Written by Philip Haythornthwaite (Osprey Publishing: Men-at-Arms 176, 181, & 223)
The Austrian Army 1740–80: Maria Theresa’s Defenders
Introduction: The Austrian Army of the mid-18th century was a massive, multinational force that underwent significant reform to meet the Prussian threat. This three-volume series from Osprey provides a meticulous breakdown of the troops who fought to preserve the Habsburg Empire. From the white-coated German infantry to the exotic Grenz units, these books are essential for capturing the grandeur of the Austrian military machine on the tabletop.
The Austrian Army 1740–80 1: Cavalry
This first volume examines the organisation, uniforms, and equipment of the cavalry, including cuirassiers, dragoons, hussars, and chevauxlegers. It provides a detailed account of individual regiments and their tactics during the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War..
The Austrian Army 1740–80 2: Infantry
The second volume focuses on the infantry, detailing the organisation, uniforms, and equipment of the various German and Hungarian regiments that comprised the bulk of the army. Reviewers found it a helpful resource for identifying the specifics of the clothing and regimental distinctions.
The Austrian Army 1740–80 3: Specialist Troops
This final volume examines the composition and uniforms of the specialist troops and technical services, including the artillery, engineers, Grenz (border) troops, Jägers, and medical staff. The artillery was acknowledged to be second to none in Europe during this period.
Historical Accuracy: Haythornthwaite is a master of the period, and his research into the evolution of Austrian equipment and drill is top-tier. These volumes offer great inspiration for detailing our brigade commanders and the 3-figure overall commander bases, helping to represent the aristocratic and professional nature of the Habsburg high command.
Conclusion: These three books are the foundational blocks for any Austrian project. They balance the tactical history with the visual splendour of the era, making them indispensable references for any wargamer looking to recreate the battles of the Third Silesian War.
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