Nosey’s Boys: Designing The British Peninsular Veterans

Two new Napoleonic regiments will very soon be let loose on Black Powder tabletops, each bearing questionable attire and a distinct lack of uniformity. These are not the fancily dressed soldiers that most would call to mind when thinking of Napoleonic armies! These veterans have been hard at campaigning on the Peninsular. Here, Warlord CEO John Stallard ruminates fondly on the design ethos and development of the British Peninsular Veterans, and shows off his personal collection – of course, being the big boss, John got his hands on the new kits a little earlier than most!

Scum of the Earth

In a letter to the Earl of Bathurst dated 2^nd July, 1813, Wellington remarked on the discipline of his men after the battle of Vitoria:

These miniatures certainly exemplify this lack of discipline, difficult as it was to maintain during the gruelling campaign. They stand at parade ready for inspection. Their clothing is patched and raggedy, many have adorned alternative gear like priest’s clothing and one or two have even dressed in ladies’ bonnets. Shakos have been displaced and livestock has been adopted. This latter point is particularly contrary to expectation, as such looting was technically punishable by death.

Even the officers are privy to such follies of discipline – although their attire is tidier (the benefits of having a batman), one is indulging in a pinch of snuff whilst two Lieutenants brandish what is left of the colours. A portly colonel, in stark contrast to his men, is finely dressed – inspecting his men from under a parasol and atop a struggling mount – the poor donkey ill-equipped to cope with the colonel’s weight, tongue lolling in exhaustion.

The Design

This kit has been a long time coming, John says, the aim was to add an enormous amount of character to an army by the mere inclusion of one of these regiments. Personally briefing their design, John was keen to flesh out the little details, to the point where they could be said to be “approaching caricature”.

It really is the finer details – some are barefoot, some have adopted (French) Volitguers boots or packs from vanquished foes, they have frayed trousers, some have lost their sleeves, and many have dishevelled shakos or have lost them altogether.

The results really speak for themselves, John says, the designer’s having well excelled their brief. “We envisage that any peninsular gamer would want them to supplement their forces, perhaps to utilize as veterans”.

The miniatures’ character can be further defined by the individual hobbyist, John explains, in their choice of colour palette or in their choices of the flags that the unit will brandish on the battlefield (a variety is included in the box). For example, John thought carefully about the distinct character of each of the miniatures – tackling the coats with a faded red and introducing browns and whites to the scheme to represent the uncleanliness of a long campaign trail. John also mentions he had enormous fun by threading a hot needle through their colours to simulate the rigours of combat.

“Some of our men enlist from having got bastard children — some for minor offences — many more for drink; but you can hardly conceive such a set brought together, and it really is wonderful that we should have made them the fine fellows they are.”

Sir Arthur Wellesley – 4 November, 1831.

The Boxed Sets

These exceptional miniatures are oozing with character and cast in finest Warlord Resin Plus^TM are a must for any self-respecting (and those not quite so self-respecting) Napoleonic British wargamer. Each man has been individually named and a backstory created for the regiment – the 3rd Battalion of Detachments.

The French have had a similar treatment, with a regiment full of colourful characters, and their own canine mascot – a ‘twee’ poodle, available alongside the redcoats. They are known as ‘The Butchers’ of the 73rd Line Regiment!

We’ll dive into the backstories of each of the regiments, and the individual characters, in more detail over the coming weeks.