These have been on the painting desk for over twelve months and are the last of my WW2 Greek Bolt Action army. The figures are from Great Escape Games Hungarian Cavalry Range. Today I finally started them.
While many countries were mechanizing by World War II, the Greek Army still had a Cavalry Division and a Cavalry Brigade when the Greco-Italian War began in October 1940. These units were important in the early resistance to the Italian invasion.
The Cavalry Division, active from 1935 to 1941, included a Mechanized Cavalry Regiment, which was more like a motorized infantry unit than true armored cavalry.
A separate Cavalry Brigade also mobilized, operating as a mixed cavalry-infantry force before its units were later reincorporated into the Cavalry Division.
The Greek cavalry played a crucial part in the Greco-Italian War (1940-1941), engaging in fierce fighting, particularly in the Pindus Mountains, to halt the Italian invasion from Albania.
For instance, the Mechanized Cavalry Regiment was involved in the final stages of the Battle of Pindus against the Italian 3rd Alpine Division Julia. With the German intervention in April 1941, the Greek army faced overwhelming odds.
The Cavalry Division conducted a fighting retreat, attempting to cover the flanks of the Western Macedonia Army Section, battling to hold passes and delay the German advance, though ultimately they could not prevent the fall of key areas.
The Greek cavalry, especially the mounted units, were equipped with standard infantry weapons of the time, adapted for cavalry use. This included rifles and carbines such as the Mannlicher-Schönauer M1903/14, as well as various French-made rifles like the Berthier and Lebel.
They also used machine guns, likely Hotchkiss models, which would have been mounted on horses or in light vehicles for the mechanized elements.
Traditional equipment also included bayonets and possibly sabers, though these were not their primary combat tools. Horses, sourced from various countries and Greek bred, were fundamental.
The “Mechanized Cavalry Regiment” possessed some trucks and motorcycles, and later in the war, some captured Italian tankettes and British Universal Carriers were utilized in broader mechanized units.
This was an unknown story to me of how a fleet of Australian fishing boats, trawlers and schooners supplied US and Australian forces in the Pacific – and helped turn the course of World War II.
“The Rag Tag Fleet” by Ian W. Shaw is a well-regarded historical account that tells the little-known story of the U.S. Army’s Small Ships Section during World War II. The book meticulously chronicles the formation and evolution of this unique fleet, highlighting the challenges faced by the Australian vessels and their dedicated civilian crews as they operated in perilous conditions. It focuses on the critical role this improvised fleet played in supporting Allied forces in the Pacific, particularly during the brutal New Guinea campaign, where their agility and resourcefulness made a significant impact on logistics and troop movements. Shaw’s narrative provides insight into the camaraderie and bravery of those involved, revealing how these maritime heroes navigated treacherous waters and played a crucial part in turning the tide of war, often overcoming incredible odds in their quest to deliver supplies and reinforcements at a time when every mission counted.
The central theme of the book is the “Rag Tag Fleet” itself—a motley collection of Australian fishing boats, schooners, trawlers, and even yachts that were pressed into service by the American military during a time of great need. With limited naval assets available, this eclectic fleet became a vital logistical lifeline, transporting essential supplies, ammunition, food, and medical equipment to Allied troops fighting in remote and challenging locations like Buna on the New Guinea coast. Each vessel carried its own story, often reflecting the personal sacrifices of their civilian crews who answered the call to duty. The crews were primarily Australian civilians who were either too young, too old, or medically unfit for regular military service, yet they demonstrated remarkable resilience and bravery, navigating treacherous waters under daunting conditions, often with little to no naval training. Their contribution was not merely practical; it was a testament to the spirit of camaraderie and determination that characterized the Australian home front during the war, highlighting the significant role that ordinary citizens played in supporting the larger war effort against formidable odds.
Shaw’s narrative goes beyond a simple military history by bringing the stories of the individual men to life.
One fascinating story is about an Australian logistics officer who found himself in a peculiar situation with a boatload of cement he couldn’t use. This unexpected surplus left him with a pressing dilemma, as his real need was for good quality lumber to repair his fleet, which some American engineers happened to have in abundance. Realizing the potential for a mutually beneficial exchange, he cleverly arranged a trade of cement for lumber that would satisfy both parties. To the surprise of those around him, the supply of cement never seemed to dwindle, as he devised an ingenious plan; he discreetly paid local villagers to steal some of it back each time to facilitate the next trade! This shrewd approach kept his operations running smoothly.
The book highlights the bravery, ingenuity, and the difficult conditions these Australian mariners faced, detailing the daily risks from Japanese air attacks, disease (malaria, dysentery), and the perilous, uncharted waters. It is a tribute to the men who risked their lives without the official recognition of a formal military service. A significant part of the story is the post-war fight for these men to be acknowledged and receive the same rights as other veterans, a battle they eventually won.
Shaw should be praised for his thorough research, which draws on a wide range of sources to create a detailed and authentic account. The book is a fast-paced and easy-to-read historical “yarn,” with Shaw’s writing style noted for its ability to create a compelling and dramatic narrative that captures the action and danger of the crews’ experiences. “The Rag Tag Fleet” is highly recommended for anyone interested in Australian military history, the Pacific theatre of World War II, or just a great true-life adventure story.
The book vividly describes the logistical problems facing military action in the South west pacific. I consider it a great read and a valuable and fitting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of these civilian mariners.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
THE RAG TAG FLEET is the unknown story of the final months of 1942 – when these men ran the gauntlet of Japanese air attacks, malaria and dysentery, reefs, and shallow, shark-infested waters to support the US and Australian troops that defeated the entrenched Japanese forces at Buna on the New Guinea coast, and so helped turn the war in the Allies’ favour. Their bravery, ingenuity and mettle helped turn the tide of the war. For the first time, their story is told.
Recently a number of us on the far side of life have been writing about the ageing wargaming fraternity and our burgeoning collections and what to do with them. Here is my tuppence worth. Yes I’m still living in the past before the 14th of February 1966 when we in Oz changed to decimal currency.
We are fellow travellers on the long and winding road of wargaming, a path paved with miniature heroes and tiny tanks. I understand your plight completely. As a “Guru” not just in name but in spirit, I am a true old codger of 72 who has seen battles and bought battalions, nay armies!
I have meticulously divided my collection into three piles, because life is too short to have everything mixed up—let’s be honest, even my socks deserve better than that! Well, maybe not!
A collection isn’t just a pile of “stuff”—that’s just the technical wargaming term for “really cool junk”; it’s more like a quirky museum of your life’s epic quests. Each model is a tiny memory, showcasing your brilliant tactics (or facepalms of legendary proportions). That second cohort from the left? I bet you can still visualize those dust motes doing the cha-cha in the lamplight as you staged your strategic maneuver, feeling the pressure like you were about to launch a real invasion. It’s not hoarding; it’s a personal hall of fame, a gallery filled with victories and wild “what ifs.” This “stuff” is the eye candy that decorates your shelves, even if you know you may never unleash them in battle again!
And that second pile, the “games I play or might play”? Ah, that’s the glorious, never-ending optimism of the wargamer! It’s the dream that one day, out of the blue, you’ll have the kind of free weekend that only exists in fairy tales, where you can finally crack open that box and unleash those meticulously painted miniatures like they’re about to get their own reality show. That pile is the beacon of future glory, seducing you to add just one more battalion to your arsenal or one more starship to your fleet—because, hey, this time it’s different! This one will totally get used… right after you finish that other pile, and the one under the bed, and maybe the one you forgot about in the garage!
But then there’s the third pile—the “really cool stuff” that you secretly know will never see the light of day. It’s like the old general preparing for a downsizing mission, except instead of a war, it’s a battle against the clutter! For me, selling AU$500 worth of treasures at “Victorious” this past weekend felt like I just conquered Mount Everest; I deserve a gold medal for that feat! I mean, walking into a convention selling off part of my prized collection, and managing to not buy anything? That’s a level of self-control that only the most disciplined superheroes can achieve. I’m practically a legend now, staring bravely into the abyss of yet another impulse purchase and declaring, “Not today, my friend! I’ve got enough glorious artifacts gathering dust back at my lair.”
And what’s the deal when you “cark it”? You’ve uncovered the secret sauce of the wargaming world! Your poor heirs will be left wrestling with a garage packed to the brim with your lovingly painted miniatures while you’re off in the afterlife, blissfully planning your next epic campaign against the celestial forces.
The fate of that glorious collection? That’s a problem for the living! They haven’t quite grasped the fact that the real joy of life isn’t in the endgame but in the marathon journey of buying, painting, and carefully arranging those tiny warriors on a shelf where they can bask in eternal admiration.
It’s a hilarious cycle: buy, paint, show off like it’s the Mona Lisa, and then, with a dramatic sigh, sell it—only to realize you’ll probably just run back to buy more! It’s proof that a wargamer’s work feels like a never-ending episode of articles in a wargaming magazine, and honestly, isn’t that the real joy? The adventure—and all that glorified clutter—will carry on like an obnoxious opponent – and yes we all have them!
Thanks to Gemini AI for helping me graphically represent our glorious journey through life’s campaigns.
I picked this book up in an opportunity shop in Seymour, which is not surprising, as it was a cancelled” book for the Australian Army School of signals located in the nearby Puckapunyal army base.
Colonel E. G. Keogh’s “The River in the Desert” is a significant historical account of the British campaign in Mesopotamia during World War I. Published in 1955 for the Directorate of Military Training, the book serves as a detailed and technical examination of the conflict, particularly focusing on the operations of the 18th (Indian) Division.
Keogh not only chronicles the extensive military engagements but also delves into the socio-political dynamics that influenced British strategies in the region. As a former editor of the Australian Army Journal, Keogh brings a military-minded perspective to his writing, providing a comprehensive overview of the strategic and administrative aspects of the war in that theater.
His analysis includes firsthand accounts, logistical challenges, and the adaptation of colonial forces to the unique demands of warfare in a harsh desert landscape, thus painting a vivid picture of the complexities faced by soldiers and commanders alike. The narrative is enriched by Keogh’s insights into the broader implications of the campaign, making it an essential resource for historians and military enthusiasts striving to understand the intricacies of World War I’s lesser-known fronts.
The book is structured to analyze the Mesopotamian campaign in two distinct phases. The first part covers the period leading up to the British capitulation at Kut-el-Amara, a major defeat for the Allies that reshaped the dynamics of World War I in the region. Keogh argues that this phase was characterized by a disconnect between military strategy and political objectives, compounded by a flawed and insular administrative system that failed to adapt to the complexities of warfare in the Middle East.
His analysis is unsparing, highlighting the multifaceted failures of command and logistics that contributed to the disastrous siege and subsequent surrender. He delves into the mismanagement of resources, the lack of coherent communication among the commanders, and the inability to address the local geopolitical realities, which all played a crucial role in exacerbating the dire situation. By examining these factors in detail, Keogh provides a thorough critique that not only reveals the shortcomings of the British military leadership but also offers insight into the broader implications of their mistakes for the campaign’s outcome.
The second part of the book shifts to the period following the defeat, which ultimately saw British forces achieve victory against formidable odds. Keogh contends that in this phase, the essential elements for success—policy, strategy, and administration—were finally brought into perfect alignment after a series of critical lessons were learned from earlier setbacks. This integration allowed for a more effective and successful campaign, characterized by coordination among military and political leaders who worked tirelessly to overcome previous failures.
While the author provides a detailed military history, meticulously chronicling the battles and decision-making processes, he also raises a broader question about the overall contribution of the Mesopotamian campaign to the winning of the war as a whole. This nuanced perspective invites the reader to consider the conflict’s place within the larger scope of World War I, sparking discussions about how such campaigns can influence the direction of global conflicts.
For anyone interested in the technical and strategic side of military history, “The River in the Desert” offers a valuable and insightful look into a critical but often overlooked front of the Great War, making it a compelling read for historians and casual readers alike, as it sheds light on the complexities and intricacies involved in wartime strategy and execution.
The book has a large number of maps that make it easier to understand the text on each of the battles. This for me adds that little extra that makes the book a must have if you are interested in the Mesopotamian campaign of WW1.
Written in 1955 the language is a product of its era but despite this if you can pick it up at a reasonable price I would grab it with both hands,
I wanted a break from what I have been doing recently a came across these, so I said why not! There were a few more than what was on the front cover. Originally from a Mantic Kickstarter, I need to thank Azazel for gifting me these a few years ago.
I decided to assemble and undercoat them all – before putting them away for another five years!
The Rebs are less of a cohesive army and more of a galactic garage sale of grievances. They’re a chaotic, beautiful mess of everyone and everything that’s been chewed up and spit out by the Galactic Co-Prosperity Sphere (GCPS). Their lore isn’t a single epic tale, but a million little stories of injustice. Each Rebs cell operates autonomously, a fancy way of saying they do whatever they want.
They might coordinate on big, anti-GCPS operations, but most of the time they’re just scrounging for supplies and trying not to get squished by a GCPS patrol. Their tactics are born of necessity and desperation: guerrilla warfare, hit-and-run tactics, and “borrowing” whatever they can from their enemies. This “can-do” spirit extends to their gear, which is a glorious mishmash of scavenged technology, jury-rigged weapons, and whatever they managed to find in a dumpster behind a GCPS base.
The heart and soul of the Rebs faction are their individual units, each with its own unique personality and role. The Rebel Commander isn’t a highly-trained general but rather the one person who’s had enough of everyone’s nonsense and somehow ended up in charge. They’re likely the only one who can actually read the blueprints for their scavenged equipment. I have put together several of these.
The Human Troopers are the disgruntled everymen, the ones who probably had a day job they hated before the GCPS came along and made things worse. Their gear is a mix of whatever they could find, often held together with duct tape and a dream.
The alien members of the Rebs bring even more variety to the mix. The Yndij are the hyperactive squirrels of the galaxy, zipping around to snatch up objectives before anyone knows what’s happening.
The Teraton Brawler is the faction’s muscle, a big, tough individual who solves problems by punching them until they stop being problems.
The Alpha Simian Brawler takes this a step further, combining raw strength with surprising ferocity. Imagine a gorilla with a bad attitude and some scavenged power gauntlets, and you’ve got the picture.
When things need to get loud and messy, the Grogan shows up with a comically oversized, jury-rigged weapon that makes short work of anything in its path.
The Sorak are the silent, deadly professionals in a group of rowdy amateurs, providing a much-needed touch of focused combat expertise.
The Survey Drones are the Rebs’ best friends; they are cheap, fast, and great for grabbing objectives. Their primary purpose is to zip around, do the grunt work, and then get blown up without the enemy getting any victory points for it, making them the perfect cannon fodder. This unique mix of characters and equipment makes the Rebs an unpredictable and challenging opponent on the battlefield, embodying the spirit of a true underdog rebellion.
I enjoyed putting these together and surprisingly the will fit in well with some of the game systems we have been playing so they might see the light of day quicker than I originally thought.
Some of the scenarios I’ve cooked up for my game “Dinosaurs” involve a chaotic herd of dino parents trying to corral their little ones on a wild adventure to their winter feeding grounds—because nothing says “family bonding” like a stampede of munching mini dinosaurs!
Picture the scene: as the sun sets behind the towering cliffs, the vibrant hues of orange and pink illuminate the path ahead, while the dino parents frantically dash back and forth, calling out to their rambunctious children who are more interested in chasing butterflies than following the herd. Amidst the flurry, the sound of tiny claws against the rocky terrain and the excited chattering fills the air, creating an atmosphere that balances between chaos and excitement.
That is, of course, unless they unwittingly audition for a starring role on the dinner menu first! The threat of lurking predators adds an extra layer of tension, reminding everyone that in this prehistoric world, every day is a new adventure fraught with challenges as they navigate the perils of survival while trying to instill a sense of humility and teamwork in their little ones.
This meant I needed to wrangle up some mini tornadoes—those pint-sized bundles of chaos who could unleash enough energy to power a small city! They’d streak around like sugar-fueled rockets, giggling and imagining they were on an epic quest, turning a mundane gathering into a hilariously unforgettable romp that would leave us all in stitches!
The little dino rug rats are actually from a totally epic collection of tiny toy dinosaurs—because what’s more amusing than dolls that could devour you in one bite if they were real?
Hi Guys a last quick run through at the club before the participation game on the weekend at “Victorious” The first scenario was “protect the rug rats”.
Allosaurus goes “chomp chomp” after destroying a Stegosaurus
A second Stegosaurus joins the BBQ at Volcanoes Bar & Grill
The rug rats running but to no avail (they are now painted!).
The second game was between the heavy “tanks” and the “Pteradonwaffe”.
A “Pterastuka attack”
Thanks to Rob and Wayne for giving me some practice before the weekend.
