[New ’23] PLD- Napoleon’s Hussars and Chasseurs

[OotKust]

https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Napoleons-Hussars-and-Chasseurs-Hardback/p/24302

By Paul L. Dawson
Pages: 256
Illustrations: 200+ colour illustrations
ISBN: 9781399030786
Published: 30th November 2023

At last, a date… next in a series on ‘the French’-  well I’ll be buying even if no-one else is…

Christmas reading no doubt. Chilling over a beer and sweating the details on what I’ve already completed, with ‘up-to-date info 30 years ago; still a couple more perhaps in the pot!
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Swinging from left to right no matter where the hobby goes!

[OotKust]

So, I’ve had it for a week- must have smelled fishy because the ol PO kept it hidden for 3 farkin’ weeks- longer than it took to fly here!

So, on the subject- is it a revelation to me and my very complete 25mm army?- no not completely.

However it is comprehensive and covers most everything you need for ‘up to date’ info on an old subject. So for new research and creating an army, with lots of light cavalry, great news!

Am I going to use it much?- for some new units of smaller proportions, yes I’ll incorporate some of the suggestions.

The book suffers, as is the series, from misplaced or misconstrued comments, words and duplication, less than others I’ll admit.

Also the ‘new fangled’ electronic illustrations, whilst largely speculative, could be more illustrative, had they been larger and shown the details that people like gamers care about. OK I guess for 16-30 yo’s, not much for aged veterans like me without accessories to help.

Furthermore on illustrations, his use of a broad number of Martinet prints I found at first confusing- but these are his earliest work dated approximately 1807 and after. Previously criticism by the author was of ‘secondary’ artists and illustrators, well beyond the true period and therefore not ‘contemporary’.

Nevertheless myself having learned the ‘lithographic’ lesson while in Paris, not to claim any print as worthwhile- the multitude of Martinets of similar form but differing colours are still a bit of concern. I suppose one could suggest he knows what he is doing, just not well explained.

How does one justify a ‘house’ is correct and accurate when it knowingly fabricated uniforms for regiments that, errr, did not exist under the Empire? Viz the 17e and 18e Chasseurs, which the author noted but not illustrated of course!

Some of the facts are remarkable; but so are ‘assumptions’ made- did most regiments really have no pompom or adornment? Did most regiments not have slings or belts for their carbines and musketoons?

Sadly as most have no written records detailing these items, this is the upshot. Personally I can’t believe it (this even includes the 1er Chasseurs- ok not an elite unit but c’mon… how else did light cavalry doing outpost and avant-garde duty actually carry their main arms otherwise?).

I’ve checked through the units I thought I knew most about and apart from subtle changes in uniform detail; and of course the mass of units wearing ‘surtouts/ habits’  by hussars over the traditional Hungarian models- dolman/ pelisse/ breeches is addressed within.

What I did find confusing was a lack of reference to units locations, active or depot, when uniform changes were made, or where there was possible historical context, none was provided.

There are a very few references to ‘conscripts’ or depot troops appearing in the ‘designated’ uniform and not matching the ‘war’ squadrons.

All very well trotting out encapsulated bio’s on certain subjects, but often these regiments were known under a commanders name, which is lacking.

Altogether, a solid 6.5 out of 10.

As to the rest of the series- well I have a new regiment of Carabiniers (1er) in hand to create and ready to go next year- so looking forward to the release of Book 2- The Heavies at end of January.

Sadly it appears neither ‘The Infantry’ nor ‘Austerlitz Grand Army’ will appear before end of ’24. With several units left to create, I may as well wait a bit. Tant pis!
Will be interesting to see how much ‘Republican’ uniform they were left with. Probably more than we expect!
cheers d

Swinging from left to right no matter where the hobby goes!

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