Armies of the Seven Years War: Commanders, Equipment, Uniforms and Strategies of the 'First World War'
By Digby Smith (Original Publication: 2012)
A Visual and Statistical Compendium of 18th Century Might
Introduction: Digby Smith’s Armies of the Seven Years War is an ambitious, encyclopaedic work that aims to provide a comprehensive overview of every combatant involved in this truly global conflict. Rather than focusing on a single campaign, Smith provides a broad survey that covers the major powers—Prussia, Austria, Russia, France, and Britain—alongside the lesser-known contingents of the Reichsarmee and the Italian states. It serves as an essential reference for the "who, what, and where" of the mid-18th century military world.
The 6mm Connection: When painting Baccus 6mm figures, the sheer volume of data in this book is a godsend for ensuring unit variety. While we work at a small scale, the "uniform quirks" Smith identifies—such as specific facing colours or the distinct lace patterns for various Prussian regiments—help in distinguishing between our 24-figure infantry battalions and 12-figure cavalry regiments. The detailed breakdown of brigade structures also assists in organising our Brigade Commanders and ensuring that the composition of our tabletop forces matches the historical reality of Frederick's or Maria Theresa's tactical deployments.
Historical Insight: A significant "lightbulb moment" within these pages is the clarity Smith brings to the organisation of the Russian army. Often overshadowed by the Prussian-Austrian rivalry, the Russian forces are shown here to be a unique and formidable challenge, particularly regarding their massive artillery parks and the specialised "Shuvalov" secret howitzers. Understanding the equipment and the rugged nature of the Russian infantry provides great inspiration for expanding a collection beyond the usual Central European theatres into the bloody fields of Zorndorf or Kunersdorf.
Conclusion: This volume is a powerhouse of data that deserves a spot on any wargamer's shelf for its utility alone. It bridges the gap between a pure uniform guide and a strategic study, offering a rounded view of the period's military diversity. For anyone managing a multi-national Seven Years War project, Smith’s work is an invaluable tool for maintaining historical accuracy across the entire breadth of the army.
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