From KenR - 28mm Garibaldi Command Base - Giacomo Medici (20 points)

 

I wanted to get one final post in before the end of the Challenge so here it is. A 2 figure Command Base for my Garibaldi Infantry. The figure on the left is a personality figure from Shako 64 whilst the standard bearer is a plastic Perrys ACW Cavalry figure.

The figure represents a General called Giacomo Medici, who met Garibaldi in Montevideo. He was a Battalion commander for the Hunters of the Alps before joining the Expedition of the 1000 fighting in all the major battles of that Campaign.

He commanded a Division in the third Italian War of Independence in 1866 but I haven't been able to confirm whether or not he was involved in the Battle of Mentana a year later.

Following the war he became a Senator and died in Rome in 1882 aged 65.

The base is just two 28mm mounted figures to top off a rather disappointing (for me) total for the Challenge with a final 20 points.

Finally I need to finish off the story of the Battle of Mentana. The fighting was raging on the outskirts of the town, with both sides heavily engaged. Just as it looked as if the red shirts of Garibaldi would win the day they suffered a double blow.

The French force of 5 Battalions and some Artillery had arrived and deployed in the nick of time. The French were armed with their new Chasspot Rifle and this was the first time the soon to be famous weapon was used in Battle.

As the French started to turn the tide and the Garibaldi left flank, the 3 Companies of Papal Zouaves who had been dispatched in a flanking move at the start of the Battle arrived on the Garibaldi right flank. 

The Garibaldi Morale broke and they fled the field, their leader with them. Three other columns were approaching Rome but the battle proved to be decisive and the other units drifted away. Garibaldi had once again failed to achieve "Rome or Death"

Rome eventually fell in September 1870 after the French troops finally withdrew to fight in the Franco Prussian War, a war in which a large number of Papal Zouaves fought under the French banner.

It was General Cardona who eventually captured Rome not Garibaldi, Italy was finally one nation.

I'll put together a few pics of the Project Build during the next few days, thanks again to everyone who has posted comments on my posts over the last 3 months. You are all welcome to join me on Yarkshire Gamer to see how the rest of the project develops. 

Until later, Sithee 

Regards Ken 

The Yarkshire Gamer 

That command stand looks fantastic, Ken! And another great history lesson.

Tamsin