DOMINION WAR and ELECTION SPECIAL

                                  DOMINION WAR CAMPAIGN NEWS

Throwing dice can provide quick political outcomes to a war wary campaign. While future wargames were still viable, and previous games had proved very successful, the Dominion War had somewhat  stagnated. The general stalemate in Ontario is obvious, with the Americans unable to capture Toronto. While the Empire is unable or fearful to enact any major campaigns elsewhere in North America. And then we have the lacklustre performance of the French, which is shocking. Only political solutions could provide a possible break to this general deadlock. 

ENTRY ONE, Diplomacy and Threats

The American campaign against Spanish occupied Florida has taken a peculiarly traumatic turn. As American troops approached St.Augustine, the Spanish colonial governor has informed the American government that a naval force will shortly arrive off the coast of Savannah, Georgia. That if the Americans persist in their unjustifiable actions against this Spanish colony, they must take full responsibility for any retaliatory actions undertaken by the Spanish Empire.

The United States Government has informed Madrid that any action against the state of Georgia is totally unacceptable. That their invasion of Florida is the root cause for the present situation. That the Spanish government must immediately vacate Florida, and indicate a willingness to depart Cuba in the very near future.

The Spanish Government has declared its full support for whatever actions the Royal Governor of Florida believes is necessary for the defence of the colony. They advised the United States government that they must immediately vacate Florida. Spanish claims to Florida being historic, and non negotiable. 

The American commander for Georgia and Florida has been instructed to continue his advance on St. Augustine (D4), but to remain out of artillery range, and to permit provisions to enter the city.

ENTRY TWO, the French

In a surprise move, the French have withdrawn their two garrisons on the coast of Texas (D2). It is unclear whether this is indicative of a further withdrawal from this conflict, or whether the French Government is planning another campaign to be carried out elsewhere. Their fleet has been sighted by fishing boats near Galveston Island. While Texas militia have reoccupied the former French positions.

ENTRY THREE, while in Florida

Reports have arrived that five (D5) of the six volunteer militia battalions in the Florida Army have indicated their desire to be granted permission to return to their homes in Georgia. The commander is making arrangements to accept this (D5). Fortunately, he has recently gained three regular military units, and another is likely to be formed from broken/understrength units. The Florida Army commander has informed the US Government that he believes they are now strong enough to take St.Augustine. A government official has informed him not to act (D1), and to continue as before. Spanish HQ in St.Augustine have indicated they are willing to allow matters to cool down (D1). The Spanish do not believe there will be an American attack on the city, and provisions are still arriving.

ENTRY FOUR, the French again

The new French Government has declared (D1) that the Second Expeditionary Force (comprising nine military units) will immediately return to France. It has also been confirmed (D2) that the French Pacific fleet off the coast of California (comprising four military units) is to return to Indo-China. These actions were ordered in the hope of stimulating more cordial relations with the United States. The French Government has sent word to the United States Government that they are willing to moderate their claim on Louisiana (D5) by accepting the transfer of the City of New Orleans and some fifty miles around as a free trading city under French protection. The American Government has rejected this offer (D2).

ENTRY FIVE

The French Government has ordered its 1st Expeditionary Force (comprising twelve military units) to withdraw to French controlled islands in the Caribbean (D3) for purposes of recuperation. The President of the United States has declared a day of celebration in seeing the removal of French troops from American soil. However, he declared (D5) the need to redouble efforts to secure our northern border, which would require the annexation of Ontario, the liberation of lower Alaska and parts of Maine. And then we must work towards the restoration of Florida, and the eventual liberation of Cuba.

The British Government, representing the Empire, has declared it has no alliances with either France or Spain. We seek only peace with the United States, and the restoration of the previously agreed borders which this American president has sought to undermine.

ENTRY SIX, Election Results

The United States has just held a postponed wartime election for president. The incumbent was trounced (D1), and the new president stood on a platform calling for an honourable peace treaty (D1) between the United States and the British Empire. The former president has voiced his disbelief (D3) but has respected the decision and immediately resigned.

The newly elected president on route to the White House.....

With the able assistance of the Swiss government, and for a very small fee (what do you expect, they're all bankers), another meeting has been arranged in Berne between the United States and the British Empire. This is to discuss the speeding up of arrangements for future meetings. These follow-on meetings will take place somewhere in Canada, to finalise the cessation of fighting. In turn, it is hoped they will ultimately lead to a formal and lasting peace treaty. 

FOOTNOTE

I am rather surprised just how quickly the French withdrew, and the American government changed its foreign policy. I sort of expected the dice would ignite the conflict...... but it didn't happen. Well, it isn't totally over. Spain still holds Florida, France is still technically at war with the United States, and the peace discussions concerning the Canadian border might break down. I can't see Spain holding on long if the entire South now sends contingents to Florida. 

About thirty-five wargames have so far been played during this campaign.

                                              Dominion War Victory Points awarded, so far.

This gives the Empire 48 victory points against 28 for the Americans. While the French and Spanish only scored 14 versus 24 for the Americans. I think it is fair to mention defenders often win in my wargames, unless outnumbered two to one.

Some thoughts on Hawaii

If we assume the Dominion dispute is eventually settled, there will be one interesting distinction. Hawaii will be a semi-independent kingdom under the protection of the Empire. This was not unusual as Tonga, Malaysia, Brunei, Lesotho, Swaziland, and 565 Maharaja states on the Indian sub-continent were largely self-governing with their own monarchs. The only conditions the British imposed were that they would prefer them to buy Empire-made goods, limit or abolish peculiarly cruel laws, and no foreign alliances. Other than that, they governed themselves. Many of these states had their own armies with British or British-trained officers commanding, or the British would station a small garrison at the expense of the local ruler.

ENTRY SEVEN, Naval Manoeuvres 

The new President of the United States has informed Her Britannic Majesty's Prime Ministers of Great Britain, and the Dominion of Canada (by Telegraph) that it is the intension of the United States Navy to depart the Chesapeake. Their mission is to visit Georgia, and to then return to the Chesapeake. It is hoped the Royal Navy will appreciate this forewarning, and fully understand its purpose. This message has also been forwarded to the commander of the Royal Navy fleet operating near the Chesapeake. Her Majesty's Government replied. We thank the newly elected President for his forewarning. Her Majesty's Government requests that the embassies of Switzerland and Denmark should also be given notice of this excursion, and invited to forward evidence of receiving such to Admiral Paul Watson, commanding Her Majesty's fleet operating near the Chesapeake. We further request that the following message should also be forwarded directly to Her Majesty's Admiral..... 'Please remove the chair from the door',  this message concluded with a long series of numbers.

ENTRY EIGHT

The United States Navy fleet has departed the Chesapeake estuary and is moving south. They are expecting to arrive at Savannah, Georgia, on or about the First of May, depending on weather conditions.

We can confirm the Royal Navy fleet chose not to engage, although one ship was previously sighted heading south.

ENTRY NINE

On April 26 a second Royal Navy vessel arrived off the coast of Savannah, Georgia.  Very shortly afterwards both ships steamed away, their destination is unknown. 

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                                        NEW TRANSPORT ARRIVES

I could not resist this multi-purchase. A trader was selling a fair number of National Motor Museum vehicles. These diecast are lovely models, about half and half metal and plastic. What makes them special is they are sturdy and listed as 1/32 in scale. The range is very extensive and covers much of the 20th century. This trader had three vehicles that immediately caught my attention, and the prices were very fair. The total cost including delivery was £19.

This diecast was described as a Ford 1909 Tourabout, code SS-T5560. The only problem is this code always shows up as a very different model, in white. I have been unable to find another for sale which matches mine. I think this is a lovely model and my intention is to use it as a command vehicle for my c.1900 British Empire Army. The paintwork is mainly black and brown, with a red rear panel, which looks rather old-style military. Superb!

Some good news. Using the model number plate I can confirm it is actually the NMM Mint diecast Ford 1912 Depot Hack...... in the wrong box. Now I don't keep empty boxes. I like to display and use my toys, and storing packaging is a burden I can do without.

The next diecast must be among the most bygone reproductions the National Motor Museum have commissioned. It is a 1903 Ford Model A, with the code 00300/FDAA03. I immediately thought this would look great as a staff vehicle for Crown Prince Rudolph of Ruritania. On arrival, however, it is very large, more like 1/30 in scale? Too nice to convert, I will use it as it is, but will need to construct a larger driver.

Finally, I bought this diecast because trucks can be useful and I liked the barrels at the back, lol. But it will now be commandeered by my United States Army c.1900.  It is listed as a Ford model T 1925 Heinz pickup truck, so rather appropriate for carrying army rations. It is a very attractive model.

But I think the engine is giving trouble?

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                                                                      ANOTHER LANTERN

Since I love traditional Christmas decorations, I decided to buy another M&S Christmas lantern, with a working battery light. Found it in a charity shop for only £2, it looks great on the table.

MGB

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                                                 Hong Kong and The Spanish-American War of 1898

HISTORICAL NOTE Prior to the Spanish-American War of 1898, the American Asiatic fleet, under George Dewey, was effectively based in Hong Kong, with the full acceptance of the British. When war broke out, Britain declared its official neutrality and ordered the American war ships to depart. The American fleet, however, was fully kitted out and supplied, and had even repainted their white ships to a shade of grey. On their departure, the Royal Navy ships also in Hong Kong fired salutes, and the crews were formed up and gave them three cheers! Apparently, we were totally neutral. 

Commodore George Dewey decisively defeated the Spanish Pacific fleet at the Battle of Manila Bay on May 1, 1898.

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DOMINION WARGAME, MY POSTAL SERVICE, BASIL BRUSH CAR

                                   POSTMEN, POSTWOMEN,POSTBOXES

I came across some nice bare metal castings for sale. They all related to the British postal service.

The figures and postboxes were only £13 delivered, so I bought them.

Decided to convert this postwomen into a city lady.....

(Several of the above have changed their post depot to Graham's Apperley Towers.)

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BASIL BRUSH CAR 

In 1971 Corgi joined with the Basil Brush Show to produce a Basil Brush die-cast car. For reasons unknown, the car they produced was different from that linked to the show, but it was still a fun collectable.

In February this year I picked up a rather damaged example from my local collectables shop. It was not only missing some items, but the paintwork would require redoing. While carrying out further research, and watching the show intros, I decided it would be more interesting to recreate something similar to the original show car.

This vehicle is painted with acrylics and several coats of varnish. Plasticard was used to create the correct car bonnet. The broken windscreen has been replaced, and car number plates added. It's one of those projects where you can always find something more to do, like tidying up my shoddy pinstripes. This really was a nostalgic and fun project!

Here is the original Corgi example, with the strange engine and red paintwork.

Here is the official artwork, as it should have been reproduced by Corgi, surely?

PART TWO

Popped into the collectables shop to seek out some hubcaps for my BB Car. I wanted to replace the incorrect spoked wheels on the original Corgi model. 

Found this broken jeep, and also four narrower tyres that fit the hubcaps, this should complete my BB Car. The shopkeeper charged £3. The surplus Jeep tyres will no doubt prove useful elsewhere.

And the BB Car with the new hubcaps.

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Dominion War Campaign News

The US Navy fleet in the Chesapeake has begun to take on ammunition and other supplies, some ships have already taken up positions towards the estuary mouth.

A new US commander has been appointed to the Canadian Campaign. An additional nine military units have arrived, and several divisions are moving forward.

Empire forces in Ontario have been re-organised in preparation for a probable American campaign. A fleet of ships has docked at Quebec with seasonal recruits. One dice was thrown, four more military units.

The US commander in North Florida his declared his intension to drive the Spanish out of Florida, for good. He has called for volunteers, promising them all the equipment they need to do the job. Two dice were thrown, furnishing six battalions of volunteer militia.

A treaty between the Empire and the United States to end hostilities on the Pacific coast of North America is holding, although California has allowed numbers to resign from their National Guard, leading to volunteers moving to the East Coast (D4, four military units).

 

DOMINION WARGAME

The war in northern Florida recently reignited. The US commander for Georgia and Florida instructed five regular military units, and two militia formations to launch an attack on the Spanish position near Madison. The garrison was serving as a early warning position, and comprised two infantry battalions and a battery of field guns. 

THE ACTION BEGAN

MOVE ONE I decided to throw a dice to determine if the garrison were aware of the approaching American force, they threw a D6...... local spies? The Americans entered to the north, leading the advance was a roving cannon. The Spanish guns immediately opened up on the vehicle, and a hit injured one of the three crew! MOVE TWO Aware that all chance of a surprise attack was lost, the Americans advanced at full speed. The Spanish guns blasted away, and another RC crewman was injured, due to low saving throws. But they did take down a Spanish artilleryman with a hit on the redoubt. A morale check on 50% casualties was required by the RC, and they just held on due to the commander being nearby. MOVE THREE The Americans advanced. The Spanish guns fired again, each gun threw a D6 on the RC. While the follow-on dice failed to explode the RC, the crew were silenced. Simultaneous firing can cause flukes.... the RC fired its gun and scored another hit on the Spanish artillerymen. Frighteningly, a nearby American battalion came close to routing having witnessed the loss of the RC. 

MOVE FOUR The Americans advanced, and the Spanish guns fired. A militiaman was hit, but his unit held on. MOVE FIVE The Americans advanced. Perhaps Spanish nervousness was beginning to show, both artillery rounds fell short. MOVE SIX The Americans advanced, with small arms fire breaking out from both sides. The Spanish Light battalion had occupied a watermill and took down two Germania Rifles (Americans), for only a graze on one of their own. The Spanish guns now roared and took down two bluecoated infantry. But the two militia skirmishing battalions began to take shots at the redoubt, and scored a hit. The Spanish artillery were now down to half strength and obliged to test their morale, but held. MOVE SEVEN The Americans slowed their advance to allow reload and fire moves. The Spanish commander consolidated his artillerymen to man one artillery piece, and threw his Marine Battalion into the redoubt, with loaded weapons.

This was a bloody action, with the two militia battalions showing their worth. Despite suffering a casualty each, they not only held on, but their shooting took similar numbers off the enemy. But the Spanish in the watermill were having an easy target day, having made the building a dangerous fortress to approach. 

MOVE EIGHT The Americans advanced slowly, to allow load and fire. One battalion could now claim redoubt sandbag cover for themselves! Those in the watermill maintained their accuracy, and it had the desired effect. The two attacking American units were reduced to half strength and broke.

MOVE NINE The officer commanding the watermill ordered his men to now move and support the main redoubt. Here, the Spanish Marines were at half strength but still holding on. MOVE TEN The American commander ordered his strongest battalion to charge with bayonets, the Spanish marines held and fired at point blank range, but could not check their charge. In the bloody melee that followed the Marines were defeated and scattered, and the panic spread to the artillerymen. Only the Spanish Light battalion was now still operating. 

MOVE ELEVEN Both the Spanish Light troops and American battalion inside the redoubt charged! In the following melee the Americans won, but the Light battalion held on. MOVE TWELVE Another round of melee. and the Americans won again. But the Light battalion held on! MOVE THIRTEEN Another round of melee. Same result. MOVE FOURTEEN Another round of melee. Nine Americans against seven Spanish. The Spanish lost again, but with fair dice, a Declared Position, and Commander present, they just held on! MOVE FIFTEEN Another round of melee, now nine versus six. But the Spanish held on. However, the American militia had now cut off the Spanish escape route, and a special morale test was required. But they still held on. They were granted the right to withdraw with colours and loaded weapons......the General and the five Marines. (For some reason, I can't find any photos of the actual melee, strange! But the next photo does show the American's final positions.)

The surviving Spanish retire.

GAME CASUALTIES

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THOSE TINPLATE GUNS AGAIN..... are they genuine?

I spotted this gun in an auction. It has that distinctive mechanism for firing peas, in particular the box-hook fixed to the trail. Now this one is described as 1930s, but apparently marked Made in England! 

My recently purchased guns.

I have been having a chat with PG, of 'Toy Soldiers and Real Battles', as he has some knowledge of German tinplate guns. He believes my green guns are genuine 1930s-40s, and German-made. I mentioned, it is a shame we don't know the factory, they might have some surviving records. PG used the German word 'Erbsenkanone' which does sound better than peashooter. 

Well, we can now confirm the distinctive firing mechanism with its trail box-hook was used by several companies in different countries, including England and Italy. But, it would appear, mine are likely c.1945, and German-made.

MGB

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NAVAL WARGAME, REPAIRING OLD LEAD TOY SOLDIERS, etc.

                                                       GUNBOATS IN THE GARDEN

On the 9th of April we had some lovely weather, perfect for a garden wargame. Having completed 'most' of my daily chores, time enough for a minor action involving gunboats. 

My Dominion War campaign required a gunboat action to decide who controlled Lake Ontario. It was presently held by the Americans but two Empire gunboats had recently appeared out of Kingston. Matchstick guns were used at a range of eleven feet.

                                                                    FIRST GAME

The first action involved two opposing gunboats near Grenadier Island. As this was a solo game I allowed each side to fire six shots..... the previous three shots system involved too much getting up and down to exchange fire. The Americans won the dice to fire first, with no simultaneous firing in this small wargame, this could be important.

FIRST FIRE The American guns missed. SECOND FIRE The Empire guns scored two hits. I then had to choose a HULL, GUN, or SUPERSTRUCTURE target, and then throw a dice. I chose HULL but threw a D3 which had no effect. I chose SUPER for my second hit which always confirms a reduction in the target's overall strength (four such losses on a medium sized ship would see it sink). 

THIRD FIRE The Americans now scored two hits. On both occasions they chose SUPER. FOURTH FIRE One hit by the Empire ship, I chose the GUN but the low dice throw gave no effect. FIFTH FIRE The Americans scored one hit, and again chose SUPER. SIXTH FIRE The Empire scored a hit and chose HULL, a D5 saw the American gunboat engine knocked out. However, the Empire ship could not afford another hit on its superstructure and decided to escape the scene.

RESULT The American gunboat's engine was damaged, but no losses. The Empire gunboat had suffered three casualties and had to flee the action. I decided the American loss of power was still a concern, having no allied ships to provide help. I threw a dice, D1, but as Lake Ontario has no tidal flow, I determined there was no risk of running ashore. I settled for the gunboat being towed to an American harbour by a passing fishing boat, where replacing the engine would involve some time and effort. 

                                                                  SECOND GAME 

Having enjoyed this first game, decided to have another. This action took place near Cape Vincent. Again, this involved two gunboats. 

FIRST FIRE went to the Americans. One hit. They chose GUN, and throwing a D6 knocked out the Empire's main gun! Unable to fire, the Empire gunboat sought to depart. I decided a dice would be thrown to determine how many moves the American guns could still fire before the Empire ship escaped. A D3 indicated three, or eighteen matchsticks. The SECOND FIRE six shots missed, the THIRD FIRE six included a hit. The Americans chose HULL, and threw another D6, the magazine exploded....... ship and crew lost. AN AMERICAN VICTORY.

Very simplistic rules, but still good fun. And they will work even better with two or more gunboats per side. 

RESULT. Lake Ontario is still firmly held by the United States. The American public is now demanding the US Navy engage the enemy fleet near the Chesapeake. 

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                                    REPAIRING AND RESTORING LEAD TOY SOLDIERS

On the 2nd of April I received a box of 54mm toy soldiers and display pieces from Graham Apperley, who runs the 'Tales From the Toy Room Blog. He was having a clear-out of some spares and wondered if the items might find some service in my collection.

Examining the contents, I was happy to confirm they were most welcome. Some castings were actually on my wants list.

During early April I worked my way through them. First job was to paint strip the lead castings. Then it was time to repair those that were broken. After a thorough cleaning, they were primed, repainted, varnished, and based. 

Here is the original condition......

This figure has been supplied a musket arm, to serve in my Schleswig volunteer army of 1848.

This country lady is now a street seller of herbs.

The Doghouse is restored.

It was tricky repairing the back with Milliput but it is good and secure.

And here is my Gentleman of the Road.

Better start on the garden lawn......

Here is the repaired farm well. Luckily, found a lead bucket in my spares box, which I will add with some thick  thread or string, it will then rise and fall with the handle.

A Lovely addition to my miniature garden, a sundial..... thanks Graham.

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OLD TINPLATE CANNON?

When I spotted these on Ebay, decided to put in a bid. I turned out to be the only bidder, and picked them up for £27 delivered. It is not clear who made these pea shooting, tinplate guns. But one claims to be made in Germany. Others, camouflaged, were apparantly made in that country just before WW2, but I have seen half a dozen green-painted that were made just after WW2, although they all had modern wheels. Some of the latter were also marked 'American Zone'. 

While I cannot confirm their age, I still think they are fun additions. I will be listing them as Heavy Field Guns. For the record, I found some items to represent peas, or shells, and the firing range was always ten foot or less, nothing like the power of the matchstick firing die-casts. 

OTHER EXAMPLES ON THE INTERNET

Here are some examples I have seen elsewhere. It is the distinctive shooting hook (box) system on the gun trail that identified them as being made by the same company.

A lighter green paint. The seller claiming it was a Hausser Lineol, 1930s

Camouflaged, and described as pre-war.

Alternatively, mine are well produced fakes...... but I still like them.

MGB

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