The Stouthearted 31st Praetorian Guard – Part 2 – Line Infantry

The line infantry tactic was utilised, mostly from the 1700s to the early 1900s and consisted of lines of troops firing volleys at the enemy. They would form different types of formations depending on what was required for the battle. For instance the British formed large squares of infantry to defend against the French during the battle of Waterloo. The British tactic was so effective it put quite a dent in Napoleons personal body guard called The Imperial Guard that had never retreated before that day. The French had employed the same square formation many times before as well. One of the most infamous occasions was when they invaded Eqypt and took on the Ottoman Empire and won.

Although relatively effective, the volley firing would only last for the first few minutes of battle before discipline would inevitably weaken and troops would fire at their own discretion.

Alright, history lesson over hehe.

You read the battle report of Orks Drift the other week and saw the infantry for the 31st Praetorian Guard. Today I finished them off properly by highlighting, fixing up little blunders and basing them.

I hope you like them because I bloody love them!!!

Im hoping to have another battle soon with these chaps and this time they’ll be looking for a bit of payback after the slaughter at Orks Drift so stay tuned kids.

Notable characters:

Lieutenant Burrows. Well liked by his charge but not so much by his commanding officers. He’s a loose canon but a cunning warrior and tactician.

Private Hook “Hooky”. If you are as familiar with the movie Zulu this chap doesn’t need any introduction hehe. I wanted a couple of bare headed troops and this guy oozed character so he became “Hooky”.

Private “Best Beard” Owen. In the movie Owen was the  welsh singer who geared up the troops for battle. In my little army he’s notable because he has the finest beard haha.

Private Zane (Sniper)

I still need to finish off the Veterans and Command squad and I’m also thinking a small band of militia would be cool for this group too. I’m enjoying painting and determined to finish this project before I throw myself too much into the next one.

Heres the group shot minus the tank.

Cheers gang

IRO