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by Robbie MacNiven.
Softcover (7.25×9.75 inches). 80 pages. 2025.
Subtitle: American Revolution 1775-83
The usual illustrative excellence of the Combat series continues with an examination of a Continental Soldier (1st Maryland Brigade) and a Hessian Soldier (von Lossberg Regiment). The format is well defined: a short introduction — in this case, the post Battle of Brooklyn NY, NJ, and PA campaign — a look at the uniforms and equipment of the featured soldiers, an encapsulation of the tactics used by each, and an analysis of three battles: White Plains (October 28, 1776), Fort Washington (November 16, 1776), and Trenton (December 26, 1776). You can gin up a tabletop scenario for each of the three.
Of interest, the Hessian maneuver rate was 75 paces per minute while the British were between 120 and 150 paces per minute (p15), which is why sometimes the Hessians are portrayed as slow in period histories. However, on occasion, when brigaded with a British unit, the Hessians would match the higher paces per minute rate.
Both the British and Hessians endeavored to deliver a coordinated battalion (regiment) fire and bayonet charge starting at 100 yards (p26).
For fans of Molly Pitcher, usually associated with the Battle of Monmouth, a similar event happened at the battle of Fort Washington. When Margaret Corbin’s husband fell while manning a cannon, she took his place during the battle (p48-49).
One typo: the same sentence is repeated twice in the same paragraph (p32).
The booklet contains nine black and white illustrations, three color photos, 33 color illustrations, eight color maps, three color two-page action illustrations, and four uniform illustrations (front and back of 1st MD and front and back of von Lossberg soldiers).
For those inspired by the American Revolution’s 250th Anniversary to field tabletop miniatures, here’s a great start.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
