 Editor in Chief Bill   | 19 Dec 2022 7:51 p.m. PST |
You were asked – TMP link What is your favourite land battle of other European wars of the Napoleonic period? [The Russo-Persian War (1804–1813) and the War of 1812 do not qualify for this poll; even though they each have one European combatant, the battles were not fought in Europe.] 15% said "Battle of Tolentino, 2–3 May 1815, Austro-Neapolitan War (1815)" 7% said "Battle of Lier, 18 April 1808, Dano–Swedish War (1808–1809)" 5% said "Battle of Revolax, 27 April 1808, Finnish War (1808–1809)" |
| Au pas de Charge | 20 Dec 2022 9:11 a.m. PST |
Is there a good written treatment about Tolentino? |
 miniMo  | 20 Dec 2022 10:58 a.m. PST |
For English readers, Napoleon's Italian Campaigns 1805–1815 by Frederick Schneid. The final chapter is Murat's 100 Days, with OBs and maps. It's out of print and pricey; I bought my copy when I got a good discount coupon from Book Depository. There are a couple of nice board games and each provides a good perspective on the battle. Hundred Days 20 includes Tolentino. It was a small print run and with superb quality parts, so it too fetches a steep price (ouchy, but worth it). I've encouraged the game designer, Jack Gill to write an Osprey Campaign book or something similar based on his research… maybe someday!
link Also, Voi, Bravi ed Infelici: Tolentino 1815 published in ParaBellum issue VII. Rules in english are included in the magazine, and accompanying articles in Italian.
link I scored both of these from Noble Knight last year. |
| Erzherzog Johann | 26 Dec 2022 2:32 a.m. PST |
I think the Austrians had operational rocket batteries by the time of Tolentino. Cheers,
John |
| miniMo | 27 Dec 2022 9:11 a.m. PST |
The Austrians started a rocket troop in 1811, inspired by the British. I haven't seen any hint of them being used at Tolentino. |
| Erzherzog Johann | 27 Dec 2022 12:59 p.m. PST |
No, but I think they used them in that campaign in Italy. I'm relying on a pretty vague memory . . . |
| miniMo | 28 Dec 2022 8:39 a.m. PST |
That would be entertaining if they did have them in the campaign. No mention of them in Schneid, but the 1815 chapter only references Italian sources. My understanding is that the Austrian material for that campaign are scattered documents that have never been particularly brought together into a general history. The info might be out there… |
| Erzherzog Johann | 28 Dec 2022 11:46 a.m. PST |
Yes, it would be fun because rockets are one of those oddball things. I'll try to track down where I saw the reference. 1815 hasn't been my priority but every now and again curiosity gets the better of me and I try to find information on it . . . Cheers,
John |
| Erzherzog Johann | 28 Dec 2022 6:26 p.m. PST |
Looking again, Hollins says: "The rockets only saw use at the siege of Hüningen and were not very effective." Obviously in any speculative scenario in 1815 they would be admissible though, in their natty green uniforms! Cheers,
John |
| miniMo | 29 Dec 2022 9:39 a.m. PST |
"Not very effective" is certainly no reason not to use rockets in a wargame!!
Thanks,
Cat |
| Erzherzog Johann | 29 Dec 2022 12:21 p.m. PST |
Indeed, and they were still persevering with them in the 1840s so they must have thought the same :~) |
| Brechtel198 | 29 Dec 2022 1:40 p.m. PST |
'Major Augustin's Raketenbatterie was completed and ready for field service by mid-1815, with 2400 rockets as well as four companies of artificers to support it. Eighteen ammunition carts were supplied to carry the rockets into the field on campaign. Major Ausgustin never actually commanded the battery, but he was made commandant of the Kriegs-Raketen Anstadt (War Rocket Establishment) and did watch the rockets in action at the siege of Huningue in the summer of 1815. The rocket establishment was kept on after the wars, and grew in importance as part of the artillery. With the exception of the British, the Austrians had the most effective rocket units during the Napoleonic period.' See Frank Winter, The First Golden Age of Rocketry, 86-87. |
