Re-building an Austrian Army - infantry

Since 1740, Austria has been Prussia’s main protagonist during the three Silesian Wars; the last is better known as the Seven Years War. In that time, Austria had lost countless engagements against the clockwork drilled Prussians, but the Battle of Prague was to prove a turning point. The Austrians had demonstrated superiority in their use of artillery, infantry were reaching a skill level compatible with the Prussians and for the first time, Fredrich had seen his infantry break.

Like the SYW Prussians, all Austrians are OG15s. Originally based for the WRG 1685 – 1845 rule set, our battalions averaged 24 figures and cavalry regiments between 18 and 24 cavalry. Converting this for DBA-HX meant large scale historical battles could be reproduced.

One nice aspect about the project, the German fusiliers were not as varied in regard to regimental distinctions. For the most part, they wore either red or blue facings. Hungarians had similar distinctions, but could add different coloured breeches.

Taking the OB for Prague, which is available at Kronoskaf.com, the Austrians could field 56 battalions, 5 Grenzer battalions and 62 companies of grenadiers. On average, the regiments fielded 2 battalions per regiment, so we have approximately 28 regiments. Grenzers were not a problem as I had 96 figures or nearly five times as many than needed.

About the grenadiers, these were not organized like their Prussian counter-part, but on an adhoc basis. In fact, during the battle of Prague, 40 grenadier companies were taken from their parent battalions to help reinforce the Austrian right wing. This illustrates one of the many changes the Austrian was able to perform which caught the Prussians by surprise.

Photo 1

This illustrates the number of re-based units in need of labeling  Regimental flags remained unchanged and standard, unlike the Prussian regiments which display colour differences.

There are six columns of German fusiliers, basically with either red or blue facings. Further to the right are two columns of Hungarian infantry dressed in either red or blue breeches. There are four standards modeled after the early 1740 regulation.

Behind the line infantry are small columns of grenadiers. These are not permanent units, but represent the converged companies organized per engagement.

Last row are Grenzers. These were not present in large numbers during most of the battles, but were active along the periphery playing an important part in the Small War or Kleine Krieg disrupting communications, seizing bridgeheads and attacking supply convoy. Together with the Hussars, the Grenzers formed an effective screen for the army.

Next the cavalry.