Trouble on the Niagara Frontier

I have never really been tempted to delve much into Napoleonic wargames. That said, I have long had an interest in the War of 1812 — probably harking back to my time at school in Canada when I was inspired by tales of brave Brits, Canadians and Indians successfully fending off the second failed American invasion of Canada (the first being 1775-76). Trump’s re-awakening of Manifest Destiny has prompted me, at long last, to embark on a War of 1812 project.

With relatively small numbers on both sides, even in the larger battles,  this conflict is perfect for engagements with company size units. This means I do not have to paint hundreds of figures before playing a game. I intend to stage a campaign with Sharp Practice rules, starting with the crossing of the Niagara at Queenston Heights in 1812.  First off the painting table are some American regulars.

These men will represent Capt Wool’s company of the 13^th US Infantry which spearheaded the attack at Queenston Heights. They are still dressed in their pre-war uniforms with herringbone lace on the tunics and overalls tucked into gaiters. The figures are 28mm Wee Wolf from their extensive 1812 range.

Already obsolete, this uniform would soon be replaced with plainer tunics (possibly grey), 'tombstone' shakos and trousers. Should my campaign continue much beyond 1812, I shall ignore the impending uniform changes.

Captain John Wool was one of the better US officers at Queenston Heights although, along with the rest of his countrymen, he surrendered to avoid a worse fate at the hands of the British/Canadian Mohawk allies. He remained in the US army, fighting in the Mexican War and ending up as a Major General in 1862.

Opposing the dastardly Americans is my first unit of plucky Brits. This is Capt James Dennis’ Grenadier company of the 49^th Foot whose tunics had green facings. The Grenadiers of the 49^th wore black plumes rather than the usual white worn by other Grenadier companies. In 1812 their trousers were made from a shipment of sailcloth appropriated from the Royal Navy by MGen Sir Issac Brock, himself formerly of the 49^th. The figures are Perry Plastics from their Napoleonic range.

The 49^th was one of only two British regular regiments stationed in Canada when war broke out in 1812 — the other being the 41^st (red facings). The 49^th was spread in company size detachments along the Niagara, Lake Ontario and upper St Lawrence frontier. The Grenadier and Light companies both fought at Queenston Heights.

I have now begun painting some Militia and skirmishers. So more to follow shortly.