The Continental Light Dragoons, 1775–1783

Conversions in 1:76 Scale

Airfix offers mounted figures in each of its army packs of the American Revolution, Washington’s Army and British Grenadiers. Except for the headgear, these miniatures are dressed in the same fashion as the cavalry of the period. Conversion is simple, requiring only a swap of heads.

The converted figures have been painted to represent the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons, based on an illustration in John Mollo’s "Uniforms of the American Revolution". At least some members of this regiment are recorded wearing French style brass dragoon helmets, instead of the typical black leather cap with a coloured turban, and yellow tassels. A bill signed by Colonel Blackden of the 2nd Light Dragoons provides further evidence that brass for the helmets was purchased.

Suitable heads with brass helmets may be scrounged from French Napoleonic Cuirassiers made by Airfix. The new heads are attached with pins cut from 0.6 mm piano wire, and secured with superglue or PVA white glue. The Napoleonic cuirassier helmet has a taller crest than the earlier French dragoon helmet, but the difference is hardly noticeable at this scale.

If Airfix figures are unavailable, Revell’s Seven Years’ War Austrian Dragoons may be used instead, although their large cuffs would have to be cut down to resemble the closer fit of American revolutionary uniforms. Heads in 1:72 Scale may be taken from ESCI’s French Cuirassiers.

Parts Required

• Mounted American Officer, Airfix 01739
• Mounted British Officers, Airfix 01740
• French Cuirassier Helmets, Airfix 01736

Light Dragoons, Legionary Corps, and State Cavalry

Cavalry played an important role in the war, providing scouts, patrols, escorts, mounted and dismounted skirmishers. Mounted troops were difficult to raise, and very expensive to maintain, and there were rarely more than 1,000 Continental Light Dragoons available at any time during the war. The 1st, 3rd, and 4th Light Dragoons were amalgamated in 1780, following heavy losses. The mixed unit had four troops, and it was later designated the 3rd Legionary Corps. Officers and NCOs of the 1st and 4th regiments subsequently reformed their units. All four regiments of Continental Light Dragoons were converted to Legionary Corps in 1781, composed of mounted and dismounted troops.

On campaign, officers and troopers stowed their personal gear in large leather saddlebags. Two Pistols were standard issue, and they were carried in British pattern pistol holsters with fur covers, attached forward of the saddle. If regimental saddle blankets were available, they would have been in the coat colour, edged in the regimental facing colour. Most regiments had turnbacks in the facing colour, except where noted above.

Continental Light Dragoons are a must have for anyone interested in the American War of Independence. The units are so attractive that the collector and wargamer will want them all. Light dragoon figures are not readily available, but conversion is easy, because of the limited numbers of mounted troops involved in the war. Only 2 figures per regiment are required if a grand-tactical game system like Volley & Bayonet is used.

Anthony De Lyall & Klaus Schultheis

Bibliography

• Katcher, Philip: The American Soldier, pp. 14, 15, 17, 19, 20
• Wise, Terence: Military Flags of the World, 1618–1900, Flags No. 221, 222, 225
• Allevi, Piersergio: Miniatures, p. 205

Frequently Asked Questions

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American Revolutionary War Miniatures

– Published: 1997 – Updated: 16.07.2007
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