Time Machine: 'Ten Fugitives'
Following is a brief piece titled "Ten Fugitives" by Fred H. Vietmeyer of the Midwestern Napoleonic Wargamer Confederation that appeared in issue 4 of "The Fusilier Magazine," an undated wargaming newsletter from the late 1960s or early 1970s. It is clear that this publication was a labor of love and it had some interesting content, but to call it is a magazine was sort of stretching things a bit, especially as its interior pages were mimeographed, an archaic copying process that anyone significantly younger than me is probably completely unfamiliar with. I would, in any event, be very interested to find out if any one knows offhand the answers to any of the very obscure questions that appear here!
The FBI releases a periodic list of the "ten most wanted" fugitives which, since it constantly changes, must result in some conclusions. I propose that we also publish such a list in THE FUSILIER which, as answers are attained, receives new questions from readers.
To start the list, I'll list the ten most elusive questions I have — the answers to which have escaped me for a decade. Ten years is such a long time that it is beginning to be absurd, especially since someone may have the answers readily available.
1. What is the organization of the Brunswick-Oels infantry in Spain in 1812?
2. What color were the Spanish 1806 (anti-French) gun carriages?
3. In 1809, what is the battalion organization of the Royal Dutch Foot Guard infantry?
4. What is the organization of the Dutch Guard Grenadiers in French service in 1811?
5. In 1808-12, what are the number of men per squadron of a Danish cavalry regiment and how many squadrons per regiment?
6. In the Danish 1808-12 army, how many companies of infantry are there in a battalion, what are the types (grenadiers, etc.), and how many soldiers per company?
7. One example of a Wurttemberg line infantry regiment flag of 1808-13 is needed.
8. In the 5th Regiment d'Elite of Oudinot's Grenadiers of 1805, how were the battalions organized?
9. Did all of the Spanish Foot Guards (anti-French) wear a grenadier uniform in 1808?
10. In 1811, what is the regimental organization of Baden infantry and cavalry?
The above wanted list could run through many editions because in our times there is a tremendous tendency to "let the other fellow do it" and many do not wish to get involved. But, as the questions are answered and the answers published in THE FUSILIER, the unanswered questions slowly rise to the top — showing the increasing urgency of the search. Thus, even our "silent majority" may be stimulated to "take pen in hand."
The reader should be cautioned, however, not to submit guesses. We already have reasonable guesses. What we need are documented facts.
