A fine Polish Lancer of the Guard riding at speed, an impressive figure.

For some considerable time the firm of Les Higgins Miniatures has been very well known - and deservedly so - for its series of model figures in the 20mm., 30mm., and 54mm sizes - and frequently one would hear regrets being expressed that there was no extension into periods other than the English Civil War and the wars of Marlborough - I'm speaking of the wargaming size of figure, the first mentioned, of course. My own view was that the Marlborough figures particularly were of an extremely high standard, mounted and foot types as well, and to be honest, on not a few occasions 'Corporal John's' long-coated grenadiers and musketeers found themselves transported half a century or so through time to the later era of the Seven Years War, wherein they fought most doughtily and at the same time performed quite another function, that of showing up the relatively mediocre quality of the other troops with whom they marched. Of course, the Les Higgins figures of the other sizes and periods - with which we are not concerned at the moment - were equally excellent, and in the 54mm range I have an especially high regard for the portrait model of Charles I and for the 16th century French arquebusier. However, as I say, it is not these with which we are at the moment concerned, but rather with the new enterprise undertaken by the firm - a most welcome excursion into a size and periods both quiet new to it - the former being 25mm and the latter not only the ever popular Napoleonic but British Colonial as well. For some reason I cannot quite explain, this size - the 25mm - seems to have been pretty well accepted as a standard size for wargames, or at least as nearly standard as one can expect to get in this: most individualistic of hobbies.

It was to be expected, I suppose, that the new 25mm figures would follow the traditional path into the armies of the Napoleonic Wars, but let us mention first the other line, the types for British Colonial warfare, to be specific, the Sudan in 1898 and the expedition of that year. This period does not seem to be among the most popular among British wargamers, but surprisingly enough - to me, at any rate - it has a very considerable number of devotees in the U.S.A. (where, if I'm not mistaken, Jack Scruby Miniatures first produced figures for colonial warfare some years ago). And this despite what one might imagine are American views of British colonialism in the 'bad old days'.

At the moment, the Les Higgins colonial figures are less numerous than their Napoleonic fellows, and, naturally enough, consist of British troops - horse and foot - and 'Fuzzy Wuzzies' and Dervishes, likewise foot and mounted. The British representatives are line infantry and Highland infantry - both with the typical pith helmet - in what are the firm's standard four attitudes - 'at the ready', 'advancing', standing firing' and 'kneeling firing'. The last two are not of great interest to me personally - it is a simple idiosyncrasy that I don't like figures in violent postures or firing attitudes, but there, that's just me. Officers, again, all seem to be left handed, or at least they are firing pistols with this hand. But these are quite definitely all my 'gripes' - the finish, moulding and general overall appearance of the figures are quite beyond criticism. Quite simply, I have seen nothing better the detail would do credit to very much larger figures and that's a fact. The British cavalryman - a lancer, naturally, with Omdurman in mind - is an admirable action piece. He comes without lance, but one made from piano or florist's wire can easily be fixed in place - no trouble there. The Fuzzy-Wuzzies - running or advancing - with spear and shield, are most aggressive looking characters (and, dare I whisper it, could well figure in certain 'ancient' armies, say the Carthaginian!), while the Dervish' horseman, with huge leaf-bladed sword, looks most impressive.

British Colonial Line infantry - an officer and privates - and two French Napoleonic Lancers of the Guard, probably among the most spectacular and colourful of all Napoleon's Cavalrymen.

But now for the much more extensive line - the British and 'French troops of the Napoleonic period. At the moment these consist of British line and light infantry, as well as riflemen, French Imperial Guard infantry - the Old, Middle, and Young Guard all being represented - and, rather surprisingly, 'dragons a pied', the foot dragoons. The French are in three positions, the British in four, the additional one for the latter being the 'kneeling ready'. This is one on which I just have to comment, although it does not really come within my own quite arbitrary category of 'fightable' positions. It must be mentioned, though, because of its sheer excellence. It is quite remarkable how, when examining the figure - all 25mm of it - what a distinct impression one gets - paradoxically enough - of the action and vigour of this more or less static pose. One can see clearly just how the man is braced in position, tense and ready, musket butt firmly against right hip, awaiting a whirlwind of enemy cavalry. It is difficult to over praise the designer, it is really a tiny work of art. The uniform details are faultless, as is the case with all the figures.

British Light Infantry in two positions and their opposition, two men from French 'flank' companies of a Line Regiment.

Among the French, the Guard types are very good, details of equipment, pack, etc., being most clearly defined. With the men of the line, the flank companies - grenadier and voltigeur - have the correct 'sabre-briquet' and the bayonet scabbard on the same cross-belt, that coming from the right shoulder, while those of the battalion companies, with no right shoulder belt, have bayonet scabbard on the left shoulder belt just in front of the 'giberne' or ammunition pouch. Line infantry are in trousers, light in the characteristic short gaiters, and in both cases the uniform coat is of the closed front 1812 pattern. I have wondered about the inclusion of the dismounted dragoons. They are every bit as good as the infantry - the figure is, I mean - but historically they did not perform many outstanding feats - usually it was not a success to give one soldier the dual role of infantryman and cavalryman. Be that as it may, though, painted in the dark dragoon green, with brass ornamented helmet, they are really very striking. One very small criticism I have, and this refers to attitude and not figure quality, concerns the officers of the infantry units. Every one is in the same position - standing, left foot placed upon a small sort of hillock, left arm raised with hand in a pointing position. I personally would have preferred to see something a little more bellicose nothing really wild, of course say, standing with drawn sword. This is a very small complaint, though, and serves but to show how pushed I am to find something even mildly critical to say.

Finally the cavalry, a British hussar and a French lancer of the Guard, the latter being equally suitable, I should say, for painting as either Polish Lancer or Red Lancer. The lance has to be added with florist's wire, and as can be seen, the finished article is really attractive.

A mixed lot - French Old Guard firing, British Infantry 'kneeling ready' and two Highland officers from the British Colonial line. Note detail on the rear of the Old Guard Grenadier.

There is absolutely no doubt whatsoever that Napoleonic wargamers are amongst the most spoiled in the hobby, and with these new Les Higgins figures their combined cup must be pretty well overflowing. At about 29p per pack - 4 foot or two cavalry figures - they are unbeatable by any standards.