1798 Rebellion Project Part 6: George of England's Hirelings

 In a previous post about the North Cork Militia, I included an engraving of Captain Swayne. This is one of the most famous images of the rebellion, and depicts a pitch-capping. 

Captain Swayne and the North Cork Militia rampaged through the town of Prosperous in Co. Kildare, torturing suspected United Irishmen. During the Battle of Prosperous, the rebels set fire to the local barracks, killing the Captain and his men. Information is available here and here, but there doesn't seem to be a lot written about Swayne.

The model I used is from Trent Miniatures' Militia Command pack. I added a cauldron of bubbling tar using Milliput. As with all my Sharp Practice leaders, he's on a 40mm base. 

I also finished up a group of Yeomanry Infantry. I was inspired to paint these after my visit to the Fr. Murphy Centre. Unfortunately, at the time I ordered the models for this project there were no Mounted Yeomen available, but most of the Trent range is now back in production. Hopefully I'll get to paint the Camolin Cavalry in future. 

There isn't much information available on the Yeomanry uniforms of this period, so it's difficult to find the correct facing colours. I just copied the colour scheme for this group from a painting in the Osprey Men at Arms book on the 1798 Rebellion. I think the mix of blue, red and white makes them quite striking, as they almost resemble a Union Jack. 

One of the bayonets is broken-I'll fix it, but not right now

I really like the Tarleton helmets on these chaps. They're very evocative of this era.

Next up on the painting desk is the last group of Militia. I was considering painting them as a different unit to add some colour variation. I think I'll paint them as North Cork again, though, as they will look better in formation with other groups wearing the same uniform.

Go dtí an chéad uair eile, beir bua!!