Iain, my thought re the French getting a morale bonus in a charge to contact and a firepower deduction relates to them using the extra rank (compared to the Maritime Powers and their contractees). I assume that the 4th rank was useful for something and that something would hardly be firing. So I am ...

I'll look it over a little more closely and contact you if curious about anything.

FYI, I have a fairly full set of OoB's from Oudenarde, Ramillies and the Italian battles. I think you already have them and indeed, some may even be your own research.

Is it your work, Iain? I stumbled across it last night and admired it.

As far as can be determined, were there definable qualitative differences between the major armies in the WSS period?

For example, one might guess that the quality of the French infantry in the Malplaquet period might have been sub-par due to the emergency levy of large #'s of untrained troops.

Iain, what was the reason for the French retaining the extra rank? Is it purely a question of the French being a little more conservative and a little less confident in the ability of relatively thin lines to stand firm under pressure? The 3rd and 4th rank in a French battalion line must have had l...

I remember back in the late 1970's when 25mm Minifigs were the cats' pyjamas in figure design. These new guys are light years better - and relatively cheaper too.

Great stuff.

Thanks as always, Iain.

Danke Schoen, Iain. And fortunately, my local library has a copy. I will brandish my trusty German dictionary and go visit.

Thanks as always, Iain.

BTW, do you mind me asking where you found that piece of info? My knowledge of sources in this period is very lacking.

Does anyone know whether the Imperial Kurassiers wore their pot helmets against the French in the WSS period? Or was this equipment kept for use only against the Turks?

Actually, I think it's common sense. The horses should be out of musket range - i.e. 150 to 200 yds away from enemy infantry - and also out of potential danger from enemy cavalry strikes. If you obey these rules, then there should be no need for artificial blanket rules as it simply won't be worth y...

Does anyone have any info on the Hungarian infantry units in Imperial service in the WGA and WSS period? A photo portrays one in hussar dress with a musket and an axe and sabre. I have some haiduks for the early 17th Century period which looks somewhat the same with the exception of a knee-length co...