7YW Prussian Artillery/AWI Hessian Artillery

The artillery of Frederick the Great was one of the key elements behind the battlefield successes of the Prussian army during the Seven Years’ War. Highly disciplined, mobile and professionally trained, Prussian gunners supported the famous infantry battalions with rapid and accurate fire on battlefields across Europe. The 6-pounder field gun became one of the standard weapons of the Prussian artillery arm, valued for its balance of mobility and firepower.

By the middle of the war, Prussia fielded several thousand artillerymen organised into regimental and reserve batteries equipped with guns ranging from light battalion pieces to heavier siege and position artillery. A typical gun detachment consisted of a trained crew working in close coordination, each man performing a specialised role in loading, aiming and firing the weapon. Prussian artillery doctrine increasingly emphasised concentrated firepower, mobility and close support of infantry formations, helping Frederick’s army maintain its reputation for battlefield efficiency despite often being heavily outnumbered.

Prussian artillery crews worked in close coordination, each man performing a specific task in loading, aiming and firing the gun. A typical field piece was operated by a detachment of trained gunners supported by horses and wagons for transport and ammunition supply. During the Seven Years’ War the Prussians steadily improved their artillery tactics, concentrating guns for greater battlefield effect and using them aggressively to support infantry assaults and defensive positions alike.

This set depicts a 6-pounder gun with a 5-man crew in authentic mid-18th century uniforms suitable for the Seven Years’ War. The figures may also be used as Hessian artillery serving alongside British forces during the American War of Independence, where many German troops brought their Continental military traditions to the battlefields of North America.

Digital roughs, 5 crew + 6 pdr.

All product information on this page subject to change.