Waterloo Hanoverians - Question

[Wilkins]

I'm currently painting the 5th British Division for Waterloo and am somewhat confused by the Hanoverians. I found a few bits and pieces regarding their uniforms (although any more online sources are appreciated!) but am struggling with their flags. I am hoping someone can tell me how many flags each battalion carried and their designs. Bonus points will be awarded for whoever can tell me of someone who supplies them in 15mm!

[julesav]

Now there's a question and a half!

I think that Hanoverian flags are one of the great mysteries of the 'Hundred Days' campaign. One of the best sources I've ever found is here:

http://centjours.mont-saint-jean.com/index.php

The individual unit plates have 'tabs' that will show flag info if there is any for the unit. You probably need a little knowledge of French or to cut and past the text into Babelfish (or whatever online translator you prefer) to make the most of the info!

Cheers

Jules

[Emir of Askaristan]

I bought flags for these same units from GMB.

I struggled to find details which confirmed any specific design and so bought some. Great flags but slightly larger than Perry flagpoles, so you might need to shrink them (as I did for some) or cut a slit up the pole end and "ruffle" the flag over the bearers hand (as recommended by the Perry's in an email to me).

[Wilkins]

That's really useful information on the uniforms Julesav. Nice to see some pictures as well. (Google translate helped with the text...)

Unfortunately GMB don't do the flags in 15mm which is a pain so I'm still looking. Did each battalion carry one or two flags? Obviously most British units carried regimental and kings colours, was this the same for the Hanoverians? Trying to work out how many bags of command I need to buy!

Thanks again

[julesav]

My suggestion would be to look at Hanoverian 'flag policy' from Seven Years War and extrapolate from that! Military flag use tends to follow very 'conservative' lines! A lot of the Hanoverian units are the Germanic equivalent of French 'regiments de marche' so they are units 'cobbled together' from others for the Hundred Days - therefore with or possibly without, flags.

An alternative option would be to use 'cased colours' - the flag is wrapped around flagpole and sheathed in a protective cloth cover. The downside of this is that the unit appears to have a dull coloured sausage or kebab in place of a pretty flag!

I believe that several British units did not carry their flags on the field at Waterloo even though they had them in Belgium! I also have read that several British units felt that the fight was so desperate that they retired their colours to prevent their possible loss!

Good luck!

Cheers

Jules

[Emir of Askaristan]

I've got one flag per unit. You could scale down the gmb flags. On the other hand how with 7yw because
1) no NE knows for sure and 2) they look different enough to help you distinguish them from Brits.

[grant]

If you do but the GMB flags, you could always scale them down.

I use GMB for my Naps in 28mm and they are excellent.

[von Cyrillus]

@wilkins,
you might want to ty these:
http://flags.adolforamos.com/category.php?id_category=42
http://www.maverick-models.com/flags.htm
Cheers.
Cyrille