Mormoan Militia: Part 1 (continued)

The Van Demon's Land Legion: Like many nations everywhere, The Holy Mormoan Kingdom of New Wales authorized the raising of Militia units, (Regiments, Battalions, Legions etc) very early in their history. The unit we will look at today is the Van Demon Legion

NAME: The Van Demon's Land Legion
Date Raised: 21 March 1731

MOTTO: "Ready, Aye, Ready"
Unofficial Motto: "The Good Die Young".
Nicknames:"The Demons", "and “The Devil's Parrots"
Battle Honours: "Cadbury Hill 1733", "Launceston 1734", "Van Demon's Land Campaign" .
Brief History: In 1730 King Michael sent his Brother, Grand Duke Colin with 3000 subjects and 500 troops to establish a colony on a large Island south of the mainland called Van Demon's Land. This became known as The Grand Duchy of Van Demon's Land. The 500 troops Grand Duke took with him were predominantly men that had recently arrived from the “Old World” (the British Nth American colonies). These men, (and their families), were keen to prove their worth . As we know, these men formed the Clairmont Militia

Grand Duke Colin soon realised that a second Regiment would be required, and proclaimed that "A body of fine young men is required to be raised to assist in the protection of the Island Colony of Van Demon's Land".

Consequently the Legion was raised from the sons of those men who were serving in the Clairmont Militia, (and had been to young to join at the time of that regiments formation), and young gentry who had sailed to Van Demon's Land several months later in search of land to make their own.

As a result the average age of the "Rank and File" was quite young, (only 18 years).

Also, there was initially a shortage of uniforms and weapons, so they had to initially drill with spears! Additionally the only coats they initially could get were made from green cloth and quite large, as they were originally meant for the Clairmont Militia, who rejected them in favour of their Brown uniforms.

When the unit drilled or performed "exercises" (manouvers) the soldiers were often mocked by the "old Hands" in the Clairmont Militia; "This island is to small for two Regiments, and you parrots are too small for our hand-me-down coats"!!!

This is why the "Parrots" are a Legion. Their CO, an young officer named Daniel Dunbar replied one morning whislt they drilled, "Those old farts are right, this island is indeed to small for another Regiment, but we are a Legion"!!!

Like the Clairmont Militia, This Regiment fought at relief of Fort Clairmont in 1735, where they supported the Clairmont Militia well, but as they didn't fire a single shot, this isn't a Battle Honour for them.

Regimental anecdotes and traditions:

The first time the Legion saw action was at Cadbury hill when they were marching with the Maiden Guard, but somewhat to the rear. When the Natives attacked the Adjutant of the Maiden Guard rode up to the Legion an exclaimed, "The Maiden's are engaging the natives, will the Legion be able to support us"?

Major Dunbar replied "Aye Ma'am, we are ready! The good die young"!

Drummers in the Legion wear "Reversed Colours" as seen below:

Some Eye Candy

Hi all

Here are some pictures of work in progress, (near complete) of some New Wales Units.

I say "near complete, as I still need to add to the Militia their Colour (flag) and a bit more "ground scatter" to the bases.

First (above), we have two pictures of the now "Based" Raechel's Troop of the Maiden Guard. Below we have three pictures of the YARRA MILITIA, (or "Raggity Anns" as they have been nick-named). The miniatures are a mix of PERRY MINIATURES (AWI range), OLD GLORY (AWI), and EUREKA MINIATURES, ("Ragged Continentals"). I only wish I could paint well enough to do the figures justice. The PERRY and EUREKA figures are little works of art. OLD GLORY can be a bit "hit or miss" in my opinion.

Fortunatly for me, the OLD GLORY AWI Range of figures is one of their better lines.

"Off To See The Elephant; (with Drums)"?

Drum Major Bond Scott (late of Princess Amanda's Dragoons), leads the Changing of The Maiden Guard at Broadford Gardens. Mounted on his Drum Horse Ned, they trot pass the Regimental Colour of the Maiden Guard, and the reviewing Officer, King Phillip I and General Von Zillmann.
At the Conclusion of the March Pass, Drum Major Scott is permitted to address the Guard:
"I now depart for Tradgardland. I will now beat my Kettle Drums to another tune, but know my heart beats for God, King Phillip and New Wales! God Save The King"!
"HUZZAH"!!! bellows from the Guard.















King Phillip now gives some final words of instruction and advice to the Drum Major before sending him on his way.
"Do your King and country proud Drum Major! In your baggage you will find the Holy Order Of Mormoani for Duke Karl Frederick. Hand it to our Ambassador, the Earl of Bradbury, Sir Olaf Myfriendsagay. Tell him from me he is to present it to the Duke".
With that, the Drum Major departs, like some young lad of to the circus; "to see the elephant".

The Plot Thickens!

PICTURED: Lady Sarah O'Connars
Location: The Duchess' Retreat "Orange House", Van Demons Land
Date: February 20, 1746, 8pm.
Duchess Margaretta is pacing back and forward in the "Dutch Room" of her private cottage, "The Orange House". The "not so small" residence was a wedding present given to her by Grand Duke Peter. Somewhere for her to relax away from their official residence. It even had a small Catholic Chapel at rear for the Duchess to maintain her "Catholic rituals".
Standing rather nervously within the 'Dutch Room" was one of her new Ladies In Waiting, Sarah O'Connars.

The Duchess spoke:
"So prior to your arrival yesterday, you were once an officer in the Maiden Guard I understand"?

"Yes Highness, for 8 years".

"And now you're not. I've heard stories, but I'd like to hear from you; why is it so"?

Sarah blushed deep red:
"Well, I umm; err, how can I put this. Let's just say I was caught in a compromising position with Colonel Ann of the Militia. As you might be aware Ma'am, only virgins can serve in the Maiden Guard"

The Duchess smiled.
"Oh dear, a young officer of the King's Maiden Guard, deflowered by a Militia Colonel. I bet that didn't go down to well with the King".

"Not at all your Highness. I think the Young King is not really all that taken with the Guard ; and even less with any Maidens or Officers that he thinks might behave in anyway that could be looked upon as unprofessional"

"Young King"?

"Yes Ma'am. King Phillip is called "The Young King" by the Guard. We, I mean the Maiden Guard refer to his father as "The Old" King".

The Duchess turned her smile into a frown:
"Oh deary me. And I suppose the "Young" King is not all that near and dear to your heart anymore. A promising military career destroyed all because you, a young and impressionable junior officer was taken advantage of by some smelly, dirty old Militia officer"

"That is why I chose to come to Your court Ma'am".

"I assume you're good with a pistol?" asked the Duchess.

"Yes Ma'am. May I ask why you wish to know"?

"Oh, just interested in what training you've had". The Duchess drapped herself over a large couch:
"The Maiden Guard fascinates me. No fatties allowed in the Guard I understand"?

"No Ma'am, the heavy girls are placed in the Training Squadron. There was talk of raising a squadron of female Dragoons to become part of the Guard eventually, but I'm not sure the Young King is altogether keen on the idea. I know the Old King was".

The Duchess sat up:

"You know, I've discussed your situation with my husband the Grand Duke. He tells my he thinks you're the victim. He told me if he was king, as his Queen he'd hand the responsibility of the management of the Maiden Guard over to me"

"Wise move Ma'am" Sarah looked seriously at the Duchess.

Margaretta continued:
"Oh yes, The Grand Duke is very wise. He thinks it's only appropriate that the Queen should deal with all matter pertaining to the Guard. He'd make sure Colonel Ann was cashiered and I would make sure you were reinstated in the Guard as a Major, maybe even Lt Colonel; maybe even command of an expanded Maiden Legion"!

She reclined once more, and let out a deep sigh:
"Alas, Peter is not King however, and more importantly; I am not Queen. If only some accident would befall Phillip. Oh dear, I sound awful don't I? Oh Lord forgive me"!

Sarah chimed in:
"Not at all Ma'am, you only want what's best for your husband, and country; of course"

"Why of course" agreed the Duchess.

"You know, maybe there is a way that we could all benefit from having someone of your redoubtably talents here"

Sarah took it upon herself to take a seat:
"I'm at your service my Queen; oh, I mean Duchess".

Margaretta smiled:
"Queen does sounds better, does it not"?.

TO BE CONTINUED!

The Army Flags Part 1: (continued)

The next Colours we will look at are the Colours of the "Kings Maiden Guard". Below we have the King's Colour (top), and the Regimental Colour, (bottom):
The "Bursting Grenade" indicates the Regiment belongs to either the "Royal Household Brigade" or it is an "Elite" formation / unit. The Maiden Guard is both.
The Regimental colour displays the Regiments Name on one side, and the Regimental motto, ("None Shall Pass"!) on the other.
Enjoy!

Work In Progress

(My first Regiment painted; The King's Maiden Guard)

Hi All
Here we see the first of my units painted.
I started off by painting the King's Maiden Guard and Raechel's Troop. I used the very nice EUREKA MINIATURES figures. Sorry, I'm unsure of the codes, but contact Nic at Eureka and I'm sure he will provide the figs: Here we see them just after applying the undercoat. I always undercoat in Matt Black, ( usually the cheap "at any hardware store" type of spray can stuff).

I really like the Artillery. All but the Detachment Commander (or "Number 1"), have there coats off, and are serving the gun with just there vests on. Very "Gunner like".
Here are the pictures of the completed units. Really only varnishing and basing to go. I also need to add a Flag to the Guard:


As you can see, I've painted the Drummer in "Reversed Colours".

The King's Maiden Guard

Lets now look at the first of the Regiments.

NAME: The King's Maiden Guard
Date Raised: 29 July 1727
MOTTO: "None Shall Pass"
Unofficial Motto: "Only The King Shall Pass"
Nicknames: "The Van Demon Witches", "The King's Groundsheets"
Battle Honours: "Cadbury Hill 1733", "Van Demon Land 1733", "Launceston 1734".
Brief History:
In 1726 whilst conducting a review of the Guard, King Michael discovered that many of the veterans of the "Hostile Wars" within the Guard had taken on the extra responsibility of looking after the orphaned daughters of fallen comrades. Moved by this the King ordered the raising of a Regiment of Female "Household Troops" for "Ceremonial and Guard duties". The Regiment was also used as a military Police Force. Initially not intended as "Field" troops, the Regiment was thrust into action when acting as an escort for the King, when his convoy was attacked by natives whilst visiting the Grand Duchy Of Van Demon's Land in 1733, (the Battle of Cadbury Hill). The Regiment performed so well the King ordered that they be moved onto the "Field Army" ORBAT.
In 1730 the Regiment raised a Troop (half Battery), of two "6 Pounders" as Regimental Artillery. The Gunners were recruited from the Daughters of the more "wealthy" gentry of the Kingdom. Initially they were to be a purely "Ceremonial" Troop, (for firing Salutes for appropriate occasions), but were brought on to the Field Army ORBAT at the same time as the Guard. The Troop was named "Raechel's Troop", in honour of the King's then soon-to-be Daughter-In-Law, (and soon-to-be Queen Raechel).
Regimental anecdotes and traditions:
The first commanding officer of the Regiment was a man by the name of COL William Smith. He was the first killed at the Battle of Cadbury Hill, compelling the second in command, Major Elizabeth O'Farrell to take command of the Regiment. Taking up COL Smith's hat she rallied the Regiment with the cry, "Show your King that it takes only 400 women to do the work of 1000 men!" The Regiment drove off the enemy force of over 700 natives with the bayonet! After the battle The King decreed that "..from hence forth all future CO's of the Regiment would be women". As a tradition, on the 29th of July every year the CO dresses as a man, and wears the "Smith Hat", (complete with bloodstains and gapping hole).
NOTE: The Regiment wears black knee high cavalry boots on campaign.

On the left we have the "reversed colours" of a Drummer of the King's Maiden Guard.
Below is the Uniform of a Gunner of the Maiden Guard Battery, (Raechel's Battery)
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank and "plug" David Linienblatt and his "Not By Appointment" blog; without which I would be reduced to describing rather than showing you the Uniforms of The Holy Mormoan Kingdom.