The Napoleonic Wars (1803-15) were a series of wars declared against Napoleon's French Empire by opposing coalitions. As a continuation of the wars sparked by the French Revolution of 1789, they revolutionised European armies and played out on an unprecedented scale, mainly owing to the application of modern mass conscription. French power rose quickly as Napoleon's armies conquered much of Europe but collapsed rapidly after France's disastrous invasion of Russia in 1812. Napoleon's empire ultimately suffered complete military defeat resulting in the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy in France.

This product has 3 moulds that can cast 3 54mm scale metal soldiers. Some assembly may be required. Assembly can either require soldering or gluing parts together. Glue is not included.

During the 1805 campaign, the tactics of the French artillery were still evolving and during the battle of Austerlitz, examples of both old and new were to be seen. An 18 gun foot battery reserve was placed on the hill dominating a part of the field of battle, as tradition would dictate, but 24 guns of the guard artillery were used as a mobile detachment. This mobile detachment was used at the height of the battle to plug a gap in the line between the troops of Generals Soult and Lannes.

Also, Austerlitz also taught Napoleon what the effects of the "massed battery" could be, when Lanne's corps suffered 800 casualties when faced a battery of 40 Russian guns.

The composition of batteries varied, but in general the Guard foot artillery comprised between four and eight 12 pounders (sometimes with 24 pounder howitzers).

The line foot artillery comprised of six 8 pounders and two 6 inch howitzers.

N.C.O. Responsible for giving the "fire" command, he was usually a Gunner 1st Class (Corporal). He was responsible for the horizontal aim of the gun.

Gunner carrying round He is the Ammunition handler. Responsible for delivering rounds from the ammunition ches or limber to the gun loaders.

Gunner with portfire He fired the gun with the portfire after the loading and aiming was completed.