During the Seven Years War with the exception of
Prussia, France and Russia, very few nations fielded permanent grenadiers
units. Creating an elite fighting unit, combining the grenadier companies was
the only option.
Grenadier companies that formed alongside companies of
several regiments at the start of the year could find themselves grouped with
other companies later in the campaign season. Painting
a converged grenadier battalion poses a number of problems; which battalions
were present, would their strength allow further reduction by a grenadier
company and lastly, the uniforms.
The Allied army at Hastenbeck I did have
an order of battle listing regiments from Hannover, Brunswick and Hesse-Kassel.
Which grenadier companies were grouped together unfortunately is not known. At
this point, one needs to apply a dose of logic. Taking the grenadiers from the
regiments known to be in brigade is a step in the right direction.
The next question is which units to paint.
As I play DBA-HX, I have only four figures to represent my converged battalion,
so the ”artist” in me selects the prettiest ones.
In the photo are two columns of converged
grenadiers, the smaller from Brunswick and that on the right, of Hesse-Kassel.
Flanking the grenadier columns are elements of Jaeger supported by the Prussian
Zieten Hussars. Note, the Hussars are based a Cv or cavalry. Prussian Hussars
were considered battlefield cavalry unlike the other nations whose Hussars were
not as well trained and remained LH or light horse during the conflict.
My order from Blue Moon UK should arrive soon. This includes the last three converged grenadier battalions from Hannover (similar uniform as the British) and last but not least, my generals.
Cheers,
