The Peninsular has it all!

[vodkafan]

I always intended (when I eventually  got around to it) to do my Napoleonics as a sort of Waterloo dreamteam brigade with three different regiments of infantry, a squadron of cavalry and a battery of guns. I was attracted mostly by the uniforms. I thought the Waterloo period was where it was at.
I have been dragged into the Peninsular instead sort of by accident, first by buying up Rumacara's discarded miniatures at a bargain price, then a skirmish game with my friend has.been with his interesting rules. Now has.been has lent me an interesting hard to get French book. Only read the Foreword and Preface so far (yes, I am one of those people who read those)
I had the idea that The Peninsular was a mere side show, just a bit of a snacky starter to the main course over in Europe in 1815. How wrong I was!
It was a major conflict , for the French more akin to the American experience in Vietnam.  200,000 French killed over 8 years, an average of 300 soldiers per day. It has it all! Big battles, little battles, terrible bloody sieges, good generals and incompetent generals on both sides, spies, politics, dangerous and barely controllable guerilla factions, and harsh terrain and climate. And still some nice uniforms 
I am hooked!   

[Jabba]

Welcome to the Iberian peninsula.  Rumacara is also useful for info on the Portuguse army, obviously,  when you get started.
As you say so many options for gaming.

Tony.

[Andrew_McGuire]

Without wishing to be a peninsular pedant, I feel that I ought to correct another misconception: it's peninsula, not peninsular, when relating to the geographical area, as in your post. The conflict is the Peninsular War because that's an adjective. Unfortunately some rule sets get this wrong, even after several editions.

[vodkafan]

Without wishing to be a peninsular pedant, I feel that I ought to correct another misconception: it's peninsula, not peninsular, when relating to the geographical area, as in your post. The conflict is the Peninsular War because that's an adjective. Unfortunately some rule sets get this wrong, even after several editions.

Thanks for pointing that out the distinction Andrew, although I was actually referring to the conflict itself rather than the geographical formation; you are right I should use the full title in future.

[vodkafan]

Welcome to the Iberian peninsula.  Rumacara is also useful for info on the Portuguse army, obviously,  when you get started.
As you say so many options for gaming.

Tony.

Yes he has offered to help me out with any uniform queries I might have. I have no doubt I will have many!

[Bindonblood]

Also, 200000 soldiers over 8 years is only (!) 68.45 a day, not 300.

300 a day would be 876000 over the course of 8 years.

[vodkafan]

Also, 200000 soldiers over 8 years is only (!) 68.45 a day, not 300.

300 a day would be 876000 over the course of 8 years.

Interesting! I hadn't done the math myself, I was quoting the foreword....

[Harry Faversham]

Is it this book...

[vodkafan]

Yes that's it!

[Harry Faversham]

Good read, a bit fanciful, just like his scribblings about Waterloo!

 

[has.been]

I like the book, as it is just the kind of book I want to get for any new (to me) campaign.
It includes enough information (uniforms, battles, terrain etc.) for me to wargame it,
without drowning me in information.
Looking at, just some of, the reproduced paintings & you can see where various people got their ideas for
 Guerrillas figures. 

[Bindonblood]

Sorry Vodkafan, it had been a stressful day at work. Reading my post again it was a tad blunt.

I have that book too. It's very good (and pro French)  my favourite illustration is of the skirmishing highlands...

[vodkafan]

Sorry Vodkafan, it had been a stressful day at work. Reading my post again it was a tad blunt.

I have that book too. It's very good (and pro French)  my favourite illustration is of the skirmishing highlands...

No worries!  Unwind and paint some figures sir. I will look for that pic....

[Cubs]

There's so much scope for different scenarios, from Sharpe-style skirmishes to huge battles and everything inbetween including less gamed actions: ambushes, sieges, naval raids, rescue missions, demolition and saboutage ... such fun.

Terrain can vary from mountains to plains, vital bridges over rivers, towns & villages, valleys, forts ... loads of good stuff to help you create a wonderful battlefield.

Forces can vary as well, not just in nationality but quality as well, from regulars to militia and guerrillas.

It's such a rich and diverse source of ideas.

[vodkafan]

I might never get on to the Waterloo stuff....