Exempt from the 1793 "Law to Rid the Army of Useless Women" vivandieres would follow the French army and sell the soldiers food, drink, and sundries like tobacco, wig powder, and writing paper and ink. They were married to soldiers called "Vivandiers" who were the only soldiers granted permission to sell goods. Too busy fighting and drilling to sell, naturally this duty fell to their wives.
Vivandieres would be a regular sight in many armies over the years that followed. They were to be seen in the armies of the Napoleonic wars, in the Crimean right up until the Great War. The United States' War Department even copied the idea and in the American Civil War patriotic women joined up on both sides.
Warlord Games' Vivandiere is modelled preparing to defend her wares, pistol at the ready. The donkey is laden with characterful paraphenalia, looking like the loser in a game of Buck-a-roo. Never fear though Daphne! Our fearless generals will send their men to protect you!
The model comes with two heads and two arms for you to choose from. For after the fight the Vivandiere can be equipped with a barrel of brandy and a glass - that will help get the lads back in action!
