日本語化(Napoleon)/localisation.loc/30001-32589/30701-30800(Original)

unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Cav_Light_Light_Dragoons \n\nDragoon’s horses are primarily for mobility, but they are also fast and can deliver a reasonably effective charge. These characteristics make light dragoons effective against skirmishers and artillery: they can close quickly enough to not suffer too many casualties. When mounted, they are effective with their curved sabres, but to use their carbines they must dismount first. On foot, they are vulnerable to enemies in melee.\n\nHistorically, light dragoons often performed as a kind of police force, and were useful in suppressing riotous and rebellious civilians. Their horses give them strategic mobility, allowing them to control large areas and quickly come to the aid of the local, civil authorities. As the 18th Century drew to a close, they had lost their role as mounted infantry and most became another kind of light cavalry, although they retained the dragoon name. The officers and men welcomed the change, as “proper” cavalrymen had glamour for the ladies, a higher social status, and better pay rates! False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Cav_Light_Mamelukes \n\nMounted on seemingly tireless light horses and armed with scimitars, they are commonly employed to harass an enemy force, restricting its space to manoeuvre easily. Once battle is fully joined, they will often time their charges to coincide with those of a supporting infantry unit, seeking to break the enemy quickly then wreak havoc amongst them as they flee. Their only real weakness is when facing well-trained European infantry capable of forming square.\n\nMameluks were traditionally slave-soldiers of the various caliphs and sultans of the Middle Ages, captured as children and raised in the Islamic faith to provide their master with a force of men unconnected to any part of the social hierarchy. Over time, the Mameluks accrued power of their own and even went as far as seizing control of Egypt, founding a Mameluk Sultanate in 1250. Though the Mameluks’ strength enabled the Sultanate to repel several invasions by Christian crusaders and Mongols, they were eventually overpowered by the Ottoman Empire in 1517 and entered into the service of the Sublime Porte. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Cav_Light_Ottoman_Deli_Horsemen \n\nThese troops are recruited from many peoples, and have an ethos of personal, rather than collective, bravery. They are armed with curved sabres and these can cause terrible wounds in hand-to-hand combat. Although they are skilled in close combat and cavalry charges, Deli Horsemen are primarily favoured for their speed across ground. This makes them an obvious choice to destroy vulnerable skirmishers and artillery.\n\nHistorically, Deli infantrymen and cavalry were irregular troops, and horsemen would often find employment guarding caravans and important dignitaries. By the late 18th century, the elite horsemen of the feudal Sipahis had largely disappeared, and most of the Ottoman cavalry force was made up of the irregular Deli horse. They had no uniforms to speak of, but could be recognised by their black felt hats. The other point of recognition, for as long as an enemy lived, was their spectacular mixture of whatever weaponry they could find or steal! False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Cav_Light_Russian_Pavlograd_Hussars \n\nAll hussars have “dash” and a touch of derring-do in their collective attitude towards war. Pavlograd hussars are, without exception, excellent horsemen, ideal for chasing down skirmishers and overrunning artillery units. Though their charge is powerful, they are still weak against infantry in square and will suffer losses in prolonged close combat. Instead, they are better used to quickly attack, then break away and attack again.\n\nThe Pavlograd Hussars were immortalised in Tolstoy’s epic novel “War and Peace”, but their fame was well established before Tolstoy penned his masterpiece. In 1797, a young Georgian officer, Spiridon Zhevahov, took command of the Pavlograd Hussars and led them to impressive triumphs against Napoleon’s forces. The Hussars shocked the French by crushing the 3rd Lancers of the Young Guard, part of Napoleon’s personal guard. To add insult to injury, they also managed to capture the 3rd Lancers’ standard, a major blow to French prestige. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Cav_Miss_Bedouin_Camel_Gunners \n\nHorses cannot stand the smell of camels, and this gives all camel riders the advantage in melee. However, these soldiers are most effective when using their firepower to harass enemies, whittling down their numbers to the point where a charge will break them. They are also swift and very manoeuvrable, and this can be used to keep them out of trouble as well as send them to a critical point in battle. They will not, however, survive for long if they are sent against a disciplined and well-handled line infantry unit.\n\nHistorically, the Bedouin people talked before resorting to the feud, although they were very adept at defending themselves when needed. Life in the desert was harsh and unforgiving, and unnecessary squabbles or attempts to save face through violence did nothing for a man’s survival. The Bedouin were raiders on other folk but that was a matter of survival, and directed, as often as not, against outsiders. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Cav_Miss_French_Dromedary_Cavalry \n\nFearsome and powerful beasts, these camels terrify regular cavalry horses with their distinctive reek. Their long limbs and striding gait make them incredibly manoeuvrable; their riders are armed with sabres and carbines, and excel in skirmish warfare. Able to effectively avoid trouble, their only major tactical weakness is when engaged in prolonged attacks against well-trained infantry or in melee against a superior cavalry unit.\n\nHistorically, camel cavalry were often used to panic enemy horses. All horses, unless accustomed to camels, hate their smell and became uncontrollable when near them. Camels have proven to be extremely useful beasts throughout the world: the one-humped dromedaries are now largely domesticated, with only a few living wild in their original homelands. There are, however, estimated to be 300,000 wild camels in Australia, escapees from the herd brought in to act as transport in the desert interior. At the time of writing, the Australian authorities are considering a cull, as the camel has no natural predators in the outback. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Cav_Miss_Ottoman_Shaturnal_Camel_Gunners \n\nThese men have been hardened for battle by the merciless nature of the desert, a place that is utterly unforgiving to the weak. A man who cannot fight is unlikely to survive the life of feuding and banditry that is his lot. Unlike many of their enemies, the shaturnal camel gunners are extremely swift and manoeuvrable force, and have perfected their skirmish tactics. An extra edge in combat is gained from their camels: enemy horses are easily scared by these gurning, spitting creatures!\n\nHistorically, a shaturnal was a kind of swivel gun mounted on the back of a camel or an elephant. Rather than using the camel to simply transport the gun, the weapon was actually fired with the gun still attached to the animal. Because there was no need to dismount to use the weapon, it could be brought into action very quickly. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Cav_Stand_Chevauxlegers \n\nThe Chevauxleger regiments may not be the strongest or fastest cavalry, but their courage cannot be faulted. What they lack in specialisation they compensate for by versatility: they can be set almost any cavalry task to do. A wise commander needs to bear in mind that they should not be pitted against heavier, more professional cavalry. Instead, they can be used to attack light infantry or as relief for beleaguered comrades.\n\nThe Austrian cavalry of the Napoleonic Wars were one of the most powerful forces of the period, but they were often hampered by the poor quality of regimental officers. Officially, good officers were recognised as vital to success, even more so than having good men in the rank and file. Yet favouritism, patronage and personal politics meant that command positions were often given to men with the right connections. Idiots, reckless fools and cowards could be, and were, appointed to command. If they were lucky, the men of their regiments were good enough to save them and their reputations. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Cav_Stand_Portuguese_Cavalry \n\nPortuguese horses, although hardy and reliable, are neither large nor fast enough to be used for heavy or light cavalry. For this reason, they are used as mounts in a kind of all-purpose cavalry, slower than light cavalry and weaker than most heavy cavalry units. Despite this lack of specialisation, they are still useful on the battlefield and fight courageously. They must be deployed with a little care, as charging them into well-trained line infantry squares will only lead to heavy losses.\n\nHistorically, cavalry regiments were the weakest arm of the Portuguese forces. They had difficulty raising effective cavalry due to Portugal’s lack of natural resources required to produce remounts. It was hard to find enough forage to sustain the horses, and the native animals were not large, or swift. As a result, Portuguese cavalry was never organised as specialised regiments and failed to fulfil the needed tactical roles. To be fair, Portugal simply did not have the spare land required for large herds of horses. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Cav_Stand_Spanish_Line_Cavalry \n\nArmed with a traditional straight sword, as opposed to the ever-popular sabre, these cavalrymen are a multipurpose unit. They are light enough to chase down a routing enemy, but heavy enough to charge effectively into enemy lines. However, their versatility comes at the cost of specialisation: should they be pitted against the likes of horse guards, their lack of specialist training will become apparent. \n\nSpain and the Peninsular War proved to be a major part in the downfall of Napoleon and this was thanks, in part, to his older brother Joseph. Joseph helped his brother to take control of France during the revolution and was rewarded with the throne of Naples in 1806. His time as king was brief, and he was soon sent elsewhere when Spain fell under Napoleon’s control. Napoleon needed someone he could trust on the Spanish throne and Joseph was the obvious choice. However, French occupation of Spain was unpopular to say the least and Joseph never really managed to gain a steady grip on the country. French control was eventually broken at the Battle of Vitoria and Joseph abdicated, fleeing back to France. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Frigate_24 \n\nThis 24-gun ship is not a ship-of-the-line, and would not last long in combat against such an opponent. Rather than heavy firepower, it is built for speed and easy handling; the guns on board are much lighter than those used by even the smallest battle ship. A frigate is not suited to close combat, its hull and masts would not survive a heavy enemy broadside. Instead, their advantage lies in the long range qualities of their relatively accurate 9-pounder guns, and their manoeuvrability against lumbering ships. They can, quite simply, outmanoeuvre larger opponents, and choose to run if the odds are against them.\n\nHistorically, a frigate’s guns were all mounted together on a single deck well above the waterline. Warships often had their guns split between the upper and lower decks, and during rough weather would have to close the lower gun ports to prevent swamping. A frigate had no guns close to the waterline, so was not handicapped by this problem and could deploy all its guns all the time. A frigate was seen as a desirable posting for a young officer, as it offered the chance of prize money and the chance to be noticed as a dashing and brave commander. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Frigate_32 \n\nThis square-rigged ship is armed with 12-pounders on the only gun deck. The cannons it carries do not have the same punch as the guns found on larger ships, but they are more than capable of damaging smaller ships. The speed and handling characteristics of a 32-gun frigate allow it to choose when and where to engage a slower enemy. Whereas most ships must blast away at close range, this frigate can pepper an enemy at a distance.\n\nThe first 32-gun frigates were introduced in 1756 and classed as “fifth rates” by the Royal Navy. The Southampton-class of frigates were British built and had more headroom on the lower deck than the French frigate models. British frigates had been derived from the French designs: the British were impressed with the French design, and copied captured examples for their own fleet. Although not usually commanded by a full captain, a frigate was a desirable ship for an ambitious officer as it gave him a taste of independent command. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Frigate_38 \n\nThis frigate is the largest design of the type, and the relatively heavy 18-pounders it carries balance both firepower and reasonable accuracy. Against another frigate, the 38 is a dangerous opponent, but in close combat against a ship-of-the-line it is outmatched: like all frigates, it has been built for speed, not hull strength. In battle against a powerful enemy the best strategy is to keep out of range, and choose when and where to engage, taking advantage of the fact that the crew can reload the 18-pounders relatively quickly.\n\nHistorically, frigates were usually involved in single-ship actions, against other frigates rather than set-piece fleet battles involving ships-of-the-line. In fact, it was seen as ungentlemanly for a ship-of-the-line to fire upon a frigate, unless the frigate fired first. In such a case, the frigate captain had shown that he was ready for a fight that he was unlikely to win. This was not the only quirky rule of naval combat in the period. It was common to “clear for action” and put the captain’s furniture in a ship’s boat that was towed during any fight. It was considered very unsporting for an enemy to shoot at a captain’s private property! False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Frigate_British_Razee \n\nIn effect, a small ship of the line is sawn in two, horizontally, and the top deck removed completely. The resulting ship has a hull that was originally constructed to withstand the recoil of heavy guns and, as a result, it is far stronger than an ordinary, purpose-built frigate. The loss of a deck and guns improves the ship’s handling too, and a razee is manoeuvrable and speedy. The overall result is a very strong, powerful vessel that is better than its donor battleship or a frigate.\n\nHistorically, few razees were actually made, as sacrificing a ship-of-the-line to make a weaker vessel was not an action that many admiralties could get their political masters to approve. However, one of the most successful examples was HMS Indefatigable, under Edward Pellew. In the company of another frigate, Pellew took on, and defeated, the Droits de l'Homme, a French 74 ship-of-the-line, in 1797. This victory was rightly considered a stunning feat of seamanship and command. During the next year or so, Pellew and the Indefatigable went on to take a further nine vessels. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Frigate_Carronade_Frigate \n\nNormally frigates would be armed with long guns, probably no larger than 12-pounders. A few short-barrelled 64-pounder carronades might be aboard to give a close-in broadside more weight of shot. A carronade frigate goes one better, and carries nothing but carronades ? short guns that are half the weight of the equivalent conventional cannon. While the weight of a broadside is truly awesome, the frigate has to get in close in order to blow an enemy to smithereens thanks to the carronades’ limited range. A clever enemy will stay out of range of the carronades’ horrendous power and take long range pot shots.\n\nHistorically, only the Royal Navy experimented with an all-carronade armament aboard HMS Glatton (in service from 1795). Glatton carried 28 64-pounder and 28 32-pounder carronades, giving a weight of fire that was more than 17% greater than HMS Victory could deliver at the Battle of Trafalgar! This massive firepower allowed her, on one occasion, to chase all eight vessels in a French squadron back into port. Oddly enough, the next two vessels to carry the name “Glatton” in RN service were also massively over-armed. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Gen_Abdullah_Pasha \n\nA general inspires his men to greater efforts by his presence, if he truly has the gift of command. He need only obey the 17th Century military dictum of “pay well, command well, hang well” to ensure that his troops know exactly what is expected of them. Although it might be tempting to throw a general and his bodyguards into combat to shore up a weak position, or break through in a critical part of the line, this is a waste. A general is not a combat unit: it is his job to command, not bathe his sword in the blood of enemies.\n\nNo Ottoman commander gained his position by being overly concerned about the welfare of his men. Any who showed weakness would have been removed, if not by the sultan then by the fanatically conservative ultra-loyalists of the janissary corps. Other than protecting their own privileges and perquisites, the janissaries were also very protective of the state and its dignity. Of course, a commander who was too successful and threatened the janissaries’ hold on power by possibly taking it away would also have to be cautious of his personal safety. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Gen_Ahmed_al-Jazzar_Pasha \n\nA general inspires his men to greater efforts by his presence, if he truly has the gift of command. He need only obey the 17th Century military dictum of “pay well, command well, hang well” to ensure that his troops know exactly what is expected of them. Although it might be tempting to use a general in combat this is a waste. A general is not a combat unit: it is his job to command, not bathe his sword in the blood of enemies.\n\nAhmed al-Jazzar was an Ottoman pasha, or general, who was born in Bosnia, then a Turkish province. He is best known in Western histories for his successful defence of Acre when the city was besieged by Napoleon in 1799. Despite this heroic stand, the pasha was not loved by the people of Acre, or anywhere else unfortunate enough to suffer his rule. He was a cruel man, even in a time when cruelty was considered a legitimate tool of government. He was reputed to keep a mobile gallows to hand, so that those who offended could have the error of their ways swiftly corrected. He died in 1804, having rebuilt Acre to a large extent, but without being extravagantly mourned. His real achievement is in stopping Napoleon’s Syrian campaign before it could get properly started. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Gen_Count_von_Bennigsen \n\nThis commander’s presence alone is enough to inspire battle-weary troops to fight on, even in the bleakest of situations. A general who carries the respect and adoration of his troops is a valuable asset and should be treasured. It is advisable to keep this man away from the thick of battle, not only for his protection but to allow him to keep a cool head and make the necessary decisions to win a decisive victory.\n\nCount von Bennigsen started his military career in the Hanoverian army but soon retired and then joined the Russian army as a field officer. Although Bennigsen led a distinguished career in the Russian army, rising quickly through the ranks, he was removed from military service due to his involvement in the plot to assassinate Tsar Paul I. This seemed of little consequence to the Tsar’s heir, Alexander I, who reinstated Bennigsen immediately after his father’s death and made him a general of cavalry in 1802. He was later awarded the Order of St. Andrew, the highest order bestowed by the Russian empire. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Gen_D_Erlon \n\nD’Erlon is a competent leader, able to inspire battle-weary troops, even in the bleakest of situations. A general who carries the respect of his soldiers is a valuable asset and should be treasured. It is advisable to keep him out of the thick of battle, not just for his protection but also so he can be sent to where he can inspire and rally men for maximum effect.\n\nFormer corporal of the French royalist army Jean-Baptiste Drouet, Comte d'Erlon, was one of Napoleon’s ablest generals, and given command of I Corps during the 100 Days. Having risen from the ranks during the revolution, he proved to be a very able man and fought on virtually every front during the Napoleonic Wars, including in Spain. Unlike the Emperor, he therefore had direct experience of what the British could do in battle. This, however, did not help him during the attack on La Haye Sainte, one of the key moments of Waterloo.\n\nD’Erlon survived the final fall of Napoleon, and was eventually rehabilitated and employed by the Bourbon monarchy as Governor of Algeria. Recalled, he was made a Marshal of France and retired before he died, in bed. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Gen_Duke_of_Wellington \n\nSuch is the Duke’s reputation that any troops in his vicinity will be inspired to hold their positions come what may: the men find it difficult to rout when his eagle eye is upon them. His importance to army morale cannot be underestimated, and it is foolhardy to risk him in direct combat. He should be kept well out of range of the enemy and his sword, if it is ever drawn, should only be raised with a rallying cry to bring men back to the cause.\n\nAs a young man, Arthur Wellesley (1769-1852) showed little of the promise and drive that would later earn him honours from numerous European nations and make him one of the most famous British generals of all time. During his early twenties, his mother worried about Arthur’s prospects until he left to study horsemanship in France. Upon his return, he displayed a new focus, bought a commission and took to politics. However, it wasn’t until he was denied permission to marry the woman he loved, and took himself to India, that he resolved to completely dedicate himself to a career in the military. His meteoric rise may have been helped, a little, by his brother who was the Governor General of British India at the time. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Gen_Early_Napoleon \n\nNapoleon’s presence alone is enough to inspire battle weary troops to fight on, even in the bleakest of situations. He commands the respect and adoration of his troops, and respects and cares for them in return. The moral fibre he instils in lesser men is a valuable asset on the battlefield. It is advisable to keep him away from the thick of the fighting: it is his task to have a cool head, not be pre-occupied with swinging a sword.\n\nFrom an early age Napoleon’s school masters commented on his pride and ambition, aspects of his personality that were to follow him through to adulthood. Many of his teachers took the time to nurture this talented and promising young man, but none more so than Baron du Teil, the commandant of the artillery school Napoleon attended. He helped lay the foundations for Napoleon’s skills with artillery and helped him to develop a better understanding of tactical concepts which he would later use to outstanding effect. Even as a mature commander, Napoleon never lost his grasp of the simple truth that artillery won battles for him. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Gen_Generals_Bodyguard \n\nA routing unit can often cause other units to doubt themselves, and panic can easily spread through the ranks. When soldiers waver, a general’s presence can inspire courage and make men redouble their efforts. His importance also makes him a target for the enemy; a sensible general has a bodyguard of his best soldiers. These men are fiercely loyal and protective of their general, never leaving his side unless all else is lost.\n\nIn 1796, General Napoleon Bonaparte created his own bodyguard of 200 men after a too-close call with some Austrian cavalry. These men were forerunners to the Chasseurs a Cheval of the Guard. Naturally, being the first, they were favoured by Napoleon. Indeed, they were called the ‘Favoured Children’ and, like all children, were often indulged too much and undisciplined. Still, only the most talented men would be recruited to guard the Emperor and, during many of his battles, they proved their skill and bravery in defence of their Emperor. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Gen_Gerhard_Blucher \n\nThis man’s presence alone is enough to inspire the battle-weary rank and file great efforts, even in their bleakest moments. A general who carries the respect of his troops is a valuable asset and should be protected in battle. He should be kept away from the cut and thrust of battle, as he should have his mind on command, not dodging bullets.\n\nSwedish by birth, Gebhard von Blucher transferred his allegiance to Prussia after he was captured in 1760. However, a slight tendency towards excess often meant he was passed over for promotion, leading him to resign his commission in 1773. Upon receiving this resignation Fredrick the Great was reported to say “Captain Blucher can take himself to the devil.” He was blacklisted, and Blucher was unable to rejoin the army until after the death of Fredrick. Once back, he distinguished himself, going on to play one of the key roles in the Allied victory at Waterloo. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Gen_Johann_Beaulieu \n\nMorale is vital in battle. If one unit routs, another may panic and follow. This can be disastrous for any army, and the presence of a commander who can steady the men should never be underrated. The man who can rally his men, give them courage in the face of overwhelming odds, and still be clear-headed enough to take decisions that may kill them, in the cause of victory, is an indispensable asset. Such generals are more important than armies.\n\nJohann Beaulieu (1725-1819) was an intelligent and knowledgeable general. In his private life he was an art lover and collector and a follower of science. His taste for finer and intellectual things in life did not adversely affect his ability on the battlefield. Working his way up the ranks from cavalry officer to full general, he was renowned for being cool-headed, brave and wise. During the Battle of Lodi in 1796, he fought and lost against Napoleon, at the time a newly appointed general, but Beaulieu would not be the last to do that. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Gen_Jozsef_Alvinczi \n\nAlvinczi’s presence alone is enough to inspire his troops to fight on, or go forwards to almost-certain death. A general who has the respect and adoration of his troops is worth protecting, and its is sensible to keep this man out of combat. He should be used to inspire, rally, and command. It is not his place to spend a battle with a sword in his hand and blood in his eye!\n\nA famous pipe smoker and proponent of scientific investigation, Joseph Alvinczi’s military career was punctuated with acts of great personal bravery, something that made him incredibly popular with his men. He played a key role in gathering the Tyrolean militia who resisted Napoleon during his advance across Italy in 1796. He and his new recruits were sent to relieve Mantua and break Napoleon’s siege. At first successful, Alvinczi won a victories at Caldiero and Bassano. He was eventually defeated at Arcole, though he ignored his deteriorating personal health to regroup his men and launch a further attack at Rivoli. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Gen_Karl_Schwarzenberg \n\nGeneral Schwarzenberg leads by example: his bravery and skilful manoeuvres on the battlefield spur his followers on to greatness. His importance to morale cannot be underestimated, and so placing him in harm’s way in combat would be extremely foolish. Though he is armed, talents are better used to command an army, not to personally slaughter enemies.\n\nKarl Schwarzenberg (1771-1820) was no stranger to perilous situations, famously breaking through French lines when they besieged the city of Ulm. He actually became Napoleon’s friend during negotiations over Bonaparte’s marriage to Archduchess Marie Louise of Austria. Napoleon respected him enough to give him command of the Austrian corps attached to the Grand Armee in 1812. When Austria joined the Allies in 1814, Schwarzenberg found himself fighting against his friend. He was instrumental in taking Paris and thereby forcing Napoleon into exile on Elba. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Gen_Michele_Colli \n\nA general inspires his men to greater efforts by his presence, if he truly has the gift of command. He need only obey the 17th Century military dictum of “pay well, command well, hang well” to ensure that his troops know exactly what is expected of them. Although it might be tempting to throw a general and his bodyguards into combat to shore up a weak position, or break through in a critical part of the line, this is a waste. A general is not a combat unit: it is his job to command, not bathe his sword in the blood of enemies.\n\nMichelangelo-Colli Alessandro Marchini, to use his full name, was an Austrian Feldmarschal-Leutnant in Italy, who opposed with limited success, the advance of the French army. He was rather unfortunate to be facing a military genius Napoleon Bonaparte who, in 1796, had everything to prove on his first campaign. Colli was in charge of a Sardinian army, and was neatly separated from the Austria main force under General Beaulieu. He was later appointed to command the army of the Papal States, without any great success, and then he was attached to the Neapolitan army, under another Austrian commander, Karl Mack von Leiberich. Colli ended his days in Florence, as an Austrian ambassador. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Gen_Mikhail_Kutuzov \n\nThe men serving under General Mikhail Kutuzov respect and trust his strategies and orders. Unlike many generals who have bought commissions, he has earned his position through success, not politics. As a result, his men would follow him into the mouth of Hell. His presence alone will make it harder to rout his troops: their faith in him really is that strong. For this reason, he should be kept out of the front line. Although he is armed with a sword his strength is leadership, and his death would be a great blow to the troops.\n\nMikhail Kutziv or Kutuzov (1745-1813) was a Field Marshal famed for defeating the French Grand Armee during Napoleon’s ill-fated invasion of Russia in 1812. By this time, Kutuzov had lost an eye in service, giving him a menacing countenance, and had achieved great honour during the Russo-Turkish Wars. He was a follower of the great Generalissimo Alexander Suvorov (1729-1800), something that certainly gave him the necessary military skills. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Gen_Murad_Bey \n\nMurad Bey can inspire his men to fight on, even when they are bone weary and ready to run. Such a man, who has the respect and adoration of his followers is a valuable asset to any state, and should be treated well. It is advisable to keep this man away from combat, for his death could prove disastrous.\n\nMurad Bey was the fierce Mameluke chieftain that faced the French at the famous Battle of the Pyramids. Even after their defeat at the hands of Napoleon and his troops, Murad regrouped his men and remained a threat to the French for some time. The Turkish word “Bey” literally means chieftain and was the original word used to describe Ottoman leaders; later it replaced sultan as a title. Bey was used to refer to military and administrative positions that were lower in status than the “Pashas”, who were governors of Ottoman provinces. As the 19th century began, Bey came to be used as an honorific equivalent to ‘mister’ in English. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Gen_Prince_Hohenlohe \n\nA general inspires his men to greater efforts by his presence, if he truly has the gift of command. He need only obey the 17th Century military dictum of “pay well, command well, hang well” to ensure that his troops know exactly what is expected of them. If he does more, then he will be a true prince of battles! Yet, a general is not a combat unit: it is his job to command, not bathe his sword in the blood of enemies.\n\nGeneral Louis Aloy Prince de Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Bartenstein was a remarkable soldier. He served in the armies of the Palatinate, his father’s domain of Hohenlohe-Bartenstein, the Netherlands, Austria, and eventually France, but only after the fall of Napoleon. He commanded, with some distinction, a regiment of French princes who had been exiled after the Revolution. After what can only be described as an adventurous early career, he became an Austrian major-general, and was then promoted to Feldmarshallleutnant and governor of Galicia. Napoleon attempted to bribe him, with his father’s old lands, into service with the Confederation of the Rhine, a French puppet state, but he refused. He did, however, serve in the French army after the Bourbon restoration, and died a Marshal of France, thanks to his excellent record. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Gen_Tsar_Alexander \n\nThis man’s presence alone is enough to inspire the battle-weary rank and file great efforts, even in their bleakest moments. A general who carries the respect of his troops is a valuable asset and should be protected in battle. Apart from anything else, it is not wise to expose the Tsar to the cut and thrust of battle. He should have his mind on command, not dodging bullets.\n\nThe circumstances that surrounded Alexander I’s death were intriguing, even in comparison to his interesting life. In 1825, his wife’s doctors recommended a trip to the Russian southern city of Taganrog, as the Tsarina had been sick for some time. During their stay, Alexander developed typhus and died. The sudden and unexpected nature of his death led many to speculate that he had faked his own death and left the country to begin a new life in peace and solitude. Some even believed that he took the name Feodor Kozmich and became a hermit, although this was never proven. Regardless of rumour or truth, when Tsar Alexander’s tomb was opened by the later Soviet government it was found to be completely empty. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Elite_British_Black_Watch \n\nEquipped like other line regiments with muskets and bayonets, the Black Watch are easily distinguished on the field by their bonnets and dark tartan kilts. This alone marks them out as something special. They are an excellent unit, with high morale and extremely good fighting characteristics. They are particularly fearsome when charging home, as Highlanders have a reputation for savagery in battle that is all their own. Like all line infantry, however, their courage counts for little if they are left exposed to artillery fire.\n\nThe 42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment of Foot recruited most of its soldiers in Scotland and supposedly got its nickname from the dark green tartan sett that the regiment wore; unlike other Scottish units, it did not wear a clan tartan but a government-issue pattern. The regiment was originally raised after the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715 to police the more rampantly Tory (rebel) clans. In this, it was only partly successful. The 42nd fought under Wellington in Spain and were present at both Quatre Bras and Waterloo in 1815. The regiment still exists in the British Army as the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and retains many of the proud traditions and values of its forebears. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Elite_British_Foot_Guards \n\nThese men form a superbly disciplined killing machine: a regiment that can fire volley after volley without wavering under any kind of enemy assault. They can reload at speed, charge home with the bayonet and give a very good account of themselves in melee. Their competence and evident morale can inspire nearby troops to fight all the harder. However, like ordinary mortals in line regiments, the Guards will die under artillery bombardment, or if skirmishers start picking them off.\n\nThe Guards regiments are the oldest units in the British army but, in a typically British and contradictory way, they were raised by different sides in the Civil War! The Coldstream Guards were raised in 1650 part of the republican Commonwealth’s New Model Army. The 1st Foot Guards were raised in exile to be Charles II’s bodyguard. The 1st Foot Guards became “Grenadier Guards” after Waterloo in 1815 because they had beaten the French Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard. In fact, they’d driven off another unit, but the honour and name stuck. As the older regiment, the Coldstreamers have the motto “Nulli Secundus” or “second to none”, but the old republicans are still second in the precedence lists after the royalist Grenadier Guards! False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Elite_Foot_Guards \n\nThese men are experts with the smoothbore musket, famed for their accuracy and fast reloading skills. They are also famous for their meticulously correct uniforms: the post of foot guard can only be held by the very best soldiers. If necessary the guards must be willing to lay down their lives to protect the royal family. This requires a rare breed of man: highly disciplined with excellent morale, able to stand steadfast to the last. On the battlefield the foot guards set an example to inspire nearby units.\n\nHistorically, monarchies vied with each other to have the finest household guards in their palaces. The French Maison du Roi regiment were hand picked by the king from candidates sent in from every line regiment. Officers who sent along duffers for the duty were punished. In Prussia the “Potsdam Giants” were a quirk of Frederick I’s obsession with very, very tall men and military pomp. Oddly, Frederick was not a very warlike chap at all. He just liked tall men. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Elite_French_Old_Guard \n\nThese highly trained and experienced troops are handpicked by Napoleon and act as part of his personal guard. Taken from the ranks of the Imperial Guard, the Old Guard is made up of the most intimidating soldiers the French army has to offer. Chosen specifically for their physical attributes and notably above average height, these men strike fear into the hearts of Napoleon’s enemies. Their prowess as soldiers is world-renowned and the mere presence of these men on the battlefield can inspire even war weary fellow Frenchmen to fight on.\n\nAfter his dramatic defeat in Russia, Napoleon bid farewell to the Old Guard. These men were his few remaining loyal soldiers but, with no support in Paris, Napoleon was forced to disband them. However, following Napoleon’s return from exile in 1815, they were recalled and marched triumphantly back to Paris with their leader. The end of the Old Guard came at the Battle of Waterloo where they were routed for the first and only time. For many of the French soldiers fighting that day, the retreat of the Old Guard was the end of the battle and the end of Napoleon himself. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Elite_French_Young_Guard \n\nRaised from the ranks of the Imperial Guard, the Young Guard contains the crème de la crème of the new recruits. They inspire surrounding units, encouraging them to fight on in the hope of one day joining the Guard themselves. Unfailing discipline means these men have excellent accuracy and their reload times are exceptionally good. These skills make them an expensive unit. Their only real vulnerabilities are artillery fire and sniping from skirmishers.\n\nHistorically, the Young Guard attracted a number of ambitious young soldiers looking to make a name in battle. One such gentleman was Adolphe Edouard Casimir Joseph Mortier, who joined the army in 1791 as a sub-lieutenant. He took part in a number of key battles during the Revolutionary War, leading Napoleon to place his name high on his first list of Marshals in 1804. Mortier was a huge man, greatly respected by his troops, a fact that proved vital during battles in the Peninsular War, but helped him little at Waterloo when he was unable to join the battle due to severe sciatica. He eventually met his end in 1835 when he and eleven other men were killed by a bomb that was intended for the restored King Louis-Philippe. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Elite_Grenadier_Guards \n\nGrenadiers are elite troops, the tallest and strongest men, taking the position of honour on the right of the line during battle. Grenadier Guards have the ability to inspire their fellow soldiers just by their presence. They are incredibly disciplined and can reload their weapons with breathtaking speed and discharge them with high accuracy. Their extensive training makes them more expensive than line infantry.\n\nThe Grenadier Guards have a prestigious history that dates back to the time of Oliver Cromwell and the exile of King Charles II. Charles gathered troops around him in the hope of reclaiming his throne; one of the first of these units was Lord Wentworth’s Regiment of guards. These men remained in France following Charles’ restoration to the English throne, and another regiment was created to protect him, John Russell’s Regiment. Russell’s and Wentworth’s were eventually combined and became known as the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards. Their renown reached a peak at the battle of Waterloo where they were renamed, by royal proclamation, to the 1st or Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards, because it was believed they had repulsed the Napoleon’s Grenadiers of the Guard. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Elite_Italian_Velite_Grenadiers \n\nWith a recruitment policy that demands the tallest and strongest men possible, this unit makes an impressive sight on the battlefield. Their presence and reputation has a positive effect on friendly troops, encouraging them on in any dark hours! Unfailing discipline means these men have excellent accuracy and their reload times are almost unrivalled; however, these skills make them an expensive unit; they are also vulnerable, just like lesser men, to artillery and skirmishers.\n\nIn 1809 Napoleon raised two units of Velites from Turin and Florence in Italy. They were raised from well-to-do families; any man with an income of less than 300 francs was overlooked. This recruitment process was a masterstroke from Napoleon: by recruiting units from the middle and upper classes, and by giving their sons positions of power, he ensured the continued support of the influential classes. He continued to buy support from these people by posting their children to the guard and other units where they would see minimal action but still get to wear a lovely uniform. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Elite_Prussian_Foot_Guards \n\nThe Prussian obsession with military drill breeds incredibly disciplined troops, willing and able to follow any order. They are able to load and fire their weapons with an accuracy and speed few can match. Their discipline makes them a deadly foe, and the powerfully built men have an edge over other units in melee. However, these skills make them expensive to recruit, and they are as vulnerable as other men to artillery fire and the sniping of skirmishers.\n\nThe Prussian army underwent a series of important changes just before and during the Napoleonic era. Gone were the mercenary armies of the past, replaced by a true national army. In 1809 it was decided that a set standard for the movement of battalions was required. The idea of simply placing battalions in line was replaced with a more modern “chequer-board” formation. This was made up of three main elements, the skirmish line, the main battle line and the reserves. The size of these elements varied considerably from battle to battle. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Elite_Prussian_Life_Regiment \n\nThe steadiness displayed by the men of the 8th Life Regiment is amazing, and on the battlefield they will encourage nearby troops to follow their example. As with many Prussian line infantry units, these men are incredibly disciplined and trained: this makes for excellent marksmen with fast reloading times, though their close formations leave them vulnerable to artillery fire and skirmishers. Being an elite unit, the regiment is expensive to recruit, but their abilities more than justify the extra cost.\n\nThe 8th Life was one of the most celebrated line infantry units of the Prussian army. During the Napoleonic Wars, the line infantry regiments of the Prussian army outnumbered the newer light infantry regiments. Despite changing tactics the 8th was able to maintain its iron discipline and perform useful service. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Elite_Republican_Guards \n\nThe guard are trained to fight in the same fashion as line infantry, delivering volley fire from their smoothbore muskets. They are considered to be elite as they are chosen for their devotion to the national cause and for their personal courage. This devotion to freedom inspires other nearby troops to fight for their liberty and guards’ morale is almost boundless.\n\nHistorically, this unit had a ceremonial role, in much the same way as a royal or household guard would have in a monarchy, giving protection to the head of state. Their presence at formal occasions added legitimacy to the business of a republic. A republican guard was different from a royal guard in one other respect: it might include political officers, who watched for signs of disloyalty. The “palace guard” sometimes became the only unit a leader could trust when politics got out of hand. It was not unknown for the guard to take the role of “kingmakers”, even in a republic and give their protection to a presidential candidate they liked. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Elite_Russian_Lifeguard_Foot \n\nPicked from the finest noble families of Russia, these guardsmen have a position of respect in the Russian army. Chosen for their size and strength, they are easily recognizable on the battlefield, inspiring other units with their presence and boundless moral strength. Their unfailing discipline means these men have excellent accuracy and their reload times are almost unrivalled. These skills do not come cheaply, and their only real vulnerabilities are when facing artillery and wily skirmishers.\n\nHistorically, the Lifeguards were the most ornate unit of the Tsar’s entire army. Hand-picked for looks and stature, they even had their jackets padded around the chest and shoulders to enhance their impressive physiques. Generally recruited from among the nobility, these men soon earned themselves an unfavourable reputation amongst other European nations for their conduct during a banquet held in their honour. Napoleon’s own guards were appalled to see the Russians tearing meat with their hands, draining glasses of wine in one gulp, and even vomiting to make room for further excesses! False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Gren_Austrian_Hungarian_Grenadiers \n\nRecruited in Hungary, these men have an imposing size and impressive skills that are seldom matched by grenadiers of other nations. The Hungarian Grenadiers are a sight to behold on the battlefield in their magnificent uniforms. Not only are they experts in melee and impressive on the charge, but they also display extraordinary marksmanship skills. Their only real vulnerability is artillery fire and, possibly, the danger of being charged from the rear by heavy cavalry. Even under tough circumstances their courage still inspires nearby comrades and encourages them to battle on as well.\n\nHistorically, military enlistment in Austrian service was originally for life, but by 1757 limited service was introduced in the hopes of attracting better recruits and thereby improving the calibre of the soldiers. Men were allowed to enlist for a maximum of six years, or for the duration of any hostilities, whichever was longer. The Hungarian units in the Austrian army were raised by feudal levy. Although the Austrians had an integrated army, and shared a Hapsburg monarch with Hungary, the two nations remained separate kingdoms. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Gren_Grenadiers \n\nGrenadiers see themselves as elite soldiers, and occupy the place of honour at the right of the line on parade. They have good reason: only large, brave men become grenadiers, this size and strength makes them an impressive sight in a charge. It also gives them an advantage in melee combat. Grenadiers are a proud group and this pride makes for dedicated soldiers who will follow orders to the letter. Like other infantry, they must exercise caution when facing heavy cavalry, but they are also vulnerable to attack from skirmishers.\n\nHistorically, grenadier regiments and battalions began as ad-hoc assault groups. All line infantry regiments had grenadier companies; collecting these sub-units gave commanders a useful group of heavily armed, aggressive and skilful soldiers. Grenadier companies remained in line infantry regiments after the creation of grenadier regiments, but they largely abandoned using grenades: instead, each grenadier company became a “heavy mob” of the biggest and strongest soldiers in a regiment! False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Gren_Ottoman_Beylik_Janissary_Grenadiers \n\nThese grenadiers are the cream of the Ottoman army, but in comparison to other nations they fight in an old-fashioned way. The Beylik Janissary are unusual because they are grenadiers that still carry grenades. Their relatively small numbers in a unit puts them at a disadvantage against more modern style soldiers, but what they compensate for this lack of numbers by their ferocity. The janissaries are personally brave to the point of foolhardiness; they are given to festooning themselves with weapons and think nothing of hurling themselves into any fight!\n\nHistorically, the corps of janissaries dates back to the 14th Century. They were intended to be a force that was to be completely loyal to the sultan. Boys as young as five were trained and, if necessary, converted to Islam. Janissaries were paid even when not at war, something unheard of in the medieval world! Over time, however, they became bureaucrats and administrators, and this gave them too much power within the Ottoman Empire. Eventually, the janissaries’ entrenched position in government and conservative outlook corrupted them. They became a force against any and all change, contributing to the Ottomans’ decline. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Gren_Prussian_East_Prussian_Grenadiers \n\nAll grenadiers regard themselves as elite, and occupy the place of honour at the right of the line on parade. They have good reason: only the largest, bravest men can become grenadiers; this size and strength makes them an impressive sight in a charge, and gives them an edge in melee. They are vulnerable when charged by heavy cavalry and when attacked by skirmishers. Those points aside, grenadiers are a proud group and they are dedicated soldiers who will follow orders to the letter.\n\nHistorically, the Prussian army went through a radical reorganisation following Napoleon’s downfall in 1814. In October of that year the six existing grenadier battalions became two regiments and, as a mark of respect, the King of Prussia named these regiments after his allies, Czar Alexander of Russia and Emperor Francis of Austria. The Kaiser Alexander Grenadier Regiment was formed of the 1st and 2nd East Prussian battalions and the Life; the Kaiser Franz regiment was formed of men from the Pomeranian, West Prussian and Silesian battalions. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Gren_Russian_Pavlovsk_Grenadiers \n\nThese men are the best of the best: powerful, skilful and deadly. They have proven themselves time and time again in battle and this shows no signs of changing. They excel in melee and the sheer size of the men makes their charge a terrifying sight for even the most experienced soldiers. Talented with a bayonet as well as a musket, they are vulnerable to artillery fire. They must also be wary of heavy cavalry who could take them in a flank.\n\nHistorically, Pavlovsk Grenadiers were instantly recognisable on the battlefield as they retained a more traditional uniform while other units modernised their dress. This was an honour, given to them by Tsar Alexander after their gallant efforts at the Battle of Friedland. They retained the mitre cap that all other infantry units had relinquished, setting them apart and making them one of the most distinctive units of the Napoleonic era. This recognition was well deserved, as their bravery became the stuff of legend. In 1813 they were honoured again when they became part of the Imperial Guard. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Irreg_Guerillas \n\nGuerrillas are not a recognised military organisation, but bands of comrades and neighbours who have adapted banditry into a way of making war. They fight hard, working in spread out formations that make them difficult for missile troops to hit effectively. They are best when employed in ambush, or as harassing skirmishers. Their “local knowledge” means they are able to hide and appear at will, using their homeland’s hidden places to help fight against invaders. They cannot be expected to fight in carefully dressed lines like disciplined soldiers, and as such are at a disadvantage against well-trained cavalry and infantry.\n\nHistorically, the Spanish people had an enormous capacity for carrying on wars against foreign occupiers long after their rulers had made their peace with an invader. Guerrillas often arose as part of a rebellion; the name is Spanish, and means “little war”. When his men were bogged down, Napoleon described Spain as an “ulcer”, thanks in part to the constant partisan warfare carried on by the guerrillas. They gave the French no peace or safety, even far from the front line. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Irreg_Ottoman_Azzars \n\nLittle more than a rabble, these men are an erratic and unpredictable enemy for line infantry, and they are good at hiding in a variety of terrain types. They lack the necessary skills to fight well in close combat, instead working better at range, in short, sharp sniping attacks. However, if they are forced into a prolonged exchange of fire with regular light or line infantry they will be the weaker force. Cavalry units also pose a real threat to the azzars, as they lack even basic discipline.\n\nHistorically, Azzars had little to do with standard military protocols, practice, or even organisation, often taking up arms in extraordinary circumstances. The lack of discipline meant that they could sometimes be extremely brutish in their behaviour. It often worked in their favour, in that it gave enemies pause for thought. More typically, however, their lack of discipline counted against them and, when faced with a well-ordered force, they were at a disadvantage. However, their mobility was a boon, allowing them to harass an enemy and withdraw as soon as the fight went against them. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Irreg_Ottoman_Bashi_Bazouks \n\nMore than happy to run headlong into an enemy force with nothing but a sword and bared teeth, the Bashi Bazouks are berserk madmen. When engaged in close combat, they are second to none. Their upkeep and recruitment costs are minimal, making them an ideal unit for those with tight purse strings. However, due to their lack of discipline and firearms they are vulnerable to both cavalry and missile-armed troops.\n\nHistorically, the original Turkish form of “Bashi Bazouk” literally meant “damaged head” or “leaderless”. These men were raised from all over the Ottoman Empire, although they originally came from tribes based in Afghanistan. They were never given uniforms, but did receive their weapons from the Ottoman government. Plunder was their only real payment, and this was considered legitimate by the government. Their lawless ways made them difficult to control and they often had to be forcibly disarmed after taking part in battles. This unpredictable nature gave them a fearsome reputation and other nationalities generally feared them as brutal and savage warriors. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Light_Austrian_Grenzers \n\nThis light infantry unit is used to harass and disrupt the enemy during battle. Like other skirmishers, grenzers consider themselves a cut above most infantrymen. They are expected to show individual aggression, initiative and soldiering skills, not just blindly obey and fight in formation. Their inability to form an effective square formation does leave them vulnerable to cavalry, but their fire accuracy is adequate compensation.\n\nHistorically, the Austrians had a tradition of creating high-quality light forces such as hussars and skirmishers. The grenzers were part of this tradition, recruited from among the Croat and Transylvania population of the Austrian Empire’s domains as frontier guards against the Turks. As frontiersmen, they had a certain air of lawlessness and even banditry, but they proved extremely able light troops. Over time, they became a hybrid type between line infantry and skirmishers: often deployed in battle in the line, but with the ability to skirmish when necessary. As an identifiable infantry nomenclature, grenzers remained in Austrian service until the end of the First World War in 1918. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Light_British_KGL_Light_Foot \n\nRecruited from the soldiers of the Hanoverian army and armed with muskets, these troops excel at both melee and range combat, where their accuracy and range are nearly unrivalled. This versatility makes them incredibly useful on the battlefield. Their only real vulnerability is when facing cavalry, as they are unable to form square, the standard defence against cavalry charges.\n\nAll of Europe breathed a collective sigh in 1814. The Treaty of Fontainbleau brought an end to hostilities and halted Napoleon’s domination of Europe. The ink was barely dry on this agreement when the British government started to divide up Wellington’s army. Some were sent off to the war in America, others were discharged at home. The King’s German Legion was considered incredibly valuable and escaped this cull. However, all the non-Hanoverian troops were discharged or transferred to other foreign corps. As a result the numbers of the Legion were greatly reduced, leaving only 7,000 in the Legion at Waterloo, but they were all proud sons of Hanover! False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Light_British_Light_Foot \n\nThese light troops are trained to use their surroundings to their advantage, and use skirmish tactics to break and harass the enemy. This British regiment can also form an effective firing line when needed. The accuracy of their fire is excellent but they are weak against well-trained cavalry. Their inability to form square leaves them incredibly vulnerable; prolonged close combat is also inadvisable.\n\nThe British army traditionally recruited its riflemen and light troops from German states, but as France expanded into Holland in 1799, Britain was forced to rethink its recruitment strategy as the north German states were no longer quite so accessible. Many of the foreign troops in British service had perished in the West Indies or been drafted into the 60th Royal Americans. With few light troops available, General John Moore established a camp at Shorncliffe, Kent in 1802 for the instruction of light infantry. It took a year before the first unit of line infantry was converted into a British light infantry regiment. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Light_French_6th_Legere \n\nThese versatile veterans can form a disciplined line to deliver a massed volley, or switch to a loose skirmishing formation to harass and thin out enemy formations. Although their experience in battle means they fire their muskets with a good degree of accuracy, their flexibility also means they lack certain specialised qualities. They are not quite as accurate as other skirmishers nor as devastating as line infantry when firing in volleys. They also lack the ability to form square, which leaves them vulnerable to cavalry charges.\n\nHistorically, the 6th Regiment saw action in over forty battles during the Napoleonic War and were awarded seven battle honours for their achievements. Three of these were given for victories over the Austrians at the battles of Marengo, Ulm and Wagram. The loss at Wagram in 1809 was a particularly devastating blow for the Austrians, breaking their national morale and forcing them to sign a peace treaty that resulted in the loss of a large part of their empire. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Light_French_Chasseurs \n\nLight, fast and agile, these men are experts at forming a skirmishing screen, providing diversions for an advance, or rearguard cover for a withdrawal. Armed with muskets, they are equally adept when deployed in line and loose skirmish formations. Their range and accuracy are exemplary, but they lack the skills necessary for close combat; their inability to form square leaves them vulnerable to cavalry charges.\n\nHistorically, Napoleon’s chasseurs included both foot and mounted regiments. The foot regiments were named chasseurs a pied, and the men who served well in them could be rewarded by promotion to the prestigious grenadiers. The cavalry troops were known as the chasseurs a cheval, and had a rivalry with the French hussars. Each unit believed they were superior to the other, and this resulted in many arguments between them over who wore the most dashing clothes or were the better horsemen. Although the hussars had the more expensive uniforms, the chasseurs argued that Napoleon’s escort unit was made up of men from their ranks. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Light_Light_Infantry \n\nThese men are versatile soldiers: whether firing in a disciplined line or skirmishing in loose formation, they bring a good self-discipline and accuracy to the battle. They carry smoothbore, muzzle-loading muskets, but do not rely on massed fire. Instead they aim at individuals within the enemy ranks, killing officers, sergeants and anyone else who takes charge. They also fight their own specialised battle, driving off enemy skirmishers. However, they may prove weak when pitted against line infantry or highly expert skirmishers such as riflemen.\n\nBy the early 1800s, light infantry had a much greater role on the battlefield, at least in Napoleon’s forces. Many armies still saw light infantry as little more than auxiliary troops, choosing to favour the old, tried and tested tactics of massed volley fire and close formations. Napoleon, on the other hand, recognised the advantage flexibility conferred, and used light infantry extensively, to harass enemy lines to pieces, then closing up for a final rush. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Light_Lombardy-Cisalpine_Legion \n\nThe Lombardy-Cisalpline Legion is trained to use an effective combination of loose and close knit formations. They are skirmishers, used to harass the enemy at long range before concentrating into a tighter formation for a last charge. Their versatility has some disadvantages however, and they may come unstuck against troops trained to specialise in one area of expertise.\n\nHistorically, many of the troops in Napoleon’s Italian army were Polish emigrants, who looked to Revolutionary France for sanctuary and inspiration after the third partition of Poland in 1795. The Polish legions were assembled by Jan Henryk Dabrowski acting for the Cisalpline Republic, a French puppet state. Eventually they became part of the army of the Republic of Lombardy. All, however, were under the command of Bonaparte. Napoleon made his name during his Italian campaign, thanks to his appeal to the common soldiers and brilliant strategies. He had the respect and admiration of his men and even managed to inspire the Army of Italy in 1796, despite the fact that they were under-equipped, underfed and unpaid! False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Light_Ottoman_Nizam_I_Cedit_Light_Infantry \n\nFighting in a formal way with tight control and disciplined fire is a new idea for Turkish troops. The traditional method has involved brave men hurling themselves pell-mell at the enemy with no thought of defeat. The nizam i cedit still fight bravely, but with Western tactics. They have adopted a combination of formations used by Western light infantry, and can switch quickly between skirmishing and a regular firing line.\n\nHistorically, the nizam i cedit reforms were made vital by the repeatedly poor performance of the Ottoman army in battle against Russians. The empire’s inability to defend itself against growing threats was the reason Turkey became known as the “sick man of Europe”. The French Revolutionary Republic, anxious for any allies no matter how unlikely, provided military expertise to the Ottomans. The retraining of the army was not without problems: the janissaries resented their loss of position, privileges and influence. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Light_Portuguese_Cazadores \n\nLiterally translated, cazadores means “hunters” and huntsmen make up a large proportion of the rank and file, along with mountain men of various kinds. Their independent spirits naturally lend themselves to skirmishing. All of these men make their living in the wilds, and are excellent marksmen. However, in close combat or when facing cavalry, the cazadores are disadvantaged.\n\nHistorically, the cazadores were created to replace the light infantry units that had been sent to fight in the French army’s Portuguese Legion. Because the cazadores were a new unit, the Portuguese took the opportunity to give them elite status. Fearing French attacks along the mountainous Spanish border, men familiar with the terrain were the first choice of recruits. Despite problems in finding enough weapons for them, the cazadores went on to garner an impressive reputation, becoming the elite force the Portuguese government so needed. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Light_Prussian_Fusiliers \n\nRigorous training and careful selection of troops have made the fusiliers some of the best soldiers in the Prussian army. The men are armed with smoothbore muskets and bayonets, and drilled to use the most of the tactics of light and line infantry. Their only real weakness is that, when under threat from cavalry, they cannot form square.\n\nThe first battalion of fusiliers for the Prussian army was formally created in 1787. Its origins, however, went back to the “Free Regiments” of the Seven Years War; those units had a reputation for ill-discipline, roguish behaviour and desertion, even at a time when desertion was a common problem. Indeed, desertion remained a problem for many armies, especially among the men conscripted into light skirmishing units. Skirmishers often operate away from direct control by sergeants and officers, and can slip away in the heat of battle, if they really want to desert. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Light_Russian_17th_Jager \n\nAble to fight in loose skirmish formation or fire a massed volley when organised in line, the Jagers are an adaptable response to enemy tactics. Although their experience in battle means they have good firepower, the Jagers’ flexibility as a unit has its disadvantages. They are not as accurate as other skirmishers and will not always beat enemy line infantry when firing in volley. They also lack the ability to form square, which leaves them vulnerable to cavalry charges.\n\nDuring 1804-1813, Russia was fighting on two fronts: holding off Napoleon’s troops and fighting a war for territory against the Persians. The Russo-Persian War was an attempt by both sides to consolidate their claims to the same land. Russia was attempting to expand the empire and Persia was attempting to hold on to lands they always considered their own. Because the Russians were also committed against the French, they could not provide a large force to fight the Persians, and instead had to rely on superior technology and tactics to gain an advantage. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Light_Russian_Jager \n\nHard-working and hard-drinking, these hard men are hardened to every conceivable hardship; they are tough, and loyal soldiers to their superior officers. The jagers remain in the Russian army until the day they die, almost as military serfs; most of them were serfs anyway. They have a lifetime of experience of living off the land, and a fearsome reputation for being rather barbaric. Despite this, they are not well suited to the discipline of close combat, and are much more use when peppering an enemy with musket balls.\n\nStrangely, the Tsar’s troops were assigned regiments depending on their physical size. The tallest always became grenadiers, and the smallest were destined for the jager battalions. But physique is no guarantee of soldierly qualities and in 1811 Field Marshal Barclay de Tolly changed the system so that personal merit and worth determined a man’s assignment. Even more strangely, this practice of “sizing” soldiers went on in the Russian Soviet army as well, but for the practical reason that tall or bulky men simply would not fit into tanks: the design philosophy of Russian tanks was to make them as low as possible, hence the lack of space inside. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_Austrian_1st_Emperors_Own \n\nThe 1st Regiment “Emperor’s Own” is made up of battle-hardened Czech troops, as deadly with their bayonets as they are excellent marksmen. They are best employed in an advance upon the enemy firing volleys before delivering a decisive bayonet charge. To guard against potentially devastating cavalry charges, they can form square, although this leaves them vulnerable to fire from artillery.\n\nHistorically, the Austrian army suffered thanks to the conservative mindset of its military establishment. Rules were handed down to the army from the Hofkriegsrat, the military-civilian administration. At a time when most nations were modernising, choosing less formal formations and making use of light infantry, the dead hand of bureaucracy meant that the Austrian Army could not adapt. Reforms were called for after each defeat, but were thwarted by financial issues. Despite the ineptitude and penny-pinching of national command, the ordinary Austrian soldiers fought on to acquit themselves with bravery and discipline: a surprisingly modern-looking problem for an army of 200 years ago. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_Austrian_47th_Czech \n\nThese veteran soldiers are adept at close and fire combat. When formed in a disciplined line, they can unleash a massed volley of fire and then move forwards to engage in melee with the enemy. Their strength in close formation is also one of their weaknesses: they are a large target for artillery or skirmishers. Cavalry charges on the line can be devastating, but the 47th Regiment can form square when required.\n\nIn 1809, the Czech 47th Regiment distinguished itself at the Battle of Aspern-Essling, the first battle Napoleon had personally lost in ten years. Using tactics and tricks such as laying down to minimise casualties from artillery bombardments, the Austrians prevented the French from crossing the Danube. The French would later succeed in crossing on their second attempt at Wagram a few months later.\n\nThe Austrian army consisted of troops from many nations, as the Austrian “empire” was a patchwork of personal fiefs and states. Many Austrian soldiers were technically from the Holy Roman Empire: ruled by Francis II (1768-1835), the Empire included 3 million Czechs until 1806. After that date, the Holy Roman Empire was dissolved and Francis became Francis I of Austria. He did manage to hang on to some of the old Empire’s soldiery. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_Austrian_German_Fusiliers \n\nGerman Fusiliers are line infantry who take their title from the fusils, light flintlock muskets, that they carry. Forming the line of battle, they must be able to calmly take aim at their targets as shells explode around them, skirmisher’s shots smack home, and enemy cavalry bear down upon them. Fusiliers are effective against cavalry when in square, and excel in close combat, but care needs to be taken against skirmishers at extreme range.\n\nHistorically, the Austrian army’s infantry was divided into German and Hungarian regiments. The Hungarians were renowned for their ferocity, and the Germans for rigid discipline. This was particularly true of the fusiliers who fought in the rigid formations that made up the bulk of the army. During the Napoleonic Wars, units such as skirmishers, grenadiers and artillery took on more of the fighting as tactics evolved, but the line regiments remained almost unchanged as organisations. Their company and battalion structure still forms the basis of modern armies. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_British_88th_Foot \n\nA little rough around the edges, but courageous and professional on the battlefield, the Connaught Rangers are an Irish line infantry regiment. Whether pushing home a bayonet or forming a disciplined firing line, these men will stand and fight. Like all line infantry, they are vulnerable to artillery fire and the sniping of skirmishers, but they can quickly counter cavalry charges by forming square.\n\nRaised in 1793, the Connaught Rangers were among the best regiments in Wellington’s army, and distinguished themselves repeatedly in battle. General Picton, their divisional commander, saw them as little more than a plundering rabble and never held back from insulting their Irish roots and Catholic religion. This was probably the result of an unfortunate incident involving two Rangers and a goat. The Rangers caught Wellington’s eye at the Battle of Bussaco in 1810, when he declared that he never witnessed a more gallant charge. They attacked without orders from General Picton who was notably absent from the battle! False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_British_Foot \n\nHighly disciplined and calm in the face of the enemy, these men are well trained in line infantry tactics. They can be relied upon to perform their duties with stolid determination rather than with dash and “fire in their bellies”. Their close ranks can make them vulnerable to artillery bombardment and skirmishers, and they will be ripped apart by heavy cavalry charges if they are in line. To counter this last threat, the unit can be ordered to form square. As long as discipline holds, an infantry unit in square should be able to see off enemy cavalrymen.\n\nThe weapon of the British line infantryman was the famous ‘Brown Bess’; a flintlock musket used, in various guises, from 1730 to 1830. Other nations had their own standard pattern of musket. The Brown Bess used a large heavy ball that would not fit into French muskets, meaning that British ammunition captured on the battlefield was useless. It could be melted down and recast, but not immediately fired at its former owners. The British discovered that, in times of crisis, it was possible to “tap load” a musket by banging the butt on the ground. The bullet was jogged down the barrel, and could then be fired. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_British_Highland_Foot \n\nRaised from among the fierce people of the Scottish Highlands, these men are the embodiment of the savagery of their clan forebears and the savage discipline of British marching regiments. They fight well, whether giving fire to an enemy, or the bayonet, and Scottish pride gives them a bloody-minded streak that means they rarely break and run. Like other line regiments, they must adopt square formation when attacked by cavalry.\n\nThe Highland regiments that fought in the Napoleonic Wars were based on the independent companies that were raised to keep order after the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745. The suppression of the rebellion was a brutal business, and the highlanders who joined were brutal, hard men. In regular service, they became solid, dependable and brave: men who could be relied on to fight on, no matter what was happening around them. The 42nd “Black Watch”, for example, held off repeated French assaults at the Battle of Corunna in 1809, giving the British army time to escape from the port. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_British_KGL_Foot \n\nWell-trained and well-respected, the foot regiments of the King’s German Legion are responsible for holding the line in battle. When deployed, they brave the threat of artillery fire, skirmishers and cavalry charges to unleash very effective volley fire upon the enemy. Cavalry charges should be countered by ordering them to form square. They fight with justifiable pride in their skills in close combat, giving opponents pause with their brutal use of bayonets.\n\nHistorically, the majority of the King’s German Legion was recruited from the Hanoverian Army, which had disbanded after Napoleon’s occupation of Hanover. Given that the British monarch was also Elector of Hanover, the British lost no time in creating a legion of Hanoverian exiles, ready to fight and die to destroy Napoleon. The British soon held the King’s German Legion in high regard due to their exemplary behaviour on the battlefield and in training. Hanoverian officers had a professional attitude towards war that was largely lacking in their native British counterparts, who considered tactics and drill beneath the notice of proper gentlemen. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_Brunswick_Line_Infantry \n\nThey are an extremely versatile force, and can be relied on to give a good account of themselves in most circumstances. Cavalry will have an extremely hard time breaking any Brunswick square. However, like other line infantry they cannot be left exposed to punishing cannon fire: their bravery and skills are of little use against an artillery bombardment. Like other musket-armed infantry they are vulnerable to skirmishers if their attackers keep under cover and at long range.\n\nBrunswick Infantry fought alongside British troops in the Peninsular War (1810-14). They were organised, armed and equipped in a largely British fashion, as might have been expected: the men came from the “Black Band”, a Brunswicker force that had been evacuated from Germany by the Royal Navy just ahead of an advancing French army. Once reformed and retrained, and then despatched to Spain, the Brunswickers proved their worth time and again as troops who could be relied on to fight, and fight hard. They kept this reputation, and were in the Anglo-Allied army at Waterloo (18 June 1815), gallantly defending the farmhouse of La Haye Sainte against repeated French attacks. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_French_18th_Ligne \n\nThe 18th Regiment are revered by their fellow countrymen, who know them as “The Brave”. They are experienced soldiers and that makes them valuable on the battlefield. Formed into a line, they can deliver a volley of fire into an enemy, follow it with a decisive charge and then finish the foe in close combat. Brave or not, they are still vulnerable to artillery and sniping by skirmishers. Like other line infantry, they can form square to repulse enemy cavalry.\n\nThe 18th Regiment were at the Battle of Leipzig in 1813, at that time the largest battle to have taken place on European soil. It was also a decisive victory for the forces of the Sixth Coalition, and Napoleon was forced to retreat. This persuaded the smaller German states to join the Coalition. Thanks to Leipzig, the Coalition forces outnumbered the French; apart from anything else, Napoleon had lost his Grande Armee during his failed Russian campaign in 1812. The Coalition further weakened Napoleon’s forces by avoiding battle with the emperor, instead attacking his less able sub-ordinates. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_French_Fusiliers \n\nFusiliers advance upon the enemy, firing volley after volley before they close with fixed bayonets. Although they are foot soldiers, and lack the dash and elan of cavalry, they take a justifiable pride in their worth in battle. They can form square when threatened by cavalry, and give other enemy infantry a bloody time but they are still vulnerable to shelling by artillery and sniping by skirmishers.\n\nThe fusiliers were considered the ordinary soldiers of Napoleon’s army. They enjoyed little of the prestige and privileges showered on the Emperor’s precious guards, his artillery formations, or the light troops. Yet they were vital to his victories: strong, dependable and loyal to Napoleon. They could be counted on to do his marshals’ bidding in almost every circumstance. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_French_Revolutionary_Infantry \n\nThese infantrymen are convinced that their actions are honourable, just and virtuous in defence of the Revolution and their beloved France. They are the people’s soldiers, buoyed up by high morale and a lack of experience that means they are capable of insane feats of bravery on the battlefield. Strong in numbers, and weak in discipline, they are only a little better than an armed mob, but what a mob! They burn with a zealous conviction that they are right, and this is their weapon even more than the muskets they carry so inexpertly.\n\nBefore 1791, the French army echoed the old feudal system: officers gained their place through family connections and title. The ordinary soldiers were treated badly. A series of mutinies and military rebellions produced some reforms in 1791: a code of justice, a reform of finances and an opening up of the officer class to the lower social classes. But it was the Revolution and the French Guards’ part in storming the Bastille that transformed the army from a tool of repression to the army of the people. The soldiers of the Revolution, though willing, eventually had to come to terms with military discipline, and that would need Napoleon. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_Line_Infantry \n\n“Marching regiments” or “line battalions” make up the majority of units in most armies. They are so called because they form the line of battle, not because they always deploy in a line. In fact, when faced with a cavalry charge, it is wise to form square for protection. Their strength comes from their close formation which gives them firepower and strength in melee, but this also leaves them vulnerable to artillery and skirmishers.\n\nHistorically, these soldiers carried muzzle-loading, smoothbore muskets firing lead balls as wide as a man’s thumb. These were inaccurate weapons, effective only over 200 paces or so. They were usually fired in massed volleys to increase the chance of the target being hit! This also meant that the whole unit was busy reloading at the same time. To counter this, the British Army perfected a kind of continuous rolling barrage called platoon fire. A regiment would divide itself into two halves and fire alternately, so that while one “platoon” (the modern use of the word has a different meaning) was firing, the other was loading. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_Ottoman_Beylik_Janissary_Musketeers \n\nThe janissaries are the cream of the Ottoman army but, in comparison to some other national armies, they fight in an old-fashioned way. Their strict code values personal initiative and courage, making them fierce warriors when in close combat. They are carry swords, and refuse to adopt bayonets, making them more vulnerable to cavalry charges than European troops.\n\nHistorically, the janissaries were the paid “new soldiers” of the sultan, rather than feudal levies. The corps grew so powerful they became a law unto themselves, able to make and break sultans as they saw fit. They were also deeply conservative in the outlook, and jealous of any threats to their position as the Ottomans’ best military force and its bureaucracy. This arrogance eventually lead to their downfall in what became known as the “Auspicious Incident”: Sultan Mahmud II goaded them into yet another revolt, then crushed them. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_Ottoman_Nizam_I_Cedit_Infantry \n\nThe nizam i cedit infantry are a mixture of traditional Ottoman military ideas and western discipline. They have kept the tradition of Turkish bravery and blended it with the drills and formal tactics practiced by European armies. This includes adopted their Western-style uniforms and bayonets. This makes them effective against enemy cavalry, but they remain vulnerable to artillery fire and the sniping of skirmishers.\n\nThe nizam i cedit was the first westernised infantry in the Ottoman Empire. By the late 18th century the Ottoman army was struggling against modern forces. The janissaries, the Ottoman’s shock troops, had become corrupted and ineffective. This forced Selim III (1761-1808) to establish a “new model” army with help from French military advisors. Though the nizam i cedit proved a success in battle, the corps was disbanded in the aftermath of the Janissary revolt that deposed Selim III. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_Polish_Legion \n\nThe Legion may be regarded as socially inferior and paid less than other infantry, but they fight like the Devil when asked. They will honourably withstand shot, shell and sabre and then go forwards with courage to drive off enemies. Armed with muskets and bayonets, they can steadily fire volleys into the mass of an enemy army, or fix bayonets and attack at close quarters. They may lack the pomp of other infantry, but they do all that is asked.\n\nThe Poles were ardent supporters of Napoleon and saw him as a liberator. This admiration was mutual; the Emperor declared that his Polish Legion infantry were to be treated with the same respect as their French equivalents. The Polish infantry excelled in defensive tactics, choosing to avoid the mass assaults the French favoured. As a result they were less vulnerable to artillery attacks, and were even known to sit down under fire to reduce their vulnerability! False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_Provincial_Ottoman_Nizam_I_Cedit \n\nThe nizam i cedit are the retrained troops of the “new model” Ottoman armies. They use European tactics and drill, but still retain a distinctly Ottoman Turkish taste, and flare, for battle. They are equipped with muskets and bayonets, allowing them to fire volleys and then attack in close combat. They can form square to counter cavalry attacks, but are vulnerable to artillery fire when they do so.\n\nSultan Selim III created the nizam i cedit in 1794, an army trained in the Western style, and one that was intended to replace the feudal and janissary troops found in Ottoman armies. The old-style army had been beaten when it faced the Russians, and Selim saw that change was needed. The nizam i cedit proved successful, and a second orta was organised as a mounted militia, recruited from ethnic Turkish peasants. Further expansion of the idea came to naught, as Selim was removed, violently, by a janissary revolt motivated by their resentment of change. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_Prussian_Musketeers \n\nPrussian line infantry revel in the hand-to-hand struggle of a good bayonet charge. They are quite capable of delivering a volley of devastating fire into an enemy with their smoothbore muskets. They have good morale, a legacy of being indoctrinated in their nation’s past glories, but this is no protection against artillery bombardment or the sniping of skirmishers. If threatened by cavalry, they can form square.\n\nIn the years before 1806 the Prussian army had become a little complacent, confident that the glories of the Seven Years War meant that a Prussian soldier was unbeatable. There was no need to change an army that had performed so well. Iron discipline was considered enough to beat any foe. While the immaculately turned out and perfectly drilled Prussians were superficially impressive, they turned out to be inadequate when facing a tactical genius like Napoleon. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_Russian_Moscow_Musketeers \n\nThese troops are battle-hardened veterans, making them invaluable on the battlefield. Formed into a disciplined line, they can unleash a massed volley into an enemy then, while the enemy is reeling, follow it with a decisive bayonet charge. For all their experience, they are still vulnerable to fire from artillery or skirmish units, but they can form square to counter potentially murderous cavalry charges.\n\nIn 1812, Napoleon marched his Grand Armee into Moscow, expecting a great victory and abject surrender by Tsar Alexander I. However, the French were hit hard by starvation on the march to Moscow: the foraging that served them well in richer parts of Europe backfired in Russia’s bleak landscape, made more bleak by the Russian habit of burning everything in their path. The French were desperate to find supplies in Moscow, but the Russians continued their denial policy, stripped the city of everything moveable and burned the rest. Robbed of victory and food, the Grand Armee pulled back, and marched into a Russian winter. Napoleon left at least three-quarters of his army, frozen and starved to death, on the steppes. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_Russian_Musketeers \n\nEven Russia’s foes have a grudging respect for these sons of the Motherland. They are capable of delivering a volley of devastating fire into an enemy with their smoothbore muskets, and then following it up with a good bayonet charge. They have good morale, but this is no protection against artillery bombardment or the sniping of skirmishers. If threatened by cavalry, they can form square.\n\nBarclay de Tolly, the Russian Minister of War in 1810, instigated a complete re-organisation of the Russian army, to bring it up to date with contemporary tactics. Before him, the army had suffered from the eccentricities of Tsar Paul I, who had reversed, ignored or subverted many of Catherine the Great’s policies. Paul chose to model his army on that of Frederick the Great, an organisation pattern already a quarter-century out of date when he chose it. Among the other madness that Paul inflicted on his poor soldiers was the introduction of steel knee plates; these were not for protection, but to make the soldiers adopt a “proper” stiff-legged marching style! False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Line_Swiss_Foot \n\nAs line infantry they are a relatively versatile force for their general, and can be relied on to stand and fire, or give a good account of themselves in close combat. They are, of course, vulnerable to artillery fire, and can suffer if left exposed to skirmishers. Against cavalry, they can quickly form square, and then withstand an attack.\n\nThe Swiss have a long tradition of serving in foreign armies, as long as the money was there. The saying “No money, no Swiss” dates back to at least the Renaissance, when Swiss mercenaries were regarded as among the best in Europe. When paid, there were no fiercer soldiers. By the Napoleonic era, Swiss units were exclusive to the French army and the Papal Swiss Guard of the Vatican. At the Battle of Berezina, the Swiss covered the French retreat under fire from the Russians, and this brave service was immortalised in the song “Beresinalied”. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Melee_Ottoman_Cemaat_Janissaries \n\nThe janissaries are the cream of the Ottoman army, but also old fashioned and outmoded by contemporary military forces. They are traditionalists in all things, and this includes making war: they value personal courage and skill, not collective discipline. They are, however, supremely dangerous fighters in close combat and when they charge home.\n\nHistorically, the janissaries were the “new soldiers” of the Ottoman Empire, the replacements for feudal levies and tribal warriors. Janissaries were taken into the corps as children, converted to Islam if necessary, and indoctrinated to fight and die for the Ottoman sultan. They were completely loyal, reliable and efficient, so much so that the Ottoman state came to rely on them as military governors and administrators as well as warriors. This gave them too much power and the new soldiers slowly became the entrenched conservatives who fought any further reforms. Their loyalty was such that they could even rationalise revolt against the sultan, if his policies went against what they considered the best interests of the Ottoman Empire. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Militia_Austrian_Landesschutzen \n\nCynics might describe the Landesschutzen as cannon fodder: they lack prestige, and suffer from low morale as a result. They are denied equipment that other, higher status regular units take for granted. Such a view is wrong. As militia, the Landesschutzen are rather skilful in combat, with good marksmanship skills; they can certainly hold their own against other militia forces, and give careless regular infantry a nasty surprise. As they lack bayonets, they use their rifles as clubs in close combat.\n\nIn 1805 Austria lost the Tyrol to Bavaria, thanks to defeat at the hands of the French and their allies. In 1809 Andreas Hofer, an Austrian nationalist, organised a rebellion against his new masters, took the Tyrol back, and succeeded in capturing Innsbruck not once, but twice. Hofer had been a militia captain in the war against the French, and was a sharpshooter of some skill. A thorn in the side of the French generals, he was tricked, captured, tried and executed by firing squad in 1810, ensuring his place as a hero. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Militia_French_National_Guard \n\nWhen considered against other militias, the National Guard is clearly a superior force. However, they should not be expected to stand against regular military units; they are an armed police force, intended to keep order. In battle, they lack confidence, and may run. They are, however, useful garrison troops, can maintain public order, and are inexpensive to recruit and pay.\n\nThe French National Guard was formed in 1789, a result of “la Grande Peur”, or the “Great Fear”. Failed harvests led to unrest and the National Assembly needed a police force. The Troupes Provinciales were unreliable because they were recruited, by lottery, from the peasantry who were the source of the unrest. The National Guard, on the other hand, attracted the middle classes to its ranks, if only because guardsmen were expected to pay for their own uniforms and equipment. That social difference made them a more reliable force. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Militia_Militia \n\nMen in the militia rarely expect to be sent into battle. It is their lot to act as reserves, or local law enforcers. As a result, if they do find themselves on a battlefield, they should be expected to run away, and not handle their weaponry with any great proficiency. Militia may appear useless, then, but they are cheap to maintain and as plentiful as any bureaucrat could want.\n\nIn 1806, despite previous unfortunate experiences with disgruntled peasants, the Russian state recruited 600,000 serfs into the “opelchenie”, a militia. Training was basic, and weaponry similarly simple: the opelchenie were given pikes. After the French invasion of 1812 the opelchenie was no longer limited to serfs, and another 200,000 recruits joined in a national wave of patriotism. Some of this new cohort of serfs brought their own pitchforks and shovels as weapons. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Militia_Ottoman_Libyan_Bedouin \n\nBecause they lack the status and training of other Ottoman units, Libyan Bedouins are not always as reliable in battle as they might be. They are effective against other militia units, and against rebellious civilians, but should not be expected to last for long against regular army units. On the battlefield, a cynical commander could employ them as a distraction, or to shield his more valuable soldiers.\n\nThe Bedouin were a desert people, toughened by life in the desert; a life on the move bred men who did not need much to survive. Yet they were also known to avoid bloodshed if they could, at least among themselves. Feuding was costly, in both time and blood, and a wise man knew that it was better to talk than to reach for the knife. This same attitude was not always extended to outsiders: raiding and theft from non-Bedouin were honourable ways to support a family. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Militia_Ottoman_Palestinian_Auxiliaries \n\nThe primary task of auxiliaries is not necessarily to fight on the battlefield, but to intimidate local troublemakers and keep order in the streets. Because of this, they receive little training and, when pitted against regular soldiers, they are likely to run or be killed very quickly. However, for garrison duties and as a diversion on a battlefield they can be useful to a cunning commander.\n\nIn 1799 Napoleon besieged the Ottoman city of Acre in Palestine, echoing the Crusades that had taken place 700 years earlier. For once, Napoleon lacked artillery as British forces had ambushed it en route. His infantry would have to take Acre unsupported. After many attempts, new artillery was brought up and broke down the wall, only to reveal that the Ottomans had built an inner wall to seal the breach! After two months of failure and disease, Napoleon admitted defeat and withdrew his exhausted soldiers. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Militia_Ottoman_Peasant_Levy \n\nEven though they carry muskets, they are given only the most basic of training: just enough so that they will not actually kill themselves before they reach a battlefield. This inexperience and a fatalistic attitude towards survival mean that they have low morale even before the firing starts. They can, just, hold their own against militia units, but expecting much more of them is a little optimistic. They can be a useful way of getting the enemy to waste precious shot and gunpowder.\n\nThe Ottoman Empire had several different types of conscripted levies in its armies: “miri-askeris” were paid on the battlefield, for example, while the “yeri-neferats”, included every Muslim man, regardless of age, in a town under threat. The intention was to get as many people onto a battlefield as quickly as possible as a response, any kind of response, to an enemy incursion. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Militia_Prussian_Landwehr \n\nThey are also equal to the job of quelling troublesome civilians, but their lack of training means that they should not be expected to fight as well as regular soldiers. These are the people-in-arms, not a hardened force of veterans. Against well-handled and disciplined soldiers, they will suffer heavy losses. They are, however, a useful force of garrison troops, and can help keep order at relatively low cost.\n\nIn 1812 Prussia had been compelled to aid Napoleon’s invasion of Russia. General Yorck, the officer in charge of the Prussian Auxiliary Corps, was a well-respected patriot, and an experienced soldier. It was obvious to him that the French were going to be defeated, so he declared his corps neutral and aided the Russians in taking East Prussia. As East Prussia, if not the whole country, was at war with France, an army was needed to defend it and the result was the recruitment of a large body of Landwehr militia. Yorck’s decision to defy the French produced the Russo-Prussian alliance of 1813, a significant bloc against Napoleon’s France. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Mob_Armed_Citizenry \n\nArmed citizenry are a mob, given whatever guns are to hand, with brief training that the muzzle end is to be pointed towards the foe. Weapons do not make soldiers, and arming the people is an act of desperation. On the battlefield, the citizenry are unlikely to do much to damage an enemy, but the size of the mob can at least cause the foe problems. This can give real soldiers enough time to win the battle, or make the enemy pay heavily for their victory.\n\nHistorically, arming the people was something that really scared the authorities in every nation, particularly if the population hated the existing regime. It was not wise to supply an angry population with weapons, when these might be turned on the rulers, rather than foreigners. When Austria decided to create landwehr or militia forces, it was careful to exclude many regions from the decision as the loyalty of Austria’s many different ethnic groups could not always be guaranteed. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Skirm_Austrian_Windbucshe_Jager \n\nRecruited from woodsmen, hunters and poachers, these men are used to moving across broken ground and staying unobserved by their prey. Their cleverly designed airguns can be reloaded very quickly by screwing in a new air reservoir and slotting home a new magazine of shot. The airgun is also rifled, making it a deadly weapon at long range. However, like all skirmishers the Windbuchse Jagers are vulnerable to being ridden down by cavalry and cannot be expected to last long against the massed fire of line infantry.\n\nHistorically, the windbuchse (“wind rifle”) was a fascinating “what if” of military history. It had a 20-round magazine, and could fire as quickly as the user could pull the trigger. The gun could drive a ball through a plank (or a man) at 100 paces, but it was a delicate weapon. Quiet, and without a tell-tale cloud of gunpowder smoke, the windbuchse did not work after rough treatment, something that was inevitable in battle. Napoleon Bonaparte hated them and decreed that any captured “assassin” with an airgun was to be executed, not treated as a soldier. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Skirm_British_Rifles \n\nThe rifle gives them the ability to kill at astonishing ranges for a flintlock weapon. Their skills and skirmishing tactics allow them to use whatever cover is to hand to hide, stalk the enemy, and then kill them from a distance. Even their uniforms are a subdued colour to help them in their role as hunters and snipers.\n\nThey are, however, not invulnerable. Like all skirmishers, they can be cut down by a carefully timed cavalry charge. They will also suffer disproportionate casualties if exposed to a line unit’s firepower.\n\nHistorically, the Greenjackets, nicknamed for their dark green uniforms that blended into the landscape, carried an infantry rifle designed by Ezekiel Baker of London. This muzzle-loading flintlock used a small ball in a rifled barrel with superb accuracy. Loading was a slow business, and could take a minute or more to do properly so that a shot would fly true. The result, in the hands of an expert, was deadly. French officers came to dread the presence of the Rifles on a battlefield. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Skirm_French_Voltiguers \n\nSkirmishers fight two battles: one against the enemy’s skirmishers to prevent them from doing their worst, and the second to harass the main body of the enemy army. Voltigeurs are excellent shots, even with their smoothbore muskets, and can whittle down the numbers of enemies they face very quickly. They are also well trained in using every scrap of cover and every fold in the landscape to hide. This makes them hard to spot and worse, hard to kill.\n\nAt the start of the Napoleonic period, most armies thought of light troops as auxiliaries to the line infantry. Part of Napoleon’s genius lay in taking existing ideas and making them work really well: he got the proportions of light and line troops right for his armies, and made sure that his attacking columns were well supported by swarms of skirmishers, including voltigeurs. Originally, the name had come about because they were expected to jump onto enemy cavalry horses and attack the riders that way! This was nonsense, but the voltigeurs did prove excellent soldiers. They were also given additional tasks, such as aiding pontonniers in building bridges; they could not only work hard, but also fight effectively to defend the bridge if necessary. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Skirm_Jager \n\nNothing causes fear in men during battle like seeing your comrades slaughtered by a seemingly invisible enemy. Jagers are adept at hiding in cover as the foe approaches and they then use their superior marksmanship to bring down their targets. Using loose skirmishing formations, jagers are good at ambushes, but are at a disadvantage if they are forced into close combat, or ridden down by cavalry.\n\nThe Austrian Jagers, or “hunters” were extremely well trained and particularly adept at using cover and fieldcraft to gain the upper hand in a fight. They could stalk their targets, just as hunters stalk deer, using every bit of cover to hide their approach to a firing position. At the Battle of Wagram in 1809 jagers hid in a drainage ditch and lay in wait for the French, hitting them with a barrage of well-aimed shots. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Skirm_Nizam_I_Cedit_Rifles \n\nFighting in formal order with disciplined fire is a new idea for Turkish forces: the traditional method simply involved brave, heavily armed men hurling themselves at the enemy. This “new model” army is a break with the past, and it has even adopted Western-style military dress. Despite these modernisations the nizam i cedit remain vulnerable to cavalry charges and when in prolonged close combat. They are best used in a loose skirmish formation, where their marksmanship and rifles can be used to the full.\n\nHistorically, the nizam i cedit reforms were made vital by the poor performance of Ottoman armies against the Russians. The Ottomans’ inability to defend their empire against a growing Slavic threat, and predatory moves by other European powers, were reason enough for Turkey to be known as the “sick man of Europe”. Help came from an unlikely source: anxious for allies, the French Revolutionary Republic provided much of the expertise to retrain the Ottoman army. However, the reforms met with opposition from the ultra-conservative janissaries; eventually the janissaries had to be disbanded. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Skirm_Norwegian_Ski_Troops \n\nTheir skis are the perfect way of moving across a snowy landscape at speed, although it is often easier, and stealthier, to walk into battle. Mobility allows these soldiers to quickly select good firing positions and then make full use of their sniping skills, honed over years of hunting. Their hunting experience allows them to hide in plain sight and their loose formation provides them with a small amount of protection from enemy missile troops.\n\nHistorically, the rifle was an expensive item to manufacture, as the barrel required careful machining to create the grooves that impart spin to the bullet; smoothbore weapons were nowhere near as difficult to make. A rifled barrel, however, would shoot further and with more accuracy than any smoothbore.\n\nSki-ing as a tool of warfare has a long history in Scandinavia, being first mentioned in the 13th Century works of Saxo Grammaticus, the Danish historian and antiquary. Ski troops were able to cover vast distances at speed in wintertime, giving them strategic mobility, and yet remain fresh enough to fight a battle. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Skirm_Portuguese_Tiradores \n\nArmed with rifles and an excellent knowledge of fieldcraft, Tiradores could shoot the cockade off a dragoon at 100 paces. “Tiradores” is Portuguese for sharpshooters and nothing describes these men better. They fight in loose formation and are ideal for harassing the enemy from a distance, using their ability to hide in all kinds of terrain. However, should these men be drawn into close combat they will suffer heavy losses. Any contact with cavalry could prove disastrous.\n\nIn 1808, as Napoleon continued to dominate Europe, Portugal found that it was totally without regular light infantry units. Those that had been raised with the all-arms light corps in 1796 had been drafted into the French army’s Portuguese Legion. New light infantry would need to be recruited, equipped and trained from nothing. These new light infantry were called “Cacadores”, the Portuguese for hunters, and within each battalion were four companies of ordinary Cazadores and one company of elite “Tiradores”. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Inf_Skirm_Prussian_Silesian_Schuetzen \n\nNamed for the province in which they are raised, Silesian Schuetzen are elite sharpshooters. These troops can hide completely in a variety of terrain types and fire upon the enemy with startling accuracy. They fight in loose formation, which gives them added protection from line infantry. If they meet the same units in open conflict, these skirmishers will suffer. The Silesian Schuetzen are also at a disadvantage in close combat.\n\nHistorically, Schuetzen units were raised from a variety of sources to defend Silesia from the French attack of 1807. They were originally garrisoned in Liegnitz and, like many units in their early years, they lacked uniformity of armament, though mostly they were armed with infantry muskets. Eventually the men were all armed with the 1787 pattern rifle, a long gun with a calibre of about a finger’s width. Unusually for a flintlock, it had front and back sights: the back sight was graded up to 300 paces, allowing startling feats of marksmanship. False
unit_description_texts_long_description_text_Mounted_Inf_Ottoman_Mounted_Nizam_I_Cedit \n\nThe primary duty of the mounted nizam i cedit is to harass the enemy and pick off important individuals within their ranks. The speed provided by their mounts mean these men can reach areas of the battlefield significantly quicker than their counterparts on foot. However, their speed and versatility is no protection if they find themselves in close combat; if pitted against line infantry they will suffer heavy losses.\n\nHistorically, the mounted nizam i cedit were known as the Neferi nizam i cedit, or the 2nd Orta provincial militia. Shortly after being raised, the 1st Orta felt the wrath of the British Ambassador, who was angered by the fact that the units of this new model army were issued with French instead of British muskets! His displeasure was the least of their problems. Although sanctioned by the sultan, the modernisation of the army was met with hostility from Ottoman traditionalists. The bayonet, for example, was a serious bone of contention: many chose to see it as a way of reducing proud warriors to little more than parts in a machine. False