A picture tells ...?

Whilst researching for my latest book I have come across a range of interesting images not all of which can be relied upon as historical sources. Or can they? Do the artists know something that we don't?

This is the battle of Tournai in 1794- probably painted in the 19th Century. We see the Austrian commander and his staff observing (or perhaps directing) the battle. The figure on the white horse may be intended to depict the Prince of Cobourg and perhaps the officer with the drawn sword is Archduke Charles? We have Austrian Cuirassiers and dragoons, possibly a wounded Frenchman and what appear to be British or Hanoverian cavalry though the uniform appears fictional as does the flag. Quite pretty but probably of limited historical significance (ASKB)

This is considerably more useful. This (also from ASKB collection) shows the attack on the French fortress at Valenciennes- though presumably not the final storm as that took place at night. I would love to know who all these people are. Presumably the central figure is the Duke of York. Next to him may be one of his brothers (two of whom served in teh campaign) or possibly Murray his Adjutant-General. The dismounted figure in the foreground looks like Abercromby but surely lacks sufficient lace for one of his rank? the figure in white is possibly an Austrian Liaison Officer (then again he could be Dutch. Once again there are (presumably) defeated Frenchmen, there again they could be Hessian or Hanoverian cavalrymen? There are Austrian hussars, civilian train drivers and British Artillery in 'Mother Shipton' hats. This painting was clearly made at the time or very close to it and is of great interest to the historian (and figure painter) - both pretty and useful!

Bashing a Bishop

Well - there still hasn't been any gaming. There is a game set up but just haven't made it into the loft but I have been doing a fair amount of modelling and painting. There is also a skirmish game with 54mm figures that I might put up some pictures of but that was so long ago I can't remember much about it. Anyway, I have been trying to get through the mountain of tank kits that I bought every time someone suggested that we did some WW2 gaming and of course I like to use up all the bits that are left over as well- Waste not. Want not....

What the heck is that? It is an early British self-propelled gun called a Bishop. It was used in the Western Desert Campaign and I have crudely fashioned this one using a left over PSC Valentine hull with a turret from balsa and plastic card - like they used to do in early days of wargaming when everyone was out to save themselves a few bob.

Looks a mess! It got better!

That Balsa turret caused me a few problems when it came to painting - just soaked right in! Hopefully should be able to show it in use at some point.