Lol I literally just started another Austrian campaign! Great faction, very fun and very diverse. I love those Austrian and Hungarian Grenadier uniforms:) Long live the Kaiser! (And my boi Prince Eugène von Savoy)
Great video! Just a few minor corrections: 1) Austro-Hungarian Empire was only created in 1867. Austrian Empire would be the correct name before that (After HRE was dissolved in 1804). I understand though that the division between German and Hungarian regiments can be misleading. 2) Lithuanian inhabited territory was never a part ot the Austrian Empire 3) Bohemian = Czech if we speak about the ethnicity
Historically foreigners had trouble giving it an appropriate name - "Lands of the House of Austria" or "Lands of the House of Hapsburg" were sometimes heard, but long-winded.
being late to the party, but something that always causes confusion is the term "K.& K." and "K.K." Army. In both cases is mean Kaiserlich Königlich (Imperial Royal) but KuK means Imperial Austria & Royal Hungary (as 2 identities), while K.K. means Imperial Austria - Royal Bohemia (1 identity and used until 1918 for the Austrian part of the Empire) Austria-Hungary were 2 states with a combined army formed in 1867, and officially called "Common Army", until 1889 were Hungary enforced the use of KuK "Imperial and Royal " to make it more different from the k.k. Landwehr, the Austrian territorial army, and k.u. Honved of Hungary) while the Imperial-Royal Army which was formed out of the Reichsarmee (Army of the HRE) in 1806 was named after the Austrian part as by that time the Archduke of Austria made himself Emperor of Austria and dissolve the HRE, he was also King of Bohemia (as Austria was never a Kingdom), which was a reason what caused the tensions with the Czech after 1870ies as taking the Royal Crown of Hungary instead of the Royal Crown of Bohemia was seen as big offence
Under talked, under estimated and brushed aside in terms of recognition. They realized the largest human effort during the NW and their soldiers were excellent, lacked leadership if anything.
@@phelyxz Here's an interesting lecture on the k.u.k Army, as well as the General Staff. In short, the AH Generals in world war 1 were not so much incompetent but plagued by internal issues. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hMKqPgWJYr8.html
@@phelyxz commanders were inheriting their rights from nobility not from skill up until 1918. Where french advancement was mostly based on personal skill.
23:05 considering the purpose of switching headress was for cheaper production, they likely didn't want to waste the money already spent on helmets. hence the use of already built helmets for another 4-ish year. also in my opinion the white uniforms, with colourful faceings and crested helmets, under yellow flags is the best looking army.
The Osprey says the cost of replacing them was too expensive. Although they were supposed to last for ages, they kept being thrown away by fleeing Austrians!😂
Unless there were a removable liner those leather helmets likely got very sweaty, moldy and downright gross inside especially in wet weather. That aside I love those helmets, I think they look smashing on tabletop figures.
The Hungarian uniforms are my favourite historical uniforms of all time. The first time I saw the bright blue pants I thought it was silly, but it's grown on me a lot since.
@@davidcollins2648 - And yet motorcycle crash helmets were for many years made of leather. They can be dried out near a fire just as the fancy Austrian helmets could. Shouldn’t forget that people of that era had figured out ways of coping with the shortcomings of their technology.
Really , really enjoyed this one old man. Most of the literature on the Napoleonic era is from the British or French at best, perspective. So, I've never gotten even as much as you've laid out here before. I take it from your comments that we'll be blessed with another video on Austro/Hungarian cavalry soon. I'll certainly be looking forward to that even though I'm a long way from being able to bring this faction to the table top. Cheers mate !!
Acording to Osprey's "Austrian Napoleonic infantry", one of the types of cartridges used by the infantry, in responce against the turkish cavalry they faced years prior the revolutionary wars, was a cartridge which packed 3 lead balls and a slightly bigger charge of powder, in similar fashion of the one used by the Washington army.
I’m 1/4 Austrian and fuck me, my cheek bones are sharp so thank you god for those genes 😎the Austrian empire army trained all nationalities to understand basic German commands such as “fire, advance, retreat, form square, form column, left, right, charge, reload, god save the emperor” and many other essential battle phrase. In ww1 all Austro Hungarian officers had to learn 100 basic phrases in German, and I assume a similar system was used in the Napoleonic era. Also I’m very proud of big dog Charles for beating Napoleon at essling, it makes me proud to has Austrian blood in me, although I’m a bonapartist at heart ;) thank you for the video sir
Thank you, Sir. I found a 1/32 scale Austrian soldier in my 1990's box of plastic "shame". I'll be putting it together in the near future and you have really helped me to understand the various units and uniforms. Thank you so much! Cheers
The later Austro-Hungarian Army expected soldiers to memorise German words or phrases of command, sources vary as to the number, but 70 or so is commonly mentioned.
Not just the later army, it was standard practice in all “German” regiments for centuries for orders to be given in German. Recruits quickly learned - just as they learn French in the Foreign Legion.
Great to see this on the Austrians, as its revived my interest to get on painting them. They have been a work in progress for far too long! Looking forward to your thoughts on the other Austrian Infantry and especially the Cavalry and Artillery!
few notes: - 10:35 Emperor (Francis II /I) wasnt archduke Charles' father but brother - 13:22 All soldiers were trained to understand basic orders in german - one information should be mentioned, austrian army did never through its existence formed any fighting guard units like the rest of the europe ,there were only ceremonial guards which never saw battlefield
Battle of Aspern was definitely a defeat for Napoleon. He failed to take his objectives, had to withdraw and took heavier casualties than the Austrians. It was a hard fought victory and hats off to arch duke Charles for beating the master of war Napoleon in a fair battle.
Not sure I'd say it was a 'fair' battle, the French had be send its army across rickety plank bridges 1 man at a time! But yeah, I think there's an argument to be made that it was a defeat, but for me it has too many similarities with Borodino (though the French are the Russians in that analogy). Neither army pursued the 'defeated' enemy, and both 'victors' got badly smashed up shortly after...
@@NapoleonicWargaming Well it’s on the French to position their forces better, and a testament to the Austrian strategy that they exploited the French river crossing. Napoleon though arch duke Charles was much further north than he actually was, otherwise I’m sure he wouldn’t have crossed the river so close. I think the enemy which withdraws and suffers heavier losses is the defeated one, which applies to boridino and Aspern!
Yeah, I think that's a fair enough criterion! One thing I've never really understood, perhaps it shows the mentality, the 'gentlemanliness' of the Austrians, but when the French withdrew to Lobau island, why didnt the Austrians just line up their cannons and shell the crap out of it?! Instead they withdrew...
@@NapoleonicWargaming Yeah I agree it seems like a wasted opportunity, but the Austrians were also exhausted and perhaps they feared Napoleon could return the favour since he specialised in artillery and likely had some batteries set up on Lobau...also these leaders were largely Christian, perhaps arch duke Charles couldn’t bare to see more unnecessary slaughter and wanted to show mercy.
Tim, that was awesome thanks. I particularly liked your rule discussions for BP. I have just purchased an Austrian Army for 1798 to 1805 (front rank). Good stuff, stay safe. Subbed.
@@NapoleonicWargaming Postage to Australia is a little confronting for so many figures but I've been looking at FR figures for over10 years. (Amongst others, I sorted a French army 1:20 in the interim). Lock down made the decision easy. Nothing else to do! :-)
@@gromit368 Ha! I can imagine. I dont know if postage from the US is cheaper, but also check out Brigade games. Around Thanksgiving they usually cap international postage at $15. I'm saving up for a big splurge with them!
Well Austria wasn’t the Holy Roman Empire. They had the elected Emperor. Further more many of the states in the Holy Roman Empire were independent from Austria. Lastly Austria never got to control the Baltic states . Love the Video
I have another question regarding supplying the Austrian army; did they have a depot system? Did the localities they march through have an obligation to supply them? I can't imagine using the French method or too much ill will would get created.
I think Austrian armies would have certainly used a depot system. Until 1813 they were fighting in their own territory, so the living off the land would have been a bit much! During the invasion of France I'm sure local French supplies were...liberated, bit overall, the fact they fought in Austria, and had that 18th century mindset leads me to strongly suspect they had depots. I'm happy to be told I'm wrong though!
@@NapoleonicWargaming well in 1809 year they were fighting in Bavaria which was on the French side in that time. They sending supplies to the army from Austria which was one of reasons why was Austrian army slow compare to the French. They want commit Bavaria to join them against French empire thats reason why the dont plunder country like Frenchs. In that time was Austria after financial crisis and they cannot pay for everything like Brits. Austrians also invade Duchy of Warsaw but I dont know about that soo much.
Austrians look great , but even with new modern paints are a pain to get clean and tidy , especially when paining in bulk. So great job 👏 I’ve finished a German early war motorised platoon in winter 🥶 really want to do black powder. It’s just the sheer scale. Painting an Austrian army would scare me 😟 and I’ve been painting 23 years
Thanks for coming back to me yesterday about my question on what would be a good army to start with. I am thinking Austrians, but that's a lot of white uniforms to paint lol
They're a super cool army, solid infantry, absolute hordes of cavalry and strong artillery. They're a great army to collect and paint, and look awesome en masse
My focus and interest is mainly 1809-14, and when you compare the Austrians to others you must include that the Austrians usually met Napoleon himself in his prime - and did quite well and as good as any. IMHO the Austrian effort in the 1813-14 campaigns is grossly underappriciated. You asked about examples of Austrian squares being broken. I don't know of examples but at Dresden a number of Austrian bataljons were defeated in square. It had been raining and their powder wet but the French cavalry surrounding them also couldn't charge them though the mud. For some time the parties stood there throwing insults at each other but the French succeeded in spanning double teams behind some cavalry batteries and bring them up behind the cavalry and close to the squares. That settled the matter and the Austrians surrendered.I have never seen examples of bataljons of 1500 men, but in 1809-14 800 were not uncommon and thus much bigger than in most other armies.
I just sprayed them grey and dry brushed the white. A tidy up of painting straps then detailing. Now though I'd spray then white the use GW apothecary white contrast paint. I absolutely love it for white!
My recipe is prime with Bone colour . Add facing colours from any of the 62 Regts ( Grenadier Battalion would be a combined from 3 different Regimental facing colours ) . Then use a Vallejo Pale Grey wash on the Coat only . Then Highlight Ivory or Off White on the straps . I have used Contrast Paint Black for shako , ammo pouch , Boots . As an option look for Leon T66 has a video on Austrians
@@Rusty_Gold85 Much obliged Rusty. The willingness of gamers to help others is a big part of what makes this hobby such an awesome activity. If there's ever another quarantine I want to do it with a gamer group - oh the horror of having weeks to fight battles!
great video, just wanted to let you know that Hungary was not part of the HRE. The HRE was made up of all Germanic lands, and the Habsburgs were the holy roman emperors, as well as emperors of the Austrian empire, so Austria would count as part of the HRE, but Lombardy, Venetia, Hungary, Croatia, Moldavia, Tansylvania, Wallachia, and Slovakia was not considered part of the HRE. In a similar fashion, Pomerania, which was part of Prussia was not part of the HRE, where the rest of Prussia was.
One thing about the languages, i am pretty sure i learned in school that the language of the army (for orders) was commonly German for all regiments. Now of course, that does not help you when you need to communicate day to day stuff or logistics or more complicated stuff. i remember having learned that but I do not know if that was also during the napoleonic era or just in the last few decades of the empire
working myself slowly thru your videos and now after listening to your heavy cavalry one had to come back to this one as you were mentioning of the "Division" for cavalry this is something that get lost often because the Austrian Division is the small formation on Bataillone level were the large formation is in the Austrian Army was the Troop-Division (often wrong translated or used, as "Division" means the small formation were Line/Light/Infantry/Cavalry Division means the larger one) An Infantry Regiment was organized into 3 (number varied over time) Bataillones, were the 1 was the Grenadier Bataillone of 2 companies (detached during war time) and 2 field Bataillons each with 3 Divisions consisting of 2 Companies (180 men each for German, 200 for Hungarians) A Cavalry Regiment was organized similar, with each regiment consisting of 2-5 Divisions, each of 2 Squadrons (160 men each for heavy, 170 for light) the 1st Division was commanded by a Colonel, the 2nd by a Lt. Colonel, the others by a Major (Companies/Squadrons were commanded by a Captain)
Excellent video on the Austrian line and grenadiers. It would be great to have the citation for the multiple pistol balls being used for shot and to know how widespread this kind of thing was. I wonder if there are some primary accounts that discuss this.
I'll be honest, it's taken from the Black Powder supplement Clash of Eagles. I'd not heard of it before, but I suspect it's from the Thunder of the Danube series...
I think video as whole was good. But József Alvinczi defeated Napoleon at Bossano and Caldiero in 1796 - It was not Aspern in 1809. About grenadiers hats there were two types if I am not mistaken one model 1803 and another 1813. And we must look on Austrians pretty much like on others armies of that time. They change tactic too. There was big reforms. Army in 1796 wasnt same like one from 1805 and that was different from one in 1809 and there was of course 1813... Even in 1809 wasnt lot of archduke Charles reforms done. But I still enjoy video keep it making them! Vivat Kaiser!
You know my collection and enthusiasm for Austrians ? I was a bit disappointed the Perry Cav are going to be delayed , looking for ward to them coming out . The French 1814 Cavalry was hastily raised poorly trained , not a shade on the 1812 Recruits . One more thing . Napoleon's Wife Marie Louise was the eldest child of the Habsburg Emperor Francis II of Austria
Honestly for 28mm I'd go Victrix. They have got over their super fiddly minis British and French) and do lovely Austrians. The Grenadiers you can see in this video are from them, they also do line, landwehr and grenzer. I was a bit disappointed with the Perry plastic as they face down the sprue, meaning you get a big mold line down the middle of their face, which was not great. The line in this video are form them. Their new plastic cavalry look amazing though!
@@ryanmalone4464 Sorry! I though you meant Austrians! I'm torn on it tbh, it's really good value, but you dont get any command groups, and they're the best bit! I probably would go for it, the number of minis you get, plus the rules, is just too good to pass up on.
The Grenadiers are great love the bearskins also had an idea to implement a rule for their grenades where every time they change the enemy who is chanted gets a -1 on his moral test on the next turn idk might be a fun idea might be a bit overpowered
Ha, that could be fun though! A few years ago I went to the 10th anniversary of Warlord and they had an early draft of the 7YW book, lord knows what's happened to it...but when it comes out they'll be rules in there I'd imagine. Especially as Front Rank do a lovely british grenadier throwing one!
@@NapoleonicWargaming oh that they changed it to the french Indian war as that’s what it’s called here and I think they wanted to appeal to the American market it’s sadly a skirmish rule set I think but the figure they sell are good with metal battalions of 18men but yeah I do hope they re do it
Possibly. The book I saw had Frederick the Great Prussians, Catherine Russians and Austrians in it too... I dunno. The Dark Age one looked good to go, but it was 2 or 3 years after that it came out...so it might just take that long!
@@NapoleonicWargaming yeah I see maybe they are just waiting to purchase a range or something although I’m afraid it’ll probably be warlord resin if they do but if there’s a rule set hopefully Perry will release something
@@NapoleonicWargaming just looked it up warlord released the rules et for the 7 years war a couple years ago under the name "the last argument of kings" it's acompanied with a small line of figures by warlord I believe they bought out Conquest Miniatures and they have a small line of metal miniatures under the colonial name for the conflict the French and Indian war it's a line based combat ruleset night be something to check out especially while all the deals and sales are going on on warlord games
until 1805 each Bataillone carried 2 flags (1st with 1 white and 1 yellow flag, the others with 2 yellow flags), after 1809 1 flag each (between 1805-1806 Grenadiers carried the white flag).
Granaderos austriacos muy buenos.en aspern realizaron 10 ataques al granero de piedra a las afueras del pueblo donde resistían los franceses.y no consiguieron tomarlo pero lucharon duramente. En essling el pueblo de al lado hubo duros combates a la bayoneta casa por casa.ambos pueblos cambiaron de manos muchas veces.finalmente debido a la presión austriaca y las malas condiciones para los franceses Napoleon ordeno la retirada y los franceses volvieron a cruzar el río.en wagram presentaron batalla en condiciones otra vez a los austriacos y tras una dura y sangrienta batalla de todo un día vencieron a los austriacos.dos días después mientras se firmaba el armisticio aún se combatía duramente en la batalla de Znaim.tambien se ve a la infantería de línea austriaca.
@@NapoleonicWargaming A lot of the Austrian problems on the battlefield were a result of how they got there. Their armies would rarely march more than 2 or 3 days in a row without a rest day, and their marches tended to be very short pre 1813. This let the French dictate choice of battlefield almost every time, and the "Disposition" system of orders was wonderfully detailed but stifled initiative and often meant "moving at dawn" would happen around 10AM when the orders were finally fully prepared for implementation and units ordered to other commands were shuffled about.
@@NapoleonicWargaming Should be cool to talk with you I am reenactor of Austrian fusilier and I am really interest in k.k. army. Short discussion maybe sometime?
@@falc6125 yeah that'd cool! I'm about to record the second video, so I'll bear it in mind. Was thinking of trying re enacting this year, but I guess it's off for this year now!
