The Cambrian Isles' Military Factbook (Under Construction)

[The Cambrian Isles]

This factbook is currently under construction.
Once all entries have been posted, you will be able to post comments or ask questions.

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~ TABLE OF CONTENTS ~

I) The Cambrian Soldier
II) Structure of the Cambrian Army
III) Ranks and Decorations of the Cambrian Army

[The Cambrian Isles]

The average Cambrian footsoldier is a young working-class male, ranging in age from his late teens to his mid-thirties. Recruited from every corner of the Isles, his motivation for enlisting vary from noble patriotism to pragmatic financial considerations (the Army, with its regular pay, three square meals a day and a roof over one's head is an attractive option when faced with the threat of homelessness or starvation). Criminals convicted of offences for which they would normally face deportation, hard labour or even imprisonment are offered a second chance at redemption through military service to the Crown, though they serve in specific penal battalions so as to not smear the upstanding reputation of the army as a whole.

He is paid a pittance in comparison to his civilian peers -- pocket change where others earn far more for less work -- but he knows his pay often comes in the form of the food, equipment and lodgings that he is provided without charge. More often than not he is instilled with a genuine respect for the men appointed over him: his officers believe that his obedience is best won by gaining his confidence in them; however they know all too well that every man can be moved by fear of one's commander.

His training is brief and harsh. He is taught to drill meticulously, whether it be under the blazing heat of summer or the frigid snows of winter, and becomes an expert in the Manual of Arms. He is indoctrinated into military life with surprising speed under the watchful eyes of several particularly enthusiastic Colour Sergeants and is transformed from day-labourer to effective militiaman in a matter of weeks.

The Cambrian footsoldier is armed with a .75 calibre, smoothbore, muzzle-loading flintlock musket and is capable of firing 2 to 3 aimed shots per minute, depending on his training, experience and skill. He is also armed with a triangular spike bayonet, designed to inflict horrific wounds at close quarters. He carries roughly forty rounds of shot and powder when in the field.

He must carry everything he needs on his back: weapon, ammunition, water, rations, extra clothing, camp supplies, bedroll -- and is expected to march many miles a day with such a heavy pack, if called upon to do so. He will often carry an extra pair of boots, as he is likely to wear out the first pair in the course of any particularly arduous campaign.

[The Cambrian Isles]

There are four "grades" of Regiments within the Cambrian Army: 1) Militia, 2) Territorial, 3) Line and 4) Guards

Militia Regiments are county peacekeepers and upholders of Crown Law throughout the Isles -- their combat effectiveness is regarded as dubious at best and doctrine unanimously suggests that they are to be used in combat only "when forced by necessity or desperation." However, the Militia's importance in training large masses of men-at-arms and carrying out vital domestic duties is not to be scoffed at. The Militia often serves as an initial selection ground for men whom officers agree would be "better served" in a more prestigious posting. Militias are readily distinguishable from other regiments due to their white trousers and distinctive "top-hats."

A Private of the 391st (Branfordshire) Militia on sentry duty

Territorial Regiments are the backbone of the Kingdom's armed reserves: they are the first and last line of defence should the Isles ever be invaded by a foreign force. They maintain a high level of training and vigilance; often they are commanded by exceptional officers and are posted to lonely outposts or border crossings. While they technically are charged only with the defence of the homeland, Territorials have been known to deploy to foreign fields and have, on occasion, distinguished themselves in battle against the enemy. Territorials are clearly distinguishable by their green jackets, white trousers and red shako bands.

The 116th (Yorksford Territorials) Regiment repelling the enemy at Lindham, for which they earned a battle honour

Line Regiments are the heart of the Army: they are the stalwart centre companies of any marching order, the men who bring the fight to the enemy's doorstep. Formed of men with at least 2 years' experience in either the Militia or Territorials, these units have earned the signal honor of the "Line" title added to their Regimental moniker as well as the privilege of fighting the Crown's battles overseas, wherever they may be. Line companies wear gray trousers, in comparison to the Militia and Territorial's whites.

A sketch of a Private from the 15th (Locke's Own) Line Regiment and a drummer from the 26th (Royal Caledonians) Line Regiment

Guards Regiments are the best soldiers the Isles has to offer; there are only four in the entire Army. The Footlight Guards, the Cambrian Royal Guards, the Prince William's Own Guards and the Royal Foot Guards are considered soldiers of the highest calibre. Guards regiments select only from men who have served honourably in a Line company, demanding at least one tour of duty overseas. These regiments are elevated above all others by their historical service, their traditional importance or their victories on the battlefield. Each has its own highly-distinctive and unique uniform.

An artist's representation of the Prince William's Own Guards in skirmishing order at Breton-Pas

Soldiers are usually assigned to a regiment according to where they enlisted; as an example, men who hail from County Durham in the Westlands are most likely be assigned to the 441st (Durham) Militia, the 191st (Westland Territorials) Regiment or perhaps the 27th (Kensington Royals) Line Regiment. This system, however, often falls victim to regiments in need of replacements or regions with low recruiting figures -- men may often be shipped halfway across the Isles in order to fill gaps in company rosters.

[The Cambrian Isles]

Commissioned Officer Ranks and Insignia:

General - Four gold cuffloops worn around lower jacket sleeve
Brigadier - Three gold cuffloops
Commander - Two gold cuffloops
Colonel - One gold cuffloop
Major - Three silver cuffloops worn around lower jacket sleeve
Captain - Two silver cuffloops
Lieutenant - One silver cuffloop
Acting Lieutenant - A white cuffloop worn around lower jacket sleeve (a temporary rank assigned to Cadets training to become Lieutenants)
Ensign - White collar tabs with a gold button (entrusted with company colours; a highly coveted and symbolic appointment)
Cadet - White collar tabs with a silver button
Warrant Officer - Royal Crest patch, worn on upper jacket sleeve (a man of ignoble birth appointed by field commission; uncommon)

Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks and Insignia:

Regimental Sergeant-Major - three downward-facing chevrons, gold (entrusted with regimental colours; a highly distinguished post)
Colour Sergeant - three downward-facing chevrons, white, with crown insignia above, worn on upper arm
Sergeant - three downward-facing chevrons, white, worn on upper arm
Lance-Sergeant - two downward-facing chevrons, white, with crown insignia above (a Corporal acting in the rank of Sergeant; uncommon)

Enlisted Men Ranks and Insignia:

Corporal - two downward-facing chevrons, white, worn on upper arm
Lance-Corporal - one downard-facing chevron, white, worn on upper arm
Chosen Man - one white "slash" stripe, worn on upper arm (Private selected by a NCO as exceptional but not yet eligible for promotion)
Private - no insignia
Apprentice - no insignia


Decorations



[From left to right]

I) The Queen's Medal is awarded to men who have demonstrated courage and valour above that normally expected of a Cambrian soldier.

II) The Military Cross is awarded to men wounded, or the families of men killed, in action against hostile forces. The medal's top bar is inscribed with the Latin phrase Dulce Et Decorum Est, meaning "it is sweet and honourable," drawn from the longer phrase, Dulce Et Decorum Est Pro Patria Mori, meaning "it is sweet and honourable to die for one's country."

III) The Distinguished Service Cross, known by troops as the "Green Tom," is awarded to men who have served the Crown in capacities that can be distinguished from the average footsoldier.

The above medal demonstrates an example of the types of clasps which may be worn in conjunction with the Distinguished Service Cross:

• At top, the bronze Regimental Citation -- awarded to units which have a particularly long or honourable service record to the Crown, here awarded to the 35th (Royal Borderers) Line Regiment for the centennial of their founding;
• Below that, the gold Mentioned in Dispatches clasp -- awarded to particular soldiers or units which have been formally mentioned in a superior officers' (above the rank of Captain) reports, here awarded to a soldier being mentioned in the dispatches of the Battle of Cornwall, 1794;
• Finally, the silver Battle Honour -- awarded to all soldiers who took active part in a particularly significant or strategic battle, here awarded for the victory at Breton-Pas.

IV) The General Service Medal is awarded to all soldiers who have completed at least two years' honourable service.