Portugal

Lead the charge to glory with these dashing cavalry officers for your Portuguese Black Powder collection! The Portuguese military of the Napoleonic Wars was an interesting one. A firm ally of Britain thanks to longstanding treaties, and bitter opponents of the invading French, the Portuguese army was relatively small, but benefited hugely from British training and equipment beginning in 1809, becoming a powerful force in its own right. Twelve cavalry regiments existed, and would serve well during the Peninsular War, helping to drive out the hated French! Cavalry is a vital part of any Black Powder force, used to screen your advance, repulse enemy horsemen, and finally to charge home to glorious victory. When led well, it can be absolutely devastating, and these officers are just the men to provide that leadership! This pack contains three command figures mounted on horses, cast in metal.

The Portuguese troops were brave but unskilled, and outnumbered in the early days of the conflict. Reforms of the Portuguese army taken by Sir Lt.General William Beresford changed that, adopting British drill and tactics. The changes transformed the Portuguese into an effective fighting force. These plastic Portuguese soldiers are supplied with the option of the early Barretina shako used between 1806 and 1810, or the later Stovepipe-style version which entered service in 1810. Contains:

• 20 plastic easy-build Portuguese Line Infantry
• 4 metal command miniatures: officer, drummer and two ensigns with wire flagpoles and banner tops
• 2-page background guide including ten full-colour flags