Saarbruck to Sedan: The Franco-German War 1870-1871: Volume 1 - Uniforms, Organisation and Weapons of the Armies of the Imperial Phase of the War
The Franco—German War of 1870—71 saw the demise of one empire, that of Napoleon III and the birth of another, a German empire under the rule of the king of Prussia. Many books have been written on the campaigns and battles of the war, this is the first to center on the armies themselves: how they were organized, how they were armed, what uniforms they were dressed in, and how they were supplied with the essentials of war.

Technical innovations changed the way armies behaved in the field, railways speeded up movement, the telegraph delivered orders in a fraction of the time, and new weapons altered tactics used on the battlefield.

How many uniforms did a Prussian soldier have and who made them? The newest and best uniform was reserved for ceremonial use and to go to war in! Other orders of dress were issued from regimental stores for parades, day to day wear, field exercises, fatigue duties and walking out. If a man had the cash, he could buy a uniform for going to the pub on Saturday night! And the French were not to be outdone, a description of a Guards’ officer’s kit lists nine different orders of dress, without including ball and evening dress. In France most uniforms were made by private contractors working to government contracts while Prussian battalions, squadrons and batteries had a depot company of artisans who made up soldiers’ uniforms from government supplied cloth. Officers had their uniforms made by private tailors.

Developments in armaments were not limited to the French, the chassepot rifle was a marvel and the mitrailleuse (a volley gun) could have been a war winner if used properly. The Bavarians had a mitrailleuse of their own design and they developed a modern rifle firing a metallic cartridge at a rate of 20 shots a minute. As well as recently published references, many contemporary works have been used either in their original form or now available as digital copies from French and German sources.

Many English language sources have also been used, Australian, New Zealand, and American newspapers all reported on the war for their readers. There were also many memoirs from soldiers, officers and men as well as diplomats, volunteers, combatants and those ministering to the wounded.

Equipment is described as well as the medals many men wore on their chests. The color section illustrates many of the lesser known uniforms worn during the war. Includes an annotated reading list.
1139389074
Saarbruck to Sedan: The Franco-German War 1870-1871: Volume 1 - Uniforms, Organisation and Weapons of the Armies of the Imperial Phase of the War
The Franco—German War of 1870—71 saw the demise of one empire, that of Napoleon III and the birth of another, a German empire under the rule of the king of Prussia. Many books have been written on the campaigns and battles of the war, this is the first to center on the armies themselves: how they were organized, how they were armed, what uniforms they were dressed in, and how they were supplied with the essentials of war.

Technical innovations changed the way armies behaved in the field, railways speeded up movement, the telegraph delivered orders in a fraction of the time, and new weapons altered tactics used on the battlefield.

How many uniforms did a Prussian soldier have and who made them? The newest and best uniform was reserved for ceremonial use and to go to war in! Other orders of dress were issued from regimental stores for parades, day to day wear, field exercises, fatigue duties and walking out. If a man had the cash, he could buy a uniform for going to the pub on Saturday night! And the French were not to be outdone, a description of a Guards’ officer’s kit lists nine different orders of dress, without including ball and evening dress. In France most uniforms were made by private contractors working to government contracts while Prussian battalions, squadrons and batteries had a depot company of artisans who made up soldiers’ uniforms from government supplied cloth. Officers had their uniforms made by private tailors.

Developments in armaments were not limited to the French, the chassepot rifle was a marvel and the mitrailleuse (a volley gun) could have been a war winner if used properly. The Bavarians had a mitrailleuse of their own design and they developed a modern rifle firing a metallic cartridge at a rate of 20 shots a minute. As well as recently published references, many contemporary works have been used either in their original form or now available as digital copies from French and German sources.

Many English language sources have also been used, Australian, New Zealand, and American newspapers all reported on the war for their readers. There were also many memoirs from soldiers, officers and men as well as diplomats, volunteers, combatants and those ministering to the wounded.

Equipment is described as well as the medals many men wore on their chests. The color section illustrates many of the lesser known uniforms worn during the war. Includes an annotated reading list.
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Saarbruck to Sedan: The Franco-German War 1870-1871: Volume 1 - Uniforms, Organisation and Weapons of the Armies of the Imperial Phase of the War

Saarbruck to Sedan: The Franco-German War 1870-1871: Volume 1 - Uniforms, Organisation and Weapons of the Armies of the Imperial Phase of the War

by Ralph Weaver
Saarbruck to Sedan: The Franco-German War 1870-1871: Volume 1 - Uniforms, Organisation and Weapons of the Armies of the Imperial Phase of the War

Saarbruck to Sedan: The Franco-German War 1870-1871: Volume 1 - Uniforms, Organisation and Weapons of the Armies of the Imperial Phase of the War

by Ralph Weaver

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Overview

The Franco—German War of 1870—71 saw the demise of one empire, that of Napoleon III and the birth of another, a German empire under the rule of the king of Prussia. Many books have been written on the campaigns and battles of the war, this is the first to center on the armies themselves: how they were organized, how they were armed, what uniforms they were dressed in, and how they were supplied with the essentials of war.

Technical innovations changed the way armies behaved in the field, railways speeded up movement, the telegraph delivered orders in a fraction of the time, and new weapons altered tactics used on the battlefield.

How many uniforms did a Prussian soldier have and who made them? The newest and best uniform was reserved for ceremonial use and to go to war in! Other orders of dress were issued from regimental stores for parades, day to day wear, field exercises, fatigue duties and walking out. If a man had the cash, he could buy a uniform for going to the pub on Saturday night! And the French were not to be outdone, a description of a Guards’ officer’s kit lists nine different orders of dress, without including ball and evening dress. In France most uniforms were made by private contractors working to government contracts while Prussian battalions, squadrons and batteries had a depot company of artisans who made up soldiers’ uniforms from government supplied cloth. Officers had their uniforms made by private tailors.

Developments in armaments were not limited to the French, the chassepot rifle was a marvel and the mitrailleuse (a volley gun) could have been a war winner if used properly. The Bavarians had a mitrailleuse of their own design and they developed a modern rifle firing a metallic cartridge at a rate of 20 shots a minute. As well as recently published references, many contemporary works have been used either in their original form or now available as digital copies from French and German sources.

Many English language sources have also been used, Australian, New Zealand, and American newspapers all reported on the war for their readers. There were also many memoirs from soldiers, officers and men as well as diplomats, volunteers, combatants and those ministering to the wounded.

Equipment is described as well as the medals many men wore on their chests. The color section illustrates many of the lesser known uniforms worn during the war. Includes an annotated reading list.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781914059889
Publisher: Helion and Company
Publication date: 01/05/2022
Series: From Musket to Maxim 1815-1914 , #17
Pages: 134
Product dimensions: 7.00(w) x 9.75(h) x (d)

About the Author

Ralph Weaver has made a life—long study of military history, particularly of Europe in the 19th Century. He began his military career with the Sealed Knot before giving up the sword for the pen. He has been the editor of the journal of the Continental Wars Society for the past twenty—five years and has written and illustrated books and magazine articles on military history. He trained as a land surveyor in the Civil Service and has used his map—making skills in battlefield walking and table top wargaming. He has been collecting books, pictures, photographs and reference material on uniforms with a view to writing a definitive history on the subject. As well as conducting research on military topics, his latest interests include cooking and looking after grandchildren.

Table of Contents

Preface vi

Introduction vii

Chapter 1 Imperial Phase: Saarbruck to Sedan 11

Setting the scene. How numbers of troops are calculated. What is 'calibre'. How maps were used. Medals worn by the combatants. Food supplies. Iron rations and the 'pea sausage'. Medical services. Supply of uniforms

Chapter 2 The Armed Forces of France 23

The armed forces of Napoleon III. Organisation of the French Army. Weapons. Manpower. Uniforms. Cent-gardes. Imperial Guard infantry, Voltigeurs, Grenadiers, Chasseurs à Pied, Zouaves, Artillery, Engineers, Train. Imperial Guard cavalry, Carbineers, Cuirassiers, Dragoons, Lancers, Guides, Chasseurs à Cheval, Artillery. Uniforms, Line infantry, Equipment, Rank. Army of Africa, Zouaves, Tirailleurs Algériens. Marine Infantry. Régiment Étranger. Cavalry, Cuirassiers, Dragoons, Lancers, Hussars, Chasseurs à Cheval. Army of Africa, Chasseurs d'Afrique, Spahis. Cavalry ranks. Remount Department. Artillery. Engineers. Train. Intendency. Medical Corps. Standards. The Mobiles, National Guard. Franc-tireurs. Staff corps. Military schools. Guard of Paris. Naval infantry. The Navy, Henri Dupuy de Lôme, ships. Uniforms.

Chapter 3 The Prussian (North German) Army 62

The armed forces of King William I. Organisation and uniforms. Rank. Uniforms, Palace Guard company, Infantry. Guards Cavalry, Cuirassiers, Dragoons, Lancers, Hussars. Artillery. Pioneers. Train. Medical personnel. Staff Guard. Courier corps. Officials. Field police. Field post service. Landwehr infantry and cavalry. Depot battalions. Garrison battalions. The Navy, ships and manpower, uniforms.

Chapter 4 North German Confederation 89

Brunswick, Hesse-Darmstadt, Mecklenburg and Saxony. Organisation and uniforms.

Chapter 5 South Germany 99

Baden, Württemberg and Bavaria. Organisation and uniforms.

Chapter 6 Neutrals 107

Belgium, organisation. Austria, Denmark and England.

Bibliography and Further Reading 111

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