As well as working on the Austrian Grenadiers, I also plan on completing (well starting) The Vienna Freikorps which fought with distinction during the 1809 campaign. I have four of the six battalions that were raised.
The uniform of the Austrian 1809 Vienna Freikorps (Volunteer Corps) was simpler and less standardized than that of the regular army, as they were hastily raised volunteer units. For those raised in Vienna and Lower Austria, the basic infantry uniform usually included a grey jacket. This grey was similar to the color worn by the Austrian Jäger (light infantry), though the style varied and sometimes resembled a civilian coat or peasant smock. The distinctive color for the Vienna and Lower Austrian region was red, used for the facings on the collar and cuffs of the jacket.
The headgear was typically a black “Corsican hat” (Korsikanerhut), a round hat with one side of the brim turned up. It often had a national black and yellow cockade or a pompom. Due to local supply, variations were common; some units received regulation-style shakos, while others wore civilian hats with a cockade. Equipment like cross-belts and cartridge boxes was usually made of black leather, similar to Austrian light infantry. The lack of proper uniforms resulted in mixed items; while officers wore complete regulation outfits, the rank and file often used their civilian clothes with just the essential equipment added.
It is worth noting that the six battalions of the Vienna Volunteers (Freiwillige) were generally better equipped than the basic Landwehr militia, especially the First Battalion. This unit was raised from the upper classes of the city and was able to afford to supply its own uniforms to a higher standard. They followed the basic pattern of the grey coat with red facings, but as a marker of their volunteer status, they were sometimes permitted to wear pointed cuffs instead of the standard round cuffs found on the ordinary Landwehr coat. In contrast, other Vienna volunteer battalions, such as the 3rd, wore a simpler uniform that was closer to the standard Lower Austrian Landwehr issue. The wide variations and non-regulation items used by the Freikorps and Landwehr in the 1809 campaign are well-documented, making it a challenge to pin down a single definitive uniform for every corps.
One web site shows the first battalion with white trousers.
I have decided to paint the first battalion as above with the 2nd to 4th as the Austrian Jaeger but with red facings.
The figures are from Elite Miniatures Australia – here, here, and here.
The Occultist is a unique Silver Bayonet unit available for recruitment by the British and other major factions like Austria and France in the game, known for their deep connections to the mystical arts.
This character acts as the magical expert for the unit, providing a range of powerful abilities that help the warband face challenges and formidable foes that go beyond the limitations of standard muskets and sabres.
The Occultist is often viewed as a key figure in battle, capable of shifting the tide with their arcane knowledge. They possess the Spells attribute, allowing them to perform three distinct magical effects: first, they can swap Fate Dice to influence critical rolls, providing strategic advantages in moments of uncertainty; second, they can enchant a weapon to make it more powerful, temporarily boosting its magical potency, which can turn an ordinary blade into a formidable weapon; third, they have the ability to curse an enemy to reduce its effectiveness, striking fear into the hearts of opponents.
However, using these powers comes with a significant cost, as casting a spell requires the Occultist to risk taking damage and succeed at a check. This balancing act ensures that their strong abilities do not come without repercussions, introducing a layer of strategy and risk management during heated battles, where every decision can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
The careful consideration of when to unleash their magic adds depth to gameplay, making the Occultist an invaluable asset in any warband.
This is the first of the eight battalions of the First Grenadier Division.
The 1809 Austrian Grenadier Battalion Puteani was an elite infantry unit that served as a shock troop reserve in the Habsburg army during the War of the Fifth Coalition against Napoleonic France. Named after its commander, Major Puteani, the battalion was temporarily formed for this campaign.
The Austrian army often combined the grenadier companies—its elite troops—from different regiments to create strong battalions. The Puteani Battalion was made up of the grenadier companies from three regiments: Infantry Regiment (IR) No. 14, IR No. 45, and IR No. 59.
The Puteani Grenadier Battalion, part of the elite reserve, saw significant action during the campaign, showcasing both its valor and strategic importance. At the conflict’s start, it was placed in Major General Konstantin d’Aspré’s grenadier brigade within the II Reserve Armeekorps, which was skillfully led by the experienced Feldmarschall-Leutnant Michael von Kienmayer.
The battalion was actively involved in the early fighting along the banks of the Danube, where its disciplined troops displayed remarkable resilience and tactical acumen. They fought valiantly in the pivotal Battle of Abensberg on April 20, 1809, facing tough adversaries in fierce combat, and later, during the arduous and challenging circumstances of the Austrian retreat, the battalion played a crucial role as rearguard.
This was particularly notable at the Battle of Landshut on April 21, where the Grenadier Battalion worked tenaciously to cover the withdrawal of the main forces, ensuring their safe passage through hostile territory while enduring heavy enemy pressure.
The Puteani Grenadier Battalion played a key role in the important battles near Vienna. During the Battle of Aspern-Essling (May 21–22, 1809), it was part of the general grenadier reserve, ready to be used at critical moments.
It was ultimately deployed in the two-day Battle of Wagram (July 5–6, 1809), serving in d’Aspré’s Grenadier Division under General der Kavallerie Prince Johann Liechtenstein. As the army’s final reserve, the grenadiers often carried out counter-attacks or defended against intense French assaults, gaining a reputation for bravery among Austria’s elite forces.
After Major Puteani, the battalion was led by Major Jambline and is sometimes called the Puteani/Jambline Grenadier Battalion.
Britain: Bones of Albion is a captivating supplement for the Napoleonic-era gothic horror skirmish wargame The Silver Bayonet, created by the imaginative Joseph A. McCullough and published by the esteemed Osprey Games. This expansion delves deeper into the dark and mysterious landscapes of Britain during this tumultuous period, introducing players to an array of chilling new scenarios, eerie creatures, and sinister factions. With richly detailed lore and comprehensive rules, it invites players to explore not only the strategic elements of skirmish battles but also the haunting narratives that unfold in the shadows, making each game an immersive experience steeped in horror and intrigue.
There is much to like and also some significant disapointments.
The plot is awesome and centres around a Druidic circle of stones prepared on the isle of Anglessey to repulse the Roman invaders. The story begins on the isle of Anglesey, the heart of Druidic power in Britain. A powerful Druidic circle of stones has been meticulously arranged for a devastating ritual—a spell intended to utterly destroy the invading Roman legions.
However, before the Druids can complete the ceremony and unleash the magic, the Romans launch a swift and brutal attack. The Druids are slaughtered, the ritual is halted, and the Romans, fearing the latent power, dismantle the circle and scatter the stones as spoils of war across the length and breadth of the captured province of Britannia.
Two hundred years go by. The stones are forgotten, covered by Roman towns, forts, and fields. Then, one stone is discovered, maybe during a local dig or when an old building falls down.This act breaks two hundred years of peace. The stone quickly releases a small part of the original ritual’s power, marking its possible return to its true purpose.
The urgency and power of the original spell—to destroy the foreign occupier—is now awakened, not just in Britain, but upon an unprepared, fractured Europe struggling with the decline of the Roman Empire. The discovery sets off a desperate race to find and reassemble the remaining stones, either to complete the destructive ritual or to contain the unleashed, ancient magic before it tears the continent apart. a spell to destroy the Roman invaders.
The scenarios are much the same as we have come to expect, but because they are based on actual locations in Britain such as:
Medibogdum
A Roman fort in the lakes District. Had a large following of Mithraism which unfortunately was not included in the scenario.
The Ferns
The Fens, or Fenlands, are a large, flat, low-lying region in eastern England that was once a marshy wetland and well known for its spooky legends. Common myths surrounding the Fens include will-o’-the-wisps (like the Lantern Man), which lure people to their death, and creatures such as boggarts, phantom dogs like Black Shuck, and spirits of the Viking Great Army. The scenario is located in the marsh near Ely Cathedral.
Tre’r Ceiri
Tre’r Ceiri is one of the best-preserved Iron Age hillforts in Britain, located on the eastern peak of Yr Eifl (The Rivals) on the Llŷn Peninsula in north-western Wales. Known as “town of the giants,” it was built around 400-200 BC and continued to be inhabited during the Romano-British period (c. AD 150–400), with around 400 residents at its peak. Its main features include extensive stone walls and the remains of about 150 stone houses, showcasing the ancient communities that lived there.
Lud’s Church
Lud’s Church is a deep, mossy chasm in the Back Forest at the Peak District National Park in Staffordshire, England. This 100-meter gorge was created by a massive landslip and is rich in history and mythology.
Lud’s Church is a deep, mossy chasm rich in folklore, with legends stretching from history to myth. It is most famously associated with the medieval Arthurian tale as the likely location of the Green Chapel in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Historically, it was a secret meeting place for the persecuted religious group, the Lollards, which led to a tragic local story about a girl named Alice being killed during a raid. Other myths suggest it was a hiding place for outlaws like Robin Hood and Friar Tuck and Jacobite leader Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Brough of Birsay
The Brough of Birsay is a dramatically situated tidal island off the northwest coast of the Orkney Mainland, only reachable on foot via a causeway at low tide. This windswept spot is a vital historical nexus, containing the layered remains of a high-status Pictish settlement (7th-8th century) and an extensive Norse village (9th-12th century), which includes the ruins of longhouses, a sauna, and a 12th-century Romanesque church. Furthermore, the site is steeped in folklore, most notably as the traditional, temporary burial place of Saint Magnus Erlendsson, the martyred Viking Earl whose cult turned Birsay into a major pilgrimage site in the 12th century, with tales of miracles and heavenly lights surrounding his grave before his relics were moved to Kirkwall.
Wayland’s Smithy
Wayland’s Smithy is a highly atmospheric, two-phase Neolithic chambered long barrow in Oxfordshire, built around 3600 BC near the ancient Ridgeway path and the Uffington White Horse. Initially a smaller timber structure housing 14 bodies, it was later covered by the large, trapezoidal mound and impressive sarsen stone façade visible today. The name and enduring fame come from Anglo-Saxon folklore, which linked the mysterious ancient tomb to Wayland the Smith, a powerful, invisible smith-god from Germanic mythology. Legend holds that a traveler could leave a horse and a silver coin at the site, and the mythical smith would secretly re-shoe the horse by the next morning, a belief still reflected today by visitors who leave coins as offerings among the stones.
Alfred’s Castle
The history of Alfred’s Castle is rich with layers of occupation and later romantic association. Originally a defensive earthwork, the site began with Late Bronze Age linear ditches, followed by the main Iron Age univallate hillfort construction around the 6th century BC. After its abandonment, the enclosure was re-used by Romans who built a farmhouse within its bounds between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. Despite its origins in deep prehistory, the name “Alfred’s Castle” is a Victorian-era invention, stemming from the fort’s proximity to the supposed location of King Alfred the Great’s victory over the Danes at the Battle of Ashdown in 871 AD. This popular, though historically unsupported, connection links the ancient earthwork to the famous Anglo-Saxon king, giving the Iron Age fort its more renowned, legendary title.
Isle of Anglesey
Celtic Corner
The Isle of Anglesey, or Ynys Môn, holds a history stretching from ancient prehistory, being littered with Neolithic burial chambers like Bryn Celli Ddu, to its pivotal role as the “Mother of Wales” for its fertile farmland. Its most enduring historical fame, however, comes from its deep connection to the Druids; during the Roman conquest of Britain, Anglesey became the ultimate stronghold of the Celtic priests, known for their fierce resistance and sacred groves. Roman historians recount the dramatic invasion of 60 AD, where General Suetonius Paulinus’s forces crossed the Menai Strait to slaughter the Druids and destroy their holy sites, a decisive moment that broke the back of Celtic spiritual power in the west. Following the Romans, the island was a strategic target for Vikings, and later served as the capital for the native Welsh Princes of Gwynedd at Aberffraw, before falling under the control of English monarchs who constructed the imposing Beaumaris Castle.
All of these scenarios create a deep sense of atmosphere and heaps of opportunities for making very evocative terrain. I like this aspect of the book very much. I am disappointed with the scenarios themselves because they could have been tied with the myths and legends of the locations a lot more. The scenarios could have been in any location and are similar to the other expansions in this sense.
The choice of mainland Britain as a site for a supernatural crisis during the Napoleonic Wars is questioned, given the island’s lack of combat. I am a bit puzzled why a supernatural threat from the harvesters would arise in a peaceful area rather than a war-torn continent. It just seem to create an internal “historical” incongruity. The game tries to resolve this by introducing an ancient Druidic curse and a two-pronged invasion, blending gothic horror with historical elements but just does not fit with the overall them of The Silver Bayonet. Not a deal breaker but annoying as much more could have been done to address this.
The absence of a Druid option for the British faction is a significant missed opportunity, preventing the game from fully integrating its unique supernatural origin—the ancient magic binding the Albion undead—into the unit mechanics. Instead of a grizzled soldier, a Druid could be justified as a powerful Specialist unit: an eccentric expert, reclusive scholar, folk-magic practitioner, or even a miraculously long-lived descendant of the original curser. Including such a character would offer the British forces unique abilities focused on nullifying or manipulating the ancient magic, allowing players to engage directly with the cause of the horror rather than just the symptoms. This addition would create more dynamic, lore-driven tactical options and fully lean into the game’s “pulp horror” side.
I know you can get around this by paying the extra to include a “Follower of the old gods” but having special related Druid skills would have been nice.
I loved the setting, but disliked the formulaic scenarios that could have been more linked to the story and the locations. Not sure that I will be investing in other expansions as I think I can do better myself without the outlay. What about the exotic location of Haiti with vodoo practitioners, Iwa spirits, ancestor spirit worship, raising the dead, dru induced zombies, vodoo dolls – I could go on! More exciting than what we were fed this time around.
Setting and story line was great – but a real missed opportunity IMHO!
In 1809, the Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 9 was commanded by Major-Oberstleutnant Baron Carl Göldlin von Tieffenau. Born in 1759 in Lucerne, he came from the old Lucerne patrician family of Göldlin von Tiefenau. His military career began at the age of 19 when he joined the Infantry Regiment No. 16 as an officer cadet.
His early career saw him promoted to Ensign in 1779 and later transferred to Infantry Regiment No. 45 in 1783, where he became a Second Lieutenant in 1787. He served in the War of the Bavarian Succession and in campaigns against the Turks from 1788 to 1790, where he was promoted to First Lieutenant. He continued to serve in the Coalition Wars, and in September 1796, he was promoted to Captain. During the 1805 campaign, he was part of the Austrian army in Italy, and was promoted to Major on September 1 of that year.
In 1808, he was appointed as Lieutenant-Colonel of the newly formed Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 9. In 1809, during the War of the Fifth Coalition, he and his battalion were part of the 8th Army Corps. Göldlin von Tieffenau distinguished himself in several actions. On April 23, 1809, with his battalion and the Tyrolean militia, he defeated the French General Fontanelli at Bosco di Velo. The following day, he attacked the French at Ravazzona and Mori, achieving another victory. He was also involved in the defense of the Strub Pass and Kufstein. Göldlin von Tieffenau was later promoted to Colonel and was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Military Order of Maria Theresa. He died on February 11, 1826, in Graz.
The Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 9 was an elite light infantry unit of the Austrian Imperial-Royal Army that saw significant action during the Napoleonic Wars. Formed on September 1, 1808, from the 9th Division of the Jäger Regiment “Marquis Chasteler Nr. 64,” the battalion was primarily recruited from Inner Austria, particularly from Styria and Carinthia, earning it the nicknames “Steirisches” (Styrian) or “Kärnten” (Carinthian) Jägers.
Its organization consisted of six field companies and one depot company, making it smaller than a typical line infantry battalion, with a field strength of about 400-500 men. These Jägers were expert marksmen and skirmishers, often deployed as a screen for the main army’s advance, using terrain and cover to their advantage to deliver precise volleys.
The year 1809 was pivotal for the battalion, as it was a part of the Austrian forces that fought against Napoleon’s Grande Armée in the War of the Fifth Coalition. Commanded by Major-Oberstleutnant Baron Carl Göldlin von Tieffenau, the unit was initially deployed with the corps of Feldmarschalleutnant Chasteler to defend Tyrol. They participated in several key engagements, including the battles at the bridge at Ladritz, Bucco di Vela, Volano, Castelpietra, and Pilcante.
Their tactical role as light infantry was crucial in these battles. Later in the campaign, the Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 9 played a role in the major Austrian victory at the Battle of Aspern-Essling in May 1809, which was Napoleon’s first personal defeat in a major battle. They also fought at the Battle of Wagram in July 1809, where they demonstrated their characteristic tactics by taking cover in a drainage ditch to unleash a surprise volley on French columns, successfully capturing cannons and a redoubt.
Following the intense 1809 campaign, the battalion was reinforced with Jäger detachments from the disbanded “Freikorps Corneville.” It continued to serve throughout the subsequent campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars, maintaining its reputation as a skilled and effective light infantry unit. Over time, its designation changed, and it eventually became known as the K.u.k. Feldjägerbataillon Nr. 9, with its home garrison located in Graz, Styria. Its legacy as an elite unit of the Austrian Imperial-Royal Army was firmly established during its valorous actions in 1809.
That finishes the nine 1809 Austrian Jäger-Bataillons. Next for the Austrians is the completion of the complete Grenadier Corps at Wagram. I think I have six of the sixteen battalions to go! These will be a while though!
Tomorrow I will show off all of the nine Jaeger Battalions together.
The Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 7 in skirmish order
The Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 7 was a part of the light infantry arm of the Austrian army during the Napoleonic Wars. Jäger, which means “hunter” in German, were skilled light infantrymen, often recruited from foresters and hunters in provinces like Bohemia, Moravia, and Tyrol. They were trained for skirmishing, sharpshooting, and operating in difficult terrain, providing a valuable contrast to the slow-moving line infantry.
In the pivotal year of 1809, the 7th Jäger Battalion participated in the War of the Fifth Coalition, a conflict in which the Austrian Empire attempted to challenge Napoleon’s dominance in Central Europe. The battalion’s service was particularly noteworthy in the major campaigns of that year.
Oberst (Colonel) Josef Steffanini Count di Monte Airone was a senior and highly decorated Austrian officer with a long and distinguished career. He was the commander of the 7th Jäger Battalion in early 1809. His career extended well beyond this command, as he held numerous important positions throughout the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
Steffanini was a highly respected officer, earning the Knight’s Cross of the Military Maria Theresian Order in 1799. After his command of the 7th Jäger Battalion, he went on to command an army corps and other significant formations. He was a general officer who distinguished himself in various campaigns, including the 1813-1814 War of the Sixth Coalition, where he commanded a wing of the Army of Italy. His career concluded with high-ranking administrative and honorary roles, including being a Commanding General and Captain of the Trabanten Life Guard.
While Steffanini was the Oberst of the battalion, a Major Freiherr von Steinmetz also appears in records as a commander in 1809. This suggests he may have been the battalion commander (as opposed to the regimental commander, which would be the Oberst) or a temporary replacement. It’s important to distinguish him from the much more famous Prussian Field Marshal Karl Friedrich von Steinmetz, who was a much younger officer at this time and served in the Prussian army.
The 7th Jäger Battalion’s primary engagement in 1809 would have been the major battles of the War of the Fifth Coalition. The battalion was part of the Austrian army that invaded Napoleon’s client state of Bavaria in April 1809.
Battle of Aspern-Essling (May 21-22, 1809): The battalion was part of the forces under Archduke Charles that dealt Napoleon his first significant defeat in a major battle. Jäger units played a crucial role in the skirmishing and fighting in the villages and broken ground around the battlefield.
Battle of Wagram (July 5-6, 1809): This was the largest battle in European history up to that time and a decisive French victory. The 7th Jäger Battalion, under the command of Generalmajor Carl von Schmuttermayer, was part of the 3rd Corps, commanded by General Kolowrat-Krakowsky. Jäger units were often used as part of the vanguard or in light brigades to screen the main force. Their role at Wagram was to engage in skirmishing on the flanks and in the lead-up to the main assault.
This just leaves the 1809 Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr.8&9 to finish off.
With the new campaign book coming out I thought I should start building my British The Silver Bayonet list. Unfortunately my recent bring and but successes has meant my choices are somewhat limited.
This was not a big issue as i had already decided to build the core of my list around the 85th Rifles.
A Supernatural Investigator that will also double up as a Doctor.
An Occultist
A Marine
A Sapper
A Sailor
and maybe a Highlander.
The four additions are just to add some variety from game to game and should fit in with some of the new additions that are sure to be in the campaign book.
The list at this stage is a Leader (sword and two pistols) and 5 riflemen (5X18=90). This doesn’t leave many points for something else like an Artilleryman (10), Doctor (10), Grenadier (15), Infantryman (10), Marine (12), Sailor (12), or Sapper (12). My preference is always to start with the maximum number of seven figures so I may have to drop one of the riflemen and take an Artilleryman, a Doctor, and an Infantryman
I am eagerly awaiting for my pre-order of figures and the campaign book to arrive. In the meantime I will continue with the riflemen.
During the 1809 campaign of the Napoleonic Wars, the Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 6 was commanded by Oberstleutnant Zaborsky de Zabora. As was the custom, the unit was often referred to by the commander’s name, so they were known as the “Zaborsky Jägers.”
The Jäger battalions were an elite corps of light infantry within the Austrian army, prized for their skirmishing skills, marksmanship, and ability to operate independently on the battlefield.
The Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 6 drew its recruits from the region of Moravia, located in what is now the eastern Czech Republic. Their regimental depot was established in Mährisch-Neustadt.
As part of their duties, they acted as the army’s eyes and ears, conducting reconnaissance and screening the main force from enemy skirmishers. Their deployment in 1809 saw them involved in several key moments of the War of the Fifth Coalition, though specific records of their actions are not as detailed as those of larger infantry regiments.
Oberstleutnant Zaborsky de Zabora’s unit fought in several key battles, including Aspern-Essling and Wagram, demonstrating the crucial role of Jägers in the Austrian army’s tactical doctrine.
Their ability to hold ground in the face of larger forces or to harass and delay the enemy was essential to the Austrian strategy during the 1809 campaign. The unit’s service under Zaborsky de Zabora highlights the professionalism and resilience of the Austrian Jäger corps during a period of significant military reform and conflict.
There are three more battalions to complete. The 7th and 8th in “skirmish order” and the 9th in “open order”.
Major Freiherr Georg von Suden was an Austrian officer who commanded the Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 5 during the 1809 campaign of the Napoleonic Wars. The battalion, sometimes known as the “Suden Jägers,” was a unit of light infantry highly valued for their marksmanship and ability to operate independently.
Von Suden’s leadership during the War of the Fifth Coalition was critical, and his unit saw action in some of the most significant battles of the campaign.
The Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 5 fought in several key engagements. At the Battle of Eckmühl in April 1809, the battalion was part of an autonomous brigade on the far right wing of the Austrian army, where they engaged in skirmishes against French forces. Later, they participated in the Battle of Urfahr-Linz on May 17, occupying the hills near Linz as part of the Austrian defensive line.
Their most notable contribution, however, came during the monumental Battle of Wagram in July. Here, a portion of the 5th Jäger-Bataillon was deployed to reinforce the heavily-battered 2nd Jäger Battalion, providing crucial support in the face of intense fighting.
Von Suden’s military career extended well beyond the 1809 campaign. He entered the Austrian service in 1788 and participated in multiple campaigns against France until 1815. His bravery and sound judgment earned him several accolades, including the prestigious Knight’s Cross of the Military Order of Maria Theresa in 1799 for his actions in the Swiss campaign.
Promoted to Major in 1805, he would continue to rise through the ranks, eventually achieving the rank of General-Major and Brigadier. Freiherr Georg von Suden was a seasoned and highly respected officer who played an important role in the Austrian army’s light infantry corps during the turbulent Napoleonic era.
Tomorrow the first of the Jaeger in “skirmish order”
