over Kleinstaadten for 32 years, until the fateful day he fell from his horse while leading a hunting party.
He was well nicknamed "The Red Nose", although not in his hearing as more than a few long term occupants of his dungeons could testify His enjoyment of strong drink had resulted in more than a few tumbles from his spirited horses, but the final fatal fall was the spark setting off the Civil War which would split his Kingdom.
A siege gun
His twin Sons, Prince Zsolt and Prince Vladislaus, had been growing apart since their late teens, as they each considered their likely futures. Two rival Aristocratic factions within the Kingdom took advantage of this to curry favour with the Princes, attempting to further their influence.
Light Infantry are formed in 2 or 3 Companies, depending on their complement
Couriers set off for all parts of the Kingdom to pass on initial orders
The rival factions moved swiftly to stir discord between the Princes and, within a week, the Kingdom was divided into two camps hastily preparing for War.
Some with more difficult terrain to traverse than others
This background to the War Of The Two Princes explains why my Minifigs on both sides have similar Army Organisation; uniforms; weapons; flags, etc.
An Ottoman Artillery Regiment
Because of the large number of Aristocrats prominent in the upper echelons of the Officer Corps (Military Service was an honourable career path for Second Sons of the many Landowners); and the equally large number of Relatives of the many influential Politicians, the Army organised itself in Twos to allow a large number of Commands. So …
2 Wings formed an Infantry Regiment
2 Squadrons formed a Cavalry Regiment
2 Batteries formed an Artillery Regiment
2 Regiments formed a Brigade
2 Brigades formed a Division
2 Divisions formed a Corps
2 Corps formed an Army
The concept of Brigades and Divisions was new, but soon copied by the rest of the Military Powers of Europe.
A combined Reserve and Militia Artillery Regiment. The Militia Battery has 100 year old guns which are still effective - most of the time!
To man this comparatively large number of Units, they tended to be fairly small - an average Infantry Regiment numbering about 500.
Included were a significant number of Reserve, Garrison and Militia Regiments, varying in quality - which itself fluctuated depending on the Commander at the time. Having served in many Wars and Border Clashes in this volatile region over the years, many of these older men had some military experience.
The Kingdom was rich enough to hire Mercenary Regiments from near and far; and had bought a larger number of cannon than other countries considered sufficient.
Thus the numerous Aristocrats and Political Appointees all could hold a Command at one level or another.
The obvious drawback to this system was that, inevitably, a fair number of Officers were well thought of; a fair number were incompetent; and the majority were somewhere inbetween.
Foreign Officers served to gain experience or make their fortune, and most of them were known to be good before being accepted. However, some (often wayward sons) were given Commissions as political favours to other Countries, and the Army had little choice but to have them serve.
Couriers have been dispatched to all corners of the Kingdom, with initial Campaign orders.
