News of shady manouvering amongst the various seedy factions that support the usurper – fascists, misguided aristocratic ladies and eccentric countryside pressure groups, for example – forced Sir Gilbert Hill to once again turn reluctantly from his benevolent and paternalistic care of his dependents and followers. Although contrary to his fervent desire for peace, he did not shirk his duty when the necessity for armed intervention became evident.
The strategically important bridge at Bredwardine was under threat from the enemy and Sir Gilbert, ably supported by those staunch allies the Bishop of Ludlow and the Reverend Captain Verity, made haste to deny free passage of the bridge to his sinister foes.
The field was split by the river Wye and both sides had forces on either side.Sir Gilbert and the Anglicans deployed with the Bishop of Ludlow to the west and Captain Verity and Sir Gilbert to the east. Sir Gilbert’s role was to rush men in motor transport to the bridge whilst his armoured section held off Lady Maud’s platoon. Captain Verity was to move through the woods and buildings on Sir Gilbert’s flank and complete the securing of the bridge. The Bishop of Ludlow was to crash through the Malvern eccentrics and take the west end of the bridge, crushing any BUF between himself and the forces of Captain Verity and Sir Gilbert on the eastern side. This plan was made by Sir Gilbert in his customary authoritative style. His allies offered suggestion for minor changes that Sir Gilbert graciously accepted. The plan proceeded smoothly and with total success. Free passage of the bridge was denied to the usurper’s ghastly minions.
The usurper’s forces deployed the detestable BUF platoon, led by the infamous and equally detestable “Captain” Arrowsmith, west of the river accompanied by the reactionary, decrepit eccentrics from the Malvern Hills. To the east, they deployed the colourful force of Lady Maud, a brave but misguided aristocrat of the old school.
Sir Gilbert’s First Section begins its successful race for the bridge, supported by the steam armoured car. Opposite, Lady Maud’s force approaches tentatively. In the background, the fascists slither forward. Sir Gilbert’s 1st Section
The forces of the Bishop of Ludlow prepare to strike righteous fear into the hearts of the Malvern decrepitsThe disorderly Malvern throwbacks, with some support from godless BUF infernal machineryBUF running-dog, fascist hyenas begin their short stay on the bridge
BUF armour supported by eccentric units of the Malvern eccentrics
Sir Gilbert’s magnificent, modern, motorised force advances. The force is led by the 1st section, dashing for the bridge in their van. They are supported by the steam-powered armour and the WI section, advamcing on foot to cover the flankLady Maud’s armoured car deploys to oppose Sir Gilbert’s steam carThe Bishop of Ludlow’s mighty machines prepare to smite the foeSir Gilbert’s 1st Section deploys for action, supported by the steam car. In the background, a fascist waves flagsSir Gilbert’s attack proceeds according to planSir Gilbert’s steam tank single-handedly holds off the massed might of Lady Maud’s attackLady Maud’s ladies advance towards Sir Gilbert’s WI sectionA detached section of Lady Maud’s advances towards Sir Gilbert’s 3rd section – the Welsh gangsters NationalistsFascist hooligans creep across the bridge, supported by an armoured quadricycleSir Gilbert and allies complete the denial of the bridge to the enemySir Gilbert, as ever on the front line, is handed an important message by his butlerSir Gilbert’s 1st section in hand-to-hand combat with the fascists at the bridge. They may lack fine uniforms but the men of 1st section more than make up for this with their fighting spirit. In the foreground, Mad Wullie McSpaniel seeks to come to grips with the enemy armourOn Sir Gilbert’s right, the ladies of the WI prepare to halt the advance of Lady Maud’s platoonThe defeated BUF hooligans retreat ater their drubbing at the hands of the 1st section. The beastly, squat form of the BUF tank sits immobile, trapped between Sir Gilbert and The Bishop of Ludlow, The bridge is denied to the usurper’s lackeys and Sir Gilbert and allies triumph once again
The View From the Hill 