses over some areas of the actual battlefield clash--but then,so do other books I've read on the period.

Checking the web,prices seem to have gotten outrageous. I'd try the library.

The Nafziger collection link will have some battles and many more general dispositions of the troops on all fronts. Look for the files starting with 701**** to 714**** or so.

Those are some great links. Thanks for posting them.

I bought a book at Salute yesterday 'Marlborough's Other Army – The British Army and the Campaigns of the First Peninsula War' by Nicholas Dorrell that seems pretty comprehensive as an introduction to allied side – overview of the campaigns by year, OOB numbers and uniform info. Not just for the British but also Dutch, Catalan, Portuguese and Carolean Spanish.

Unfortunately it doesn't seem to have the equivalent info for the French et al.

But this seems like an interesting theatre to look into.

Yes,I've seen that recommended. There was an article on Alamanza in one of the magazines--WSS,IIRC,though it may have been WI--they had a WSS theme issue a few years ago,with some coverage of the neglected Italian theater.

Waco Joe mentioned the Nafziger collection of OB's. He also has a number of his translations of historical studies for sale, including this one on Spain:

link

Check his "What's New" box,too,as he's added some that are not on his WSS list,including a second volume on the 1710 Flanders campaign.

David Chandelers "The art of warfare in the age of Marlborough" is interesting though some find issues with it.
OOB's for French are very difficult and almost always contain guesses. The Allied is better is your looking for British or Dutch after that it gets harder.

As far as ranks used. It depends on the Nation and what part of the war your interested in. On paper Dutch, British used 3 ranks, Hanover, Prussian, possibly 3. The French used possibly 5 very early quickly going to 4 and maybe even 3 with field losses etc. Spanish and other nations followed French style.

If you look at the OOBs. Generally speaking your looking at 40-50% cavalry in your armies.

Books can be hard to find and are usually pricey. In the USA On Military Matters sell the Dan Schoor CD's. I have several and they are excellent for uniforms, equipment organization etc. but to some may be pricey.
Hope this helps but ask away if you need more info.