A Photographic Catalog - Operation Market Garden Series by King & Country Military Miniatures

The Operation Market Garden Series of  “toy soldiers” was introduced by King & Country Military Miniatures in 2007. To date (March 2014) the company has produced 58 sets in the series. The figures represent an evolved level of miniatures in 1:30 scale. They reflect a primary synthesis of subject matter for this blog combining the WWII Battle of Arnhem with military miniatures/"toy soldiers". With the forthcoming 70th Anniversary  of the battle occurring in September of this year, thought it might be of some interest to present a photographic catalog of the figures and vehicles thus far produced in the series, in anticipation of commemorating the epic action. This blog already contains various photographs of the figures, and this page will illustrate them individually in the order of the manufacturer’s catalog number. A set's year of introduction is indicated in parentheses.

 MG001 (2007 RETIRED)

RECCE JEEP, 1ST AIRBORNE RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG002 (2007 RETIRED)

AIRBORNE JEEP AND TRAILER, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG003 (2007 RETIRED)

WALKING WOUNDED, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,
 ARNHEM, 1944

MG004 (2007 RETIRED)

THE SCOUT, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG005 (2007 RETIRED)

PATROL LEADER, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG006 (2007 RETIRED)

WALKING RIFLEMAN, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,
 ARNHEM, 1944

MG007 (2007 RETIRED)

POINTING NCO, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG008 (2007 RETIRED)

KNEELING RIFLEMAN, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, 1944

MG009 (2007 RETIRED)

KNEELING FIRING RIFLEMAN, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, 1944

MG010 (2007 RETIRED)

WALKING RADIOMAN, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG011 (2007 RETIRED)

LIEUTENANT W/STEN GUN, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG012 (2007 RETIRED)

STANDING FIRING STEN GUN, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG013 (2007 RETIRED)

LYING FIRING BREN GUN, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG014 (2007 RETIRED)

KNEELING W/UMBRELLA, "MAJ HARRY POPE" IN MOVIE

 "A BRIDGE TOO FAR",ACTUALLY BASED ON MAJ DIGBY

 TATHAM-WARTER, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944 

MG015 (2007 RETIRED)

ADVANCE TO CONTACT, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG016 (2007 RETIRED)

MAJOR GENERAL ROY URQUHART, GOC,

 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG017 (2007 RETIRED)

PARATROOPER WITH MORTAR BOMBS

 (PIAT ROUNDS),1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG018 (2007 RETIRED)

MANNING THE PIAT, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,
 ARNHEM, 1944

MG019 (2007 RETIRED)

AIRBORNE 6 POUNDER ANTI TANK GUN SET,
 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, 1944 

MG020 (2007 RETIRED)

KNEELING FIRING STEN, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG021 (2007 RETIRED)

LYING FIRING STEN, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG022 (2007 RETIRED)

LYING FIRING RIFLEMAN, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG023 (2008 RETIRED)

MAJOR GENERAL STANISLAW SOSABOWSKI, GOC,
 1ST POLISH INDEPENDENT PARACHUTE BRIGADE GROUP,
 DRIEL(ARNHEM), 1944

MG024 (2008 RETIRED)

POLISH AIRBORNE BREN GUN TEAM, DRIEL(ARNHEM), 1944

MG025 (2008 RETIRED)

POLISH AIRBORNE SNIPER, DRIEL(ARNHEM), 1944

MG026 (2008 RETIRED)

POLISH AIRBORNE STAFF SERGEANT, FIRING BACK, W/GERMAN MP-40

 MACHiNE PISTOL, DRIEL(ARNHEM), 1944

MG027 (2008 RETIRED)

POLISH AIRBORNE (RIFLEMAN) SITTING, DRIEL(ARNHEM), 1944

MG028 (2010)

PARATROOPERS DESCENDING ('THE BIG JUMP', PARA CHECKING

CHUTE, PARA PREPARING TO LAND), 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG029  (2010 RETIRED)

AIRBORNE JEEP ('RADIO JEEP'), W/WIRELESS SET NO.22WS, DRIVER,

OFFICER, AND RADIOMAN, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, 1944

MG030 (2010 RETIRED)

AIRBORNE COMBAT CAMERAMAN ('ARMY PHOTOGRAPHIC

 UNIT CAMERAMAN'), AFPU, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG031 (2010 RETIRED)

3IN MORTAR('MORTAR TEAM'), W/CREW, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG032 (2010 RETIRED)

WOUNDED PARATROOPERS SURRENDERING ('CAPTURED'),

 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, 1944

MG033(P) (2013)

LIEUT. JACK GRAYBURN VC, LOOKING THROUGH

 BINOCULARS, W/STEN MK V, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG034(P) (2013)

MAJ. FREDERICK “FREDDIE” GOUGH MC,

 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, 1944

MG035(P) (2013)

THE AIRBORNE CYCLIST, FOLDING AIRBORNE BICYCLE,

 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, 1944 

MG036(P) (2013)

A CUP OF TEA, SIR, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, 1944  

MG037(P) (2013)

ADVANCING, W/RIFLE AT THE READY, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG038(P) (2013)

ADVANCING, W/STEN MKV AT THE READY, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944 

MG039(P) (2013)

PARATROOPER CROUCHING, W/CAMOFLAUGED NET CAPE AND BREN GUN,

1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, 1944 

MG040(P) (2013)         

KNEELING RIFLEMAN, RIFLE AT THE READY, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,

 ARNHEM, 1944

MG041(P) (2013)

WALKIE-TALKIE, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, 1944 

MG042(P) (2013)

MAJ. ROBERT H. CAIN VC, W/PISTOL AND CARRYING PIAT,

 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, 1944

MG043(P) (2013)

LIEUT. DENIS BOITEAUX-BUCHANAN MC, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION,
 ARNHEM, 1944

MG044(P) (2013)

GRENADIER, 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, 1944

MG045(P) (2013)

FIGHTING GLIDER PILOT SARGEANT, STANDING, RIFLE AT THE READY,

 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, 1944

MG046 (2013)

UNIVERSAL CARRIER NO.1 MK III (AIRBORNE MODIFICATION), W/DRIVER

 AND BREN GUNNER (RASC), 11TH PARA BN, PARACHUTE REGT,

 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, 1944

MG047 (2013)

75MM PACK HOWITZER, M1A1 (MK 8 CARRIDGE),

 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, 1944

MG048(P) (2013)

GUNNERS SET, 1ST AIRLANDING LIGHT REGIMENT, ROYAL ARTILLERY,

 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, 1944

MG049(P) (2013)

SERGEANT JACK SCOTT, W/M1 CARBINE, COMMANDING GUN CREW,

 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, 1944

MG050(P) (2013)

 “HELP AT LAST” (CARRYING THE WOUNDED), RAMC CORPSMAN,

 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, 1944

MG051(P) (2013)

LSGT WILLIAM FULTON (1ST MAN ON ARNHEM BRIDGE),

 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, 1944

As an addendum, in anticipation of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem, King and Country has introduced 5 new figures and a vehicle in the Market Garden series.

MG052(P) (2014)
LCOL JOHN FROST OC 2 PARA BN
1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, !944

MG053 (2014)
AIRBORNE JEEP
!ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM 1944

MG054(P) (2014)
SPR TOM CARPENTER 9 ABN FD CO, RE
1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, !944

MG055(P) (2014)
CPL BILL BOYS (LCOL FROST'S BAT MAN)
 1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, !944

MG056(P) (2014)
MEDIC AND WOUNDED PARA 2 PARA BN
1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, !944

MG057(P) (2014)
CAPT JAMES OGLIVIE 2 IC D COY GLIDER PILOT REGT
1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, !944

MG058 (2014)
BRITISH PARAS DESCENDING
1ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, ARNHEM, !944

Sincere Thanks to Readers on Third Anniversary of Arnhem Jim Blog

While it hardly seems possible, this blog is rapidly approaching its third anniversary in late March. With consistently expanding, readership and support, the blog continues to grow. There are readers now identified in 164 countries, literally Andorra to Zimbabwe, Greenland to the Falkland Islands, with the number of hits now exceeding 180,000. I’m most sincerely appreciative of the continuing support provided by readers of this blog, and want to personally thank each of you very much.

I have to apologize for a reduction in rate of the number of articles presented in the blog, but quite honestly ideas for subject matter have become increasing harder to conceive. What consistent readers may have noticed is that older articles have been refined and expanded with additional details, and corrections made, as they are discovered,

One specific area that I will try and continue to focus on is the ever expanding market in fraudulent items of militaria, everything from cap badges to field equipment. With newer and younger collectors emerging, this is fertile ground for exploitation by unscrupulous individuals. As the centennial of World War I occurs I would anticipate that memorabilia from that period would be particularly susceptible to nefarious endeavors by “war profiteers” of a new generation.

The other inevitable fact of life is that as my generation of collectors becomes older, collections which have been acquired over decades will be coming onto the market. This means that genuine items, acquired in the period when there were a broad range of “war surplus” stores and other sources, will appear to look like they have just been drawn from quartermaster stores. Wary collectors will be understandably reticent to believe that items in this condition could be anything but newly manufactured replicas. This will require the continuous acquisition of knowledge by newer collectors in order to discern the “wheat from the chaff”. I hope that the information contained in this blog will continue to be an aid in that process. An additional suggestion is to join and actively participate to the extent of your knowledge, an online forum(s) of people with similar interests to you. Don't be afraid of asking questions. For the most part the members of these forums were not always that knowledgable, and will be of ready assistance to newcomers. Realize too that they are also interested in the identification of reproductions (not clearly identified as such), as well as outright fraudulent items. Some forums have specific sections related to the subject.

I would sincerely invite anyone with a specific field of interest regarding the British Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces at the Battle of Arnhem, “toy soldiers”/military miniatures, or any aspect of militaria collectibles, not to hesitate contacting me via the “comments” section on any of the blog pages related to your query. I will try and respond with either relevant links related to your request, or after research publish an additional bog page on the subject to the extent of my knowledge.

For those who might be interested the following is a three part video of the presentation of new regimental colours to the 4th Battalion (TA), The Parachute Regiment, by the Prince of Wales, at historical Hardwick Hall, home of the regiment's training depot in World War II.

 

The Territorial Army in Scotland - circa 1935 (a W. Britains Ltd. Connection)

This film was made a year before I was born in 1936. While Germany rearmed, and Italy had already invaded Ethiopia, this propaganda film was produced in Great Britain, promoting joining the Territorial Army. The narrative is obviously so dated that it sounds "stilted" (gross understatement), however the footage covering the state of the training and equipment is fascinating. It reflects the period in history that the British Army was in transition to becoming fully mechanized. The viewer is readily able to identify several items of equipment and vehicles which W. Britains Ltd. chose to replicate, contemporarily, in its boxes of toy soldiers. In numerical sequence the inspiration for the following Britains sets can be seen in real life size. Britains introductory year and span of manufacture to 1941 are in parentheses);

Set 146A (1460) RASC General Service Wagon (Active Service Order) (1933-1941)

Set 1201 Gun of the Royal Artillery (1932-1941)

Set 1318 Machine Gun Section (Lying and Sitting) (1934-1941)

Set 1331 General Service Limbered Wagon, Active Service Order, Khaki (1934-1941)
Set 1335 6 Wheeled Covered Army Tender w/Driver (1934-1941)
Set 1432 10 Wheeled Covered Army Tender w/Driver (1936-1941)

Set 1479 Royal Artillery Limber, Short Poled Pattern (1936-1941)
Set 1521 Royal Air Force Biplane (1937-1941)
Set 1791 Dispatch Riders, Motorcyclists (Royal Corps of Signals) (1939-1941)

It is interesting that neither Set 1203 Tank of the Royal Tank Corps, with Driver and Machine Gunner, (Carden Loyd Mk VI, well established by date of film) or its successor, Set 1876 Bren Gun Carrier with Crew, the latter which would become ubiquitous in the British Army, are present in the film.

Another convenient omission in this entirely positive and upbeat propaganda film is any reference to gas warfare and training in the use of gas masks and capes, which was yet to come. Britains saw to Air Raid Precautions (ARP) which were to be taken by both the military and the civilian population, represented in Set 1759 Air Raid Precautions Stretcher Party Squad and Gas Detection Services.

Significant portions of the film covers the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) T.A. More about the Cameronians and their replication by W. Britains Ltd. toy soldiers can be seen at http://arnhemjim.blogspot.com/2012/11/another-set-of-w-britains-toy-soldiers.html. 

Another unique feature is the depiction of signalmen of the Royal Corps of Signals still training at this late date with the Heliograph, Mk V, which is discussed and described in more detail at http://arnhemjim.blogspot.com/2011/06/19th-century-military-communications-at.html.

Description: A promotional film for the Territorial Army in Scotland (circa 1935), the TA's training techniques are highlighted.

Shotlist: Credits (0.18); Shot of Union Jack (0.31); The war proved the high military value of the TA. Its role is now to support the regular army in the event of a great national emergency and to provide the means for any temporary expansion of the forces of the Crown. There are two divisions in Scotland. The 51st (Highland Division) and the 52nd (Lowland Division). Also No. 602 City of Glasgow (Bomber) Squadron Auxiliary Air Force (1.28); Section of men in their regimental uniforms march into camera, including shot of a lorry driver of the Royal Army Service Corps (2.08); General views as the men practise shooting at the rifle range near Dechmont, Cambuslang (2.49); Group of men being taught how to use the Lewis gun. Close-ups of men using the gun and loading magazines (3.30); Shots of a group at the side of a road using the Lewis gun as an anti-aircraft gun (3.36); General view of gunners receiving instruction in the use of a horse-drawn machine gun (4.25); Panning shot of TA camp (Belltents) (4.48); General views of the Royal Engineers constructing a girder bridge (5.49); General views of Royal Engineers demolishing a chimney with explosives and close-ups of the men loading the charge (6.20); General views of the Royal Corps of Signals. Shots of men on motorbikes, general views of as tented signal office, operators tapping out Morse code signals (7.08); Close-up of the radio transmitter and shot of smaller transmitter on the back of a lorry (7.42); Shots of group of men operating portable radio equipment (7.48); General views at the tented signal office (8.08); General views of group of men as they erect telegraph poles (8.52); General shots of men laying ground lines with the aid of a mechanised cable lorry (9.03); Shot from static camera of a convoy passing through country road (9.18); General views of the transport division of the infantry with shots of men looking after the horses and general views of a grooming and equipment competition (10.19); Shots of the battalion leaving camp, led by a pipe band (10.52); General views of a group of men from the Signals using a heliograph and brief shots of men reading a map and others practising semaphore (11.21); General views of the men (11.27); General views of a mock attack with shots of the battalion marching and suddenly dispersing (11.54); Shots of various groups assembling machine gun posts (12.32); General views of the divisional battalion marching past Divisional Commander, General McCulloch, Lord Strathcona, the Under-Secretary of State for War (12.46); General views at the cook house (13.07); General views at the DAD hospital in the camp and shots of nurses attending to the patients (13.23); General views of sports including tug-of-war, musical chairs played on horseback, children's race and Highland dancing (14.10); General views of pipe band marching over the brow of a hill (15.04); Shots of changing guard (15.42); Silhouette of four buglers (16.55); General views of a mock attack by a convoy, including shots of men forming an observation post, gun crews with close-ups of loading and firing of a four inch gun (18.26); Close-up of RAF ensign (18.29); Shots of men working on bi-planes and parts of engines 602 Squadron (18.58); Line up of the bi-planes with their engines running; brief c/u control gauges (19.15); General shots of "wapitis" planes taking off and general views of the planes flying [ground aerial shots] (20.35); Shots of the battalion led by a pipe band as they march to the TA headquarters in Hill Street, Glasgow, with shots as they pass St Enoch's station, Buchanan Street and Hill Street itself. The End (21.34).

Although the film cannot be directly embedded on this page, it can be viewed in its entirety (in full screen) at http://ssa.nls.uk/film/1693. The overall web site, Scottish Screen Archive, contains additional intriguing footage of the Scottish Regiments of the British Army.

The General Aircraft Ltd., GAL 49/50 Hamilcar Mk I Heavy Assault Glider - Own your own in 1:72 Scale

Some people in their lifetime can either individually, or as part of a group, accomplish a particular lifelong desire. While I was able to visit The Assault Glider Trust, which is completing the restoration of a WWII Airspeed AS.51 Horsa Mk I Assault Glider, I only wish that I lived in the immediate vicinity of RAF Shawbury, and could have volunteered to take a more direct and active, hands-on role in the project. As an alternative, wish that I could have assisted in the limited restoration of a General Aircraft Ltd., GAL 49/50 Hamilcar Mk I Heavy Assault Glider. Judging from the popularity of two articles on this blog discussing the Hamilcar glider in some detail, apparently there are quite a few others who may well share the same ambition.

When I was a young man, I’m sure that had I already developed my current interests and knowledge, that a Hamilcar glider would have been amongst the many aircraft from kits, as well as scratch-built, that hung from the ceiling of my room. To my knowledge after an extensive search of the internet, there are only a very few sets of plans, let alone model kits of the Hamilcar presently available. Explored having a semi-professional model builder construct only the forward part of the fuselage including the cockpit in 1:30 scale (coincident with scale miniature figures of the Parachute Regiment, Glider Pilot Regiment, Airborne Forces and AFV’s), but have been told even that would be a “fairly extensive effort”, i.e. very expensive!

Finally, as a best remaining option for me personally, found that Planes Showcase could build an approximately 1:72 Scale GAL 49/50 Hamilcar Mk I Heavy Assault Glider in mahogany as a special order, and the company was having a free shipping sale. That is the same scale as the Airfix/Italieri/Revell plastic model of the Airspeed AS.51 Horsa Assault Glider that has been available for decades, thus affording a direct comparison of the sizes of the two gliders. Built to a “nominal” 1:72 Scale gives the Hamilcar model an 18.00 (should be 18.33) inch wing span and overall fuselage length of 11.00 (should be 11.33) inches The finished glider still has to fly from the Philippines to the United States via international postal service undamaged, and this day in age that is no mean feat. So if anyone else happens to be similarly inclined, this is what you may expect as an end product. Update: The glider arrived safely (very well packed), and the actual model meets and exceeds the photographs in all aspects.

Expert critics (also known as “rivet counters”) will be quick to point out the following details, some of which I intend to add and/or correct, but overall I personally think the company’s craftsmen have done an outstanding job, particularly given the media and scale. In addition, compounding the problem, is the fact that to the best of my knowledge a complete set of original plans for the glider have yet to be discovered. This is quickly realized as you review the various artist's interpretations shown in the drawings that are available on the internet.

1. The precise size of the model is off by .333 in. in wing span and overall fuselage length to be exactly 1:72 (Consistent, just slightly smaller scale, so somehow that doesn’t exactly bother me).

2. The towline slope indicator is too long (already shortened).
3. The towline slope indicator should be off-set to left of centerline of the glider.

4. Horizontal stabilizer trim tabs are not shown (can be added).

5. The forward radio antenna mast is not present (optional, as needed on the real glider, radio was intended for training missions only).

6. The rear radio antenna mast should be off-set to the port side of the fuselage (if required).

7. Nose landing light, wing navigation lights, recognition lights, tail navigation light are not present (can be easily added).

8. Pilot’s walkway (port & starboard) from pilot’s hatch to cockpit is not present (can  be added).

9. Pilot’s hatch from cargo deck is not present(can be added).

10. Aileron trimming tab (starboard wing only) not present (can be added).

11. Tow line pick-up shackles in both wings not present.
12. Tail number (not present on a majority of the actual aircraft).
13. The outline of the massive front nose cargo door is not shown (can be added).
14. The side cabin door is oversized (This does detract from an accurate appreciation of the size of this giant).
15. The cockpit should be longer and slightly flatter on top.

The majority of these details can be seen in these two detailed drawings.

An associated aspect to the above set of details is the fact that we are talking over 70 years since the Hamilcar was introduced into operational use. In addition, compared to the Spitfire, Lancaster or even the Horsa, it is a relatively obscure aircraft, and it takes a considerable effort to ferret out accurate details, having personally observed several inconsistencies and/or errors in the very few available plans, drawings and paintings. One original source document is the RAF manual; PILOTS NOTES FOR HAMILCAR I GLIDER with Appendices for tug aircraft pilots (2nd Edition), A.P. 2219-A P.N., January 1944. However, this document does not include any plan drawings of the glider. In order to download a copy of this document see; http://www.scalesoaring.co.uk/VINTAGE/Books/Hamilcar%20Manual.pdf. 

An excellent photograph from a WWII LIFE magazine article showing the significant size of the Hamilcar with air crew, and a Universal Carrier emerging from its cargo bay. Note complete absence of any radio antenna masts.

There is also a excellent series of photographs of a restored Tetrarch Light Tank Mk VII in its stored position within the cargo bay of a partially restored fuselage of a Hamilcar glider, clearly showing the extremely close dimensions. These images, taken at The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset, U.K., may be seen at; http://www.flickriver.com/photos/tags/hamilcar/interesting/.

For those who might be interested here is a short vintage British Movietone News clip of the Hamilcar glider in flight, landing and off-loading a Universal Carrier; http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=d99_1295756711. The tug aircraft depicted towing the Hamilcar is believed to be the most commonaly used Handley Page H.P. 57 Halifax a heavy bomber, one of only three aircraft in RAF operational inventory, rated to pull the glider into battle. The other two being the Avro 683 Lancaster Mk I or III  and Short S. 29 Sterling heavy bombers. The weight of the Hamilcar unloaded was 18,400 lbs. It was rated capable of carrying a combat payload of 17,600 lbs., virtually double its weight.

In the opening paragraph two other pages in this blog were briefly mentioned. These pages cover both the operational use of the Hamilcar in general, and specifically its employment in Operation Market Garden. They can be found at; http://arnhemjim.blogspot.com/2011/09/general-aircraft-gal-50-other-wwii.html and http://arnhemjim.blogspot.com/2012/06/hamilcar-gliders-at-operation-market.html.

The following is a two page article from a contemporary (March 1945) aeronautical magazine written prior to Operation Varsity, and includes a brief biography of its designer at General Aircraft, Ltd., F.F. Crocombe, B.Sc.,F.R.Ae.S.

A closing word of advise to anyone one seriously contemplating acquisition of one of these models. They are available in a range of scale sizes from a group of companies, and predominately, if not totally, built in the Philippines. The one I purchased, and is shown, is the closest to 1:72 Scale I could find, and comes from a company with an established excellent reputation. They even sent me the above set of photographs for approval, prior to their shipping the model. For this specific configuration see; http://www.ebay.com/itm/General-Aircraft-GAL-49-58-Hamilcar-Desk-Wood-Model-Replica-Large-Free-Shipping-/200998176513?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ecc6cc701(for one reason or another you will have to cut and paste this URL, it does work, having tested it several times).  Depending on your personal preference you may want to specify a gloss or matte finish.

Impossible Victory - Rorke's Drift 22-23 January 1879

The majority of military historians, as well as a lot of movie buffs, are very familiar with the 1964 classic adventure film “ZULU”, including the cast of, Stanley Baker, Michael Caine (first significant role), Zulu Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi (a graduate of Sandhurst, playing Zulu King Cetewayo), Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, Nigel Green, as well as others. Richard Burton gave the initial and  final narration in the movie.

Although taking some of the normally expected liberties of film writers and cinematographers, the movie presents a reasonably accurate reenactment of one of the most famous actions of the British Army at Rorke’s Drift, Natal Province, South Africa, 22-23 January 1879. Both the battle and the movie are extensively chronicled on the internet.

A classic contemporary painting of the Battle of Rorke's Drift
by Alphonse de Neville depicting the majority of the
 principal British participants during the heat of the action

A contemporary photograph of the storehouse taken shortly
 after the battle

The restored storehouse at Rorke's Drift as it stands today

As will be seen later in this blog page, approximately 141 men (All ranks), principally of B Company, 2nd Bn, 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot (later the South Wales Borders) fought off approximately 4000 to 4500 Zulu warriors, primarily the InDluyengwe, uThulwana, inDondo and uDloko Regiments, under the command of Zulu Prince Dabulamanzi Kamapande (Induna). The British and Native forces were commanded by Lieut John Rouse Marriott Chard (RE), O.C. and Lieut Gonville Bromhead, 24th of Foot (all but totally deaf), played by Baker and Caine respectively in the movie. Both officers received the Victoria Cross. The following photograph is of the actual Victoria Cross and South African Medal 1879 awarded to Lieut Chard, which temporarily resides on loan at the Museum of the Royal Welsh (Brecon).

The battle stands singular in British military history in that an unsurpassed record number of 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded to the defenders of the mission station, Rorke’s Drift. While not receiving the VC for his exemplary performance of duty Colour Sergeant Frank Bourne received the Distinguished Conduct Medal and was offered a battlefield commission. He refused the commission because he didn't think that he deserved it. Subsequently he rose through the ranks retiring as a Lieut-Colonel in 1907.

As is the case in any military action, no single factor can be cited for the successful defense. However, the following factors have been identified as major contributors:

The British forces were in a condensed (small area) defensive position. The Zulu forces could only engage a limited number of attackers around the perimeter, which had been hurriedly defended with improvised barricades of mealie bags and heavy biscuit boxes. This precluded the Zulu forces from exercising their decided advantage of mass numbers (a ratio of 45 to 1), which they had just done earlier in the day, annihilating more than 1500 British and Native troops deployed on open ground at the disastrous battle of Isandhlwana.

The British position was sited on a level that was three to four feet higher than the orchard from which the majority of  Zulu attacks were mounted. The following copy of an original source map, drawn by Lieut Chard shortly after the battle, shows the overall disposition and route of the Zulu attack.

The British forces had newly introduced breech-loading .577/.450 cal. Mk II Martini-Henry rifles, and virtually an unlimited supply of ammunition (estimated > 20,000 rounds were expended), and an adequate water supply existed.

Stark comparison of a standard .22 cal.
Long Rifle cartridge and the .577/.450
caliber Short Chamber Boxer-Henry
 cartridge

NATO Standard 7.62mm and 5.56mm
cartridges compared to a .577/.450 cal.
cartridge (same scale)

The Martini-Henry rifle, with fixed bayonet (70.5” overall; 22.5 "of bayonet)), had a significant advantage in overall thrusting length over the standard Zulu assegai (~38”) in close quarters combat .

The British officers commanding, Lieuts Chard and Bromhead, had the advice and counsel of  Lieut Gert Adendorff, 1st/3rd Natal Native Contingent, who was extremely knowledgeable of the Zulu and their military tactics.

One of many interesting aspects of the Zulu War, is that each Zulu regiment had a uniform equally as distinctive as any European army. For an individual like Lieut Adendorff they could be identified just as readily by their shields alone, as the regimental facings, cap badges, or button groupings of the British Army. The senior regiments (older, married) being predominately white, the more junior regiments (younger, unmarried) towards black.

Following is again a copy of another original source document, the roll of personnel present and casualties submitted by Lieut Chard to his immediate senior Col Glyn CB.

A contemporary photograph of the brave defenders/survivors of Rorke's Drift taken a short time after the battle. Although portrayed as a Welsh regiment in the movie, and even though their depot had been established in Brecon, South Wales, in 1873, only about 11% of the men were Welsh.

Suffices to say that the Zulu War and Rorke's Drift in particular, are a widely popular subject for toy soldier collectors and manufacturers. From elsewhere in the blog is the author's representation of the battle using troops made by Imperial Productions of New Zealand. 

The toy soldiers are accompanied by a miniature Victoria
Cross, the South Africa (Zulu) 1879 Medal, a cap badge of
 the South Wales Borderers, a .577/.450 cal. cartridge, an
 oiler and tool for the Martini-Henry rifle, and finally rocks
 from the battlefields at Ishandhlwana and Rorke's Drift.

A series of dramatic still photographs from the movie.

Finally here are two videos, the first being a documentary about the making of the movie, and the second the final climatic scene of the movie.