Stalingrad, a Novel by Vasily Grossman

A great Oxfam charity shop find, Vasily Grossman's Stalingrad (the author of "Life and Fate" which was also set in and around the Stalingrad era, particularly the massive Soviet Counterattack outside teh city and heroic characters within the city). It was an instant "no brainer" purchase for me (see below, this one will be read the old fashion way with a cup of coffee to hand):

Summertime reading 2025 sorted!

Audible Book: Pedestal - Max Hastings

With my current diet of dog walking, car journeys and kitchen washing-up duties I have managed to ply through some Audible books running nicely in the background (see below, one of the latest being Pedestal by Max Hating which concerns the epic 1942 convoy run to relieve the siege of Malta):   

A straightforward chronological churn (not meant in a bad way, but in the same way the convoy made its sojourn to its Malta destination under intense Axis fire) of the convoy battle and all its different phases. It did up-end my rather simplistic narrative (probably based on post war Allied propaganda and black and white war films) of a valiant mission fought through with outstanding RN pluck (which there certainly was plenty of, alongside that of the Merchant Marine) to a worthy win in the expected traditions of the RN. Rather it was a game of two halves, the first with the convoy holding formation under duress with the heavy covering force present (albeit taking casualties, such as HMS Eagle [sunk], HMS Indomitable [damaged] and HMS Nigeria [damaged]), then when the heavy covering force withdrew (with its reduced intrinsic air support) a second brutal half of chaos and confusion under increased Axis air and small boat (MAS and E-Boat) attack - but with utter confusion on the British side (the convoy losing its formation and defensive structure). The Axis reigned superior here sinking many merchantmen and more cruisers [HMS Cairo and HMS Manchester (sunk) and HMS Kenya (damaged)]. Despite the disorganisation and confusion, the battered and brave remnants "got through" - some like the Brisbane Star making her "own way". Many curious and potentially ill thought decisions on both sides were highlighted, albeit with the benefit of hindsight, but it seems to have been a major Axis "missed opportunity" despite the dreadful toll inflicted. All it would have took was a sally by the Regina Marina and better target priority of the Axis bombers to sink the merchantmen [there was certain fixation on aircraft carriers and large warships] where and whenever possible (discuss). I enjoyed it and it is a battle on my wargaming "bucket list" (maybe with the Nimitz ruleset). 

Painting Pacific War (1942) Douglas Dauntless Version SDB-3: Reference Notes

While "going through my loft" in search of the 1/48th scale Airfix Spitfire Vb (now proudly hanging from a son's bedroom ceiling), I came across a box marked the Airfix USN Pacific Air (Midway) Project. A "project on hold". I had (at some distant point in the past) collected the Airfix Devastator, Dauntless and Wildcat USN trio (I also plan/planning to to the same for the IJN [Zero, Kate, Val], likewise there is a RAF - Battle of Britain Fighter Box [Spitfire, Hurrican, Defiant, Beaufighter and Gloster Gladiator] and a Signature Battle of Britain Luftwaffe [Me 109, Me 110, Stuka Ju-87, Ju-88, Heinkel 111] collection/project in progress). Seeing as the Dauntless was only 'part complete' I decided to "give it a shove" and also do an unboxing on the Wildcat kit - which turned out to my surprise as a more modern re-tooled Airfix kit - the difference in the level of detail and clarity in instructional layout is significant (see below, kit progress: 100%, -  50% and 0% done):  

The Devastator is a canny old bird and I have immense respect for the crew that had to fly these "obsolete" planes into battle in one of the pivotal periods of the Second World War. In fact the Devastator reminds me of the "Fairey Battle" of France 1940 fame. With respect to the paint job, I see I I tried to get a sea battered and weathered look (see below, I have a feeling that I have over worked it a little - sometimes less can be more): 

Job done for the day so time to return the Dauntless to its USN Pacific War party box. It is a "no rush" project, it was nice just to get the loose bits of plastic stuck together and not lost and MIA (which is frustrating). I used some Vallejo Plastic Putty to fill the inevitable "gaps" of an early Airfix model kit (see below, the current painting tray, eclectic as ever, a WWII Pacific USN Air War set next to Games Workshop Fantasy bunch of Nurgles!): 

One issue I have is, what sort of paint scheme to adopt. I chose the USB Dauntless SDB-3 option for the 1942 era Dauntless but the decals are for a NZ plane, the USMC decals are for the 1944 SDB-5 and the Oxford Blue paint scheme looks bad for 1942. So I am looking for a painting guide match for 1942 that can fit either Vallejo or Tamiya paints (at a push Airfix Humbrol). Suggestions appreciated.

Other USN Mid-War Camo Reference Sites: 

 https://www.modelwereld.eu/images/productimages/big/Douglas%20SBD-3.5%20Dauntless%20Airfix%20A02022%201;72%20tek.1.jpg

Now this is an interesting game: Atlantic Chase - GMT Games

From the moment I saw this game advertised on the GMT P500's I knew there was something special about it and after wantonly staring at it over several visits I finally subscribed, six months later a very heavy thud on the doormat announced the beast had arrived (see below, lovely box art of "you know who" as they are making their breakout run into the Atlantic in search of convoys):   

Oh, it has not disappointed me, in fact I feel very invigourated as it shows a fresh new approach to naval campaigning .. but more of that later. The rules are beautifully laid out and theer are accompanying explanatory videos. Even better, I had the great fortune to receive great 1-2-1 tuition via Table Top Simulator (TTS) at the recent Connections Online Conference hosted by the Armchair Dragoons for the Connections family based in the US. 

I must give a shout out to Karl and Tom for their sterling work in instructing me on the nuances of the game as we hunted down the Bremmen! Now that was one German ship I do not have in 1/3000 scale as she is a fast liner!

Command Magazine Issue 34: Death and Destruction and Issue 10: Alexandros

I was doing a lot of rummaging around in the loft and garage and came across my boxes of zip-lock games from XTR Corporation, aka Command Magazine. In their heyday they rivalled and IMHO surpasses Strategy and Tactics. I started looking through them in more detail and ruminating. I (for some reason now lost to me) had separated the magazines from the games in different boxes. Hence I naturally spent a whole afternoon "pairing" them back up. Alas there was a missing copy. I remember having a copy of issue # 34 "Death and Destruction/Gazala" but I had that sinking feeling Ihad leant it out (and although I later asked the person in question) it was never returned - I distinctly remember the Western Desert, Rommel and Gazala being the reason for the request. I had hoped that I had merely misplaced it but alas, by the end of the evening I could see no other place it could be (the "box search" had extended to 'all other corners' of the house. Sharing the burden with my friends is the closing sessions of Ramillies, they commiserated and advised wargames shows and online searches .. so I Googled and end up visiting SecondChanceGames (see below, and came up trumps with Issue#34):

Making a "good" out of a bad I also spotted what I think is arguably Command Magazine's best game "Alexandros" from Issue #10 (it runs neck and neck with Issue #14 Midway [double blind game of the classic battle]). This was one Command Magazine missing from my collection, although I had played with a friends copy and remember the bitter taste of Persian arrows felling my attempt at being Alexander (but it was a great game). As well as a (Macadonian biased) campaign system it had an innovative little tactical battle system which I plan to use with my collection of DBA armies (see below, it seems to be a fore-runner of Phil Sabin's, Lost Battles in gridding the battlefield area - one definitely to play again, whereas Death and Destruction is the "monster game" addition to Proud Monster, aka Barbarossa 1941):

Note: Although I cannot say that I would play "all" of the Command Magazine games, there are quite a few pearls in amongst them. They were heavily criticised towards the end re: play-testing but still retained great insights into the periods they covered. I am left with one remaining "mystery" in that I have the Command Magazine and one game from Issue #44 but the Sealion game is "missing". I have the awful feeling I have put this one "somewhere safe" as part of a project - but where? The searcj parties are still out looking ;)

The Stalingrad Campaign has Started

The Chain of Command action has started and casualties are mounting in Stalingrad:

Renko Blogspot:
 https://twtrb.blogspot.com/search/label/Stalingrad

Lardistan Blogspot:
http://rangoruk.blogspot.com/search/label/Stalingrad

It was a hard, harsh return to the Chain of Command ruleset!

Panzer II Ausf A 1/72 Scale

They do not come more collectable than this, an original Panzer II Ausf A. The training vehicle the Germans went to war with and ended up in combat service until 1942; still being used on rear area policing duties in 1943 (see below): 

A beautiful fast build model, I would happily get another. Next stop the painting tray ;)

28mm Russian Soviet Infantry (aka The Russians are Coming!) - Last Stages of Painting

Slightly out of sequence as these are the boys that fought in Heroes Square in the last Chain of Command Game in the Stalingrad play test. How the platoon is looking (see below): 

The uniform has been highlighted up form Vallejo [as per all the other colours mentioned here] English Uniform, washed brown, painted again, mixed with Khaki Grey and then Khaki. The grey fur hat was washed with Smoke and Stone Grey then mixed with white for a highlight (see below):

The Soviet LMG (a metal model from Black Tree) was similarly painted and the webbing and leather belt pouches were given a one colour fits all: Flat Brown, Leather Brown then Red Leather. The "blanket" is German Camo Beige which is highlighted with Pale Blue (see below):

"Later in the day" after various other dibs and dabs had been applied including sand to the base we have the table ready artefact. I hummed and 'arred but finally decided to give the Russians "eyes". After all I am not going to be collecting many of these (see below):

This one is a little "bug-eyed" and needed a little (wash and flesh) touch up to calm them down (see below):

Getting close to completion. All that remains to do is the basing, a washed grey, highlight and then as an artistic touch stained with layers of various red, yellow, green, blue, black and brown washes. Just to make then difference from "grey" (see below):

The platoon is now pronounced "ready for Stalingrad" although it still looks light with support assets!

Killing Rommel, a book by Steven Pressfield

Just finished reading this book, while it is fiction it held my attention (see below):



May well have to make and paint up my Revell (ex-Matchbox) 1/76 LRDG trucks, jeeps and Dixon Miniatures 20mm metal SAS figures.

Naturally the Airfix DAK character throwing a grenade (potato masher) will have to get a look in too

;)

Airfix Matilda II

I remember this kit fondly from my childhood, despite the fiddly wheel arrangement that my tiny little hands had so much trouble with.

The Matilda II "Queen of the Desert" with turret hatches cut open ready for a tank commander to hop in (see below):

It is still a nice little kit that holds its own despite its age (see below):

So much so I made two using the excuse Airfix drop their kits in and out of production "so get them while you can" (see below)

Note: The tank commanders are from PSC via their Bren Carrier pack of three.

The crazy ambition is to work up to a CD II/III Western Desert RTR (ten in total required). I already have five at the moment so ten by the end of year (one of which has to be converted to a CS tank) does not seem too big an ask.

Why ... er I will get back to you later, as my DAK is minimal, but that could change. Mind you the ANZACs and Russians had Matilda's too.

Plastic Soldier Company Pz III (50mm short)

The Panzer III was designed to be the prime German MBT (although I acknowledge I use this post-war modern term in a historical sense, perhaps "cruiser" would have been better) of the Second World War, but the Pz III found itself compromised right from the outset. Slow to get into production and hence only playing a minor part in the Polish 1939 campaign (A-D versions), it was found lacking in the France 1940 campaign (E) against the better French tanks. Up gunned to the short 50mm (F/G) it optimistically went into the Russian 1941 campaign only to met the shock of the KV I and T34 monsters.

The PSC models (along with the 4 x HaT models I have) nicely finishes off my Panzer Battalion for the early-mid Russian campaign (1041-42) now with a max of seven Pz III F's to field (see below):

As the Pz III tanks were improved via workshop upgrades as well as new factory additions the Panzer battalion was always a mixture of types up until the end of 1942.

The F/G model was the Barbarrossa workhorse as well as being the DAK chariot in the desert (see below):

The PSC models are perfect for company command tanks given their nice commander poses (see below):

Nice to get my hands on so many short Pz III 50mm tanks, as a kid they were nowhere to be seen, bar a broken barrel Matchbox conversion. 

To understand German tank development in WWII IMHO I think you need to know the Pz III story.

The story does not end here as the Pz III gets a final upgrade to the long 50mm gun (L-M)1941(late)-42-43(mid) that takes it to its Kursk swansong on the Eastern Front. Not forgetting the final (N) version as it was demoted from MBT to an anti-infantry "support" tank (notably seen in Tunesia supporting Tigers) with a short 75mm.

My Esci/Italeri/Matchbox/Revell/Fujimi long 50mm models will nicely fill into the final chapter of the Pz III tank battalions (a future post methinks). 

Note: The PSC Pz III's are not their simplest models but still damn good for ease of construction. 

Found it! A vehicle for my WWII Naval Games - Tokyo Express (Victory Game)

Eureka, got it! A tactical WWII Pacific theater board game with strategic map moves that is solitaire (so I can practice before I roll it out to my fellow wargamers at the club). Yet again it is quality production from Victory Games (see below):

My source was an electronic version, which is a pain in that you have to source a decent printer for the map ans "print" what you need to make the charts and counters up. Makes it all worth while in teh end, no pain no gain ;)

Westland Whirlwind a "mini" Mosquito or another Strategic Fighter misfire?

As you know I seem to have been in a "plane mode" or at  least "looking to the skies" with my modelling as of late. At the time of the "X-Wing incident (see previous post) I also was checking out the clearance section of a certain high street Hobby retailer (Hobbycraft) and spotted a peculiar kit that I had never got my mittens on before, the Westland Whirlwind Mk I in a starter pack (see below for current state of the painting tray, Mosquito and Whirlwind together):

I put a little bit of TLC into painting the pilot (see below), but I am not sure it comes out from my BlackBerry photograph:

After I had sorted out the painting inside the cockpit area it was a pretty quick build (see below):

The Whirlwind was a curious little beast with a short (and in the end very specialised combat role) in 1942/43 before being replaced by the Typhoon. The concept was drawn up in 1938 and it could have been a war winner like the Spitfire. A two engined singe seat fighter that could out perform ant single seat equivalent, packing a hell of a punch with four x 20mm cannon in its nose (remember the RAF Spitfires and Hurricanes didn't get cannons until 1941/42). Originally 400 were ordered but the Pegasus engines let it down. She was brilliant at low altitudes (even out performing the Spitfire) but in the middle to high altitude "battle zones". The usual tonic (aka the Mustang and Manchester-to-Lancaster) of converting to Merlin engines couldn't be done on its airframe. Hence the Whirlwind equipped two squadrons that protected the Channel Convoys and had noted success against the German Me-109 at low altitudes. 

I always thought it looked like an emaciated Mosquito, they even stuck a few light bombs and rockets on it to attack shipping (see below) or is it my over-active imagination at play? Anyway I have acquired a kit that escaped me as a child and given its status in the "clearance section" it may well disappear from the shops in 2013 (or am I just scare mongering)?

One notable victim of the low-level Whirlwinds (and Typhoons) was the German blockade runner "Munsterland". Those low-level "dock strafing" over a heavy defended port (Cherbourg) would be my least favourite mission of all time.

The kit itself was easy to make and trouble free (although alas my propellers are too stiff to turn), the "free" starter pack paints offered good coverage and I was please to say that there was no danger of the paint 'running out' (something I had previously "feared" would be the case in these 'starter packs'). I am debating to myself if I like the Airfix/Humbrol #30 Green or whether I need to mix of a bit of my Tamiya Dark Green/Olive Drab in with it. Likewise I may follow the Mosquito with its "satin grey" as there is insufficient differentiation in the camouflage scheme for my liking.

As per usual I am dragging my heels with the decals ;) 

PS: Please note the interesting newspaper used as a backdrop for the last two photographs.

Returning after a "successful sortie" ... but with a little damage

The propellers have been shot away, the radio aerial is down (but with the rear landing wheel is still intact which really surprised me), one 20mm wing cannon missing, the pilot canopy has been detached and the little thing from under one wing "which I never knew what it did" is now long gone .. the Spitfire VB (1/48 scale) makes a 'crash landing' back at its home aerodrome (see below) ... but any landing you can walk away from is classed as a good landing in my book. All the above is reparable from the 'spares box', so Year 3/4 (combined) gave this Airfix Spitfire a true "combat test". Twenty four seven to eight year old boys and girls have had a good "look and touch" at the iconic Spitfire.Mission accomplished :)

The Luftwaffe Dornier Do.17E/F suffered more, being the bigger plane in a smaller scale (1/72) means it has a certain fragility. The "Spitfire" can register a "confirmed kill" as the Dornier's front perspex canopies.were all detached and the propellers shredded (although the blame for this lies with my youngest son not Year 3/4, he is just under three and "threw it from one side of the room to another").I think this one didn't make it back home to a French airfield.  

Post repair I am thinking of dangling said planes ("out of the reach of the three year old") from my sons bedroom ceilings, a job for the Xmas holidays. 

USN Late War Battle Wagons: Pacific

Along with the refurbished battleships of Pearl came the opportunity to also paint their successors of the 16" big gun brigade (see below). Four of the best, with the Washington 1922 Naval Treaty 35,000 tonne limit no longer applying, commission into service in late 1941/1942. They are the USS Alabama, the USS Massachusetts, the USS Indiana (Navwar code N6103) and the USS North Carolina (Navwar code N6104).  

Despite the era of the battle ship being technically over they were nevertheless usefull AA and naval bombardment assets. Below is a closer look at the USS Alabama:

Again in slightly better light (see below):

And her sister the USS Massachusetts (see below).

The difference in deck colouration is on my whimsey after a Google search on USN WWII camouflage patterns in the Pacific :)

WWII Naval Musing: Early and Late Pacific USN

From ancient triremes to WWII battle-wagons and flat-tops. I live in a strange universe, such are my tastes.

Scratching around in the loft for a "misplaced electrical item" post-home move of some four months now revealed a forgotten pre-Xmas 2011 mini-project of mine. Some 1/3000 Pacific USN ships. The first in the context of  "an alternative battle set-up" could potentially have fought in The Battle of the Java Sea, that is had she not been caught and crippled by the Japanese Imperial Air Fleets (and subsequently scuttled). I present the USN Langley in her 1942 guise as a Seaplane Tender (see below):  

She started her life as a lowly collier (the Jupiter) but was converted in 1920 into the US Navy's first experimental aircraft carrier. Her fate was then twisted her from flat-top first team to backup in 1937 (pre-war contingency planning coming into play methinks, as a seaplane tender she did not count as tonnage to aircraft carriers) to a Seaplane Tender. When the Japanese caught her near Java she was packed with 32 Curtiss P40 Warhawks which if landed could have made a difference replacing the obsolete Brewster Buffaloes in the air defense of Java. With better top cover ABTA may well have had better pre-battle intelligence and fared better psychologically too. The model is still to be based, is from Navwar, code N6206A (see below):

This is a photograph that could never have happened. The USN Langley (then long sunk) with the rebuilt battleships of the Pearl Harbour 'Tora Tora Tora' battleship squadrons, all that is apart from the Arizona which suffered a magazine explosion on the day that utterly destroyed her. They again are Navwar ship models (see below). Codes: USN Mississippi (N6108a), USN West Virginia (N6106B), USN Pennsylvania (N6109B), USN Maryland (N6106A), USN Tennessee and USN California (both N6107A).  

A final close-up of the USN Mississippi (see below). The camera is on my BB and sadly only goes so far in catching detail. I'll have to did around in the loft again to see if I can find it and unearth some other treasures as the same time!

These ships were drawn up to the 'almost ready for battle stage' (I have their cardboard bases stored next to them to complete) as I was reading up about the Leyte Gulf and in particular the Japanese "bluff" which brought about. The Battle of the Surigao Strait. Not a fair sided battle for sure but as one who appreciates "hopeless causes" to aid in the 'grand scheme of things' an utterly enthralling affair. Yes I also have the Japanese units for this engagement, with a few cruisers I suspect needing painting attention.  

The Battle of the Java Sea: ABDA [1] The Dutch

After reading a bit of "The Pacific Campaign" by Dan Van Der Vat (try saying that after a few beers and it will sound like a bad Meatloaf lyric) I got interested in the Battle of the Java Sea. It seemed as if both sides were fighting it with their second teams, while the big boys were elsewhere. In essence it was a cruiser and destroyer action with an annoying bit of strategic Japanese air power lying about.

Following on from their immediate successes against the Americans at Pearl Harbour the Japanese pushed forwards into the European Dutch Colonies (Borneo, Sumatra, Java) with the simple expansionist objectives of driving all before them and obtaining the valued raw materials they so desperately needed.

In February 1942 the combined local forces of the Americans, British, Dutch and Australian (ABDA) had gathered in sufficient force to attempt to check the Japanese advance. This became known as the Battle of the Java Sea.

It is of interest to me as although the ABDA fleet was outnumbered the Japanese were quite reckless in their advance as to give a fleeting "best-bad" opportunity (one that pans out slightly better in a wargame than the historical reality). Also of historical interest the most senior admiral and hence in charge of this multi-national force was in fact Dutch, Rear Admiral Karel Doorman.

The Dutch contingent is seem below (Navwar 1/3000 kit):

• Cruiser (Flag): De Ruyter (leading)
• Cruiser: Java (rear)
• Destroyer: Kortenaer (top)
• Destroyer: Witte De With (bottom)

Of special note none of the ADBA ships have NO serviceable spotting planes, thanks to recent Japanese air activity shooting down or damaging them
 
Next the British (RN) Forces