ROME 1849 (Wargame)

Decided to use my French 19th century army against another drawn from several collections. This solo game is inspired by the action at San Pancrazio Gate on April 30, 1849. 

Having driven the Pope from Rome, the Italian nationalists had replaced clerical rule with a Roman Republic. This revolution did not go down well with the French, Austrians, Two Sicilies, and Spanish governments. But it was the French that had the resolution to launch a direct assault on the city. This government despatched a force of 8,000 (some say 10,000) with orders to reinstall Papal rule. It was the French view 'Italians do not fight', and that the soldiers would be welcomed into the city.

However, the Roman Republic was supported by many of the residents. And even many in the old Papal Army had crossed over to the nationalists. Even the foreign artist community embraced the cause and took up arms, including some Englishmen. Other contingents from across Italy had also appeared including the Italian Legion (Republicans) under Garibaldi, and the Lombard Bersaglieri (Monarchists) under a Milanese aristocrat, Luciano Manara. Hard to put numbers on those defending, anything from 7,000 to 20,000, the latter being more probable. But these were distributed to protect numerous entry points into the city, and others manned internal barricades.

                           The French appear to have approached the city in several columns (6,000 men with twelve field guns) but all were shocked at the determined response of the garrison to deny them entry. This included the generous use of the garrison's wall cannon. 

The action at San Pancrazio Gate is particularly interesting as it was Garibaldi's determination to not only oppose the French, but to launch a counterattack, to break their army...... and he very nearly did. Over three hundred French were captured! Against Garibaldi's advice, the French were allowed to retire, and await reinforcements. Only when their numbers had swelled to over 25,000, with a strong siege artillery train, did the French move again on Rome, and forced the garrison to surrender in early July. The Pope was reinstated in April 1850. 

                                                               GAME CONTINGENTS

For the game, the city gate was defended by two companies of ex-Papal infantry, and another of artillerymen. I reduced my four gun crews to only two figures each. There was also a battalion of armed civilians, and some others were manning cannon. The defenders were allowed to open fire as soon as the enemy came into direct view. The French brigade comprised three light battalions, three line battalions, a squadron of light cavalry, and a battery of light guns, each with three crew. 

GARIBALDI's FLANK ATTACK

On spotting the French, the Italian player must throw a dice each move, a D6 initiating the counterattack on the French right flank. This will comprise two battalions of volunteers, a squadron of lancers, and two battalions of armed civilians. The French must break through the Gate in numbers to claim a victory. 

                                                                        THE BATTLE 

MOVE ONE the French advanced. MOVE TWO the French advanced, two fortress guns opened fire down the main road, hitting a building. MOVE THREE The French advanced, two fortress guns fired again, another building was hit and caught alight. MOVE FOUR the French advanced, an Italian gun spotted some cavalry and scored a hit.

MOVE FIVE the French advanced, their light troops leading the way. Two French soldiers were hit.

MOVE SIX two more French go down. The cavalry charged a lower level artillery position, the civilian crew ran. MOVE SEVEN two more French on the main road were brought down. But the garrison was now getting nervous, where is the counterattack? MOVE EIGHT  the cavalry charged those holding the gate, but they not only stood firm but delivered a volley from their barricade which wiped out the cavalry! But where is Garibaldi?

MOVE NINE the French line infantry charged the gate, it was a blood bath, despite losing in the melee, the partisans somehow held on. MOVE TEN another round of melee at the gate, while their compatriots manning a nearby gun are bayoneted by revengeful infantry. Garibaldi, where are you?

MOVE ELEVEN Amazing, the partisans at the gate, ably supported by a wall cannon force the French infantry to test their morale (half strength) and they rout! If that was not enough......  I finally threw a D6......... Garibaldi's four battalions and some cavalry finally appeared.

I allowed the French to secure a gun position they had taken.... but obliged them to test their morale, but with a D6, they stood firm. MOVE TWELVE Oh dear! The Redshirts charged this gun position, the French held fast, fired their muskets, and broke their charge (D1 morale test). On MOVE THIRTEEN Garibaldi rallied his men (D6), but this game was becoming dependent on both sides holding fast to strong positions, despite many French units being, or approaching, half strength. I felt this game was exhausted, the French in the redoubt were now under fire from three sides. MOVE FOURTEEN, the French were granted leave to retire.

CASUALTIES

French 27. Italians 7

An enjoyable game, but once more I find a twelve move limit works best. Dragging games out to the last few figures might appeal to some gamers, but it doesn't work for me. I also find you often lose the character of the period you are trying to capture. I must also mention, my battalions of mid-19th century armed civilians, converted Timpo, have once more proved very useful. Will certainly play this game again, but will increase the ex-Papal troops at the gate to a full battalion, and all the artillerymen will be regulars.

MGB

Look to the west of the river, near the Trastevere area (aka Transteuvere).

Museum Display

A new addition served in this game (re painted Timpo copy)

REPLYING TO FRIENDS SENDING COMMENTS

Thank you, Donnie. Yes, I have seen too many wargames where 'wipe out' is almost the sole objective. This encourages players to act and move in a manner which has nothing to do with the period, and more to do with Warhammer. And every army they raise ends up refighting the Battle of Gaugamela (Alexander v Persians). I understand the figures are 'just' counters, but surely you would wish to capture something more of the conflict? I guess, everyone to their own. The French running figures were mainly bought cheap as they were broken. Using steel rods, they are arguably stronger now than when they were first cast.

Hi MJT. Isn't it just, I also like the fact that the uniforms are so divers you can often find something similar in other collections. And my armed civilians also look the part. But I am now raising actual Italian 1848-70 troops, to go with my Garibaldi redshirts. 

Thanks Tony. My account may infer it should have stopped on move twelve, but fourteen was right. But I wasn't going to drag it out any further. Itt was a 'solo success', and worth playing again. As it happens, my result kind of matches the historical event, which is a bonus. 

Hello Brad. I very much enjoyed the game, and will certainly want to refight some other Italian Unification actions. Mind you, I must make some higher civilian walls. This is not the first occasion  their absence has been felt, even if it is just for the visual spectacle. Saluti!

Hi Roger, I have never met a gamer who did not declare to me his opposition to heavy going rules. In reality, most gamers ARE advocates for complexity, and constantly seek that magical set that they will be happy with. Whether they ever find such a set, is doubtful. Thats why I don't promote my rules. (Mine are based on Featherstone's simple six sided dice rules, with a few 'house' additions. Everything is so simple that we rarely have to view the two sides of A4, and these are normally for calculating each melee, and morale. Any issues that arise are sorted out by throwing another dice, high scores are always good.) Vastly more important for historical gaming, but often underplayed, is to recognise national characteristics. And too many forget, in most actions the numbers killed or wounded is outweighed by those that withdrew or ran away, and the mental fatigue of war eventually drains the best in any army. I like the fact that for every casualty in my games, three will no longer advance or have routed. I appreciate this might not be the answer you were seeking. To put it another way, I prefer to be a photographer than an accountant, lol. A typical move takes about 5-8 minutes to calculate, and a similar amount to move figures. The above game took about two hours.

Roger, I may have failed to clarify. If a unit is obliged to test its morale, and the result is POOR, it may decline to charge home or even advance that move. If, however, it FAILS its morale, this will see the unit rout (or surrender if surrounded). You may then request a morale check on a neighbouring unit up to 8" away. On occasions, I have seen this spread to three/four similar or lesser allied units in a game. Concerning numbers, It pleases me to count the number of figures K+W in a game, and I find it appropriate if three times that number of figures are in a state of routing/surrendered/unwilling to advance. Note, my rules prohibit any unit reaching half strength being allowed to advance further on the enemy, although they may still stand and fire, or perhaps continue their full charge move if their morale is otherwise still OBEY orders. Holding a key position is one method of giving them bonus morale points. Concerning the Portable Wargame, I have heard of it, but never seen it played, I think they draw squares on their gaming board?, so unable to comment. I confess to having no inclination to seek alternative rules. If my game results failed to deliver what I considered realistic (and fun) games linked to my research of a given conflict, I might wish to explore others. But I am quite happy with mine, and family and guests debate the game/dice not the rules. For example, my house rules for the Medieval period were derived principally from reading Sir Charles Oman's The Art of War in the Middle Ages (IMHO, all other works are derivatives) but my Medieval wargame rules are still only two pages of A4.  Hope this is of some help.

Roger, I normally start with more general uniform books, then I seek out the original uniform plates which inspired those in the modern publications. I now have the uniforms for many of the units serving in the 1849 war. Just spent a moment applying key colours to a batch of ACW kepi figures, that will later take up service in Italy. 

 

EXETER TOY AND TRAIN FAIR (SEPT. 21)

Decided to have a day out and visit the Exeter Toy Fair. My brief train journeys were on time, the other travellers seemed courteous, and the clean and surprisingly open plan interiors (2nd class) made the whole experience very nice. The weather forecast warned of thunder and lightning, but it was a bright, sunny day. Fortunately, I had dressed quite lightly, and prepared a suitable packlunch. The entrance fee to the fair was £10 for 'early birds', and £5 for those arriving after 10.30am. I arrived at 9am.

There were about 100? trade stands, half were devoted to model railways, and fifteen were carrying mainly, or at least some, 54mm toy soldiers. 

Here are a few photos. It got a lot busier after midday.

I visited Graham Pearson's stand, where I sold some unwanted figures. I then purchased a number of figures from him using the proceeds, and a few more on top. We then went on to discuss our shared hobby, viewing photos of our collections........ his was larger! I hope he had a successful day. 

Swapped several unwanted Timpo swoppet and Britains cowboys for a useful Victorian artillery crew. 

Purchased these for £9. and very keen to have them. This now gives me four Britains Confederate gunners. While the farm worker was also on my list of wants.

I went on to visit Kevin Duggan's stand. Here I swapped three Highland collectables for two figures much more useful towards my wargaming. I then topped it up with a purchase. Nice meeting Kevin, and his lady assistant.

Some repair work is needed on the bike, but Im pleased, £5.

Some useful swaps.... and really no need to repaint.

Several 'independent' traders had more mixed table displays, but well worth visiting. I picked up a nice collectable of the Iron Duke for £3. I find Del Prado far too large, not sure who produced this figure but it is a nicer size, and a high quality casting, IMHO. 

Another independent trader gave very fair deals to those purchasing bundles. I spotted twenty Timpo crusaders sold to a collector for £15. I was interested in some Herald archers, to be converted into Saracens. I paid £4 for my bundle.

This independent trader had several rummage boxes, some metal, others plastic. I must admit, I'm very pleased with the metal. I now have eight Johillco howitzers in my collection, my second with the metallic purple carriage (a Ruritanian battery?). The three metal items cost £5 in total, the plastic figures were £3 in total. That knight is very well painted. My plan is to paint a lion on his reverse side, adding a double tail and yellow crown..... the King of Bohemia's heraldry.

I wonder who made the plastic naval figure?

And finally, this independent trader had bags of mixed toy soldiers. One for £3 included some I did not need, so let him keep those. He kindly threw in the small 'police?' figure which we had previously tried to identify. Those Arabs and the legionnaire are old, but the plastic was fine!

Got back home just after 2pm, then prepared a chicken roast dinner.... which was described by a family member as really superb. I might start on some restoration work on the toy soldiers tomorrow (Sunday). My favourite purchases are the knight, Johillco howitzer, Victorian gun crew, Confederate gunners, cycle, the Union artillery officer, the RM officer, the  Iron Duke, the Britains worker...... in other words, everything.

(Thank you, Lord, for all your blessings this day)

MGB

REPLIES TO FRIENDS COMMENTING

Hello Donnie. It was a lovely day out, so really lucky with the weather. On my way back, some other trains were delayed due to weather conditions elsewhere. Yes, the artillery crew are a useful gain. As it happens, I already had some of these figures, now representing Canadian colonial artillery. They were donated by Paul Watson. Still to find out who actually manufactures them. New to me was the gunner ramming a gun, and the other chopping wood blocks. 

Cheers Roger. I wasn't sure whether to go or not, but in the end I made the right choice. It turned out to be an interesting expedition, and with grey daylight and longer nights approaching here in the UK, it has furnished some nice memories and mementos. (Concerning Train hobbies, I sort of expected the usual Hornby scale to dominate, but much of it was actually larger scales, interesting.)

Cheers Brad. I spent some time on Sunday viewing the figures again, I'm really pleased with the bundle.  Will start work integrating/basing the figures on Monday. I can now complete a unit of 12 Saracen archers..... about time. By the way, fought an Italian Independence wargame on Friday. Delayed posting because of the Saturday trip.

Hi MJT. Yes, I had a great day out. I have just started on the figures, repairing with Milliput, constructing some artillery equipment, and some paintwork. Daft really, I now have some Britains Confederate artillery crew, but no plans to fight the ACW...... I just like the grey uniform with red kepi. The ACW infantry are going to be converted into 1848-66 Italians, just a few 4 figure companies.

Thanks for the info, Brian. Will draft the Charbens RN figure into my landing party. Sort of similar to the Lone Star figures I have. Same here, I repaired and painted two Johillco howitzers with shields for my French, and another two without shields joined my US army. A seriously damaged one is now serving with my Hessians 1848. But have left three perfect examples just as they are (one red, two with metallic purple carriages). Yet others don't seem to value them..... their loss, my gain.

Hello Tim. I really do like these howitzers, they look so right with traditional lead toy soldiers, and so useful if your armies are later plastic figures. I found a label under one of mine, it read '1977 25p'. Well I have paid sometimes as much as £3, and consider it a good buy. The shielded variant works very well for WW1 French. (I get a twitch or tick like Colonel Hall in Fawlty Towers if I don't clear a project for home or bobbies every other day, lol.)

A GENEROUS GIFT ARRIVES

                                                          A BOX OF TOY SOLDIER

I was having a conversation with Mark from the ManofTin Blog (https://manoftinblogtwo.wordpress.com/2024/09/08/the-cupboards-are-emptying/) concerning his plans to organise and display his collection of toy soldiers. He is presently looking at the possibility of constructing some glass fronted shelving. Another person advised, stay clear of some modern furniture, it is all show with inferior materials. Mark later mentioned, he had a quantity of Airfix WW2 figures that were surplus to his requirements, would I like them? Well, I have been carving up a fair number of Airfix figures for quite a few side projects, I said yes.

Mark only lives in the neighbouring county, and it was a quick postal delivery. Rushing to open the box of toy soldiers (lol), the first job was to do an inventory of the contents.

The box contained thirty-three British Paras, eighteen Desert Rats, fifteen Gurkhas, fourteen US Paras, twelve Africa Corps, and twelve Japanese. Now, he did warn me that many had gun damage (near half). Fortunately, those most interesting to the collection, such as the Gurkhas, were in good condition. I was fascinated to see the latter as these were new to me. I now plan to raise a couple of companies, convert a mortar crew, and also use the LMG figure. As for the others, I'm going to look at what might be achieved with head swaps...... something different, something interesting to paint. I'm tempted to convert the Desert Rats into Indian National Army (Anti British Empire Indians). And I may convert the Japanese into some more 1930s Chinese Nationalists. Lots of ideas to contemplate on.

Thank you, Mark, for your generosity.

                                                           W. BRITAINS ACW GUN

Well pleased with this project. The Britains ACW gun recently picked up for £7.20 is now repaired. Have attached it to another to form my US Light Artillery battery c.1870-1900. )

(The figures are mainly Herald Guardsmen which I converted some time back.)

The missing gun cascabel is replaced. Yes, I also painted the gun, it looks nicer! 

DEETAIL JAPANESE BUGLER

I was gifted this toy soldier on purchasing some others in good condition. As it was missing an arm holding the rifle, decided to use a metal spare arm with a bugle. This gives me seven figures, so I will be seeking out another to complete two companies.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

                                                                                                                                                                      IDENTIFICATION, help wanted

Would like to know who produced this 54mm ACW mounted officer. No plans to use it, but would welcome some background information. Have found a photo on the internet, perhaps the horse gives us a clue?

MGB

REPLYING TO FRIENDS COMMENTS

Thank you, Hugh. I was hoping you or Brian would give us some insight. As its value is not great, and staff officers can add much to any game, I'm thinking of painting the figure in a blue uniform, with a off-white summer hat. I could use it as a staff officer in several armies. 

Hi Donnie. I know how collectable the Deetail Japanese are. No way I wouldn't seek out a method to utilise the figure, and I remembered seeing a Japanese WW2 bugle somewhere.

Thanks, MJT. It was very kind of Mark to think of me as the means to see these spare figures used in some games. I'm working on some of them at this moment. I really do need to increase my WW2 Chinese army. 

Thank you, Brad. One of my key pleasures in this hobby is seeing what can be done with damaged toy soldiers, and how they could enhance a collection. Can confirm the fourteen US Paras now comprise six with small arms, two heavily converted mortar crew, and a command base of two. The thirty-three British Paras were the most damaged, and least required! However, have still established three small arms, a radio command base of two, and four more still to be designated. (And a load of helmets and water canteens.) The Gurkhas, Africa Corps, and Japanese will prove very useful. 

Thanks Brian. I suspected this Hong Kong figure was probably copied from a British manufacturer. Well, this brown plastic copy of a Timpo solid is now serving with my armed civilians, which are largely Timpo solids and Timpo copies from their ACW range...... an appropriate addition, I think. 

MEDIEVAL WARGAME (Moors versus Crusaders)

                                                                      SCENARIO

This wargame was set in Spain in about 1250AD. A Moorish Taifa army had been raised by their Hajib, or local ruler. His forces numbered about one hundred figures. However, about thirty were unarmored civic militia and could not be considered reliable. But he did have two small units of household cavalry, and also his palace foot guards. These were equal to knights in their resolve. And the forty or so mercenaries and ghazi volunteers were equal to men at arms. And not forgetting, his state artificers had time to construct a powerful trebuchet. The Hajib was determined to hold this key river crossing.

The Christian opposition was commanded by a lesser member of the French Royal Family (Chris). His army also mustered about one hundred figures, including twelve mounted knights. The others were all retinue/men at arms. To aid his assault, the prince had decided to experiment with a blackpowder light bombard/cannon...... well the noise might scare the Moors. Honour now required him to secure this river crossing. The game would conclude at the end of move twelve.

                                                 THE CRUSADERS COME INTO VIEW

Sorry folks, this was a fun game but due to the nature of melees, a detailed blow by blow account was  just unpractical. But we did take a number of photos which, hopefully, will still be of interest. It really was a bloody affair as both of us eagerly looked on to see what fate awaited our military units. 

Chris resolutely advanced his army towards the bridge.

Sword and Scimitar clashed.

The mounted knights began to cross over the river....

Nine Moorish archers on the edge of the woods almost wiped out the mounted knights in two moves! It required two moves to cross the river. Under my rules, archers shooting at close range targets (8"), that are also closely packed, only require a 4,5,6 per dice, although plate armour or shield can claim a saving throw, 5 or 6.

The assault across the bridge was a push, and counter push..

A unit of Moorish cavalry crossed the river upstream and hit the Crusaders flank. This caused several units to rout. Although some of these later rallied, and the Moorish horse were sacrificed, it severely delayed the Crusader main attack. 

The action took down so many in a small area, we just had to clear some of the casualties!

On MOVE ELEVEN I offered terms, allowing a handful of retinue to make their escape. With no hope of the Crusaders making a second crossing, GAME OVER

This really was a fun wargame, which we both enjoyed playing.

Moorish casualties were about twenty, the Crusaders suffered about thirty. The price of attacking? 

I really did not trust my three bands of civic spearmen, and purposely kept them to the rear as a potential threat, or final fling.

I'm unsure if it is an age thing, but Medieval games seem more fun with 54mm!

NEW PAINTS

I was recently in Exeter and visited a shop selling Warhammer and other similar products. I actually popped in to purchase a few paints. I wanted a standard red, and also a warm brown, the latter to be suitable for firearm stocks, leather belts, etc. A member of staff kindly assisted me but confirmed he was out of suitable Citadel colours. He then went on to say that he uses Scalecolour. Not only are they less expensive (£2.99), but they have a working nozzle, totally full, and with a thick acrylic paint which can be diluted with water. Just confirming, they are excellent!

BARGAIN ARTILLERY

Could not resist this BUY NOW pair of W. Britains artillery pieces. OK, I will need to repair the missing rear button/knob/cascabel on the ACW barrel, but that's easy enough. But I have been wanting a Britains-made Napoleonic naval piece for some time, but did not wish to spend £10+....... these two pieces were only £14.48 including delivery. And they came with some ramrods, a bucket, and original ammunition too!

ps. In about 1972 I picked up a Britains naval cannon in a junior school bring and buy, it cost 50p. I subsequently removed the spring and loaded it with 'banger' black powder. It held my attention for a brief spell, then I moved away from London and my childhood toys disappeared.................... well, I've put that right now........ IT'S BACK AGAIN!

MGB

REPLYING TO FRIENDS COMMENTING BELOW

Cheers Donnie, the Scalecolour company produce several ranges, with particular characteristics. I have only used their WW2 range. These are solid colours, and their titles are more useful than fantasy labels. I also like the price.

Hello Spearhead. I had a small collection of 54mm in my childhood, 1970s. Then raised a large collection of medievals in 28mm during the 1990s. Still have Spanish and Portuguese. But I far prefer wargaming the period in 54mm. On the positive side, it is still possible to start a collection in this scale thanks to Ebay. The prices are still very fair, and sometimes you see some great bargains. I adopted this scale helping a young relative start his collection of toy soldiers in about 2010, now I am hooked!

Cheers Brad, it was a fun change to have the Medievals on the gaming table..... surprised my tactics actually worked, as Chris typically wins! Yes, hoping the pair of guns arrive ok. To the horror of some, I intend to paint the ACW gun a shade of green, to complete a battery. I just don't like plain wood guns, this is done in museums to confirm that part of the artillery piece is a modern replacement. All, or practically all wooden gun carriages 'sent' on expeditions, from Medievals onwards, would need to be fully oiled (and adding a colour to the oil was easy and attractive....... painted).

That's very kind, Roger, thank you. The Britains Deetail Saracens/Turks were never planned. While raising armies of Guelph (Papal) and Ghibelline (Emperor) armies for Medieval Italy, I occasionally picked up a Deetail Saracen figure, or two. I really liked them, and so this collection started to increase..... their armour detail is really fun to bring out with paintwork.

Cheers MJT. Chris and I enjoyed the game, but it is time to contemplate what next to put on the gaming table. I'm tempted to stage a Dominion game, but I haven't used my Grand Budapest Hotel collection, nor the Chinese 1930s army.......... ???

Thanks Quinn. Mad keen to stage another wargame, possibly this weekend. Just spent an hour working on repairing a Britains ACW gun, and I'm pleased with the result. Have formed a battery with another such gun, and with their green carriages, they are suitable for American, Danish, French, or Ruritanian armies!

Hello Peter, always nice to see others adopting traditional 54mm figures. I think it is the combination of gaming with a strong dose of nostalgia which makes it all the more magical. I restarted in about 2010, I now have about 300 Guelph and Ghibelline, and about 120 Saracens. I also have some small numbers with English, Scots, and Swedish heraldry. Look forward to seeing how your collection grows. I'm sure the Flanders based PMCD group would be well worth making contact with. (I don't think I make much effort to promote my blog, so not surprised you 'stumbled' on to it. On the other hand, I sort of quite like having just a select group of friends that sponsor and/or regularly comment with encouragement........ there is an old joke in the UK, two Englishmen meet in a pub, they decide to form a private-members club, two Welshmen meet in a pub, they decide to form an all-male choir, two Scotsmen meet in a pub, they decide to form a merchant bank, two Irishmen meet in a pub, and they decide to have a fight.)

Peter, I am a firm believer in using a primer before I paint figures.... however. The material used on Deetail figures rarely seems to need it! So I often just prime the shield, and enhance the armour features with a mixture of silver and black (I only buy a handful of acrylic paints, and mix what I need). But I do gloss varnish my 54mm, to exaggerate their 'toy' nature.... I never gloss varnished my 28mm. I always remove Deetail shield heraldry, it is fake, and research the correct heraldry. Others prefer the Deetail heraldry, each to their own. Most of my weaponry is home-cast pewter.