WARGAMES FOUNDRY GPR28 INDIAN MUTINY BRITISH CAMELEERS
However when it arrived I noticed on the pack it simply said, general purpose; curiouser and curiouser. I've been through my reference, which admittedly isn't vast, but to no avail, I've even trawled the infoweb, but I can find very little reference to British Cameleers. I have found reference to Afghan Cameleers taking their camels over to Australia and some limited reference to them as part of Elphinstone's ill-fated army on their retreat from Kabul, but nothing of them been in general service. I have to admit that I'm not hugely worried at this as mine will form part of a baggage train or support for artillery, but my curiosity has certainly been piqued! If anyone does have a definitive guide to the use of camels during the Indian Mutiny of 1857 then please let me know, in the interim, 'Bhaji' (yes the Saintly Mrs. Awdry has named him already!) will be taking his place alongside the other Indian Mutiny miniatures.
A big THANK YOU to Dave D, whose blog, the wonderful 'One man and his brushes.', has recently celebrated its first birthday! As part of the celebrations Dave organised a rather splendid 'giveaway' including all sorts of cracking titles. I had expressed an interest for 'The Old Contemptibles' by Robin Neillands and was duly rewarded with a reassuring thump on the doormat when it arrived a couple of days ago. This will of course mean that I shall be on the look out for some early war miniatures at 'Salute 2012'! Anyway another 'thank you' to Dave and I strongly urge those haven't had a look at his blog, to go and do so.
Iffy historical context or not it's still a great looking model. The guy sleeping in his howdah is a blast!
ReplyDeleteI would have no idea as to its authenticity but it looks great mate
ReplyDeleteMichael, I found this forum thread that sheds some light on British use of camels during the mutiny. I hope it is of some use. http://www.victorianwars.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=347
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your winnings, too! I see another tangent developing!
Thanks Rosbif; so it would appear that they're Scottish Camels!
DeleteHuzzah for more great minis and yes there are still a stack of wild camels roaming the outback of Australia now.
ReplyDeleteGreta book too - my Great Grandfather was one of the Old Contemptibles and as a result spent most of the war farming potatoes in the Black Forrest as a POW. Ironically, that probably saved his life and otherwise I wouldn't be here!
I can't help with any info but I can say that you have done a wonderful job .Great work Michael.
ReplyDeleteScottish camels..... ah, yes.... the breed with tartan fur! Great work. Hoots!
ReplyDeleteThose are nice :O)
ReplyDeleteMichael, does this revelation mean he'll be re-named McBhaji ?
ReplyDeletePip pip
Given his sandy complexion I'm thinking Dougal might be more apt. ;)
DeleteSmashing little vignette all the same.
ReplyDeleteLovely brushwork too!
Darrell.
Wow! Great work! I really like this camel and soldiers.
ReplyDeleteA strange figure, haven't got a clue about it sorry!! Well done on the win from Dave's blog!!
ReplyDeleteYour google fu has let you down grasshopper;
ReplyDeletehttp://www.britishmedals.us/kevin/profiles/deegan.html
My home town reg was part of the camel corps in india ;-D
The scinde rifles was also mounted on camels
http://www.jullundurassociation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=82%3Athe-frontier-force&Itemid=61
Like the guy slumped in the howdah :-D
Cheers
paul
Ah Master, your google fu is strong! Some great finds thank you Paul.
DeleteYou should also get a camel with one of these;
ReplyDeletehttp://greatestbattles.iblogger.org/Renaissance/GushBook/19_Camel_gun.jpg
better pic here;
http://indiagunhistory.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/bv473.jpg%3Fw%3D480
Now that could be fun to do! Thanks again Paul.
DeleteVery fun mini! The guy asleep in his sidebox is hilarious.
ReplyDeleteTruly excellent paintwork and basing sir. Nice to see something I've never seen before!
ReplyDeleteGreat little set. You really can get some unusual pieces to use with colonail set up.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your read of the "Old Contemptibles". I look forward to seeing a reacreation of the "mad minute"
Wow...excellent, Micheal
ReplyDeleteGreat paintjob and basing on a fun mini! The guy sleeping in the one sidecar made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteZZZZZZZZZZZZ...take ten when you can! Fun sculpt and very nice painting and vignette.
ReplyDeleteWonderful Michael, wonderful. On the subject They were part of the Rifle Brigade with 200 riflemen and two companies of the who made up the Camel Corp.
ReplyDeleteLove those camel guys, very characterful!
ReplyDeleteAnother excellent little piece from yourself, not seen this set before.
ReplyDeleteThere's so much character, it makes me want to own that set and then buy nice lingerie for it.
ReplyDeleteI think that is one of the strangest, but kindest comments I could have wished for. ;)
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