Morning gentlemen, morning Ray. Hope you are all well. This is my 7th Challenge and one of my favourite parts of the year. The Challenge is responsible for the rejuvenation of my wargaming hobby. I have a habit of painting loads of figures and then getting pipped at the post by Miles on the last day. That was until Noel joined this happy band and ground us all to dust.
This year I have 2 major projects; 10mm Italian Wars (I am going to paint hundreds of 10mm Landsknechts) and 28mm Dunsterforce.
For those of you that don't know about this weird unit then potted history. Dunsterforce was formed at the end of 1917 to protect Bristish interests in the Caucus Mountains as a direct consequence of the collapse of Russia. It was initially made up of a handful of volunteers with the aim of training locals to resist potential expansion of the Turks towards Baku on the Caspian Sea and the oil field there. In 1918 it was reinforced by 39th Brigade and held Baku for a month before being forced to retreat by the Ottoman Army of Islam.
Dunsterforce was the Proto-SAS and with support for Cossacks had many adventures. They took a train of refugees through enemy territory (Think NW Frontier film with Kenneth More) and sailed into Baku in ships flying the Serbian Flag. They only had the Russian imperial flag, couldn't fly the British one as that would be an invasion, and the locals wouldn't them fly it, so they flew it upside down - the Serbian Flag.
Enough waffling, I could go on for hours. The plan is to use them in Russian Civil War campaigns, which we play using Bolt Action so I've finished a couple of sections
Great looking troops. I'd heard the name Dunsterforce before, but now I have some background to associate with it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCheers
DeleteNice painting to open your book, Martin. Dunsterforce sounds like a really interesting project - I love these "off the wall" unusual theatres, so will be watching out for your offerings.
ReplyDeleteI've never tried the Vallejo washes - these figures are a good ad for it - may give it a try.
But landsknects in 10mm? Rather you than me!
Ta, done some landsknechts already. They look great.
DeleteThats really novel Martin, I hadnt heard of Dunsterforce before! Great job.
ReplyDeleteThe RCW has been calling to me for some time also...
Highly recommend RCW, its a blast. Look at the wargamesinthedungeon blog, Matt plays a loy
DeleteNow there's an unusual subject. Fascinating, the Dunsterforce. The Great War YouTube Channel did some interesting videos on them (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LExMogcEh0). The figures came out very well and I look forward to watching both your projects unfold!
ReplyDeleteThanks, seen the video. 1st read about it in Peter Hopkirks book on secret service east of constantinople. I strongly recommend all his books
DeleteWelcome back Martin looking forward to seeing the hordes that you produce this year. Dunsterforce is a wonderful project, one of those fact is stranger than fiction tales.
ReplyDeleteCheers, not sure about hordes this year though
DeleteLovely looking troops, Dunsterforce is great fun!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Cheers
DeleteHaha, are you taking over from Tamsin?
ReplyDeleteWell we both have a thing for women
DeleteLovely stuff Martin, loads of cool scenarios in the Dunsterforce book, also good for WW1 Mesopotamia 😁
ReplyDeleteRegards KenR
Lovely stuff Martin, loads of cool scenarios in the Dunsterforce book, also good for WW1 Mesopotamia 😁
ReplyDeleteRegards KenR
Cheers, been looking at the book,need to buy it. Also have the Turks
DeleteGreat figures and a wonderful bit of history. The collapse of Tsaris Russia really created some amazing (and very tragic) tales. Welcome back Martin - great to see you again.
ReplyDeleteCheers mate. I do like the weird stuff. Its good to be back
ReplyDeleteLovely work Martin, great brushwork
ReplyDeleteCheers
Matt
thank you
DeleteNicely done Martin - I recall reading a bit about Dunsterforce, I think it was in an edition of WI? Anyway, very cool and interesting, well done.
ReplyDeleteCheers, yes it was but don't have the copy
DeleteFascinating subject about which I knew nothing! Keen to hear more about these Vallejo washes.
ReplyDelete