By Neil Cogswell (Original Publication: 2019)
The Empire's Recovery: Tactics and Tenure in the 1758 Campaign
Introduction: Zweybruecken in Command serves as the necessary sequel to Cogswell's study of the 1757 campaign. Following the nadir of Rossbach, the Reichsarmee (the Army of the Empire) was placed under the leadership of Friedrich-Michael, Prince von Pfalz-Zweybrücken. This volume focuses on the rehabilitation of the force during the 1758 campaign, detailing actions such as the defence of Bamberg, the combat at Eilenburg, and the siege of Sonnenstein. Cogswell primarily utilizes the translated "Journal of the Army" alongside the personal letters of the Comte de Boisgelin to provide both an official record and a candid, "behind-the-scenes" look at the Imperial headquarters.
The 6mm Connection: For our Baccus 6mm project, this book is a treasure trove for scenario building beyond the "big" battles. The focus on smaller actions like Basberg or the liberation of Saxony provides the perfect scale for games involving a handful of 24-figure infantry battalions and 12-figure cavalry regiments. Cogswell’s inclusion of detailed Orders of Battle is invaluable for setting up our Brigade Commanders; it allows us to accurately recreate the mixed contingents of the Lower Rhine Circle. The colour plates also offer essential guidance for those specific Palatinate uniforms that make an Imperial army stand out so vividly against the more uniform Prussian blocks.
Historical Insight: The true "lightbulb moment" here is the contrast provided by Boisgelin’s letters. While the official journal describes movements and manoeuvres, the letters reveal the "gossip and speculation" that actually drove command decisions. This highlights the importance of the overall commander stand in our games; the Prince von Pfalz-Zweybrücken (represented by our three-mounted-figure stand) wasn't just managing troops, but navigating a complex web of French and Imperial interests. It adds a layer of "political friction" to the tabletop, making the Reichsarmee feel less like a weak auxiliary and more like a sophisticated, if challenged, coalition force.
Conclusion: This volume is a vital resource for anyone wanting to portray the Reichsarmee as something more than just a footnote to Rossbach. It shows the army in a period of recovery and active operation, rounding out our understanding of the broader conflict. By integrating official records with personal accounts, Cogswell ensures that the 1758 campaign is seen as a legitimate theatre of skill and struggle, providing endless inspiration for our 6mm Third Silesian War project.
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