Pickering WW2 WeekEnd.

We went along to this re-enactment weekend on October 17th, (the title above links into a short You-tube video), a really good friendly and interesting time it was too, and only a short bus ride away on't Moor Bus Services, which makes a pleasant start to the day, it makes a change not to be driving.
The main event is at Pickering itself, but other nearby villages put on events too, so there is a lot to get around, as well as taking in some wonderful Moors views. After a large fat boys breakfast at a local cafe, we bought some pies to munch as we stood to watch the main parade through the town, made up of British and American military vehicles and such like. Germans are not allowed into Pickering itself, unless under armed guard, and so their display is at nearby Levisham. Mr Churchill, with large cigar and v-sign, naturally got the most applause and cheers. God Bless the fellow, and all of those involved, for saving us from European domination.
Unfortunately, I'd forgotten my camera.. (d'oh).. and for that, I blame my local landlord for selling me far too much Tetleys the night before. Thankfully, after a walk through the 1940's market, Mrs Peeler joined us, with car and camera, and we made our way on to Levisham.
Re-named "Le Visham" for the weekend, the village and station was "German Occupied", good to see, but also a warning perhaps of how things may have been, had we lost.
Anyway, here's some pictures of a German camp just outside the Station, I think these gents were actually from West Yorks. They certainly looked the part, and the equipment looked very realistic.

The Station itself was regulated by German Military Police types, who played the part very well, anyone dressed in 1940's Allied uniform was arrested, and 1940's civilians were questioned closely. Enjoyable, but also worrying, at the same time.

This flag was flying on the Station itself, I presume it was some sort of German Rail flag, but I'm not at all sure.

As we drove out of the village, some Americans turned up and had a mooch about.

Onto Goathland, and a rather nice display of elderly motor bikes.

And the Home Guard on display, watching out for any typical dirty Nazi tricks and suchlike.

This was different, a Bren gun fitted with a cylinder magazine, holding 100 rounds, for A/A use.

Were horses bigger in the '40's? I only ask because the bloke stood next to it was a good 6'2, and that horse isn't standing up straight..

Last, but not least, Le Resistance, cunningly disguised, and keeping a watchful eye on the Germans, just waiting for the moment to strike, cause chaos to the invader, then melt away into

the countryside again..

A quick Witter, both Gaming and Blogging are going well, I have a weekend in London coming up for a GdB Wagram game, at which I have the Austrian Reserve Cavalry, so hopefully that will mean a gentle start for me on the Saturday morning, and we have Smoggycon and Recon shows coming up soon, which we are gaming at, so some good days to look forward to.

I'd like to pass a welcome to the latest "Followers", being Tim from Norton, CJP, Pat, Mike Siggins and Billy, welcome to all, and a good selection of Blogs they have between them.

Regards to all,

British have another go at the Zulu..

We gathered for a rematch a few days ago, following the tragic slaughter of the British some time ago (see previous DBC game). The British came back to Zululand determined to avenge the defeat, this time bringing along a Gatling gun. (Yes, and an unpainted wagon..from the Airfix Wagon Train set).
The Zulu, buoyed up by their earlier victory, were equally determined to defend their Kraal (yes, represented by a filter box.. I know, I must get painting soon..).. against the invader.
We used the same DBC rules, which will be available from Alex's DBN site sometime soon after a final tweak or two.
Doug and Alex played the Brits, Peeler and Richie had the Zulus. Brits had 12 points, with two Elite Regular bases, the Zulu only got one extra point, so had a total of 16 points, including two Elite and two shooters.
The British started off forward in one large formation, Gatling to the fore, skirmishers on the flanks, the General some way to the rear, and the Hero (single figure) Mr Flashman (seventh son a a village Vicar), riding around just behind the line, waiting for his chance of glory.

The Zulu put on a show of force with two Shooters and three Native bases, along with the Chief in support. The rest of the Zulu loitered off table, awaiting their chance, and hoping for a war cry.

The British formed a line on the plateau, and the Gatling quickly dispatched a Shooter base. Not liking the hail of lead, the Zulu edged over to the right, hoping to avoid the Gatling and close in on the infantry.

On the British right, a swarm of Zulu suddenly appeared, moving swiftly in, hoping for an easy flank attack. If the Chief and his small force were the chest, then this was one of the horns of the traditional Zulu attack.

On seeing this threat, the British divided their force, (always risky!) leaving the line on the plateau to take care of the Zulus to its front, whilst the rest formed a large square.

As the Zulu chest was recoiled by steady fire, the left horn edged closer, threatening both formations, whilst... shock and horror... more Zulu appeared on the right, going for both the flank and rear of the British line. The Zulu chest began to think about attacking the Square, as it inched toward the Kraal.

From this angle, the Kraal is to the left, and I reckon the Zulu are looking good.. At this point, the British General trotted out from the Square, calmly gave his orders to his troops on the plateau, and then trotted back to the square, riding down the odd wandering Zulu as he did so. Top bloke!!

The right Horn gets on in there, and takes out a Regular base, flanking the skirmishers. They aren't too good at close combat, so it's looking like a roll over here..

But you know, sometimes those Skirmish chaps are just too damned hard for their own good, and frankly, they battered the jubilant Zulus. Badly.

Meanwhile, the Square had been busy bumping off and recoiling the left horn, and, having done so, broke formation and resumed its advance. Mr Flashman , having had a boring but safe time in the confines of the Square, began to ride out..

.. and had a right good go, popping off a few rounds from his privately purchased hunting rifle, unloading both revolvers and having a bit of a chopping session with his finely made sabre, gaining a couple of Victory points before riding back to loud Hurrahs and Cheers.

The Zulu didn't really get any closer to the main British formation, being held off by the firepower, and a swift jog forward by some Skirmishers quickly secured the Kraal, much to the Zulus annoyance. They were so angry in fact, that they had another go at the Gatling gun before exiting the table. That too ended in tears, so actually a few less Zulu made the exit.

The British were left on the field, having strongly avenged the previous defeat. British colonial honour had been restored. The surviving Zulu ran off, to spread the story, and perhaps do a bit of recruiting too.
So, in spite of my lack of painting recently, a darned good game was had. And lessons were learned too. For the British, not to split their force too early, as it did get a bit close on the plateau, especially when the Gatling jammed at one point, though they did hold off that side whilst the main force advanced on the Kraal. For the Zulu, the need to put in a larger holding force, and to get the Horns moving earlier. Mind you, poor Zulu dice did hamper them, and there wasn't enough left over to have a warcry. For which, by the way, I firmly blame that bloke Richie and his dice throwing, which was even worse than mine, and mine was bad enough. Also, the basic Zulu plan was down to me. And I lost. (Again!)
Good company, good rules, good game, and yes I will get painting again soon.
Regards,

Derby Show,3rd-4th October.

We went along to Derby last Saturday, and a good day was had by all. Derby really is up there with the top shows I think, it has a pleasant open layout, plenty of room, and a good atmosphere too. Lotsa decent traders, and numerous quality games going on. It was good to meet up with a few people not seen for a while, and to put some faces to those known only by name.
So what did we buy...well, for our colonial games, I got a box of Hat 1/72, Gardiner gun with Naval crew...this is a smashing set, with 4 guns and crew as well as 16 foot figures armed with rifles. Basically, it's the Naval Division in a box, well made and proportioned figures, and well worth £6 I reckon. There is also a Gatling gun and Artillery set out, which I have yet to find.
I found a lovely 25/28mm range at HassleFree Miniatures, and just couldn't resist them, being the chaps out of Hot Fuzz, and also a fine model of Madge..as in, Her Majesty (God Bless Her), tooled up with a large shotgun. Not cheap, but they are definite quality figures to have. Pleasant people to chat to, HassleFree, and a pleasure to meet up with. From IronClad Miniatures, I bought a few character figures, Holmes & Watson, and Quatermain, which will do nicely for our coming Zombie game. A few other bits and bats bought, a chat with TSS & Old Glory, and onto the games..
Raid on St Nazairre, by the Leeds Club, Very Impressive!

Some other games..

Iraq game by the Border Reivers.

Nice boat model in this one..

A WW1 game, using Kallistra terrain and trenches.

This one was really colourful to see.

A couple of others..

I don't know, but I hope the wine got drunk throughout the day.

Now this one caught my eye, but it didn't immediately occur why...then I realised it was a 40mm game..didn't seem to take up much more space than 25's to be honest, and looked really big and bold. Had a good chat with Ian at this table, most of the figures are Sash & Sabre. I have to say, it did look really good, the figure painting and terrain were excellent.

A few other games..

Baccus 6mm Leipzig game..

And another 6mm game, Borodino by Lead Commanders. Big game, with oodles of small figures.

I think each base represented a Division. Although small figures, the painting and basing were good.

No idea who this was, but it looked pretty Old School style.

As said, the games put on were impressive, and a joy to see. It made a pleasant change not putting a game on ourselves to be honest, more time to see what others are doing. All in all, a good day out, and the food wasn't bad either.

Regards,