Spanish tercios flags of 30 Years War in Italy

 Hello guys,

This summer I am reading a fantastic book about Thirty Years War in northern Italy: 

"Milán a sangre y fuego" the campaigns of Marquis de Leganés in 1635-1640 in north Italy.

https://www.sndeditores.com/libro/milan-a-sangre-y-fuego_193675/

this is the abstract of the book, tanslated into English :

The military history of the Spanish Army that served in the Duchy of Milan remains one of the great overlooked chapters of Spanish history, perhaps overshadowed by the better-known Army of Flanders, though it was no less remarkable. The campaigns described in this volume brought both General the Marquis of Leganés and his army to prominence. Not only did they successfully defend the state entrusted to them, but they also seized large portions of enemy territory after defeating opposing forces in pitched battles and capturing their strongholds.

Confronted by France's long-standing hostility toward the House of Austria, the ambitions of Savoy, the enmity of Venice, the duplicitous intervention of the Pope and his nuncios, the wavering attitude of Genoa, and the betrayal of Parma, Leganés proved capable of meeting every challenge. He carried the war into the heart of enemy lands and, for four years, tied down substantial enemy forces that would have been of decisive importance had they been deployed in Flanders.

The Marquis's innovative strategy, combined with the excellent performance of the Army of Milan under his command, achieved remarkable victories against some of France's finest generals. Yet the jealousy of his rivals at court, the blatant double-dealing of the Princes of Savoy, and above all the inability of the Royal Treasury to sustain a prolonged war effort ultimately diminished the impact of this extraordinary of successes.

Turin was not the grave of the Marquis of Leganés's career. Despite the downfall of his patron, the Count-Duke of Olivares, he continued to render distinguished service to the Spanish Crown, earning a well-deserved place among the finest generals of the House of Austria."

While reading the book, I almost inmediately decided to wargame that theater of operations, as I have both, TYW French and Spanish armies painted in 28mm,  I want to paint a Savoyard unit and maybe some leaders...

With Meshy, I tried to replicate a 28mm miniature of Marquis de Leganés, I will print in resin when I come back home from vacation, I am really excited with this side project.

Also, thank God, we know at least 2 flags carried by some of the best Spanish units of that time; Tercio Viejo de la Mar de Nápoles, and Tercio de Lombardía, both present in most of the battles of that period in Northern Italy, like :   The relief of Valenza del Po, battle of Tornavento 1636,  the sieges of Vercelli, Breme, Torino... etc etc etc.

here are the flags I have made with Chatgpt + primary sources

                                            Flag of Tercio de Lombardía

                                            Flag of Tercio de la Mar de Nápoles

I hope you like this little summer update

Cheers

Battle of Seneffe 1674 Command base: Death of Marqués de Asentar

Hi guys

This time I bring you a special topic, my first miniature sculpted by the AI, using Meshy.ai , I tried to replicate a wonderful illustration of a Desperta Ferro magazine about the last tercios, from 1660 to the reform of 1704.

The aim was to make a command base for my Spanish army of Flanders in the bloody battle of Seneffe in 1674.

 the original illustration is fantastic, I really wanted to have a similar last stand command base in my collection, and as nobody produces a similar miniature, and I have no sculpting skills, I resorted to a new (for me) method, Meshy, although it is not free, I think it worth the price.

This part is translation by me  from Spanish Magazine Desperta Ferro:

At the death of Pedro de Acuña y Meneses, Marquis of Assentar, in the Battle of Seneffe, the Spanish soldiers present there, following the example of the fallen commander, fought so fiercely against the French that they became known as the “Sacrificed of Seneffe.”

Assentar began his military career under Philip IV in 1640 and had to flee to Castile. He commanded the regiments of Spain (1655–1659) and Lombardy (1659–1662). He took part in the victory of Valenciennes (1656), the campaign of Mardyck (1657), and the sieges of Novara (1662–1665) and Ceuta (1665–1672). With the outbreak of the Franco-Dutch War, he was appointed Maestre de Campo of the Army of Flanders. As commander of the Army of the Low Countries and second in commando of the Count of Monterrey, governor of the Spanish Netherlands.

 An  Imperial contingent joined the combined Dutch-Spanish army in the summer of 1674, adding strength to the troops of William III of Orange.

At first, the French army under the Prince of Condé launched a surprise attack against the troops of William III, while the Allies marched between Nivelles and Mons in an attempt to outflank the French position at Trivières. The battle soon became bloody and fierce: 62,000 Allied soldiers clashed against 44,200 French troops.

The allied army marched through a vast wooded area full of ravines, which caused the Marquis to show a fatalistic mood, he said to an officer, "If we succeed today it would be a miracle, but I do not blame myself, because I am doing my job and those in command of the combined army do not listen my advice...  for I know my end is near, and no one shall deprive me of the glory of what is to come..."

Suddenly, the thunder of the cannon and the musketry announced the battle, A Dutch officer came in hurry announcing that all the rearguard of the army was collpasing and some fleeing. The Marquis had advanced too far and was now being pursued by the French. "We saw all of Valdemont’s cavalry came rushing back in flight, and the confusion with which they returned threw most of our rearguard into panic."

 The chronicler Félix de Lucio Espinosa y Malo relates what happened next:

“Seeing this disaster, the Marquis of Assentar ordered five or six large infantry battalions and one squadron of cavalry to halt. Drawing his sword, he encouraged the men, who had been pushed back so rapidly, although they had gained some time, their line started to collapse under French pressure. Even though the Marquis of Assentar was grievously wounded, 7 times,  he fought with such boldness and extraordinary courage that he finally gave his life, despite receiving assistance for the many wounds he had suffered.”

The French, after driving the Spaniards from the village of Saint-Nicolas and finding the Marquis’s body in their possession after the battle, returned it to the Spanish camp. The fighting finished in a bloody draw, where both sides claimed "victory", it had caused some fourteen thousand casualties between the two armies, and contemporary accounts describe the battle as one of the bloodiest slaughters ever seen in Europe for many years.

 The base diorama itseld was 3d printed in resin, and the miniature is not perfect, there aresome mistakes in an officer hand, shoes, the horse head is missing... but with some touches here and there, I fixed most of them and painted it in the usual way of Vallejo and Foundry triads.

I hope you like it!

Cheers

30 Years War Commander base: Catalan/French Josep Margarit

 Hi guys,

I have just finished a command base for my TYW French army in the Pyrinees/Catalan front. 

As I normally play with  Warlord's Pike & Shotte rules, I need several command bases for the different "battalias" in the games, so I was (and I am!) short of commanders for my armies in the 30 Years War period. 

I wanted a commander who could be a generic general, but also I wanted to paint a miniature based on a real historical character.

So I opted for a Catalan who revolted against the Hispanic crown in 1640, Josep Margarit.

Josep Margarit was the main military commander of the Franco-Catalan forces during the Reapers' War (a War inside the 30 Years War). In January 1641, his actions prevented the Hispanic Crown from supplying its troops during the siege of Barcelona, contributing decisively to the victory at the Battle of Montjuïc.

He later led the defense of Camp de Tarragona, commanding the miquelets, and played a key role in multiple engagements that year: Valls, Cambrils , Constantí (freeing 400 prisoners), and fighting in Montmeló, Vilafranca del Penedès, and La Granada. Some historians attribute his effectiveness to experience in banditry and guerrilla warfare.

In September 1641, he joined a diplomatic mission that secured cooperation with Louis XIII.

Margarit’s military successes made him a prime target for the Hispanic Crown. In 1642, he blocked Castilian troops under Pedro de Aragón from crossing Catalonia to aid forces in Roussillon. He later led the recovery of the Val d’Aran (1643), organized grain supplies for Catalan troops in Lleida (1646), and became the leading figure in the resistance during the siege of Barcelona (1651–52), refusing to abandon the plague-stricken city. 

After its capitulation, he continued leading military raids (Ponts, Solsona, Cardona, Ribelles, Cadaqués, La Seu d’Urgell) in an attempt to regain control of Catalonia. The Treaty of the Pyrenees 1659 ultimately ended his hopes of defeating the Hispanic Crown.

 

I chose a miniature that had that kind of  strange moustache,  long hair and that black hat similar to those worn by priests. Also the figure had to be in armor, and wear a white sash.

As you can imagine, a I had to make some conversion, I cut a plastic head from one of the commanders of the plastic sprue of Warlord's TYW/ECW captains, and the body of a metal commander from 1898 miniatures.

The other guy in the base is an officer from The Assault Group's TYW range. I painted them using some Foundry Triads , which I love for this period:  Buff Leather , Dark African Flesh, Rawhide...  I personally use a lot these 3 triad for boots, buffcoats, gloves etc.

the  cloth armband in the officer's arm is black , which was the color (along with French white) of the Catalan units in French service or fighting the Spanish.

I hope you like it !

Cheers

Coming back to the siege of Gerona 1684: Paisanos or citizens

Miniatures for a XVIIc. besieged city

Hi guys, 

When we recreate the defenders of Girona (or whatever besieged city in this period) on the tabletop, we are not representing a formal army so much as an entire community under arms. The men who held the city’s walls in the 17th century were merchants and craftsmen, hunters and farmers, friars and servants; citizens united by the simple fact that the enemy was at their doorstep. This makes a siege a wonderfully rich setting for miniatures and full of character.

Of course, the following categories are common to most territories of Europe in general, and the Hispanic Monarchy in particular during most of XVII c.

These are the categories I have found.

1) Urban Militias: Girona’s Armed Citizens

The urban militia was composed of the city’s own neighbours: artisans, guild officers, shopkeepers, notaries, apprentices, and even a few minor nobles who commanded small companies. They were civilians, not professional soldiers, serving under Governor Francisco de Taberner with one motivation above all—the defence of their city and their families.

Their equipment reflected this civilian nature. Many carried old matchlock muskets or shotguns; others relied on short pikes, halberds, or arquebuses. Uniforms were rare. Most defenders wore their work clothes or a simple doublet, sometimes with a red cross sewn on the chest to mark their allegiance. Despite their lack of formality, they played a crucial tactical role. They garrisoned the walls, towers, and gates; manned guard posts day and night; supported the artillery by carrying powder, sand, and shot; repaired damaged parapets after bombardments; and rushed to extinguish fires in the aftermath of French shells.

Jurats, civilian authorities in Valencia, mid XVII c. very similar to those present at Gerona

Urban militia in Antwerp, 1670'

                                                            Same Urban militia in Antwerp.

Contemporary testimonies show the determination of these defenders. One chronicler wrote:

“The city, though small in neighbours and with walls not very strong, found itself encouraged by the courage of its inhabitants.”

Another account describes their resilience under bombardment:

“Some neighbours died, and several roofs and warehouses burned; but the spirit of all was so constant that no one showed fear or discouragement.”

2) Rural Militias, Migueletes and Somatén

Beyond the city walls operated a very different kind of force. The rural militias—migueletes and somatenes—were made up of mountain folk from the Ampurdán, Sant Daniel, Amer, Hostalric and the surrounding valleys. These were former soldiers, hunters and labourers, accustomed to the rugged landscape and skilled with firearms. They were officially recognised as auxiliaries by the viceroy but operated with considerable independence under local chiefs and minor lords.

Girona could mobilise several hundred men in the countryside, while within the city itself up to 600 or 800 men could be deemed fit for arms, with around 300 more available in emergencies. The municipality carried out censuses prior to expected attacks—in 1637, 1667, 1675, and 1684—to determine who could serve. Even the cathedral chapter, the bishop, and the religious orders contributed armed companies during the worst sieges.

The migueletes and somatenes excelled in irregular warfare. They ambushed French convoys, destroyed baggage trains, cut communications, and fired from natural cover before vanishing into the hills. A contemporary account states:

“The migueletes and somatenes of the mountains caused constant losses to the French detachments, taking baggage and prisoners every day.”

Their clothing was equally distinctive and ideal for miniature painters: brown or grey woollen coats, linen shirts, red sashes, barretinas, and sturdy shoes or espadrilles. They often carried long flintlock escopetas, knives, and small leather pouches. Another source gives a vivid image of their appearance:

“The migueletes from Amer and Hostalric arrived wearing brown or grey clothing, low hats, red sashes, and a leather cartridge-box over the shoulder; armed with musket or blunderbuss. Some wore short checkered mountain capes.” I painted several Migueletes a few years ago, featured in this post: 

https://spanishleadpainting.blogspot.com/search/label/Miquelets?updated-max=2021-01-09T12:18:00%2B01:00&max-results=20&start=2&by-date=false

Some of them were led by D. Josep de Trinchería, and later during the 9 Years War, by his son, D.Blas de Trinchería.

A detailed description of D. Josep de Trinchería has survived until today:

"He wears his hair long, following the custom of the time, and a waxed mustache curled upward in keeping with the family portrait. A mid-thigh coat (the habit), with open sleeves revealing the shirt beneath, trimmed along the edges and seams. It is buttoned at the front. Around his waist he carries a belt serving the dual purpose of ornament and support for his weapons. Draped over his left shoulder is a cape which, in the fashion of the era, wraps around his right hand, with which he holds the French-style hat (chapeau). He wears tight-fitting breeches of the same cloth, fastened with ribbons, and tall boots with gaiters. The boots include the gaiter that holds the spur used when riding on horseback.

He is armed with a cup-hilt sword hanging from a leather strap, a flintlock of three palmos and another shorter one, along with its corresponding pouch for stones and bullets, as well as a flask with a measure for carrying gunpowder."

                                                                D.Josep de Trinchería 

"Angelets de la terra" /Migueletes guerrilla fighters

3) Clergy and Non-Combatants

The city’s defence was not limited to armed men. Secular priests and members of the mendicant orders—Dominicans, Franciscans, Capuchins—were present on the walls, tending the wounded and encouraging the defenders. Women, servants, children and the elderly played essential roles as well, carrying water, soil and stones for the artillery and helping repair damage after bombardments. Public prayers and religious processions were organised to keep morale high.

A contemporary testimony describes their presence vividly:

“The friars of the mendicant orders assisted on the walls, encouraging the people with the word of God and aiding the wounded.”

4) Civic Officers and Command Figures

At the top of Girona’s civic defence stood the "Jurat en Cap" and the colonel of the militia. They added a rare note of splendour amid the city’s improvised forces. One account describes them as wearing crimson coats trimmed with gold during public ceremonies, and donning light cuirasses or breastplates over their doublets in battle. Their swords, it says, had gilt hilts with shell-shaped guards:

“The chief jurat and the colonel of the militia of Girona wore crimson coats with golden braid in public acts, and in combat covered themselves with a light cuirass or breastplate over the doublet. Their sword had a gilded hilt with a shell-shaped guard.”

Painting Girona’s defenders offers an extraordinary palette of textures and personalities—ragged walls, improvised weapons, bright red sashes, guild banners, mountain cloaks, friars with bandages, servants rushing powder barrels. 

In future posts I will prepare siege workers and engineers for 30 Years War and also late XVII c.

                               "Perry Miniatures" Priest and "Anno Domini 1666" Night Watch.

The miniatures I am using for these chaps are: 

-Priests : Perry miniatures 28mm Napoleonic/Carlists wars Spanish priest, I bought several of these, but I will only use those whose attire fit in XVII c. in classic friar appearance. 

-Miquelets or Miguelets, I have already several of these, but I want another company of these skirmishers, I really like Front Rank Monmouth rebels with some conversions, I will also use the new Perry Napoleonic guerrilla fighter sprue in plastic, for pieces and headgear like the Catalan cap, the barretina, mixed with Front Rank or  Northstar 1672 bodies.

-For civilians and urban militias I am using several miniatures from Anno Domini 1666 miniatures, a Polish company of great quality, also Bloody Miniatures 28mm ECW and TYW figures are stunning, and some of them are suitable for later periods, specially civilians.

I hope you like it!

Cheers

MAD FOR WAR: Ark Royal miniatures 1/1200 Ships

 Hello there!

After a loooong summer break, I have come back into painting minis again.

I have been reading a book about a naval battle right off the coast of my town, the battle of Cartagena-Cabo de Gata in 1643. 

During a relief operation during the Barbary/Algerian siege of Oran, then in Spanish hands, a French fleet appeared off Cartagena,  French tried to sent fireships to the narrow bay of the port, but were beaten after some hours of fire from the port's  batteries. Then the French headed south and found the Spanish unprepared for battle.

The French fleet, superior in number and with better quality ships, (41 vs 25) made the Spanish fleet take refuge in the port of Cartagena. The casualties are not exctaly known, but the Spanish probably lost 2 sunk ships and 2 captured. The French lost 1 sunk ship and 4 fireships. The galleys closed the port to the French, who could not enter it. 

So I have been in the mood of XVIIc. sailing ships lately. I have just finished my small model ships, and also I am working on a list of actions and scenerarios to play with, all of them historical.

The models are, obviously from Ark Royal miniatures, by Warfare Miniatures/The League of Augsburg brand. In a previous post about ships and scales, I was thinking about painting and wargaming naval warfare in 1/600 or in 1/1200 scale and I was not sure which of the two scales to choose for the project... I finally opted for 1/1200, I think it fits better my needs of squadrons of 6-12 ships per side.

This ships are; and advice jacht, a war galley and a small galleon/frigate of 26 guns.

Advice Jacht:

War Galley:

Frigate:

I use plastic bases, painted in blue, and most important,  with AK interactive water gel over it.

paper flags re scaled by Lluis from Minairons. In this scale sometimes it is better to paint the flags on the metal flags casts in the ships. For instance for Dutch or French, as their flags are super easy to paint. But other navies with more difficult patterns are more complicated, so I will mix paper and metal painted flags.

The modelling and painting stages were very simple, but the tricky part was adding the simple rigging to the ship, and the photo etch ratlines (from the same brand! ).

There were a huge number of actions and battles of 80 Years War/ Thirty Years War and Franco Spanish War,  involving Spanish fleet, all three were interconected and often simultaneously. I recently read that no other navy in the world up to that time (and maybe ever!) had fought for so long , against so many powerful enemies at once.

In the decade of 1660 the Spanish navy declined for 30 years because of the lack of funds, This coincided in time with the admirable rise of the English, Dutch and French navies. It would not be until the beginning of the 18th century when Spanish naval power grew again until it was in the "top 3" in the world until Trafalgar.

My main interest nowadays is wargaming mostly early to mid XVII actions in this scale. I placed an order yesterday to get more little ships!

I hope you like them!

Visit to Musée de l'Armée, Paris. Lots of XVII c. stuff

 

Hello guys,

I spent the first week of January 2023, revisiting Paris, and  I miraculously convinced my girlfriend to go to the military museum with me! She patiently paid attention to all my tedious explanations for almost 3 hours.

The collection is HUGE, I was very interested on WWI and WWII stuff, but in this blog, I will show to you some items related to XVII c. warfare.

The first pics are the tombs of both Turenne and Vauban behind the big dome, next to Napoleon's tomb.

Spanish gun, 1638, labelled as artillery of the army of Cardinal Infante, Don Fernando de Austria, brother of King, Philip IV of Spain.

coat of arms of Cardinal Infante

Spanish royal arms

French guns

Very interesting gun from Marine Royale, the brand new navy of France, heavily reinforced by Cardinal Richelieu

Now some nice mid to late XVII c. siege armor

Cuirassier armor from early and mid XVII C.

 several nations:

Armor of Louis XIV

Armour and horse dress of Condé ?

Heavy Pikeman and Buffcoats

This pistol-axe is quite interesting because I have a 28mm  model of French dismounted cuirassier wielding one, so I could not resist to post here!

Late XVII c. French cavalry flag, I thought they were bigger!

Flag of an Irish regiment in French service !

late XVIIc. French drum

Duke D'Enghien in 1646 after taking Dunkirk

Battle of Senneffe 1674

Turenne