SYW proportion of cavalry to infantry

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Count Belisarius
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Re: SYW proportion of cavalry to infantry

Post by Count Belisarius »

FreddBloggs wrote: Sun Jan 29, 2023 4:24 pm I would go 2 or 3 heavy, 3 or 4 light, possibly 2 or 3 dragoons
Brigades of?
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Re: SYW proportion of cavalry to infantry

Post by FreddBloggs »

Count Belisarius wrote: Sun Jan 29, 2023 4:42 pm
FreddBloggs wrote: Sun Jan 29, 2023 4:24 pm I would go 2 or 3 heavy, 3 or 4 light, possibly 2 or 3 dragoons
Brigades of?
regiments.

I am not so cruel as to say paint up enough cavalry for EB to have some left at the end of turn 1.
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Re: SYW proportion of cavalry to infantry

Post by RMD »

Taking the 1757 Prague/Kolin campaign as an example (as I'd already worked out the ratios for my campaign last year):

In terms of 'units' (i.e. battalions and cavalry regiments), the Prussian armies in 1757 were 25% - 35% cavalry across the army as a whole, though Fred turned up at Kolin with 60% cavalry.

The Prussian cavalry then usually broke down to 45% cuirassiers, 30% dragoons and 25% hussars, but the numbers can be skewed by those double-sized Prussian regiments (i.e. the 5th & 6th Dragoons and almost all hussar regiments).

The infantry were (perhaps unsurprisingly) 20% grenadiers.

The Austrians usually turned up with 40% cavalry, broken down as 50% cuirassiers, 20% dragoons and 30% hussars, changing to roughly 35% cuirassiers, 35% dragoons and 30% hussars when Marshal Daun turned up with a load of dragoon regiments.

Austrian grenadiers were complicated... They were fielded as independent companies, only being dragged together as battalions for specific tasks. Otherwise they were usually found guarding the baggage train. E.g. Charles of Lorraine amassed a force of 24 or 40 grenadier companies (sources vary) at Prague to blunt the Prussian attack, while at Kolin only two battalions (one of four companies and one of six companies) were engaged in the battle.

As for other armies... In the west there were hardly any light cavalry whatsoever on the battlefield, with the small number of light cavalry being primarily concerned with scouting and raiding.
Last edited by RMD on Sun Jan 29, 2023 7:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Paul
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Re: SYW proportion of cavalry to infantry

Post by Paul »

FreddBloggs wrote: Sun Jan 29, 2023 4:53 pm I am not so cruel as to say paint up enough cavalry for EB to have some left at the end of turn 1.
There are not enough monkeys or enough time for them to paint to make that happen!
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Re: SYW proportion of cavalry to infantry

Post by Count Belisarius »

So between a quarter and a third is a safe bet. I think I'm close to having what I need already. A few more units to paint. Obviously...

And then my chunk of Ottomans...

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Re: SYW proportion of cavalry to infantry

Post by valleyboy »

What Ottoman figures will you get Andy?
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Re: SYW proportion of cavalry to infantry

Post by Count Belisarius »

valleyboy wrote: Sun Jan 29, 2023 8:01 pm What Ottoman figures will you get Andy?
I've already got some RSM (with a few slightly bigger Warlord mixed in) and have some Essex cavalry to add and possibly some Old Glory Janissaries. Just enough for decent allied force rather than a full army.

I like the Warfare figures but they are too big to mix with what I have.

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Re: SYW proportion of cavalry to infantry

Post by Essex Boy »

FreddBloggs wrote: Sun Jan 29, 2023 4:53 pm
Count Belisarius wrote: Sun Jan 29, 2023 4:42 pm
FreddBloggs wrote: Sun Jan 29, 2023 4:24 pm I would go 2 or 3 heavy, 3 or 4 light, possibly 2 or 3 dragoons
Brigades of?
regiments.

I am not so cruel as to say paint up enough cavalry for EB to have some left at the end of turn 1.
Funnily enough. Earlier this month I lost all my cavalry on the turn after they arrived on the table. Charged in the rear by Pemps' cavalry, they surrendered to a man. It all seemed to happen in slow motion.
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Re: SYW proportion of cavalry to infantry

Post by goat major »

still, they lasted nearly two turns. Thats real progress.
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Re: SYW proportion of cavalry to infantry

Post by Essex Boy »

Paul wrote: Sun Jan 29, 2023 6:06 pm
FreddBloggs wrote: Sun Jan 29, 2023 4:53 pm I am not so cruel as to say paint up enough cavalry for EB to have some left at the end of turn 1.
There are not enough monkeys or enough time for them to paint to make that happen!
Are you suggesting that the Gateway army looks like it's been painted by monkeys?
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