The most sweeping battlefields and most dashing uniforms at Salute 2025 were to be found in the age of blackpowder and cavalry.
To the Strongest! took us back to war in Louis XIV’s time, when men were men – and wore plenty of lace.
A 6mm scale engagement during the Great Northern War in 1701 by Wyre Forest Wargamers featured a river crossing in boats, floating gun platforms, a pontoon bridge, ships and fortifications.
General d’Armee 2 was the rules system used to refight a section of the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805.
The Yarkshire Gamer staged the Battle of Mentana in 1867. “Rome or Death” was the motto of Garibaldi’s forces as they confronted the Papal State.
An imaginary 18th century siege was under way via the Vauban’s Wars rules. Trenches were being dug and mortars fired from earthworks in this interesting looking scenario.
The Soldiers of Napoleon game was put on by its designers Warwick Kinrade and Piers Brand I believe (it wasn’t listed in the show programme). A very nice and naturalistic looking terrain board, heaving with regiments.
Since the theme of Salute 2025 was “Highlanders”, it was attended by a group of practical historians in period costume, who’d brought a table full of Scottish wargear too.
As this broad era of military history was possibly the best represented at the show, following a number of further gaming tables I took snapshots off while wandering the hall.
