Mmmm Waffles (oh and painting research)

Right, you lot time for another forced history lesson (this may hurt). Over the last two weeks the Folly of War has been in dry dock in Belgium. Why? Well, if you were not aware a rather large war happened there from 1914-1918. I have spent the last week in a small, trench ridden part of Brugge (or Bruges if your from the French bit). What a fantastic opportunity to do some research for some new painting projects (and eat waffles). My first stop was the Tynecot Commonwealth cemetery. This really put into perspective how many men (just on the Allied side) lost their lives in a very pointless way. The stones seemed to stretch into the distance with name after name of the men who had fallen during the "Great War". The really sad thing was the many graves with the words "Soldier of the Great War" engraved upon them. This meant that when the body was found it was too damaged to identify.

This was found in a field!!
German Officer Armour. 

With the sombre part of the visit finished on I travelled to the town of Ypres. This town had suffered Greatly during WW1 and was ultimately levelled by constant bombardment by both sides. The Germans captured the town early in the war but the constant back and forth nature of trench warfare meant that town suffered constantly. What was remarkable about this little town (except for the waffles) was a tiny backwater pub called "The First World War Curiosity Museum". Outside, it looked like a standard Belgium bar. However, inside the walls were covered with a variety of artefacts found by the landlord around the surrounding countryside. As I went into the garden the bar turned into a trench works museum (very strange). It was easy to find inspiration for new projects here. I especially enjoyed looking at the German heavy armour worn to protect officers. You can see where forge world got their ideas from for their designs for the Death Korps Grenadiers (I can't believe the guy just found this).

Can you see the similarities?

Looking at this exhibition has really made me consider buying a very small 500 points Death Korps force (it will have to be small considering it is £36 pounds a unit). The problem is that this particular army screams to be a massed infantry army but I would only be able to buy one squad a month. Meaning that even a 500 point force would take approximately 6 months to finish due to monetary constraints (damn you forge world).

Finally, leaving 1914 Belgium (and the waffles) I went to Dunkirk. I haven't touched Flames of War for a while due to 6th edition coming out but this gave me some more ideas for further Flames projects. Dunkirk was a very hard fought battle by both the French and the British during early stages of the WW2. The Germans had the Allies surrounded with evacuation the only option. Hundreds of ships and boats (some of which came from my local area) sailed under constant fire to rescue thousands of British and French soldiers. The Early war game has never really interested me but Dunkirk may have sparked my interest. I really recommend that if you are stuck for painting projects... go on holiday. Simple as it may sound these little trips can inspire you to make and create some wonderful things.

Some inspirational dioramas to help think about future projects.

In other news, I have been beavering away with the Angels and I will have some more pics of them next time. Till next time, pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and its a long way to Tipperary. Now where did I put my last waffle?

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.