Gatinois Grenadiers

Grenadiers were the elite troops of any 18th Century army.  Originally trained in the use of grenades, by the American Revolution, they were elite troops.  Sometimes, grenadiers were even brigaded into separate units to increase their impact on the battlefield.

The distinguishing feature of 18th Century grenadiers was the tall cap.  Both British and French units wore caps made of bearskin.  Grenadiers also carried swords after line companies officially abandoned theirs.

It is uncertain whether the Gatinois Regiment's grenadiers continued to wear the bearskin grenadier cap.  It was a popular style for French grenadiers in the late 1750s and beyond, but was outlawed in the 1779 Regulations, which required grenadiers to wear the same cocked hat as the line companies.  Case closed?

Despite the ban, some French units (like Regiment Bourbonnais) smuggled caps across the Atlantic.  Rene Chartrand suggests (in his book Ticonderoga 1758) that, because of the availability of bearskin, these caps may have been more popular in North America.  It is also well known that units sent on campaign felt freer to modify their uniforms.  Lastly, and most importantly, bearskin caps look impressive, imposing, fearsome--all qualities that a good grenadier wishes to accentuate!  Thus Gatinois' grenadiers will continue to sport this distinctive headgear.  The Colonel (me) encourages it!

Figures from BMC.  Despite being cast in red plastic as British grenadiers, these figures are a better fit for French grenadiers.  Unfortunately they lack swords, but that is not difficult to remedy with Milliput.  A few other slight modifications were made to the original figures, including adding a plume to the grenadier cap and some work on the musket.

Figures by BMC, painted with acrylic paints.

Queen's Ranger Charging Bayonet (BMC)

This Queen's Ranger was the first completed figure of 2021.  With the gleaming bayonet that tips his Brown Bess musket (by Helmet Soldiers), he will strike terror into the hearts of the rebels!

He is originally a BMC figure (left) who was stabbing upward (at a horseman?).  Removing his arms and swapping them with a BMC grenadier (right) gave him the ideal waist-high position for charging the bayonet.

The musket is a Brown Bess by Helmet Soldiers (available at http://www.helmetsoldiers.co.uk/weapons2.html, reviewed at https://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2020/06/helmet-soldiers-muskets-and-pistols.html).

When taking these photographs, I realized that the crescent on the Ranger's helmet was accidentally washed away by the varnish and not repainted.  Soon that will be remedied and he can proudly take his place alongside the rest of the Queen's Rangers.

Figure by BMC, musket by Helmet Soldiers.  Painted with acrylic and enamel paints, sealed with Hobby Lobby brand matte varnish.

Queen's Ranger (BMC)

Private Brian defends the fence

Following my review of Helmet Soldiers' muskets & pistols (at http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2020/06/helmet-soldiers-muskets-and-pistols.html), I wanted to show off the completed Queen's Ranger who modelled the Brown Bess musket.

 

Meet Private Brian, named in honor of Brian Carrick (www.CollectingToySoldiers.blogspot.com) who was kind enough to admire the figure while he was still a work-in-progress.  

Private Brian is converted from a rather useless bayoneting upward BMC pose.  Instead of him bayoneting  horsemen (or flying insects), I melted his arms downward and added the Helmet Soldiers'  Brown Bess musket.  The resulting pose is typical of the 1740s drill manual "Charge Your Bayonets".  By the late 1750s, the preference was for the musket and bayonet to be waist-high.  However, I am sure that in the heat of battle, some soldiers reverted to the older style.  Even LOD Enterprises "Continental Soldiers" has a figure that is charging bayonet in the 1740s style (see photo opposite).

Figure by BMC, painted with a mix of acrylic and enamel paints.  Sealed with Hobby Lobby Matte Varnish.

Queen's Rangers defend a farmstead and fence rail as Continental troops attack.

Enchancia Royal Guard

"For the kingdom we must fight,

for in us they place their trust.

For one and all,

We're standing tall!"

(unofficial anthem of the Enchancia Royal Guard)

This private sentinel is a member of the Enchancia Royal Guard, charged with protecting King Roland, Queen Miranda, and their three children Sofia, Amber, and James.

Enchancia appears to have three different guard companies: one in red uniforms, one in black uniforms, and one in yellow coats with hussar busbies.  Their different roles are unknown.  However, the Red company appears to be the closest to the royal family, protecting King Roland as he goes to the village shoemaker's, and guarding his new daughter Sofia on her journey to the palace.  Perhaps they are a small unit of internal palace guards.  

 

His uniform consists of a dark red coat with light red lapels and cuffs, liberally embellished with gold lace.  A white waistcoat, light blue breeches and red cap complete it.  It is possible that (like many 18th Century units) the Enchancia Royal Guards swap their boots for high gaiters when serving dismounted.

This private has already been blooded in action (http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2020/09/saving-prince-adam-legends-of-high-seas.html).  He did not succeed in accomplishing anything besides actually firing his musket, (which is more than Mr. Brand can say).  But, he has received his baptism of fire.

 

Figure by BMC with heavy sculpting. This side-by-side comparison photo shows the original screenshot alongside the figure.

Queen's Ranger Officer

"When did the rebels pass this way, madam?"

With the Queen's Rangers' recruiting drive kicking into high gear, they needed an officer in dapper uniform to attract likely lads...or intimidate rebel sympathizers...or charm those with valuable information.












This gentleman fills that role.  He began as one of BMC's artillery crewmen brandishing a sword while firing a pistol.

I often mention the steps involved in converting a figure, but a picture is worth a thousand words.  The original figure was cast in blue, and everything that is white on him was sculpted in Milliput.

His uniform is worth noting in some detail.  There are four known portraits illustrating Queen's Rangers officers' uniforms (Colonel Simcoe, Captain Saunders, Cornet Jarvis, and Ensign Smith) along with Cornet Jarvis's coat.  Two portraits of them (Saunders and Jarvis) show short V-shaped cuffs with herringbone lace.  Colonel Simcoe's unfortunately does not allow us to see his cuffs.  Ensign Smith's portrait shows round cuffs and buttonhole lace on the cuffs.

Captain Saunders [1] and Cornet Jarvis [2] both held commissions in the cavalry of the Queen's Rangers, while Smith held one in the infantry [3].  Their cuffs would then match standard British practice: V-shaped for cavalry and round for infantry.

It is true that Ensign Smith's portrait does not show an officer's sash, but there is one associated with Cornet Jarvis's coat.  I opted to add one to my figure.

"Open that door!"

Proudly wearing the green coat of the Queen's Rangers, this officer is ready to chastise the rebels!


Notes
This section is greatly indebted to Dr. Gregory Urwin for collecting all known portraits of the Queen's Rangers and the branch of service in which each of them held commissions.

[1] pg. 174. History of the Queen's Rangers by James Hannay, DCL. (Ottawa: Royal Society of Canada, 1909).  Online. https://archive.org/details/historyofqueensr00hannuoft/page/174/mode/2up.

[2] pg. 186, ibid. https://archive.org/details/historyofqueensr00hannuoft/page/186/mode/2up. The fact that he was commissioned a cornet also shows that he served in the cavalry.

[3] pg. 171, ibid. https://archive.org/details/historyofqueensr00hannuoft/page/171/mode/2up.

BMC House

This house began as a BMC "Gettysburg Frontier House."  Its basic style made it a perfect candidate for time travel to the 18th Century, but a few changes were required.

First, the covered porch was not attached.  Instead, a stone step (originally a flooring sample) was installed.






The walls were assembled and the house received a cream-colored interior coat of paint, as well as a black wash outside.  Interior windows and both sides of the door were accented with half-round plastic sprue (visible if you click on the top image).

The roof itself received very few changes, aside from shaving one edge slightly to accommodate the chimney.




The shutters were popsicle sticks that were embossed into the shutter pattern and painted.  They were then glued onto the building.  Most were glued open, but the window at the top does not have enough room for that.  Therefore, that window was permanently shut.

The chimney was an interesting and enjoyable piece of work.  Beginning with a piece of pink insulation foam, the shape was traced from a book and cut out.  Brick pattern was embossed using a pen.  The entire chimney was then painted in several different coats of red, and the mortar was painted after that.  Finally, a wash of black paint was applied to tone down the "fire engine red" color and give it a weathered look.

The interior was deliberately left plain to allow for the addition of any furniture desired.

However, I did add a fireplace (a wooden dollhouse accessory from Joann's).  The stone hearth was formed from Sculpey pressed into a rocky texture plate.  The hearth was painted gray, the mortar was painted beige, then washed with black wash.












It makes a perfect setting for the lovely Marx Colonial accessories, as well as Barzso's relaxed American Revolution camp figures.

Now this house is furnished inside and out, ready for any action that may arise!

Baileywick & Sir Bartleby (BMC)

These two gentlemen are attendants for King Roland and Queen Miranda (previously featured on http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2019/06/royalty.html)


The gentleman in the greyish-blue coat is Sir Bartleby.  His duties include commanding of one of King Roland's companies of guards. Though he earned his knighthood, it is likely that he is a knight baronet (and so his knighthood is hereditary).  This is an important point, as he is related to the royal family by marriage.  He wears five medals on his coat, which is also decorated with a golden chain lace piping on the hems and cuffs.

The other gentleman is Baileywick the castle steward.  In addition to overseeing all activities within the castle premises, he acts as an unofficial advisor to King Roland.  He will also defend the royal family if it becomes necessary.  He carries a pocket watch and is busy consulting it though his pair of silver spectacles.  Both Baileywick and Sir Bartleby tie their cravats in the old-fashioned (c. 1730s) style, with large bows.













King Roland II, Queen Miranda, Baileywick the steward, and Sir Bartleby are deep in consultation.

Two's Company

Meet two bad sidekick dudes employed by Charles Kemp of the East India Company.  Mr. Kemp features as the villain in the movie Beyond the Mask.  Often he is escorted by these black-and-gray clad enforcers.

Some experts believe that their distinctive coats are the results of overdyeing red British army coats, then reattaching the linings and facings. It is certain, however, that this is an extremely distinctive uniform.  Their unique grey facings could have earned them the nickname "Kemp's Greys."

I currently have two privates and one officer of Kemp's Greys, as well as Kemp's bodyguard Basil in his uniform of this unit.  The officer, Basil, and the tall private are all Ideal recasts.  The shorter private is a BMC British grenadier.






The soldiers comb the terrain to find Will Reynolds (supposedly killed in action at http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2018/10/beyond-mask-skirmish-game-part-ii.html)

" 'E was killed right near 'ere, Bill."
"Then why can't we find 'is body?"
"Keep searching."

Queen's Ranger (BMC)

About a month ago, I had the opportunity to acquire a sizable quantity of BMC figures for a rather low price.  Some BMC figures are well-sculpted and some are not.  However, I was eager for the challenge of converting them all into formidable troops that could join the rest of my armies.

The first unit to begin recruiting was the Queen's Rangers, thanks to their easily-painted green-faced-green uniforms.  The Queen's Rangers was a Loyalist unit that became well regarded, battling Continentals and militia in the numerous skirmishes around New York City.  They were then sent to Virginia as part of Benedict Arnold's expedition to cripple that state's war effort.  The Queen's Rangers were extremely effective in Virginia, but were eventually part of the Yorktown surrender.

The original figure began looking much like the unpainted figure on the left.  Conversion began by softening the plastic in boiling water, then bending the musket arm to a more useful angle, since I was not creating the Anti-Drone Company of the Queen's Rangers.

Left figure: anti-drone work; right figure: everything else

 After that, only a few minor changes were needed.  These were:
1. Turning the legwear into gaiter trousers,
2. reshaping the cartridge box slightly
3. Adding a plume to the cap
4. Correcting the length of the musket
5. Adding a bayonet scabbard under the haversack.
6. Adding pointed cuffs to the coat (not strictly necessary, but I think it makes the figure pop)

With these changes (and of course, paint), the figure became quite useful and visually attractive.  Now for the rest of the Queen's Rangers to finish recruiting!



Rear view of the Queen's Ranger

Continental Artillery

Open fire!

At the beginning of the American Revolution, the Americans lacked several important components for a modern, 18th Century army.  Among these was a professional artillery corps.  By 1781, the Continental Corps of Artillery had been created and uniformed in blue coats faced with red.  Sergeants wore yellow lace on the coat, and all ranks wore yellow trim on their tricorn hats.

The crew prepare to load the gun

The Continental Corps of Artillery participated in many engagements. In 1781 alone (which year these figures are painted to represent), they fought in at least four battles: The artillery fought at the Battle of Cowpens, the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, the Battle of Green Spring, and the Siege of Yorktown.




A Three-Pounder "Grasshopper" Cannon

Figures by BMC, painted with Testors paints.  No conversions were done to these figures.  The artillery piece was included in a set of DGN "American Revolution" figures.  It is painted to represent a versatile 3-pounder "Grasshopper" cannon.  Cannons were measured by the weight of the ball they threw; so a three-pounder cannon would fire a three-pound cannonball.

Volunteers of Ireland

The Volunteers of Ireland were a Loyalist unit during the American Revolution. The regiment was designed to appeal to Irishmen—particularly those from the Continental Army. The Volunteers of Ireland wore green facings, carried an Irish harp on their cap, and marched to a song called “Success to the Shamrogue.” (see https://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2016/03/happy-saint-patricks-day-from.html) The regiment, which had been given the title of the 2nd American Regiment in 1779, was shipped to South Carolina in 1780 to aid Sir Henry Clinton in his siege of Charleston.

Charleston was captured, knocking South Carolina out of the war (temporarily) and the Volunteers of Ireland remained to garrison the area. They made up part of Cornwallis’ left wing at the battle of Camden and were able to hold off the Continentals while Cornwallis’ right routed the militia. Interestingly, at Camden, it is recorded that the Continentals charged at the Volunteers of Ireland’s flag before being solidly repulsed. The Volunteers of Ireland participated in futile chases against Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, and fought in the bitter South Carolina skirmishes. In 1781, the Volunteers fought at Hobkirk’s Hill. As a reward for their distinguished service, they were moved onto the British regimental establishment as the 105th Regiment in 1782. (1)

Their uniform is a short red coat with green brandenbourgs and a light infantry cap with an Irish harp. I love this particular combination, as it is so unusual and dashing!

Figures by BMC. The soldier loading his musket is a conversion.  They are painted with Testors paints.

(1) http://www.fifedrum.org/crfd/images/D105.htm

Massachusetts Light Infantry Officer

 This figure was previously featured on this blog at https://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2016/02/massachusetts-company-gimats-light.html.  However, I decided the officer needed a form of self-protection other than his sword, so he was supplied with a French fusil (light musket).  This makes him look far more like a partisan leader (partisan was the 18th century term for light infantry, etc.) and less like a typical line officer.

Now he and his light infantrymen can slink through the forests of Virginia, facing off against the British invaders under Benedict Arnold and later Lord Cornwallis. 

Figure by BMC, musket from MPC "Colonials".  Painted with Testors paints.

Massachusetts Company, Gimat's Light Battalion 1781

These 7 figures represent a Massachusetts Light Infantry Company in Virginia, 1781. They are a part of Colonel Gimat’s Light Battalion, which was sent with Lafayette to capture Benedict Arnold.  Gimat’s battalion contained 5 Connecticut companies, 2 Massachusetts companies and 1 Rhode Island company. (1) This Light Battalion guarded Anthony Wayne’s right flank at the Battle of Green Spring, but its greatest honor occurred when it stormed the British-held Redoubt #10 at the Siege of Yorktown. (2)

By 1779, Massachusetts troops were ordered to be dressed in blue coats with white cuffs and lapels. (3) Their black caps bear the letters “L I”, for Light Infantry.  Each cap is also decorated with a red-and-black plume, a gift from the Marquis de Lafayette to the entire Continental Light Infantry.  To show their long service in Virginia (long service was hard on clothing), I painted some figures with trousers, some with breeches and stockings and some with half-gaiters.

The original figures are by BMC.  The light infantryman thrusting his bayonet is a slight conversion from a BMC British grenadier.  They are all painted with Testors paints.

1. pg. 46, A Guide to the Armies of the American War of Independence: Book 2 The Southern Campaigns by Greg Novak (Calumet, PA: Old Glory n. d.)
2. pgs. 145-147, The Yorktown Campaign and the Surrender of Cornwallis by Henry P. Johnston (New York, NY: Harper & Brothers, 1881; accessed at https://archive.org/details/yorktowncampaign00johnrich)
3. pgs. 106-107, An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Uniforms from 1775-1783 by Digby Smith and Kevin F. Kiley (London: Lorenz Books, 2010)

Will Reynolds of Beyond the Mask

This figure is painted up as William Reynolds, the hero of the Christian movie Beyond the Mask.  Beyond the Mask is set in the world of the 1770s and follows Will's journey from assassin to hero.  At one point in the movie, Reynolds moves to Philadelphia and becomes a highwayman who battles local Loyalists.  This figure recreates his highwayman outfit.  To learn more about the movie and William Reynolds, visit www.BeyondTheMaskMovie.com

The original figure was made by BMC as an artillery commander with sword and pistol.  The only conversion work I did was cutting off a backpack and canteen.

 

It is unclear whether this outfit is supposed to be dark navy blue or purple, so I opted for the latter because it is very distinctive.  Reynolds wears long or grand gaiters to protect his legs.  His cartridge box did not appear in the movie, but I left it so that he could reload his pistol.  On its strap is a large decorative brass buckle.  He wears a mask to conceal his identity.