Besides a handful of Gurkhas, this 24 figure Sikh battalion is last of the Wargames Foundry natives in The Lead Pile. More Russian foot and horse remain for the Great Game project but the stock pile of old Foundry natives is depleted. This battalion is outfitted in khaki or drab with the uniform tending towards a brown khaki while the turban tends towards an olive drab.
With the mustering of these Sikhs, the project can now field four, 24 figure battalions of natives. My aspiration is that these fine fellows will see service in the Russian Expeditionary Force against the HEIC.
The four native battalions could also see service throughout the middle part of the 19th Century including the Indian Mutiny, the Afghan Wars, or the Sikh Wars. I could use a unit or two of native horse and a gun or two, don't you agree? Having only recently returned to painting colonial figures, fielding the Sikhs got me daydreaming about small unit actions out on the frontier. Although from a later period set during the Second Afghan War, Anderson's, The Afghan War continues to be a favorite. Often have I thought that this book would provide an excellent source from which to construct wargames scenarios.
Thanks, Mike! When Kevin hosts the game, we use his "Fast Play The Sword and the Flame." If I host, I am inclined to dust off "Fields of Honor" and give that a try.
Thanks! Anderson's booklet (it is only about 50 pages) is worthwhile if only for the sketch maps. The sketches show troop positions and movements during the campaign. Although I have not read it for years, I recall it being a quick summary of the campaign with details on the major, British expeditions. First published in 1905, I thought it might be available on Google Books. No such luck. My favorite treatise on the war is Robson's "The Road to Kabul." Excellent!
Very fine work, Jonathan. The officers add a lot of character and are appropriately Victorian in their whimsical dress. Nice. Sikhs are awesome. My boss, Canada's new Minister of Defence, is a Sikh, and, some say, quite the badass. http://i.cbc.ca/1.3304912.1446689742!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/harjit-sajjan.jpg
They look great, for a period I am interested in but have absolutely no intention of gaming! Yes of course you need artillery but first some colourful irregular cavalry please Best Iain
They look splendid...and I agree!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reinforcing that I should field guns and horses.
DeleteThose do look great Jonathan! A very interesting period.
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Appreciate that, Christopher! It is an interesting period. Then again, I rarely find a period that is not interesting!
DeleteGreat looking unit. The officers really add some character.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jake! The officers do add to the Foundry single posed, infantry sameness.
DeleteA great looking unit, Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ray!
DeleteGreat job another fine addition to the cause!
ReplyDeleteSimon, one can never have too many natives. These lads can fight for any master.
DeleteImpressive unit Jon, beefy in size and wonderfully painted! I do think they deserve some arty support.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Soren! Two votes for artillery support. I guess I better find some.
DeleteExcellent Sikhs Jonathan! What rules are you using?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mike! When Kevin hosts the game, we use his "Fast Play The Sword and the Flame." If I host, I am inclined to dust off "Fields of Honor" and give that a try.
DeleteImpressive as always, Jonathan. Your transition from 2015 to 2016 seamless.
ReplyDeleteAnd Dean, you are as kind as always!
DeleteGreat looking regiment. They are handsome castings and you have done them proud.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Aaron!
DeleteGood stuff. You would recommend that book on the Second Afghan War?
ReplyDeleteThanks! Anderson's booklet (it is only about 50 pages) is worthwhile if only for the sketch maps. The sketches show troop positions and movements during the campaign. Although I have not read it for years, I recall it being a quick summary of the campaign with details on the major, British expeditions. First published in 1905, I thought it might be available on Google Books. No such luck. My favorite treatise on the war is Robson's "The Road to Kabul." Excellent!
DeleteVery fine work, Jonathan. The officers add a lot of character and are appropriately Victorian in their whimsical dress. Nice.
ReplyDeleteSikhs are awesome. My boss, Canada's new Minister of Defence, is a Sikh, and, some say, quite the badass.
http://i.cbc.ca/1.3304912.1446689742!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/harjit-sajjan.jpg
Great photo, Michael!
DeleteThis unit carried a scattering officers throughout since I ran out of Sikhs!
Looking very good, and yes a bit of native artillery and cavalry seems in order to go with them!
ReplyDeleteWith a number of votes for native artillery and horse, I better start planning for some.
DeleteLovely work, they look splendid! I really must find the courage - and the time - to paint my WW2 Sikhs.. Cheers, Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I look forward to seeing the results of your WW2 Sikhs.
DeleteAppreciate you stopping for a visit and comment!
They look great, for a period I am interested in but have absolutely no intention of gaming! Yes of course you need artillery but first some colourful irregular cavalry please
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks, Iain! Adding a few colorful cavalry would brighten up the battlefield. Good suggestion!
Delete