Thursday 1 December 2011

Chaplain George Smith


This simple, but rather splendid miniature is part of 'Redoubt Enterprises' Zulu War range and a welcome addition to my growing Anglo-Zulu War collection.  Chaplain George Smith had accompanied Centre Column to Rorke's Drift.  This Tall man, with a great red beard, was seen distributing ammunition to the men from a haversack all the while exhorting them not to swear throughout the battle.  His black, civilian coat was said to have faded to green.  He can be clearly seen in Alphonse de Neuville's painting entitled the 'Defence of Rorke's Drift', painted in 1880.  The artist has chosen to depict the dramatic evacuation form the hospital for his theme but has rather condensed the time frame for the sake of dramatic effect.  

Detail from  de Neuville's, 'The Defence of Rorke's Drift' 
Now interesting enough I may have found mention of the Reverend Smith being a tall man, but it would appear that he was more like a 'giant of a man', just look at him in comparison to some of the other characters from the battle; you certainly get your money's worth with Redoubt!

From left to right:
Colour Sergeant Bourne - Empress Miniatures, Chaplain George Smith - Redoubt Enterprises, Rev. Otto Witt - Foundry conversion, Private Hook - Empress Miniatures.

12 comments:

  1. He's truly epic looking...what a beard!

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  2. Very nice paintjob sir. Tall i'd say he was a bear of a man with that beard

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  3. I have to say the Redoubt do some nice figures and this one really captures the one in the painting well. Lovely paintwork on it and a wonderful beard too.

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  4. Now That's What I call A Beard!! Is his middle name Hagred?? (Sorry I just had to ask!!)

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  5. I thought there was only such difference in size in the 1/72 scale, but now I see it here also.
    You painted him very good, so good that it looks like he jumped out of the painting!

    Greetings
    Peter
    http://peterscave.blogspot.com/

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  6. Thank you all, he certainly stands head and shoulders above the rest, but there is something about the Redoubt figures that is oh so reassuring.

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  7. There's nothing like some good story telling in a collection of miniatures. Also he's oozing that victorian feeling that some friends of mine have recently fallen for.

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  8. Ray beat me to it! I was going to say he looks like Hagrid the Half-Giant in a pith helmet, but I won't now ;-D

    The steadily growing Zulu collection is looking mighty impressive, Michael. Keep up the good work!

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  9. An impressive figure for sure. Great painting too.

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  10. Great character, I esp like the black faded to green coat. Turned out very realistic.

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