Apologies to those of you who have already seen this unit over on the AHPC blog, but I feel like I should post here as well. Just to keep everything together! I've also taken some better pictures.
This weeks entry was 6 x BL 5.5" Medium Guns. These heavy hitters were introduced into service in 1941, replacing some of the 6" 26 cwt Howitzers which had been used in British Medium Artillery Regiments prior to that date (also in use was the 4.5" Medium Gun - a very similar looking artillery gun). They first saw action in North Africa in 1942, and continued in service with British Territorial Army units until the 1980's. The last known firing of one of these guns 'in anger' was in 1999 during the fighting in Kashmir.
These 6 guns bring my unit up to a strength of 8, with me having finished the other two last year.
In my army, they will be representing a battery of the 79th (The Scottish Horse) Medium Regiment , Royal Artillery. This battery represents the guns of 4 AGRA (Army Group, Royal Artillery) in my Operation Totalise project - supporting the Canadian II Corps. I've had a bit of a wobble about this, as one reference mentions the unit having 5.5" guns, while another mentions 4.5" guns. I've since found another source which gives the unit 5.5" guns, so I'm 'sticking to my guns' and going with 79th Medium Regiment
Now to worry about the various command teams and vehicles for this unit! I know V4 will do away with a lot of those, but I have the figures so may as well do them!
Some fine looking artillery.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteThese are absolutely first-class James, first-class. I love everything from the flowers to the blackened muzzles. Tremendous attention to detail, sir :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Simon, I try to make them look a little worn...
DeleteYou work at an amazing pace James, and the painting is first class, I really liked the limbered version in the previous post too. Basing as always finishes them off nicely and makes them stand out.
ReplyDeleteNot long to V4 now, what's your thought's so far? I'm really hoping that they simplify the infantry assault phase a little!
Thanks Lee, I've had the foot down painting wise due to this challenge. Run out of steam a bit once these guys were finished, have a lot of stuff to prep and a lot of units that are more bitty.
DeleteI'm happy enough with what I've read - Wargames illustrated this month has a step by step 'quick play' guide to v4 turns, and the Close Combat sections seems more straight forward.
Great stuff James! Love 'em
ReplyDeleteNow to model up Spike's Battery of BL 7.2-inch howitzers :-)
Thanks Paul - no chance of any 7.2"'s appearing - I feel bad enough about the possibility of putting medium guns on the table!
DeleteDuxford Imperial War Museum has both a 5.5 and 4.5 on display and in all honestly, there was not much of a difference between the two guns in my opinion, so these lovelies (And they DO look smashing mate) could represent either gun. (Though no 4.5” gun options in Brit Flames of War lists that I remember.) I still have four of these beasts to paint up, which isn’t that much of a chore – the crew on the other hand….
ReplyDeleteGet them done Dai!
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