The Forgotten Army

[Hertsblue]

I can't remember if I've asked this before - I've certainly mentioned it in previous posts - but I'm scouting figures for my Burma 14th Army force. I know the WW2 range includes figures in slouch hats, which everybody from Bill Slim down seems to have worn, but there don't seem to be any officers or NCOs, not to mention mortar and MG teams.

OK, not a problem, since many troops also wore the standard steel helmet. However, standard battledress was not worn - troops in the theatre being issued with tropical drill uniforms, which usually had the sleeves rolled up to the biceps. This led me to consider 8th Army figures. Only snag there is that the Burma lads don't seem to have worn shorts. When you consider what was lurking in the jungle you can understand why.

So, any suggestions? Or am I reduced to swapping heads (on figures, not on me) ? 

[Steve J]

8th Army range for some figures? I've seen pics of infantry at Kohima (I think) in what looks like standard battledress.

[NTM]

One of the 3" mortar crew figures is in shirtsleeves many figures could be converted to shirtsleeve order either with a paint job or a bit of filing.

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

8th Army will do for early stuff, they did wear shorts. For 44 + the webbibg is another pattern, and some unluck guys got the No5 carbine.

IanS

[Sunray]

I can recommend Codes BR 55, 56, 57 as ideal - WW2 kit and bush or 'wide awake' hat.  I have also done some head conversions with WW1 Indians AND Australians.

The Chindits wore Bombay bloomers as late as '45 and bush hats. 8th Army conversions ?  VC  gunners from Vietnam range will also fit with a paint job.

Sunray out 

[NTM]

8th Army will do for early stuff, they did wear shorts. For 44 + the webbibg is another pattern, and some unluck guys got the No5 carbine.

IanS

Would you be able to tell the difference between '37 & '44 pattern webbing in 10mm? 
Was '44 pattern webbing really in widespread use too? 

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Would you be able to tell the difference between '37 & '44 pattern webbing in 10mm? 
Was '44 pattern webbing really in widespread use too? 

Yes - the pack is in same position, but the puches are muc h lower, and it has two water bottles.

ianS

[Hertsblue]

Thanks for that, guys. Given me something to consider, at any rate. Who knows, by the time I come to paint them there may be more out. (Oh, look, a squadron of piggy fighter-bombers). 

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Well it does invole silly hats.

IanS

[OldenBUA]

It so happens that I saw some footage from the French Indochina war yesterday. This made me wonder if any figures from these post-war ranges would be good for this? You have the french para's from the Indo China range, but those are probably with American equipment? And you have the Australians from the Vietnam range. More likely to have bush hats and shirt sleeve order?

Just an idea.

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

The Aussies wold have the wrong small arms, although M16's could do as M1 Carbines.

A 14th Army range would also do for Malaya, whilst the Aussies might fit for Indonesia. Not looked but I suspoect that sme VC and NVA would fit for Chinese in Malya and Idoans as well.

IanS

[Leon]

Plus the Anzac code?

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Not for Indonisiea = SLR/GPMG.

IanS

[Hertsblue]

Plus the Anzac code?

If they're the WW1 version they're probably wearing putees.  The WW2 version would wear gaiters, probably.

[Leon]

If they're the WW1 version they're probably wearing putees.  The WW2 version would wear gaiters, probably.

Not for Indonisiea = SLR/GPMG.

Ah well, that's what I get for asking Dave...