The 146th New York's worst day was May 5, 1864, at Saunders Field in the Wilderness — the first major engagement of Grant's Overland Campaign. Sykes's V Corps division attacked across open ground into Confederate entrenchments held by Ewell's corps. The Zouaves of the 146th NY went forward through smoke and brush, reached the Confederate works, were repulsed in close-range musketry, and fell back to defensive positions. Colonel David T. Jenkins was killed leading the assault. By the time the regiment was counted that night, 248 of the men who had gone forward in the morning were dead, wounded, or missing — nearly half the regiment. The 146th held its ground for the rest of the day.

This W. Britain figure depicts a 146th New York Zouave in a defensive position — one foot braced on a rock outcrop, rifle musket held diagonally with bayonet fixed and forward, body angled to receive an enemy assault. He wears the regiment's distinctive Zouave kit: red fez with yellow tassel, sky-blue jacket trimmed in yellow braid, the leather belt with brass U.S. buckle, baggy sky-blue trousers, white gaiters above black shoes. The defensive pose is exactly what a Civil War regiment took up after a failed attack, holding the ground gained against expected Confederate counter-pressure. This figure is a natural diorama centerpiece for any Overland Campaign scene. Pair this figure with 146th NY Zouave Standing Firing No.1 for the firing-line companion; with 146th NY Zouave Officer; or with Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, the commanding general whose Overland Campaign opened with the Wilderness fight.

Scale: 1/30 (60mm). Matte-painted metal. W. Britain model 31296. From the American Civil War range. Single foot figure, supplied painted and ready for display.