Thursday 5 April 2012

British Cameleers & a 'Thank You'!


Indian Mutiny, British Cameleers; a curious contraption and great fun to do, but over the last couple of days I've started to have a wobble!  British Cameleers, India, really?  I'd 'won' this on fleabay, and sure enough it was listed as,

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. 


And the thank you...


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.

28 comments:

  1. Iffy historical context or not it's still a great looking model. The guy sleeping in his howdah is a blast!

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  2. I would have no idea as to its authenticity but it looks great mate

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  3. Michael, 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

    Congrats on your winnings, too! I see another tangent developing!

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    1. Thanks Rosbif; so it would appear that they're Scottish Camels!

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  4. Huzzah for more great minis and yes there are still a stack of wild camels roaming the outback of Australia now.

    Greta 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!

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  5. I can't help with any info but I can say that you have done a wonderful job .Great work Michael.

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  6. Scottish camels..... ah, yes.... the breed with tartan fur! Great work. Hoots!

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  7. Michael, does this revelation mean he'll be re-named McBhaji ?

    Pip pip

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    1. Given his sandy complexion I'm thinking Dougal might be more apt. ;)

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  8. Smashing little vignette all the same.

    Lovely brushwork too!

    Darrell.

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  9. Wow! Great work! I really like this camel and soldiers.

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  10. A strange figure, haven't got a clue about it sorry!! Well done on the win from Dave's blog!!

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  11. Your google fu has let you down grasshopper;
    http://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

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    1. Ah Master, your google fu is strong! Some great finds thank you Paul.

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  12. You should also get a camel with one of these;
    http://greatestbattles.iblogger.org/Renaissance/GushBook/19_Camel_gun.jpg
    better pic here;
    http://indiagunhistory.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/bv473.jpg%3Fw%3D480

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    1. Now that could be fun to do! Thanks again Paul.

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  13. Very fun mini! The guy asleep in his sidebox is hilarious.

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  14. Truly excellent paintwork and basing sir. Nice to see something I've never seen before!

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  15. Great little set. You really can get some unusual pieces to use with colonail set up.

    Enjoy your read of the "Old Contemptibles". I look forward to seeing a reacreation of the "mad minute"

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  16. Great paintjob and basing on a fun mini! The guy sleeping in the one sidecar made me laugh.

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  17. ZZZZZZZZZZZZ...take ten when you can! Fun sculpt and very nice painting and vignette.

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  18. Wonderful 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.

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  19. Love those camel guys, very characterful!

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  20. Another excellent little piece from yourself, not seen this set before.

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  21. There's so much character, it makes me want to own that set and then buy nice lingerie for it.

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    Replies
    1. I think that is one of the strangest, but kindest comments I could have wished for. ;)

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