tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49339374227272828242024-03-19T19:48:40.310+11:00Little Tin MenYet another blog about painting and gaming miniature wargames figurines.Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-90699957123262100772015-10-17T16:24:00.000+11:002015-10-17T16:33:00.191+11:00New CoC Campaign - Operation MartletHi All,<br />
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Just a quick update this time. Rich has been madly researching away and has released the latest in his series of ridiculously low-priced 'Pint Sized' campaigns for Chain of Command. This one is based around the battles for Rauray in Normandy which saw the British 49th (West Riding) Division face off the fanatical remnants of the 12th SS Panzer Division 'Hitlerjugend'. During these battles the 49th were given the nickname 'Polar Bear Butchers' by their SS enemy for the ferocity of their attacks.<br />
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The battles for Rauray, along with the subsequent Operation Epsom and Hill 112 battles, hold a particular interest for me. When I first visited Normandy I spent some time walking these battlefields, staying at the nearby Chateau de Martragny. My British troops are painted up as the 6th King's Own Scottish Borderers, part of the 15th (Scottish) Division which was engaged in Epsom.<br />
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The pdf is GBP3.60, which works out at around 8 Australian pesos with the current abysmal exchange rate. As it's pretty easy to pay $13 for a schooner of beer in the Sydney CBD, this translates as a very good 'schooner sized' deal as well. :) The full colour PDF includes an historical background, force breakdowns and support lists for both sized, along with the six scenarios and campaign structure. This is an excellent product, and if you're so inclined the result which you get from playing this campaign can be used to influence the Operation Epsom campaign which is currently in development - just as in the real battle the British failure to take Rauray meant that the western flank of the Epsom assault was open to German counterattacks and fire from the Rauray spur.<br />
So if you're at all interested in a fun, hassle free campaign based on meticulous research, head over to the Toofatlardies site and pick it up.<br />
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<a href="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25&products_id=163">Operation Martlet - Chain of Command Pint Sized Campaign</a><br />
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On another note, with my French Napoleonic product complete, i've been working furiously away painting up some 20mm Australian Defence Force diggers for Afghanistan, in preparation for the upcoming Fighting Season rules, which are a modern set for asymmetrical warfare based on Chain of Command. Here's a preview of what i've been working on, some of the fantastic Elhiem figures.<br />
MUCH more to come!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R: SASR Operator, Radio Op, and ADF Platoon Commander</td></tr>
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Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-39859900530766407292015-08-11T17:42:00.000+10:002015-08-11T17:43:17.044+10:00French Light Cavalry Brigade<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">En avant mes braves!</td></tr>
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Welcome back for another irregular blog update. They do seem to have been getting rather irregular of late, I can't believe it's been three months since my last post. Full time teaching commitments have meant that i've had to be quite strict with my hobby time. While i've not had much time for browsing and blogging, I have managed to fit in quite a bit of painting time. Painting is my wind down time, where I can put on some music, a podcast, or a good audiobook, and let the worries of the day evaporate. I guess it's similar to meditation, and I find that a half hour at the painting desk can restore a bit of balance after a busy and stressful day. <br />
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Consequently, i've not only managed top work my way through the entire series of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe audiobooks (thanks audible!), but have been smashing through painting and now have a very sizeable Napoleonic French army. I'll be posting photos of these over the next weeks.<br />
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Having completed the Frenchies, i'm now working on another project, 20mm ultra moderns based around Afghanistan for the soon-to-be-released Fighting Season ruleset by Leigh Neville and Rich Clarke. I've got ADF (naturally), Brits, US Marines, and Taliban on the go, along with a bunch of terrain suitable for games in Urzugan or Helmand provinces. So<br />
expect some musings on this as i proceed. Multicam in 20mm anyone?<br />
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I've also managed to get in a few play test games of the up coming Lardies Napoleonic divisional level rules, along with a game or two of Chain of Command.<br />
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Without further ado, here are some pictures of the <i>beau sabreur</i> arm of my French army, the light cavalry brigade.<br />
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<u>Division Command - General Saint-Hilaire </u></div>
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First off, the divisional command stand representing the exceptionally skilled but ill-fated General Louis-Vincent-Joseph Le Blonde de Saint-Hilaire. Saint-Hilaire commanded his powerful division of Davout's corps during 1809 with expert skill. His performance at the Battle of Eckmuhl was such that Napoleon said to him 'Well, you have certainly earned your marshal's baton today, and you shall have it.'<br />
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Unfortunately for Saint-Hilaire, fate was shortly to intervene in the shape of an Austrian cannon ball which took off his leg during the battle of Aspern-Essling. The unfortunate General passed away fifteen days later. Together with the deaths of Marechal Jean Lannes and General d'Espagne, Saint-Hilaire's skill and ability could never be replaced. Saint-Hilaire is flanked by a senior officer of the 11e Chasseurs and a divisional <i>aide de camp</i>. All 18mm AB figures.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">General Saint-Hilaire flanked by an officer of the 11e Chassuers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and a divisional ADC</td></tr>
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<u>Brigade Command - General Lasalle</u></div>
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Next, the cavalry brigade command. This is the superb General Lasalle figure from AB. I really love the flamboyant Hussar general, his pipe held aloft. It just exudes the devil may care attitude of this famous <i>beau sabreur. </i>Now as much as possible I try to avoid biographical overviews in this blog, but as Lasalle was the archetypical light cavalryman, I can't resist.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uCBHhvcoMRM/Vcml40ijSqI/AAAAAAAAUEk/SaSJnFLZzeU/s1600/0NAPCAV-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uCBHhvcoMRM/Vcml40ijSqI/AAAAAAAAUEk/SaSJnFLZzeU/s320/0NAPCAV-7.jpg" width="311" /></a>Antoine-Charles Louis de<i> </i>Lasalle lived his life on and off the battlefield with reckless abandon. This attitude was shown again and again, such as in Salamanca in 1800 when he took a fancy to General Victor's mistress and paraded outside her apartment with the regimental band of the 10e Hussards. When the General and lady emerged, the General applauded, thinking this impromptu concert was in his honour. Lasalle bowed his horses head, and proudly stated 'it is not for you, Sir, but for the fair lady".<br />
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Among his many other exploits was the crashing of a grand ball held by the <i>Prefet</i> of Argen. Lasalle had been intentionally left off the guest list, so he arrived with his regiments officers, bursting through the doors and causing much chaos, even throwing food out the windows. Napoleon's reply to the <i>Prefet's</i> complaint was that 'It takes just a signature to make a <i>Prefet</i>; it takes 20 years to make a Lasalle.' Lasalle was also a fashion trend setter, and the large red trousers he fancied became a craze for young cavalrymen trying to emulate the General. Marbot includes an amusing story where one young Lasalle wannabe has his horse shot from under him, and then keeps falling over being tripped by his ridiculously oversized 'Lasalle' pants.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fwltkK-e9EU/VcmlX7NcHqI/AAAAAAAAUEc/_yWF4vjbSf0/s1600/0NAPCAV-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fwltkK-e9EU/VcmlX7NcHqI/AAAAAAAAUEc/_yWF4vjbSf0/s320/0NAPCAV-6.jpg" width="258" /></a>Lasalle famously said<i> Tout hussard qui nest pas mort a 30 ans est un jean-foutre! </i>(Any hussar who lives to be thirty is a jackass!). While he was 33 at the opening of the 1809 campaign, it was to be his last. The night before Wagram he had a presentiment, stating to an aide that 'This battle will be my last.' He was to be proven correct, and in the closing stages of the great battle he was shot by an Austrian Grenadier. Lasalle's last note to his wife, penned the night before the battle, seem a fitting epitaph for such a man. '<i>Mon cour a toi, mon sang a l'Empreur, ma vie a l'honneur</i>.' (my heart is yours, my blood the emperors, my life for honour. )<br />
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I've chosen to depict Lasalle in command of the '<i>Brigade Infernale</i>', the 7e and 5e Hussards. He is dressed as a colonel of the 7e and is accompanied by a senior officer of the 5e. Both are 18mm AB figures.<br />
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<u>5e Regiment de Hussards</u></div>
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Next, the <i>5e Regiment de Hussards</i>. I've got a long history of trying to paint up this regiment, and the first 28mm figure which I ever painted was one of the Perry sculpted Foundry hussars. A mere decade and a half later i've finally gotten around to painting them, admittedly in a smaller scale. The former <i>Hussards de Lauzun</i> of AWI fame, the 5e was involved in every major campaign of the Napoleonic wars, but as for the rest of my army these guys are painted in their 1809 era uniforms. So here they are, led by their illustrious Colonel Pierre Cesar Dery. These are 18mm AB figures.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colonel Dery's command stand</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Compagnie d'Elite</td></tr>
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<u>11e Regiment de Chasseurs a Cheval</u></div>
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Next up are the <i>11e Regiment de Chasseurs a Cheval, </i>formed from the pre-revolutionary <i>Chasseurs de Normandie</i>. Again, i've a bit of history with these, as I have their <i>compagnie d'elite</i> painted up in 28mm for Sharp Practice. As with the 5e Hussards, the 11e Chasseurs were engaged in each major campaign of the Napoleonic era, usually tied to Marechal Davout's 3e Corps. In 1809, the regiment was commanded by Colonel Desirad, who had only just taken over command when hostilities opened against the Habsburgs. Again, these are 18mm AB figures.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colonel Desirad's command stand</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>compagnie d'elite</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casualty base</td></tr>
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Finally, a shot of the brigade in full. I dare say i'll eventually add another regiment, probably the 7e Hussards, but at the moment this is more than i'll need for my gaming purposes.<br />
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Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-81484481221917388932015-03-29T21:40:00.004+11:002015-03-29T21:40:33.600+11:0057e Regiment de Ligne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another quick update this time. I've finally finished painting up and basing my French divisional sized force which i'm using for Napoleon at War and play testing the up-and-coming Napoleonic ruleset from Toofatlardies. Watch this space for some after action reports.<br />
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I've designed my French force around the 1809 campaign. It's division on <i>General de Division</i> Saint-Hilaire's division, which fought under <i>Marechal</i> Davout's III Corps and later under <i>Marechal</i> Lannes' II Corps at Essling, where both Saint-Hilaire and Lannes were killed.<br />
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I'm still working on a divisional command stand for the brave and talented Louis-Vincent-Joseph Le Blond de Saint-Hilaire, but in the meantime i've painted up some higher ranking commanders. All of the figures i've used so far are from the excellent AB figures, excepting the <i>Marechal</i> Joachim Murat figure from the very talented Boki.<br />
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Here is first of the Corps command bases, depicting Napoleon's skilled cavalry commander, the exceptionally flamboyant <i>Marechal</i> Joachim Murat. Although Murat did not play a part in the 1809 campaign, I really could not resist painting up this command base. Murat is painted up for the 1807 campaign and he is dressed as the Grand Duke of Berg. His aides-de-camp are uniformed in the opulent magenta and buff uniforms designed by Murat himself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Murat, Grand Duke of Berg and Commander of the Cavalry Reserve</td></tr>
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From the flamboyant to the workmanlike, this is the first battalion of the 57th Regiment of the Line, which gained the cognomen 'Le Terrible.'<br />
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Formed from the pre revolutionary <i>Regiment Limousin, </i>the 57e Ligne was one of the most renowned line regiments in the Napoleonic army. The Regiment was commanded in 1809 by <i>Colonel</i> Jean-Louis Charrière. Charrière was wounded several times at Essling, where his uniform was left in tatters due to the musket ball strikes. At Wagram, his horse was shot out from under him and he was carried from the field. He was made Commander of the Legion d'Honneur following this, and in 1812 he was promoted to <i>General de Brigade</i>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">First Battalion<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Battalion in line behind its skirmish screen of <i>voltigeurs</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iEHDJQ_54l0/VRfUpihGNII/AAAAAAAACtk/6JpF5hvtj8A/s1600/MAR-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iEHDJQ_54l0/VRfUpihGNII/AAAAAAAACtk/6JpF5hvtj8A/s1600/MAR-20.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First battalion in attack column</td></tr>
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<i>Chef de Battalion</i> Gleise commanded the second battalion during the 1809 campaign, and he was wounded at Essling.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second Battalion with <i>voltigeurs</i> deployed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second battalion in attack column</td></tr>
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For each regiment, I have based the first battalions with a mounted officer and eagle, so they stand out. Subsequent battalions have officers on foot. At the moment I have each regiment with two battalions, but will be adding a third to some of the units, including the 57e.<br />
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I've also included skirmish bases for each battalion, as per the Napoleon at War basing but also used in the Lardies Napoleonic set.<br />
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That's it for now. Next i'll be posting some images of the next battalion and the Brigade command stand.<br />
<br />Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-57472584658434553412015-03-22T20:55:00.001+11:002015-03-22T20:55:18.362+11:00Gunner's Painting ServiceA lead mountain heaving with incomplete and half finished projects is an affliction suffered by many of us gamers. Personally, I find the process of painting a very enjoyable one, and it's a great way of winding down after work.<br />
However, for all the enjoyment factor, my painting speed could best be described as glacial. This means that sometimes to get a force ready for a game can take months, even years. What to do?<br />
<br />
Enter fellow Antipodean Dan, of <a href="http://gunnerswargamming.blogspot.com.au/">Gunner's Blog</a>. Dan has recently begun taking painting commissions. If you've checked out his blog, you'll see the very high quality of the work he produces. His 15mm Napoleonic <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gunner Dan's Bavarian Guard conversions. Brilliant!</td></tr>
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Bavarian and Wurttemberg conversions are little works of art.<br />
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I've recently sent over my Chain of Command 1940 Germans to be given the Gunner treatment. Dan's prices are very reasonable, especially considering the excellent quality:<br />
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<a href="http://gunnerswargamming.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/now-taking-commissions-gunners-painting.html">http://gunnerswargamming.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/now-taking-commissions-gunners-painting.html</a><br />
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Dan's also running a competition to celebrate the launch of his painting service. If you're interested, you can check that out here<br />
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<a href="http://gunnerswargamming.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/gunners-painting-services-give-away-comp.html">http://gunnerswargamming.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/gunners-painting-services-give-away-comp.html</a><br />
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So head over, check out his blog, and if you too are suffering from an excess of unpainted lead, look no further for your painting commission needs.<br />
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Expect a blog update in the next week, as i've recently finished basing a bunch of 15mm Napoleonic French which i'll be using for Napoleon at War and play testing the up-and-coming Napoleonic Divisional rules in development by Toofatlardies.<br />
<br />Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-74490571174297249332015-02-10T21:27:00.002+11:002015-02-10T21:27:31.053+11:00The Men of the North<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HT0bnmu9RA/VNnDD9Oa7AI/AAAAAAAACos/-LEp-v1Z4RA/s1600/FEB15-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HT0bnmu9RA/VNnDD9Oa7AI/AAAAAAAACos/-LEp-v1Z4RA/s1600/FEB15-2.jpg" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a>Wow, it's been a REALLY long time since i've posted anything on the blog. A lot has happened since the last post back in October. Besides the usual festivities associated with Christmas and the silly season, I spent six weeks visiting Vienna, Prague, and travelling around Turkey.<br />
Much more on that in future posts, suffice it to say that as someone with an interest in history, particularly Habsburg Austria and the Byzantine Empire, it was a pretty amazing experience. For now, i've included a picture of sunset over Istanbul and one of yours truly in front of the 14th century Byzantine fortress above the town of Andalou Kavagi. Armed with some excellent first hand research on Byzantine military costume and equipment from the cave churches of Cappadocia, I'm really keen to get my Byzantines finished. At the moment, i'v got a unit of six Gripping Beast and Crusader cavalry nearing completion. My Byzantines are going to be for Terror Mundi, the upcoming Dux Britanniarum supplement i've been working on set in 11th century Italy and Sicily. I'll keep everyone posted as this progresses, some AARs will be on the way soon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset across the Golden Horn to old Istanbul<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in front of Yoros Castle on the Bosphorus</td></tr>
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I also *may* have rather impulsively invested in 15mm Austrian and French armies for the 1859 Second Italian War of Unification. Ahem... Well, they're currently first in line to be de-flashed and undercoated, so we'll see where that project goes. I've no idea what i'll do with them yet, but I've always found the war fascinating. Perhaps by the time i've completed both forces, the TooFatLardies Napoleonic rules will be out and ready for some tweaking.<br />
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Speaking of the Lardies, Rich has release the latest of his Pint Sized campaigns, <a href="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25&products_id=157">Kampfgruppe von Luck.</a> This is based around the defence of le bas de Ranville on D-Day +1. As the 6th Airborne Division and the 21st Panzer division are the forces which my Chain of Command forces are based upon, i'm very keen to have a crack at this campaign down at the club. As with the 29th Division pint sized campaign, this is useable with Battlegroup, Bolt Action or your WWII ruleset of choice, and as before the research and presentation is exceptional. At the price of a pint, (actually cheaper than a pint down under!), you simply cannot go wrong. Expect to see some AARs of the campaign coming up in the next few months.<br />
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Anyway, enough blathering for now. One of my goals for this year is to increase the frequency of updates on the blog. I've completed loads of stuff over the last few months, it's just a matter of photographing it and posting it up.<br />
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For today, here are some additions for my Dux Britanniarum Romano-British. I had rebased some Late Roman figures to use as commanders, however they felt a little too Roman for a campaign set in the Kingdom of the North. Not that anyone really needs an excuse to paint up the gorgeously sculpted Musketeer Miniatures figures. Incidentally, these are now available from <a href="http://footsoreminis.com/">Footsore Miniatures</a>, following Bill Thornhill's move the the states.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bNxfXHqgBFE/VNnGhztYhrI/AAAAAAAACpk/RJgmb0U8msE/s1600/FEB15-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bNxfXHqgBFE/VNnGhztYhrI/AAAAAAAACpk/RJgmb0U8msE/s1600/FEB15-4.jpg" height="190" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Defenders of the Old North</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gwyr y Gogledd forces muster</td></tr>
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I've used the Dux Brit rules to role up names and some background information for these guys. A campaign based around the Kingdom of the North (using the <i>Gwyr y Gogledd</i> adaptions from Dux Brit: The Raiders) is on the cards for later in the year.<br />
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First up is Gwerthefyr the Able, the commander of my <i>Gwyr y Gogledd - </i>that's Men of the North for those of you not fluent in old British. The 29 year old Gwerthefyr is a fine warrior, despite his diminutive size. The son of a Decurion who served on the wall before the eagles left britain, Gwerthefyr is an entirely honourable commander. In campaign terms, this means he can never commit regicide and seize the kingship.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gwerthefyr the Able</td></tr>
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Pedrog is the champion of the Romano-British force. 26 years old and of average build, Cerdic is a dutiful follower and a skilled warrior. The superbly grisly Pedrog and Gwerthefyr figures are some of my favourite sculpts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pedrog, the British champion</td></tr>
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Next up is one of the nobles, Conan, tall and strong with the constitution of an ox. Son of a British warlord formerly allied with Rome, the 28 year old Conan is a formidable warrior.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conan, son of a warlord. LMBS shield transfer</td></tr>
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The 30 year old Vortiporius the Ambitious is an expert horseman. It is rumoured that royal blood flows in his veins, and that his birth was the result of a drunken encounter between King Iddon and the daughter of a stable hand. While there is an uncanny resemblance between Vortiporius and the old King has led to the sobriquet 'the Ambitious,' it would be a brave man who would question the honour of this fearsome warrior.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zckXOEyg5Lc/VNnNABpN0oI/AAAAAAAACqA/xpr382jj0Y4/s1600/FEB15-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zckXOEyg5Lc/VNnNABpN0oI/AAAAAAAACqA/xpr382jj0Y4/s1600/FEB15-8.jpg" height="200" width="168" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vortiporius the Ambitious. LBMS shield transfer.</td></tr>
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The <i>Gwyr y Gogledd</i> rules allow the Romano-Brits to field units of their warriors of hearth guard as mounted troops. I painted up some of these excellent Gripping Beast late Romans as mounted warriors along with a mounted version of Vortiporious. The figures came with the old style GB horses, so I remounted them onto some Aventine nags. The shield patterns are from Little Big Men Studios.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9r-lY5o_lc/VNnOmduXW7I/AAAAAAAACqc/uXXLVPxlvfw/s1600/FEB15-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9r-lY5o_lc/VNnOmduXW7I/AAAAAAAACqc/uXXLVPxlvfw/s1600/FEB15-1.jpg" height="200" width="163" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vortiporius the Ambitious <i>a cheval. </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gwyr y Gogledd</i> horsemen</td></tr>
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I also finished a unit of <i>Gwyr y Gogledd</i> Comanipulares, heavily armed hearthguard. Again, these are the exceptional Musketeer/Footsore figures. Alongside the figures, i've finished off a couple of fenland / marsh terrain pieces. Here is one along with my Romano-British watchtower. This was scratch built along with some other dark ages buildings. The design was taken from <a href="http://mitchwargaming.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/all-along-watchtower-part-1-sub-roman.html">Mitch's blog</a>.<br />
Thats it for now, i'll be back soon with more updates. Thanks for reading!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guarding against the Saxon menace</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fen / Marsh terrain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comanipulares and nobles</td></tr>
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Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-67811870199130126362014-10-12T19:41:00.000+11:002014-10-12T19:41:22.805+11:00Medieval Musings and some Jerry reinforcements for CoC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, after a lovely break enjoying lovely weather and a trip or two to the beach, i'm back at work. We're now into term 4, and the final reporting period is upon me, so this update will be a short one.<br />
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I've managed to get a bit of gaming in down at the club and at MOAB, the annual show held in south Sydney. Down at the club, I managed to get in a game of the much lauded Sword and Spear ancients/medievals rules by Mark Lewis. Sutto and I took the Achaemenid Persians and, despite a few hairy moments, walloped the Greek City State force commanded very ably by Thomas. I have to say that the game really does live up to the hype. Some intuitive mechanics, particularly regarding activation and friction, give a realistic and fun game where your focus is on the tactical decisions, not on charts, tables or percentages. It actually had a very Lardesque feel to it, and regular readers of this blog will know that that very much ticks all the boxes for me. Now i'm looking at building up an early Hungarian force for the rules. A tad obscure I know, but we're looking at the period of the early crusades, and the chaps down at the club are putting together Crusader, Ayyubid, Fatimid, and Byzantine forces. I was quite taken with the Magyar people and history during my time in Budapest in 2012, and figure that the Hungarians fought Crusaders and Byzantines at various times. Also, they can stand in for other central and eastern european armies at a pinch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_unzfLXdJw/VDo0AVUg5NI/AAAAAAAACk8/sHvEj-y2NJE/s1600/OCT14GAME-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_unzfLXdJw/VDo0AVUg5NI/AAAAAAAACk8/sHvEj-y2NJE/s1600/OCT14GAME-5.jpg" height="172" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sword and Spear - Achaemenid Persians attack the Greeks</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spartans and Greek hoplites<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y5t9zcpdjGw/VDozy3wrAzI/AAAAAAAACk0/5_KYvw4rMws/s1600/OCT14GAME-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y5t9zcpdjGw/VDozy3wrAzI/AAAAAAAACk0/5_KYvw4rMws/s1600/OCT14GAME-3.jpg" height="140" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Massed Persian cavalry advance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W6wdZd7lWQI/VDo0RY7VS0I/AAAAAAAAClU/e-aIAPYpgWk/s1600/OCT14GAME-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W6wdZd7lWQI/VDo0RY7VS0I/AAAAAAAAClU/e-aIAPYpgWk/s1600/OCT14GAME-7.jpg" height="160" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spartan hoplites and Persian sparabara clash </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Persian immortals and sparabara dominate the high ground</td></tr>
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If you have the slightest interest in Ancient to Medieval gaming, head over to Mark's <a href="http://polkovnik.moonfruit.com/sword-spear/4583102656">website</a> and grab yourself a pdf copy. Seriously, for £6, it's hard to go wrong!<br />
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Last weekend I headed down to MOAB, located about in Sylvania Heights, just south of Sydney and about an hour and a half south of home. I checked out a few games, including a very good looking Napoleon at War game, where Sutto's British were valiantly holding off two forces of dastardly Frenchies. That said, i've got a dastardly French force for this great little ruleset being painted up now. I had a game of Napoleon at War down at the club last month, and despite my skepticism, it was great fun and played with the 'feel' of Napoleonic combat. The prospect of painting up six 24 man battalions of 15mm figures has led me to my first painting commission. Of course, the glitter of Napoleonics has been impossible for me to resist, and I've got a few command bases on the painting dest at the moment, and plan to paint the cavalry and artillery myself. Stay tuned for some lovely AB Napoleonic goodness in the not too distant future.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Napoleon at War at MOAB - French assault the British thin red line.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, last month at the club... French Cuirassiers clash with British Hussars</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French Leger hold against British light infantry bobs.</td></tr>
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As well as the Napoleon at War game, I got a chance to meet up with some lovely chaps flying the Lard flag. Resplendent in their Lard ambassador shirts, they were hosting a great little Chain of Command participation game pitting a platoon of Australians against Japanese 'somewhere in the Pacific' in 1944. After picking up some bits and pieces, including some of the new X-Wing ships, I sat down and took command of the Aussies. I was very surprised to find that my opponent was Chris, who had played one of the Chain of Command games I had hosted at MOAB the year before, and who is a regular poster here. Hi Chris! Small world. Anyway, It was interesting to see how the Australian's and Japanese played, and the Aussies were just beginning to break through when we both realised we had to go. That night was the Rugby League grand final, and my route home took me past the front of the stadium. Last year I left late, and found myself stuck in traffic for well over an hour. MOAB is a great show, and it was fantastic to see so many good looking games on display. I also noted how many young people were present. I've read a lot about wargaming being a 'greying hobby', but I saw little evidence of that at the show. Seeing a load of young people getting into games has encouraged me to start planning some type of wargaming club at school, which I hope to get up and running next year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MOAB Chain of Command - Aussies assault the Japanese</td></tr>
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The Australian war-games show calendar is rather sparse, and the next big show is Cancon in January. Since i'll be trekking through Anatolia in Turkey at that time, MOAB is probably the one big show for me this year. Still, I've been getting a load of gaming in at the local club, which is great.<br />
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Well, what was planned as a short update has, as usual, grown into a monster. So, i'll finish off with a bunch of German support options which i've completed for Chain of Command. My German force is based around the 21st Panzer Division which fought in Normandy against the British. I love the clunky looking conversions developed by Colonel Becker to fill out the divisions strength, and really enjoyed putting these together and painting them up.<br />
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First off, here are some recce halftracks, SdKfz 250/1s and a 250/9. All are from Shaun at SandS miniatures, and are the (neu) models, with the simplified, more angular design used from 1943 onwards. The crew, a mix of AB and Britannia, are based on sabot bases made from thin plasticard, to enable me to show them crewed up or empty.<br />
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Next up is an SdKfz 234/1 armoured car, also from the recce battalion of the 21st Panzer Divison. One of the great things about Chain of Command is that vehicles like this, which are usually just cannon fodder, can actually perform a valuable function.<br />
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Below is the delightfully awkward and catchily named <i>7.5cm PaK 40 auf Somua S307</i>. Doesn't quite had the ring of Tiger or Panther. This dangerously top-heavy looking model is from Raventhorpe, and the AB crew are again based on a sabot. The camp pattern was me messing about with my new airbrush, and was inspired by a similar paint job I saw over on the guild forum.<br />
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Challenging the S307 in both ungainliness and awkwardness of name, below are a brace of <i>7.5cm (Sf) 39H</i>s. These are from Britannia, crew is AB and again, they are based on sabots. It was a bit of trouble basing them this way, but I really wanted crew on these, and don't like the look of a 'brewed up' tank with a crew casually sitting there amidst, or rather beneath, the flames. Just doesn't look right to my eye.<br />
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Next up, a Marder I. This is the type of vehicle used but the 716th Infantry Division during their attack against the 7th Paras and Ox and Bucks at Benouville during the early hours of D-Day. The vehicle is from Early War Miniatures, and mighty nice it is. Crew is AB on a sabot. For some reason, the pigments on the tracks look particularly red. I was going to re take these pictures using my new Canon G16, but never got around to it. </div>
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Below, a brace of Tiger ausf Is. I know, I know, when am I going to need TWO of them in a Chain of Command game. Both are prepaints repainted, the zimmerit one is from Dragon the other is Altaya. </div>
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To finish off the armour, I painted up a second Panzer IV ausf H, this one <i>sans </i>skirts<i>. </i>This is from the Plastic Soldier Company.</div>
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Crewed weapons in Chain of Command usually have a five man crew. While this is historically more accurate, almost every crew pack of figures i've seen comes with only three figures. I painted up five figures using a Battlefield and Britannia figures. These guys serve as crew for the Battlefield 7.5cm PaK 40 anti tank gun, and for the Britannia 7.5m leIG 18 infantry gun. They also fill out my sustained fire mount MG42 crew to the full five figures.</div>
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Finally, a couple of support choices from Britannia. These are a two man forward observer crew, to rain down fire upon the Tomis and Amis, and a scharfschutze, or sniper. I really do like the poses of the Britannia figures. </div>
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That's it for me for now. I've recently finished some more Dux Britanniarum Saxons and Romano Brits, along with some Norman Knights for the Dux Brit 11th Century supplement, <i>Terror Mundi, </i>and a load of 20mm 1940 Frenchies for Chain of Command. I expect to post some updates of these soon, along with an AAR or two. </div>
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Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-11174177957340629282014-08-10T21:12:00.002+10:002014-08-10T21:12:48.193+10:00Lords, Nobles, Champions...and Sheep?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Just a quick update this time. I've had some exciting happenings in real life, as last week I heard that I have managed to get a permanent teaching job at school i've been working at for the past 9 months. Full time teaching jobs are like hen's teeth on the Central Coast region of NSW, particularly history teaching positions, so I’m very, very chuffed!<o:p></o:p></div>
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As far as painting and gaming has been going, I've finished painting up and basing the nobles and lords
for my Saxons for Dux Britanniarum. I’ve used the rules to generate a
background for them. My Dux Brit campaign will see the Saxons attacking the lands of the British Kingdom of the North. The figures I’ve used are the excellent Musketeer
Miniatures. Shields are all the superb LBMS offerings. I used the same basing formula as I have for my SAGA vikings, which I feel works for a Northern Britain feel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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26 year old <b>Ecgwald</b> is the leader of the Saxon warband.
Ecgwald may be of average build, but he has the constitution of an ox. The
Saxon is wodenborn, the scion of an aristocratic family across the sea in
Germany. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Ecgwald’s champion is <b>Offa</b>, a tall and strong 28 year old.
Offa is a master at arms, skilled in the use of sword, saex, and spear. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Fighting with Ecgwald is <b>Aedelbehrt the Able</b>, a short and
wiry 31 year old. Aedelbehrt is also wodenborn, the son of a chieftain leading
foederati along Hadrian’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wall. Growing
up in the foederati fort, the young noble developed an unquenchable appetite
for the fairer sex. Aedelbehrt is not entirely happy under the command of the
younger Ecgwald, believing himself more suited to leadership.<br />
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21 year old <b>Oswine</b> is the last of the nobles fighting with
Ecgwald. The young Oswine is the son of a lesser foederati noble serving on
Hadrian’s Wall, and he grew up alongside Aedelbehrt. Oswine is in awe of
Ecgwald, to whom he is entirely loyal. He also does not approve of Aedelbehrt’s
lustful behaviour and self serving attitude. <o:p></o:p><br />
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On a similar vein, I’ve been working on a supplement for Dux
Britanniarum centred upon the Norman conquest of Southern Italy in the 11<sup>th</sup>
century. I’m a fan of SAGA, and acquired starter armies of Byzantines and
Normans. While SAGA is great fun, it is not really the most historical ruleset
about. I started working on an adaptation of Dux Brit to use down at the club, and
it snowballed into a bit of a monster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The working title for this is Terror Mundi, after the
epitaph of Robert Guiscard, and Rich from TooFatLardies is going to be prettying
it up and releasing the supplement as a pdf next month. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The supplement will allow the player to take the role of
Norman, Byzantine, or Italo-Lombard. I’m painting up a Norman and a Byzantine
force at the moment, so have posted the first few nobles. As with Dux Brit,
Terror Mundi includes background generation for the nobles, so as with the
Saxons, here are the first few Byzantine and Norman leaders with their potted
bios. The Byzantines are from Crusader minis, and the Normans are Gripping
Beast. I've really enjoyed painting these up, and even did a little bit of modification. The Norman warlord has a greenstuff scarf added to his helmet, and the Byzantine commanders have had sashes added. These were coloured according to rank, although no record exists of the exact colours. With the basing for these, I wanted to emulate the sunburnt Apulian landscape, dry but still green. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Byzantine commander is<b> John the Ambitious</b>, a 35 year old
man of average build. John is a deeply devout man who loves nothing more than
debating an obscure theological concept. He is a bureaucrat, faithfully and
dutifully administering his district, collecting taxes and enforcing the will
of the Catapan. <o:p></o:p><br />
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32 year old <b>Marinus</b> is one of John’s subordinate commanders.
Tall and strong, Marinus is the consumate professional, fulfilling his duties
for Christos and Basileus. Marinus is a veteran, having marched with the
imperial armies in campaigns against Lombard, Bulgar, Turk and Saracen. <o:p></o:p><br />
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The Norman warlord is <b>Tancred</b>, a 30 year old of average build.
Nobody dares ask Tancred where he got the scars on his face, but the men
whisper that he was once a brigand. Regardless, his skill in sniffing out
hidden wealth is well known, and he is known as ‘bras de fer,’ a man skilled
with lance and sword. Tancred's shield is a hand painted design based on the de Hauteville arms.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Tancred’s champion is the 26 year old <b>Ludolf</b>, a tall and
strong man with an uncanny skill when fighting in the saddle.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Finally, I recently acquired a load of sheep, rabbits, pigs, boar, and even a stag and a hind from <a href="http://www.warbases.co.uk/">Warbases</a>, where I usually get all of my laser cut mdf bases. I figure i'll use these to spruce up my terrain a bit, and the sheep can also be used in SAGA and Dux Brit raids scenarios. This lot are some rabbits and some Soay sheep. They are lovely little figures and paint up a treat.<br />
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So there you have it, a bunch of Saxon, Norman and Byzantine
nobles, champions and lords. There will be lots more coming in this vein. I’m
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<o:p></o:p><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-77458605201701585602014-06-22T20:51:00.003+10:002014-06-22T21:13:33.447+10:00An update of sorts...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20DirfIvHpc/U6Zf1_ND2aI/AAAAAAAACco/1SQly6N0vG8/s1600/JUN14-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20DirfIvHpc/U6Zf1_ND2aI/AAAAAAAACco/1SQly6N0vG8/s1600/JUN14-26.jpg" height="200" width="195" /></a>Well, it's yet again been some time between blog posts, so the usual apologies and excuses are in order. This time it's been my first ever round of school reports, along with mountains of essay marking which has meant that my best intentions to keep up with the blog posts have been scuppered again!<br />
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There was a conversation on the <a href="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/">Toofatlardies</a> yahoo group recently about striking the balance in your hobby time between wargaming, painting, and blogging. Over the last few months, i've found that i really do value my painting time as a much needed wind down after what can often be a busy and stressful job, and also the social experience of gaming. Unfortunately, this has meant that almost all of my hobby time over the last few months has been devoted to painting and gaming.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ax4qvyu2_M0/U6aRH841txI/AAAAAAAACc4/lavtA5r1XtQ/s1600/JUN14-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ax4qvyu2_M0/U6aRH841txI/AAAAAAAACc4/lavtA5r1XtQ/s1600/JUN14-3.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Saxon priest tries in vain to use the power of the old gods to mark assessment tasks.</td></tr>
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Considering that, I'm thinking that this long overdue post will be an update of what i've been up to, and what's coming on the horizon as far as the blog is concerned.<br />
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<u><b>PAINTING</b></u><br />
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<a href="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/images/Raiders%20Cover%20Web.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/images/Raiders%20Cover%20Web.png" height="200" width="138" /></a>The release of<a href="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21&products_id=147"> Dux Britanniarum: The Raiders</a> from TFL, together with conversations down at the club about running a Dux Brit campaign have seen me dust off my half finished Romano-British and Saxons and get painting. I can now report that the Romano Brits are finished, (it only took two years!) and the Saxons are well on their way. Ad I must say that I do really enjoy painting up dark ages figures, especially when the figures in question are the superb <a href="http://www.musketeer-miniatures.com/">Musketeer miniatures</a> offerings.<br />
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I've also managed to knock up a load of scratch built buildings and some terrain. Since studying in Leeds, I've developed an affinity for the North, and so my Romano-Brits are based around the Kingdoms of the Old North, Elmet and the Pennines. This not only gives me a chance to build some craggy mountains, fenland, and scruffy looking thatched buildings, but the new<i> Gwyr y Gogledd </i>(Men of the North) rules in Raiders means that I can swap out some of the Romano-Brit <i>milites </i>and <i>comanipulares </i>for the superb Arthurian mounted types from Musketeer and Gripping Beast. While my wife was recovering from laser eye surgery, I used <a href="http://mitchwargaming.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/all-along-watchtower-part-1-sub-roman.html">Mitch's excellent blog </a>as inspiration to build all the buildings required for a Dux Britanniarum campaign, and they've also come in handy for SAGA! As far as terrain, I knocked up some fenland, a couple of large hills and a huge craggy mountain (2"x1"), and I also picked up some fake moss sheets from eBay which look to be ideal for moorland. All of this should stand me in good stead for a <i>Gwyr y Gogledd</i> campaign, and come in handy for SAGA too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dalesman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Stories-from-the-Moors_Roseberry-Topping-by-Ian-Burton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.dalesman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Stories-from-the-Moors_Roseberry-Topping-by-Ian-Burton.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Northern British landscape. My terrain project is aimed at reproducing a similar 'look</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'</td></tr>
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In the near future, I'll be posting up some pictures of the finished Romano-Brits, followed closely by the Saxons. As far as what is coming up in the pain ting queue, after having a crack at SAGA, I'm also very keen to get my Normans and Byzantines painted up and on the table. Then I've also got a Pict starter force for Raiders which might be fun as well. And then there's the rest of my early war CoC project. On the whole, i'm very happy that despite the sometimes overwhelming workload, I've managed to keep plodding along with my painting and modelling.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Romano-British community takes shape, watchtower, church, even a pigsty!</td></tr>
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<u><b>GAMING</b></u><br />
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I've managed to get a load of gaming in, having ventured down to the Central Coast Wargamers Club a couple of months ago. The club is made up of a great bunch of blokes with a wide interest in historical gaming, and at the monthly meetings, i've managed to get in a load of diverse games. Last month, I introduced Chain of Command, which went down a treat, and I've also managed to have a crack at Impetus, some homebrew Napoleonic grand battle rules, and finally got a chance to play some SAGA. After playing a game through, I do see what all the fuss is about this set, it's fast, fun, and is very evocative of the types of scrappy, exaggerated skirmishes found in the sagas. I'm keen to try out the Normans, and once they're all painted up I might even start up a gaming club at school, as this would be an ideal intro into historical gaming.<br />
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In the next few months, a few of us are planning on starting up a Dux Brit campaign, so i'm very much looking forward to that. Some of the campaign blogs, like <a href="http://dalauppror.blogspot.com.au/">Dalauppror's</a>, Mike's <a href="http://troubleatthemill.blogspot.com/">Trouble at T'Mill</a>, <a href="http://guitarheroandy.blogspot.com.au/">Guitarhero Andy's</a>, <a href="http://moitereisbuntewelt.blogspot.com.au/">Moiterei's bunte Welt</a>, <a href="http://conflictofinterests.blogspot.se/">Conflict of Interests</a>, and <a href="http://trailape.blogspot.com.au/">Trailape's</a> blog, along with a load of others, have provided some fantastic inspiration.<br />
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I've also managed to have a few games of Dux Brit, albeit with half painted forces, and the other night had a load of mates over for a game based around the 70th anniversary of D-Day. This was another Chain of Command initiation for the lads from my other gaming group and we saw British Paras backed up by a DD Sherman holding off a determined attack against Ranville by 21st Panzer troops with armoured support. Despite some hairy moments, the paras held firm, and the end of the game was decided by the British team's use of the Chain of command dice, which interrupted the German panzershreck team's shot at the Sherman and wiped them out. Out of interest, we then rolled as if the CoC dice hadnt been played, and the panzershreck brewed up the Sherman and the explosion took out half of the accompanying para section! Good job the CoC dice was there, it would have been poor form for the dastardly Hun to win on the 70th anniversary! Everyone seemed very impressed with the system and great fun was had by all. <br />
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I must say that i'm really enjoying the regularity, as well as the diversity, of the games i've been able to get in this year, and am looking forward to more of the same!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LaS1AyahgH8/U6aRa2CW6sI/AAAAAAAACdQ/Xq5YLd8xXHQ/s1600/JUN14-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LaS1AyahgH8/U6aRa2CW6sI/AAAAAAAACdQ/Xq5YLd8xXHQ/s1600/JUN14-7.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">D-Day +70 Game. Ranville, with Pegasus Bridge just off table beyond the town.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve, Brian and Noel command the heroic defenders.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IzIUuyJXvH4/U6aTXWqJVYI/AAAAAAAACeY/87ybToEDX-s/s1600/JUN14-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IzIUuyJXvH4/U6aTXWqJVYI/AAAAAAAACeY/87ybToEDX-s/s1600/JUN14-6.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Battle rages in Ranville</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RLpz7SLRui8/U6aTVMru2kI/AAAAAAAACeQ/BNDRSGMPjLI/s1600/JUN14-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RLpz7SLRui8/U6aTVMru2kI/AAAAAAAACeQ/BNDRSGMPjLI/s1600/JUN14-5.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 13/18th Hussars Sherman DD moves up to support the beleagured paras.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0RyWsAB1gc/U6aSB4WTDSI/AAAAAAAACdY/bqf8FrZQkaQ/s1600/JUN14-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0RyWsAB1gc/U6aSB4WTDSI/AAAAAAAACdY/bqf8FrZQkaQ/s1600/JUN14-13.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A FOG Renaissance Conquistadors v Aztecs game at CCWC</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevan's superbly painted Nikephorian Byzantines march against an Arab army, a Hail Ceasar game at CCWC</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkxkaMEM_ug/U6aSHu0QxCI/AAAAAAAACdo/1IkQL-9nGfU/s1600/JUN14-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkxkaMEM_ug/U6aSHu0QxCI/AAAAAAAACdo/1IkQL-9nGfU/s1600/JUN14-9.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first game of SAGA. My unblooded Vikings face Steve's Anglo-Danes. The buildings are the scratchbuilds I recently completed for Dux Brit. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vop7KYVjJzE/U6aSt9JPouI/AAAAAAAACdw/S7O4cnm-2AY/s1600/JUN14-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vop7KYVjJzE/U6aSt9JPouI/AAAAAAAACdw/S7O4cnm-2AY/s1600/JUN14-17.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Warlord and his Beserkers charge the Anglo Danes. The SAGA board 'Odin' ability saved these guys from the English archers more than once!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-urwBO7T8Bjc/U6aSvgLzCII/AAAAAAAACd8/L3jAtzM4d9k/s1600/JUN14-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-urwBO7T8Bjc/U6aSvgLzCII/AAAAAAAACd8/L3jAtzM4d9k/s1600/JUN14-19.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Anglo-Danish Housecarls fall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Tg0UFJ33Jc/U6aSvUzB6FI/AAAAAAAACd4/iQ94g8SbHyo/s1600/JUN14-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Tg0UFJ33Jc/U6aSvUzB6FI/AAAAAAAACd4/iQ94g8SbHyo/s1600/JUN14-23.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clash of Warlords. Sorry for the blurry pics, my beloved Canon IXUS 120 died!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the Danish lord falls slain!</td></tr>
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So, that's what i've been up to. I'm really interested to hear how you all manage your hobby time. I know that in the past browsing forums and blogs have swallowed a load of my time, and I'm not unhappy that in spending less time on the computer i've been able to get so much of gaming and painting done in the last few months. That said, I do feel that wargaming has a very strong online community, one which it's a real pleasure to be a part of, and with my lack of 'online' hobby time, I do feel like I'm missing this online community.<br />
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Hopefully I'll be posting on this blog a little more regularly, even if the posts are a little shorter, and I'll try to post some comments on many of your blogs as well, all of which I read and enjoy. I'm constantly amazed by bloggers like Sidney Roundwood and Mike of Trouble at T'Mill and their ability to keep pumping out engaging posts on a very regular basis, while managing real life and painting up a never ending line of little masterpieces.<br />
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For those of you who read this blog, I'm afraid that for now you'll have to make do with my sorry, sporadic ramblings! Until the next one, happy gaming and painting!Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-83175008838787983292014-03-30T17:34:00.002+11:002014-03-30T17:34:32.789+11:00Go To It! - British Parachute Platoon for Chain of Command<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, it's been a busy few months since the last update. Full time teaching is rather full on. Besides being exhausting, it's also rather enjoyable though, and at the moment I'm teaching Year 9 all about the First World War. They all seem rather engaged, and we've been having some rather stimulating discussions about the nature and experience of the war, and the way it is seen in popular culture. The introduction of the new national curriculum has allowed a much more global, less parochial view of the conflict. We celebrated 'harmony day' last week by examining the roles of a variety of cultures and nations in the war. The kids were very interested, and often surprised. Investigating the Indian commitment to the war, and the war in East Africa in particular provoked a lot of discussion.<br />
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I'm still aiming to introduce some kind of gaming group in the school, and there are a number of students who are rather keen. I think I'll wait till after report time though.<br />
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Anyway, i've been cracking on with the painting in the odd spare moments, and have managed to get some bits and pieces painted up. The new airbrush does tend to speed things up a bit, particularly with the intricate 1940 French and late war German vehicle camo patterns.<br />
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Anyway, I'm thinking that the best way to get images of these up on the blog is in a series of posts, each 'parading' one of the force's i've been working on. <br />
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So, for this update the focus will be on my British Parachute platoon, and accompanying support units, all for Chain of Command. I've managed to get a few Chain of Command: At The Sharp End campaign games in with these guys (AARs to come, I promise!), and they are very interesting, flexible and potent force to play with. I've based my force around the 6th Airborne Division in Normandy, but they could easily be used for 1st Airborne at Arnhem or 6th bouncing the Rhine in 1945. <br />
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The figures are all '20mm', so somewhere around 1/72 scale. They are mostly the superbly sculpted and realistically animated Battlefield/Blitz figures, with a leavening of Britannia. I think that despite the differing sculpting styles they fit together rather well. I've included the background info generated using At The Sharp End for the command figures. The platoon is based on one from the 12th Parachute Battalion.<br />
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<b><u>Platoon Command</u></b><br />
<i>This consists of the platoon commander, platoon sergeant, one two man PIAT team, a sniper, and one two man 2" mortar team.</i><b> </b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lt Rawlinson</td></tr>
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<u>Lt. Edward Rawlinson</u> is the platoon commander. A former factory worker from Northampton in the Midlands, Rawlinson enlisted in 1940 as a private. He saw action in the Mediterranean and Sicily<b>, </b>where his practicality, capability and bravery saw him rise through the ranks.<b> </b>27 years old, and of average stature, Rawlinson jumped at the opportunity to volunteer for the Airborne. <b><br /></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sgt Threepwood</td></tr>
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<u>Sgt Reginald 'Lofty' Threepwood </u>is the platoon sergeant. A bohemian from a wealthy family near Tonbridge, the intellectual looking 27 year old studied the classics at Trinity college, Oxford before moving to London and living the good life off family money. During the blitz, his favourite club was destroyed by bombs. Threepwood was injured badly, and his many of his friends and his fiancee were killed in the explosion. Since that night his <i>joie de vivre</i> has been replaced by a burning hatred of all things German. Following his recovery, he signed up for service. Posted to a training unit near Bristol due to his injuries, he was promoted quickly. He jumped at the chance to volunteer for the airborne and so finally take his revenge on the enemy. <br />
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<b><u>No.1 Section</u> </b><i><br /></i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sgt McReedie</td></tr>
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<i>Parachute sections follow the standard British infantry model of Section commander, three man Bren light machinegun team, and six man rifle team. The difference is that the Section commander is a Sergeant rather than a Corporal, and Sten (or even looted MP40) submachine guns are more prevalent. </i><br />
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No.1 section is commanded by <u>Sgt Douglas McReedie</u>. 25 year old ‘Dougie’ McReedie was formerly apprenticed to the sole mechanic in the small North Ayrshire village of Glengarnock before jumping at the chance to enlist in the regulars in ’40. He fought with the 51st Division in North Africa, before transferring to the Airborne. McReedie is short in stature, a real bantam.<br />
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<u><b>No.2 Section</b></u><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sgt Hitchens</td></tr>
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No.2 section is commanded by Sgt. James Hitchens. An Irishman born in the outskirts of Ulster, Hitchens fudged his age to join up in 1933, since then the army has been his true home. He’s served in many campaigns, from the Northwestern Frontier and East Africa to Narvik, North Africa and Italy. He was one of the first to volunteer for the Airborne. 27 years of age, he is a strapping six-footer.<br />
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<u><b>No.3 Section</b></u><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sgt Ballantyne</td></tr>
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<i>This section is 'beefed up' with an extra Bren gun, making it a potent force to provide a base of fire. This section comprises two fire teams, one of five and one of four men, each based around a Bren light machine gun.</i><br />
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No.3 section is commanded by Sgt. John Ballantyne, a farmer’s son from the North. He worked on the family farm near Ripon on the Yorkshire Dales before volunteering in ’39. He saw some action in North Africa before volunteering to the Airborne. He is 27 years of age, and physically an average sort.<br />
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<u><b>Support Options:</b></u><br />
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<b>Vickers heavy machine gun team</b>. All Britannia<br />
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<b>6 pounder anti-tank gun and crew.</b> All Britannia, excepting one Battlefield crewman<br />
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<b>FOO team. </b>Britannia. <br />
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<b>Medic. </b>Britannia<br />
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<b>Recce Jeep.</b> Britannia<br />
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<b>Recce Carrier.</b> Britannia<br />
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<b>Tetrarch light tank. </b>Milicast.<br />
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<b>Horsa Glider.</b> Not really a support option, but thought I should include it. It is from Italeri. <br />
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So there you have it. The only items which I have to add to this unit are a flamethrower team and some engineers.<br />
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Next up, I'll be covering my 21st Panzer forces. I've just begun working on Dux Britanniarum forces, as I want to get the remainder of my Romano-British and Saxons finished off so I can get some games in.<br />
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Thanks for reading!Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-80300339551468912562014-02-02T20:20:00.003+11:002014-02-02T20:25:25.791+11:00CoC - At The Sharp End Review<a href="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/images/Cover%20small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/images/Cover%20small.jpg" height="320" width="222" /></a>A bit of exciting news came through yesterday, with Rich et al at Toofatlardies releasing their Second World War campaign supplement, <a href="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25&products_id=143">Chain of Command: At The Sharp End</a>. I've had a read through and have to say it is superb. The supplement is available in pdf format for the princley sum of £6.00. The 48 page pdf is full colour, clearly laid out and has loads of helpful images and diagrams.<br />
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In a nutshell, the supplement enables you to create a platoon level campaign during the second world war, though it would be easily translatable to other conflicts like the Spanish Civil War or Korean War with little effort. As with the excellent campaign system in Dux Britanniarum, the focus is on playability and minimising paperwork and planning. Three 'levels' of campaign are included, the No Map Campaign is the least fuss, taking literally minutes to set up and play. The Simple Map Campaign involves a little more planning, but includes a background narrative which, if you're anything like myself, is really the reason why we play campaigns. The Full Map Campaign requires the most effort to set up, but is also the most rewarding in terms of narrative and historical engagement. To be honest, the level of preperation required even for the Full Map Campaign is pretty negligable, and if you're like me and enjoy digging out a GSGS map and a couple of Battlezone or Battleground books, then it can hardly be called strenuous.<br />
I managed to get a Full Map Campaign based around the 21st Panzer Division's counterattack against the 12 Parachute Battalion in Ranville on D-Day. It took me just an hour or two yesterday afternoon to sort out, and I had figures on the table playing the first battle last night.<br />
The book contains some example Full Map Campaigns based around the Canadians on Juno Beach and the 5th Wiltshire's attack on Hill 112.<br />
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The campaign system itself is elegant, immersive, and plays quickly with minimal book-keeping. Besides the ebb and flow of the campaign, the casualties, reinforcements and replacements, even bravery citations and awards are all simulated effectively, making for a very immersive experience. Playing the first game of my Ranville campaign, I was struck by how much more conservative I was with the forces, particularly the understrength paras. In the campaign system, the player must balance the benefits of victory in one battle with the impact of casualties on the overall campaign. Which adds another layer to the Chain of Command rules, and is fantastic and engaging stuff.<br />
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Also included in the supplement is a section where you can create your platoons key characters. This part will be familiar to those who've played Sharp Practice, Platoon Forward or Squadron Forward. I really love this kind of stuff, and it really helps the engagement level when your No.2 Section commander is no longer 'Para running, with Sten' from figure pack PAR12, but 25 year old barrel-chested Sergeant Ernie Brown, a former door to door salesman who sold brushes, mops and feather dusters to the housewives of Colchester before joining up. Detailed backgrounds, selected randomly using 2D6, are included for the British, USA, Germany and USSR. Sidney of the superb <a href="http://sidneyroundwood.blogspot.com/">Roundwood's World </a>blog has posted an excellent character generation sheet for <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bz4tzeD_tCqLc09EUkZWR1I4a1k/edit">French Big Men in WWI</a>, which i'll be modifying for use with my 1940 French. <br />
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Throughout the campaign, your platoon leader will be affected by three opinions. Victories and defeats will impact on your standing with the CO, and so the likelihood of getting the pick of the support options. Too many setbacks will see you called into an uncomfortable interview with the CO. Besides the CO, being too reckless with your men's lives will earn you their enmity and you could face a mutiny or even become the victim of a mysterious accident.<br />
Finally, the effects of battle can weigh on your platoon leaders own outlook. A raft of successes can lead him to heady optimism and exhilaration, while defeat can leave him insecure and uncertain. Battle fatigue may lead to mental exhaustion or a breakdown. It's all very engaging stuff, and again is easily tracked with minimal paperwork and adds another layer of narrative to the campaign. <br />
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So that's my take on At The Sharp End. I'd also add that while it's got Chain of Command on the title page and is obviously aimed at this ruleset, there is absolutely nothing stopping you from using it with Battlegroup Overlord, Bolt Action or any number of WWII rulesets. It's a fantastic resource, and gets a very big two thumbs up from me!<br />
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I'll be posting more about the campaign i've set up, including AARs and the maps i've generated. For my next update, I'll introduce the British Airborne platoon which I painted up late last year, including the personalities i've generated for the command characters using At The Sharp End.<br />
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Stay tuned!Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-26700526302612425332014-01-27T13:28:00.000+11:002014-01-27T13:28:38.442+11:002014 - New Beginnings<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.simonbrushfield.com/wp-content/uploads/Churchill-painting-at-the-Easel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.simonbrushfield.com/wp-content/uploads/Churchill-painting-at-the-Easel.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill, <u>the</u><i> </i>Big Man paints merrily away</td></tr>
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As I mentioned in my last post, 2014 will be a year of new beginnings for me. New job, with the attendant reliable and decently sized income will be a big change for Laura and I. It'll be interesting also to see how full time teaching impacts on my hobby. Going by last term, I still managed to get a fair bit of painting and gaming in. That said, I envision report and assessment times being pretty hectic indeed.<br />
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So, while lots of my lucky Australian gaming friends are down in Canberra at CANCON, Australia's biggest wargaming show, I thought I should post a wrap-up of 2013 and my plans for 2014.<br />
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First off, in real life, 2013 was pretty momentous. I got married to Laura, the love of my life, in March, finished university in November and started teaching 'for real' in September! This year i'll be working full time (yay!), and officially graduating in June.<br />
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Last year saw me getting a load of gaming in, including a load of 'firsts.' It saw my first foray into WWII aerial wargaming with Bag the Hun 2, my first experience of play testing with the excellent Chain of Command rules, and running my first participation game at my first Australian war-games show, MOAB! I also got a bunch of games with the blokes at the local gaming group. Lots of WWII rapid fire-ish scale stuff using homebrew WWII rules, as well as scratching the Napoleonic itch with a few games of Sharp Practice. As well as all of this, I caught the X-Wing bug and have played quite a few games of this excellent and fast little game.<br />
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For 2014, my plan is to keep this up. I'm going to check out the next meeting of the Central Coast Wargames club, which actually meets literally just down the road from me. I'll take my SAGA vikings down and hopefully get a chance to see what all the fuss is about this ruleset! I'm also looking forward to the Chain of Command campaign supplement, which Rich is currently furiously working away on. I'm planning on running a few campaigns, using 1940 French and Germans, as well as my Normandy British Infantry/Paras and 21st Panzer Division troops. Additionally, I've chatted with a few of the guys at the local gaming club who are keen to put on a model show this year. If it all goes to plan, we'll be putting on a few participation games as well, of Sharp Practice, some basic WWII 'introduction' rules for the kids, alongside Chain of Command - kind of a mini war-games show on the NSW Central Coast.<br />
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With the 70th anniversary of D-Day, I'm also planning on running a Chain of Command campaign around the landings on Omaha and the battles inland around St Laurent-sur-Mer, and another around the Airborne bridgehead across the Orne.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VSubaQ-cslg/UuJZCG_9BNI/AAAAAAAACTc/bojx3rIPEQM/s1600/JAN14-90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VSubaQ-cslg/UuJZCG_9BNI/AAAAAAAACTc/bojx3rIPEQM/s1600/JAN14-90.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>Last year saw me finish of a fair amount of painting. I finished some little 1/300 aircraft for BTH2, added more bits to my 20mm Normandy British platoon, finished a 21st Panzer division panzer grenadier platoon along with a load of armour and support options, and painted up a British Airborne platoon along with a bunch more support options. I've also finished quite a bit of terrain, including a scratch built Chateau St. Come. Finally, I finished off a few more units of figures for Sharp Practice, so all in all a very productive year for me. In case you haven't noticed, i'm not one of those painters who finish of thousands of figures, so the 200 odd figures and 30 or so vehicles I completed actually mark the most productive painting year i've ever had! So i'm well chuffed. :) I also got a large display cabinet, which I was surprised to find is already almost full of painted figures!<br />
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For the coming year, i've got a few projects. I've actually joined the Guild's annual build competition, and am going to be enlisting in the Toofatlardies painting campaign over on <a href="http://www.vislardica.com/">Vis Lardia Online</a>. For my Birthday and Christmas I scored a load of lead, some books and an airbrush and compressor. I've been experimenting with the airbrush, which is great for painting armour and which i'm hoping to use to paint 28mm horses, which I find almost unbearably unpleasant to paint by hand for some unknown reason. Probably because it takes almost as long as a figure and well... it's only a horse! Hopefully airbrush will allow me to paint them up in batches quickly.<br />
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So, for 2014 my admittedly rather ambitious planned projects are as follows - 20mm stuff is in roughly chronological order, the rest will doubtless be interspersed throughout. Please hold your laughter till the end. :)<br />
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<b><u>20mm 1940 French and Germans for Chain of Command</u></b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbEOKxYUvQc/UuW7Q556nCI/AAAAAAAACUM/ukcQFiBnX6Q/s1600/Troupes+Metropolitaines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbEOKxYUvQc/UuW7Q556nCI/AAAAAAAACUM/ukcQFiBnX6Q/s1600/Troupes+Metropolitaines.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8vXdBOxpIo/UuW7YhWzjqI/AAAAAAAACUU/8K02x8iDALs/s1600/Heer_poster1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8vXdBOxpIo/UuW7YhWzjqI/AAAAAAAACUU/8K02x8iDALs/s1600/Heer_poster1.jpg" height="200" width="141" /></a>For this project, i'll be painting up a platoon a piece for these troops along with a load of support. For the French, I've a full platoon of motorised dragoons along with their trucks, a motorcycle combination squad mounted and dismounted, Panhard armoured cars, SOMUA medium tanks, some more Hotchkiss tanks, a team each for 25mm AT gun, hotchkiss machine-gun, 60mm mortar, and a 47mm AT gun, even a Char B1 bis. I'd also love to add some Renault R-35s, a Latil staff car, and an FCM-36 or two. Figures are mostly the excellent Early War Miniatures, with a smattering of Battlefield. Armour and vehicles are all EWM, bar two plastic S-Models Hotchkiss H-39s.<br />
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For the Germans, i've got the full infantry platoon along with a raft of Panzers I thru IV (the Pz IV will be a conversion from a Panzer IVH - my first conversion), Krupp trucks, SdKfz 222s etc. I'll undoubtedly add more support to this force. For the Jerries I'll be using a mix of figures from Battlefield, Kelly's Heroes, and Elheim. The vehicles are again a grab bag from S-Models, MMS, Dragon, ICM, Pegasus and the single PSC Panzer IV conversion. <br />
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<b><u>20mm D-Day US 29th Division Platoon for Chain of Command</u></b><br />
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I've just managed to pick up a platoon's worth of the 20mm Battlefield 'Bloody Omaha' Americans. These figures are long out of production, and are rarer than hen's teeth. The figures are kitted out for the landing, including some superb little dioramas of wounded men, medics, bangalore teams, etc. On the way are a full platoon along with a load of support options - a flamethrower team, medics, wire-cutting team, .30cal teams, a 60mm mortar alongside some of the little vignettes.<br />
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I'm looking forward to getting my hands on them, and have dug out a Britannia DD Sherman which i'll paint up from 741st Tank Battalion, and of course i'll have to get a Britannia LCVP or two. This is a little bit of a side project, but i've always loved these figures, and with the 70th anniversary of D-Day now is the perfect time! I'll eventually add some more support options to let the yanks of the 29th Blue and Grey division battle through the bocage towards St. Lo.<br />
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<b><u>20mm Russian Platoon for Chain of Command</u></b><br />
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This is another side project. I'll be trying out the <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-22svCEuGCKE/UuW7P7VowxI/AAAAAAAACUI/xsTsm2PTt9w/s1600/soviet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-22svCEuGCKE/UuW7P7VowxI/AAAAAAAACUI/xsTsm2PTt9w/s1600/soviet.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a><a href="http://www.guildwargamers.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=83&t=12864">'super fast Soviets'</a> method Piers Brand posted over on the guild to paint up a platoon of Plastic Soldier Russians leavened with some of the excellent Elheim figures. These guys also have a few PSC T-34s and a Dragon waiting in the painting queue, and the recently released T-35 from S-Models is impractical but utterly irresistible!<br />
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I'll probably add some T-26s from S-Models too to so my 1940 Germans can head east. <br />
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<br /><b><u>20mm Late War Germans</u></b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gTC57w5B74k/UuW_w61qLfI/AAAAAAAACUo/6FT4INvmTUw/s1600/21-Panzer-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gTC57w5B74k/UuW_w61qLfI/AAAAAAAACUo/6FT4INvmTUw/s1600/21-Panzer-03.jpg" height="115" width="200" /></a>I've a load of vehicles to finish off for my Germans. A couple of Dragon Tiger Is, alongside an SdKfz 234/1 Armoured car, a Marder I, and more crazy 21st Panzer Division vehicles. Also, there'll be some more crew, as well as an 8 man recce team to go with the S&S models SdKfz 250/1 'neu' halftracks i painted up last year. I'll also need a one or two more MG34 teams for the Omaha project.<br />
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<b><u>20mm Terrain</u></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunker above St-Laurent draw, Omaha Beach</td></tr>
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I'm planning on expanding my collection of buildings to allow me to play some FIBUA battles. These will be a combination of scratch builds, and some of the goodies from Jens at <a href="http://lasermodellbau.de/">lasermodellbau.de</a>, including the excellent Café Gondrée. Along with the rumoured Pegasus Bridge model coming from Will at Plastic Soldier Company this will fill a gap in my collection and enable me to game this iconic battle. Also, with the US D-Day troops, i'm planning on doing an Omaha beach terrain board. I already have one 2"x2" beach board which I made as part of my Riva-Bella casino board years ago, so i'd add another so i can have a 4" wide board leading from the surf up to the bluffs, probably around the Les Moulins draw in the 116th Regimental Combat Team's sector. Alongside this, i'll probably add some trees, probably some conifer looking types for east front scenarios, as well as perhaps some of the pegasus models Russian farmhouses.<br />
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<b><u>28mm SAGA Vikings</u></b><br />
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Add another 2 points of troops to my viking war band to bring it up to 6 points. Another 4 man <i>hirdman</i> unit and a unit of <i>thrall</i> archers should do it.<br />
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<b><u>28mm SAGA Norman Warband</u></b><br />
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Start and finish my 4 point Norman warband, and add another 2 points of troops - probably dismounted <i>milites</i> and another unit of mounted <i>milites</i>. Hopefully aided by my yet-to-be-discovered super speedy method of airbrushing horses.<br />
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<b><u>28mm SAGA Byzantine Warband</u></b><br />
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Oh, yeah, and I got a 4 point Byzantine warband for Christmas, so this will be getting a similar treatment, again aided by a spectacularly fast, easy and effective airbrushing technique for painting horses. :)<br />
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<b><u>28mm Minden Seven Years' War Prussians and Austrians</u></b><br />
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Ok, so I also got a copy of Maurice for my birthday. And a load of the beautiful Minden Seven Years' War figures. Musketeers, Grenadiers, Light infantry, Cavalry. It's all there, and is in the painting line. Ideally, I'd love to finish at least 24 figure unit for both the Prussians and the Austrians. It would be fantastic to finish more! As a side note to this, I've joined the Ebor kick-starter for Great Northern War Swedes, so will be receiving a boatload of Swedes at some stage this year. 2015 might be shaping up to be the year of the Maurice projects.<br />
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<b><u>1/300 1940 RAF/Luftwaffe/Armee de l'Air Aircraft</u></b><br />
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Finally, I want to build up my Bag The Hun 2 forces, at the very least adding another flight of Hurricanes, a couple of Spitfires, and another of 109s. Oh, and some Dorniers. And some Stukas. And you really need a Heinkel or two, don't you. And the Boulton-Paul Defiant is pretty unique. Then there's the French... Figures are all from Heroics & Ros<br />
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So, there you have it. It's really very ambitious for me, but I figure if I remain relatively disciplined and avoid the dreaded wargamer lurgi, the symptom of which is crying 'oh look, those (insert obscure conflict here) figures are very nice. I really do need them don't I....<br />
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Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRfGGnUCbe0/UuJZ6yrvDxI/AAAAAAAACTk/RPJMcll10G0/s1600/JAN14-91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRfGGnUCbe0/UuJZ6yrvDxI/AAAAAAAACTk/RPJMcll10G0/s1600/JAN14-91.jpg" height="142" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early War Miniatures French wait patiently for some paint</td></tr>
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Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-72847380188691211492014-01-24T21:32:00.003+11:002014-01-24T21:32:50.047+11:00Something Fresh - SAGA Vikings<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QDPGrDqU7b8/UuI8735-poI/AAAAAAAACRA/-6fYbv0JdAw/s1600/JAN14-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QDPGrDqU7b8/UuI8735-poI/AAAAAAAACRA/-6fYbv0JdAw/s1600/JAN14-10.jpg" height="200" width="157" /></a>Well, it's been a while between posts, so I hope you are all going very well, had a fantastic Christmas and 2014 is puttering along nicely.<br />
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The last few months have been <u>very</u> eventful in the world of Ben. Following my last AAR, I popped down to MOAB in south Sydney to put on a demonstration game of Chain of Command. It was a great day, and you can find out all about it over on the TooFatLardies blog <a href="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/blog/?p=1896">here</a>. Speaking of the Lardies, i've also written an article on using Chain of Command to game the mammoth Battle of Hannut, between the French tanks and dragoons of the Cavalry Corps and the German 3rd and 4th Panzer divisions in 1940. This appeared in the latest TooFatLardies Christmas Special, an excellent collection of thought provoking articles, scenarios, and gaming ideas which, while coming out of the Lardy stable, easily translate into many other rulesets. The mini campaign in my article could easily be used with Bolt Action for example. You can<a href="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=142"> grab it here</a> for the very reasonable price of £6.00.<br />
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<a href="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/images/Cover%20Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/images/Cover%20Small.jpg" height="200" width="138" /></a>As I mentioned in some previous updates, I finished my studies in November 2013. After four years of study, it's a little surreal to wave goodbye the the world of University - at least for the time being. I had <br />
embarked on my degree with an aim to going on to complete pro-graduate studies, however the school which I completed my 10 week internship in has changed that. It's a local junior campus of a larger college, serving over 1200 year 7 to year 10 students. The kids, staff and the executive are all fantastic, and it was a really rewarding and fun place to do my internship. Fourth term last year, I was in almost every day with casual work - very nice to be paid, even if it was a little challenging to teach mathematics, cooking, and even needlework. I've been offered, and accepted, a full year long contract to teach History and Geography for 2014. This is doubly exciting as in Australia we have a new national curriculum rolling out, with a much less insular and more global slant, and i've been able to create a major unit for year 9 covering the First and Second World Wars, and area which I find fascinating and very relevant. Consequently, i've built up a unit based not on badly out of date text books but rather loads of contemporary accounts, sources and fresh and new resources and documentaries. I've even got a film study in there, based around building historical empathy and using the superb 'Joyeux Noël.' I'm looking forward to getting a chance to try it out, and we're due to kick off around the middle of first term.<br />
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So, perhaps that goes some way to explain, if not excuse, my sabbatical from this blog. However, despite the paucity of posts, I have been painting away in my spare moments, and have finished a few projects. My plan for this year is to do shorter, but more regular updates on this blog. The occasional essay-lengt AAR will still be in there, however for the most part they'll be a bit shorter.<br />
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When I'm painting, I usually listen to either podcasts such as the excellent <a href="http://meeples.wordpress.com/">Meeples and Miniatures</a> and <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/iot">In Our Time with Melvyn Bragg</a>, or to audiobooks. I've been listening to Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Stories series. If you haven't read/listened to them, they're Cornwell at his fun-if-predictable best. As a result of this, and chatting with some blokes at the local gaming group, I decided to dip my toe into Tomahawk Studio's greatly lauded SAGA ruleset. I picked up a Viking and Norman starter army, along with a set of the rules, a copy of Robert Ferguson's excellent and comprehensive <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Hammer-Cross-History-Vikings/dp/0141017759/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390555539&sr=8-1&keywords=hammer+and+the+cross">Hammer and the Cross</a> and some MDF odds and sods from <a href="http://www.warbases.co.uk/">War Bases</a>.<br />
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I've always had a fascination with the Viking era, and my visit to the Historiska Museet in Stockholm did little to suffuse this, especially when parts of the collection seemed to follow me to upside-down land, what with the Sydney Maritime Museum hosting an exhibition including a reconstruction of the Gokstadt Ship. An excellent part of this exhibition concerned textiles and dying techniques, including some examples of cloth coloured with traditional methods. I leaned heavily on this, along with Jenny Dean's <a href="http://www.JennyDean.co.uk/">excellent site</a>, when deciding on the colour schemes for high and low status warriors. I do like painting dark ages figures, as choosing colour schemes requires a mix of creativity and historical research which I really do enjoy.<br />
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So without further ado, here are some pictures of my SAGA Vikings.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KFn04i_DbX8/UuI9PKKghCI/AAAAAAAACRI/0qTo6KHb2Gw/s1600/JAN14-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KFn04i_DbX8/UuI9PKKghCI/AAAAAAAACRI/0qTo6KHb2Gw/s1600/JAN14-6.jpg" height="200" width="165" /></a>First off, the warlord, a superb sculpt from the lads at <a href="http://www.grippingbeast.com/">Gripping Beast Towers</a>. As I was reading Njal's Saga while painting him, I imagined him as Kári Sölmundarson, <i>hirdmann </i>of the Hebridean Jarl Sigmund, mercenary, avenger of Njal's hall burning, lethal warrior basically all-around viking hero. Add to that the fact he is one of the only survivors in one of the most famous of the icelandic Sagas, and I think it's very fitting that Kári leads my SAGA war band! According with a warrior of such renown, he's dressed in the best of 10th century fashion, with a rare and exquisite red dyed tunic and some fancy striped trews. His helmet and armour is highly polished, and his shield is decorated with one of the most intricate of the excellent <a href="http://littlebigmenstudios.co.uk/catalog/">Little Big Man Studios</a> shield transfers, and the shattered shield of a vanquished foe lies below his feet. Speaking of which, i've tried something different with the basing. I've gone for a cold Northern European autumn look, with moss covered stones and fallen leaves over damp, soggy ground - think Northumbria, Scotland, the Orkneys, Ireland, the Hebrides or even Iceland.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIKMyPdSQgw/UuI9QUJA3vI/AAAAAAAACRQ/OiXAtZsKEUU/s1600/JAN14-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIKMyPdSQgw/UuI9QUJA3vI/AAAAAAAACRQ/OiXAtZsKEUU/s1600/JAN14-7.jpg" height="200" width="165" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uKMBX_y53PM/UuI9eM42HtI/AAAAAAAACRc/hsVpNH1_Lto/s1600/JAN14-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uKMBX_y53PM/UuI9eM42HtI/AAAAAAAACRc/hsVpNH1_Lto/s1600/JAN14-8.jpg" height="200" width="142" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5dxnZnjxMLE/UuI9diElHmI/AAAAAAAACRY/GodP2kY_uPM/s1600/JAN14-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5dxnZnjxMLE/UuI9diElHmI/AAAAAAAACRY/GodP2kY_uPM/s1600/JAN14-9.jpg" height="200" width="156" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YR-1H7Fw8FM/UuI-tGfG7yI/AAAAAAAACR4/JcWbKo9gLVM/s1600/JAN14-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YR-1H7Fw8FM/UuI-tGfG7yI/AAAAAAAACR4/JcWbKo9gLVM/s1600/JAN14-18.jpg" height="143" width="200" /></a>Next up, the <i>berserkir</i>. These feral warriors fought sans armour and with great ferocity, feared by foe and friend alike. While their historicity is not solid, individual <i>berserkr</i> do appear in the sagas, and there was an excellent article in a recent issue of Medieval Warfare magazine. These guys all got striped trews, as they're high-status (if violent and insane) warriors. Shields are hand painted, and this is my first attempt at larger areas of flesh. I tried to avoid the 'skeleton' look which can be the result of my usual layering approach to painting. More layers and a more gradual colour transition than i'm used to seems to have avoided this - to my eye at least. I armed these guys with short and long handed axes, as I imagine that the battle-crazed <i>berserkir</i> could wield such heavy weapons with comparative ease.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3NsQPw17RmM/UuI-zkDSxbI/AAAAAAAACSA/yzepMxxRhWc/s1600/JAN14-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3NsQPw17RmM/UuI-zkDSxbI/AAAAAAAACSA/yzepMxxRhWc/s1600/JAN14-21.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JgxfQVOUaiE/UuI-rKEVHdI/AAAAAAAACRw/7c3_lqFu3kg/s1600/JAN14-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JgxfQVOUaiE/UuI-rKEVHdI/AAAAAAAACRw/7c3_lqFu3kg/s1600/JAN14-20.jpg" height="200" width="122" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1cDtV2bhlbs/UuI-kyj405I/AAAAAAAACRo/w6-L5SY2a9g/s1600/JAN14-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1cDtV2bhlbs/UuI-kyj405I/AAAAAAAACRo/w6-L5SY2a9g/s1600/JAN14-19.jpg" height="200" width="143" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFo0-_7ub4A/UuJAA8w_WSI/AAAAAAAACSQ/l4KrTMr8_HU/s1600/JAN14-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFo0-_7ub4A/UuJAA8w_WSI/AAAAAAAACSQ/l4KrTMr8_HU/s1600/JAN14-13.jpg" height="137" width="200" /></a>These lads are the <i>hirdmenn</i>, plastic figures from the beasties. As with the warlord, colour selections tend towards the rarer high status dyes. A mix of axes and swords for these lads, and they're all well equipped with mail and helmet, even if the mail is not quite as shining and the helmets a little more battered than those of their fearless leader. Shield designs are LBMS transfers.<br />
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Finally, here are two units of <i>bondir, </i>the warrior types. This lot are less well equipped than the other warriors, no mail and helmets are rare. To counter this in the SAGA rules they usually operate in larger groups. My war band does not as yet have any <i>thralls</i>, levy archers of even lower status and who fight in even larger units. For the <i>bondir </i>I chose to use a muted palate of mostly lower status dyes, browns, yellows, muddy greens, with a few splashes of colour here and there. Shields are again from LBMS.<br />
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So, that's it for the vikings. I've got another unit of <i>hirdmen</i> and and have plans to grab a pack of <i>thrall</i> archers which will take the group up to 6 points. Incidentally, they've yet to be 'blooded', but one of the local gaming groups run a fair bit of SAGA so I plan to take them down next month and see how the rules run. Going by the way my freshly painted units usually perform, i'm not holding out high hopes.<br />
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The Norman warband are undercoated and waiting in line while I finish off what i'm currently working on, 1940 French and German troops for Chain of Command... but more on them later :)<br />
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I'll pop up another few posts in the next few days, including an update of my plans for 2014 and some pictures of my British Parachute platoon who were glimpsed in the last Chain of Command AAR.<br />
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Till then, keep painting and gaming!<br />
Ben<br />
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<br />Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-73817302537441904362013-08-18T12:20:00.004+10:002013-08-18T13:42:20.468+10:00Chain of Command AAR: Assault on the Chateau St-Come<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</style>
<![endif]-->
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WBGC8_21Rxs/UhAZK-AZ6lI/AAAAAAAACHs/V1fTtPkMPP0/s1600/COCAAR31A-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WBGC8_21Rxs/UhAZK-AZ6lI/AAAAAAAACHs/V1fTtPkMPP0/s200/COCAAR31A-1.jpg" width="165" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paras counterattack from the Chateau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, it seems like yet again the best laid plans have gone
awry, and for the umpteenth time I’m offering my apologies for the paucity of
posts over the last few months. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life has been proceeding apace, and I’ve now finished my
four year undergraduate degree, and am a few weeks away from being a fully
qualified History/French High School teacher. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m presently on my internship, a 10 week block where<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I work in a high school, teaching a full
‘load’ and getting involved in all the extra-curricular activities as well.
I’ve been at the school, which is only 20 mins from home, for the last
three-and-a-bit weeks, and appear to have been rather lucky in being allocated
this school. The staff are great, there are loads of resources to use, and the
kids are well behaved (on the whole <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>)
and keen to learn. The only difficulty is that I’ve been allocated Geography to
teach – a subject which I’d not even looked at (apart from the odd documentary)
since I was at school, over 10 years ago! So I’ve been busy educating both
myself and the students about topics as disparate as deserts, Australia’s
physical characteristics and climatic patterns, and the issue of radioactive
waste! Needless to say, any time I find which isn’t filled up by teaching and
lesson planning is used to cram in as much knowledge about the topics as I can.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That said, Geography seems a rather interesting subject, and
my cooperating teacher has been very helpful and supportive. It even seems like
the kids might be learning something! I’ve also been able to get my history ‘fix’
by teaching some year 7 kids all about ancient China (a fascinating period by-the-by). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, that perhaps goes someway to explaining my lack of blog
activity over the last couple of months.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>NOW, ON TO THE IMPORTANT STUFF!</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What little free time which I have found over the last few
weeks, I’ve been pottering along with painting up British paras in 20mm, and
scratch-building a 20mm model of the Chateau Saint-C<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">ô</span>me. I finally finished off both
of these projects a few weeks ago, and have managed to get in a game of Chain
of Command, the highly anticipated (and soon-to-be-released!) platoon level ruleset from the TooFatLardies. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Cover-Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Cover-Final.jpg" width="142" /></a>The rules have been made available for pre-orders, both of the hardcopy,
tablet and pdf bundles, together with some excellent jump-off points, markers and some nice big Chain of Command dice to help you keep track. You can check some of the details of these deals out <a href="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/blog/?p=1652">here</a> over on the TFL blog. These pre-order deals offer some pretty decent savings
as well. I’ve been able to preview a few of the finished chapters, and the book
looks gorgeous, full colour with loads of eye candy and useful diagrams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I probably should also say here that photos
of some of my figures and vehicles are in the finished rules (which is rather
exciting I must say!) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The rules are available from the 21st August, so get in quick if you want to get the pre-orders! They're available from the Lardies website <a href="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/">here</a>.</b></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rich and Nick have done an amazing job on these rules,
including some pretty serious proof-reading and multiple play test groups. If
you’re interested in a WWII platoon level rule set that is fast to play, very
fun, and presents you with real command challenges, check out Chain of Command,
you’ll not be disappointed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the third of my occasional series of AARs using Chain of Command. You can check out the first two<a href="http://littletinmen.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/chain-of-command-aar-hedgerow-hell.html"> here</a> and <a href="http://littletinmen.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/chain-of-command-aar-battle-of-route.html">here</a>.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On with the After Action Report:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Assault on the Chateau Saint-C<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">ô</span>me, June 10<sup>th</sup>, 1944</u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pegasusarchive.org/normandy/Photos1/Pic_StComeAir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://www.pegasusarchive.org/normandy/Photos1/Pic_StComeAir.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An aerial photo of the Chateau and surrounds, June 1944</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lieutenant Edward Rawlinson of 9<sup>th</sup> Parachute
Battalion was exhausted. It had barely been four days since he had taken that
first step out of the heaving Dakota into the darkness of the Normandy sky. He
could remember the feeling of terror and excitement, and how his parachute had
opened and he’d drifted slowly down through a black sky lit by brilliant flashes
of tracer from the Flak. Four days it may have been, but it felt like another
lifetime ago. Rawlinson had not been at the brutal and confused fight for the
Merville battery. While Colonel Otway had led the battalion through the wire
into the German strongpoint, Rawlinson had been struggling his way through
seemingly endless fields, flooded by the swollen Dives river. He had finally
reached the battalion on the evening of D-Day, having neither fired a shot nor
seen a German soldier.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
But that had been four days ago. He was amazed at how
quickly he had become accustomed to the horrors and absurdities of war. As he
trudged back towards his platoon position he barely noticed the shattered body
of a German soldier which lay in the ditch by the road. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AghR66JvPK8/UhAccaFO0YI/AAAAAAAACII/sJGvM-eDPIk/s1600/COCAAR3-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AghR66JvPK8/UhAccaFO0YI/AAAAAAAACII/sJGvM-eDPIk/s200/COCAAR3-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German patrols probe the para positions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
His mind was focused on other matters. He was returning from
an O group, where he had been ordered to move his ad-hoc platoon to the
westernmost flank of the battalion. The Major had warned that a new Jerry unit
had arrived in nearby town of Br<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">é</span>ville, and that an attack was expected
against his new position. More alarmingly, the sounds of Jerry armour had been
heard earlier in the evening. Aside from the unreliable PIAT launcher,
Rawlinson had no anti tank support. The Major had promised him the support of
Sergeant ‘Moody’ Naismith’s Jeep. It was armed with a Vickers machine-gun, but
that, Rawlinson supposed, was better than nothing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dasBE9koIas/UhAcaC3VpJI/AAAAAAAACH8/suBESLF2Y0U/s1600/COCAAR3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dasBE9koIas/UhAcaC3VpJI/AAAAAAAACH8/suBESLF2Y0U/s200/COCAAR3-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Para patrols move cautiously</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Morning Lofty,” Rawlinson greeted his Platoon Sergeant, the
aristocratic Reggie Threepwood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Finish your brew, then best rouse the lads. We’re moving
out again and I want you to take a patrol out to see if you can’t find what
Jerry’s up to”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Threepwood nodded. “Right you are guv'nor, I’ll gather the
usual assemblage of ne’er-do-wells. What delightful location are we to visit to
this time, and shall I pack the golf clubs?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rawlinson smiled wryly. “No such luck Reggie, it’s back to
the chateau I’m afraid. The Colonel wants to mask the place. We’ve not got
enough men to hold it, but we don’t want Jerry getting settled in either. An observer
or sniper up there could cause us rather a lot of bother.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZfA03i5Q0Q/UhAcp2eWVAI/AAAAAAAACIQ/6yjGZDiksGk/s1600/COCAAR3-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZfA03i5Q0Q/UhAcp2eWVAI/AAAAAAAACIQ/6yjGZDiksGk/s200/COCAAR3-4.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German grenadiers form up for the attack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Threepwood nodded again, downed the last of his tea and
headed off to assemble his patrol. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rawlinson stared off into the darkness in the general
direction of the imposing Chateau. Rumour was that it was owned by an English
Lord, and that the surrounding paddocks had once been the breeding grounds for
valuable racehorses. Now the fields were overgrown and scarred with the ugly brown
smears of shell holes. Racehorses or no, in Rawlinson’s opinion the best thing
to do would be to let the artillery flatten the place. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJOgSz4T6fA/UhAcZkXqcMI/AAAAAAAACH4/CicGdGq4g9s/s1600/COCAAR3-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJOgSz4T6fA/UhAcZkXqcMI/AAAAAAAACH4/CicGdGq4g9s/s200/COCAAR3-3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jerry StuG moves up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XWjlYmOCzFA/UhAekcsC5tI/AAAAAAAACJM/rr8zaP2mQ4A/s1600/COCAAR3-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XWjlYmOCzFA/UhAekcsC5tI/AAAAAAAACJM/rr8zaP2mQ4A/s200/COCAAR3-7.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The onslaught begins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Threepwood’s patrol returned at first light, the sergeant
excitedly confirming the reports of large enemy movements across the paddocks
to the west. He even claimed to have seen one of the dreaded Tiger tanks moving
up, a prospect which Rawlinson found very unsettling indeed. Rawlinson stood
the men too and sent the platoon sniper to the chateau tower to keep watch over
the fields, now almost fully visible in the grey light of dawn.</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yovoPKhUu2w/UhAeU2LSroI/AAAAAAAACI8/4Fyb04CVN-c/s1600/COCAAR3-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yovoPKhUu2w/UhAeU2LSroI/AAAAAAAACI8/4Fyb04CVN-c/s200/COCAAR3-11.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharpton keeps Jerry's head down</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Private Alf Sharpton carefully pushed back the drapes from
the window and peered through the scope of his .303 calibre Short Model Lee
Enfield No.4 (T) to the fields below. Lieutenant Rawlinson had ordered him into
the upper wing of the Chateau where he was to use his superior marksmanship to
take out any Jerry leaders in the coming attacks. Sharpton was a trained
sniper, an expert marksman and an integral part of every parachute platoon. As
he gazed intently through the scope, he saw movement across the Chateau’s
circular drive. He carefully aligned the crosshairs on the green-grey of the German
soldier’s tunic, exhaled, and as he did he squeezed the trigger.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDY01J4jxNo/UhAeP5oYgNI/AAAAAAAACIw/5_SB_V98sds/s1600/COCAAR3-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDY01J4jxNo/UhAeP5oYgNI/AAAAAAAACIw/5_SB_V98sds/s200/COCAAR3-12.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McReedie's section rushes forward</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The crack of Sharpton’s shot sounded from the chateau. The
sound shook Rawlinson out of his reveries and galvanised him into action. He
called over to Sergeant Douglas McReedie. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Doug, take your section forward to the ditch by the drive. Hunker
down down and hold that position. It is absolutely critical that you do not let
Jerry get through. We’re all that stands between the enemy and battalion HQ. If
they get through here, the whole battalion could be lost. Go to it."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The gruff Ayrshire man saluted sharply, turned, and led his
section off at the run.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-69Yopwq8S5U/UhAewgh0IdI/AAAAAAAACJk/w9iJbdrAgKQ/s1600/COCAAR3-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-69Yopwq8S5U/UhAewgh0IdI/AAAAAAAACJk/w9iJbdrAgKQ/s200/COCAAR3-8.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Germans take cover near the chateau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sharpton was certain that he had hit at least two green-grey
figures before the attacking force went to ground in the woods near the
circular drive. He saw paratroopers moving to his left, led by the
unmistakeable 6’2” figure of Dougie McReedie. He saw the section reach the relative
safety of the ditch by the drive, then saw them open fire across the drive, the
Bren rhythmically chattering away at some unseen enemy. Just then he heard a
the unmistakeable whistling sound of an incoming round, and saw the single
round smash into the undergrowth to the rear of McReedie’s section, throwing up
a wet smear of earth. A ranging shot, thought Sharpton. McReedie’s section
would soon be covered under a deluge of fire. Poor bastards, he thought, before
once more peering through the scope of his rifle, searching the area to his
front for any movement.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pr2h6a94BGc/UhAg4UGa3UI/AAAAAAAACKI/FgvxVz7oE7o/s1600/COCAAR3-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pr2h6a94BGc/UhAg4UGa3UI/AAAAAAAACKI/FgvxVz7oE7o/s200/COCAAR3-20.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McReedie's section under fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JqD1bmr9O80/UhAhEDueZiI/AAAAAAAACKg/_XLoJn8wEbM/s1600/COCAAR3-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JqD1bmr9O80/UhAhEDueZiI/AAAAAAAACKg/_XLoJn8wEbM/s200/COCAAR3-21.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German observer calls in fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The area around the driveway was like a small vision of
hell. Rawlinson carefully raised himself over the rim of the ditch and gazed in
horror at the place which moments ago had been a rather stately dirt driveway.
Now it was a wall of dust and smoke, illuminated by the flashes of exploding
rounds. He hoped to hell that McReedie and his men were in cover. Then, after
only a brief moment, the barrage stopped as suddenly as it had started. Even before
the dust had settled he could hear the distinctive chatter of a Bren gun. Thank
God, he thought, McReedie’s chaps must have kept their heads down. Just then,
he heard the distinctive sound of a Jerry MG. Rawlinson thought it sounded
vaguely like tearing canvas. McReedie would be needing some help. He jogged
over to the jeep which was idling just off the road.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sergeant Naismith, take your jeep down the road to the
drive and give our chaps some support.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Naismith’s gunner smiled a toothy grin as he cocked his
nasty looking Vickers ‘K’ gun. Naismith looked more hesitant.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kYbfFRwGsBg/UhAehvBvUSI/AAAAAAAACJE/ToE5WDP_5e0/s1600/COCAAR3-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kYbfFRwGsBg/UhAehvBvUSI/AAAAAAAACJE/ToE5WDP_5e0/s200/COCAAR3-13.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naismith's jeep moves up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
“Right you are sir,” he said cautiously, “Its just that
Danny Reece was saying that there’s bloody Jerry tigers down that way, and if
we run into any of those..”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sergeant, I’m ordering you to get down there and give our
lads some support. So you’ll damned well get moving.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sir” the chastened sergeant saluted then tapped his driver
on the shoulder. The jeep sped off down the road towards the fire, and soon the
distinctive ‘brrrp brrrp’ of the Vickers joined the din. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VNN4DfH20H8/UhAhU3TXLCI/AAAAAAAACKw/SS8H_tcHn6w/s1600/COCAAR3-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VNN4DfH20H8/UhAhU3TXLCI/AAAAAAAACKw/SS8H_tcHn6w/s200/COCAAR3-24.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hitchens' men defend the chateau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rawlinson wiped his brow with a trembling hand and once more
raised himself carefully above the rim of the ditch. Just then, a wide-eyed
Private whose name the lieutenant had forgotten stumbled breathlessly out of the
woods to his right.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sir, Sergeant Hitchens says to tell you that there’s a
Tiger coming across the paddock towards the chateau He says sir, that if you
could please send the lads with the PIAT he would be very <o:p></o:p></div>
appreciative. Sir.”
The boy looked terrified, and Rawlinson very much doubted that the notoriously
foul mouthed and foul tempered Jim Hitchens had phrased his request quite so
politely. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsAFzjOAceI/UhAg6msPFFI/AAAAAAAACKY/tiJ9l4B19K0/s1600/COCAAR3-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsAFzjOAceI/UhAg6msPFFI/AAAAAAAACKY/tiJ9l4B19K0/s200/COCAAR3-19.jpg" width="172" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British line under pressure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Thank you private, run back to and tell Jim to grab the
spare Bren and the PIAT team, and to get himself into that chateau. We
absolutely must hold the place. Tell him to get upstairs and try to get a shot
with the PIAT down onto the top of the tank.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes sir.” The private saluted, and made to turn away but
then the crack of a tank gun from the direction of the driveway made him
hesitate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, go on then private!’ <o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PvbzDKIkPyU/UhAhWY20yYI/AAAAAAAACLA/KVfuQxjoL34/s1600/COCAAR3-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PvbzDKIkPyU/UhAhWY20yYI/AAAAAAAACLA/KVfuQxjoL34/s200/COCAAR3-25.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2" mortar lays down smoke</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh, yes, huh, of course sir. Sorry, sir” The lad saluted
then ran back the way he’d came. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Lofty,” Rawlinson called the platoon sergeant over, “Looks
like things are getting rather dicey. Get that 2” mortar to lay some smoke in
front of the Jerry panzer, then you’d best get down to the drive and see how
McReedie’s getting on.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sergeant looked less than pleased at the prospect, yet
he saluted as crisply as if on a parade ground, before turning without a word and
disappearing over the rim of the ditch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kJVeNmOvcUc/UhAhVuSyeOI/AAAAAAAACK4/L8ymI6QyVdk/s1600/COCAAR3-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kJVeNmOvcUc/UhAhVuSyeOI/AAAAAAAACK4/L8ymI6QyVdk/s200/COCAAR3-22.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McReedie's section hold the line</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sergeant McReedie raised his head and peered towards where
he had last seen the Germans. Through the smoke he could just make out the low
menacing shape of the Jerry assault gun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Its gun was still trained on the burning wreckage which moments before
had been Sergeant Naismith’s jeep. Movement to his front drew his attention, it
looked like that Jerry section was having another crack. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aes6-ckp6Gw/UhArRFQdFHI/AAAAAAAACMI/k8e6PDvC-xI/s1600/COCAAR3-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aes6-ckp6Gw/UhArRFQdFHI/AAAAAAAACMI/k8e6PDvC-xI/s200/COCAAR3-34.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sgt Threepwood moves up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Perkins, target to your front. They’re coming again” He
didn’t need to give the order, the veteran private had already drawn a bead on
the green-grey shapes moving through the drifting smoke and opened up with the
Bren again. The remnants of the section opened up in, the sharp crack of their
rifles joining the lower chatter of the Bren. The Germans returned fire, but it
was more feeble than it had been in the first assault. McReedie saw one man
fall, and then suddenly the Germans were falling back. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Go on, run you bastards” shouted Perkins, reloading the
Bren and then opening up once more. McReedie peered warily through the smoke
and dust towards the assault gun. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vv-qWUtoLgA/UhArRbsOptI/AAAAAAAACMM/ZrN-ryeGVdM/s1600/COCAAR3-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vv-qWUtoLgA/UhArRbsOptI/AAAAAAAACMM/ZrN-ryeGVdM/s200/COCAAR3-33.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jeep burns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Down lads” he shouted, as the low shape lurched on its
tracks and began to turn towards their position. That bloody tank would be the
end of them. It had headed for the chateau before something had made it reverse
quickly. McReedie was certain that it would be the platoons PIAT projector. He
only hoped that the PIAT team were stalking the tank, as his tattered section
had nothing to face the armour with. The tall, elegant shape of Sergeant
Threepwood lept ungracefully into the ditch beside him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Morning Dougie” said the sergeant, straightening his
camouflagued tunic. “The guv'nor’s sent me down to see how your chaps are
getting on.” McReedie made to respond but his words were drowned out by a
deafening crack as a round from the German assault gun slammed into the rim of
the ditch. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z9yhWrjP9Ys/UhArA55tmLI/AAAAAAAACLw/RkOzCqbXEiY/s1600/COCAAR3-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z9yhWrjP9Ys/UhArA55tmLI/AAAAAAAACLw/RkOzCqbXEiY/s200/COCAAR3-31.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the PIAT fires on the StuG</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AHTkbBDm3K4/UhArCLsbPmI/AAAAAAAACL4/ulpmxcLivfc/s1600/COCAAR3-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AHTkbBDm3K4/UhArCLsbPmI/AAAAAAAACL4/ulpmxcLivfc/s200/COCAAR3-30.jpg" width="161" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuG fires on the Chateau<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I say, that Jerry panzers a right nuisance isn’t it” said
Threepwood, removing his maroon beret and carefully dusting it off. “At least
it’s not a damned Tiger though, am I right.” He smiled a toothy grin. “The guv'nor’s sent<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jim with the anti tank
lads over to the chateau. Jim being a rather resourceful chap I’d wager that
the lads are already out there crawling about and looking for a half-decent shot.”
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
McReedie smiled and nodded grimly. He had no doubt that
Threepwood was right, but he didn’t like the chances of the lads on anti-tank
duty. The PIAT was heavy, slow to load, and dreadfully inaccurate. His ears
rang and the ground shook once more as another round slammed into the ditch.
McReedie stooped and ran to where Private Perkins was writing and clutching at
his chest, blood pouring from a nasty looking wound. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds_McO1dUEM/UhArHQ-6OaI/AAAAAAAACMA/68piFnbLOeQ/s1600/COCAAR3-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds_McO1dUEM/UhArHQ-6OaI/AAAAAAAACMA/68piFnbLOeQ/s200/COCAAR3-32.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The German attack falters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Spence, look after him,” McReedie ordered, before grabbing
the discarded Bren gun himself. He checked the magazine, positioned it on the
rim of the ditch, and opened fire on the retreating Germans. From the north he
could hear the twin chatter as Jim Hitchen’s section moved out from the Chateau
and advanced across the driveway. He glanced across at the panzer, only to see
that it was no longer where it had been. A private who he vaguely recognised as
from Hitchen’s section jumped into the ditch beside him. The man was briefly
taken aback by the carnage around him, but composed himself and saluted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FI8psFyl6H4/UhAuZBVUBvI/AAAAAAAACMs/UearHgDXiUQ/s1600/COCAAR3-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FI8psFyl6H4/UhAuZBVUBvI/AAAAAAAACMs/UearHgDXiUQ/s200/COCAAR3-35.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German survivors rally</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sarge, Hitch says to tell you that the lads have cleared
out the driveway. The PIAT took a shot at that Jerry panzer. He missed, but the
bloody thing buggered off anyway. Looks like the worst of its over.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VP0P1qdRnGU/UhAujByD9II/AAAAAAAACNE/9KxMe2l2sDY/s1600/COCAAR3-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VP0P1qdRnGU/UhAujByD9II/AAAAAAAACNE/9KxMe2l2sDY/s200/COCAAR3-38.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Threepwood and McReedie hold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
McReedie gazed around the ditch and counted the remnants of
his section. Corporal Timms was nursing a bleeding arm, Darrow, Jones and
Robinson looked unharmed. Only these four remained, just four of the ten men he’d
trained with, laughed, drank and fought with over the last two years remained. He
glanced at Perkins, but the lad lay still, his arms limp at his side and his
eyes staring lifelessly towards the grey June sky. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ, he thought, but how much longer could they take
this. The sergeant shook his head slowly and slumped down on the lip of the
ditch. He was suddenly very tired.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***********</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EofQWNpz2z0/UhAuoKOOPhI/AAAAAAAACNM/4y9eU14I4IU/s1600/COCAAR3-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EofQWNpz2z0/UhAuoKOOPhI/AAAAAAAACNM/4y9eU14I4IU/s400/COCAAR3-40.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Game end. Hitch's section is advancing to the north, McReedie holds the centre, and German survivors rally near their jump off points</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So that was the first game using the British Parachute
platoon. The Germans attacked in platoon strength, with an observer for a 81mm
mortar battery, an unarmoured halftrack, and a StuG IIIG assault gun in support.
The British paras had just a single Vickers mounted jeep in support, their only
anti armour capability being the platoon’s two man PIAT team. The German attack
bogged down and the paras superior training (which is represented by an
additional command dice) let them react quickly blunting each attack in turn. The
Vickers jeep broke up an assault by one section and turned the halftrack into a
smoking ruin before falling prey to the StuG. The StuG took time to get into
the action, first trying to attack the Chateau, before when taking fire from
the PIAT. It then turned its attention to the jeep and then McReedies section. Perhaps
if it had focused on one target, it may have carried the German attack into
British lines. The 2” mortar played its role to a tee, masking the StuG and
preventing it from taking a higher toll on McReedie’s exposed section.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The mortar bombardment of McReedies section caused a fair
amount of shock and some casualties, but McReedie and Threepwood were able to rally
and so keep it in the fight, and the British play of a Chain of Command dice ended the turn and with it the bombardment, avoiding any further damage. Hitchen’s section with the two Brens unique to the
British Paras was able to bring a devastating <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fire on the northern German section, before
leading a counterattack which knocked out a German section and finally broke
German morale. With all three infantry sections breaking and falling back, the
StuG decided to follow after a second miss by the stalking PIAT team. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a great game, and played out in a very similar way to
the desperate and brutal historical battles for the Chateau. Anyone interested
in this fascinating and crucial phase of the Normandy campaign should grab a
copy of Neil Barber’s ‘The Day the Devils Dropped in”, a fantastic book which
covers the attack on Merville and the subsequent battles for the Chateau St C<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">ôme. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was our debut game with the Parachute platoon, and they
were really very fun and quite different to regular British platoons. Chain of
Command does really show the way that different platoon structures really
affected the way units fought and acted. The paras are really able to react very
quickly, aided by higher rated section leaders and an additional command dice
to roll each phase. Add to this their higher proportion of submachine guns AND
the section with two Bren guns, and the result is a flexible platoon which is
really fun field, and just like their historical counterparts are well able to
hold their own even when facing seemingly overwhelming odds. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve just finished painting up a tetrarch light tank and will have to
get that little beast onto the table soon, perhaps with the paras attacking a
defended position. <o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Anyway, there will be more posts coming up in
the next few weeks, including some rather exciting news – particularly for my
Aussie readers. So stay tuned! </span><!--EndFragment-->
<br />
<!--EndFragment-->Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-13522617506076712302013-05-31T18:20:00.000+10:002013-05-31T18:28:08.903+10:00Off to Church<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IucW0dyao7Y/UahaDMgH_SI/AAAAAAAACEo/-CYUOtOL_PU/s1600/Linejuice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl8t7WF9n2k/UahaIF9n5aI/AAAAAAAACFY/c5WN9l05cmA/s1600/front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl8t7WF9n2k/UahaIF9n5aI/AAAAAAAACFY/c5WN9l05cmA/s320/front.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="posthilit">L'Église</span> <span class="posthilit">Saint</span> <span class="posthilit">Vigor</span>
du XIIe et XIIIe siècles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the last AAR, a few of you have asked about the church. Looking through my blog, I realised that despite posting a thread over on the guild forum, I'd never actually posted anything up about it here. Well, time to set that right.<br />
<br />
The model is my rendition the <span class="posthilit">Église</span> <span class="posthilit">Saint</span> <span class="posthilit">Vigor</span>
du XIIe et XIIIe siècles, a Norman constructed church built during the 12th and 13th centuries. This church (it IS a church, not a
cathedral, despite it's size!) is in the town of Cheux, just north of the river Odon in Normandy. Cheux was fought over by
the 15th (Scottish) division and the 12th SS Hitlerjugend during
Operation Epsom, and as Epsom is what I have loosely based my collection around, it seemed fitting. And every gaming collection needs a church,
right?<br />
I didn't take any work in progress photos, which I often a problem of mine. (That said, I have documented my recent bocage building exercise and will try to get a tutorial up shortly)<br />
<br />
So, in lieu of pictures i'll have to try to describe the process as best as possible. <br />
<br />
The project started, as most do, with research. The superb Over the Battlefield volume on Operation Epsom provided the inspiration, having a few decent shots of the church. The Battlezone Normandy on Epsom, along with the Battleground Normandy (confusing, isn't is) also provided several good modern day photographs from a variety of angles.<br />
<br />
The model's central structure is built from foamcore board, with cereal
box cardboard and blue foam used for the butresses and other raised details. The semicircular apse at the end of the nave is from heavy card, bent, taped and glued.<br />
<br />
The most difficult thing was working out scales, and it involved a bit of research and cross referencing between photographs and google earth. Perhaps surprisingly, it wasn't actually that difficult once I got my head around the dimensions and drew up some templates. Lots of repetitive cutting though, and I must have gone through 20 hobby knife blades. I toyed with the idea of making cardboard tiles for the roof, but as I wanted it finished this century I decided on lightly scoring the cardboard to give the impression of tiles.<br />
<br />
That done, I mixed up some dark buff emulsion paint with fine sand, and slapped a heavy coat on the lot. Then it was simply a matter of an ink pinwash to bring out the details, then drybrushing in progressively lighter colours.<br />
<br />
The stained glass windows are colour
photocopies made onto overhead paper, which i ended up backing with white card to make them stand out. The gravestones are metal offcuts
from the shed, and the crucifix in the graveyard is from a plastic
necklace I found in the dollar store. <br />
The church is 1:72ish scale,
and consequently it’s a bit large, but works well for the skirmish games I usually
play, and provides a nice objective. The belltower roof is removable for
snipers, FOOs and such. I did toy with the idea of making a full
interior but then realised I like my sanity a little too much. That said, I may go back and make the central nave roof removable, adding a basic interior.<br />
<br />
So, some pictures… First off a comparison between the real thing and my model. I must say I’m well chuffed with the result. Unfortunately I wasn't able to replicate the dismal looking weather :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4AISsnHGUKw/UahaJgXrNgI/AAAAAAAACFg/VhYvpqnWI10/s1600/eglise1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4AISsnHGUKw/UahaJgXrNgI/AAAAAAAACFg/VhYvpqnWI10/s320/eglise1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="posthilit">L'Église</span> <span class="posthilit">Saint</span> <span class="posthilit">Vigor</span>
du XIIe et XIIIe siècles in Cheux, Normandy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e9RPvgPFO7s/UahaDgjC4lI/AAAAAAAACEw/8agb-02I19g/s1600/Main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e9RPvgPFO7s/UahaDgjC4lI/AAAAAAAACEw/8agb-02I19g/s320/Main.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My attempt at posing a similar photo. Except for the weather, not a bad match</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eSf2Myr00Jg/UahaGjbxi2I/AAAAAAAACFM/PAgga2jhG7o/s1600/defenders-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eSf2Myr00Jg/UahaGjbxi2I/AAAAAAAACFM/PAgga2jhG7o/s320/defenders-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view, Lloyd carrier and 6pdr in defensive positions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hapy50c6qsA/Uahcw6HQ5kI/AAAAAAAACGA/zOK0lotboeg/s1600/PltHQdoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hapy50c6qsA/Uahcw6HQ5kI/AAAAAAAACGA/zOK0lotboeg/s320/PltHQdoor.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lt. Harry Macleod leads the No.10 platoon PIAT team into action</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-teW4cXbFMaQ/UahaANnBRjI/AAAAAAAACEQ/CFu8Ru5IWgs/s1600/6pdr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-teW4cXbFMaQ/UahaANnBRjI/AAAAAAAACEQ/CFu8Ru5IWgs/s320/6pdr.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6 pdr and an Lt. MacLeod's No.10 Platoon await the dastardly hun</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EnNXYVuNLyk/UahaA3Nyl8I/AAAAAAAACEU/CHRBvvxt_KM/s1600/Defendingchurchill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EnNXYVuNLyk/UahaA3Nyl8I/AAAAAAAACEU/CHRBvvxt_KM/s320/Defendingchurchill.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Mk III in the churchyard.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAaJKCHQs04/UahaGsMnTBI/AAAAAAAACFE/fpa-TYX1Gmc/s1600/abovetopoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAaJKCHQs04/UahaGsMnTBI/AAAAAAAACFE/fpa-TYX1Gmc/s320/abovetopoff.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top down shot to show scale. The bell tower is great for snipers or FO teams</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZozmHuf9WFw/UahaBL2U5TI/AAAAAAAACEg/BMyhdGgQnjo/s1600/FOOandSniper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZozmHuf9WFw/UahaBL2U5TI/AAAAAAAACEg/BMyhdGgQnjo/s320/FOOandSniper.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speaking of... A sniper and an FO team in the belfry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vuklb1fZYVI/UahaGWG0yDI/AAAAAAAACFA/9WMb0ZWA7gc/s1600/defendingthegraveyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vuklb1fZYVI/UahaGWG0yDI/AAAAAAAACFA/9WMb0ZWA7gc/s320/defendingthegraveyard.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No.10 Platoon defend the churchyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IucW0dyao7Y/UahaDMgH_SI/AAAAAAAACEo/-CYUOtOL_PU/s1600/Linejuice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IucW0dyao7Y/UahaDMgH_SI/AAAAAAAACEo/-CYUOtOL_PU/s320/Linejuice.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RAF Liason Morris LRC 'Limejuice' in front of the apse. You can see the details made of blue foam and card in this shot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oC1zq4BSE8Y/UahaDVX5Q8I/AAAAAAAACEs/f_3bxTHIeKo/s1600/Graveyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oC1zq4BSE8Y/UahaDVX5Q8I/AAAAAAAACEs/f_3bxTHIeKo/s320/Graveyard.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The church and the churchyard. the wall is blue foam.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MkQxLb9b5Y/UahaKhn-HmI/AAAAAAAACFw/o_rQe3_Nwq4/s1600/rear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MkQxLb9b5Y/UahaKhn-HmI/AAAAAAAACFw/o_rQe3_Nwq4/s320/rear.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church from behind. This shows the semicircular apse made of heavy card.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SxkUBZwpmpg/UahaJ8XcpGI/AAAAAAAACFk/J8WZHv1CLzk/s1600/hebridean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SxkUBZwpmpg/UahaJ8XcpGI/AAAAAAAACFk/J8WZHv1CLzk/s320/hebridean.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M10 3" Self Propelled gun provide some anti-tank suppport for No.10 platoon.</td></tr>
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<br />Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-203364468123822152013-05-29T18:20:00.000+10:002013-05-29T18:20:31.902+10:00Chain of Command AAR: Battle of Route Nationale 66<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AdPZF6J3wXI/UaW0SHBQM0I/AAAAAAAACD0/awYBTGd1400/s1600/title+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AdPZF6J3wXI/UaW0SHBQM0I/AAAAAAAACD0/awYBTGd1400/s320/title+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British troops charge along RN66</td></tr>
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Two posts in as many days. This must be some kind of record for me. Tomorrow I have to get stuck into the last round of assessments for my degree, so thought I should get another after action report posted before I descend back into the abyss. Over the weekend I had the chance to again get stuck into some play testing of the up and coming Toofatlardies skirmish level Second World War ruleset, <u>Chain of Command</u>. For those of you who may have missed it, my first AAR may be read <a href="http://littletinmen.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/chain-of-command-aar-hedgerow-hell.html">here</a>. After a couple of play throughs, the basic game mechanics are now all but second nature, and the game flows quickly and smoothly. If I had not kept stopping to snap photographs, this game would have taken less than an hour.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JOfXQ-5zifs/UaW1EhHgRwI/AAAAAAAACEA/lMfB4cvTUyc/s1600/Cover-S13-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JOfXQ-5zifs/UaW1EhHgRwI/AAAAAAAACEA/lMfB4cvTUyc/s200/Cover-S13-small.jpg" width="138" /></a>On a related note, the latest <a href="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=114&zenid=9f70723cd79d62527cb3b1088b1406a3">Summer Special</a> from the Lardies has just been released. For those not familiar with the biannual specials, I'd highly recommend you to check it out. The pdf files offer a plethora of articles and scenarios on topics ranging from close air support in the Vietnam war to an excellent Sharp Practice amendment for the War of the Roses, courtesy of Pat of <a href="http://wargamingwithsilverwhistle.blogspot.com.au/">Wargaming with Silver Whistle</a> fame. This latest special also includes a superb looking campaign for I Ain't Been Shot Mum by Lard-in-Cheif, Rich Clarke. The campaign is based around the Irish Guards battlegroup's attacks towards Valkenswaard during the initial stages of Operation Market Garden in <br />
1944. The campaign breaks the action down into ten game able actions, with the british player racing against the clock and the overstretched German team struggling to stem the onslaught with their overstretched forces. I'm already planning to expand my forces to allow the local club to get stuck into this campaign. While designed with IABSM3 in mind, it seems that this would port easily to Battlegroup Overlord or Flames of War. Anyway, I'd highly recommend you check it out. </div>
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Now, I was going to post an AAR, wasn't I? Without further ado, the battle of <i>Route Nationale 66</i>. I thought I might use a bit of a creative narrative this time.<br />
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<u>The Battle of Route Nationale 66, between Caen and Villers-Bocage, mid-June 1944. </u></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1aKAbtdzvI/UaWyToEBwAI/AAAAAAAACBM/cvMhgm9EM2s/s1600/01map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1aKAbtdzvI/UaWyToEBwAI/AAAAAAAACBM/cvMhgm9EM2s/s320/01map.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The battleground. Brits entered from the left</td></tr>
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The 15th Scottish Division had only landed at Gold Beach four days earlier and already they were being ordered into action again. This time their objective is to sever <i>Route Nationale 66</i>, a tarmac road which German forces have been using to link forces around Caen with troops facing the Americans north of Vire. At the afternoon's O group, Lieutenant Harry MacLeod of the 6th King's Own Scots Borderers had learned that his No.10 Platoon was once again to lead the company's advance. H-Hour was set for 0530 the following morning. A half troop from the divisional recce regiment was to support MacLeod's advance. Sgt Arthur 'Neddie' Seagoon's half troop comprised two Humber armoured cars, one a mark IV armed with a 37mm gun, the other a bren gun armed LRC. Both cars were fast, but would be up against it if Jerry had any armour or '88s in the area. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrwGSla3_CY/UaW0PXtgCGI/AAAAAAAACDs/U2rvGZixbVw/s1600/seagoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrwGSla3_CY/UaW0PXtgCGI/AAAAAAAACDs/U2rvGZixbVw/s320/seagoon.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sgt 'Neddie' Seagoon atop his mighty steed</td></tr>
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MacLeod ordered Sgt. Arthur Campbell, his veteran platoon sergeant, to take a small group and patrol the enemy position. Shortly after nightfall, Campbell led his men towards the main road, eyes peeled for the inevitable enemy patrols. The clanking of metal and hushed conversation in German announced that enemy were located in a ruined farmhouse across the road. Campbell was experienced enough to realise that Jerry had spotted his patrols as surely as he had theirs. Returning to the friendly lines, the sergeant informed MacLeod of the enemy locations, and with this information in hand the lieutenant decided on jump-off points for tomorrows action, locations where he knew he could safely feed his sections into the coming fight. Having done all he could, MacLeod joined his men in a night of fitful and restless sleep.<br />
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The men rose in the darkness and as the sun began to broach the eastern sky, the men formed up into sections and moved off towards their forming up area. MacLeod ordered Sgt. Campbell to take Cpl. James Robson's section up the dirt track and to seize the ruined house. As Campbell and Robson;s section advanced cautiously towards the house, Seagoon's Humber IV whirred down the road past them before halting in the middle of the tarmac road. Seagoon saw the German machine-gun team covering the dirt track down which Campbell and Robson were advancing. He traversed the turret traversed towards the building and opened up on the Germans with the 37mm and coaxial BESA. He saw 2 Germans go down hit by tracer, and then Campbell and Robson's section were around him. The rhythmic chatter of the Bren gun joined the staccato crack of his BESA coax as the section's bren team, directed by Campbell, laid down covering fire. Campbell led his rifle team in a charge across the road, but just then the sound of tearing canvas erupted from the church yard down the road. A tripod mounted MG42 ripped into the rear of Campbell's men, sending the survivors running for the cover of a nearby bomb crater.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yqm9r5m8xIg/UaWyR-SNu4I/AAAAAAAACBE/53z0UAVsbGQ/s1600/02+Moveout.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yqm9r5m8xIg/UaWyR-SNu4I/AAAAAAAACBE/53z0UAVsbGQ/s320/02+Moveout.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campbell orders Robson's section forward</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DC-FXVh6Yxo/UaWyT4SP2hI/AAAAAAAACBQ/sBMGoaeJAzM/s1600/03+assault+on+house.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DC-FXVh6Yxo/UaWyT4SP2hI/AAAAAAAACBQ/sBMGoaeJAzM/s320/03+assault+on+house.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The textbook British advance reaches the crossroads</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrCFus3YMfA/UaWy3-kBZ4I/AAAAAAAACB4/0_OjYSO-yAY/s1600/06+mg42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrCFus3YMfA/UaWy3-kBZ4I/AAAAAAAACB4/0_OjYSO-yAY/s320/06+mg42.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MG42 team fires into the British flank</td></tr>
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Seagoon edged his car closer, cutting down the German survivors. He could swear he saw the German <i>gefreiter </i>fall when from nowhere a panzerfaust round slammed into the hull. His ears ringing and coughing from the smoke, he soon discovered that Hitchens, his driver, was badly wounded. Exposed and under enemy fire from a newly appeared section, Seagoon chose to rotate the turret and keep firing.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHmzPpub2gQ/UaWyoIHpC8I/AAAAAAAACBs/2yCVd6ONvlc/s1600/05+recce+moves+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHmzPpub2gQ/UaWyoIHpC8I/AAAAAAAACBs/2yCVd6ONvlc/s320/05+recce+moves+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Humber LRC joins the fray</td></tr>
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Harry MacLeod had heard the dull metallic crash as something had slammed into the armoured car, but after only a brief pause the rhythmic chatter of the BESA had started up again. The horrifying sound of a spandau came from down the road to his left. It was wiping out Campbell's force by degrees, so he ordered Corporal Bill MacLaggan to take his section, cut across the road into the churchyard, and to outflank the machine-gun position. MacLaggan, still recovering from his recent wound, led his section off through the fields to the left. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36xXhaSKrUM/UaWy8JKaH-I/AAAAAAAACCE/LbrGbfneH3Y/s1600/07+ambush.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36xXhaSKrUM/UaWy8JKaH-I/AAAAAAAACCE/LbrGbfneH3Y/s320/07+ambush.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another German section is fed into the fight.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yg-jqnKYEAk/UaWy3tSf-jI/AAAAAAAACB0/Y1PcUd2afrI/s1600/08+seagoonkaput.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
Seagoon was giving Jerry hell. A second panzerfaust had slammed the ground only feet from his car, and still the BESA chattered its death song at the German section. He glanced behind him to see that Cpl. Bluebottle had reached the crossroads with his LRC. Good, he thought, soon we'll have these Jerry blighters on the run. So elated was Seagoon at the prospect that he never even saw the panzerschreck team which, having crept around the flank of his car, fired the round that turned the Humber IV into flaming ruin.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yg-jqnKYEAk/UaWy3tSf-jI/AAAAAAAACB0/Y1PcUd2afrI/s1600/08+seagoonkaput.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yg-jqnKYEAk/UaWy3tSf-jI/AAAAAAAACB0/Y1PcUd2afrI/s320/08+seagoonkaput.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The panzerschreck makes short work of Seagoon's Humber</td></tr>
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MacLeod glanced down the dusty track towards the house. He had heard the explosion and say the oily black smoke trail which was the funeral pyre for Seagoon and his crew. Christ almighty he thought, why had that bloody armoured car gotten so close to the German positions. The battle was swinging against him. He could see Sgt Campbell trying desperately to rally down the tattered remnants of Robson's section, but they all remained hunkered down in bomb crater. Worse, the bloody spandau was still firing from somewhere down the road. Suddenly, Private MacIntyre, Robson's Bren gunner came staggering down the track, blood streaming from his forehead.<br />
"Its bloody murder sir, they're gone, they're just all bloody gone."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihzqs0o_zUk/UaWzNZXXTQI/AAAAAAAACCM/2-eqOwKvc_M/s1600/11macleodenters.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihzqs0o_zUk/UaWzNZXXTQI/AAAAAAAACCM/2-eqOwKvc_M/s320/11macleodenters.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lt MacLeod grasps the nettle</td></tr>
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MacLeod tried to get more sense out of the man but he was too badly dazed, so the Lieutenant sent him back to the RAP to have the headwound seen to.<br />
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So Robson's bren team was gone now as well. The Humber LRC sat immobile on the crossroads. He had to take the initiative or his platoon was lost. He drew his pathetically underpowered Webley revolver as he rushed towards Corporal Angus Duncan.<br />
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"Duncan, get your section and follow me. You too Peters." Duncan and his section set off at the run, with Private Peters grabbing the 2" mortar and following.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9WEN0Y-hzw/UaWzQNF6_PI/AAAAAAAACCU/KJLAKGA2BzI/s1600/09+things+go+poorly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9WEN0Y-hzw/UaWzQNF6_PI/AAAAAAAACCU/KJLAKGA2BzI/s320/09+things+go+poorly.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chaos reigns at the crossroads</td></tr>
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Sgt Arthur Campbell was not having a pleasant morning. He'd seen the armoured car go up, and the air was thick with thick acrid smoke as the car burnt itself out. Jerry had taken up position in the walled yard of the ruined house and were laying down a relentless fire on his position. He glanced around the crater at the shaken remnants of Robson's section as bullets spattered against the earth bulwark. What good could three men do anyway, he thought as he peered carefully over the rim of the crater. The other armoured car was still sitting there, engine idling and now he could see more movement beyond the ruined house. If someone didn't plug that gap, he thought, Jerry was going to outflank their entire position. He could see a German section racing across the road, throwing a hail of grenades at the small barn, their dull crump carrying above the noise of the battle. Then from barn erupted with a hail of fire.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AL3i6-vCLbw/UaWzSGg9ocI/AAAAAAAACCc/KUeB2ovn-Uc/s1600/10+germansbarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AL3i6-vCLbw/UaWzSGg9ocI/AAAAAAAACCc/KUeB2ovn-Uc/s320/10+germansbarn.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German attack moves in on the barn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ruj-A80QRsI/UaWzbDTzxAI/AAAAAAAACCk/5NP5VolAWO4/s1600/12+assault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ruj-A80QRsI/UaWzbDTzxAI/AAAAAAAACCk/5NP5VolAWO4/s320/12+assault.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duncan and MacLeod lead the defense</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_327948802"></span><span id="goog_327948803"></span><br />Bloody hell, thought MacLeod as he reloaded his Webley, that had been close. He peered out the door of the barn to see five Germans. A grizzled looking veteran was moaning softly and holding his stomach, but otherwise the bodies were still. He spotted movement across the road. He saw the Jerry section split into fire teams and ducked back inside as the MG42 opened up on the barn. He could hear the crump of the 2" mortar shells as Peters tried to stem this assault, but the firing did not let up.<br />
He looked around at Duncan's section. The first assault had taken it's toll on the men, Carlyle and Rogers were dead, and the rest were badly shaken.They couldn't hold much longer, his hands were shaking and he couldn't get the bloody rounds in the revolver. Just then Duncan's voice came reassuringly steady and strong.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0eFHP95JwVM/UaWzlT7p1GI/AAAAAAAACC0/sJ8fKcY4i8g/s320/13+wounded+fwbl.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The German Feldwebel lies severely wounded</td></tr>
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"Right lads, lets get ready, they're coming again. I want rapid fire, we'll hold these Jerry bastards. Let's give it to them."<br />
The enfields cracked a rapid staccato and the Bren took up it's rythmic chatter again. MacLeod glanced out the window and fired off his six rounds in the general direction of the movement.<br />
To his left, the second armoured car had finally gotten moving again. He could see the commander, blood streaming down his face as he calmly fired into the German position, pausing only to reload the Bren with parade ground precision.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AhtOJwgcfI/UaWziJnimpI/AAAAAAAACCs/TYMd0I1UFdk/s1600/14+LRC+joins.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AhtOJwgcfI/UaWziJnimpI/AAAAAAAACCs/TYMd0I1UFdk/s320/14+LRC+joins.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The LRC lays down a withering fire</td></tr>
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"Sir" It was Duncan. "Sir, I think we've got them on the run. Might be time to have a crack at the ruined house don't you think?"<br />
Gazing in disbelief, MacLeod saw the second armoured car race across the
road and towards the enemy hedge line, Bren chattering all the while.
These bloody recce blokes liked to live life on the edge. He turned
quickly back to Duncan. <br />
"Right you are Gus," he turned to the
men. "Right lads, bayonets and grenades. Lets send the rest of these
bastards scurrying back to Berlin. Collins, you see to that wounded
German, take him back to company."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pthp2gJ46AM/UaWzpj-6bCI/AAAAAAAACC8/Trjb1sLsP94/s1600/16+into+houselads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pthp2gJ46AM/UaWzpj-6bCI/AAAAAAAACC8/Trjb1sLsP94/s320/16+into+houselads.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Brits take the offensive</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4WbTOG8hHM/UaWz5Ynx7-I/AAAAAAAACDM/jE3En7uI33U/s1600/17chargeLRCtakesobjective.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4WbTOG8hHM/UaWz5Ynx7-I/AAAAAAAACDM/jE3En7uI33U/s320/17chargeLRCtakesobjective.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The attack moves in as the LRC siezes a jump-off point</td></tr>
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He led the men across the road and towards the ruined house at the run. It all seemed to be in slow motion, he saw the grenades explode in the yard like dirty brown smudges, then they were hand to hand with the Germans, he could see men down on both sides, then he saw Duncan take a bayonet in the arm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5V1ZI9Uc9wI/UaWz89YUUmI/AAAAAAAACDU/WjRnKPhm4AY/s1600/19melee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5V1ZI9Uc9wI/UaWz89YUUmI/AAAAAAAACDU/WjRnKPhm4AY/s320/19melee.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand to hand in the rubble</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wbfz5qM6M7M/UaW0OFtwEgI/AAAAAAAACDk/5HxteNrJu3U/s1600/21end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wbfz5qM6M7M/UaW0OFtwEgI/AAAAAAAACDk/5HxteNrJu3U/s320/21end.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The positions at game end, MacLeod and Duncan rally their men in the bomb crater as German morale crumbles</td></tr>
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"Fall back lads, find some cover." The survivors ran back across the road, but they were not pursued by fire. He saw Duncan, the last out of the yard. He trotted over, his sleeve bloody but with a broad grin on his face. He held a Schmeisser out for MacLeod to take.<br />
"There y'are sir. It's not exactly regulation I know, but better than that bloody pea shooter I suspect." The corporal looked across the road and smiled.<br />
"Sir, have a look at that would you."<br />
MacLeod followed the corporal's gaze, and through the smoke and haze he could see the last remnants of the German troops fleeing for their life.<br />
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Well, that was the action. The German's eventually broke when the LRC captured a jump off point and they lost their <i>gefreiter</i> in the melee. The action in the other flank, where MacLaggan's section had been sent, comprised mostly of desultory exchange of fire between the Bren team and the MG42, while the rifle section took cover in the churchyard.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D-VuCkaXH3w/UaWuQC9sJFI/AAAAAAAACA0/n-Z1HHmF1zA/s1600/Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D-VuCkaXH3w/UaWuQC9sJFI/AAAAAAAACA0/n-Z1HHmF1zA/s320/Title.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MacLaggan's assault moves (slowly) in</td></tr>
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The patrol phase is a great game within a game, and played completely differently with this scenario, which was a probing attack. I also got a chance to use some of the nation specific rules, and these do add to the flavour of the game without being overwhelming. The German assaults on the barn were preceded by a hail of Grenades, causing a few casualties and some serious shock which very nearly offset their not quite getting to grips with the enemy. The British rapid fire rule gave that extra edge to the firing, enabling them to decimate the second German attack. The armoured cars were fun, in fact they seemed more useful than the lumbering Churchill in the first game. The diminutive LRC performed admirably, despite the commander being wounded by a panzerschreck round. Again, the Chain of Command dice proved very useful, allowing both the Brits and the Germans to interrupt their opponent's plans.<br />
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I've just finished my first section of British Airborne, and hope to have the rest of the platoon finished soon after i've completed this round of assessments. I've also got the blokes from the local club coming round to have a multiplayer Sharp Practice evening, so in between umpiring the game, i'll be endeavoring to snap some photos and get an AAR of this up.<br />
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For now, stay tuned for more AARs and updates in the near future.<br />
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Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-84509272533233935622013-05-26T21:20:00.001+10:002013-05-26T21:20:06.610+10:0021st Panzer division troops<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYjgtPksqiM/UaHrMjR0zkI/AAAAAAAAB_s/5vp0jgqcvTY/s1600/21PZGREN-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYjgtPksqiM/UaHrMjR0zkI/AAAAAAAAB_s/5vp0jgqcvTY/s320/21PZGREN-10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panzergrenadier Zug mounted up</td></tr>
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Apologies for the lack of posts over the last few weeks, but uni has yet again managed to get in the way of more important things! This will be a rather succinct update, just some photos of the latest additions to my 20mm World War II forces for Chain of Command. <div>
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This project has been in the works for a very long time, but now i've finally completed a platoon's worth of German <i>heer</i> panzer grenadiers to go up against my British infantry force. These guys did feature in the last play test report, and the more keen-eyed of you may have noticed in that report a few figures in black undercoat. </div>
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Most Chain of Command games use a full strength platoon with some support. I've chosen to do a panzer grenadier platoon, which comprises a headquarters group of a <i>leutnant, </i>a<i> feldwebel, </i>and a panzerschreck team. Under command are three panzer grenadier <i>gruppen, </i>each commanded by a <i>gefreiter</i> and comprising two machinegun teams, each of one MG34 or MG42 gunner and three riflemen. I have also painted up some extra riflemen so I can field a regular grenadier platoon, which omits the second MG team comprising instead the <i>gefreiter, </i>one MG team and one four man rifle team. </div>
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The figures are a mix of Plastic Soldier Company, AB figures, and Kelly's Heroes. I think they all work well together. </div>
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Their rides are the delightfully ungainly looking SdKfz U-304(f) halftracks, refurbed French halftracks from the mind of Major Alfred Becker. I've included three fully armoured versions and one which must have slipped through. The vehicles are all from Raventhorpe. </div>
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I do love all of the weird and wonderful tanks and armoured vehicles which were the brainchildren of Major Becker of the 21st Panzer Division, and have several other types waiting to be painted up, but these will do for now. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iDVQz-n9vbo/UaHrdS0tw4I/AAAAAAAAB_8/xxWjC4o-MT8/s1600/21PZGREN-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="174" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iDVQz-n9vbo/UaHrdS0tw4I/AAAAAAAAB_8/xxWjC4o-MT8/s320/21PZGREN-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panzergrenadier Zug ready for action.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mzhhqfCb6m4/UaHrxO_z7xI/AAAAAAAACAM/7yJxSy1z2yM/s1600/21PZGREN-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mzhhqfCb6m4/UaHrxO_z7xI/AAAAAAAACAM/7yJxSy1z2yM/s320/21PZGREN-5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Gruppe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--64mLYLZrNI/UaHr0UxwHxI/AAAAAAAACAU/HVUD74KyKPM/s1600/21PZGREN-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--64mLYLZrNI/UaHr0UxwHxI/AAAAAAAACAU/HVUD74KyKPM/s320/21PZGREN-7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2. Gruppe, (the unlucky ones with the soft-skinned halftrack)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3. Gruppe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6RM6OWvjVMw/UaHsEAh0MQI/AAAAAAAACAk/R5YWT3ka2pM/s1600/21PZGREN-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6RM6OWvjVMw/UaHsEAh0MQI/AAAAAAAACAk/R5YWT3ka2pM/s320/21PZGREN-9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Command Gruppe, with a 3.7cm gun on their halftrack</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XGwmfcL2Vcg/UaHq1kIgz0I/AAAAAAAAB_U/xU-Ic6GdQi8/s1600/21PZGREN-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XGwmfcL2Vcg/UaHq1kIgz0I/AAAAAAAAB_U/xU-Ic6GdQi8/s320/21PZGREN-11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've created sabot bases to show the troops mounted up and allow them to be removed when the figures are deployed.</td></tr>
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To provide some support options, I've painted up a tank and an assault gun. Tanks in CoC are useful if used in concert with infantry, but, as in reality, quite vulnerable when operating alone. I've also finished painting up some of the excellent SdKfz 250/1 and 250/9 'neu' halftracks from Shaun at S&S models, and will post some pictures when they're based. In CoC, it's usually more beneficial to have some recce vehicles, an observer team for a mortar battery, or a tripod mounted MG, than a lumbering tank. It's really enjoyable to be able to use some vehicles which in most games last about 2 seconds before they are reduced to flaming wrecks, but which are able to provide an edge to your forces, just as they did in reality.</div>
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The Panther is from Raventhorpe's 'Ready to Roll' range, and the StuG IIIG is from Plastic Soldier Company, with a crewman from Kelly's Heroes. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, that's it for now. In the next day or so i'll be posting up another Chain of Command AAR i just finished playing today.</div>
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Chat soon</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 21.Panzerdivision force thus far, with a PSC Panzer IVH and a Kelly's Heroes tripod mounted MG42.</td></tr>
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Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-50832909369057132302013-04-08T20:23:00.001+10:002013-04-08T20:26:22.906+10:00Chain of Command AAR - Hedgerow Hell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm a married man! A few Saturdays ago (the 16th March to be precise), I married the love of my life Laura. The wedding went off without a hitch, Laura looks amazing, the rain staying away and a great night was had by all. Strange how after all the months of planning, the night itself flashed by so quickly - I didn't even get around to see all the guests, and we only had 70! I'll post some photos up once we get them back from the photographer - who also happens to be my very talented <a href="http://www.melissafiene.com/">sister, Liss!</a><br />
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Laur and I then headed off to Bali for a week long honeymoon. We stayed out of the busy Kuta area, in a villa with a private walled garden and plunge pool. It's an amazing place once you get out of the tourist trap, and we both had a really relaxing time. Even managed to get a bit of a tan!<br />
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So, now I know I said last post that I'd be posting more BTH2 planes, and they are photographed and just waiting for me to post them up. However, in the intervening weeks i've had the opportunity to get involved in the play-testing of the up and coming <a href="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/">Too Fat Lardies</a> ruleset, Chain of Command.<br />
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Chain of Command is a platoon 'plus' level rule-set for WWII. As always with the Lardies, the rules include some great innovations, and focus on the role of leaders on the battlefield. <br />
Rich Clarke has placed some excellent taster videos over on the <a href="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/blog/?p=1353">lard island blog</a>, which explain the main rule mechanics and include a play-through. I do urge you to check them out, along with Neil Shuck's recent <a href="http://meeples.wordpress.com/2013/04/05/meeples-miniatures-episode-106-chain-of-command/">Meeples and Miniatures</a> podcast on the rules. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridge and Nez Corchu</td></tr>
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So, while I'm carrying on with the playtesting, i'll be posting up some After Action Reports, as well as some pics of units as I add to my WWII 20mm collection. For the playlist below, my British infantry platoon from the 6th King's Own Scots Borderers, with a Churchill Mk III in support, faced off against a platoon of German grenadiers from 21st Panzer Division, aided by a tripod mounted MG42. The Germans had to a bridge over a small river, snear the (fictional) village of Nez Corchu in the Normandy bocage country. For the commanders, I've used the characters I developed with platoon forward. <br />
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Without further ado... <br />
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<b><u>Seize the Bridge at Nez Corchu, mid June 1944.</u></b><br />
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<u><i>Patrol Phase </i></u><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British entry point</td></tr>
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Chain of Command begins with a patrol phase. In this phase, markers representing pre-battle reconnaissance patrols advance from entry points until they are within 12" of an enemy marker, when they are locked down.<br />
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The British patrol markers entered from a single point down the main road to the bridge. Being the attackers, they got a number of free moves. Then the Germans began to move out. Eventually the markers were all locked down in the vicinity of the small village straddling the road to the bridge. The patrol markers were removed, and three jump-off points placed for each side. The Jump off markers are placed in cover back from the patrol markers. Think of it as the patrol markers representing the furthest point of advance, and the jump-offs as 'safe' points on the battlefield from which the force commander can feed uncommitted sections or fire-teams into the battle.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German and British patrols lock down</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jump-off points placed, and ready for action</td></tr>
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<u><i>Turn 1 </i></u><br />
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So, with deployment sorted, the game proper began. Chain of Command plays as a series of phases, each making up a turn. Each phase represents 10sec or so of action. At the beginning of each phase, the active player rolls a number of command dice which allow them to activate sections, fire-teams, leaders or support teams. Turns are more considerable periods of time, and represent the ebb and flow of battle. Additionally, any 5s rolled accumulate on the 'Chain of Command' dice (more on that later), and 6s can affect the turn sequence, granting the player multiple active phases.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cpl Robson's section set off towards Nez Corchu</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British attack develops</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Achilles II moves up. Slowly.</td></tr>
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The British started the ball rolling, deploying a rifle section under Corporal James Robson. Robson's section soon headed up the bocage lined road towards the hamlet. A lucky roll on the command dice meant the Brits could take the initiative early, and so on to the table came a second section under Corporal Angus Duncan, along with the Churchill III, the mighty <i>Achilles II</i> under command of Sgt. Norman Dudley.<br />
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The British plan was to send Robson's section down the main road into the village, clearing the way for the churchill. Duncan's section would advance through the bocage on the right, hopefully outflanking any defence of the village. Finally, Corporal Bill MacLaggan's section would go wide on the left, trying to bypass the village entirely and reach the bridge, cutting off the German <br />
retreat.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Movement in the Boulangerie</td></tr>
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The Germans chose to remain hidden, hoping to ambush the advancing sections at close quarters. Robson's section moved more cautiously as they approached the village of Nez Corchu. this was a good move, as the Germans deployed a rifle gruppe under Gefreiter Enno Holzmann to their jump off point in the village bakery and opened up with their MG42 team, killing two men and causing shock to the unit. Had Robson's men not taken cover by adopting a 'tactical' stance, they may have fared much worse. As the Bren team fruitlessly attempted to silence the MG42, the British deployed their 2" mortar team and sent it scurrying down the road. When the bakery came into view, the team set up and fired a smoke shell, hitting the target and blocking Holzmann's line of sight.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robson's section takes cover, as the 2" mortar moves up</td></tr>
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Literally the next German command dice was three 6s, which ended the turn immediately clearing the smoke just laid.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of Turn 1. The British attack develops, and meets resistance.</td></tr>
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<u><i>Turn 2</i></u><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robson heads for the house</td></tr>
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The beginning of turn two saw Robson's section loosing men and gaining shock from the Germans in the Bakery. Holzmann's gruppe was exacting a heavy toll, and the German defence was firming up. the Platoon Feldwebel, Rudi Böhler, deployed along with a tripod mounted MG42 and a second rifle gruppe under Gefreiter Heinrich Baer. Fortuitously for the Brits, the 2" was activated again and again was smack on target with the smoke. Nonetheless, Robson's Bren team remained hunkered down on 'tactical', while Robson led the rifle team in a mad dash to towards the house across from the bakery from where they could better engage the enemy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill moves up.</td></tr>
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The Churchill was taking its sweet time trundling up the road, as was Cpl Duncan's flanking section. Even the deployment of Platoon Sgt Arthur Campbell had not been able to counter some very poor movement dice rolls. McLaggan's section, on the other hand, had swiftly moved through the bocage and was poised to break through the last hedgerow and come around the German flank.<br />
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Just as McLaggan and his section emerged from the hedgerow, the Germans deployed their last uncommited rifle gruppe, under Gefreiter Willi Reiniger. Reiniger's gruppe opened up immediately, killing one man and lightly wounding McLaggan, but only inflicting one shock.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McLaggen's section emerges...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LmNfjwFCdWg/UWKVKLfqsMI/AAAAAAAAB9I/u7iddjW5KVs/s1600/COCAAR1A-1_zps5ed536d0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LmNfjwFCdWg/UWKVKLfqsMI/AAAAAAAAB9I/u7iddjW5KVs/s200/COCAAR1A-1_zps5ed536d0.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Into the waiting muzzles of Reiniger's gruppe</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duncan's men attack with grenades</td></tr>
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Meanwhile, on the right, Baer's gruppe moved up to the hedgeline and went tactical, just as Duncan's section reached the other side. I was unsure of how to treat this encounter (Rich has since clarified that these troops should count as in close combat - which makes sense). In any case, both Duncan's and Baer's sections avoided firing through the hedgerow and resorted to throwing grenades. This saw Baer's troops coming off much worse, taking several casualties and a few points of shock.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McLaggan's men turn the tables on their ambushers</td></tr>
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Back on the left, the Germans activated Reiniger's gruppe to fire again at McLaggan's troops, when the British interrupted the turn using their Chain of Command dice. Instead, McLaggan ordered his men to open up on the Germans, and some lucky dice rolling saw the Reiniger's men suffering 4 casualties (including Reiniger who was badly wounded) and 5 shock, which sent the remnants of the section reeling back towards the bridge. With all German assets engaged, the platoon commander, Leutnant Andreas Dörpfeld deployed at the bridge and rallied the fleeing men, just as the turn ended again.<br />
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<u><i>Turn 3</i></u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3PHOKlr22I/UWKXGuNy1xI/AAAAAAAAB9w/VS2Pmb130x8/s1600/COCAAR1A-20_zps0c52f283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3PHOKlr22I/UWKXGuNy1xI/AAAAAAAAB9w/VS2Pmb130x8/s200/COCAAR1A-20_zps0c52f283.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holzmann's MG42 team switches targets</td></tr>
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As soon as the smoke in front of the bakery cleared, the 2" mortar again fired dead on target. Robson lead his riflemen into the building across the road and engaged the enemy killing several of Holzmann's men. However, the remainder of Holzmann's men finally had a target. With one deadly burst from the MG42 team, Robson's rifle-team was decimated, leaving the Corporal with only one rifleman remaining. <br />
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On the right, Duncan abandoned the grenade-throwing and led his rifle team through a gap in the hedgerow and into hand to hand with the remnants of Baer's men. In the brutal hand to hand, both sides took casualties and shock, but when the dust cleared it was the outnumbered Germans who held the hedgerow. Duncan and the survivors fled back through the gap, past the uncommitted Bren team and ran straight into Sgt Campbell, who berated Duncan and led the men back back towards the hedgerow. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand-to-hand in the hedgerows</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cFgxmp3enlk/UWKXHCoWblI/AAAAAAAAB98/IVB4UtL_CF8/s1600/COCAAR1A-14_zps7bf6e17a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cFgxmp3enlk/UWKXHCoWblI/AAAAAAAAB98/IVB4UtL_CF8/s200/COCAAR1A-14_zps7bf6e17a.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baer's men hold the line</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McLaggan's Bren team heads for the bridge </td></tr>
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On the Right, McLaggan's route to the bridge was clear. He ordered his beefed up Bren team to move quickly towards the bridge and engage Reiniger's tattered gruppe, while he personally led two men to secure the nearby German jump-off point.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Achtung, Panzer!</td></tr>
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Despite the British taking heavy casualties around the bakery and in the hedgerow fight, the game was almost up for the Germans. Their force morale had taken a hammering, and now the mighty <i>Achilles II</i> finally clanked its way into the battle. As the turret rotated to engage the tripod MG42, the Germans scurried back into cover. Baer ordered two of his men to take a panzerfaust and to stalk the iron beast, while he led the remainder of his section back to the new defensive line. The Panzerfaust hit but failed to penetrate, and the coaxial besa MG made short work of the two landser.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Better late than never.</td></tr>
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McLaggan's men engaged Reinegger's small group, while the Cpl and his small team made for the bridge. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last defenders</td></tr>
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As the Churchill lumbered up the main road, Holzmann's gruppe fired their panzerfaust down onto the passing tank narrowly missing. Another burst of coax severley wounded the Gefreiter, finally breaking the German force morale and, with their escape route blocked, the tattered remnants surrendered. The bridge was secured, but two of the British sections had suffered heavy casualties.<br />
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<i> SUMMARY</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Achilles II </i>heads for the bridge</td></tr>
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So, that was my first game of Chain of Command. Thanks for sticking with me this far, I know it's turned into a bit of an essay, but I hope it was a fraction as enjoyable to read as it was to play. I realise now that I didn't allocate enough dice for the Panzerfaust, and if used correctly there's a much higher chance that Achilles II would have become a flaming wreck, possibly tipping the scales in favour of the Germans. The game took about 2-3 hours, although it felt very fast indeed. Its a very immersive and engaging game, and playing it feels like you are watching an episode of Band of Brothers. The command dice system really does make you think about how you will allocate your limited resources, and the Chain of Command dice are extremely useful. If it wasn't for the ability to Interrupt Reiniger's attack, it would seem unlikely that McLaggan's path to the bridge would have been so easy.<br />
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I can't wait to have another crack at the rules, and as soon as i've finished the batch of commission stuff on my table, I'll be adding to my German forces, and then starting on some British paratroopers. <br />
<br />Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-9739728904157536282013-03-05T20:39:00.002+11:002013-03-05T20:39:41.291+11:00Up Diddley Up Up...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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It's now a little under two weeks till I tie the knot, and things are full steam ahead in wedding planning. Both of us being students, we're doing as much as we can on our own in order to keep the budget down. This was pushed to the extreme when we had a problem with the bridesmaids dresses we'd ordered, and Laur (with yours truly assisting) ended up making the three dresses!<br />
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I also had my bucks night in Sydney, and am happy to report that I was not left chained to a lamppost, that both eyebrows are intact, and that I have no new tattoos. That said, a large amount of beer (only good ales!) was consumed, and I was politely asked to leave a pub after - and this is allegedly, as I have hazy memories of the event - dancing on a table. </div>
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So, in-between the hangovers and manic wedding preparations, i've finally managed to put some dullcote on the first few 1/300 scale aircraft for my 2013 Bag the Hun 2 project. As I mentioned in the last post, I was given a whole load of tiny white metal airplanes, a 'full sized' Hotz mat, and a copy of Bag the Hun 2, and Squadron Forward, along with Check Your Six! and the Battle of France and Battle of Britain scenario supplements. I've perused both rulesets, and, perhaps unsurprisingly, the Lardies ruleset is the one which has 'grabbed' me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shiny new Hotz Mat!</td></tr>
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My plan is to paint up bits and pieces as I go in order to get progressively bigger and more complex games. I'm coming to this air war thing as a complete novice, and so I've been taking advantage of university holidays by getting a fair amount of background reading in. Alongside James Holland's excellent 'Battle of Britain', i've been reading ospreys and other assorted information on the 1939-40 period RAF, Luftwaffe and Armee de l'Air. The Osprey Aircraft of the Aces series seems rather good, if the quality of the writing does vary from author to author. The Hurricane Aces is in particular an excellent read. I've also ordered the huge 'After The Battle' book on the Battle of Britain, and am looking forward to getting my hands on that weighty tome. I'm also going to get a couple of biographies by British and German pilots. 'Fighter Pilot' and 'Spitfire on my Tail' look to be rather good, though if anyone has any suggestions i'm all ears. </div>
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So, as a result of my reading, it seems that most early clashes during the Phoney War (or Drole de Guerre / Sitzkrieg) comprised a sections or flights of fighters clashing with reconnaissance aircraft or other patrols. In order to game these actions, I've painted up a few sections and bomber aircraft which can double as recce kites. So, without further ado, on to the pictures. All plane models are from Scotia Grendel, apart from the Potez which is from Heroics and Ros. </div>
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For the Royal Air Force, i've started out with a section of Hawker Hurricane Mk.Is. These will be marked up as No.87 Squadron aircraft, and the red nose denotes a flight leader. I chose No.87 Squadron because they fought with the BEF air component throughout the Phoney War and Blitzkrieg, and then fought through the Battle of Britain with No.10 Group. I also liked the Squadron motto, 'Maximus Me Metuit' (The Most Powerful Fear Me). I've also got a squadron's worth of Spitfires, which will be painted as No.609 (West Riding) Squadron. I've also begun making some cards for characters and to keep track of individual aircraft. I'm using Squadron Forward for No.87, and have generated a squadron's worth of pilots. I've mixed in fictional characters with some actual personalities. No.87 Squadrons (fictional) commander is the dastardly Squadron Leader Hercules Grytpype-Thynne (Goon Show reference anyone?). Decals are from Dom's Decals</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Section, No.87 Squadron</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My BTH2 Cards, I stole the layout from Per at <a href="http://persprojects.blogspot.com/">http://persprojects.blogspot.com</a></td></tr>
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I've got unpainted Bristol Blenheim Mk.Is, Fairey Battles, and Vickers Wellingtons, but first i've painted up three Handley-Page Hampdens, marked up for No.44 (Rhodesia) Squadron. I know that they weren't part of the Advanced Air Striking Force (AASF) which was based in France, but as I chose to paint them up as they were involved in Bomber Commands early campaigns. I am planning on trying to adapt the rules to cater for the actions the Nachtjagd, German night fighters, against Bomber command, so the Hampden will enable me to play test some ideas.</div>
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For the French Armee de l'Air component, i've started with a section of American made Curtiss Hawk H75As. I've also got Morane Saulnier 406s, Bloch 152s and Dewoitine D520s in the bare metal. These are painted up as SPA76 'Les Cigognes' (The Storks), part of Groupe de Chasse I/5, which flew out of Suippes. French aces Jean Accart and Edward Marin de Meslee were a part of this unit. Accompanying the Hawks is a Potez 63.11 from Groupe de Reconnaissance II/33.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1er Patrouille, SPA76 'Les Cigognes'</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A solitary Potez 63.11 of II./GR33</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BTH2 cards for SPA 76 'Les Cigognes', GCI/5 of l'Armee de l'Air</td></tr>
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In the next update, which will be a brief one and will be along before the end of the week, i'll be outlining the Luftwaffe's finest.</div>
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Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-80048393347382168902013-02-21T22:56:00.003+11:002013-02-21T22:59:08.521+11:00Send Three-and-Fourpence...<div>
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The last couple of weeks has been a blur, and with the wedding now only three weeks away, i'm not expecting much more out of the next few. Nonetheless, while preparations may be proceeding apace, I have managed to snatch a little time for gaming related things.<br />
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So, accordingly this update is a little brief, but hopefully does still hold some interest. Most of my painting time has been taken up by commission work, but i have managed to take some photos of a few odds and sods for my Sharp Practice project. For this year, i'm planning on painting up another three 10 man french groups of Line Infantry (incidentally making a 1:10-ish scale Line battalion), along with some Leger voltigeurs and chasseurs, and a limber set. Up against them, I'd like to finish off a few more Austrian 12 man groups, an artillery piece and limber, and perhaps some of the new Perry chevauxlegers. Add in some Bavarians and Wurttembergers, and I've set myself quite an ambitious target. </div>
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Alongside the 1809 guys, i've also got the first of my Peninsular War British, an xmas pressie from Laura. In the metal (and plastic) mountain i've got a box of the perry Line infantry and some metal rifles, all to be painted up and organised into 8 man groups with accompanying Big Men. Laura also got me an excellent 28mm sloop, along with a load of the superb Paul Hicks sculpted Brigade Games Royal Navy jacktars. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The French reinforcements</td></tr>
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So them's the plans for Sharp Practice in 2013. I've also recently become the owner of a plethora of 1/300 scale WW2 aircraft (1939-40 RAF, Armee de l'Air and Luftwaffe mostly), a copy of both Check Your Six! and Bag The Hun 2, and an excellent european fields Hotz Mat. More on my BTH2 plans in future posts though, for now, on to the latest Sharp Practice French reinforcements.</div>
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First off, I've painted up the tete de colonne (the battalion command) of the 3e Regiment de Ligne. Comprising 1e and 2e portes-aigles (the eagle bearer and the halberd armed eagle guard), a drummer and grizzled sapper, this base is a complete redux. The first version went on eBay to help fund the purchase of Laura's engagement ring, so it's perhaps fitting to post these guys up a few weeks before the wedding. The uniforms for these guys are supposed to be for the 3e Regiment de Ligne, which served in St. Hilaire's division of Marshal Davout's III Corps in 1809.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1A2gnye02wY/USYCBeknaFI/AAAAAAAABzs/Fceyzj-deGc/s1600/FR-LineArt-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0N6fekizY6g/USYCPRHoYAI/AAAAAAAAB0E/XWfn1MngL3Y/s1600/FR-LineArt-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0N6fekizY6g/USYCPRHoYAI/AAAAAAAAB0E/XWfn1MngL3Y/s320/FR-LineArt-4.jpg" width="240" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1A2gnye02wY/USYCBeknaFI/AAAAAAAABzs/Fceyzj-deGc/s320/FR-LineArt-20.jpg" width="240" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c4pxkmboWh4/USYCHmvn9JI/AAAAAAAABz0/RGIoyN2ah5s/s1600/FR-LineArt-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c4pxkmboWh4/USYCHmvn9JI/AAAAAAAABz0/RGIoyN2ah5s/s320/FR-LineArt-21.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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Next up, the first of four planned line infantry fusilier companies. After what was most likely far too much research into something so trivial, I've ended up not painting the 1st company pompoms in the usual vert fonce, but rather in the bleu-de-roi. The 2nd company will be the infamous orangey-brown aurore, 3rd violette, and 4th cramoisie, which i'm reliably informed is a purplish red. At the head of this company is a new big man, the dastardly Lt. Montalban. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lt. Montalban</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1rbxol-x_Ko/USYCLrxZTjI/AAAAAAAABz8/0jvH9hq50WM/s1600/FR-LineArt-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1rbxol-x_Ko/USYCLrxZTjI/AAAAAAAABz8/0jvH9hq50WM/s320/FR-LineArt-3.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Final lot for this update is another addition to the French leading cast, Lt. Lemoine along with his 4 pound cannon and crew. The gun and bits and pieces are all from Nic at Eureka, and are fabulous, crisp castings with excellent detail. I find the front rank cannon a bit clunky.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nDar9418Qo/USYJ0r9xo3I/AAAAAAAAB2Y/w4gavHMO07c/s1600/FR-LineArt-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nDar9418Qo/USYJ0r9xo3I/AAAAAAAAB2Y/w4gavHMO07c/s320/FR-LineArt-6.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mG7OqUOqHSk/USYI_W_RRQI/AAAAAAAAB2A/llVgihR9vo8/s1600/FR-LineArt-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mG7OqUOqHSk/USYI_W_RRQI/AAAAAAAAB2A/llVgihR9vo8/s320/FR-LineArt-8.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j2UwO8dvZxY/USYJCn1f0rI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/4oBjmOYHuCI/s1600/FR-LineArt-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j2UwO8dvZxY/USYJCn1f0rI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/4oBjmOYHuCI/s320/FR-LineArt-9.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ar1Se8WsKyM/USYIj-mdb9I/AAAAAAAAB1k/K1V_YAfnyvA/s1600/FR-LineArt-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ar1Se8WsKyM/USYIj-mdb9I/AAAAAAAAB1k/K1V_YAfnyvA/s320/FR-LineArt-16.jpg" width="320" /></a>All these figures are Front Rank, which I know are often disparaged but I find quite charming. You might also notice the bridge, river sections and ford, all recent additions to my gaming terrain made with the excellent 'Magic Water' resin which, while having a steep learning curve, comes out a lot better than white glue or gloss varnish.<br />
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So that's it for now, next update will undoubtedly be regarding all Spitfires, Hurricanes and Messerschmitts as I embark on my first foray into aerial wargaming with Bag the Hun 2, so stay tuned!<br />
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Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-57008015997728599742013-01-14T20:58:00.000+11:002013-01-14T21:01:04.186+11:002013, Onwards and Upwards!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMtsCLljMus/UPPShatxZvI/AAAAAAAABx8/O9Hf7POjbYs/s1600/Austrians-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMtsCLljMus/UPPShatxZvI/AAAAAAAABx8/O9Hf7POjbYs/s320/Austrians-7.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The gallant <i>Premierlieutnant </i>Istvan<i> </i>Nagy.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's hard to believe it's been so long since my last posting. Since then, I've had a month long practicum teaching French at a local high school, which was quite an experience. That led into the silly season, when besides a rather impressive haul of Christmas and Birthday presents, I also got a dose of shingles which knocked me out for a few weeks. Add in some planning for a wedding which is VERY rapidly approaching, and the year simply flew past. It feels like I had blinked and then it was 2013! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sidney Roundwood, the man behind the superb <a href="http://sidneyroundwood.blogspot.co.uk/">Roundwood's World</a> blog, recently posted a post which was a round up of 2012, which has prompted me (albeit belatedly) to do the same. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the whole, 2012 was a rather spectacular year for me. From January to July Laura and I were on our exchange to the University of Leeds. I had the opportunity to take some fascinating classes, and managed to come through with a couple of 'firsts' (as fr as i can gather the equivalent of a High Distinction). I travelled down to Triples at Sheffield, where I met up with people i'd chatted to via email and forums but had not met in person. I even managed to get in a game of Dux Britanniarum run by Rich Clarke and Sid Roundwood. Besides visiting the excellent Royal Armouries at Leeds, I headed down to the RAF Muesum in the North of London, where wandering around the Spitfires, Hurricane, Messerschmitts and a plethora of other aircraft I felt like a kid again.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While travelling around Europe, I visited museums, castles and historical sites in Budapest, Andalucia, Tuscany, Stockholm, Berlin and Paris.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pxVjk_RLG84/UPPScyzc_RI/AAAAAAAABxw/tIwtUTS6TIc/s1600/Austrians-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pxVjk_RLG84/UPPScyzc_RI/AAAAAAAABxw/tIwtUTS6TIc/s320/Austrians-6.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The consummate professional, Major Driant</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I returned home inspired to get gaming and to crack on with some projects. I got back into gaming with the lads at the local gaming club, and my 20mm WW2 British army has now seen a lot of action. I also began digging out my 28mm Napoleonic figures and organising them into a force for Sharp Practice. Alongside this, I was pottering along with the commission work. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">University for the second half of the year seemed to swallow almost all of my time. I particularly struggled with French, as i'd missed a semester of a sequential course while I was in Leeds, so was forced to play catch-up. I ended up scraping through that course with a pass, which thankfully was balanced out by the HDs I got in the other subjects. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then prac, christmas, shingles and here we are. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I see it, 2012 has been a very successful year for gaming, but an absolute failure for this blog (three posts in 12 months!!) and for painting (it's not even worth mentioning the pitiful number of figures i've completed). However, I managed to get in more gaming than I have previously, met a bunch of people in the UK, visited a plethora of historical sights, museums etc, and even managed to get in a few games of Sharp Practice with the guys at the club. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, some New Years resolutions seem to be in order. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1. More blog posts!</b> I'm hoping to get at least two per month. These will track the process of projects i'm working on, as well as giving some AARs from solo and club games. Who knows, i might even throw in some book reviews and finally get around to posting some updates about the museums and sites i visited in Europe.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>2. Paint more figures.</b> I've set myself a few projects for this year, and want to limit myself to these as much as practicable. More on what these projects are next update. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>3. Keep up with the gaming.</b> I've really enjoyed actually getting some gaming in, and am determined to keep on with this. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, pretty simple right? Lets see if I can stick to it!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And just because I want to keep this update pretty, and inspired by Alte Fritz (of <a href="http://altefritz.blogspot.com/">Der Alte Fritz Blog</a> i've included some pictures of my Sharp Practice troops on a New Years Parade.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chat Soon!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ben</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Kaiserliks on parade. My gradually growing K.u.K Austrian force has now seen some action.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msSDI2RiusU/UPPScT366PI/AAAAAAAABxs/pFDQ0uSaAIA/s1600/Austrians-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msSDI2RiusU/UPPScT366PI/AAAAAAAABxs/pFDQ0uSaAIA/s320/Austrians-5.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the forces of l'Empreur. As with the Austrians, i've plans to expand these forces considerably.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brI13OOX33A/UPPSMr5WfBI/AAAAAAAABxY/DsxWEWSBtoI/s1600/Austrians-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brI13OOX33A/UPPSMr5WfBI/AAAAAAAABxY/DsxWEWSBtoI/s320/Austrians-2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The leading cast, Austrian Big Men.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wziyyLWM-kI/UPPSKdnr2ZI/AAAAAAAABxQ/Dce_5P4PRbQ/s1600/Austrians-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wziyyLWM-kI/UPPSKdnr2ZI/AAAAAAAABxQ/Dce_5P4PRbQ/s320/Austrians-3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And <i>Les Grandes Hommes, </i>the Emperor's finest. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H-BOMQMODa0/UPPSUxYgRtI/AAAAAAAABxk/C5O7U3PK-Ac/s1600/Austrians-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H-BOMQMODa0/UPPSUxYgRtI/AAAAAAAABxk/C5O7U3PK-Ac/s320/Austrians-4.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The elite companies of the first battalion, 3e Regiment de Ligne. </span></td></tr>
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Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-90484097246503815832012-09-13T12:16:00.026+10:002012-09-13T14:41:24.511+10:00Battle for the Farm - Sharp Practice AAR<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YAWIyT7YUBo/UFFS9-DYYcI/AAAAAAAABsk/WHZQkcRs6o0/s1600/SP%2BGame-7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787498220730474946" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YAWIyT7YUBo/UFFS9-DYYcI/AAAAAAAABsk/WHZQkcRs6o0/s200/SP%2BGame-7.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 150px;" /></a>First off, an apology for the paucity of blog updates in the last few months, but between travelling and then getting back into the swing of uni back in Australia, it's been difficult to find the time. What time i have had has been devoted to terrain making (trees, terrain boards, buildings, fields and more trees seen in the below pictures) and painting and basing up the remainder of my French and Austrian Napoleonic figures.<br />
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So, to get the ball rolling again, here is a quick after action report for a solo game I recently played of the Toofatlardies set Sharp Practice. I've now got enough figures painted up for a decent game, and so have been playing through the rules a few times before introducing them at the local club. Even solo, the rules are great fun and play through quickly as well. The ability to generate random personalities for the Big Men who control the action infuses the game with elements of role play, which adds a lot to the fun and flavour.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 78%;"><b>French Big Man Chambord's card, showing his status and his potted bio, along with any bonuses he gets. </b></span></div>
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Over the next few weeks I'll be doing some blog posts briefly outlining the units, and providing potted biographies of the Big Men. Rest assured though, I've also got a plethora of museum photos which i'll be sorting through and posting up - and let's not even get started on my Dux Britanniarum project!</div>
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So, without further ado, here is the report.</div>
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The battle was set in a wooded clearing 'somewhere in southern germany' in 1809. Two groups of Austrian infantry were holding a solidly constructed farmhouse in the centre of the board, and three French groups - the vanguard of a major attack perhaps - were tasked with clearing this opposition. The Austrians had another of their groups appearing as reinforcements on the third turn of a blank card.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WAZhqtymo4U/UFFO84h7UDI/AAAAAAAABqo/9wVMb3e6HS8/s1600/SP%2BGame-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787493804021600306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WAZhqtymo4U/UFFO84h7UDI/AAAAAAAABqo/9wVMb3e6HS8/s200/SP%2BGame-1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-acBWZQ5ujOY/UFFO9l-nA8I/AAAAAAAABq0/d4CotGRo9Tg/s1600/SP%2BGame-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787493816221500354" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-acBWZQ5ujOY/UFFO9l-nA8I/AAAAAAAABq0/d4CotGRo9Tg/s200/SP%2BGame-2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w6q4VSxWzj0/UFFO-HnUcPI/AAAAAAAABrA/rlQVqslh4LE/s1600/SP%2BGame-3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787493825250619634" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w6q4VSxWzj0/UFFO-HnUcPI/AAAAAAAABrA/rlQVqslh4LE/s200/SP%2BGame-3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: 78%;"><b>The table, showing off my new terrain. The French advance from the wooded end, Austrian reinforcements arrive along the road.</b></span></div>
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For those who don't know, TFL rules focus on the role of commanders, the 'big men'. The mechanics are card driven, which gives the game a real sense of command friction, with the action ebbing and flowing in a randomised way. Troops which have not been spotted appear on 'blinds', 6"x4" oval markers. Cover such as buildings or trees also counts as blinds, so stationary units could appear anywhere. This forces players to approach terrain in a realistic way - is the shutter banging in the barn up ahead a sign of enemy troops, or just the wind? </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vq6PyA6kQm4/UFFO-l6QewI/AAAAAAAABrM/hLdspHSHhxI/s1600/SP%2BGame-4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787493833383115522" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vq6PyA6kQm4/UFFO-l6QewI/AAAAAAAABrM/hLdspHSHhxI/s200/SP%2BGame-4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 133px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: 78%;"><b>French blinds move through the trees towards the farm.</b></span></div>
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So, the game began with the French on blinds and the Austrians invisible in the farmyard. The french advanced through the woods, with the Austrians spotting one group of French voltigeurs (line infantry skirmishers) on the treeline. Spotted, the French troops were deployed onto the table. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHzluT60-7I/UFFO_QUwTPI/AAAAAAAABrY/KQ4iVM3JDvs/s1600/SP%2BGame-5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787493844768541938" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHzluT60-7I/UFFO_QUwTPI/AAAAAAAABrY/KQ4iVM3JDvs/s200/SP%2BGame-5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: 78%;"><b>Chambord's voltigeurs are spotted. </b></span></div>
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The voltigeur officer, Lt Chambord, ordered his men to shake out into skirmish line and to attempt to spot the troops in the farm buildings. After a few attempts, a group of Austrian grenz infantry (Croatian light infantry) under the command of Lt von Pavic were seen on a makeshift parapet. A desultory fire opened between the voltigeurs and the grenzers which was to last for much of the game, achieving little but to tie down the two groups. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kf6x6hcQDg4/UFFRNk01K6I/AAAAAAAABsA/w-Xm-pJnnIg/s1600/SP%2BGame-8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787496289813212066" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kf6x6hcQDg4/UFFRNk01K6I/AAAAAAAABsA/w-Xm-pJnnIg/s200/SP%2BGame-8.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-3V546wLP8/UFFROAE4EEI/AAAAAAAABsM/8B9DSSfPB0U/s1600/SP%2BGame-9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787496297128267842" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-3V546wLP8/UFFROAE4EEI/AAAAAAAABsM/8B9DSSfPB0U/s200/SP%2BGame-9.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UErfoS8BL8s/UFFROq0705I/AAAAAAAABsY/cIPeHj2XsB8/s1600/SP%2BGame-10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787496308604130194" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UErfoS8BL8s/UFFROq0705I/AAAAAAAABsY/cIPeHj2XsB8/s200/SP%2BGame-10.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3B41Z9M30c/UFFTujulajI/AAAAAAAABtU/yeVU9gvWFpE/s1600/SP%2BGame-15.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787499055477516850" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3B41Z9M30c/UFFTujulajI/AAAAAAAABtU/yeVU9gvWFpE/s200/SP%2BGame-15.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: 78%;"><b>Chambord's voltigeurs exchange fire with Pavic's grenzers.</b></span></div>
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Meanwhile, two French blinds were moving through the cover on either flank of the battlefield in an attempt to get around and outflank the position. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HnZjq2UGtRE/UFFRMQir4rI/AAAAAAAABr0/3qyEuL-G2hA/s1600/SP%2BGame-11.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787496267188527794" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HnZjq2UGtRE/UFFRMQir4rI/AAAAAAAABr0/3qyEuL-G2hA/s200/SP%2BGame-11.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 137px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: 78%;"><b>French blinds move around the flanks.</b></span></div>
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A group of French carabiniers (light infantry assault troops) under the impetuous Lt Pieron deployed from blinds near the rear entrance to the farm. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mC1WcM1XXFI/UFFTtwHJhFI/AAAAAAAABtI/ofkh9SNx6NA/s1600/SP%2BGame-14.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787499041621902418" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mC1WcM1XXFI/UFFTtwHJhFI/AAAAAAAABtI/ofkh9SNx6NA/s200/SP%2BGame-14.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7lWN5AbbkFw/UFFTtcOtg6I/AAAAAAAABs8/QmmYUzum46k/s1600/SP%2BGame-13.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787499036284912546" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7lWN5AbbkFw/UFFTtcOtg6I/AAAAAAAABs8/QmmYUzum46k/s200/SP%2BGame-13.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M3l1fujX5b4/UFFTs_97-9I/AAAAAAAABsw/8VmPFBkpX_s/s1600/SP%2BGame-12.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787499028698364882" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M3l1fujX5b4/UFFTs_97-9I/AAAAAAAABsw/8VmPFBkpX_s/s200/SP%2BGame-12.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: 78%;"><b><i>Vive l'Empreur! </i>Pieron gallantly leads his carabiniers into the farm, but will it be death or glory?</b></span></div>
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As they charged into the narrow space, they were confronted by the lowered rifle barrels of Austrian Lt Pohl's jagers, whose point blank fire took a heavy toll on the carabiniers. In the chaos of the ambush, Pieron was hit, only his metal cigar case saving him from death. The jagers loosed another volley, throwing the shattered carabiniers back, and leaving the track strewn with the blood and bodies of France's finest. The shock inflicted by this action, combined with Pieron's poor command ability, meant that the carabiniers stayed put for the rest of the game as Peiron tried hopelessly to rally the men for another attack.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-foTAaad0N8A/UFFU9LkNJ1I/AAAAAAAABt4/8TOKU3Wd67U/s1600/SP%2BGame-18.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787500406201198418" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-foTAaad0N8A/UFFU9LkNJ1I/AAAAAAAABt4/8TOKU3Wd67U/s200/SP%2BGame-18.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9B1-MVzMI6E/UFFU9wiKtJI/AAAAAAAABuE/qghsedDPekc/s1600/SP%2BGame-19.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787500416124761234" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9B1-MVzMI6E/UFFU9wiKtJI/AAAAAAAABuE/qghsedDPekc/s200/SP%2BGame-19.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AhZ7Vm6Y89U/UFFU-Zi7rhI/AAAAAAAABuQ/OkOoZLFNod0/s1600/SP%2BGame-20.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787500427133824530" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AhZ7Vm6Y89U/UFFU-Zi7rhI/AAAAAAAABuQ/OkOoZLFNod0/s200/SP%2BGame-20.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: 78%;">Oh dear... Pohl's jagers fire two deadly volleys into the carabiniers, throwing them back in disarray. Pieron himself narrowly avoids death (thanks to the 'luck of the devil' card).</span></b></div>
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Meanwhile, on the northern flank Austrian reinforcements arrived on blinds right in front of a still hidden french unit. The Austrians, a group of regular line infantry under Haputmann Biedermeier, were quickly spotted. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d1BNCgYFrs0/UFFTvHXbGqI/AAAAAAAABtg/CJtCcImkz90/s1600/SP%2BGame-16.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787499065044048546" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d1BNCgYFrs0/UFFTvHXbGqI/AAAAAAAABtg/CJtCcImkz90/s200/SP%2BGame-16.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OrhGVEC0tBU/UFFU8lL5n5I/AAAAAAAABts/wRpOpA7NV_8/s1600/SP%2BGame-17.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787500395898707858" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OrhGVEC0tBU/UFFU8lL5n5I/AAAAAAAABts/wRpOpA7NV_8/s200/SP%2BGame-17.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 78%;">Biedermeier's infantry arrive on the road, banners brightly waving.</span></b></div>
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The French, a group of grenadiers under the grizzled veteran Sgt Boursin, and with Major Driant, the French overall commander, deployed and fired a volley into the Austrians. The volley inflicted little damage into the Austrians, however Driant decided the moment was ripe for the big French grenadiers to charge home. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7AAcg9qYbA/UFFU-7jGqGI/AAAAAAAABuc/sR7Mx92ZW1I/s1600/SP%2BGame-21.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787500436261349474" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7AAcg9qYbA/UFFU-7jGqGI/AAAAAAAABuc/sR7Mx92ZW1I/s200/SP%2BGame-21.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: 78%;">Boursin's grenadiers fire an ineffectual volley.</span></b></div>
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Unfortunately for the French, their charge had not quite reached when the Austrians unleashed a deadly volley into the ranks, cutting down several grenadiers. With the grenadiers wavering, it fell to Sgt Boursin to lead the charge down the last few feet. Despite their best efforts, the Austrians under the command of the cooly capable Biedermeier met the shaken grenadiers with a surprising ferocity, pushing the big Frenchmen back. As the grenadiers retreated over the bodies of their dead and dying comrades, the Austrians calmly reloaded and loosed another devastating volley. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jgRZtRO42C0/UFFWjNKItSI/AAAAAAAABuo/loGpnLc2QWM/s1600/SP%2BGame-22.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787502158975382818" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jgRZtRO42C0/UFFWjNKItSI/AAAAAAAABuo/loGpnLc2QWM/s200/SP%2BGame-22.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7K24o6_cVk/UFFWjgRTGcI/AAAAAAAABu0/2ihFo_7tt9o/s1600/SP%2BGame-23.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787502164105697730" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7K24o6_cVk/UFFWjgRTGcI/AAAAAAAABu0/2ihFo_7tt9o/s200/SP%2BGame-23.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zB_ldDOBDAE/UFFWkRJ2W3I/AAAAAAAABvA/CiPIO2K6K6Y/s1600/SP%2BGame-24.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787502177227791218" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zB_ldDOBDAE/UFFWkRJ2W3I/AAAAAAAABvA/CiPIO2K6K6Y/s200/SP%2BGame-24.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 78%;">Things are not going well. The Austrians unleash their volley just before the grenadiers close with cold steel. The shaken grenadiers loose the fight and fall back, the Austrians pouring another volley into the fleeing Frenchmen. </span></b></div>
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The pathetic remnants of the elite grenadiers fell back into the cover of the woods, where Boursin managed finally to rally them.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: silver;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vLC4xbOmV20/UFFWkjeTRUI/AAAAAAAABvM/Ij2ZyOPNEXw/s1600/SP%2BGame-25.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787502182145410370" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vLC4xbOmV20/UFFWkjeTRUI/AAAAAAAABvM/Ij2ZyOPNEXw/s200/SP%2BGame-25.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PeshzTZTYU4/UFFWlct3qyI/AAAAAAAABvY/BVtr0bnjQa4/s1600/SP%2BGame-26.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787502197511531298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PeshzTZTYU4/UFFWlct3qyI/AAAAAAAABvY/BVtr0bnjQa4/s200/SP%2BGame-26.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: 78%;"><b>The battlefield following the grenadiers' repulse, Boursin desperately tries to rally the three surviving grenadiers. Things are not looking good for the French. </b></span></div>
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In the confusion, Major Driant had been left standing rather foolishly alone against the foe. Faced with the bloody bayonets of Biedermeier's fusiliers, Driant decided that discretion truly was the better part of valour, yielded his sword and was escorted off into a comfortable captivity. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vHBRXB6_Meo/UFFZK_iVgzI/AAAAAAAABv4/v426C65Xd_4/s1600/SP%2BGame-27.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787505041536811826" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vHBRXB6_Meo/UFFZK_iVgzI/AAAAAAAABv4/v426C65Xd_4/s200/SP%2BGame-27.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: 78%;">For you <i>Monsieur Driant</i>, the war is over. </span></b></div>
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As Driant neared the farmyard, he noticed smoke billowing from the buildings. A pipe carelessly left on a haystack had set fire to the farmhouse, and if the fire consumed the farm complex the austrians might be yet be defeated. Unfortunately for the French, the quick thinking Lt Pohl hastily formed a bucket line with half of his jagers, and using water from the animal trough managed to get the fire under control.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-86C_TMt_9Lg/UFFZMVsxBiI/AAAAAAAABwQ/MNaxc43Eljo/s1600/SP%2BGame-29.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787505064666007074" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-86C_TMt_9Lg/UFFZMVsxBiI/AAAAAAAABwQ/MNaxc43Eljo/s200/SP%2BGame-29.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 78%;">Pohl's jagers douse the flames. </span></b></div>
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Seeing the tide of battle had turned, the Lt Chambord led his voltigeurs into the wheat field where they lay down a surprisingly effective fire on Pavic's grenzers, killing three men and forcing the rest to keep their heads down as the remnants of the french fell back to the treeline. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rpGy7pmHttk/UFFZLdZFImI/AAAAAAAABwE/qOemdvavKtw/s1600/SP%2BGame-28.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787505049551053410" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rpGy7pmHttk/UFFZLdZFImI/AAAAAAAABwE/qOemdvavKtw/s200/SP%2BGame-28.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i035MfCLfCM/UFFZM15X5NI/AAAAAAAABwc/MdfHGjy0AVI/s1600/SP%2BGame-30.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787505073308820690" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i035MfCLfCM/UFFZM15X5NI/AAAAAAAABwc/MdfHGjy0AVI/s200/SP%2BGame-30.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSyy30tfFcg/UFFZNUaBRdI/AAAAAAAABwo/9I7hnp_DchA/s1600/SP%2BGame-31.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5787505081498813906" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSyy30tfFcg/UFFZNUaBRdI/AAAAAAAABwo/9I7hnp_DchA/s200/SP%2BGame-31.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: 78%;">Chambord's voltigeurs advance on the farmhouse, giving Boursin's and Pieron's retreating troops covering fire. </span></b></div>
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So, there you have it. The French retire with a very bloody nose, and the Austrians carry the day. Long live his Imperial and Royal majesty, Kaiser Franz! Were it not for some very poor die rolls on the part of the French, which not saw both the Grenadiers and the Carabiniers unable to close in time to avoid deadly short range volleys, things might have turned out very differently. The leader's capabilities and personalities really have an impact as well, such as Pieron's impetuosity and his hopeless attempts to rally his men. Its these little touches that really help to turn a series of cards and dice rolls into a gripping narrative rich with human drama.</div>
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I'm currently painting up some 'donkey wallopers,' a group of six of the wonderful new Perry Austrian Hussars. Together with their completed opponents, six elite troopers of the 11th Chasseurs a Cheval, these guys will be the next addition to my forces. </div>
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I've managed to wrap my head around the infantry rules now, so am hoping to get the guys down at the local club to have a look in the next few weeks. Expect more AAR goodness. </div>
Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-5254465194430943152012-05-22T00:57:00.049+10:002012-09-13T14:42:28.707+10:00Triples 2012<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QvlJbFSz24o/T7p5m2qKToI/AAAAAAAABhs/g6HK3GiYHy4/s1600/Triples2012-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745037983078829698" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QvlJbFSz24o/T7p5m2qKToI/AAAAAAAABhs/g6HK3GiYHy4/s320/Triples2012-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 240px;" /></a>First off, thanks for the feedback on the museums blog, the post on the Swedish army museum will be coming up in the next few days.<br />
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But first, a brief intermission. This Saturday just gone, I caught the early coach from Leeds down to the Sheffield, the city of steel, for the Triples war-games show, hosted by the Sheffield Wargames Club. This is the first games show i've managed to get to, and I must say it was a great day out. After a quick and easy trip on the Sheffield Supertram, I wandered down to the English Institute of Sport. The entry to the exhibition hall was flanked by two groups of reenactors, some Napoleonic fusiliers of the <a href="http://www.caporalfourrier.page.tl/Address-by-the-Commanding-Officer.htm">21e Regiment de Ligne</a>, and a couple of Great War Tommies from the 18th battalion, Durham Light Infantry. I had a chat to both groups, and they were all really friendly and knowledgeable guys. I grabbed my ticket and squeezed past the daleks which were making the rounds, and ventured into the hall. The exhibition space was great, well lit and, to me at least, huge (Rich from Toofatlardies later told me that Salute is around 8 times as large. My antipodean mind boggles.)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3q6TEk3GGE/T7qLkJu0foI/AAAAAAAABjc/YKyknA9iaGk/s1600/Triples2012-9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745057727868337794" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3q6TEk3GGE/T7qLkJu0foI/AAAAAAAABjc/YKyknA9iaGk/s200/Triples2012-9.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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The traders were well represented, and I really enjoyed being able to wander around and see the figures, terrain and rulebooks in person. Our hobby is really well supported on the net, don't get me wrong, but I did really enjoy being able to spend some time just browsing. I could have spend a whole load of cash there, but as not only is money running a little low on our trip - and we've still got a fortnight in Spain and another in Italy to go - but i've got to carry everything in a backpack with me. Shipping to Australia is usually pretty reasonable anyway, at least less than paying for excess baggage!. Despite the lack of funds, it was great and I had a chance to browse through Sam Mustafa's Maurice rules. I'll be putting through an order in July, as they look like the set i'll be using for my Seven Years' War venture. Speaking of which, I ordered a couple of bases worth of Prussian grenadiers and dragoons from Frank at Minden. The figures are astonishingly good, and I can't wait to get them painted up and get the project underway.</div>
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The games which were on were a mix of display and participation. After a bit of a wander around, i made a beeline for the <a href="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/">Toofatlardies</a> table, where Rich, Sid and Panda were putting on a game of the upcoming Dark Ages ruleset '<i>Dux Brittaniarum</i>'. Dux Brit is aimed at recreating large skirmishes in Post Roman Britain (so roughly 410CE to 650CE). </div>
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As most of you will know, i'm a bit of a lardite, and an occasional contributor on the Lardies yahoo group, so it was great to meet Rich Clarke the face and <i>eminence gris</i> of TFL. Rich has been described as one of the true gentlemen of our hobby, and this was definitely the case. He was friendly, funny and knowledgeable, wasn't averse to a bit of 'Pom v. Aussie' rivalry and he didn't even pick me up on my atrocious mathematics when adding up die rolls! It was also great to meet Sid Roundwood, the man behind <a href="http://sidneyroundwood.blogspot.co.uk/">Roundwood's World</a>, one of my favourite inspirational blogs (seriously, if you haven't checked it out do so. The Great War terrain and figures are amazingly good) and another all round nice bloke. It was also great to be able to put some faces to names - it's quite strange to meet people in person who you've 'known' in their online persona for ages. I also got a chance to check out the new version of the <i>I Ain't Been Shot Mum</i> rules, which are also on the 'to order' list when I get back to Oz.</div>
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Anyway, after watching the conclusion of one game of Dux Brit, I asked Rich if I might have a go. He was happy to oblige, and even pulled out some cavalry so I could see how those rules worked. </div>
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My impression of the rules was really positive. They played smoothly, and had the right 'feel' to me, (just think of Cornwell's Arthurian trilogy) infused with the mix of historicity and fun which seem to be a lard trademark. I was commanding a small force of Romano British defending a farmstead against a saxon raiding force commanded by two friendly blokes from the Rollbahn Ost team (sorry guys, I'm terrible with names!). The action centres around key commanders, or the Big Men, a factor common to Sharp Practice, TW&T and IABSM. My troops consisted of levies, <i>comitatenses</i> type foot infantry, some bow armed skirmishers and a few donkey wallopers. Commanding this force were five Big men, including Gaius Ambrosius, the 'last of the Romans', his champion and the superbly named cavalry commander Noggin ap Nog. I was facing off a fairly balanced war band of Saxons with a mix of elite hearthguard and less well trained warriors. The Saxon king, the rather portly Cyddic, was aided by a equal number of Big men. My troops started off in column on the roman road, and quickly deployed into shield wall, with their flanks anchored on the farm and a copse of trees. The skirmishers were forward, and Noggin and his cavalry covered the open ground, ready to ride down the Saxons once they emerged from onto the plains. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k8vxmqUPobw/T7qPxPTz9hI/AAAAAAAABls/ypeXymyqGm0/s1600/Triples2012-21.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745062350750479890" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k8vxmqUPobw/T7qPxPTz9hI/AAAAAAAABls/ypeXymyqGm0/s200/Triples2012-21.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2DtKkcGLJA/T7qPxrKalTI/AAAAAAAABl4/04Ag5q0HGcQ/s1600/Triples2012-22.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745062358227260722" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2DtKkcGLJA/T7qPxrKalTI/AAAAAAAABl4/04Ag5q0HGcQ/s200/Triples2012-22.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFnMuNZV5k0/T7qPzNUwk_I/AAAAAAAABmc/i0TaenMQL5g/s1600/Triples2012-25.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745062384577319922" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFnMuNZV5k0/T7qPzNUwk_I/AAAAAAAABmc/i0TaenMQL5g/s200/Triples2012-25.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcOLASQlIRo/T7qPyEELDlI/AAAAAAAABmE/1E-zSo_I6_I/s1600/Triples2012-23.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745062364911963730" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcOLASQlIRo/T7qPyEELDlI/AAAAAAAABmE/1E-zSo_I6_I/s200/Triples2012-23.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dmgaLAJklLs/T7qPyraOwAI/AAAAAAAABmQ/IpQWjabBf-c/s1600/Triples2012-24.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745062375473463298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dmgaLAJklLs/T7qPyraOwAI/AAAAAAAABmQ/IpQWjabBf-c/s200/Triples2012-24.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 85%;"><i>Above: Romano-Brits under Gaius Ambrosius move out and form up into shield wall, while the saxons move into the farm through the undergrowth.</i></span></div>
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Which, of course, they didn't :). The Saxons flanked around the farm, using the undergrowth for cover. After a game of manoeuvre, I was forced move from the strong defensive position to prevent the Saxons sacking the farm - which was, after all, the Romano British objective! </div>
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The unwieldiness of a formed shield wall is well modelled, and after a futile attempt to get the mix of levy and seasoned troops to move as one, I broke the shield wall and tried to race them into new positions. The built up farm mean't my force was broken into two, one group charging into the central courtyard, and another flanking around the outside. Meanwhile, my skirmishers had engaged in a contest with the saxon archers, which ended with three of their four archers out of action. The skirmishers seem to work well also. They're supposed to represent the boys and youths too weak / small / young to join the shield wall, and while their efforts against a formed shield wall are negligible, they can cause a nuisance, inflicting 'shock', which in turn limits the combat ability of the troops. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nTKlIGbXqoI/T7qQlmNBHRI/AAAAAAAABmo/tFbk58-ozwA/s1600/Triples2012-26.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745063250249194770" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nTKlIGbXqoI/T7qQlmNBHRI/AAAAAAAABmo/tFbk58-ozwA/s200/Triples2012-26.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AZUygnosIKY/T7qQmvOz9II/AAAAAAAABnA/eZnypPgOJJw/s1600/Triples2012-28.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745063269852509314" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AZUygnosIKY/T7qQmvOz9II/AAAAAAAABnA/eZnypPgOJJw/s200/Triples2012-28.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 85%;"><i>Photos above: 1) Sid and the Saxon commanders deliberate. 2) Rich describes the rules with literally lightning speed. That, or my camera exposure was set too long. :)</i></span></div>
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As the Saxon hearth guard formed up to charge my small group of levies and millets in the courtyard, which I hurriedly formed into shield wall. A fortuitous hand of 'Fate cards' allowed my troops to charge the forming saxons. The 'Fate Cards' are dealt each turn, and contain certain combat advantages. They are also in suits, and gain extra bonuses when played as part of a suit. I played three cards of the same suit. The cards, together with a very lucky fall of the combat dice resulted in the decimation of the Saxon hearth guard, who lost their bottle and fell back in the face of the Levy attack! The cinematic nature of Lardies rulesets is really great, and I could imagine the farmer levies, perhaps defending their own farmstead, egged on by their commander and the veteran milites beside them in the shield wall, charging into the overconfident Saxon veterans. </div>
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Unsurprisingly, the Saxons reacted by furiously charging more troops at the impertinent farmers, shattering the now disordered levies and heaping shock up on the milites. A detachment of Saxons had attempted to outflank the shield wall through the farmhouse, but had been distracted by the loot to be had within. With my main detachment struggling over farm fences to support the flagging sheildwall, now was the moment for Noggin and his cavalry. Again, these seemed to play very well. The initial charge ploughed through the Saxons, sending them in turn fleeing from the field. However, cavalry take a lot of shock in combat, and are unable to charge until this is removed. This feels right, and seems to replicate the 'one shot' nature of cavalry in this period. In order to charge them again, they need to be pulled out of combat and rallied. If the enemy can attack them in their blown state, they go down quickly, representing men among the horses hamstringing them and whatnot. Noggin managed to withdraw the remainder of his mounted force, but with what was left of the milites, along with the first of the relieving troops quickly set upon by resurgent Saxons, it was decided that it was best to fall back and preserve what was left of the force. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QlAfcQ_q6Yo/T7qQmC8XWnI/AAAAAAAABm0/Pe8PKiLLdgY/s1600/Triples2012-27.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745063257963977330" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QlAfcQ_q6Yo/T7qQmC8XWnI/AAAAAAAABm0/Pe8PKiLLdgY/s200/Triples2012-27.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TUoxpw0sacs/T7qQnUnZrgI/AAAAAAAABnM/vF2-veetrGk/s1600/Triples2012-29.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745063279887756802" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TUoxpw0sacs/T7qQnUnZrgI/AAAAAAAABnM/vF2-veetrGk/s200/Triples2012-29.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gDfvNCUDLSY/T7qQn3uHXFI/AAAAAAAABnY/WdibNKZOuSk/s1600/Triples2012-30.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745063289311157330" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gDfvNCUDLSY/T7qQn3uHXFI/AAAAAAAABnY/WdibNKZOuSk/s200/Triples2012-30.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 140px; width: 200px;" /></a> </div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 85%;">Above: The glorious but futile charge of Noggin ap Nog and the Romano-British cavalry.</span></i></div>
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So that was the game. As i've said, the rules play fantastically. Units perform as you'd expect historically, while still providing those exciting cinematic moments. Rich also mentioned that the rules will have an inbuilt paperless campaign system centred around the Saxon conquest, and these sound great. After thanking the Rollbahn Ost guys for a great game, I said bye to Rich and Sid and headed off with a head full of new plans to use my Impetus troops for a Dux Brit Late Roman and maybe Frankish force. The game caters for Romano-British, Saxons, Picts, Scotti and Irish, but I figure Franks and Saxons weren't THAT different in their fighting styles, and throwing axes are even catered for in the rules.</div>
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I wandered about the rest of the afternoon, alternately chatting to people and snapping photos. Inspired by the basing on Sid's blog, I picked up some bases from the <a href="http://www.warbases.co.uk/">Warbases</a> guys, which I plan to use for a Dux Brit force, also for my Sharp Practice troops. I really like Sid's idea of using hex shaped bases to make the big men stand out on the table. Speaking of Sharp Practice, I picked up a bunch of the new Front Rank Napoleonic Wurttemberg Jagers which will be added to my 1809 Danube campaign troops - i'm hoping to get the guys at the club back home to have a go at some Sharp Practice, and then hopefully Dux Brit. </div>
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There were some great display games going on, here a couple of pictures. Below is a fantastic 28mm medieval battle put on by the Lance and Longbow society.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwRAmO4547o/T7qLkitAScI/AAAAAAAABjo/X4ENPaRxJmY/s1600/Triples2012-10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745057734571608514" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwRAmO4547o/T7qLkitAScI/AAAAAAAABjo/X4ENPaRxJmY/s200/Triples2012-10.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gr8edCFmbwA/T7qMi5dACqI/AAAAAAAABj0/7OYPrIT_shY/s1600/Triples2012-11.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745058805830388386" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gr8edCFmbwA/T7qMi5dACqI/AAAAAAAABj0/7OYPrIT_shY/s200/Triples2012-11.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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Next up, a great looking 20mm (1/72) Force on Force Afghanistan game by the Sheffield and Rotherham Wargamers.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9R3_dh_2pQ8/T7qLi9EXK3I/AAAAAAAABjE/EKuShejj630/s1600/Triples2012-7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745057707289160562" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9R3_dh_2pQ8/T7qLi9EXK3I/AAAAAAAABjE/EKuShejj630/s200/Triples2012-7.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y96_u0kYYM0/T7qLjtDSFiI/AAAAAAAABjQ/F6gFtzL6eHg/s1600/Triples2012-8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745057720169535010" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y96_u0kYYM0/T7qLjtDSFiI/AAAAAAAABjQ/F6gFtzL6eHg/s200/Triples2012-8.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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A 28mm War and Conquest Ancients game of Achaemenid Persians v. Greeks. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_kh7MJwwzS0/T7qMjWT6zmI/AAAAAAAABkA/WI7ZIAFmBAs/s1600/Triples2012-12.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745058813576924770" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_kh7MJwwzS0/T7qMjWT6zmI/AAAAAAAABkA/WI7ZIAFmBAs/s200/Triples2012-12.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> </div>
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A 20mm Force on Force Vietnam game.</div>
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A huge 15mm Napoleonic game, this was the Battle of Borodino, 1812.</div>
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Some of the guys from the 21e Regiment de Ligne group.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgAUHoRbPh4/T7qTUO46dAI/AAAAAAAABqI/YHfE3miNRe0/s1600/Triples2012-45.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745066250467963906" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgAUHoRbPh4/T7qTUO46dAI/AAAAAAAABqI/YHfE3miNRe0/s200/Triples2012-45.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AOAQznx7ev4/T7qUb3DnnWI/AAAAAAAABqY/AuZzkmj20l0/s1600/Triples2012-46.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745067481020996962" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AOAQznx7ev4/T7qUb3DnnWI/AAAAAAAABqY/AuZzkmj20l0/s200/Triples2012-46.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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A great looking 15mm WWII game, this one was set in Crete 1941 and used Flames of War rules.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HF3vGUqT1IQ/T7qOvYdxQzI/AAAAAAAABlg/YIxgLNWGuR4/s1600/Triples2012-20.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745061219336799026" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HF3vGUqT1IQ/T7qOvYdxQzI/AAAAAAAABlg/YIxgLNWGuR4/s200/Triples2012-20.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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A Fantastic looking 28mm WWII Ostfront game, 'Operation Kutusov' by 1st Corps and Society of 20th Century Gamers.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YE7DxjqDSj0/T7qSB-wxw7I/AAAAAAAABnw/zuRxPRAC-v0/s1600/Triples2012-32.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745064837389599666" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YE7DxjqDSj0/T7qSB-wxw7I/AAAAAAAABnw/zuRxPRAC-v0/s200/Triples2012-32.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ehAN49FRzsg/T7qOtA0OFCI/AAAAAAAABkw/OmjNK763XPs/s1600/Triples2012-16.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745061178628772898" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ehAN49FRzsg/T7qOtA0OFCI/AAAAAAAABkw/OmjNK763XPs/s200/Triples2012-16.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kn1S1MnZl6Q/T7qMk-OYi4I/AAAAAAAABkk/WlD-p8iWCaE/s1600/Triples2012-15.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745058841470995330" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kn1S1MnZl6Q/T7qMk-OYi4I/AAAAAAAABkk/WlD-p8iWCaE/s200/Triples2012-15.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.rayleighwargames.btinternet.co.uk/lvalley.html">Last Valley terrain store</a>. If only I had more cash and didn't have to carry everything with me in a backpack, I would have bought a load from these guys. The trees and hedgerows were great, especially considering it is all but impossible to source the rubberised horsehair in Australia.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9kZizQqNgUE/T7qMkTJ527I/AAAAAAAABkY/-sRCBPp6rDQ/s1600/Triples2012-14.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745058829909482418" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9kZizQqNgUE/T7qMkTJ527I/AAAAAAAABkY/-sRCBPp6rDQ/s200/Triples2012-14.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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A very different, but equally amazing looking 'Old School' Seven Years War game. I think the figures were the delightfully retro Spencer Smiths. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRwxqKl5_9M/T7qOuSw-UsI/AAAAAAAABlI/c42EcCUsaNA/s1600/Triples2012-18.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745061200626864834" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRwxqKl5_9M/T7qOuSw-UsI/AAAAAAAABlI/c42EcCUsaNA/s200/Triples2012-18.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6uVhUM-Y7N0/T7qTTo5wAtI/AAAAAAAABqA/7krAKSXuUOc/s1600/Triples2012-44.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745066240270926546" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6uVhUM-Y7N0/T7qTTo5wAtI/AAAAAAAABqA/7krAKSXuUOc/s200/Triples2012-44.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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A 6mm Napoleonics game, the Battle of Salamanca 1812 by the Huntingdon and District Wargames Club. Those 6mm figs are TINY! I'd seen lots of pics online, but the size is amazingly small. There's also a Baccus 6mm Dutch-Belgian brigade from the Baccus trade stand.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ar8K3EPyWj8/T7qOtm0IEMI/AAAAAAAABk8/DFSdeEw-oRE/s1600/Triples2012-17.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745061188828926146" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ar8K3EPyWj8/T7qOtm0IEMI/AAAAAAAABk8/DFSdeEw-oRE/s200/Triples2012-17.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aiCQCm6G76U/T7qSBXFphCI/AAAAAAAABnk/H5HHyObaqjQ/s1600/Triples2012-31.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745064826739721250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aiCQCm6G76U/T7qSBXFphCI/AAAAAAAABnk/H5HHyObaqjQ/s200/Triples2012-31.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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A great little 15mm Napoleonic diorama.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57dk-GbkDvQ/T7qSCcVLn0I/AAAAAAAABn8/BME9pVII7to/s1600/Triples2012-33.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745064845326917442" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57dk-GbkDvQ/T7qSCcVLn0I/AAAAAAAABn8/BME9pVII7to/s200/Triples2012-33.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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Some of the offerings from Front Rank miniatures. I know people love or hate Front Rank, but I for one love them - they were the first miniatures I bought and painted up. SYW Prussians if I recall correctly. I'm looking forward to adding those new Jagers to my 1809 Sharp Practice collection.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXrE8QhZ9xs/T7qTSqHFjGI/AAAAAAAABpo/6TzQcEuxNJE/s1600/Triples2012-42.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745066223415430242" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXrE8QhZ9xs/T7qTSqHFjGI/AAAAAAAABpo/6TzQcEuxNJE/s200/Triples2012-42.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QkergJoKt6Y/T7p6Pq8fFbI/AAAAAAAABio/9kber0zTRyE/s1600/Triples2012-5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745038684309099954" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QkergJoKt6Y/T7p6Pq8fFbI/AAAAAAAABio/9kber0zTRyE/s200/Triples2012-5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_sblzi3wc0M/T7qOu6z8X0I/AAAAAAAABlU/hEja7lFCWeg/s1600/Triples2012-19.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745061211376738114" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_sblzi3wc0M/T7qOu6z8X0I/AAAAAAAABlU/hEja7lFCWeg/s200/Triples2012-19.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7XBGP0DEITE/T7qTTHyXs5I/AAAAAAAABp0/blEDZU3znxQ/s1600/Triples2012-43.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745066231381603218" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7XBGP0DEITE/T7qTTHyXs5I/AAAAAAAABp0/blEDZU3znxQ/s200/Triples2012-43.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> </div>
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Some of the new 20mm offerings from the ever prolific Pete at <a href="http://www.theplasticsoldiercompany.co.uk/">Plastic Soldier company</a>. Those Sd.Kfz 251s look very tempting. Bring on the Bren Carriers!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHzMEIiDr7E/T7qSFg_OybI/AAAAAAAABoI/5YuYdfep0Hg/s1600/Triples2012-34.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745064898116635058" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHzMEIiDr7E/T7qSFg_OybI/AAAAAAAABoI/5YuYdfep0Hg/s200/Triples2012-34.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hThEWZNjl-I/T7qSGDr60DI/AAAAAAAABoU/ip-_FjdVhSA/s1600/Triples2012-35.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745064907430875186" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hThEWZNjl-I/T7qSGDr60DI/AAAAAAAABoU/ip-_FjdVhSA/s200/Triples2012-35.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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And last, but by no means least, an amazing 28mm Great War game. This game, titled 'Daschunds and Bulldogs', was put on by the <a href="http://www.freewebs.com/like-a-stone-wall/">Like a Stonewall Wargames Group</a> and recreated the Battle of Mons in 1914. The terrain was not only immense (over 20 2'x2' terrain boards!!) but had hundreds of figures, and was amazingly detailed. There were loads of little dioramic bases as well, with fleeing Belgian refugees, german riflemen using Belgian schoolgirls as human shields, a German divisional HQ, field hospitals, artillery batteries, a monoplane and a fire crew working to extinguish a burning house. Absolutely stunning terrain (the buildings are apparently also from warbases, being laser cut MDF), and the guys putting on this demonstration game were friendly and approachable, willing to answer all of my questions. I'm thinking I may have to dig out my Great War project one of these days!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MX8yuIQoWqg/T7p6OaT51VI/AAAAAAAABiQ/tufOc-t9xTs/s1600/Triples2012-3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745038662664050002" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MX8yuIQoWqg/T7p6OaT51VI/AAAAAAAABiQ/tufOc-t9xTs/s200/Triples2012-3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hwb9WvXCwHI/T7p6NhagxpI/AAAAAAAABiE/snI0FlE1yI8/s1600/Triples2012-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745038647390946962" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hwb9WvXCwHI/T7p6NhagxpI/AAAAAAAABiE/snI0FlE1yI8/s200/Triples2012-2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1g6YYUT2vvM/T7p6O3ttGLI/AAAAAAAABic/dFpWm-i9B7s/s1600/Triples2012-4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745038670556895410" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1g6YYUT2vvM/T7p6O3ttGLI/AAAAAAAABic/dFpWm-i9B7s/s200/Triples2012-4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3JCZlXD30w/T7qSyN0MLSI/AAAAAAAABog/pf6TjV4FguE/s1600/Triples2012-36.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745065666064166178" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3JCZlXD30w/T7qSyN0MLSI/AAAAAAAABog/pf6TjV4FguE/s200/Triples2012-36.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AV2Jp4Qrf3g/T7qS0YsUb9I/AAAAAAAABpQ/QRkTzo5ZaYo/s1600/Triples2012-39.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745065703343681490" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AV2Jp4Qrf3g/T7qS0YsUb9I/AAAAAAAABpQ/QRkTzo5ZaYo/s200/Triples2012-39.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--R5IxvUlqc4/T7qSz5NAeUI/AAAAAAAABpE/wkmPSHJAKqs/s1600/Triples2012-40.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745065694890850626" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--R5IxvUlqc4/T7qSz5NAeUI/AAAAAAAABpE/wkmPSHJAKqs/s200/Triples2012-40.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SdYdPasZmn0/T7qSzXNXu3I/AAAAAAAABo4/2JFtCb1O04o/s1600/Triples2012-38.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745065685765569394" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SdYdPasZmn0/T7qSzXNXu3I/AAAAAAAABo4/2JFtCb1O04o/s200/Triples2012-38.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z8uGl2DHq5g/T7qSylUHoBI/AAAAAAAABos/zIe1FLP_57o/s1600/Triples2012-37.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745065672372101138" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z8uGl2DHq5g/T7qSylUHoBI/AAAAAAAABos/zIe1FLP_57o/s200/Triples2012-37.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-67I-tqcAHfU/T7qTR5QXcyI/AAAAAAAABpc/09Pyw-yMI3Q/s1600/Triples2012-41.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745066210301014818" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-67I-tqcAHfU/T7qTR5QXcyI/AAAAAAAABpc/09Pyw-yMI3Q/s200/Triples2012-41.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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So, that was my one day experience of the British Wargames show. Thanks to Rich, Sid, Barry, Pete, Dave, Tony and everyone else whose names I've forgotten. If any of you find yourselves down under, we'll have to catch up for a pint (or rather 'schooner'), a curry and a game. One day I'll be back for Salute!</div>
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Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-28843550550119445142012-05-14T00:35:00.019+10:002012-09-13T14:42:42.148+10:00Still Kickin' - and Museums!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZJ-qKsiryU/T6_ak44zpLI/AAAAAAAABeQ/nkjtlSqdZGg/s1600/BenI-16.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5742048377201468594" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZJ-qKsiryU/T6_ak44zpLI/AAAAAAAABeQ/nkjtlSqdZGg/s320/BenI-16.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 214px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">Well, it's been quite a while since I've posted anything on this blog, what little time I've had between travelling, uni and day to day life has been spent updating my trade bog, benlauraeurope.blogspot.com. Well, as of last friday, the university semester has wrapped up here at Leeds, and I've just got a couple exams and then its time to wave bye bye to blighty. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">The whole exchange has been a mix of amazing and challenging. The subjects I'd chosen turned out to be for the most part fascinating. The course studying European Great Power politics and diplomacy from 1871 to August 1914 with Prof. Holger Afflerbach was really interesting, and it was great to delve into the Bismarckian era and the years leading up to the Great War. I think the title of the module, 'Doomed to Failure?' sums up the approach of the course. Additionally to filling in some gaps in my understanding of European History, I was able to focus upon my proposed area of specialisation - namely the French Third Republic. I completed a paper on the Boulanger Crisis, which is a fascinating period of French history - Prof. Afflerbach went so far as to refer to General Boulanger as the Hitler who never was. It is interesting to imagine how European history would look if there had been a Weimar republic official as willing and able to suppress the Nazi party in the 1930s as French Minister of the Interior Emile Combes was the Boulangists.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">The second subject I took was Catholic Europe, 1571-1648. This subject, while somewhat interesting, was much less involved with secular issues like the Dutch Revolt and the Thirty Years War and much more with Church reform. Not the most thrilling, and I'm not really looking forward to the exam for this subject. 16th century matrimonial reform is not really my thing I'm afraid. Nonetheless, I again had the chance to investigate areas which were of interest to me in an essay, and i'm now much more firmly acquainted with the French Wars of Religion, Henri IV and the early stages of the Thirty Years War. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">The their subject was my favourite. It dealt with the later 'Barbarian' invasions, namely the Anglo-Saxons, Lombards, Slavs and Vikings. This course was run but the unbelievably knowledgeable - and friendly - Dr. Ian Wood. The course took a very critical approach, incorporating cutting edge archaeological and historical research, and just seemed to click for me. My only regret is that I didn't have a chance to take the first semester course dealing with the earlier groups such as Franks and Goths. It's definitely enthused me to get back into painting up Late Romans on my return, and I'm waiting with baited breath for the upcoming Lardies set Dux Britanniarum, which is aimed at the Anglo-Saxon conquest period. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">Well, so much for university. Life in Leeds has been interesting, up until about a month ago my mate Steve was living in Manchester, and it was great to be able to catch up with him. It's also been sanity-saving to have Laura here with me. Our apartment is really quite small, we've been living as cheaply as possible to maximise our spending money when travelling, and it rains. A lot. I saw a t-shirt in town the other day that about sums up the weather around here, it said 'It's grim up North'. Nonetheless, the people are friendly and a couple of things, the Royal Armouries museum and Kirkstall Abbey among them, has really helped to more than make up for the less than wonderful weather. Unfortunately, the accommodation and travel costs meant that my planned trip to Salute was a no-go, but I'm heading to Triples next Saturday and am very keen to see a UK convention, and meet up with some friends to put some faces to names.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">From mid-March to mid-April, Laur and I left the UK and did a bit of travelling, we went to Stockholm, the little town of Abisko in the north of Sweden, Berlin, Budapest and Paris, spending about a week in each country. It was all pretty amazing, - seeing the Northern Lights in the middle of a frozen lake 300 miles north of the Arctic circle is an experience which cannot be put into words - but perhaps of more in line with this blog are the military and other museums and site which we visited. I should probably mention here that I do happen to have to most wonderful, long suffering fiancee. Laura's happily travelled with me to pretty much every military museum in every city we've been to, and yesterday she not only spent four hours wandering around the RAF Museum at Hendon, but came with me on a 4 hour either way coach ride. I'm a very lucky man :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">So, here's what I'm planning on doing. I've taken a whole load of pictures during my visits to museums and sites, and was thinking of putting up some images / reviews / overviews of these. Let me know if there is anything that you want more pictures of, as i've probably got them here (thus far i've taken a grand total of over 7,000 photographs). I'm thinking of the following order:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">Vikings, Vikings, Vikings, Gustaf II Adolf and the Thirty Years' War, Karl XII and the Great Northern War, the earliest surviving european gun and more bits and pieces. Oh, and did i mention Vikings?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><b><i>Deutsches Historisches Museum and Schloß Sanssouci, Berlin (and Potsdam)</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">Amazing collection of 'German' historical objects, including loads of medieval armour and weaponry, a big Seven Years' War collection including Frederick the Great's uniform and personal effects, Napoleonic stuff including an Austrian Regimental Standard and some Westphalian uniforms - oh, and Napoleon's hat captured at Waterloo, as well as all manner of Bismarckian, WWI, and WWII gear. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">I should say in advance that Berlin is an amazing city, and that between the DHM and a visit to Sanssouci, my 'first love' of Seven Years' War has been rekindled, and i'm planning on diving into this project on my return. I've actually already ordered a bunch of figures from Frank at Minden, including Frederick, Seydlitz and Ziethen, some Prussian grenadiers and enough dragoons to make up the 5th Bayreuth dragoon regiment - from which i derive my nom de plume, ansbachdragoner! At the moment i'm still tossing up between Black Powder and the newly released Sam Mustafa set, Maurice for my project. Either way, i'll be basing 24 figure battalions and 8 (12 for the oversize Bayreuth dragoons) for cavalry. My plan is to build up a Prussian and an Austrian divisional force to try to get the guys at club into Horse and Musket gaming. It might also be a good segue into Napoleonics :D.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><b><i>Military Museum and National Museum, Budapest.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">So much stuff here I'm thinking i may need to break it up into a couple of posts. Everything from Huns, Late Roman helmets - including the famous jewel encrusted number which i used for inspiration for my Late Roman commander - Avars, Seven Years war and Napoleonic Hussars and infantry, 1848-49 Revolt, First and Second world war, 1956 revolt. These places were just astonishing.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><b><i>Les Invalides, Paris</i>. </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">Seven Years War, SO MUCH Napoleonic stuff - uniforms, standards, weapons, even Napoleon's horse, Napoleon III and Franco Prussian war gear, French Colonial and Armee d'Afrique, as well as WWI, WWII. Amazing collections, and it's been rejigged since my last visit in 2008. Fascinating and amazing collections.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><b><i>Royal Armouries, Leeds</i>. </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">Quite a large and eclectic collection. Everything from Hundred Years' War armour and weapons, English Civil war stuff, Culloden artefacts, to a large part of Siborne's iconic Waterloo diorama and Napoleonic sabres and muskets of honour, WWI and WWII weapons and gear, and even a full suit of elephant armour from India. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><b><i>RAF Museum, London</i>. </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">So many iconic aircraft, obviously the Spitfires and Hurricances, Lancasters, and B-17Gs, but also the last surviving Typhoon, a Sunderland flying boat, Lysander, Auster, Beaufighter - and then the Stuka, P-51, Heinkel He-111, Ju-88, a bunch of Me-109s, a Focke-Wulf FW-190 and that's just the WWII stuff - there heaps, heaps more.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">Just as a little bit of a taster, and so as this update isn't just one long essay, here are a few pictures from the York Castle Museum. </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">York Castle Museum, York.</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">York Castle museum is really good, but it's primary focus is not on castle related things, being more focused on social history. If you're interested in this side of the museum, check out my travel blog. Either way, it's well worth a visit, being well set out and a pleasure to wander through. There are also quite a few bits and pieces related to military history. In the replica victorian era street there is a 'Gentleman's outfitters', which has a window display of regimental uniforms. There was a collection of Naval weaponry from the 18th century, some armour and weaponry from the English Civil war, including the buff coat of the Parliamentary commander Sir Thomas Fairfax. Finally, there was a collection of WWII British uniforms and weapons - Army, Auxiliary services, Paratroop regiment and RAF. I've also included a picture of a Roman military gravestone from the York Historical Museum! This was my first museum photo taking experience, and my apologies for the sightly dodgy quality of some of the images. Believe me, I've improved and have gotten to know the camera a lot better.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qk8DAGWdRL4/T6_dJlbNtMI/AAAAAAAABhQ/3LiRgfx0hbg/s1600/BenI-17.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5742051206655489218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qk8DAGWdRL4/T6_dJlbNtMI/AAAAAAAABhQ/3LiRgfx0hbg/s200/BenI-17.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 134px; width: 200px;" /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynQhd9tUlfM/T6_bXo9cDoI/AAAAAAAABec/qzUe9JUTUfU/s1600/BenI-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5742049249099255426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynQhd9tUlfM/T6_bXo9cDoI/AAAAAAAABec/qzUe9JUTUfU/s200/BenI-1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qLXt7rYkRw/T6_bYWA10AI/AAAAAAAABeo/m-cmr-87Uuo/s1600/BenI-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5742049261193121794" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qLXt7rYkRw/T6_bYWA10AI/AAAAAAAABeo/m-cmr-87Uuo/s200/BenI-2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5kouF6DgQc/T6_bY8hF6NI/AAAAAAAABe0/YKshJfwWp88/s1600/BenI-3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5742049271528941778" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5kouF6DgQc/T6_bY8hF6NI/AAAAAAAABe0/YKshJfwWp88/s200/BenI-3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLggbPFNJOw/T6_bZeNCIOI/AAAAAAAABfA/wMK2N-4amjk/s1600/BenI-4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5742049280571613410" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLggbPFNJOw/T6_bZeNCIOI/AAAAAAAABfA/wMK2N-4amjk/s200/BenI-4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 147px;" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_irxG9tO84g/T6_bZxY2h-I/AAAAAAAABfM/0Pbka1zV3io/s1600/BenI-5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5742049285721458658" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_irxG9tO84g/T6_bZxY2h-I/AAAAAAAABfM/0Pbka1zV3io/s200/BenI-5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> </span></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dfyZrsG1UyA/T6_cBJMBd6I/AAAAAAAABfY/NDO9kfD5gVQ/s1600/BenI-6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5742049962124998562" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dfyZrsG1UyA/T6_cBJMBd6I/AAAAAAAABfY/NDO9kfD5gVQ/s200/BenI-6.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WmU_T7hJfxs/T6_cBj4oteI/AAAAAAAABfk/hOTgCmxW3aY/s1600/BenI-7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5742049969291441634" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WmU_T7hJfxs/T6_cBj4oteI/AAAAAAAABfk/hOTgCmxW3aY/s200/BenI-7.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rLFeLBNuHnQ/T6_cCNMe7bI/AAAAAAAABfw/Q_c2typZFRY/s1600/BenI-8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5742049980380540338" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rLFeLBNuHnQ/T6_cCNMe7bI/AAAAAAAABfw/Q_c2typZFRY/s200/BenI-8.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_EgqEdjmMNo/T6_cCj7a9SI/AAAAAAAABf8/OTIRwYd1DB8/s1600/BenI-9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5742049986482992418" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_EgqEdjmMNo/T6_cCj7a9SI/AAAAAAAABf8/OTIRwYd1DB8/s200/BenI-9.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-peqD6F2rRvc/T6_cDXRG1-I/AAAAAAAABgI/NfBByt1VNFA/s1600/BenI-10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5742050000264157154" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-peqD6F2rRvc/T6_cDXRG1-I/AAAAAAAABgI/NfBByt1VNFA/s200/BenI-10.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 176px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1afpCJemHAA/T6_coWpCCpI/AAAAAAAABgU/Aen9c71Xqpo/s1600/BenI-11.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5742050635751230098" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1afpCJemHAA/T6_coWpCCpI/AAAAAAAABgU/Aen9c71Xqpo/s200/BenI-11.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8svb9rnkVPU/T6_cpT7gvcI/AAAAAAAABgg/tO_KLp9Y_r8/s1600/BenI-12.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5742050652203302338" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8svb9rnkVPU/T6_cpT7gvcI/AAAAAAAABgg/tO_KLp9Y_r8/s200/BenI-12.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGyO1PzS_ug/T6_cqMj7d5I/AAAAAAAABgs/Nro3wCoqkfc/s1600/BenI-13.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5742050667405211538" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGyO1PzS_ug/T6_cqMj7d5I/AAAAAAAABgs/Nro3wCoqkfc/s200/BenI-13.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 134px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DlTESyrvvlk/T6_crVYtIYI/AAAAAAAABhE/UaUDSSyiapw/s1600/BenI-15.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5742050686953922946" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DlTESyrvvlk/T6_crVYtIYI/AAAAAAAABhE/UaUDSSyiapw/s200/BenI-15.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKKvKx6C9Rw/T6_dKJ5fSgI/AAAAAAAABhc/KUR3ePuXVec/s1600/BenI-18.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5742051216446147074" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKKvKx6C9Rw/T6_dKJ5fSgI/AAAAAAAABhc/KUR3ePuXVec/s200/BenI-18.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 134px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 85%;"><i>Photos: 1) York Castle Museum. 2) Roman military gravestone. 3) Late Victorian era storefront 'regimentals' display. 4) Regimental cap. I think that this may be artillery - it has a cannon on the badge anyway. 5) Artistic weaponry display, mostly ECW stuff and earlier. Apparently this was a quite popular of displaying your prestige in the post ECW period. 6) A blunderbuss carbine from 1716 in the naval display. 7) Another blunderbuss, cavalry sabre and pistol from early 19th century. 8-9) English Civil war display. 10) Fairfax's buff coat. 11) WWII Auxiliary services L to R: Air raid warden, Royal observer corps, and Womens' voluntary service. 12) Airborne, Tropical and 1944 Infantry uniforms and equipment. 13) Infantry weapons. 14) RAF and 1940 infantry uniform. 15-16) 24pdr and me being an idiot! </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 85%;"><i>Oh, and the picture at the top of this post is the York Castle, or what's left of it. It is Clifford's Tower, the surviving keep, located in the middle of a carpark!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">Anyway, that's it for now. Let me know if you've got any suggestions or if this sounds like a good idea, and if it seems like people would be interested i'll try to get the Stockholm one up in the next week.</span></div>
Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-39174131134325624472012-01-03T10:22:00.020+11:002012-09-13T14:42:52.785+10:00Happy New Year, and some more Brit Armour<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgopyzb75jc/TwJ0rNtEfBI/AAAAAAAAA1A/l_D_SYnScz4/s1600/BritishKOSB-11.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693241164711623698" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgopyzb75jc/TwJ0rNtEfBI/AAAAAAAAA1A/l_D_SYnScz4/s200/BritishKOSB-11.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 168px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">Happy new year everyone, and thanks for all your support over the years. I'm really astonished that i've got so many followers and page views, so thanks, and i wish you all the best for 2012.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">First off, I'm now officially half way through my degree. Finished off my last monster 12000 word paper on the French in Algeria from 1840-1870 the week before christmas, and thanks to my professor Philip Dwyer for being very understanding and flexible with due dates. Still waiting on results though, as he is off in Paris until March trying to finish the second volume to his Napoleon bio (please forgive this bit of a plug: anyone who hasn't read <i>Napoleon: The Path to Power 1769-99</i>, I highly recommend it - and not just because Philip is marking my paper :). It's nice to have a recent, thoroughly researched and unbiased bio on such a polarising character).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">Anyway, in between all of this i've spent a week in sunny Nouvelle-Caledonie, working on my French. Noumea is a fascinating place, and i was exceptionally lucky in that not only were my famille d'accueil (host family) very accommodating and friendly, but that the other five newcastle students who i travelled with were easy-going and nice. With such a small group thrust into such an unfamiliar and often stressful situation, we were all amaze that there wasn't one argument. Anyway, suffice it to say that my spoken french has improved vastly thanks to both the opportunity to practice and the lessons we took in the french school, CREIPAC. The school was located in the commandant's office of the old penal colony on the Nouville peninsula, very scenic and lovely old French colonial architecture. The weather was spectacular, and it was really nice to get a chance to relax on the beach as well as the studying. I've attached a few pics to this post, of the CREIPAC building and of the Baie des Citrons. I've got a load more pics and an update about my trip over on my <a href="http://benlauraeurope.blogspot.com/2012/01/noumea-and-t-12.html">Travel Blog</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s6MXV5SNNUQ/TwJPnn_d2oI/AAAAAAAAAy0/6iDl7GIbXUA/s1600/CREIPAC.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693200421118401154" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s6MXV5SNNUQ/TwJPnn_d2oI/AAAAAAAAAy0/6iDl7GIbXUA/s200/CREIPAC.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> </span></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jquseM4kKsw/TwJPm7PdQ8I/AAAAAAAAAyk/gAbODKUVh-8/s1600/BdesC.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693200409105875906" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jquseM4kKsw/TwJPm7PdQ8I/AAAAAAAAAyk/gAbODKUVh-8/s200/BdesC.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">Anyhoo, on to the miniatures! My Normandy brits are pretty much done. This is rather the milestone to me, the first army i've actually finished. I've got bits and pieces to add to, as is always the way, but they've been getting a few games in at the local club.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">First off,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> a troop from B Squadron, 3rd RTR, part of 11th Armoured Division. Firefly VC and one of the Sherman Vs are cromwell, the other Sherman V is Milicast. The crewman is from AB, and stowage is from Grubby.</span> I've got another Sherman V to fill out to a full troop, but for the moment they are understrength. In keeping with the 3RTR tradition of tank names beginning with 'c', i've named these Cardinal, Canute and Curmudgeon. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QKSspaJuRd4/TwJ3r5MXCvI/AAAAAAAAA2k/kKiRGxbq-eE/s1600/BritishKOSB-21.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693244474920471282" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QKSspaJuRd4/TwJ3r5MXCvI/AAAAAAAAA2k/kKiRGxbq-eE/s200/BritishKOSB-21.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6R1QLSrnvfE/TwJ3r67N2tI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/sRsccUWqwS4/s1600/BritishKOSB-20.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693244475385436882" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6R1QLSrnvfE/TwJ3r67N2tI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/sRsccUWqwS4/s200/BritishKOSB-20.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 144px; width: 200px;" /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IpDnKR_tSQ4/TwJ1VbY-j0I/AAAAAAAAA1w/HfxWO24hknw/s1600/BritishKOSB-17.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693241889939951426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IpDnKR_tSQ4/TwJ1VbY-j0I/AAAAAAAAA1w/HfxWO24hknw/s200/BritishKOSB-17.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 154px; width: 200px;" /></a> </span></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-exHuglTB7GE/TwJ1Vjvf-5I/AAAAAAAAA14/k7jEFpSKMPM/s1600/BritishKOSB-18.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693241892181900178" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-exHuglTB7GE/TwJ1Vjvf-5I/AAAAAAAAA14/k7jEFpSKMPM/s200/BritishKOSB-18.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 190px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-7k51HRxXk/TwJ3rpPu7JI/AAAAAAAAA2I/C2z6ondAr1o/s1600/BritishKOSB-19.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693244470639651986" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-7k51HRxXk/TwJ3rpPu7JI/AAAAAAAAA2I/C2z6ondAr1o/s200/BritishKOSB-19.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 18px;">Below is a Crusader AA tank, from 3rd RTR. Tank and crew are Raventhorpe RTR</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZtqNM3YfFU/TwJPmy_C4lI/AAAAAAAAAyU/b-aT169UoY8/s1600/BritishKOSB-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693200406889554514" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZtqNM3YfFU/TwJPmy_C4lI/AAAAAAAAAyU/b-aT169UoY8/s200/BritishKOSB-2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 158px;" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uE1lboKZPto/TwJPmrD4mwI/AAAAAAAAAyM/vq47OI38svE/s1600/BritishKOSB-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693200404762368770" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uE1lboKZPto/TwJPmrD4mwI/AAAAAAAAAyM/vq47OI38svE/s200/BritishKOSB-1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 144px; width: 200px;" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">Below is a Cromwell and a Challenger from the recce regiment of the 11th Armoured. I know that it is most likely that 2nd Northamptonshire Yeomanry were disbanded before receiving their Challengers and replace by 15/19th King's Royal Hussars, but in keeping with the Normandy theme, i've painted the commanders cap badge as 2nd Northants. Cromwell is Britannia, Challenger is Raventhorpe RTR, the commander is AB, and stowage is from Grubby Tanks.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqexUAKohFk/TwJ1VM86yvI/AAAAAAAAA1k/9wW0Sot1yGg/s1600/BritishKOSB-16.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693241886064167666" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqexUAKohFk/TwJ1VM86yvI/AAAAAAAAA1k/9wW0Sot1yGg/s200/BritishKOSB-16.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 148px; width: 200px;" /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4d4ByDQYsE/TwJz-WF0xiI/AAAAAAAAA00/GZUcW6D_hcw/s1600/BritishKOSB-13.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693240393868822050" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4d4ByDQYsE/TwJz-WF0xiI/AAAAAAAAA00/GZUcW6D_hcw/s200/BritishKOSB-13.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 132px; width: 200px;" /></a> </span></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nL6-1HbPDxU/TwJ1Un1POcI/AAAAAAAAA1M/CDH6OSPQvwc/s1600/BritishKOSB-14.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693241876099840450" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nL6-1HbPDxU/TwJ1Un1POcI/AAAAAAAAA1M/CDH6OSPQvwc/s200/BritishKOSB-14.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 194px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yaqPeGwpugE/TwJ1U99dGSI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/cDJudvNVTsA/s1600/BritishKOSB-15.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693241882039884066" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yaqPeGwpugE/TwJ1U99dGSI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/cDJudvNVTsA/s200/BritishKOSB-15.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 175px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qisfXD__xKk/TwJz9msqisI/AAAAAAAAA0s/Rf4IAEeLnuk/s1600/BritishKOSB-12.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693240381146827458" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qisfXD__xKk/TwJz9msqisI/AAAAAAAAA0s/Rf4IAEeLnuk/s200/BritishKOSB-12.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 114px; width: 200px;" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">Below is an M5 halftrack from 8th Bn, The Rifle Bde. This was the motor battalion of the 11th Armoured Division. Halftrack is RTR, crew are Kellys Heroes</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EY3_AWMivco/TwJPoOoFP8I/AAAAAAAAAy8/gO2M8dOriaY/s1600/BritishKOSB-3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693200431489302466" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EY3_AWMivco/TwJPoOoFP8I/AAAAAAAAAy8/gO2M8dOriaY/s200/BritishKOSB-3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 187px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rE4Qjm3W8eo/TwJrjsLPWDI/AAAAAAAAAzI/vA0KtXU4dH0/s1600/BritishKOSB-4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693231139847624754" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rE4Qjm3W8eo/TwJrjsLPWDI/AAAAAAAAAzI/vA0KtXU4dH0/s200/BritishKOSB-4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 158px; width: 200px;" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">Below is a Sexton from 190th Field Battery, RA, attached to 44th (Lowland) Bde of 15th Scottish Division. Gun and crew are Britannia.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zf6EO_vPHbg/TwJrj2ingMI/AAAAAAAAAzU/BzwzsewNqCI/s1600/BritishKOSB-5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693231142630031554" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zf6EO_vPHbg/TwJrj2ingMI/AAAAAAAAAzU/BzwzsewNqCI/s200/BritishKOSB-5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5fdddcYRLM/TwQ_Mvm4uiI/AAAAAAAABBY/kCXTnRFMB2Y/s1600/SextonTD.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693745317073697314" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5fdddcYRLM/TwQ_Mvm4uiI/AAAAAAAABBY/kCXTnRFMB2Y/s200/SextonTD.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 132px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">Below is a 3" Mortar team from 6th KOSB, figs from AB.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2zAHXgLwIK8/TwJz8xoirxI/AAAAAAAAA0M/sOOU2rOM-_E/s1600/BritishKOSB-10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693240366902456082" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2zAHXgLwIK8/TwJz8xoirxI/AAAAAAAAA0M/sOOU2rOM-_E/s200/BritishKOSB-10.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 160px; width: 200px;" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">Below is a Morris 15cwt Truck from 6th KOSB. Truck and figs are Raventhorpe RTR.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjmJmUiySHk/TwJz83C84FI/AAAAAAAAA0E/-X-YO5228yQ/s1600/BritishKOSB-9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693240368355401810" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjmJmUiySHk/TwJz83C84FI/AAAAAAAAA0E/-X-YO5228yQ/s200/BritishKOSB-9.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 166px; width: 200px;" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">Below is a carrier from 6th KOSB. Both carrier and crew are Britannia.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2WEwXEo05o/TwJrkchZp-I/AAAAAAAAAzc/148MhFXj-z8/s1600/BritishKOSB-6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693231152825477090" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2WEwXEo05o/TwJrkchZp-I/AAAAAAAAAzc/148MhFXj-z8/s200/BritishKOSB-6.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 188px;" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">Below is a Churchill Crocodile flamethrower tank i've named Culloden, painted up as a vehicle from 141st RAC, part of the 79th Armoured Division, 'Hobart's Funnies.' Both the tank and the crewman are from Britannia, and as usual were great to paint up. The kit gun barrel was replaced with a brass one from ebay.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1QhTwkLppg/TwJrlNH8qSI/AAAAAAAAAz8/WdryzQzoLQg/s1600/BritishKOSB-8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693231165872056610" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1QhTwkLppg/TwJrlNH8qSI/AAAAAAAAAz8/WdryzQzoLQg/s200/BritishKOSB-8.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 124px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wh0MuwQ327E/TwJrkYai5_I/AAAAAAAAAzs/jwnWJJwbkZA/s1600/BritishKOSB-7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693231151722981362" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wh0MuwQ327E/TwJrkYai5_I/AAAAAAAAAzs/jwnWJJwbkZA/s200/BritishKOSB-7.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 190px;" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">Below is a ruined walled farm. This is a scratchbuild from foamcore, cardboard, printed vintage wallpaper and signage from google images and various bits and pieces. I used the lasemodellbau buildings for scale.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SnBGI_ln16M/TwJ3s7jbKEI/AAAAAAAAA24/v-gya1nDJwE/s1600/BritishKOSB-23.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693244492733950018" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SnBGI_ln16M/TwJ3s7jbKEI/AAAAAAAAA24/v-gya1nDJwE/s200/BritishKOSB-23.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CjmR5-MXYi0/TwJ3srK7-kI/AAAAAAAAA2s/hHPtMapw3OM/s1600/BritishKOSB-22.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693244488336276034" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CjmR5-MXYi0/TwJ3srK7-kI/AAAAAAAAA2s/hHPtMapw3OM/s200/BritishKOSB-22.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> </span></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCJPMEGnh-w/TwJ4V2HRYjI/AAAAAAAAA3E/EVOuxErJgZ0/s1600/BritishKOSB-24.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693245195648328242" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCJPMEGnh-w/TwJ4V2HRYjI/AAAAAAAAA3E/EVOuxErJgZ0/s200/BritishKOSB-24.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 185px;" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">Finally, here are some pics of my entire collection, set up for a mock battle. I still</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 18px;"> have to finish off the modular road system, but otherwise it's all but done.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YswktMpwXxQ/TwQ_MlkpDQI/AAAAAAAABBk/PClwpgsxYmA/s1600/Groupshot.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693745314379926786" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YswktMpwXxQ/TwQ_MlkpDQI/AAAAAAAABBk/PClwpgsxYmA/s200/Groupshot.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 88px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uhu75mvGVCk/TwJ40ZMka-I/AAAAAAAAA4M/UuvmQPGC2Qk/s1600/BritishKOSB-30.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693245720461863906" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uhu75mvGVCk/TwJ40ZMka-I/AAAAAAAAA4M/UuvmQPGC2Qk/s200/BritishKOSB-30.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W_5lkpZLGMk/TwJ4XfagmcI/AAAAAAAAA30/TDaKtMaZT6g/s1600/BritishKOSB-28.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693245223914740162" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W_5lkpZLGMk/TwJ4XfagmcI/AAAAAAAAA30/TDaKtMaZT6g/s200/BritishKOSB-28.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> </span></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPfHnDY6xlA/TwJ4WiEnjyI/AAAAAAAAA3s/HCkhVriW-j0/s1600/BritishKOSB-27.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693245207448358690" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPfHnDY6xlA/TwJ4WiEnjyI/AAAAAAAAA3s/HCkhVriW-j0/s200/BritishKOSB-27.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PjUoresMRMw/TwJ40boahjI/AAAAAAAAA4A/0IWP4_LYZSA/s1600/BritishKOSB-29.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693245721115526706" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PjUoresMRMw/TwJ40boahjI/AAAAAAAAA4A/0IWP4_LYZSA/s200/BritishKOSB-29.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eckHxnib2nA/TwJ4WszroqI/AAAAAAAAA3c/qFyTtIhcPEk/s1600/BritishKOSB-26.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693245210330112674" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eckHxnib2nA/TwJ4WszroqI/AAAAAAAAA3c/qFyTtIhcPEk/s200/BritishKOSB-26.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCR_SaOP3Bo/TwJ4V7eFlHI/AAAAAAAAA3U/ue7VTA1wqow/s1600/BritishKOSB-25.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693245197086200946" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCR_SaOP3Bo/TwJ4V7eFlHI/AAAAAAAAA3U/ue7VTA1wqow/s200/BritishKOSB-25.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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Well, that's it for now. I've got to finish off my current commissions in the next week, so there will be some more late roman goodness heading onto the blog. Also, i've got a few bits and pieces from my next projects, more 20mm WWII, 1940 French and 1944-45 Hungarians. </div>
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On top of all of that, on the 15th of this month (so less than 2 weeks away), Laura and I are flying out for our 6 month study exchange to the University of Leeds. Not a lot of painting will be getting done, but in the 3 months worth of Holiday time we'll be travelling across Europe, and hopefully visiting a few historical sites and museums. I'm also hoping to get to a few gaming shows while in the UK, i'll miss Salute as i'll be in the north of Sweden when it is on, but any suggestions for any other shows worth a look would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again to everyone who's offered advice regarding accommodation as well, it's all been very helpful.</div>
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As far as the travelling goes, thus far we've booked a week each in Sweden (Stockholm and then up above the arctic circle in Abisko national park for some aurora watching), Berlin, Budapest, Paris. After end of semester in May, we're planning on heading to Turkey, Italy, Austria and Croatia. I'll be following the progress of our trip on my new travel blog, <a href="http://benlauraeurope.blogspot.com/">http://benlauraeurope.blogspot.com/</a>, i'll try to crosspost some of the more military history related updates on here though. </div>
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Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933937422727282824.post-5830520209323944542011-11-24T21:28:00.019+11:002012-09-13T14:43:03.454+10:00Normandy British - Armour and Support<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-viwkE_0tER8/Ts4nIR06g4I/AAAAAAAAAtg/9Sd14V1Cjv4/s1600/Flail3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678519203338552194" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-viwkE_0tER8/Ts4nIR06g4I/AAAAAAAAAtg/9Sd14V1Cjv4/s200/Flail3.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 182px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a>Well, as promised here is an update on my 20mm Normandy British. I've been building this up for the last year, using the Guild forum's project build to track my progress. I must say I'm very surprised to say that i have a fully gameable British force, which has been seeing a fair bit of action at the local gaming club. We've been playing with some homebrew fastplay rules, but I'm looking forward to picking up a copy of Rich Clark's latest, <a href="http://toofatlardies.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=86">I Ain't Been Shot Mum, version 3</a> while over in the UK.<br />
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My force will be based around an infantry platoon - perhaps eventually expanding to a company - from the 6th King's Own Scots Border Regiment, part of the 15th Scottish Division which held off the 9th and 10th SS Panzer divisions in its combat debut during Operation Epsom and then went on to fight in Bluecoat and through to the end of the war in Europe.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4NqQe43P1E/Ts4pmBFCsMI/AAAAAAAAAuo/t9gXGfhsV5A/s1600/ukosbb.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678521913262125250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4NqQe43P1E/Ts4pmBFCsMI/AAAAAAAAAuo/t9gXGfhsV5A/s200/ukosbb.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 108px; width: 110px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">6th KOSB cap badge and tartan.</span></span><br />
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Supporting my KOSB platoon i've got battalion assets in the form of a 6pdr AT gun with Lloyd carrier tow, a Bren carrier or two and 3" mortars with some Morris trucks from the motor pool.<br />
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From division, i've got a couple of M10 3" self-propelled AT guns, a couple of Vickers heavy MGs, a Sexton self-propelled gun, and artillery FOO, a troop of armoured cars, and a 17pdr AT gun and crew.<br />
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I've also added some forces from units which worked alongside the 15th scots. From 31st Tank Brigade, i've got a troop of Churchill IXLT tanks. From 2nd Household cavalry, i've got a troop of armoured cars and a staghound heavy armoured car. I've also added a smattering of 'funnies' from the 79th Armoured division, and an RAF forward air controller.<br />
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Finally, i've got bits and pieces from the 11th Armoured division. these take the form of a Sherman V/Firefly VC troop, some halftracks and carriers from 8th Rifle Brigade, and a troop of Cromwells with the option to add a 17pdr armed Challenger tank.<br />
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Phew. Took me a while to write out that lot, let alone paint them up! I realise that this is a whole lot for a platoon, but i expect to rarely field much of the support at one time, and the variety gives my little force a load of flexibility.<br />
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First up is a Churchill AVRE. This is painted up as a vehicle from 2nd Team, 5th Assault Regiment RE. The 5th landed on Sword Beach on D-Day. This is the Revell Kit, without the SBG (small box girder bridge). I've got another unmade kit which i plan on doing with the bridge and all. The crewman is an AB figure.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VV_n33QwemE/Ts4oMLmioVI/AAAAAAAAAt4/MTd-u_XU_so/s1600/AVRE1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678520369898758482" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VV_n33QwemE/Ts4oMLmioVI/AAAAAAAAAt4/MTd-u_XU_so/s200/AVRE1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 158px;" /> </a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1I7KUbAOV80/Ts4oL8X-2TI/AAAAAAAAAts/59VnIEeGlDY/s1600/AVRE.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678520365811161394" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1I7KUbAOV80/Ts4oL8X-2TI/AAAAAAAAAts/59VnIEeGlDY/s200/AVRE.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 153px; width: 200px;" /> </a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VV_n33QwemE/Ts4oMLmioVI/AAAAAAAAAt4/MTd-u_XU_so/s1600/AVRE1.jpg"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rMmbFHiO7Kk/Ts4oMjes77I/AAAAAAAAAuE/LLUy5464HFk/s1600/AVRE%2BCdr.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678520376308330418" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rMmbFHiO7Kk/Ts4oMjes77I/AAAAAAAAAuE/LLUy5464HFk/s200/AVRE%2BCdr.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 189px;" /></a><br />
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Below is a Vickers heavy MG and crew from 1st battalion, The Middlesex Regiment, the support battalion of the 15th Scottish. This is the first of two of the superb AB figures MG teams i've got to paint up.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1QTGaGHM3w/Ts4yWjaREBI/AAAAAAAAAwg/NIcfnai9sNw/s1600/IMG_1639.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678531543204696082" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1QTGaGHM3w/Ts4yWjaREBI/AAAAAAAAAwg/NIcfnai9sNw/s200/IMG_1639.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vn122_oQRZI/Ts4yW-eio2I/AAAAAAAAAws/fL6yaNudpmw/s1600/IMG_1638.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678531550470382434" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vn122_oQRZI/Ts4yW-eio2I/AAAAAAAAAws/fL6yaNudpmw/s200/IMG_1638.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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Below is a Sherman Crab Mk II from A Squadron, 22nd Dragoons. This tank is the superb but very fiddly Milicast, crew is AB. The kit almost drove me insane in the making, especially the chains on the rotating flail drum. After much cursing and glued together fingers, i think it has ended up as a great little addition to the force. The minefields are also new additions, just squares of MDF board with wire from fly-screen and re-sized signs from Google image search. I've made them up with different coloured signs so one can be used as fake and one as real if the need arises. From what i've read, it appears that at least on parts of Gold and Juno beaches there were fake minefields, marked with yellow rather than white signs.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uk6lqHMdcA4/Ts4oNiFkwLI/AAAAAAAAAuc/muyJdSawS6Y/s1600/Flail%2B1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678520393114370226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uk6lqHMdcA4/Ts4oNiFkwLI/AAAAAAAAAuc/muyJdSawS6Y/s200/Flail%2B1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 170px; width: 200px;" /> </a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K158sK5PlYI/Ts4oNDoDcjI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/Jpu1QFpXgg4/s1600/Flail2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678520384937488946" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K158sK5PlYI/Ts4oNDoDcjI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/Jpu1QFpXgg4/s200/Flail2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 195px;" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij0Zfna1l2o/Ts4pnl39jRI/AAAAAAAAAvY/lw3mJd-9eHI/s1600/Crab%2BCdr.jpg"> <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678521940319243538" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij0Zfna1l2o/Ts4pnl39jRI/AAAAAAAAAvY/lw3mJd-9eHI/s200/Crab%2BCdr.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 155px;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jiXGtLLlk9s/Ts4pnDD3pZI/AAAAAAAAAvM/rPfwQKCYYjA/s1600/Crab%2BMine%2BClearing.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678521930973947282" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jiXGtLLlk9s/Ts4pnDD3pZI/AAAAAAAAAvM/rPfwQKCYYjA/s200/Crab%2BMine%2BClearing.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9gE_Y5K0bM/Ts4pm3l9isI/AAAAAAAAAvA/DnggGpksdw8/s1600/Minefields%2Band%2Bcrab.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678521927895714498" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9gE_Y5K0bM/Ts4pm3l9isI/AAAAAAAAAvA/DnggGpksdw8/s200/Minefields%2Band%2Bcrab.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 124px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij0Zfna1l2o/Ts4pnl39jRI/AAAAAAAAAvY/lw3mJd-9eHI/s1600/Crab%2BCdr.jpg"> </a><br />
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Below is a Churchill Crocodile flamethrower tank i've named <span style="font-style: italic;">Culloden</span>, painted up as a vehicle from 141st RAC, part of the 79th Armoured Division, 'Hobart's Funnies.' Both the tank and the crewman are from Britannia, and as usual were great to paint up. I replaced the white metal barrel with a brass one from ebay.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oyjGGETg7A0/Ts4tYjWHc_I/AAAAAAAAAwU/eaC9ZQUF-KA/s1600/IMG_1636.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678526079988888562" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oyjGGETg7A0/Ts4tYjWHc_I/AAAAAAAAAwU/eaC9ZQUF-KA/s200/IMG_1636.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VdCR-xHEZ3Q/Ts4yXUKYyuI/AAAAAAAAAw4/U-to3ALDxho/s1600/IMG_1635.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678531556291431138" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VdCR-xHEZ3Q/Ts4yXUKYyuI/AAAAAAAAAw4/U-to3ALDxho/s200/IMG_1635.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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Next up is a Morris Light Reconnaissance Car which i've painted up to be used as an RAF Forward Air controller, the first half of my 'limejuice' pair, a FAC and air support in the form of a 'Tiffie,' a Typhoon MkIB. I'm not 100% certain that the FACs used Morris' rather than M5 halftracks, but i loke the look of the quirky little Morris, and the RAF regiment used them, which is enough for me. The car is unknown make, but special thanks to wargameroz over on the guild forums for sending it up. The crew are the amazingly sculpted AB.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fq3dKQUYTLg/Ts4tWwWjviI/AAAAAAAAAvk/zUX1FwBPwA4/s1600/Morris%2BLRC%2BLimejuice.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678526049120665122" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fq3dKQUYTLg/Ts4tWwWjviI/AAAAAAAAAvk/zUX1FwBPwA4/s200/Morris%2BLRC%2BLimejuice.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 161px; width: 200px;" /> </a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wMdas1PwrrQ/Ts4tX1MnddI/AAAAAAAAAv8/6tDxRCx0orY/s1600/Morris%2BLRC%2BLimejuice2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678526067601012178" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wMdas1PwrrQ/Ts4tX1MnddI/AAAAAAAAAv8/6tDxRCx0orY/s200/Morris%2BLRC%2BLimejuice2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 169px;" /> </a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gBTKvI3JGSI/Ts4tXFmi3VI/AAAAAAAAAvw/uo8Y5Jjy3P0/s1600/Morris%2BLRC%2BLimejuice1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678526054824861010" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gBTKvI3JGSI/Ts4tXFmi3VI/AAAAAAAAAvw/uo8Y5Jjy3P0/s200/Morris%2BLRC%2BLimejuice1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 158px;" /> </a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fq3dKQUYTLg/Ts4tWwWjviI/AAAAAAAAAvk/zUX1FwBPwA4/s1600/Morris%2BLRC%2BLimejuice.jpg"> </a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1d-bT1yMeIs/Ts4tYPVDywI/AAAAAAAAAwI/PgkLkv2gvOA/s1600/RAF%2BFAC.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678526074615745282" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1d-bT1yMeIs/Ts4tYPVDywI/AAAAAAAAAwI/PgkLkv2gvOA/s200/RAF%2BFAC.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 135px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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Finally for this update is a Centaur Mk IV from 5th (Independent) Battery, Royal Marines Armoured Support Group, which landed on Sword Beach in support of the No.4 Commando. The tank is from Cromwell, and as usual the crew are AB.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v10cdJhEBjE/Ts4yX-lXQ-I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/L81bAM_s8K4/s1600/Centaur%2BRMASG.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678531567678866402" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v10cdJhEBjE/Ts4yX-lXQ-I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/L81bAM_s8K4/s200/Centaur%2BRMASG.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 158px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pAaPTGnEUSw/Ts4zTz1p9DI/AAAAAAAAAxo/4poqtYJAqoQ/s1600/Centaur%2BRMASG1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678532595586561074" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pAaPTGnEUSw/Ts4zTz1p9DI/AAAAAAAAAxo/4poqtYJAqoQ/s200/Centaur%2BRMASG1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 158px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CrNUCIFSOnY/Ts4zU_LRH2I/AAAAAAAAAx0/PIqw3N2yg90/s1600/Centaur%2BRMASG2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678532615809867618" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CrNUCIFSOnY/Ts4zU_LRH2I/AAAAAAAAAx0/PIqw3N2yg90/s200/Centaur%2BRMASG2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 170px;" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6E9MZdtgcj0/Ts4zTp1r33I/AAAAAAAAAxc/l2sEerhrNO8/s1600/Centaur%2BCdr.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678532592902332274" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6E9MZdtgcj0/Ts4zTp1r33I/AAAAAAAAAxc/l2sEerhrNO8/s200/Centaur%2BCdr.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 182px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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Well, that'll be it from me for the next week, as i'm off to Noumea tomorrow to <span style="font-style: italic;">parle en francais. </span><br />
I'll post up some more pics of my force when i get back.Ben Fiene (Ansbachdragoner)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07179069100382179511noreply@blogger.com11