Historical background
In 1862 the American civil war was in its second year and the Union army stood only a few miles before Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy. As Robert E. Lee, the most famous of all civil war commanders, took over command of the Confederate troops he made the decision to attack his opponent instead of digging in and await the onslaught. In a series of battles within only seven days (one of which was Gaynes's Mill) Lee pushed the Union army further and further away from Richmond and the Unionist had to give up their dream of a quick victory. The war continued till 1865 and resulted in a complete defeat of the Confederacy.
The moment depicted is the stand of the 5th New York Volunteer Regiment (also known as Duryee's Zuaves) to hold back the approaching Confederate attack wave. It was only a shortlived defence as the Southern troops overwhelmed them and they had to retreat.
In 1862 the American civil war was in its second year and the Union army stood only a few miles before Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy. As Robert E. Lee, the most famous of all civil war commanders, took over command of the Confederate troops he made the decision to attack his opponent instead of digging in and await the onslaught. In a series of battles within only seven days (one of which was Gaynes's Mill) Lee pushed the Union army further and further away from Richmond and the Unionist had to give up their dream of a quick victory. The war continued till 1865 and resulted in a complete defeat of the Confederacy.
The moment depicted is the stand of the 5th New York Volunteer Regiment (also known as Duryee's Zuaves) to hold back the approaching Confederate attack wave. It was only a shortlived defence as the Southern troops overwhelmed them and they had to retreat.
The diorama
The figures are from Italeri. As there are only limited poses for the Zuaves (a quite fancyfull costume inspired by French troops) some conversions had to be done. The fence is made of wood and the shoddy tree of wire, putty and foliage by Noch.
Photos (click to enlarge)
Video (YouTube)
Sources
Angus Konstam - Seven days battles 1862 (Osprey Campaign 133)
Andre Jouineau - Officers and soldiers of the American civil war Vol. 1
Andre Jouineau - Officers and soldiers of the American civil war Vol. 2
Philip Katcher - American civil war armies 2, Union troops (Osprey Men-at-Arms 177)
Philip Katcher - Flags of the American civil war 2, Union (Osprey Men-at-Arms 258)
Schöne kleine Bürgerkriegs-Szene. Bemalung und Zusammenstellung gefallen mir gut.
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