AWI - My Battleground (2 Viewers)

[mestell]

Thank you Artmabigor . . . .

Here are some interesting historical facts that I have found pertaining to the 5th Regiment of Foot at Bunker/Breed's Hill:

British 5th Foot Officer Casualties at Bunker Hill - The following is a list of casualties among the British 5th Foot officers at the Battle of Bunker Hill. This list indicates the high rate of casualties among the British officers:

Ensign Balaquire - 5th Foot - WIA at Bunker Hill
Ensign Charleton - 5th Foot - WIA at Bunker Hill
Lieutenant Croker - 5th Foot - WIA at Bunker Hill
Captain Patrick Downs - 5th Foot - mortally WIA at Bunker Hill & died in the evening.
Captain George Harris - 5th Foot - WIA at Bunker Hill (shot in head recovered and later became a General)
Captain John Jackson - 5th Foot - WIA at Bunker Hill
Lieutenant M’Clintockx - 5th Foot - WIA at Bunker Hill
Captain Francis Marsden - 5th Foot - WIA at Bunker Hill, after living for another 5 years died in 1780, presumably from wounds received.


Here is some more information I found regarding British infantry formations during the AWI:

Regiment or Battalion? Comapny or Sub-Division? Platoon or Section? Those are the Questions

In 1775 every British Regiment up to the 70th Foot had only one Battalion except for the 60th Foot (Royal Americans) that had two with each organized separately with a full Regimental complement. The appellation Battalion was in many respects, therefore, synonymous with the word Regiment with the latter being the administrative term, while the former was employed for exercise and commands. For example the caution command was given as Battalion rather than Regiment before a following command of execution.

In the divisions of the Battalion in the field, some confusion may exist as many writers of the 18th century employed the same terms to denote different entities. However, in most cases, a Wing meant a division of half the Battalion on the field. That is, each had a left and a right wing. Two companies made up a Grand Division, and counting only the hat-men or Battalion Companies in these latter dividings, there were then four Grand Divisions per Battalion plus the two flank companies (Light Infantry and Grenadiers) which were an entity unto themselves.

A Company was often referred to as a Sub-Division, which simply meant a sub-dividing of the Grand Division into two parts. The term Company was also an administrative term. As well, a Company might be
referred to as a Firing Platoon. When a Company was divided, again it might make up two Sub-Divisions, or these might be called Platoons too, while a Section might refer to half a Sub-Division or a sectioning off of the Company into three or four parts.

So, when the Grenadier Company was on the field, either as part of the Battalion (regiment) or Brigaded with other Grenadier Companies (as often was the case) it was referred to as a Sub-Division by the Brigade Commander and whenever possible it was divided into two Platoons. When anything was to be performed by half-companies they were addressed as Platoon. Anything less than a Platoon was called a Section.

Reference www.redcoat.org/gren_drill.pdf

 

[Fusilier]

Mike, that is some good information there. It is interesting to note that Capt. Harris was the grenadier company captain at Bunker Hill. Which makes me wonder why Matt didn't name the AWI026 figure 'Captain Harris', like a couple of the militia were named after specific people. Oh well, guess we will have to wait for more named AWI figures.

On the battalion issue, you are correct. The Regiments did initially have one battalion and most followed that format. There were a few exceptions, such as the 71st at Long Island (3 Battalions), the 71st again at Brandywine (3 Battalions), and the 42nd at Monmouth (2 Battalions). This doesn't include the obvious exceptions of the composite battalions of light infantry and grenadiers, or the Guards units.

As far as the battalion organization, it can be a little confusing, so here is a diagram of the 1764 regualtions that might help explain what Mike posted previously:



Noah

 

[mestell]

Mike, that is some good information there. It is interesting to note that Capt. Harris was the grenadier company captain at Bunker Hill. Which makes me wonder why Matt didn't name the AWI026 figure 'Captain Harris', like a couple of the militia were named after specific people. Oh well, guess we will have to wait for more named AWI figures.

On the battalion issue, you are correct. The Regiments did initially have one battalion and most followed that format. There were a few exceptions, such as the 71st at Long Island (3 Battalions), the 71st again at Brandywine (3 Battalions), and the 42nd at Monmouth (2 Battalions). This doesn't include the obvious exceptions of the composite battalions of light infantry and grenadiers, or the Guards units.

As far as the battalion organization, it can be a little confusing, so here is a diagram of the 1764 regualtions that might help explain what Mike posted previously:

View attachment 77402

Noah

Great diagram Noah, thanks . . . . Its interesting that a regiment and a battalion back then were one in the same. I've already saved the diagram to my pictures file . . . interesting that it only shows the Hat Companies and not the Flank Companies. I also like how it designates the Colonel's Co, the Lt. Colonel's Co, the Major's Co, and the First Captain's Co. I really like the colour guard plan too . . . . would be easy to create with the available FL 5th Foot figures . . . .
Mike

 

[Fusilier]

No problem Mike. The diagram is out of the book "With Zeal and Bayonets Only" by Matthew Spring. It is a very detailed account of the tactical aspects of the British Army in the Revolution. Highly recommended, if you pick it up. He spends a lot of time discussing various elements of British tactics, then cites specific instances where that aspect occurred in battle. Another good, though older source is J.A. Houlding's "Fit for Service".

Also, since we discussed it before, this is the same source that brings up the idea of British regiments not always carrying their colours into battle. Again, Spring gives some primary source accounts, which mention the lack of colours in the field. While I like the First Legion flag-bearers, these accounts are what had prompted me to hold off on adding a colour party to any display. Of course, some colours were carried at times, which allows the collector to do what they prefer though.

Noah

 

[mestell]

No problem Mike. The diagram is out of the book "With Zeal and Bayonets Only" by Matthew Spring. It is a very detailed account of the tactical aspects of the British Army in the Revolution. Highly recommended, if you pick it up. He spends a lot of time discussing various elements of British tactics, then cites specific instances where that aspect occurred in battle. Another good, though older source is J.A. Houlding's "Fit for Service".

Also, since we discussed it before, this is the same source that brings up the idea of British regiments not always carrying their colours into battle. Again, Spring gives some primary source accounts, which mention the lack of colours in the field. While I like the First Legion flag-bearers, these accounts are what had prompted me to hold off on adding a colour party to any display. Of course, some colours were carried at times, which allows the collector to do what they prefer though.

Noah

I understand totally about the colours sometimes not being carried into battle . . . even if they were they wouldn't have been attached to the Grenadier Company. I decided to get the mounted Colonel and both flag bearers just to have. I just finished creating a 20-man platoon marching in column (18 enlisted - 3 per row, 6 rows deep, 1 Sgt, and 1 Officer w/sword - my Captain Harris :wink2. The Sgt is on the far left of the second row, and my designated Captain is on the far left of the first row. Call me crazy, but I am seriously thinking about finihing off a second platoon of the same size. I already have the Sgt, the designated LT (Grenadier officer with fulsiler), and 4 enlisted . . . . would need to get 14 more Grenadiers. This would give me two 20-man Platoons, plus two drummers, and a sub-altern (officer with spontoon) for a total of 43. This would be a full size company. Wouldn't that be a sight! Just takes time, patience, and a little $$$$ . . .
Mike

 

[Fusilier]

Mike, that would be a sight. You're a lot closer to reaching that goal than me!

I certainly don't want to deter someone from purchasing the flag-bearers, but it is interesting to know that the colours weren't always carried.

Noah

 

[Gebhard]

Very nice thread,, beautiful pictures and some very good information {bravo}} I don't collect this period but it is really enjoyable watching it develop and I'm really having fun coming along for the ride .. Thanks for sharing your talents .. All the best Gebhard

 

[Cold Steel Miniatures]

This is an excellent thread love all the pics of your dio and look forward to seeing a full platoon of redcoats, good luck with it.

 

[mestell]

Thank you Gebhard and RoyalWelch . . glad you are enjoying the fun . . . .

Wow! Really woke up to some frost this morning. As I write this (9:07 am CT) its only 36 F {eek3}. Definately won't be going outside this morning.

In continuing my thoughts on the AWI British infantry company (sub-division), I took this series of photos of my 5th Foot Grenadiers. Each company, or sub-division, was made up of two platoons . . . left platoon and right platoon. The left platoon was commanded by the Company captain and a platoon Sgt, and the right platoon was commanded by a LT (sub altern) and a platoon Sgt (typically a company had two Sgts). This series of photos shows my Grenadier left platoon made up of 18 enlisted, 1 Sgt, and 1 Captain, for a total of 20 men. This is very close to the actual size of a British platoon. Considering that the right platoon would be equal in size, this would make a Company of 40 men, plus a third junior officer and two drummers for a total Company strength of 43 (which I am trying to create). For the Concord and Lexington operation the 5th Foot Grenadiers had 41 men, and at full strength a typical AWI Grenadier company would have had 38 pvt, 3 corporals, 2 sgt, 3 officers, and 2 drummers for a full strength company of 48.

Commanded by a Grenadier Captain, the platoon is marching down a road in a platoon column. They encounter colonial resistance across a field on their left flank. The Captain (George Harris - the actual captain of the 5th Grenadiers at Bunker Hill) gives the command to march at the left oblique, which moves the platoon off the road and towards the rebels. Soon thereafter he gives the command to form a platoon front in order to engage the enemy. These photos show the transition from a platoon in column to a platoon front. This would have been executed very quickly . . .
Mike

The Platoon moves off the road at a left oblique

The Captain (on the platoon's far left) gives the command to form a platoon front

The first two ranks mark time as the 3rd through 6th ranks move up quickly to the right

As the 3rd & 4th ranks and the 5th & 6th ranks fall in to the right of the 1st and 2nd ranks, the command Forward March is given

The Platoon Front is formed and can now effectively engage the Colonials

If this would have been a company of Grenadiers, the right platoon would have been following the left platoon in column. When executing the "Front" command, the right platoon would have continued to fall in to the right so that when formed, the right platoon's LT and Sgt would have been in position on the far right of the formation. The company drummers and the third junior officer would have fallen in behind the entire formation. Hopefully it won't take me too long to complete my second platoon.
Mike

 

[Firebat]

Very informative.....Thanks !

 

[Fusilier]

Thanks Mike, for making this thread so great! I really appreciate your efforts to illustrate the transition from one formation to another. A clever idea combined with excellent photography. What more can a guy ask for?

Noah

 

[mestell]

Thanks Alex and Noah . . .

Noah -
I am still learning about AWI British formations and troop movements and to say the least it can be confusing because of the use of double meanings for the same thing; ie Regiment/Battalion, Company/Sub Division, Platoon/also Sub Division, Lt/Subaltern, et al. So much of the info I have found is based on the 1764 regulations and the question I have, "Did these change by the AWI?". Also, since posting my photographs from this morning, I have been further studying the 1764 Regiment/Battalion org chart which you posted yesterday. The one thing I now notice is the officer positions for the Right Wing of the Regiment/Battalion and the Left Wing. In the Right Wing, all company commanders/captains are on the far right of their company, and their LT (Subaltern) is on the far left of the comapny. In the Left Wing it is reversed, the company captain is on the left and the LT is on the right. Since the Grenadier company was the Right Flank company of the Regiment/Battalion, can it then be thought that the Grenadier Company Captain would be to the right of his company and the Grenadier LT on the left of the company? The web site www.redcoat.org shows it this way in their instructions for Grenadier drill. I am now thinking that perhaps my photos and explaination of the troop movement of my Grenadier platoon from a column to a front is backwards . . . . that is, the captain and Sgt should be on the right and the ranks should move up in line to their left. Of course this is easily corrected by stating that the captain figure I described in my photos is acually a LT and commander of the 2nd (or Left) Platoon.

Clear as mud isn't it {eek3}. Like I said, I am still learning about this AWI "stuff". I am counting on you and your AWI knowledge Noah to keep me on my toes . . .
Mike

 

[Fusilier]

Mike, I believe that the main reason the officers are portrayed in the diagram as being on the left or right flank of each company is to facilitate battalion commands, when passed from the center to the wings. I have not found a hard and fast regulation that states the company commander must line up on a certain side. I think that the right side may have been more common, but as of yet, I can't find a authoritative source that indicates the right side was required.

As far as regulations, I have found that 1764 regulations seem to be the one most often utilized in the AWI. I'm sure there were regimental variations in some instances, but I believe the 1764 regs were the 'standard'. They don't seem to have been replaced fully till the instructions from Dundas, which he began to compose in 1788. Dundas' Rules and Regulations for the Formations, Field-Exercises, and Movements of His Majesty's Forces were printed in 1792, and I think these are the regulations which the British followed in the Napoleonic Wars. Perhaps someone with greater info on the Napoleonic Era can explain more on that.

I have found that there were other army regulations that were printed during the AWI, but it seems they were not put into use in the American theatre. The General Review Manoevers: or, the Whole Evolutions of a Battalion of Foot, printed in 1779 were intended to replace the 1764 regulations, but it was not implemented for the regiments in the colonies. Appearently, only regiments in England utilized these, and even then, not every regiment used them.

I'll keep looking, but I wouldn't change your pics just yet.

Noah

 

[mestell]

Thanks again Noah . . . I find all of this very interesting and I am having fun learning as I go . . . . what about that, learning history through toy soldiers ^&cool
Mike

 

[mestell]

Found another 5th Foot Grenadier soldier's name; Lt George Augustus Francis Rawdon (aka Francis, Lord Rawdon). At the battle of Bunker/Breed's Hill (June 6, 1775), he took command of the 5th Foot Grenadier company after his captain (Captain George Harris) was wounded. He led it with conspicuous courage throughout the rest of the action. In a letter to England, John Burgoyne commented that "Lord Rawdon has this day stamped his fame for life." In consequence, he was promoted Captain (July 12, 1775) and given a company in the 63rd Foot.
Mike

 

[Fusilier]

Yes, Rawdon was one of the officers who helped spur the last effort to take the redoubt. I have read that when Harris was wounded, he fell back off the slope of the fortification, and was caught by Rawdon. Interesting that both men went on to much greater things, but yet Bunker Hill was the first major action they had seen.

Noah

 

[mestell]

Well Noah, now we have the names of the officers for both the right flank and left flank of the Company. ^&cool
Mike

 

[Fraxinus]

At least during the FIW, when deployed, the British would pack companies much higher as it regards the number of privates. While in the British Isles, the companies size would be in the 30's. Then just before deployment, increased to the 50's by siphoning-off from other regiments that were not being deployed (worst troops from the other regiments were pawned off to the regiment being deployed). Then when reaching North America, recruiting until the companies approached 70 or 75 in strength.

So during the FIW, you will routinely see companies in the high 60's and low 70's. In the Osprey books, the Order of Battle and the regimental sizes are often given. With 10 companies to a regiment during the FIW, you can see if a regiment/company has or has not been packed with privates/recruits. Compared to the standard British Isles company, the same number of officers and NCOs, but double the number of privates. I am unsure of how the Highland regiments were organized to allow over 1,000 members.

This practice had much to do with British policy as to stationing troops in England and in Ireland. It allowed for having a body of trained officers and NCO's, while keeping the British army stationed in the British Isles much smaller and less expensive to maintain. It was very important that the Irish Establishment was a "law" and off-the-books as it regards the Treasury in London (it couldn't be cut by the treasury accountants in London). British nobility had a place to put that 2nd son.

The downside of the practice of ballooning the size of companies was loss of control as the number of privates was simply too high, especially in relation to the number of NCO's --- a third sergeant was often desired (Braddock's returns from Willis Creek, June before the battle).

No idea if this sort of practice was common during the AWI, or was abandoned by this time, but it would be fun to check the appropriate Order of Battle. Eight companies to a battalion/
regiment during the AIW?

The advantage to the toy soldier collector who wants to build a full company is that you have the ability, if wanted, to PACK IT with your favorite figures!!!

 

[mestell]

4 Colonial Militia figures showed up at the door this afternoon . . . . my militia now stands ready with 16 able bodied men . . . .
Mike

 

[mestell]

No idea if this sort of practice was common during the AWI, or was abandoned by this time, but it would be fun to check the appropriate Order of Battle. Eight companies to a battalion/
regiment during the AIW?

The advantage to the toy soldier collector who wants to build a full company is that you have the ability, if wanted, to PACK IT with your favorite figures!!!

Ken, these are the British OOB troop strength numbers at the battle of Bukers/Breed's Hill:

RIGHT WING:
Light Infantry battalion - Approximately 350 men all ranks, 10 Companies = approximately 35 men per company

Grenadier Battalion - Approximately 350 men all ranks, 10 comapnies = approx 35 men per company (the 5th Foot Grenadiers had 41 men all ranks the day before Lexington & Concord

Reserve - 500 men all ranks, 16 companies = approximately 32 men per company

LEFT WING:
II Brigade - about 750 men all ranks, 22 Companies = about 34 ment per company

Reserve - Approx 400 men all ranks, 16 Companies = about 25 men per company

Third Wave - About 800 men all ranks, 16 Companies = 50 men per company

All the companies appear to be small. Some companies suffered so many casualties that they were reduced to single digit figures . . .

Mike