#8097 Lutzow Freikorps and Nassau Grenadiers
Dated: February 11. 2004.
This unusual set contains figures for two separate German formations of the Napoleonic Wars: the grenadiers of Nassau and the infantry of Lutzow's Freikorps. Although they had very different origins and military careers, both eventually fought against Napoleon during the campaign of 1815.
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The Duchy of Nassau was created in 1806 and initially joined Napoleon's Confederation of the Rhine. Its soldiers served as French allies in campaigns across Europe, including the Peninsular War in Spain. After Napoleon's defeat in Germany in 1813, Nassau changed sides and joined the coalition. Its troops subsequently became part of the army of the newly created Kingdom of the Netherlands, whose ruling House of Orange-Nassau was closely connected with the duchy.
Nassau Grenadier test figures
Nassau infantry battalions were organized into six companies, including one grenadier company. The grenadiers formed the senior company of each battalion and could be used for particularly demanding attacks or to strengthen the battalion's line. They wore green coats and were distinguished by fringed epaulettes, sabres and tall fur caps. The figures in this set wear the older style of uniform introduced around 1810. Although a newer uniform was being adopted by 1815, evidence indicates that the older clothing and equipment remained in use during the Waterloo campaign.
Nassau Grenadier line drawings
Nassau troops were among the first Allied soldiers to confront the French advance in June 1815. Elements of the 2nd Nassau Regiment helped hold the vital crossroads at Quatre Bras before much of Wellington's army had arrived, fighting in and around the Bois de Bossu on 15 and 16 June. At Waterloo two days later, Nassau battalions served across the Allied position, including in the fighting around Hougoumont and on Wellington's left and centre.
Lutzow's Freikorps had a very different origin. It was raised in Prussia in February 1813 under Major Ludwig Adolf Wilhelm von Lutzow as a volunteer formation for the German War of Liberation. Its purpose was to operate beyond the conventional duties of regular infantry, conducting raids, reconnaissance and attacks against French communications while encouraging resistance in German territories still controlled by Napoleon.
Lutzow Freikorps test figures
The corps attracted volunteers from many parts of Germany and included infantry, Jagers, cavalry and artillery. Because uniforms and equipment had to be obtained from many different sources, clothing was commonly dyed black to create some degree of uniformity. The infantry wore the black Litewka coat with red trim, a combination later associated with the black, red and gold colours of the German national movement. The figures in this set portray the more uniform appearance developed after the corps' improvised beginnings. Contemporary uniform studies nevertheless show that considerable variation existed among the different Freikorps detachments.
Lutzow Freikorps line drawings
Lutzow's volunteers fought during the campaigns of 1813 and 1814, but the Freikorps no longer existed as an independent formation at Waterloo. Early in 1815 its infantry was incorporated into the Prussian Army as the 25th Infantry Regiment. The former volunteers served in the 5th Brigade of Bulow's IV Corps and took part in the Prussian struggle for Plancenoit on 18 June, helping to threaten Napoleon's right rear during the decisive final stage of the battle.
This set contains 48 figures in eight poses, divided equally between the two subjects. Four poses represent Lutzow infantry and four represent Nassau grenadiers, with men marching, advancing and firing. The Lutzow figures can be used for the campaigns of 1813-1814 or, as the newly designated 25th Infantry Regiment, for Waterloo. The Nassau figures are suitable for the Peninsular War, when Nassau served alongside the French, as well as the campaigns of 1813-1815 after the duchy changed sides.
The Nassau grenadiers can be combined with our Nassau Infantry to create complete battalions containing grenadier, centre and light companies. Together, the two sets allow Nassau forces to be represented both during their service with Napoleon in Spain and as part of Wellington's Allied army at Quatre Bras and Waterloo.