#8304 Napoleonic British Command

Dated: February 27, 2012, updated October 26, 2012.

A Napoleonic infantry battalion depended on far more than its ordinary soldiers. Officers directed movements and maintained discipline, NCOs kept the ranks in order, drummers transmitted commands, ensigns carried the colours, and pioneers handled practical tasks such as clearing obstacles and assisting with field works. This set brings together these specialist figures in one compact command set, giving modellers the personnel needed to turn ordinary infantry into a complete unit.

Box art

This set contains six principal poses, including a pioneer, drummer, senior NCO, ensign, dismounted officer and mounted officer. Several figures are assembled from separate parts, allowing more natural poses and useful variation. The ensign carries a colour staff with spearhead finial, cords and tassels, ready for the modeller to add the appropriate regimental colour. The pioneer carries an axe, musket, saw and bill-hook together with the traditional leather apron, while the drummer has separate drum and equipment.

Line drawings

Options include the older stovepipe shako, later Belgic shako, bicorne and forage cap, allowing the figures to be adapted for different phases of the Napoleonic Wars. The pioneer can also be fitted with either a bearskin or Belgic shako. Separate arms on the officers provide further possibilities, particularly when creating mounted or dismounted command figures.

Test shot (may go through substantial revisions prior to release.)

The mounted officer is especially useful, as field officers frequently rode in action or while directing larger formations even though not every officer was officially entitled to a horse. Together with the ensign, drummer, NCO and pioneer, these figures can be distributed among several battalions or concentrated into a full command group, making the set particularly flexible for larger British armies.

Who's who:
Pioneer: cleared obstacles, assisted with practical engineering tasks and was traditionally distinguished by a beard, axe and leather apron.
Drummer: transmitted commands and regulated movement through drum calls.
Senior NCO: maintained order and discipline and helped control the ranks in battle.
Ensign: junior officer entrusted with carrying one of the battalion's colours.
Field officer: directed the battalion or regiment on foot or mounted.