The Battle of Warsaw, 1656

 Confrontation of Kings, 1656, the Three-Day Battle of Warsaw during the Swedish Deluge (1655 – 1660), offers an insightful examination of this historic conflict. The Battle of Warsaw in 1656 was a pivotal three-day event that saw the Swedish forces clash with the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth amidst the turmoil of the Swedish Deluge. In Confrontation of Kings, 1656, respected authors Michael Fredholm von Essen and Michał Paradowski provide readers with a comprehensive account of this significant encounter, combining thorough research with engaging narrative. This work serves as both an informative resource and an enjoyable read.

The book provides a detailed account of the battle, including tactics, troop movements, and battlefield conditions, while maintaining focus on the human element. Through thorough research, the authors offer insights into significant figures such as King Charles X of Sweden, Polish King John II Casimir, and Frederick William of Brandenburg, who influenced the battle's outcome. The narrative likens the battle to a chess match or tabletop wargame, incorporating political manoeuvring alongside physical combat. The authors highlight that seventeenth-century warfare involved both strategic alliances and military strength. The book illustrates how Swedish and Brandenburg forces achieved victory in the battle, within a context of shifting alliances and unexpected betrayals throughout the war.

The book commences with a concise introduction followed by an extensive section providing brief biographies of the key figures. This component serves as an invaluable reference, offering personal context for the numerous characters mentioned throughout the narrative. Subsequently, the book presents an overview of the War and The Swedish Deluge, followed by chapters on the military structures of Sweden, the Polish Commonwealth, Brandenburg-Prussia, and the Crimean Khanate. It meticulously details the orders of battle for all involved armies, which will be of particular interest to wargamers and historians. The account of the three days of combat is comprehensive and rich in detail. The concluding chapter examines the aftermath, inviting readers to reflect on the authors' well-supported conclusion.

While based on thorough research, Confrontation of Kings remains accessible. The authors balance detailed scholarship with readability, making it suitable for both historians and newcomers to 17th-century military history. Maps, illustrations, and colour plates help readers visualize the events.

For those with an interest in military history, diplomacy, or compelling narratives of ambition and strategy, Confrontation of Kings, 1656 is highly recommended. Authors Von Essen and Paradowski provide a detailed account of a significant yet frequently overlooked battle, presenting new perspectives on the nature of early modern warfare. The book is both informative and engaging, making it an enjoyable read for anyone interested in historical events.

Included within the pages of this book are 64 black and white images and photos, four very useful maps and 12 glorious colour plates commissioned specifically for the book and created by the talented Sergey Shamenkov.

The book is No. 127 in Helion’s ‘Century of the Soldier series’.

ISBN: 978-1-804516-83-6. 180 pages, Paperback

Science of Arms Volume 2 - A Review

I hope nobody is getting tired of these book reviews but I'm not up to doing much else this week and I did have quite a few to clear off my desk. 

Science of Arms Volume 2 - The Art of War in the Century of the Soldier 1672-1699 by Stephen M. Carter is a solid continuation of his exploration into the mechanics and philosophy behind the art of war during the period, this time focussing on the cavalry, artillery and the actual conduct of war. If you’re into breaking down techniques and really getting into the nitty-gritty of how things work, this one delivers. It’s clear the author knows his stuff, and he presents it in a way that’s informative without being overwhelming.

There’s a lot of great content here for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of military matters during this period, especially the more technical aspects. The book avoids getting bogged down in unnecessary jargon, which is nice, and the insights feel like they come from someone who’s genuinely passionate about the subject. The book definitely leans more towards the practical side of things, so you’re not getting a lot of fluff.

I would say that this book is a good pick if you're looking to enhance your own practice or just want a fresh perspective on familiar techniques. It may not be the easiest read if you're just starting out, but if you've got a bit of experience, this will definitely give you something to think about.

The book is packed full of contemporary black and white illustrations, maps, charts and diagrams. The latter caught my eye as being useful in understanding how troops moved, deployed and camped, and I am always drawn to reproductions of old maps.

Eating the elephant in lots of small bites is always the best way to cover such a complex subject, and each operational aspect of the cavalry and artillery is broken down; for example sections on the ‘cavalry regiment’, the ‘cavalry company’, ‘squadron exercises’, ‘combat exercises’ and ‘maxims for the cavalry’. The same (more or less) sub-headings are also applied to the artillery.

Chapter 6 covers the Conduct of War, a very broad subject but once again broken down into bite-sized chunks, and is very much in a ‘how to’ vein, such as command of the army, and maxims on moving and lodging the army, and on forcing passages, defensive marches, guarding places, offensive marches and of course giving battle.

Overall, Science of Arms Volume 2 is meticulously researched using a wide range of primary and secondary sources, and is well written. Definitely worth a read if you're into this period and subject and want to dig a little deeper into what is a fascinating subject.

ISBN 978-1-804511-97-8. 358 pages, softback

Century of the Soldier 1618-1721, No 123

Two British Civil Wars Titles

Two for the price of one this time.

Novelty and Change, edited by Charles Singleton, is a fascinating anthology that delves into the British Civil Wars and 17th century military history. It is published as part of Helion’s Century of the Soldier 1618-1721 series. Originating from the 2023 Century of the Soldier Conference at the University of Worcester, this collection brings together much in the way of fresh research and perspectives.

The volume features a diverse array of papers, including Professor Peter Wilson's keynote on the interplay of novelty and continuity in European warfare between 1618 and 1721. Other notable contributions explore Civil War fortifications, the Battle of Stow-on-the-Wold, dragoon warfare in the Welsh borders, and Montrose's army from 1644 to 1646.

The editor has three decades of experience dedicated to the study of pike and shot warfare, and has curated a work that is both informative and engaging. For scholars and enthusiasts of 17th century military history, Novelty and Change offers valuable insights and a wealth of new information.

ISBN 978-1-804516-28-7. Soft covers 217 pages.

This is another excellent addition to Helion’s ‘Century of the Soldier 1618-1721’ series, examining the logistics, arms, ammunition, clothing, victuals and material of war during the period 1645-1646, and another bite-sized examination of a discrete part of the British Civil Wars. War might be won on the battlefield, but it is lost in the logistics. Supplying the New Model Army by Helion regular Andrew Abraham dives into the crux of any successful military campaign: keeping soldiers fed, clothed, armed, and, when things really start to go bad, paid. As you will find from the narrative, the New Model Army didn’t always get that last part.

This book isn’t about the glamour of cavalry charges or the glory of battlefield tactics. Instead, it tackles the far messier, bureaucratic, and deeply human struggle of keeping England’s first professional army operational. From grain shipments to gunpowder stockpiles, it explores how Parliament managed to keep its troops in the fight, even when funds were short and suppliers were ‘reluctant’ to participate.

Helion’s usual high standard of research is on display here, packed with fascinating details about the army’s supply chain, the people behind it, and the occasional disasters that ensued. If you’ve ever wanted to know how Civil War-era quartermasters balanced ledgers and dodged angry merchants, this book has you covered.

That said, while the content is rich and illuminating, it does lean into the academic side of things a little but that does not detract from the overall narrative. This book is essential for anyone fascinated by the nuts and bolts of 17th century warfare. The New Model Army may have revolutionised military organisation , but Supplying the New Model Army proves that even the most disciplined force in England still struggled with late deliveries and unpaid bills. Some things never change.

ISBN 978-1-804515-49-5. Hard covers 311 pages

 

Royalist Newark 1642–1646

Royalist Newark, 1642-1646. Sieges and Siege Works by Stuart B. Jennings is another one of those books that covers specific aspects of the British Civil Wars so well. Following the old adage of eating the elephant in lots of small mouthfuls, Helion’s objective is, it seems to me at any rate, to feed us manageable chunks of information about discrete elements of the wars. This makes it possible to focus on much more detail than might be found in a sweeping general history, of which we have many. I think it works really well and has done much to draw me back towards the period.

So, this is the first comprehensive study of Newark in the civil war, from the outbreak of hostilities when the town was turned into a Royalist garrison, through three sieges until its final capitulation in May 1646. Wider operations in the region are also covered where their outcomes had an impact on the town. Extracts from personal and official correspondence are used effectively to support the narrative. Of particular interest is John Twentyman’s account which forms Appendix I which is reproduced faithfully. One little anecdote refers to the unfortunate fate of the writer’s uncle who died of gangrene after stubbing his toe! Ouch.

The narrative is well supported with a large number of black and white images. Many are contemporary, others are of paintings created a century or so later, and there are lots of photos of surviving arms and armour as well as of the castle and the remarkably preserved Queen’s Sconce. There are also a number of rather nice, informative and well-drawn colour maps of the surrounding area and of the sieges and siege lines.

This is another well researched and presented title to add to the growing number of British Civil Wars titles in the Century of the Soldier series.





ISBN 978-1-804515-49-8. Soft back 173 pages.

Seventeenth Century Sewing B and the Battle of Fribourg - Two book reviews

Author Laurence Spring has again demonstrated the depth of his knowledge of all things military in the early seventeenth century, with this comprehensive and scholarly study of the clothing worn by soldiers of pretty much all nations involved in the Thirty Years War and the various conflicts which together make up the British Civil Wars.

The book covers every aspect of the dress of soldiers during this period, what was worn and how and when and probably if it was issued. We are then treated to a detailed analysis of the ‘end users’ and their dress across the many and varied armies and conflicts. Examples are the British army in the 1620s-1630s, the Trained Bands, the Bishops Wars, the Irish Rebellion, the various armies involved in the Civil War, including the Scots. Further chapters cover the Danes, French, Dutch, Spanish, Swedes and Holy Roman Empire, all of whom were ahead of the game when it came to soldiers’ clothing.

The level of detail is incredible yet a little daunting unless you know what it is you are after. Not a bad thing, and overall I found the premise and subject matter of the book well presented, nearly written and well supported by a range of contemporary quotes and correspondence.

The appendices are equally interesting and varied, covering as they an eclectic subject mix; Cecil’s army in 1625, Parliamentarian and Royalist coat colours, Thirty Years’ War coat colours and more. These are presented in tabular form and easy to follow.

The book is illustrated throughout with reproductions of contemporary images which provide a bit of visual context to the main narrative which is very helpful. The tables also dotted through the book provide a similar purpose and do so well.

I guess that the readership of this book will include re-enactors, wargamers, the casual reader with an interest in the seventeenth century as well as more serious scholars, historians and researchers. As a person who would be numbered among the ‘casual’ category I must say I found the book highly informative and the choice and presentation of the subject matter to be fascinating.

ISBN 978-1-804514-44-3. 346 pages, soft cover.

When one thinks of great French generals of the seventeenth century, Turenne and the Duc d’Enghien, the future Great Conde spring instantly to mind. So, with this new book Stephane Thion presents the reader with an immersive experience as the narrative leads us up to the climactic and costly battle(s) of Fribourg in August 1644.

Briefly, the author begins by providing us with an overview of the 1644 campaign, followed by quite comprehensive descriptions of each of the main commanders, Turenne, D’Enghein and the very capable Feldmarshall Mercy. The next two chapters are especially good, as they cover in some depth the French and Bavarian armies during the campaign, complete with lists of the regiments present and their strengths where known. Obviously the two chapters covering the battles on the 3rd and 5th of August form the core of the book, and I found them very useful when trying to get an understanding of the commanders’ actions and the performance of their subordinates and soldiers. A range of quotes and snippets from contemporary correspondence liven up the narrative nicely.

The book contains an impressive number of contemporary black and white images, and the centre spread of 14 wonderful colour plates, depicting a variety of troop types and personalities taken from original water colours by renowned artist Karl Alexander Wilke, and accompanied by three pages of regimental banners, some by Wilke and others by the author.

There are several full colour and quite detailed maps depicting the battle and the manoeuvres that led the armies to meet and fight. These would be of great use to anyone wishing to retreat the battle on the wargames tabletop.

This is No. 122 in Helion’s excellent Century of the Soldier series, and if the later Thirty Years War or indeed the exploits of the main protagonists are of interest to you then this book will not disappoint. I almost wish I'd kept my 30 Years War collections.......almost.


ISBN 978-1-804515-51-8. Soft covers 120 pages

The Army of Transylvania 1613–1690

The Army of Transylvania 1613-1690; War and military organisation from the ‘golden age’ o the Principality to the Habsburg conquest is the second book by Florin Nicolae Ardelean on the Transylvanian state between 1541 and 1690. Volume 1 covered the emergence of an independent Transylvania (notionally vassals of the Ottomans a high degree of autonomy was allowed in internal matters) up to 1613. This volume, as the title suggests, takes us through to almost the end of the seventeenth century, during which time the state had been caught between two warring empires (Habsburg and Ottoman), become involved in the Thirty Years’ War as an ally of Sweden and France, and was ultimately taken over by the Habsburg through a mix of diplomacy and military action.

The book benefits from a significant number of largely contemporary black and white illustrations, although there are a few depicting surviving items of weaponry and armour. As we have come to expect, there is the usual eight pages of dazzlingly beautiful colour plates, all specially commissioned and painted by a very talented artist Catalin Draghici. They depict the different types of soldiers to be found with an army of the Principality at this time and all of whom look like they mean business!

The narrative begins with a broad overview of the Principality and its rulers during the seventeenth century, with due recognition to social, economic and military developments. The analysis of the army and its organisation is clearly written and s a fascinating insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the military system, as is the following chapter covering the state’s fortifications, artillery and garrisons found within the Principality. What we are given is a comprehensive guide to the military machine that existed, seemingly almost permanently on a war footing.

The final chapter describes the military campaigns, battles and sieges that took place throughout the century, by a large well equipped and well led army. This was quite a complex period, but the narrative is something I became engrossed in. Led by dynamic rulers, Transylvania was allied to Sweden and France during the Thirty Years’ War against their Habsburg neighbours. A further alliance with Sweden, the Cossacks, Moldavia and Wallachia against the Polish and Lithuanian Commonwealth ended in the total destruction of the army and capture by the Tartars, and hard on the heels of this disaster, a devastating invasion by the Ottomans laid waste the whole country. The author’s description of these campaigns makes for very interesting reading and paves the way for the telling of the desperate and ultimately doomed battle for survival by the Principality, ending with its conquest by the Habsburgs in 1690.

Like his earlier work, the author has provided us with a magnificent description of the golden age of the Principality of Transylvania in the first half of the seventeenth century, but also of its decline and conquest. The history of late medieval and Renaissance Eastern Europe is a fascinating and colourful period of history, and one not often found in such detail in English. This really is a tremendous book and one for enthusiasts of Eastern European history in whatever context that may take.

ISBN 978-1-804513-49-1 soft cover 149 pages

Armies of the Italian States, 1660-1690, part 1

One of the more prolific of authors, Bruno Mugnai has recently seen the publication of the sixth volume in his superb series covering the ‘Wars and Soldiers in the Reign of Louis XIV’ with the ‘Armies of the Italian States, 1660-1690, Part One’. As is frequently the case, in my opinion at least, this book series just keeps getting better and better with the arrival of each new volume, and this one is no exception.

Starting with some quite detailed discussion on the geopolitical background of the Italian peninsula, this volume covers just about everything one might wish to know about the armies of Savoy-Piedmont and the Venetian Republic and her allies, such as the Papal States, the Order of St John and Tuscany. We are introduced to a detailed explanation of different troop types, recruitment methods, training, weapons and equipment, dress/uniform, organisation and leadership. There is even a diagram which serves to explain the chain of command of the Savoy-Piedmont army. As noted earlier there a wealth of background information covering the ever changing political situation, the numerous military operations of these two powers and their relationships with their often more powerful neighbours makes fascinating reading and gives some useful context. 

The author is also an accomplished artist, and there are eight pages of gorgeous specially commissioned colour paintings that take pride of place in the centre of the book, depicting a wide range of dress, uniforms and troop types. The Venetian ‘Oltramarine’ troops illustrated look especially interesting. There are also a large number of contemporary black and white images, and both these and the colour plates are each accompanied by a detailed and very helpful commentary.

As an admirer of Bruno’s work I wholeheartedly recommend this book as it is a valuable addition to the series, whether for general historical and military research purposes or for wargamers searching for something by way of a different sort of project. I await Part 2 with a high degree of impatience.

ISBN 978-1-915113-57-3 Soft cover, 232 pages.

Dragoons and Dragoon Operations in the British Civil Wars 1638-1653

‘Dragoons and Dragoon Operations in the British Civil Wars, 1638-1653’ by Andrew Abram is one of offerings from Helion in their Century of the Soldier series. It is also number 99 in the series and to be honest it of the doesn’t seem two minutes since the first book in this prolific series appeared in print. Apologies for yet another book review but I’m still away from home so no games or even painting to report upon just yet but back home on 15 August and that’s where I’m staying until next year!

The book’s sub title could very well be along the lines of ‘everything you ever wanted to know about dragoons but didn’t ask’. This quite weighty book provides the reader with a comprehensive description of every aspect of what being a dragoon meant and entailed in the British Civil Wars. They were said to be ‘jacks of all trades’ but in truth many units were masters of many, such as combined arms tactics and specialist operations.

The first half or thereabouts of the book provides us with a comprehensive description of the origins and roles of dragoons, tactics ( including the aforementioned specialist operations, their organisation, pay and other benefits, clothing, equipment, standards and everything to do with horses, their care and feeding and horse harness. I found the latter area of discussion provided an especially interesting insight given the importance of horses to their role on the battlefield and on campaign.

The second half investigates the dragoons in action, with the Oxford army, that of the Earl of Essex, the Eastern Association and the New Model Army. These provide a detailed understanding of their role and operations. There were some very good units, often recruited from veterans of Continental warfare, and very many poorly led ones, especially in the early days of the wars.

The book is well written and an engaging read, and furthermore is really interesting, insofar that I lost myself in it for several hours when reading it for this review. The narrative is supported by a wide range of illustrations and several tables. Some are contemporary images, others photographs of present-day historic locations that feature in the text.

I am not aware, and stand to be corrected, of any other authors who have written such a detailed account of this rather overlooked subject; traditional views often hold dragoons in some level of contempt when compared to the more dashing cavalrymen, but it’s all very ‘apples and pears’. Prince Rupert among many commanders understood and utilised their unique skills both on and off the battlefield, and having read this book I am now much more appreciative of the importance dragoons played in the Civil Wars. This is yet another book worthy of a place on my groaning bookshelves.

ISBN 978-1-804511-95-4. 334 pages, softback

More reading on the Great Procession part 2: Men of Warre from Helion review.

One of Helion’s ‘from Retinue to Regiment’ series’ most recent publications is this vastly informative book by Jenn Scott. ‘The Men of Warre. The clothes, weapons and accoutrements of the Scots at War 1460-1600’ crafts a comprehensive description of the composition of Scots armies throughout this period, the impact of French aid in terms of men and equipment, and importantly how the Scots, whether Lowlander or Highlander, nobles or commoners, were armed, armoured and dressed. Warfare to many of the men who served in these armies was a cultural phenomenon, whether this be pitched battles, where they invariably came off second best against the English, or cross border raiding, or ‘reiving’, to carry off livestock and hostages, murder rivals and burn settlements, essentially turning inter-family feuds into a way of life. Indeed my favourite sections of the book relate to this ongoing border warfare rather than, say, the battle of Flodden.

The book is well illustrated with eight pages of lovely original colour plates, each with a detailed commentary, and a good number of black and white images, largely of existing items of arms, armour and contemporary carvings depicting among other things ships and cannons. There is also a comprehensive glossary which will be of interest to many readers and an extensive bibliography.

In addition to the obvious interest this book will garner among historians and military enthusiasts the author also weaves in many elements relating to the social history of the Scots, and I can happily recommend this new book on that basis.

ISBN 978-1-804510-07-0. Softback, 114 pages.

FOR SALE - 28mm Thirty Years War Armies.

I’ve never been satisfied with the 30YW games we’ve played over the years, mainly because none of the rules we’ve used give me what I feel is a decent representation of the armies in action. I always enjoyed them as games but they didn’t have what I imagined might be a 30YW feel. 

So, I’ve decided to sell my 28mm Swedish and Imperial/Catholic League armies. There are lots of them and I would prefer to sell them as a job lot if anyone out there has a few quid to spare. I really can’t be arsed to list them all on eBay unless I have to. They’re mostly metal with plastic Warlord minis as well. They’re all very nicely painted to a good tabletop standard.

Look back over this blog for 30YW posts to see lots of photos of the collection. Here are a few more plus a run down of what is actually available. All prices shown are negotiable.

Catholic League/Imperialist:

Generals: 9 stands, three of 2 figures                £120

Cuirassiers (all plastic): 42 incl 6 Wallensteins lifeguards £336

Harquebusiers: 48    £480

Infantry regiments  (2 are plastic): 288 50/50 pike and shot    £1376

Commanded shot: 16 on two bases     £80

Artillery: 6 heavy or medium guns with 25 crew (they would do for either side)    £60

In total, 12 command figs, 90 mounted, 304 infantry, 6 guns and 25 crew. £2452

Q

Swedish:

Cuirassiers        24 (12 full cuirassiers, 12 half cuirassiers) £240

Swedish             36 plastic, 18 metal 12 metal Finns    £492

Commanded shot    3 bases of 8, 24 figs    £120

Infantry regiments each has one base of approx 16 pike incl command and 3 x 8 bases of shot (24). Seven regiments in all, a few plastic but almost all metal. 280 figs. £1400

Artillery      10 light guns and 30 crew    £150

Generals     9 bases , 10 figures              £100

In total 10 general figures, 90 mounted, 304 foot, 10 guns and 30 gunners.  £2526

Should anybody be interested please pm me using the facility on this blog and we can discuss prices. I’m looking for around £5 for foot and £10 for mounted (-20%for plastics). That comes to £4978 but open th offers and haggling.

Thanks for looking.

Reading on the Great Procession #6 - ‘SCIENCE OF ARMS Vol.1’

I hope nobody is getting bored with these book reviews but there’s precious little about wargaming I can discuss while embedded in Indian (Parsi) culture. It is wonderful though…….Next time I will bring some figures to paint.

Anyway, after I’ve read this new book in Helion’s Century of the Soldier series I feel very well equipped, were it something on my bucket list of things to do, to raise a regiment of foot and march off to glory in the service of my King, or whomsoever holds the purse strings. ‘Science of Arms: The Art of War in the Century of the Soldier 1672-1699, Volume 1: Preparation for War and the Infantry’ by Stephen M. Carter is in effect the perfect toolkit (one could say the complete military manual) for anyone wishing to dig down and understand what lay behind the actions of the period’s greatest (and not so great) generals, and their men, as they prepared for and waged war.

Conceived as part one of a three-part series to say that the author has set himself an ambitious task is something of an understatement.

Volume 1 is divided into three sections; looking at ‘War Policy’ (understanding and preparing for war), ‘Modelling the Army’, which covers everything from the Captain General down to the most junior soldier. This section includes the rather detailed responsibilities of the great and the good, be they the Master of Orndnance or the Adjutant-general to name but two. Suffice to say that the detail presented in this section is superb, in particular the narrative covering the formation and structure of infantry, cavalry and artillery the army. For those that like them, there are loads of fascinating charts and tables covering clothing and equipment issues. The final section focuses on the infantry, examining the roles of the regimental and company officers and on the tremendous amount of drill and skill at arms imposed on the men in order to make them function as soldiers.

The book is largely a compilation of British and European military manuals and texts, brought together to give the reader a complete treatise on the workings of the infantry as an arm both on and off the battlefield. Subsequent volumes will examine the same for cavalry and artillery, and the importance and science of siege warfare in the golden age of Vauban.

Unsurprisingly the book is full of a huge number of wonderful contemporary images depicting soldiers at drill, and the formations and actions they were expected to function in. It must have been a labour of love to research and write this book. I’ve never come across so much information presented clearly in such a limited space of just 300 or so pages.

I can wholeheartedly recommend this book. For someone with an interest in the armies of the late seventeenth centuries this book is simply a gold mine of information, and I look forward with great anticipation to the arrival of the next in the series.


ISBN 978-1-804510-02-5. 330 pages.

Another Fine Book

A Very Gallant Gentleman’ is yet another excellent volume from Helion’s Century of the Soldier series (No. 86 no less). The book is one of a growing patchwork of similar publications that are rapidly adding to the list of detailed histories based on a narrow focus, be it of an individual or a region. This narrow focus is a good thing for a couple of reasons. One, it allows for a much more forensic/in depth/scholarly examination of the subject matter, and two, at the present rate of publication there will come a time soon when there will be a study covering every region within the British Isles during the Civil Wars and every person of note or regiment of renown. 

This volume takes us through the life of Colonel Francis Thornhagh and the Nottinghamshire Horse until his untimely death at the Battle of Preston in 1648. Starting with some background about the family and their local parish, the book first looks at Francis’ early years leading up to the outbreak of hostilities, then two further chapters cover the years up to Parliament’s victory in 1646. Thornhagh’s contribution to the war effort is taken alongside the likes of Cromwell, Hutchinson and Poynz in the fighting against Prince Rupert and other Royalist commanders. Between 1646 and 1648 Thornhagh served as an independent MP and was a strong supporter of the army during this time.

As both an MP and commander of his regiment Thornhagh would be drawn into the events of the Second Civil War, campaigning in Wales and then in the north west, culminating in the Battle of Preston where he met his death fighting the Scots

Throughout the book we are treated to a great amount of detail. The writing is clear and engaging; I certainly feel after reading the book that I’ve learnt something about the Civil Wars and perhaps more importantly, the man, and was left wondering what he might have done with his life had he not been killed aged just 31.

The book is very well provided for with contemporary illustrations and black and white photographs of some of the key locations as they are today. There are also a number of very useful maps and some full page pen and ink illustrations by Maksim Borisov, who also produced the colour painting on the back of the book.

Another fascinating book and one I can recommend for those with any kind of interest in the British Civil Wars.

ISBN 978-1-915070-34-0 132 pages

Another Great Book

 

If the English Civil Wars are your 'thing' then this is another book for you. Helion have published yet another excellent book, yet another in a long line of books examining well known and less well known aspects of the Civil Wars.

So, when one comes across references to the Parliamentarian Army of the Eastern Association the first thing that springs (no pun intended.....ok it was) to mind is the Battle of Marston Moor, followed secondly by a certain Oliver Cromwell esq. This however is but the tip of the iceberg in terms of its impact on the progress and outcome of the First British Civil War.

The Campaigns of the Eastern Association: The Rise of Oliver Cromwell, 1642-1645 by prolific author Laurence Spring is another fine addition to Helion’s Century of the Soldier’ series. Using previously unavailable sources, namely the private papers of the Earl of Manchester, the author has been able present an in depth study of the military and political events the Association faced during its relatively short but eventful existence.

Obviously, the path to Marston Moor figures strongly in the narrative but before then the army was involved in purging the eastern counties of Royalist forces and individuals. After the victory of Marston Moor there was more campaigning culminating in second Newbury. The author doesn’t just focus on the military aspects but also provides a fascinating insight into how politics, religion and to a degree personal ambition effected the army and ultimately led to the creation of the New Model Army.

While learning about the activities and lives of the senior officers is aways interesting, the book gives us more, with a far more interesting look at the lives of the common soldiers and their experiences of the war. This is quite a hefty book, so there is plenty of space to take the reader through the events of the Civil War as experienced by the Eastern Association Army from the early days through to final campaigns in the West Country.

The book is very well illustrated with useful maps, some orders of battle, numerous contemporary black and white images and a colour centre spread of examples of colours and cornets carried by units of the army. The appendices include a detailed description of the organisation of the army and a reproduction from the journal of a member of Montague’s Regiment of Foot, showing their activities and movements.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is a tremendous addition to the Helion catalogue and is yet another from this author that is deeply researched and well written; it is surely a must for anyone with an interest in the Civil Wars.

ISBN 978-1-915113-98-6, Softback, 240 pages.

PS anyone else noticed that the drummer on the front cover is left handed?

 

The Deluge of wonderful books from Helion continues with Charles X Wars Volume 2

Charles X’s Wars, Volume 2 - The Wars in the East, 1655-1657 by Helion regular Michael Fredholm von Essen is another gem in the fabulously eclectic ‘Century of the Soldier 1618-1721’ series. As one would expect this book picks up where volume 1 left off, focussing on the ‘Swedish Deluge’, covering the devastating and somewhat complicated wars in the east between 1655 and 1657. The author begins with the Swedish-Commonwealth war but also describes in detail the simultaneous wars between the Commonwealth and Muscovy between 1654 and 1667, and Sweden and Muscovy from 1651 to 1661. While all this was going on the Ukrainian Cossacks were fighting against the oppressive behaviour of the Commonwealth.

The author presents us with the results of new research on the war rarely described in English. Describing the continued development of the post Thirty Years’ War Swedish army, he also includes comprehensive details of the diverse military of all the other combatants, i.e. the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth’s, Brandenburg-Prussia, Muscovy, the Cossack Ukraine, Transylvania, the Crimean Tatars and the soldiers of the Holy Roman Empire.

The book is beautifully illustrated with five pages of specially commissioned colour plates, depicting the flags in use by the belligerents. There are also a vast number of contemporary black and white illustrations, photographs of surviving fortifications and clothing and equipment held in museums, and some really useful and detailed maps, including several of some of the key battles fought during the conflict.

Indeed, the battle maps and orders of battle presented in the book are a tremendous asset to military historians and wargamers alike, and the list of units involved on all sides at the massive three-day battle of Warsaw is fascinating, as is the narrative describing the battle. In fact the whole book is like this, covering as it does the vast area covered and the many belligerents involved, and it worth remembering that the scope of these wars was so vast that it simply is not feasible to only cover the Swedish-Commonwealth war to the exclusion of the other contemporaneous conflicts. My favourite chapters are those covering the Muscovite invasion of Finland and Swedish territory along the Baltic coast and the involvement of the Transylvanians ( much assisted by Helion’s earlier works on the Muscovite and Transylvanian armies of this era where we have a helpful overlap).

If you have volume 1 of this series then you are already equipped with a wealth of information about the troops and armies involved and this volume applies what has been described in the earlier volume within the context of the war (or wars). I for one am looking forward to the final volume of this series which covers the Danish Wars and the conclusion the wars in the east. 

Another tremendous addition to Helion’s rapidly growing catalogue of what was once full of books on rather niche topics that have now evolved into something much more mainstream.

Paperback, ISBN978-1-915070-30-2, 220 pages

Colonial Ironsides review.

Devotees of all things from the Commonwealth and Restoration period of British history will be pleased to see this book The Colonial Ironsides, English Expeditions under the Commonwealth and Protectorate, 1650 - 1660 by Jonathon Riley. This book joins several previously published Helion books covering this era, two volumes on the Anglo-Spanish War 1655-1660 and the author’s own The Last Ironsides, gives us a wealth of information on a fascinating yet somewhat obscure subject.

This book provides a fascinating account of a less well known and studied decade of military operations, the results of which helped shape Britain’s future for centuries to come. Chapters include operations against the remaining Royalist holdouts in the Scilly Isles, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, and campaigns against the Spanish in the Caribbean and the Dutch in New Amsterdam to mention a few examples. Also important to the scope of this book are the Commonwealth’s campaigns in Europe, including the Battle of the Dunes and the siege and occupation of Dunkirk. I particularly liked the chapter describing the formation and operations of the Royalist army in exile of Charles II as he struggled to gain support for an attempt to invade and regain his father’s crown.

All of these campaigns are examined in great detail, and provide the reader with a wealth of information on such things as the leaders, political aims, the troops and ships involved, lots of potentially ‘heavy’ stuff which is in fact described quite clearly and fluently. Each chapter has its own dedicated appendix following directly on rather than all being at the of the book. It’s a different approach and one that in my opinion works well for this book given the vast amount of information being provided.

The book is very well provided for in terms of detailed and helpful maps of the theatres of war, many which being reproductions of contemporary prints. There are also a significant number of contemporary black and white images and numerous tables detailing the men, units and ships involved in each campaign.

To sum up, yet another highly recommended Helion masterpiece to fill a space on the bookcase. Readers ought not be disappointed in this excellent book. I wasn’t.

The Perfect Militia. The Stuart Trained Bands

As promised, a review of one of the Helion books I acquired a couple of weeks ago. 

This is book number 75 from Helion in their remarkable ‘Century of the Soldier’ series This is an in-depth study of The Trained Bands in England and Wales in the period 1603-1642, that is, up to the end of the Bishop’s War but NOT the Civil Wars. I knew next to nothing on the subject but I am pleasantly surprised at its content. The book is an absolute mine of fascinating information covering what must be every aspect of the Trained Bands, including commentary on the officers and men, their equipment , organisation, how they were mustered, how they served, their drill, the roles of the various civil and military officers, uniforms or lack thereof and colours. An eye opener for me was that for some reason I had never thought about the existence of cavalry amongst the ranks of the Trained Bands. Interesting too is the explanation of the often difficult relationship between the Trained Bands and the King, and the debate about their effectiveness, or more probably not, as a force for dealing with civil unrest or invasion. Perhaps thankfully they were not put to the test.

The book contains no less than nine interesting appendices. Of particular interest is the one detailing the training manuals for Derbyshire and Hampshire, the former appearing far more comprehensive, including as it does quite detailed and informative notes on the roles and responsibilities of the officers, non-commissioned officers and the drummer within the company. The final appendix brought a smile to my face, it being the reproduction of a letter purportedly reporting a sighting fairies drilling in the countryside. Perfectly normal occurrence I’m sure.

As ever a well written and informative book on an overlooked and very English institution, with some nice black and white illustrations. A fascinating book and a must for seventeenth century buffs.

“We came, We saw, God conquered” - The relief of Vienna 12 September 1683

So wrote King Jan III Sobieski of Poland in his letter to the Pope after the siege of Vienna was lifted with the defeat of the Ottomans at the battle of Khalenberg on 12 September 1683. The last game here at the Burrow on Saturday was an attempted recreation of this important victory which saved Christendom from the Turk. This wasn’t the first time I’d run this game but in the intervening four or so years I’d acquired lots more Ottomans, a few more Poles and several squadrons of Imperial Cuirassier types. I had been planning to do this game as a demo at the Battleground show in Stockton on 20 November but I’d been forced to withdraw due to my spinal problems and the chronic pain this gives me in the realisation, much to my wife’s relief, that I really can’t expect to run a massive demo game when I can barely walk. The practice/rehearsal game was all set up at home and the guys were coming round so battle was joined. 

Conrad, Neil and Richard were the forces of Christendom while Paul, Mike and I were the dastardly, er no, dashing Turks. The Christian army had spent the best part of the last 48 hours moving into position through the Vienna Woods, a vast thickly wooded area riven with steep ravines, meeting little opposition, until they emerged looking down onto the Ottoman camp and the siege lines surrounding Vienna. The battlefield was covered in vineyards and mostly burnt down small villages and hamlets, some of which had been fortified, and the main camp was protected by a long earthwork called the ‘Turkenkranz’. The photos are more or less in order but I can neither guarantee that, nor claim that it makes much difference anyway. Just enjoy the spectacle!

Janissaries occupied the burnt out village on the Ottoman right.

The Ottoman right,.

The Poles emerge from the Vienna woods!

The Ottoman centre and the Turkenkranz earthworks.

The allied left under Charles of Lorraine (Neil)

I thought it best to attack the Poles as soon as they appeared on the table. 

                                                   

The Poles surge forward

Richard's cuirassiers in the centre getting stomped!

The ottoman centre, and in the background the massed allied attack on our right.

These irregulars just had to go and charge a squadron of Saxon cuirassiers! 

Amazingly they only bounced and the cuirassiers were  already shaken so couldn't follow up.

Janissaries in the ruined village on the Ottoman right.

The Ottomans on the right were successfully holding off the combined infantry attacks from 

 a right Bertie Basset of Austrians, Brandenburgers, Saxons, Hanoverians et al!

Spahi ready to pounce on the allied attack. They never did!

The allied attack in the centre got nowhere and ultimately the central division was broken.

The allied attack against the Ottoman left.

The allied infantry were breaking like waves on the shore!

Richard in the allied centre had by now lost two of his brigades, leaving only a small  command representing Lubomirksi's auxiliary corps which was paid for directly from Imperial funds and were equipped as Western-style cuirassiers. The Turks in the centre advanced from behind their earthworks to engage b both enemy flanks.

Richard's cavalry attacking the Ottoman left before it was forced to pull back shaken.

Allied infantry assaulting the Ottoman positions in the centre.

Balkan irregulars about to be ridden down!

The Ottomans held on to the village on their right wing all day.

The Poles on the allied right piling on the pressure.

The hussars and pancerni were unstoppable!

There were 14 regiments of Polish cavalry on the right wing and they overwhelmed the much weaker Ottoman command facing them. It was a splendid sight, even if it was a brown kaftan moment!

Obligatory cute puppy shot. Toffee was a secret Ottoman at heart as she ran off with and tried to eat a few Polish infantry that had been left within reach!

The length of the battlefield from the Ottoman right.

The shots below are out of sequence but I've left them in just to add to the spectacle of what was an excellent game,

So, by 3:30 it was all over. The allies had lost their centre and their left was going nowhere, but the Ottoman left had been comprehensively steamrollered by the Poles, who were poised to roll up our flank, which they would have managed to do easily enough.....maybe?  The Ottomans were by no means destroyed but were declared the marginal losers of the battle. Much like the real affair, it wasn't a crushing allied victory but Vienna was saved his time as well. Last time we fought the battle the allies were less successful. 

The game was a tremendous spectacle and I was able to field Poles, Ottomans and my late seventeenth century armies. Everyone had a great game, although historically I reckon the Ottoman commanders will all have an appointment with a bow string while our collars size is checked!

I reckon the Polish hussars were too effective, even though I'd made them not quite as tough as in the 'Pike and Shot' book. Of course we were using Black Powder with my own stats and amendments (so more like Pike and Powder, or Black Shotte). Maybe I need to buy some more pancerni or reduce the number of hussars? Nah!