world war two Archives - Page 35 of 36

Standard Beaverette

A Standard Beaverette of the Home Guard on patrol by a farm.

This is a 15mm scale model with farm buildings from Hornby’s N gauge Lyddle End range.

The first version of the vehicle was built in 1940 by Standard Motor Company at the instigation of Lord Beaverbrook, then Minister of Aircraft Production (hence the name Beaverette). It was based on commercial car chassis, on which a simple riveted armoured hull was mounted. The 11mm of steel was backed by 3 inch thick oak planks. The hull was open at the top and at the rear. The armament consisted of Bren machine gun which could be fired through a slot in the glacis armour. Subsequent versions received all-around protection and a machine gun turret – an enclosed one with Bren MG or an open-topped one with twin Vickers machine guns. Some vehicles also carried Boys anti-tank rifles. Some had No. 11 or No. 19 radio set. The production was stopped in 1942. About 2,800 units were delivered.

I have always liked the idea of gaming Operation Sealion and one day I may get some more of my collection painted and out on the gaming table.

Spitfire, 70 years old

Today is the 70th anniversary of the RAF’s most iconic WWII fighter plane entering service.

Who do you think you are kidding…

I have been looking at Flames of War for a while now, as back in the late 1990s I bought a lot of 15mm (1/100th) World War Two tanks and miniatures; I even painted some!

On the Flames of War website they have a very nice article on building a Dad’s Army unit for Flames of War.

dadsarmy03

The article not only has pictures of the nicely painted miniatures, it also has pictures of how the different miniatures were modelled.

I have always liked the idea of gaming Operation Sealion and this article is quite inspiring.

In the Presence of Mine Enemies

I am currently reading Harry Turtledove’s alternate history novel, In the Presence of Mine Enemies.

In the Presence of Mine Enemies

Set in 2009 in a world in which Nazi Germany not only won the Second World War, but also won a Third World War against the United States; the novel concerns the lives of the last Jews in Berlin, who have survived despite the odds against them.

Like many of Harry Turtledove’s novels there are lots of characters who meet now and again, but generally are independent of each other in terms of storylines.

The premise is very interesting and I have enjoyed the book (nearly finished it), but it is nowhere near some of Harry’s other novels in terms of quality and I must say that I have enjoyed other similar backgrounds more, Fatherland for example.

Overall I would say if you enjoy this kind of alternate history and also enjoy Harry Turtledove novels then you will probably enjoy this book.

You can buy the book from Amazon.co.uk.

Boarding

Military vehicles prepare for boarding prior to Operation Overloard.

From the Nailsea and District Model Railway Club Show.

Operation Sealion German Armoured Train

This found its way onto my workbench (and with the recent discussion on Operation Sealion) I thought people might be interested.

It is a 20mm German Armoured Steam Engine. Using a captured GWR Praire 2-6-2 Tank Engine, the German occupation forces would use armoured trains to protect the rail network from English terrorists (partizans) and important trains (carrying the ReichsMarshal of Great Britain for example).

Normally it would push a flat wagon with 40mm AT weapon on it and other wagons would include Flak wagons and heavy machine guns.

Actually I can’t remember purchasing the Dapol plastic kit, building it or even painting it!

Dad’s Army

Dad’s Army defending Lyddle End from the invading German forces, circa 1940…

Many years ago I bought a bundle of Dad’s Army and German forces in 15mm for playing Operation Sealion games. I painted some, but most have spent a lot of time unprimed and unpainted.

Having recently read a few books recently which have rekindled my interest in Operation Sealion. These have included Collaborator by Murray Davies which is set in a nazi occupied Britain and tells the story of a British soldier working for the occupying forces as a translator who then gets involved in the resistance…

Real history books which have also inspired included Berlin The Downfall 1945 by Antony Beevor, the author of Stalingrad. and The Model Occupation: The Channel Islands Under German Rule, 1940-1945.

The Leader by Guy Walters though not an Operation Sealion alternative history, also provided inspiration.

This picture shows one of my Dad’s Army vehicles which I have repainted, It is set with some N Gauge scenery from the Lyddle End Hornby range.

The N Gauge models are out of scale, 1/148th compared to the 1/100th scale of 15mm World War Two. I also want to use the buildings with Warmaster figures as well.

Russian Tank and Infantry

Here is a picture of a KV-1 Russian tank and infantry.

From a World War Two demonstration game.

Secret Army

Secret Army, just as good as I remembered…

Back in 1977, the BBC broadcast a series, called Secret Army about a group of Belgians who helped downed aircrew escape from occupied Europe. At the time I thought it was excellent and extremely well made.

Today I often think I won’t watch that old programme as the memory of it will be ruined by seeing it again. Having said that I borrowed the first season of Secret Army from my father-in-law who had purchased it on DVD.

I did wonder if it would be as good as I remembered and thinking nearly thirty years has passed since this was first on, and time can play tricks on you. I knew that it would be a combination of film and video (as was virtually any drama made in the 1970s) and that maybe the plots and acting would be a disappointment.

Boy was I wrong.

It was excellent and though I having only watched the first two episodes it was certainly as good as I remember (if not a little better). It was very powerful stuff and well made.

I have now seen a few more episodes and it certainly is gripping stuff and well made television which has stood the test of time.

Certainly recommended.

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WWII Agean Schooner

More pictures here…