On to Herat 2

The Qajar had been one of Iran’s great nomadic tribes prior to seizing the throne.  Naturally enough they could field a lot of cavalry in their armies. All of the following are from Irregular Miniatures.

These are hard charging Kurd armoured lancers handy enough if you could get them into the opponent’s cavalry.

Here are Qajar tribesmen happy to fire from horseback and then, if things went well to charge home with the sabre.

The composite bow lingered among some troops sometimes with a sword and occasionally with the lance too.

At various times the Qajar had access to troops from the Caucasus.

There were also irregular infantry armed with the long range jezzail which they often used with a supporting rest.  So, all in all an army with table top potential.

On to Herat

I came late to colonial wargaming but always enjoyed reading about the period.  Eventually I came to realise that the wars were much more closely contested than Edwardian historians would have us believe and that good games were there to be had.

This led by way of India and the Crimea to collecting a Persian army of the Qajar Dynasty.  Pretty much all of the Great Powers had a go at making friends and influencing the Qajar and the imprint of French, Russians and British can be discerned on their army.

It is not one of those stand out battle winning forces but it has its points.  The artillery was good and the regular infantry could be a tough proposition.  The regular cavalry was somewhat inhibited by its European kit but comprised of good basic material.  For novelty, it’s hard to beat Camel guns and the Qajar had lots of those. As you can see they were a colourful bunch which adds to the attraction.  

There were lots of irregular troops too we will see them next time.

On a couple of occasions rumours swept India that the Shah was on his way to expel the Raj.  It has the makings of a great ‘What if? First of course the Shah would need to take Herat.

A Rising Tide

We are being spoilt, and we need more of it, by manufacturers of 15mm figures for the Carlist War.  QRF have released their second batch of Cristinos in the form of command and flank company figures. You can see them here light battalion in green and line in blue.

Lots of variety as you can see.

The background wall is from QRF.

To add to the joy a Spanish Company https://totentanzminiatures.wordpress.com/ is releasing the first part (infantry) of a new Carlist War range this month.  I am hoping both ranges are going to be compatible sizewise.  That would be wonderful.

Prussian Progress

Slowly but surely Frederick’s army, or part of it, comes into view. 

Here are the Von Belling Hussars who will be getting a guidon as Frederick denied most Hussar regiments flags.  The little white dots on the Mirltons are my attempt at creating an impression of a semi reclining skeleton.

The Truchseb Dragoons below with a nice flag from Kronoscaf.

The first Prussian battery is done, two to go.

Back to the Carlist War next.