"Beneath The Lily Banners Cavalry Command" Topic

This is an aesthetic question for those using the "Beneath The Lily Banners" war games rule set. As cavalry are in squadrons of 6 figures, what is the best way to represent command? It seems odd to me to have half the squadron represented by command figures. Often command for this period is represented by a mounted officer, a standard bearer and a trumpeter or drummer. As much as I like flags, that is still a high proportion, one standard for each group of 6. Occasionally I've seen photos of BTLB games where there are no command figures at all in a squadron. So, what configuration makes the best looking cavalry units for this rule set?

Cheers!

Gallo

If the unit/squadron only has 6 figs I have office and standard bearer. If it's a multi squadron units I have officer, standard bearer and musician in one squadron. Sometimes it's musician and officer. Kinda depends on the mix of figs I have available at the time.

I'm like Tichmonster. I usually have an officer and standard bearer in the first squadron and all troopers in the second and, if there is one, the third. If the regiment has four squadrons I will put a second standard in the third squadron and maybe another officer. I don't like painting musicians, but if I do, I put them next to the officers.

Ditto to the above.

Thanks Titchmonster, dbdbf1676 and 18th Century Guy for the information about cavalry. I was looking through some literature about the WSS period and it seems that often, squadrons from the same regiments were fielded together. In most cases there were at least two squadrons, 3, 5 and 6 seemed common in the Peninsular Campaign. The ideas that you have suggested are perfectly in line with my need to not buy so many command figures!

Cheers!

Gallo

I rarely field musicians in squadrons of 6. I usually have a banner, and sometimes someone waving a sword heroically but not always.

I might field a musician in a double squadron but I usually like the flexibility of separating them, so sometimes not even then.

For my second squadron I mostly use just a standard bearer, rather than the three command men in my first squadron.

Hello General Kirchner and All Sir Garnett,

It seems the consensus is to separate the command group. "Ya gotta keep 'em separated!" I may not use the three per base mounting but have a few individually based cavalry. Since I plan to use movement trays this shouldn't be a hassle as I also use magnetic basing. Presuming that cavalry of the same regiment would be sporting the same uniforms I would have the luxury of mixing it up a bit.

Cheers!

Gallo

Like this

For awhile I used surplus trumpeters (gained from using the other figs in a command set for generals) foe the second squadron. When that Dixon became hard to get i just went with most of the above comments and and had command only for the first sqd. and regular troopers for the others.

Splendid figures, All Sir Garnett! I hope my finished product is even half that fine. My figures are all 15mm so I'll just have to do my best. Shagnasty, I like your idea about the trumpeters. I might employ it as you did, till I run out of trumpeter figures. Now what to do with those kettle drummers . . . ?

Cheers!

Gallo

As for my 28mm LoA units I could only buy commandgroups of 3 (officer, stadard and trumpeter) each of my 6 figure units have those. And imho it looks good