WW1 Pals

[willie]

 I was thinking about the story told by alsboy. First of all the first weeks of the First World War was a mess on a giant scale. Most of the Armies where not ready to fight a 20th century war. Can't you contact veterans groups or the Army records office to fine his service record and his regiment and its history. How about the Imperial War Museum.  I know I did the same thing to fine out more about my Dads Regiment and his service. Also so they keep finding remains of Soldiers on the Western Front all the time. They just found two Italians and one Austrian in the Alps  Willie

[Brian]

Keep thinking about the last post, one minute all is ok and then bang all change and it's not just the guy in the field that suffers but all family
 around him, do we think it would have been the same for the family if he was an officer       

[alfsboy]

Its interesting seeing early war shots of the old contemptibles.My wifes paternal  grandfather was a regular  NCO at the start of the war .He disappeared early on  presumably killed and body destroyed by artillery  but in those early days he was considered a deserter .His pay stopped, and no army pension was paid to his wife .The police harrassed his wife and even followed the two children ,neighbors threw stones sat them  .The family literally starved for while and   her fathers health and education  suffered greatly .Of course later MIA was common .I often wonder whether I am looking at his face  when I see the early BEF in action .

[willie]

Brain . I would say that picture was taken in the early days of the war in Belgium ,the two behind them are Belgium Army. It would be neat to get a hold of the Imperial War Museum and see if they have names for those two soldiers. As fare as I know the Imperial War Museum and The National Army Museum are closed do to construction. Since you are close to it ,like I am to the Army Museums in the States have a go . Most museum are glad to help. Also I like the figures.Willie

[Brian]

The photo it's based on, some may remember it when we had the figure consortium 

[Brian]

Here's the figure with a little paint

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And "Old Bill" ? already sell them 4 in the set from Western Miniatures

[ Guests cannot view attachments ] here's one 
 

[Robert Leighton]

 
 Just to add my pennyworth on this subject, the figrues have the appearance of the "Old Bill"
cartoons of the period and perhaps a better subject could have been found from those cartoons,
the model is always distinctive and sound design. I would personally have chosen a fully equipped "Tommy" supporting a wounded pal being helped from the Trenches.
If you can try and see the film 1914-1918 being shown on the Yesterday free vie channel 19 really excellent drawing on pieces of contemporary film really give the feel of the war.
 
 

[Nicholas Ball]

They will probably look very good when painted, they are different and i think rather interesting.

[Brian]

Thanks Mark, you put it better than I did 

[marko]

Not so odd at all -


WWII had Willie and Joe from Stars and Stripes fame and if memory serves there is a WWI equivalent as well - "Alf and ...?".


I have also seen an Austrian and German versions though I don't know if they were as popular.


They generally represent war from the poor sods - who fought the wars - perspective rather than the officers.


mark 

[Brian]

You guys are not missing anything, this year I was expecting a lot of figures with the 1914 theme and having an alterative, no guns, on fighting just one mate helping another and not to bogged down with detail.

The figure that was to be done was far more serious and detailed but it was not to work out. 

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But you never now it may still be done    

[Glen]

Hmm.. my question as well. If it's a nod to to the 100th Anniversary of the start of WW I, why a cartoon? It seems a bit out of place.


What are we missing?


Glen

[zinnmartina]

Good idea. Good figure.
Especially for the 100th remember.

But why ist this a cartoon?

[Brian]

A new figure has been made and will be 2D's nod to the hundred years since the outbreak of WW1

Engaved by Karl Rieger one side 54mm

Design is by Rafael Cebrian   (Arquebus) and is a 'cartoon' of two British in 1914