British Infantry in Square--42 figures in 18 poses (unpainted)
$14.95
Item Number: STR0286
British Infantry in Square
The square was the means by which infantry could defend themselves against cavalry by showing an unbroken line of bayonets in all directions, and if they remained steady then there was nothing much cavalry could do about it. Waterloo was a classic example of this tactic, where for several hours the allied infantry held square against some massive charges by the superb French cavalry. Not one square was broken, and indeed witnesses suggest virtually no one in the squares was hurt during the attacks, since once the cavalry reached the allied lines, all they could do was mill about aimlessly and, at worst, fire off a carbine into the footmen. Many at Waterloo recorded their relief when the French cavalry arrived, because it meant the infantry were safe, particularly from the deadly artillery fire, and the solid British squares became an icon of the battle down the years.
In the British Army, squares were usually formed with sides either two or four ranks deep, with the front rank kneeling (even if there were only two ranks) and presenting their bayonets, point held roughly at chest height to any attacking horse, while the rear ranks either also presented their bayonets or else fired at their attackers. In this set we find all of the men are presenting the bayonet, which is fine as there are many sets offering firing poses should they be required. A third of the poses are kneeling, and the rest standing, all holding their musket in various ways, but all to the same effect. We thought all the poses were very good, and in particular we liked the couple of figures who are particularly reaching forward (end of rows two and three), for while this might not have been how they were instructed, it is easy to imagine individuals making this extra effort to keep the enemy away from them, or perhaps to plug a gap immediately to their front. In short, these are perfect poses for a square (and of course elsewhere too), and represent the most abundant collection of such poses in any British Infantry set so far made.
Date Released: 2024
Contents: 42 figures in 18 poses
Material: Plastic (Medium Consistency)
Color: brown
Average Height: 23.5 mm (= 1.73 m)
