These are my Virginian Military Institute cadets. Four 60 x 40 stands of four figures each plus the casualty marker. The little white corners denote 1 - 4, so the marker can be used for up to four casualties in BP games.
Two of the 'Apostles' under the command of a VMI instructor with brass-tipped lecture pointer and text book under his arm - great figure from Redoubt!
Detail of the boys advancing at the trot with shouldered arms. I've photo'd them on the backdrop of a real Confederate flag I bought in Virginia - not a whole lotta miles from VMI in fact!
VMI cadets in column. Sorry about the lousy photography but I rushed it a bit and my tripod broke (grrr - cheap Chinese crap!) so I had to do 'em by hand hence they're a bit shaky - like the photographer!
Last but not least - the 'Apostles' in action. I decided not to include the kneeling dude - too awkward to fit on the base. I've revised my opinion of the Redoubt figures too - they look mighty fine when painted and based.
Hope you like the results of my first foray into ACW - click on the pics for an enlargement and please feel free to leave a comment.
Cheers,
Doc
Hi
ReplyDeleteI remember a John Wayne's film depicting a similar charge. I watched the film many years ago, and I can remember that Wayne was playing a yankee captain role.
Best regards
Rafa
Hi Doc,
ReplyDeleteGreat little group of figures theres, really nice. Good to see the cadets in predominately grey uniforms as they were well equiped, the VMI being of course one of the Souths most prestigious military institutions.
Desperate day that was at New Market and I think that Breckinridges comments say it all when faced with the hartbreaking desicion to have to send the cadets in.
"Put in the cadets" urged an officer.
"They are only children" answered Breckinridge. Then he asked aloud, "Will they stand?" he thought for a while before saying "Put the boys in, and may God fogive me for the order". Really moving stuff!
The decriptions of the 'charge' itself are quite painful to read, but they closed the gap in the Confederate line and possibly saved the day. Losses were very heavy.
You have done them proud Doc. :-)
Beautiful work; love the drummer's braiding & the red carriages. Looks fitting for Black Powder. Dean
ReplyDeleteDoc-great looking figures!
ReplyDeleteRafa-the film was called "The Horse Soldiers" 1959, with John Wayne and William Holden. My all time favourite Wayne/ACW film ever which cemented my love affair with ACW wargames!
Matt
Thanks for the comments guys - much appreciated. Thanks for the bit of history Lee: I believe there were nearly sixty casualties out of 400 or so cadets engaged, 15 of whom were killed.
ReplyDeleteIts several hundred yards of open field (up hill!) that have to be crossed to get to the Federal battery on the crest of the low rise opposite. I couldn't imagine what courage it took to do it. Much of the entire Confederate line is exposed, sitting on a road that runs along a split rail fence on one side. Its little wonder Breckinridge ordered the charge - the Federals were just sitting there shooting the hell out of the exposed Confederate line.
The VMI lads were roughly in the middle of that line is my understanding. Having been on that battlefield, what strikes you is why the Federals, who held the high ground and greatly outnumbered the Rebs, didn't just charge themselves and wipe Breckinridge's little army out?
The VMI boys charged right up that slope in view of everyone - hugely courageous and no wonder the Rebs won that day. That's one of the things I enjoyed the most when living there - so many well-preserved ACW battlefields you can readily visit.
BTW -'The Horse Soldiers' is one of my fave John Wayne movies too.
Cheers,
Doc
Hmmm... when did we let you into Virginia? I'll have to pay more attention! Nice work, Doc! I've got some more 40mm ACW on the way...
ReplyDeleteLived in Falls Church for a few years back in the late 70s. Can't remember how far exactly from New Market battlefield but it wasn't that far - day trip at best. Apparently Siegel's Union forces did attack and were about to break the Confederate line - the VMI cadets were the outnumbered Reb's last reserve which Breckinridge very reluctantly ordered in. They stopped the Union advance in its tracks then their charge turned the battle - out of 276(?) engaged, 10 were killed or died of their wounds and another 48 wounded. The boys were aged from 14 to 22 and were mainly 'Rats' - as 1st year VMI cadets are called. They were the only military school who fought as a unit in the Civil War. Amazing story - and captured my imagination when I visited the battlefield. Felt a sense of awe at what they did - even more so than standing at the 'high tide of the Confederacy' mark at the gun where Gen. Armistead was killed in Picket's charge. I am hugely envious of you guys living in or near northern VA. - all that history right there. I confess I'd probably be a re-enactment nut if I still lived there!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Doc
A heroic band of boys, these cadets!
ReplyDelete