Australian armoured doctrine was quite different with the advent of the Australian Jungle Division reorganisation. Unlike Europe and North Africa tanks were unable to force a “break through” because of the dense jungle. As such their role changed to that of infantry support. A reverse of the other theatres of war where infantry paid a supporting role and in order to achieve this were required to be motorised to keep pace.

This is reflected in the Bolt Action rules by not requiring the Australian infantry to have transport. In fact you cannot purchase transport from the relevant “theatre sector” list!

As I have the tanks for this force completed, with a few exceptions, all I need to complete is the infantry. Sadly for readers this is almost a repeat of what you have already seen from me. Fortunately these are painting up quicker now that I am used to painting them. First the command section.

You will notice one the problem with the Eureka Miniature’s Owen guns. Unfortunately they are true to scale and the barrels of the gun are very fragile. With the one in the background already having snapped off. I have thought of replacing them with a pin but for me they pass the three feet test – do you notice them from three feet away on the table!

The two NCO’s are armed with Thompson SMG’s and the officer carries a .303 rifle.

Tomorrow the first of several infantry sections. Some will be additional Jungle Division, others Independent Company Commandos or raiding parties and others Papuan Infantry Battalion sections.

More tomorrow.