...otherwise known as the 'Gardes Lafayette'.
The regiment was composed in the main of French immigrant volunteers and was first attached to Peck's Brigade, Buell's Division, Army of the Potomac up until March 1862. It transferred then to the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, IV Corps, Army of the Potomac to September 1862 and then to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, III Corps until November 1862. Lastly the regiment transferred to the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, III Corps up until December 1862.
The 55th saw action at Williamsburg, Seven Pines, the Seven Days Battles, Malvern Hill and Fredericksburg before disbandment and amalgamation of the survivors with the 12th New York Infantry.
Their unusual uniforms, typical of many early war volunteer units in many ways, made them a suitable addition for my ACW collection to more readily represent the earlier stages of the conflict. In this they join the Garibaldi Guards and the 14th N.Y.S.M. or Brooklyn Chasseurs in that aspect of the project.
The figures , as you might guess, are from my preferred choice in Dixon Miniatures of course and the flags from Flags of War, with bases from Warbases as ever.
Very nice David and always good to see more unusual units as it were grace the wargames table.
ReplyDeleteThank you SteveJ, I'm back to more staid ACW uniforms next.
DeleteA fine job there Sir, I do like these early war units with their wonderful and often outlandish attire.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, they make a pleasant change from Union blues.
DeleteNicely done, my ACW units are generic, but giving them a proper identity and character like this, does beckon!
ReplyDeleteGo for it then Norm, go for it!
DeleteThanks for that David because I have realised I dont possess this unit and need one. The early war adds some much needed colour to what has the potential of being very drab.Although no great lover of Dixon I can see their charm, so well done on a lovely unit.
ReplyDeletePleased to have been of service!
DeleteNicely done David. Uniforms on both sides were very attractive in the early years in some regiments.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Helen
Thank you Helen.
DeleteNice work Mr.B!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jon!
DeleteA very nice addition to your collection David…
ReplyDeleteI too like the early war uniforms, although I suspect that some of the more extreme examples never saw combat…
Mind you …when has that ever stopped a wargamer from fielding a pretty unit.
All the best. Aly
Thank you Aly! You are correct too, it has never stopped any sensible wargamer, just those saddos who think they are simulating warfare!
DeleteA splendid unit and a flag I have not seen before.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks George! Working on some artillery officers now.
DeleteNice to see more additions to your Dixon collection, David. Always an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThank you, much appreciated. More underway now in the form of NJVols.
DeleteSuperbly painted.
ReplyDeleteRegards, James
Many thanks James, most kind.
Delete