From KenR: 28mm 1st Battalion Papal Zouaves (150 points)

I've been looking forward to doing this unit for some time and I'm glad to say I'm really happy with the result. So here is my representation of one of the two Battalions of Papal Zouaves which fought at the Battle of Mentana. These formations were 750 men strong so I've made them 36 figure units as opposed to the earlier Garibaldi Infantry which are 24 figures representing  350 to 400 men.

The unit was truly international and was made up of volunteers from all over the world. Large contingents came from Holland, France and Belgium but most European countries had some representation in the unit along with smaller groups from the Americas, Africa, India and China. Initially a single Battalion in 1861, it increased in strength to 4 Battalions in 1867-8.

The figures are 28mm (of course, I have a reputation to keep 😁). The bodies are from the plastic Perrys ACW Zouave box set, which I had lying around from a previous projects whilst the heads were bought separately from Steve Barber Models. There are some minor variations in the sources I have about the uniform so I picked a version and went for it. The flags are a research project in themselves and for the moment I've just used a generic Papal States flag,

One of the bases was done pre Challenge as a tester so I'm just claiming for 5 bases, or 30 figures at 5 pts each for a total of 150 which keeps me on track for my target of 1500.

So let's get back to our History at the end of part one of Rome or Death, Garibaldi was neither in the Papal capital or deceased, however French troops had withdrawn and Garibaldi sniffed a chance.

In September 1867 at a Congress in Geneva, Garibaldi announced his intention to take Rome for Italy. His popularity and reputation brought around 10,000 volunteers to his flag. A mix of the veterans of his previous Campaigns along with a good amount of less experienced but enthusiastic new comers.

Unfortunately for Garibaldi announcing his intentions at an International conference did not go unnoticed by the French who slammed the troop ships in reverse and were able to get a contingent back to Rome to support the Papal forces.

The plan was a simple one, March on Rome with the main Army whilst a group of insurrectionists within the city itself would start an uprising, splitting the already small  Papal Forces in half and overwhelm them.

In October 1867 the main force commanded by Garibaldi invaded the Lazio area whilst 70 men entered the City to assist with the planned uprising on the 22nd (to be continued...)

Next up I will be back with another Battalion of Red Shirts 👍

No red shirts today, Ken, but still some red details on this lovely big unit. I'm used to seeing red trousers on the Zouaves I'm familiar with, and this is a nice variation. The bold yellow standards really pop and the faces are full of character. We await more history lessons!

Barks