A few extra snippits of information may be of interest to those modellers with a niche interest in these - then minority - nation states, and their forces in the Napoleonic Wars:

- A little known fact is that Australian artillery of the period tended to fire double-shotted cannon most of the time, using a large cricket ball over which was laid a 'tinny' of something to raise the spirits

- The standard Australian infantry headgear of the period was actually an almost direct copy of the Austrian Landwehr headgear, but suffered from a lack of internal stiffeners, meaning that the hat 'slouched' somewhat. A Eucalyptus leaf or two was often attached as a field sign.

The modern day expression of all good Aussies, "G'Day Cobber" actually started life as the expression "It's a good day for Cobblers", referring to the fact that most Australian infantry companies had twice as many cobblers to repair footwear than their European counterparts enjoyed in their companies. The abreviated modern day version has come about through frequency of use, slurring of speech after too many 'tinnys', and general slouching...

- Japanese infantry of the period were renowned for their long bayonets, general ferocity and cries of 'Vive L'Banzai!!' Their ferocity was tempered on the battlefield by the fact that most of their opponents did what their great grandsons and great great grandsons would do in later wars - shoot 'em before they got within bayonet range.

- After Essling, a quantity of Japanese rations fell into Allied hands where they found favour, leading to the opening of the first Sushi bar in continental Europe...in Vienna.


best wishes,

Bagration