Friday, December 24, 2010

The Reich Duchy of Beerstein wishes all of our friends a very Merry Christmas

Although Reich Duke Wilhelm is campaigning in Sicily this Christmas season, all of Beerstein wishes our friends a very Merry Christmas...

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Chronicles of Reich Duke Wilhelm' von Beerstein's Campaign in Sicily

Commander in Chief: Reich Duke Wilhelm, ADC Major Debauchery

Heavy Cavalry Brigade: Prinz Wilhelm II, ADC Capt Gunter Stout
Pilsner Horse Grenadiers and Corona Cuirassiers

Light Cavalry Brigade: Major General, Baron Geoffrey Lista, ADC Capt Dos Equis
Holsten Leib Hussars and Hoegaaden Lancers

Guard and Grenadier Brigade: General, Graf James von Beerstein, ADC Capt Heinrich Porter
Honorable Pensioners, Leib Grenadiers, Landbier Grenadiers, Oldenburg Grenzers

1st Brigade: Major General, Baron Adolf Coors, ADC Capt Heineken
Amberbock Fusiliers, Auerbrau, Lowenbrau, and Guinness Musketeers

2nd Brigade: General, Baron Rupert von Pilsner, ADC Capt Bock
Warsteiner Fusiliers, Pabst, Isenbeck, and Carlsberg Musketeers

The Reich Duchy of Beerstein forces disembarked from Austrian transport ships on 17 December just north of Messina. Within several kilometers march inland, Reich Duke Wilhelm was confronted by the Army of Sicily commanded by King Joseph. The Beerstein Army was hastily formed into Line of Battle. The left flank was commanded by Prinz Wilhelm II, with his Heavy Cavalry Brigade formed on the extreme left of the army. The Slitz Light Artillery Battery took up a position on a low ridge line to support the heavy cavalry. The First Infantry Brigade and the Ales Heavy Artillery Battery formed the center of the battle line. The Guard and Grenadier Brigade were held in reserve behind the First Infantry Brigade. Reich Duke Wilhelm posted the Second Infantry Brigade and the Light Cavalry Brigade to cover the right flank of the army.

The Battle of Messina opened with the Beerstein Ales Heavy Artillery Battery firing on the Sicilian Heavy Artillery. After several barrages, the Ales Battery seemed to be gaining the upper hand.

As the Amberbock Fusiliers advanced in the center, they were engaged by the Sicilian Heavy Artillery Battery. Eventually, heavy casualties forced the Amberbock Fusiliers to fall back under the protection of the Guinness Musketeers. Despite sustaining many casualties from the Sicilian Light Artillery Battery, the Pabst Musketeers managed to hold their position. Seeing the devastating effect of the Sicilian Light Artillery, the Holsten Leib Hussars bravely charged the battery. The Sicilian Light Battery fired into the Hussars at close range, and fled for their lives. Since the guns were supported by Sicilian Grenadiers, the Holsten Hussars were forced to retire without spiking the guns. However, their gallant charge saved the Pabst Musketeers from total destruction. The Hoegaaden Lancers followed the hussars and engaged the Sicilian 8th Line Infantry Battalion, forcing them to retire. Unfortunately, the lancers took many casualties and wisely retired along side the Holsten Leib Hussars. As the Light Cavalry Brigade attempted to recover from their gallant charge, they came under fire by the Sicilian Grenadiers. Increasing casualties forced the Light Cavalry Regiments to retire behind the Second Infantry Brigade.

On the left flank, Prinz Wilhelm II led his Heavy Cavalry Brigade in a desperate attack on two advancing Sicilian Infantry Battalions. The Pilsner Horse Grenadiers engaged the Sicilian 11th Line Battalion, while the Corona Cuirassiers charged the 12th Line Battalion. Despite the success of both cavalry regiments, they were forced to retire due to heavy casualties. In support of Prinz Wilhelm, the Slitz Light Artillery fired into the weakened Sicilians forcing the the 11th and 12th Battalions to retreat with heavy casualties. As the Sicilian Heavy Cavalry advance to fill the gap caused by their fleeing infantry, Prinz Wilhelm's weakened brigade sought refuge behind the light battery.

On the right flank, the Warsteiner Fusiliers engaged the Sicilian 2nd Line Battalion. Although both units sustained a steady stream of casualties, neither would retire. The Carlsberg Musketeers were fired upon by both the Sicilian 1st Line Battalion and the 1st Grenadier Battalion. Despite heavy casualties, the Carlsbergers refused to retire. When the Guinness Musketeers attempted to relieve the pressure on the Carlsberg Battalion, they were bombarded by the Sicilian Heavy Artillery Battery. After several salvos, the Guinness Musketeers became unsteady, but held their ground.

In the center, The Ales Heavy Battery fired on an advancing Sicilian Hussar Regiment. After several blasts, the hussars were forced to retreat with very heavy losses. The Oldenburg Grenzers then passed through the Ales Battery to attack the advancing 7th Sicilian Line Battalion. After a fierce struggle, the Grenzers were repulsed. Upon regrouping, the Grenzers attacked the 7th again. This time they forced the 7th to retire disorganized. Sensing victory, the Grenzers attacked the 7th Line for a third time. Casualties were so heavy on both sides, they both routed. The gallantry of the Grenzers stabilized the center and allowed the Guard and Grenadier Brigade to deploy.

Although the center was secured, the right flank was beginning to crumble. The Warsteiner Fusiliers continued their fire fight with the 2nd Line Battalion. The weakened Carlsberg Musketeers were again fired on by the 1st Sicilian Grenadiers and were forced to retreat when the Grenadiers charged. Reich Duke Wilhelm ordered a general withdrawal when the Guinness Musketeers were also forced to retire. Under the cover of darkness, the Beerstein army was able to slip away. Although the Sicilian Army was in no condition to press their victory, King Joseph was content to hold the field of battle.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

The Empress asks Wilhelm to sent troops to Sicily

Prinz Wilhelm II leads the Pilsner Horse Grenadiers and the Corona Cuirassiers on the extreme left wing of the Beerstein Army facing the Sicilian Army.

The Slitz Light Battery unlimbered on a low outcrop protecting the Heavy Cavalry Brigade.

Reich Duke Wilhelm over seeing the Second Brigade in the Beerstein Center.

The Beerstein Guard and Grenadier Brigade support the center of the Beerstein Line.
The far right of the Beerstein Line is guarded by the light cavalry, consisting of the Holstein Leib Hussars and the Hoegaaden Lancers.

The Sicilian Army close on the Beerstin right infantry brigade.

The Beerstein Heavy Cavalry are preparing to charge Sicilian Infantry supported by the Slitz Light Artillery.

The Beerstein Center press forward into the Siclians with support of the Grenadiers.

The Sicilian Grenadiers are crumbling the Beerstein right flank. The Light Cavalry Brigade can be seen retiring behind their hard pressed infantry.

Prinz Wilhelm II charges his cavalry into two Sicilian Infantry Battalions. Although he was able to destroy the enemy infantry, Prinz Wilhelm was forced to retire with heavy losses.

As darkness falls, the Sicilian Grenadier Brigade destroys the Beerstein right flank. Reich Duke Wilhelm realizes the battle is lost and retires from field under the cover of night fall.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Bishop Bob's Grenadiers

Bishop Bob's Grenadiers are comprised of four companies, each provided by their line regiment.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Bishopric of Bristol Imhoff Musketeers sited

The Imhoff Musketeers on parade with their Grenadiers.

Colonel Imhoff marches on without the Grenadiers.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Bishopric of Bristol Musketeers on parade

The Behr Musketeers with Grenadiers attached.

The Behr Musketeers march on without their Grenadiers.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Bishop of Bristol's Dragoons dismount to fire a volley

A squadron of Dragoons dismount to delivery their first volley.

A frontal view of the Bishop of Bristol's Dragoons dismounted.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Austrian and Bishopric of Bristol Commanders sited

Austrian Army Commander, General Graf Louis Lenk and his aides sited.

General Graf Lenk never travels without his hounds Empress and Hero.

The Bishopric of Bristol Commander likes to keeps a sharp eye on his troops.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Reich Duke Wilhelm and the President of the College of Honors awarded the Katzenstein Order of the Golden Lion

Reich Duke Wilhelm and Cardinal Honking Thirst, President of the Beerstein College of Honors, were among the first to be awarded the Order of the Golden Lion of Katzenstein. Reich Duke Wilhelm has ordered the award to be displayed in the Great Hall of the Reichstag for two weeks so everyone in Beerstein can see this prestigious medal.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Beestein's Hoegaaden Lancers at the charge

The newly raised Hoegaaden Lancers practice advancing at the charge.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Landgrave of Lorraine Dragoons sighted

The Cremant d'Alsace Dragoons strut their stuff.

Brigadier Armond d' Clermont leads the Landgrave of Lorraine Dragoons. The Brigade consists of the Cote Rotte Dragoons and the Cremant d' Alsace Dragoons. Fine lads all!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Beerstein achieves 10,000 hits today!

All of Beerstein celebrates 10,000 hits earlier today!

The Gardes Lorraine Musketeers fire a salute to the grand success of the Reich Duchy of Beerstein.

A better look at the Gardes Lorraine Musketeers. Thanks again to everyone who has participated in the Beerstein experience.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Introducing the Reich Duke Wilhelm von Beerstein Mounted Band

The Reich Duchy of Beerstein Mounded Band on parade awaiting the drum carriage.

The Beerstein drum carriage joins the formation.

The entire mounted band practices for the celebration of 10,000 hits on the Reich Duke's site. As the event nears, who would have ever thought 10,000 visitors would have found their way to our humble realm. Thanks for all your support and inspiration.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Der Alte Fritz sends Austrian reinforcements to the Reich Duchy of Beerstein

A new cavalry brigade of Bavarian Horse Grenadiers and Austrian Hussars.

A shiny new Austrian Hussar regiment straight from Der Alte Fritz.

Bavarian Horse Grenadiers sport their new flag.

The Hungarian Brigade and Bavarian Brigade parade for the Austrian Commander.

The magnificent Hungarian Brigade arrive in the Beerstein training area.

The new Bavarian Brigade form line of battle for the first time.

The new Bavarian Brigade march past their new Commander in Chief.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Landgrave of Lorraine Cavalry sighted

Landgrave of Lorraine Chablis Horse are spotted on maneuvers.

Landgrave of Lorraine Languedoc Horse on the move.

Brigadier James Ferry leads his Landgrave of Lorraine Horse.

The Cotes de Bourg Hussars arrive in the Landgrave of Lorraine training area at a gallop. The Horse Regiments are Mindens and the Hussars are RSM. More to follow.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Lost Cross of Sant Jordi d'Alfama found in the College of Honors Archives

An archivist in the Beerstein College of Honors discovered the long lost Cross of Sant Jordi d'Alfama awarded to Reich Duke Wilhelm in 1713. Legend records this was the first award ever presented to the Reich Duke. The Marquis de Vilana made the presentation to Wilhelm when he was a mere child accompanying his father at the Court of Monte-Cristo. The Reich Duke was so pleased that this distinguished award was found after so many years, he has ordered it to be displayed in the Great Hall of the Reichstag for two weeks for all of Beerstein to enjoy.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Landgrave of Lorraine troops on parade

Gardes de Alsace Grenadiers and Getz Militia Fusiliers march on.

Gardes de Alsace Grenadier in line. Gotta love those Minden figures.

Getz Militia Fusiliers and Lorraine Militia Fusiliers on parade.

A closer look at the Getz Militia Fusiliers. Figures by Sash and saber.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Austrian Allies arrive in the Beerstein training area

Reich Duke Wilhelm and his Band salute the First Austrian Brigade.

Reich Duke Wilhelm inspects the Second Austrian Brigade.

Two Austrian Brigades receive Reich Duke Wilhelm's admiration. These outstanding troops were recently transferred from the collection of Der Alte Fritz. More photos to follow...