What if 1870s European Campaign British

[steve501]

Hi All
          My friends and I are planning a "What if" European 1870s campaign around the with Britain getting involved with France and Prussia. I am going to build a British force based on Perry British Zulu figures and was wondering whether on a European campaign I should use the Zulu war heads or the Home Service heads, I welcome all comments and advice

Thanks
Steve

[Malamute]

I'd go with the home service heads, the Zulu war sun helmet would be for tropical or sunnier climates, Africa etc.

[nickdives]

Home service heads, but some troops may have been redirected from the Tropics with no time to get their new uniforms!

[Romark]

Just a thought 🤔
How about the Perry's British Intervention Force minis from the ACW range,the Snider Enfield proceeded the Martini Henry up until 1871 so maybe not all troops received the new weapon by the time the FPW started ? 

[carlos marighela]

Home service heads. It's what troops on manouvers in the period are depicted wearing. Of course on campaign, it's just as likely to be undress service caps.

[Will Bailie]

Just a thought 🤔
How about the Perry's British Intervention Force minis from the ACW range,the Snider Enfield proceeded the Martini Henry up until 1871 so maybe not all troops received the new weapon by the time the FPW started ? 

Even if you stick with the Perry Zulu War for infantry, it will be worth looking at the BIF for cavalry and artillery.

[steve501]

Hi All

I should have said we were thinking of mid 1870's so Martini Henry. Could I still use BIF cavalry and Artillery? Perhaps using the Zulu war limber abd converting the heads.
I didn't know if the Home Service helmet would be used on campaign ?

Thanks all for comments and advice

Strve

[Will Bailie]

For 1870s inspiration, look for the LAF threads on the Prussian invasion of England:
Battle of Dorking 1875
https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=137497.msg1748502#msg1748502
Silent Invader Dorking 1875 thread:
https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=130630.0

[Will Bailie]

Hi All

I should have said we were thinking of mid 1870's so Martini Henry. Could I still use BIF cavalry and Artillery? Perhaps using the Zulu war limber abd converting the heads.
I didn't know if the Home Service helmet would be used on campaign ?

Thanks all for comments and advice

Strve

SI's blog talks about uniforms for both British and Bavarians (not sure about other Germans!)
https://badorking.blogspot.com/2023/12/british-uniform-notes-line-infantry.html

[steve501]

Hi All
Excellent guide on uniforms and blog  ithink upon reflection 1879 might be a better time period. Home Service Helmet for most of my units with perhaps a Veteran  unit returning from Africa may be worthwhile addition.

Thanks for comments and advice
Steve

[SirRoystonPapworth]

While I know you are looking at later, if you are looking at the FPW period, British infantry should be wearing a kepi, with regulars using the Martini-Henry.

[steve501]

Hi All

We have decided on 1879  "what if" War in Europe campaign and think I shall use the Home Service Helmet. I'm also thinking of using the RML 9pdr guns and a couple of Gatling guns any thoughts or advice

Thanks
Steve

[carlos marighela]

9 pdr RMLs would be period appropriate. I don't know of anyone producing gun crews in home service helmets so you might need to do a bit of surgery.

Gatlings would give you the option of deploying some RN gun crews if you fancied, or you could substitute a Nordenfeldt for the RN teams.