Carlist Wars

The Carlist Wars in Spain were the last major European civil wars in which pretenders fought to establish their claim to a throne. In 1833-40, 1846, and 1872-76 the Carlists – followers of Don Carlos and his descendants – rallied to the cry of “God, Country, and King” and fought for the cause of Spanish tradition against the liberalism, and later the republicanism, of the Spanish governments of the day. Although now little known outside Spain or Portugal, in their time these wars were international in flavour. The other European nations looked on with considerable interest, and forces from Portugal, Spain, Britain, and France were involved.

No-Mans Land Mini-Campaign

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This is a skirmish level mini-campaign set in no-mans land on a fairly static front. It is applicable to any period (see the possible settings). Each player is a junior commander whose job is the patrol and control the area between the opposing forces. Over three game days and nights each player must plan and execute 6 missions from a predetermined list. The interest lies in the fact that each player is picking from a different list to that of his opponent. The key problem being addressed is “How does a commander react when faced with events not covered by his orders?”

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Paul Mitchell Gallery of 28mm First Carlist War Figures

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Paul Mitchell kindly sent me some photos of his 28mm Carlists. These are the models now produced by QRF Miniatures (ex Helion ex Valiant). In fact this is the unit described at the Battle of Oriemendi as ‘wearing blue berets and grey greatcoats… except officers, who wore all colours’. Paul has painted them with captured Cristino greatcoats, drummers cut down to shell jacket, the firing figure in a Cristino shell jacket, the ensign in Cristino frock, and the officer at the back in a captured French uniform. They are Guipuzcoan, and will form part of the 3 – battalion Guipuzcoan brigade at Oriemendi. The flag is hand painted.

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Wargaming flags for the First Carlist War

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Wargaming flags to use for the First of the Carlist Wars. These flags are intended for using with 15 mm wargaming figures. They correspond to what I know about flags of the war, although where I don’t know specific details I have taken some liberties to get the flags for a complete army. For example, I have used Carlist flag motifs from units that weren’t part of the Carlist Army of the North just to allow more variety.

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