CHINESE NATIONALIST ARMY 1930s-40s

Thanks to the kind donation of some unpainted Airfix figures by Mark, of the ManofTin Blog, have just completed my third battalion of Chinese Nationalist infantry. I'm looking forward to staging my first wargame set in the 2nd Sino-Japanese War.

The figures are mainly my conversions of Airfix Japanese, having been given German Afrika Korps fatigue hats and helmets and British 8th Army Tommy helmets. When it came to painting the uniforms, decided this third battalion should have shades of khaki, as their distinction. The Chinese adopted a several seasonal uniforms, but all of these came in at least three colours. And if that was not enough, issues then arose in producing a uniform dye, and coupled with fading, this increased further the range of potential colours. I have one battalion in their original 'grass green' issue, another in the popular bright blue, and the third has been given a range of khaki shades. (Distinct battalions will help me in working out game casualties.)

There is a superb video on Youtube which really does help clarify and classify the uniforms adopted by the Chinese during WW2. It is strongly recommended, even if it is not your period of interest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6POc4yxKV4

So here is my Chinese Nationalist Army, note the use of both German and British style helmets, now that is something you don't often see!

The vehicle is a converted civilian die-cast car. Local Chinese warlords are known to have constructed ad hoc armoured cars.

To the three battalions above, I can add a colonial British unit in Desert uniforms. These were supplied to entire brigades of Chinese via Burma. (see right figure). 

Strangely, I can also add a small unit of British WW1 infantry, these can represent the Shanghai Volunteer Corps 1932-42, comprising independent companies raised from the foreign merchant communities in the city.... here are some members of the Independent Jewish Company.

MGB

REPLYING TO COMMENTS FROM FRIENDS

Thanks MJT. It's something a bit different, a theatre from the Second World War which is often overlooked. And the Chinese certainly ended up with some bold uniforms. Yes, it was a broken civilian car, perfect for a conversion!

Thanks Donnie, I needed to do something with these figures which would catch my interest. When I fight WW2 actions I rarely use more than three battalions, and a few independent companies per side. I do like their distinctive uniform colours, but a few more flags would be even more colourful.

They most certainly have, Mark. With two new units having already been recruited from your kind donation, I have plans for the following, (bagged and ready).....

Gurkha Battalion 12

A second US Para battalion, understrength, 8

British Para Regiment command 2

 Two companies of British-Polish Paras 6

 British Military Police recruits 3

 Indian National Army recruits 3 or 7

 US Para command for my first battalion 2 

Thanks again for your support!

Thanks Brad, for the morale boost. I think this collection is pretty well finished, perhaps a handful more armed police would be interesting. Next step, to see them used in a wargame!!!!!

Hello Roger. I picked up the broken die-cast car for £5.20 in April 2021. I originally only wanted the wheels but then decided it was too good to scrap. Completed it about a month later. The additions were made out of plastic-card, and a plastic bottle cap. Here is a photo.

THE INDIAN LEGION (WW2)

This week I have used my hobby time to complete two units. A few months ago a box of unwanted WW2 soldiers arrived from Mark, who runs the ManofTin blog. This generous gift included figures drawn from six distinct Airfix 1/32 scale boxes, but I wanted to see what unusual units could be mustered out of them.

The Indian Legion

Decided to use the Afrika Korps figures to raise a WW2 unit little known in the UK. The Indian Legion was raised in Europe by the Third Reich. The original recruits were Indian students and others who supported independence from the British Empire. Later, some fifteen thousand Indian prisoners of war were captured in North Africa and sent to Europe, where they were also encouraged to enlist, and about three thousand took up the offer.

Photos for education, no profit, no copyright infringement intended.

Quite a few photos exist and they show that the unit received a mixture of German tropical and desert uniforms. Both Helmets and fatigue caps were used on active service. In distinction to British Raj policy, this unit had no ethnic, religious, or regional exclusivity. Some were Sikhs, wearing turbans. The unit emblem was a tricolour shield with a springing tiger, worn on the right arm. The helmets also carried their colours.

Interestingly, the original instigator behind this formation was Subhas Chandra Bose, who was actually a pro-Soviet communist, but very anti-British. The original contract of service stated that they were to be trained and equipped by Germany only for active service in India, but this never occurred.  In fact, the Germans used the three battalions as garrison and coastal defence troops in Denmark, Holland, and France. Their reputation with the local civilians in all three countries was not of the highest. 

Towards the end of the war, two battalions were actively engaged in opposing the French Resistance. In one French village there occurred some atrocities. Details are confused, but women were r...., and children were murdered. Later, about twenty belonging to the Legion were captured by a band of anarchist resistance fighters, no prisoners were taken. Some of the locals were shocked witnessing this, others clapped. Fearful of capture by the British (due to their broken oath to the Emperor) one battalion sought to enter Switzerland, but were refused entry by the Swiss border guards. They ended up captured by French Algerian troops, and some of them may have been shot, others were tortured. Eventually handed over to the British Army, they were immediately despatched to India. Considered a political embarrassment, the survivors were eventually released. Strangely enough, Adolf Hitler may have put it accurately, he is reported to have described the regiment as a 'joke'.  For more information may I suggest the following. This excellent article gives insight on their organisation.

https://d-nb.info/1185814825/34 an article by Joachim Oesterheld, very informative.

A recent visit to my local collectables shop furnished a W. Britains farm cart for £5. Picked up five 1980s W. Britains plastic farm horses in a charity shop for £1.50. The Indian Legion was actually granted authorisation to commandeer civilian transport in France, including many farm carts. My unit has now commandeered this cart.

WARGAME RATING. Will classify this unit as well-armed militia. But unwilling to knowingly advance on enemy regulars. Must test morale if under artillery/tank fire. I presently have eight figures, but will add a few more with helmets and turbans as and when I find suitable recruits.

(Will make a separate post to cover the second unit completed this week.)

MGB

REPLYING TO FRIENDS KINDLY COMMENTING BELOW

Hi MJT. To be honest, I already have five German infantry battalions of twelve, and with no plans to raise anymore. But in staging wargames, it is very useful to have some smaller units for selected positions. (I don't like splitting up my full battalions.) And having distinct qualities/shortcomings really adds a lot to the game atmosphere. As you know, morale dominates my wargames.

Hello Roger. The one thing that becomes clear when you view any military returns is the number of specialist, ad hoc, irregular, and downright strange formations that get raised during any conflict. To stick to full strength establishments and so-called typical units is often historically incorrect...... and a bit boring too. 

Thanks Donnie. I was aware of the Indian Legion, but had never researched its military record, numbers, uniform, etc. So it was fun and interesting to raise this unit. And it will be stimulating to contemplate how best to deploy it in any future wargames. Uncanny spotting that cart in the shop, the shopkeeper was asking £7, but he always offers to help me out with the price. 

Hi there (E40P), I think too much weight is often put on wargame rules, and not enough on historical unit reputation and period-correct laws. These are the things that really capture a conflict on the gaming table. If these are correct, the rules and calculations can be kept quick and simple. The Indian Legion needs specific 'laws' to represent it on the table. Now, I have seen the IL represented in a smaller scale, but all of them were Sikhs, wearing turbans. Actually, 2/3rds were Hindu, and others were Moslem. (I bet the regimental cook died of stress!) 

Hello Brad. It was fun researching the unit, the internet is a wonderful resource at our fingertips. I have also started raising a larger force of Indian National Army, these fought for the Japanese, and in much larger numbers. But I should acknowledge, over two million soldiers from the sub-continent kept their oath to the Emperor of India, King George the VIth. (India was always described as an empire, and also part of the British Empire. My late mother was born in India, and her passport has on the cover EMPIRE OF INDIA. It may be due to the British having conquered the former Moghul Empire in India.)

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

Although this blog is devoted to my 54mm wargaming, I cannot resist mentioning this recent acquisition, as it will also affect the purchase of further collectables for some considerable time.

PIFCO was a British company formed in 1900. Taken over by foreign corporations in about 2000, it appears to have become dormant from 2014 (Wiki). PIFCO was famous for their Christmas tree lights, having produced their first few sets after WW1. They really dominated the UK market during the 1960s and 1970s, and I can remember the wonderful glow of the set my parents bought in about 1975. 

PIFCO produced several varieties of lanterns. The most popular design was used in two of their box sets. The first was styled NOEL LITES. The second box set was called LONDON LANTERNS. Now the latter boxes regularly appear for between £120 to £200. Unboxed sets, and even broken singles can still muster £10 a lantern. However, box sets of NOEL LITES are much more scarce, the ornate white packaging was attractive but fragile. And, it comprised twelve lanterns in six colours, including a crimson variety. The LONDON LANTERNS only came in five colours.

I have just successfully bid on a nice box set of NOEL LITES, and they are exactly as I remember them..... half a century ago. It was a tough action, involving seven others, and it cost £253. My nostalgic pre-1980 Christmas tree collection is now complete, but my funds are heavily depleted. We shall be having a modest Christmas dinner this year.

and here they are with lights off.

I bet no-one was expecting a post like this, and in November!

MGB

ANOTHER REVAMP FOR THE FLEET

Having scratch built a batch of naval guns, decided to increase the number of pieces on several ships. 

This ship has been repainted and given a mast. More suitable for c1850 wargames.

Some heavier guns for the German ships.

THE TAVERN KEEPER & CART

Having picked up the shafts belonging to a Britains Cart for just a few pence in a charity shop, I decided to see if Ebay might furnish the rest of the parts. Found a seller with just what I wanted, for £3. He also had a Johillco tavern keeper, which I've been seeking for some time, for £2.50. Postage was £3.75. The paintwork on both was still there, just a few scratches to cover, and a little bit of tidying up on the original brushwork. My spares box furnished an appropriate horse. Fun projects.

MGB

REPLYING TO COMMENTS FROM FRIENDS

Hi MJT. These lanterns and their box were a magical childhood memory. I even remembered that the reds came in several varieties. Sure enough, further research confirmed three shades of red in that familiar box. I had to have them! The old bulbs combined with the lanterns give off a glow which creates an aura or ambience for several inches around. The modern LED lights just can't do this, they are too precise or sharp, if that makes sense. I think I'm satisfied with the ships, finally.

Hello Brad. Yes, I am really pleased with the ships, they have captured the c.1900 toy look, which is what I wanted. And that tavern keeper is full of character. Daft thing is, I could walk into a charity shop and find those same Christmas lights for £10, but try finding them on Ebay. I have been seeking this set for eight years! Finally, I have recreated my childhood Christmas tree. Wonderful! 

Thank you, Donnie. As a Christmas collectable, the lights are't so far removed from traditional toy soldiers. Unfortunately, the expense will oblige me to be very frugal with any future purchases. But I do still have a fair number of Airfix figures to complete, thanks to Tim of Megablitz, and Mark of ManofTin. Yes, that Inkeeper is a very attractive figure, when I first spotted an example some time back, I assumed it was a W. Britains casting. 

Hello Mark. Yes, that publican is a lovely addition to my miniature world. As I mentioned to Donnie, it has the look of a Britains figure, but perhaps I'm being unfair. The Johillco railway staff and travellers are also very nice, and full of character.

Hello Roger. Presently, the ships have been used as part of tabletop amphibious landings, or supporting fire during land battles. Using my simple rules. However, it is very much my intention to have some outside actions involving ship to ship fire, using W. Britains matchstick firing cannon. Really looking forward to the latter. The ships are mainly influenced by early tin-plate toys made during 1860-1910. They comprise three c.1910 Royal Navy gunboats, two c.1850 Danish, two c.1870 French, two c.1870 German, a British tug boat, a fishing boat, a merchant ship, and a civilian riverboat. I also have a more contemporary patrol ship, a WW2 Soviet landing craft, a WW2 Soviet gunboat, and a WW2 American torpedo boat. (Under construction is a c.1900 warship, almost twice the size of the others.)

Fighting in Strelsau (WARGAME) and Painted Projects

Reports have just been received that on Wednesday, October 9, at 2pm, gunfire was heard on the outskirts of the city of Strelsau, the capital of Ruritania. 

During the previous night posters had appeared calling on the city residents to support Prince Michael's army in their campaign to remove Prince Rudolph's administration. 

Although Prince Rudolph had made no counter statement, his military commander, Colonel Sapt {also spelt Zapt) announced a curfew would apply from 6pm to 6am. Any residents found on the streets during such hours would be severely punished. 

Previously, at 1pm, a train had arrived at Strelsau railway station, and Prince Rudolph disembarked. The Prince had subsequently gone on to inspect the store of provisions in a local tavern. 

Troops, loyal to this prince, had already been seen about the capital, constructing barricades at several key locations. We are further informed that soldiers had also occupied St. Etheldreda's Church, something which was not well received by the local population. 

The following photographs were taken from Mr Ferdinand von Zeppelin's 'lighter than air' transportation. These photographs clearly show forces loyal to Prince Michael had entered the city suburbs.

Prince Michael and Count Rupert are clearly visible in this photograph.

THE GAME

MOVE ONE Prince Michael's troops advanced. MOVE TWO Rudolph's military band fired a cannon, scoring a hit on the Buff Regiment. MOVE THREE They fired again with a hit on Michael's artillery crew. MOVE FOUR Michael's artillery scored a revenge hit. MOVE FIVE Yes, another D6 took out a second of Rudolph's artillerymen, and the survivor ran away. MOVE SIX Michael's troops continued to advance. MOVE SEVEN, EIGHT, NINE Occasional rifle shots from and at the church, but no casualties. Many were now skirmishing, and using cover.

Rudolph's White Guards trotted forward in move seven.

MOVE TEN A casualty to the Buff Regiment, but the artillery took down a White Guard. But Rudolph's Blue/White Regiment delivered a volley which halved Michael's cavalry, and they only just held on. They were obliged to subsequently retire.  MOVE ELEVEN A brave charge by the Blue/White Regiment faltered under the fire from the Grey/Crimson skirmishers.

Some largely ineffective fire occurred around the church.

MOVE TWELVE The Blue/White Regiment attempted a second charge, but a withering fire dropped them to half strength, and they routed. MOVE THIRTEEN Prince Michael personally lead the Grey/Crimson Regiment towards the now undefended railway station! I thought it appropriate to throw a dice to determine if the train would depart the station, it stayed, but staff and civilian supporters of Rudolph now fled the station. MOVE FOURTEEN The dice now favoured Michael, two more opponents went down. Unfortunately, his artillery was obliged to open up on the church, and with a D6 scored a hit. Rudolph now departed the field, escorted by Colonel Sapt and the White Guard.

MOVE FIFTEEN Prince Michael took the railway station, capturing both the train and Rudolph's automobile. The two regiments still operating about the church were now facing two opposing regiments, and artillery. With no ability to take out the latter...... they wisely chose to retire! GAME OVER

                  The artillery piece firing on the church now gave the advantage to Michael's troops.

Prince Michael seized his spoils!

A very enjoyable two hours gaming, and a chance to put loads of buildings on the table. Games are always more interesting with buildings to fight over. Casualties were 14 for Rudolph, with seven more routing, Michael's totalled only six. Less than ninety soldiers were involved. For the record, battle losses from artillery totalled five. I thought Prince Rudolph was going to win on move eleven, but the small arms fire from the Grey/Crimson Regiment twice broke an enemy charge, and secured the day. 

                                          PAINTING PROJECTS (from the Exeter show)

Have been working on the new figures acquired at the Exeter Toy Fair. First up are the medieval Herald archers. The three converts (in more ways than one) have allowed me to complete a Saracen-Ottoman bow unit of twelve. Milliput having altered their principal garments.

I am very pleased with this elegant knight, just a little bit of paintwork, and a coat of varnish, it has made a fine dismounted commander. And two more archers are drafted.

Next up are some 19th century additions. My Royal Marines artillerymen now have a sergeant.

Combining some Victorian artillerymen with four I already had, discovered they actually represented two distinct corps. By mix and match, and some repainting, the nine figures have furnished a Royal Artillery garrison crew for my siege mortar.

While the remaining figures now represent the Royal Horse Artillery, in stable jackets and pillbox hats.

Obviously, artillery figures will be used as required, but I like linking my crews to actual guns in my armies. It makes the collection seem more complete.

Here are some more figures recently acquired from Exeter. These two have been given a tidying up. The ACW artillery officer will be useful in several period conflicts.

These old Crescent Arabs have been given a full paint job.

This W. Britains lead Zouave has been paint stripped, repaired and repainted.

Two French Foreign Legion figures have been repainted and drafted into my second battalion. This wargame unit accepts recruits from various manufacturers...... which seems rather appropriate.

Old Crescent

Old Lone Star

OTHER PAINTED PROJECTS

Decided to clear some odd spares by raising a unit of American irregulars. Quite a few different makes here.

Converted another spare Timpo confederate into a mid 19th century naval figure, this gives me two gun crews of four.

MGB

REPLYING TO FRIENDS COMMENTING

Hello Brad. I was planning to just upload the recent projects completed. But with several buildings already on the table, it was time to fight a wargame. Despite only ninety figures, it flowed like a large scale battle. At least twice I thought Rudolph was about to score a victory. Well, replacing the heads on some very cheap, Chinese-made, ww2 infantry has furnished a fun collection. 

That is very kind, Donnie. I too get pleasure in seeing the figures is use, and how many more I can record as repaired. I must admit, I sometimes look in horror at what paintbrush errors I've made. And later go back and tidy them up a bit more, lol. Those Zouaves deserve some time and effort, they have an old-school magic about them!

Thanks Roger. The game was fast flowing and fun to play, I think the scenario and terrain are the most important features in a game. I actually swapped six Britains cowboys towards the Victorian gun crews. If you want some scenarios involving cowboys, don't rule out the classic western movie THE BIG COUNTRY 1958. And also TOMBSTONE 1993, you will need to milliput red sashes for the bad guys.

Thank you, Quinn, I thought you might find it of interest. As I mentioned to Roger, the scenario made this game great fun. Yes, the two cavalry units and the staff officers are the only metal figures in the collection, but worth the time and investment. It's another link with the 1952 film, and they had to be represented. But I did take a liberty by including the vintage car, lol.

Hello Mark. As you know, my collection is very strongly tied to the uniforms in the 1952 film, but I have raised a few of the Black Guard, which appear in the 1937 version. I hope to increase this unit. The general view is the earlier film is closer to the original book, but they often overlook the 1952 is an attempt to combine two books, The P.of Z., and the sequel, Rupert of Hentzau. But both films are magical, and full of great character actors!