Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Age of the Big Battalions => Topic started by: traveller on 26 September 2015, 08:27:21 PM
-
Considering the increasing interest for the 1864 war between Denmark and Austria/Prussia I plan to upload what I have gathered regarding uniforms. To keep it together I will add to this first post rather than spreading it out in several posts. A special thanks to Danish LAF member ts who has provided the bulk of the detailed information on uniforms. I also will try to add a list of printed sources on the end of this post. Please feel free to add what you have! and let our Danish members correct our mistakes ;)
Short overview of the war
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/Karta_zpsoe9kmhp5.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/Karta_zpsoe9kmhp5.jpg.html)
Feb 1 Allies cross river Ejder and march into Schleswig
Feb 2 Allies attack Mysunde but are repelled
Feb 3 Austrians capture important positions on the heights at Kongshöj in front of Danevirke
Feb 5 Danish army evacuate Danevirke
Feb 6 Battle of Sankelmark where the Danes halt the pursuing Austrians
March 8 Allies capture Vejle
April 2-3 Allies bombard Sönderborg
April 18 Allied assault on Dybböl
April 28 Allies capture Fredricia
May 9 Naval battle of Helgoland
May 9 Truce
June 29 Prussian landing on Als
July 3 Action at Lundby
July 20 Peace treaty where Denmark lose Holstein, Lauenburg and Schleswig
Danish Line Infantry
All Danish Infantry Regiments had more or less the same uniform:
-Dark blue tunic
-Light blue trousers
-Dark blue kepi, except the 18th Regiment which used a shako
-Black leather Equipment, due to shortages this could come in different forms including the old Holstein equipment that can be seen on the Soldiers in light blue overcoats below.
-Dark grey (almost black) greatcoat, however the cold weather caused shortages which forced the use of old greatcoats from the First Slesvig War as well as new ones in sewn in any material available. These were light blue (see Pictures below). The majority of the infantry units had therefore a mix of light blue and dark grey greatcoats. Even though it was the ambition to have only one colour within a unit, this had to be abandoned and a mix of different colours prevailed. One of the few units that had only dark grey greatcoats was the 15th Infantry Regiment.
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20infantry/Danish%20Infantry%20officers%201864_zpshsjlnnun.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20infantry/Danish%20Infantry%20officers%201864_zpshsjlnnun.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20infantry/Danish%20Infantry%201864_zpsky71lnua.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20infantry/Danish%20Infantry%201864_zpsky71lnua.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20infantry/Danish%20army%201864%20uniforms_zps8gmyigwg.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20infantry/Danish%20army%201864%20uniforms_zps8gmyigwg.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20infantry/IMG_1621_zpspw8ziznp.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20infantry/IMG_1621_zpspw8ziznp.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20infantry/Danish%20infantry%201864%205_zps1fldlxxm.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20infantry/Danish%20infantry%201864%205_zps1fldlxxm.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20infantry/Infantry%20image_zpsl8yltxg5.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20infantry/Infantry%20image_zpsl8yltxg5.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20infantry/Foumlrposterna%20a_zps2iz5cyaw.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20infantry/Foumlrposterna%20a_zps2iz5cyaw.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20infantry/Foumlrposterna%20b_zpsm8cgp8c7.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20infantry/Foumlrposterna%20b_zpsm8cgp8c7.jpg.html)
Danish Life Guard
Considering the Austrian/Prussian superiority in numbers, Denmark had to bring all available units to the front, including the Royal Life Guard. In contrast to their heavy involvement in the First Slesvig War, they were not involved(not considering a cancelled amphibious landing in Holstein) until the Prussian assault as Dybböl April 18, 1864. As they were sent forward in support they were pinned down by artillery and had to retreat with casualties without taking part in the defence of the redoubts. It is worth to note that the Life Guard used the red coat with single row of button only until 1848. Thereafter the blue coat with double rows of buttons was used in the field. It was the same as the line infantry tunic but with some silver decorations. In 1855-56 the red coat was re-introduced but only for ceremonial purposes while the blue coat remained the field uniform and was used in 1864. The leather equipment was black and the same type of dark grey greatcoat as the line infantry was used. The bearskin headgear was used in the field.
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Life%20Guard/Livgarde%201864%20Field%20Uniform_zpst5e929qs.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Life%20Guard/Livgarde%201864%20Field%20Uniform_zpst5e929qs.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Life%20Guard/Danish%20infantry%201864%20Guards_zpstlcc4obb.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Life%20Guard/Danish%20infantry%201864%20Guards_zpstlcc4obb.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Life%20Guard/Guard%20Drummer%20boy_zps6lifb8cf.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Life%20Guard/Guard%20Drummer%20boy_zps6lifb8cf.jpg.html)
A few more images from the First Schleswig War 1848-1850, another war but the same uniform as 1864, even if the Guard must have used the overcoat at Dybböl 1864:
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Life%20Guard/Livgarde%201848_zpswjfoyx5n.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Life%20Guard/Livgarde%201848_zpswjfoyx5n.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Life%20Guard/1848%20dybboslashl_zpsflkdytic.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Life%20Guard/1848%20dybboslashl_zpsflkdytic.jpg.html)
Aarö Strejfkorps
In March 1864, Premierlieutenant Bendt Aaroe, a Company commander from the 17th Infantry Regiment was given the task to organize a "special force" for the purpose of reconnaissance and raiding behind enemy lines. It should be noted though that while the officers were experienced, the rank and file was more enthusiastic volunteers rather than "trained commandos". Modus operandi was to make surprise landings behind enemy lines, hence the need for sea transport. The force grew during the coming months but the initial organization was as follows:
Commander: Premierlieutenant Bendt Aaroe
Danish Infantry Detachment: Second Lieutenant Bjerager with 148 men
Swedish/Norwegian Infantry Detachment: Premierlieutenant Baron von Raab (Swedish) with 40 men
Cavalry detachment: Second Lieutenant Baumann with 24 dragoons
A small flottilla: Steamer Aurora, Steam tug Marie and "Iron Troop Transport Vessel Nr 5"
The uniforms for the infantry detachments were standard line infantry issue. The dragoons seems also to have used the infantry uniform rather than the more distinctive Dragoon uniform which will be shown later in this post. Considering that this was a force that should operate behind enemy lines, it would be easy to imagine that the standard Danish uniform was not always used.
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/Aaro%20Strejfkorps/Aarouml%20strejfkorps_zpskj8qwjwv.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/Aaro%20Strejfkorps/Aarouml%20strejfkorps_zpskj8qwjwv.jpg.html)
Dragoons below
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/Aaro%20Strejfkorps/Aarouml%20Cavalry_zpsf8bykrqp.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/Aaro%20Strejfkorps/Aarouml%20Cavalry_zpsf8bykrqp.jpg.html)
The Officers
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/Aaro%20Strejfkorps/500_zpsyjhjtvue.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/Aaro%20Strejfkorps/500_zpsyjhjtvue.jpg.html)
Danish artillery
Denmark did not lack number of guns but they were muzzle loaders of inferior quality compared to the enemy guns. In the fortresses and redoubts there was a plethora of different guns and calibers. Most of them were smoothbore or old rifled guns only fit to fire canister. Around half of the field artillery consisted of the old 1834 system with iron, muzzleloader, smoothbore guns in caliber 6, 12 and 24. The other half was the more modern 1861 and 1863 sýstem muzzleloaders, which were rifled guns in caliber 4, 12 and 24. The artillery uniform was similar to the infantry but with dark blue trousers.
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Artillery/Danish%20field%20Artillery%201864_zps0wfm1hyx.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Artillery/Danish%20field%20Artillery%201864_zps0wfm1hyx.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Artillery/Danish%20artillery1864%201_zpsqnjk4yu3.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Artillery/Danish%20artillery1864%201_zpsqnjk4yu3.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Artillery/4lb%20rifle_zps6gipomhj.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Artillery/4lb%20rifle_zps6gipomhj.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Artillery/6%20lb%20smoothbore%20-%20ball_zpsclzgyyaq.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Artillery/6%20lb%20smoothbore%20-%20ball_zpsclzgyyaq.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Artillery/24%20lb%20smoothbore_zpshbdq2iak.png) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Artillery/24%20lb%20smoothbore_zpshbdq2iak.png.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Artillery/1864%20gun_zpsynqyjzh1.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Artillery/1864%20gun_zpsynqyjzh1.jpg.html)
Cavalry
The only cavalry type that participated to any extent in the conflict were the six Dragoon Regiments. The Dragoons wore a light blue tunic and light blue trousers. A black leather helmet was used and leather Equipment was white. In cold weather a wide light blue coat was worn. It was made of a very strong fabric, so resistant that the Prussian cavalry was ordered to stab rather than slash with their swords to be able to penetrate it.
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Cavalry/IMG_1625_zps7jkcwg7c.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Cavalry/IMG_1625_zps7jkcwg7c.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Cavalry/IMG_1631%20-%20Copy_zpssf4is6kc.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Cavalry/IMG_1631%20-%20Copy_zpssf4is6kc.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Cavalry/Winter%20landscape%20with%20dragoons%20on%20horseback.%20Signed%20and%20dated%20K.%20Hansen%20Reistrup%201920.%20Oil%20on%20canvas.%2050%20x%2064%20cm._zpsskj975vr.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Cavalry/Winter%20landscape%20with%20dragoons%20on%20horseback.%20Signed%20and%20dated%20K.%20Hansen%20Reistrup%201920.%20Oil%20on%20canvas.%2050%20x%2064%20cm._zpsskj975vr.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Cavalry/2014-03-21_232722_zpsb4ozicc5.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Cavalry/2014-03-21_232722_zpsb4ozicc5.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Cavalry/image_zpsh9dznemy.png) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Cavalry/image_zpsh9dznemy.png.html)
One episode that have become a legend was the fate of Dragoon Niels Kjeldsen. He was part of a forward picket consisting of one corporal and six men from the 4th squadron of the 6th Dragoon Regiment on the Kolding-Vejle road February 28th. They were attacked by a force of Prussian Guard Hussars. The Danish dragoons made a desperate attempt to reach their main force but were caught by the Prussians faster horses. The corporal and two dragoons were able to escape while three dragoons were taken prisoner. The last dragoon Kjeldsen fought alone against his assailants until he was killed by a pistol shot. Below is a number of paintings describing the incident:
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Cavalry/Niels%20Kjeldsen%201_zpsmrjqfy75.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Cavalry/Niels%20Kjeldsen%201_zpsmrjqfy75.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Cavalry/Niels%20Kjeldsen%202_zps0cw0dzmv.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Cavalry/Niels%20Kjeldsen%202_zps0cw0dzmv.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Cavalry/IMG_0675_zpsjvdhwscs.png) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Cavalry/IMG_0675_zpsjvdhwscs.png.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Cavalry/Niels%20Kjeldsen%204_zpsvjznt9vm.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Cavalry/Niels%20Kjeldsen%204_zpsvjznt9vm.jpg.html)
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Travellera/1864/1864%20Cavalry/2014-09-20_012250_zpsthhatk0l.jpg) (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/Travellera/media/1864/1864%20Cavalry/2014-09-20_012250_zpsthhatk0l.jpg.html)
Sources
"Uniformer, Faner og Våben" by Walbom-Pramvig 1988
"Uniformer og Udrustning" by Kannik 1964
"Bismarck´s First War" byEmbree 2006
"Uniformer i färg" by Kannik 1969
to be continued...
-
Excellent info, keep it coming
-
Great info
-
I agree,this should be very useful,please keep it going :)
-
Anyone missing details of uniforms so far? Something to be added?
-
Great info so far Traveller,certainly enough to cover the initial Northstar releases,would the Northstar Austrian dragoons work as a proxy for the Danes do you think ???
-
Great info so far Traveller,certainly enough to cover the initial Northstar releases,would the Northstar Austrian dragoons work as a proxy for the Danes do you think ???
Judging from the photo on the Northstar website it looks like a promising proxy. I would though like to find one with an overcoat so maybe there might be some Napoleonic dragoons that might work ???
Maybe these if you make some work on the helmet?
https://www.perry-miniatures.com/product_info.php?cPath=23_28_72&products_id=3097
-
Excellent, thank you for sharing.
-
Very useful, many thanks.
-
We had a great game last night doing the Schleswig war in 28mm
(http://s1.postimg.org/bbrz49r9r/P1040031.jpg) (http://postimage.org/)
image posting (http://postimage.org/)
(http://s1.postimg.org/qbox5uxjj/P1040048.jpg) (http://postimage.org/)
upload photo (http://postimage.org/)
Still got to edit a number of photos for the Victorian Steel web site, these will go up in two weeks time.
Uniforms for the Holstein army, try the 1st corps miniatures and get hold of the american infantry with flat caps, exactly the same uniform, i also used the Mexican hussars as my death heads, Redoubt miniatures have a wide range of ACW in flock coats and best of all they have the havlocks which can be used for the oil skin covers, they also have them in capes.
Took us ages searching around for figures that would be suitable, even the perry plastic Prussian Landwehr could be painted up to use in the war.
-
Love the Dragoons,charging thru the village ,just like the painting.
-
Never thought of that Juergen, well spotted
-
What did you use for the Danish dragoons?
-
Emir,I think they are the Northstar Austrian Dragoons with a different paint job ? Could be wrong though :)
-
Emir,I think they are the Northstar Austrian Dragoons with a different paint job ? Could be wrong though :)
You are correct
-
Thought as much, not seen them other than in the retail pics. Good to know they're close enough to to get away with.
-
And they are fantastic models
-
Updated with some great plates by Knötel
-
Good news on Northstar Facebook:
Spotlight on! Our Danish Infantry for the war of 1864. I watched the TV series '1864' last night, most excellent. We'll be releasing artillery pieces for the Danes this month, closely followed by Dragoons and Lifeguards. And we have Prussian Hussars on the horizon.
-
Hurra!
-
Hi
I have just started researching 28mm figures for the 1864 campaign. I was really surprised at the dearth of figures on offer so I have been trying to locate any other figures which can be adapted.
So far I am going to use the Spencer Smith 30mm Wurttemburg Infantry as Danish Troops in full Dress. I have a large Prussian force in Helion/ North Star figures so I need the figures to be reasonably tall but also well proportioned.
The Wurttemburg infantry are reasonably close with a small adjustment to the Kepi. The side bag on the left is covering the sword bayonet rather than behind it but I can live with that! The belly pouch is close to the Holstein pouch used by some Danish units.
Danish Dragoons in full dress can be made from the Spencer Smith Austrian 1859 Dragoons. The bulky greatcoat can be added with Milliput. The Hussars can be modified from the Spencer Smith Austrian 1859 Hussars or possibly the Holger Ericsson Danish Guard Hussars (Later uniform but not many changes in style)
Artillery can be made up from ACW frock coated gunners.
The Guard Grenadiers are more of a problem. The Perry Intervention Force British Guards have a Blanket roll over the shoulders which is not depicted on Danish units during the War (Was this to prevent confusion with Prussian/Austrian forces?)
Field guns can be sourced from North Star or other ACW style guns ( Steve Barber models has some interesting styles which may be useful). The only Fortress artillery is from North Star at present.
Can anyone confirm details of the Danish Kepi? Most units seem to have the authorised pattern but a lot of illustrations show a more ACW pattern. Is this the older patterns used by replacements or the regulation style in a worn condition?
De Meza
-
Northstar and Eureka make wonderful Danish Infantry ,I have both side by side .plus the Defunct Waterloo to Mons inf. Also the Northstar guncrews are great. I used the Perry stuff for the Guard . I used Miriliton and Battlehonours Austrian dragoons for Danish.And Battlehonours Austrian Hussars full dress for Danish Life Guards.I was lucky to buy Waterloo to Mons Officers when I did .Remember Wurttembrg inf,has the shoulder roll. Anyway I really like the Northstar,and Eureka comes in winter or summer dress.You can always checkout the Schleswig wars Yahoo site.
-
Great resource here, well done!! :)
-
The Danish kepi is different from the ACW ones since the visor is angled downwards and therefore worn differently. It also has a chinstrap. Northstar got these details right. It is also worth noting that the Danish frock had two rows of buttons which unfortunately disqualifies ACW frocks (except some ACW officers). It also rules out Perry BIF to be used as the Guards. All of course depending on how picky you are 8)
I find Northstar Danes, Prussians and Austrians to be the best bet. The biggest challenge to me is the Danish dragoons in greatcoat.
-
I found an interesting Danish article explaining the use of flags in the Danish army in 1864:
https://krigsvidenskab.dk/emne/haerens-faner-i-krigen-1864
The flags were kept in their cases (unlike the 1848 war were they were used unfurled in battle) and only small company marker flags were used. The size was 50-70 cm square or rectangular and were used to mark the position of each company. The flag pattern were the Danish red with a white cross and yellow letters displaying the number of the Regiment/Battalion(upper left) and the number of the company (lower left). Some illustrative examples:
(https://i.postimg.cc/1XGpDMbM/Company-marker-10-Inf-Reg.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/8C7MZTq7/Company-marker.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/JnpMZSbr/Danish-army-1864-uniforms-Copy.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
-
Many thanks, traveller, the information about 1864 Danish flags is very interesting!
Logically, the "quarter flags" would be used only by infantry. But what about cavalry? Did the Dragoon Regiments / Squadrons use no standards in 1864? And what did they look like?
Cheers,
Peter
-
I would expect that the cavalry also kept their colours in their casings. The cavalry was used only in a reconnaissance and patrol role. The biggest engagement was at Vorbasse Feb 29 involving some 100 dragoons involved but mostly only skirmishing with Prussian/Austrian patrols. An example of a dragoon flag below (1842):
(https://i.postimg.cc/zvJw55hS/1-BC32310-8-FF6-440-E-9-C8-E-2-E879-E559-BE4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xJ4Nywtc)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mrj2JsbG/E8-D0-AA31-6-DCA-47-D8-AD3-A-EACA262-F9799.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LqqpgGYy)
-
Thank, traveller.
I think you are right about the colours. Even at Vorbasse, the Danish Dragoons were not prepared for a larger engagement and had to improvise anyway (which they did in a splendid manner!).
Cheers,
Peter
-
Very useful stuff indeed. Much appreciated. I've fancied doing this for a while but stuck on a decent rule set that would cope. V&B seems an obvious choice for the various Bismarckian wars but then the major battle of the war is Dybbøl and for flavour you really want something that will give a bit more granularity, well at least I do and of course you want to model the redoubts. Most things for the period are geared at corps and above level engagements, which is a bit OTT for this war.