Arnhem September 17th-25th 1944



The John Frost Bridge Arnhem



Back in Blighty and time for another inspiration post. My time in the Netherlands was short but I learnt so much. The main point of this trip was to see Arnhem and tour the Airborne Museum around Oosterbeck. For those of who are not familiar with this part of Dutch history it was the stage for one of the greatest military disasters in British history. During 1944 the 1st British Airborne were dropped 8 miles from what is now the John Frost Bridge. A brave few managed to avoid the German lines and work their way towards the bridge. These men (John Frost included) held the bridge for 3 days and 9 hours, only surrendering due to lack of ammunition. Meanwhile, back in Oosterbeck the remainder of the 1st Battalion became pinned down in an ever decreasing pocket of resistance. Finally, the paras were given the order to pull out. Battered and bruised the British (with the help of the Polish) retreated back across the river Rhine. Many soldiers were captured and hundreds more were killed.

British 1st Airborne Paras



Now, some of you maybe thinking what has this got to do with painting. Well those of you who have read early posts will know that I am collecting the 1st British Airborne. This trip for me was a fantastic opportunity to research the history behind the force that I am collecting. The museum had a fascinating collection of weapons and uniforms which, has given me a better understanding of what the uniforms should look like when it comes to painting them. Seeing the equipment has made me want to expand my 1500 point Flames Army to 1750 points (possibly 2000). Its amazing how an experience, picture or place can motivate you to start or continue a project. I've just ordered some 17 pdr guns to give me a bit more anti-tank power and also some mortars to lay smoke screens for my infantry advances. I have also managed to make a full Royal Engineers Platoon from a couple of mispacked Vickers blisters (they contained 2 pioneer carts!?!) and some spare paras.



17 Pdr gun



Arnhem itself was also an eye opener as it allowed me to see the lay of the land from a 1st person perspective and not just a table top view. It really makes you think about how those bog down tests and lines of sight come into play in the game and how they compare to the real place. Unfortunately most of the old Arnhem was destroyed during the war including the bridge (it was rebuilt and renamed much later). Now Arnhem is very modern but I still recommend a visit.

For me, hearing the first hand experiences of the soldiers during my museum trip really hit home and made me realise why I love Flames so much. It's not the game, the social aspect or the miniatures I enjoy the most even tough they are a big part of it. What makes Flames so special is that it gives me a chance to remember those brave few who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms that we take for granted today. Lest we forget.