"VBCW in Pembrokeshire - Some Units" Topic
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Jemima Fawr | 17 Oct 2013 6:26 a.m. PST |
As my trusty old camera died recently, I've been trying to fathom out my wife's far better, more expensive and infinitely more complicated model. While experimenting with settings, I thought I may as well photograph some AVBCW units and some of them came out quite well. So let's start with the Fascists and Royalists: BUF Storm-Commander Owen Erasmus Picton, 2nd Baron Kylsant & Marcher-Lord of Narberth was the son of Owen Cosby Picton, 1st Baron Kylsant. The 1st Baron, once a celebrated politician and shipping tycoon, had famously been disgraced and jailed in 1933 following an embezzlement scandal. With his father in Wormwood Scrubs, the embittered Owen Erasmus Picton had drifted towards radical politics and particularly toward Mosely's brand of fascism. Becoming 2nd Baron Kylsant with the death of his father in 1937, he was now the most senior aristocrat within the BUF leadership and was just the man for the job when a Pembrokeshire BUF Cohort was proposed. Proving himself an able and ruthless commander as leader of the ‘Sir Thomas Picton' Cohort in operations against Welsh Nationalists, he was soon appointed as commander of the Landsker Frontier Force, with overall responsibility for combating Welsh Nationalist incursions across into Loyalist territory. Here we see him with his personal standard, featuring the grey lion rampant of the Picton family crest:
Baron Kylsant is an Empress Miniatures figure, while the standard-bearer is a BUF standard-bearer Musketeer Miniaures (both sculpted by the super-talented Paul Hicks)
The Loyal Landsker Legion is a highly-mobile and well-armed mounted infantry unit with partial mechanisation, having been formed by the Narberth land-owner and former Indian Army cavalry officer, Banister Templeton in reaction to raids and banditry by Welsh Nationalists. The unit is raised chiefly from Welsh-speaking Loyalists living in the ‘Landsker' border area of central Pembrokeshire and is tasked with patrolling the Landsker Marches and keeping the railway and the main A40 road free from Welsh Nationalist interference. The Legion is well-known for its bottle-green uniforms with grass-green facings, which were deliberately chosen as a way of blending in when on ‘external' operations north of the Landsker (bottle-green being a popular uniform colour among Welsh Nationalist factions). However, their terrifying reputation for brutality has earned them fear and hatred in equal measure from the Welsh-speaking peoples north of the Landsker, as well as admiration from the BUF Blackshirts. The figures are Musketeer Miniatures Yeomanry/BUF Cavalry:
The Loyal West Carmarthenshire Greenjackets (who refer to themselves as ‘The Chosen Men') are a light infantry unit raised chiefly from Loyalist land-owners and estate workers in western Carmarthenshire. Partly welsh-speaking, the unit is tasked with patrolling the eastern end of the Landsker Marches; in an arc stretching around the north and east sides of the vital railway-junction at Whitland. In contrast to the similarly-roled Loyal Landsker Legion, the Greenjackets have built up a reputation based on military expertise – fieldcraft, toughness and marksmanship – rather than sheer brutality and fear. Consequently, they have built up an extensive network of informants and listening-posts, based mainly on the power of Mams, Nans, aunties and other little Welsh old ladies, who know all and see all and are always keen to share all with a nice, polite young man who is willing to stop for a cup of tea and a Welsh-cake
for several hours (and who will sell their own grandchildren for a pound of Twining's)
Their Commanding Officer, Lt Col Howard 'Honker' Foley DSO MC DFC is a colourful character, who was commissioned into the Rifle Brigade in WW1, before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps, with whom he served in the Balkans Campaign. His career continued after WW1 and he served with the RAF on the North-West Frontier, in Afghanistan, the Levant and Arabia, before finally resigning his Commission and returning to his estate at Llanboidy. However, adventure beckoned once more and he was soon flying casualty-evacuation missions for the French Foreign Legion in West Africa before further adventures with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Air Branch). With the approach of war, he formed a highly efficient LDV Militia in the Llanboidy area, which eventually became the Greenjackets. However, the Welsh Nationalists refused to accept their neutrality as an LDV and their belligerence forced the Greenjackets to side with the King. The figures are Musketeer Miniatures Royal Irish Constabulary Auxiliaries, plus a few dismounted Yeomanry/BUF Cavalry figures:
Lady Aisling Keir's Finishing School for Young Ladies was established on the Slebech estate in 1936, thanks to the patronage of her friend, the Baron de Loutson. Lady Aisling is a dispossessed Irish royalist, an ardent supporter of King Edward VIII and a supporter of de Loutson's ‘English Mistery' ideals. While a proud Irishwoman, she is a committed opponent of Celtic Nationalism and sees no contradiction in being Irish AND British. Lady Aisling has found no difficulty in persuading similarly-minded reactionaries to send their daughters to her new boarding school. There, they learn essential life-skills for the Young Lady in 1938 Britain: endurance-marching, fieldcraft, mechanical engineering, horsewomanship and skill-at-arms. All young ladies enrolled in the school are required to be members of the school Cadet Corps, which is elegantly uniformed in surplus uniforms of the former Imperial German Husaren-Regiment ‘von Lützen', supplemented by long skirts, befitting of a young lady. The uniforms were supplied by the Baron de Loutson's Bavarian cousin, the Freiherr von Lützen, who has also been most generous in providing arms, ammunition and additional training. The Cadet Corps includes a Hussar Squadron, a Foot-Hussar Company and an Armoured Troop, plus service-support elements such as the Medical Detachment shown here. The figures are by Hinterland Miniatures, again sculpted by the ubiquitous Paul Hicks:
Viscount Tenby, impressed by the high degree of training competence displayed by the Cadet Corps (or perhaps persuaded by the charms of Baroness de Loutson) consented to supply the Cadets with a small number of armoured reconnaissance vehicles, to provide close support to the cavalry. This Italian tankette and driver here are by Empress Miniatures, while the commander is by Hinterland Miniatures. Both crew figures were sculpted by Paul Hicks:
This Morris CS9 Armoured Car is by Warlord Games, while the crew are by Hinterland Miniatures:
Part of the Cadet Corps' Music Section hitches a lift (model by Hinterland Miniatures):
The 'English Mistery', so enthusiastically supported by Baron de Loutson and his friends, was a curious mix of fascism, ultra-Royalism, nostalgia and historical revisionism, which sought a return to feudalism and an agrarian economy. Consequently, instead of a military band to enthuse his forces, the Baron formed a Morris Side. The terrifying spectacle of the Carew & Cresselly Morris regularly provoked fear and revulsion in friend and foe alike and resulted in legislation from all sides (with varying degrees of severity) and the story of the post-war Morris Trials is well known. Figures by Woodbine Miniatures:
The King's enemies accused the Morris-men of abusing the Laws of Armed Conflict, in that they blurred the line between combatants and the traditionally non-combatant status of military musicians. Indeed, many Morris Sides, with their proficient use of Whiffling-Sticks, were employed during the war as close-assault troops.
Even though they were on his own side, Viscount Tenby was finally forced to act and imposed strict restrictions, with severe penalties for infraction, on the length of time that Morris could be perpetrated:
However, the Bishop of St David's meanwhile declared Morris to be an Abomination in the sight of God and declared Morris-men to be an acceptable alternative to tent-pegs during cavalry training:
The Royalist enclave of Pembrokeshire was firmly at the back of the queue for reinforcements and after the loss of all the deep-water ports on the Milford Haven Waterway, the supply situation became even more critical. Nevertheless, some reinforcements did get through, including 'C' Squadron of the King's Dragoon Guards. Their Vickers Mk VIb Light Tanks were small and light enough to be loaded onto coastal craft and unloaded at the small harbours in Tenby and Saundersfoot. The models here are by Warlord Games, with crew by Empress Miniatures:
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PiersBrand | 17 Oct 2013 7:02 a.m. PST |
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War In 15MM | 17 Oct 2013 7:03 a.m. PST |
This is crazy wonderful. I don't have a clue, but I loved it all. Thanks for posting. Richard |
War In 15MM | 17 Oct 2013 7:16 a.m. PST |
Oh, what the hell is the Morris? Those figures appear to be so completely useless, I want some. I'll have to contact Architects of War and see if they can special order some for me. Again, thanks for posting. It's the most fun I've have on TMP is awhile. I not knocking TMP, just embracing fun. Richard |
sneakgun | 17 Oct 2013 7:27 a.m. PST |
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War In 15MM | 17 Oct 2013 8:36 a.m. PST |
Ah, the Morris dancers, still more proof that there is no end to the wonders of life. This just gets better and better. Thanks you sneakgun. Richard |
Jemima Fawr | 17 Oct 2013 8:39 a.m. PST |
And so to the Anglican League forces of the Bishopric of St David's: The Bishop of St David's, the Right Reverend Islwyn Davies, in concert with Viscount St David's and Major General Sir Ivor Picton, had been preparing for war for some time and had slowly been establishing politically-reliable Local Defence Volunteer militia units in the north and west of Pembrokeshire. The outbreak of open insurrection in the south of the county (following the Castle Hill Massacre at Pembroke) gave the Bishop the perfect opportunity to declare for the Anglican League and to open up a third front in the county against Viscount Tenby and the forces of the King. Here we see the Bishop, together with his personal standard-bearer and his Private Under-Secretary, Lady Gladys Emmanuel Picton. Although never a military man, the Bishop had a weakness for military pageantry and uniform and insisted that his personal Guards and headquarters staff wear his personal livery. The Bishop and standard-bearer are by Musketeer Miniatures, while Lady Gladys is a special figure by Hinterland Miniatures – all sculpted by Paul Hicks:
Commanded by Major Samuel Harries, 5th Baronet, formerly of the Welsh Guards, the Bishop of St David's Company of Foot Guards were raised chiefly from former members of the Welsh Guards, which had been disbanded for reasons of political unreliability. As was his wont, the Bishop insisted on dressing them in anachronistic 'Ruritanian' uniforms, as well as insisting on hairstyles more suited to the 18th Century (including powdered wigs, halberds and breeches with stockings for ceremonial occasions). Nevertheless, despite their frankly ridiculous appearance, they were undoubtedly tough fighters, with hand-to-hand skills honed by numerous bar-fights with giggling Canadian troops in the taverns of the City of St David's. Figures are by Empress Miniatures:
The Bishop's senior military officer was the old Welsh war-horse, Major General Sir Gwilym Ivor Picton KCB DSO MC. General Picton was the second of six Picton Brothers and was resident at Roch Castle, with his brother John, Viscount St David's. Unmarried and now in his late 70s, he had devoted his entire life to the Army, having initially been commissioned into the British Army in 1881, then into the Indian Army in 1883 as a Cornet in the 11th (Prince Albert Victor's Own) Horse. He fought in numerous campaigns, winning the DSO during the Boxer Rebellion of 1900. He retired from the regular Army in 1903 and joined the Pembrokeshire Yeomanry, serving as Commanding Officer from 1908-1912. He also enjoyed a successful political life, becoming Liberal MP for Southampton. Rejoining the Army in 1914, he commanded a brigade before serving on the General Staff for a time. Promoted to command the 38th (Welsh) Division, he led it successfully through the Battle of the Somme and for the rest of the war. After the war he returned to politics before finally retiring to Pembrokeshire. However, with storm-clouds gathering and being implacably opposed to Mosely's brand of politics, he joined his brother John and the Bishop of St David's in forging the Bishop's new army. The figures here are by Great War Minatures, with the standard-bearer by Musketeer Miniatures:
Brigadier Sir Evan Davies, 1st Baronet LL, was Commanding Officer of the Anglican League's 1st St David's Independent Infantry Brigade. Sir Evan had been commissioned into the Royal Engineers during the Great War, reaching the rank of Major. After the war he had become a very well-respected civil engineer and succeeded Viscount St David's as Lord Lieutenant for Pembrokeshire. Here we see him attempting to keep abreast of current events in Pembrokeshire, though thanks to the Western Telegraph's usual standard of reporting, he remains none the wiser, as can be seen by the typical headline, so familiar to loyal readers of the WT:
Here we see the Tactical Headquarters of the City of St David's Volunteer Fencibles. This battalion was raised for regular service and formed the bulk of the task-force abortively sent by the Bishop to participate in the Wye Valley Campaign. Figures are from Musketeer Miniatures' Early WW1 range:
Here we see the Chaplain of the St David's Fencibles; the Reverend Huw 'Thou Shalt Not Commit Bestiality' George MC. The origins of his nickname are something of a mystery
Figure by Musketeer Miniatures:
St Justinian's GPO Rocket Battery was formed from postmen belonging to the Ramsey Island Rocket-Mail service. Following a successful trial delivering mail by rocket from the mainland to the Isle of Skye, the GPO established a similar rocket-mail service at the hamlet of St Justinian's, to carry post to Ramsey Island. Their rockets are normally hollow and designed to carry post, but with the outbreak of war, their rockets were adapted (thanks to the St Justinian's lifeboatmen) to carry explosive charges, developed from lifeboat maroons. Models by Empress Miniatures:
The Bishopric of St David's acquired a few armoured vehicles by various means. Here we see a Vickers T15 Light Tank belonging to the Armoured Troop of Lord St David's Horse. This vehicle had originally formed part of a delivery for the Royal Belgian Army, but had been diverted to the Anglican League. Tank by Warlord Games and commander by Empress Miniatures:
Following the Bishop's declaration for the Anglican League, he had a surprising reinforcement in the form of the legendary Great War air ace, Wg Cdr 'Taffy' Jones DSO MC DFC & Bar MM RAF. Wg Cdr Jones and a number of disgruntled brother officers purloined a number of RAF machines from RAF Stormy-Down and flew them to St David's, to join the Bishop's cause against the King. Painted in the Bishop's colours of black and sulphur yellow, Taffy Jones' rebel squadron soon became known as the 'Wasps'. The aircraft is an Airfix 1/48th Hawker Fury and the pilot is a metal figure by Copplestone Castings:
Wg Cdr Jones is also rumoured to have taken part in a special operation while attached to the US Army Air Corps. These photos have recently been released (thanks to Gareth Beamish):
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altfritz | 17 Oct 2013 9:37 a.m. PST |
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Jemima Fawr | 17 Oct 2013 9:51 a.m. PST |
Hello. This is Hugh Pugh reporting for 'Look Out Wales':
Mr Kenneth Twatt, Mayor of Fishguard, is pleased to announce that the Sir Benfro Division of the Free Wales Army has its first home-grown tank – the 3pdr-armed Glyndwr Mk I Light Tank. The grey camouflage scheme is said to fit very well with the rough, grey and drab terrain (and indeed people) of the area:
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War In 15MM | 17 Oct 2013 9:52 a.m. PST |
I'm really enjoying this. |
Frederick | 17 Oct 2013 11:17 a.m. PST |
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NOLA Chris | 17 Oct 2013 1:33 p.m. PST |
Mark, those are wonderfull, and helped make a rather annoying day at work pass more easily and with lighter humor! Thanks! Chris |
Jemima Fawr | 17 Oct 2013 3:21 p.m. PST |
You're welcome chaps. Glad you like the idiocy. :) |
spontoon | 20 Oct 2013 7:28 a.m. PST |
Wonderful! Great painting and conversions! Now, can you keep all that story straight? I've always thought The Morris bore an uncanny resemblance to a Haka! Must think up a Scottish/Canadian equivalent! I love the BUF lion flag! |
Jemima Fawr | 20 Oct 2013 9:10 a.m. PST |
That's very kind of you. Oh yes, no problem keeping the story straight, as somewhat scarily, it's firmly rooted in actual local history and characters (aside from the war, obviously!)
'Tis a silly place
You've got the Lumberjack Song, haven't you? :) |
Bobgnar | 22 Oct 2013 9:02 p.m. PST |
Great stuff, thanks for posting. I have both the Morris CS 9 AC (great idea to put in the Hinterland crew) and the Italian tankette . When I made up the kits they seemed out of scale with each other. Is that tankette supposed to be that small relative to the AC? The crew seem to fit together with the vehicles. |
Jemima Fawr | 09 Mar 2014 12:27 a.m. PST |
In 1936, the Royal Australian Air Force purchased a number of Saro London flying boats from Great Britain. RAAF personnel were then sent to RAF Pembroke Dock, to train on the new aircraft, with the intention of forming a brand-new RAAF flying boat squadron at Pembroke Dock, before flying their new machines back to Australia. However, the war intervened and the aircraft were not even delivered to Pembroke Dock. The Australian aircrew, finding themselves marooned in the midst of a war on the far side of the globe and hearing the trumpet's call
found a superb surfing beach at a place called Freshwater West and set up camp there, well away from the Poms and their stupid war. However, the Castle Hill Massacre changed all that. It came to pass that some of the Australian officers were relaxing in the King's Arms on Pembroke Main Street, enjoying a few quiet pints and looking forward to a few loud ones. Squadron Leader ‘Skip' Broughton was just lifting a foaming pint of "Feelin' Foul" to his lips (‘Felinfoel' isn't a name that comes easily to Englishmen, let alone Australians) when a volley of shots erupted in the street outside! A bullet smashed the window, then smashed Skip's pint before passing through his hand and lodging in the dark oak panelling of the public bar! Squadron Leader Broughton stood, ashen-faced, dripping with blood and beer as the other Australians looked on in shock and horror. "Strewth, Skip! The bastards shot your pint!" Unaware of the screams and incessant gunfire outside the smashed window, the Australians stared dumbstruck at their stricken leader and his former pint. Then, as one man, the enraged and dripping Australians charged out into the street. Someone was going to pay! Having joined forces with the people of Pembroke against the Blackshirts (and by association, the King), the Australians have nailed their colours firmly to the Albertine mast. There are no aircraft to fly, so the Australians have turned their hand to horsemanship (already a well-honed skill among many of them). The Australian airmen's natural dash and initiative has made them excellent light cavalrymen and the Australian Volunteer Light Horse Squadron has been rapidly incorporated into the Pembrokeshire Protectorate forces. Some wags insist on referring to them as ‘Air Cavalry' – a clearly ridiculous name that will surely never catch on
While they retain some elements of their old blue RAAF uniforms, they have adopted khaki tunics and distinctive Australian bush hats, resplendent with 'kangaroo feathers' in Albertine purple. Models painted and converted by Al 'Skippy' Broughton from Battle Honours (I believe) WW1 Australians. |
ColCampbell | 13 Mar 2014 2:22 p.m. PST |
Ah, the wonderful, wacky world of VBCW! Great stuff, thanks for posting. I have both the Morris CS 9 AC (great idea to put in the Hinterland crew) and the Italian tankette . When I made up the kits they seemed out of scale with each other. Is that tankette supposed to be that small relative to the AC? The crew seem to fit together with the vehicles. The Morris CS9 is 4.7m long, 2m wide, and 2.1m high, while the Italian CV-33 is 3m long, 1.4m wide, and 1.2m long. That should give some idea of relative scale between the two models. Jim |
Jemima Fawr | 14 Mar 2014 12:08 a.m. PST |
I'm not sure how you could really compare the two accurately, as they're not in the same photos! :) I'll try to find a photo of them next to each other – I've got one somewhere. Yes, the Morris CS9 was a big beast – a fact that made it a useful HQ car for Rolls Royce armoured car squadrons (it was able to carry bulky radio kit and an extra crewman to operate it, as well as having room for the Boss' luggage
). As for the CV-33 – I've examined one at close quarters and my first thought was that it was smaller than my old Ford Fiesta! I'm not sure how she'd button up while wearing that busby, but what the heck, it's my VBCW
;) |
Mythicus | 17 Mar 2014 2:10 p.m. PST |
Great stuff, and lovely miniatures.
Even though they were on his own side, Viscount Tenby was finally forced to act and imposed strict restrictions, with severe penalties for infraction, on the length of time that Morris could be perpetrated This especially made me laugh quite a bit. |
Jemima Fawr | 17 Mar 2014 3:56 p.m. PST |
That's very kind of you, but it's no laughing matter, Sir! |
Jemima Fawr | 02 Jul 2014 4:40 a.m. PST |
After a hiatus, I've been painting VBCW again
After much delay (sorry Al!), here is the guidon-bearer for the Albertine Freshwater West Australian Light Horse. The figure is a Battle Honours model painted by al Broughton, with guidon painted by yours truly. The design is based on the cap-badge of the 4/19th Australian Light Horse; showing the Prince of Wales Feathers (minus motto) for Wales and a boomerang symbolising their aerial Australian origins. The regimental motto 'Worry Not' is in Latin:
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Jemima Fawr | 02 Jul 2014 5:01 a.m. PST |
Here we see Lord Kylsant's brigade headquarters staff. These wonderful figures are from Empress Miniatures' Spanish Civil War range, sculpted once again by the ubiquitous Paul Hicks. I've depicted them as BUF troops this time using red as the branch colour piping to signify higher headquarters staff troops. The signaller has grass-green piping, which I'd already used for the 'Sir Thomas Picton' BUF cohort. My favourite among this group is the dispatch rider having a crafty fag while waiting to be given a message to carry:
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Jemima Fawr | 06 Jul 2014 10:19 a.m. PST |
The Albertine Pembroke Post Office Lancers had their origins in the 'Volunteer Craze' of the late 19th Century, when mounted postmen volunteered to supply a whole troop of the Pembroke Yeomanry. The volunteer fad died with the Great War, though much of the mail in Pembrokeshire continued to be delivered on horseback. A few of the old veterans decided to revive their old cavalry skills and before long, the posties were competing once again in 'tent-pegging' (i.e. an old British cavalry exercise – attempting to spear a wooden tent-peg at the full gallop while remaining mounted). This was embraced enthusiastically by the younger postmen and the Pembroke Post Office Tent-Pegging Display Team were soon a popular sight at carnivals and fairs around South Pembrokeshire. New ceremonial uniforms soon replaced the standard, relatively plain blue & red Post Office uniform With the sudden descent to war, the tent-pegging display team soon became the Pembroke Post Office Lancers, volunteering en masse to defend Pembroke (and the Albertine cause by default). Their smart uniforms were also an extremely effective recruitment tool and the Lancers quickly found their ranks swollen to full Squadron strength. Their uniforms retain the blue, red and brass Post Office theme, though with the addition of smart-as-carrots pith helmets which are festooned with spare elastic-bands in the finest traditions of the Post Office (you never know when they might come in handy for parcelling up loot or prisoners). Aside from a few Great War veterans and a few former Yeomanry and Territorials in the ranks, the Lancers have little in the way of infantry skills, so they are retained as shock cavalry and reconnaissance troops. The Post Office Lancers formed part of the Albertine contingent sent by sea from Pembroke Dock to reinforce the beleaguered Bishopric of St Davids, where they fitted in well with other cavalry contingents outfitted in Ruritanian uniforms. They fought well in their first engagement at Robleston Hall, charging fearlessly in the face of stiff enemy opposition and blunting the Royalist offensive there, pausing only to carry out the day's 2nd Collection at Dudwells Sub-Post Office. However, they suffered heavy casualties, as nobody likes a show-off; least of all BUF Vickers Machine Gun teams
So despite their detractors and accusations of being a throwback to Queen Victoria, the 'Parcel Force' as they have become known, have proved their worth on the battlefield. They might be silly s, but they're silly s with style, panache and bulging sacks. The models are sculpted by Paul Hicks for Empress Miniatures' Anglo-Zulu Wars range, painted by Al Broughton.
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Jemima Fawr | 07 Jul 2014 6:42 a.m. PST |
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EricThe Shed | 08 Jul 2014 5:26 a.m. PST |
Brilliant – first time I had seen this post – I take my hat off to you sir |
Jemima Fawr | 08 Jul 2014 11:26 a.m. PST |
Cheers Eric! Yes, I do that to militant feminists
They hate that
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Jemima Fawr | 10 Jul 2014 8:16 a.m. PST |
Hello. This is Hugh Pugh reporting from front-line Fishguard, for 'Lookout Wales'. Rumours have been spreading recently of an offensive by Welsh Nationalists belonging to the Republic of Cantref Cemaes. Details are sketchy, but this photo was allegedly taken by a Preseli sheep-farmer shortly before his farm was overrun by a ravening chapel militia:
In other news, we have reports of Something Happening in Lower Town Fishguard today. This is thought to be the first occurrence of Something Happening in Lower Town since the French invasion of 1797. Residents are advised to stay indoors and not to be alarmed, as it will surely not last long. More news when we get it. This is Hugh Pugh signing off. |
Jemima Fawr | 11 Jul 2014 6:30 a.m. PST |
The Republic of Cantref Cemaes – Y Gweriniaeth o Cantref Cemaes The Republic of Cantref Cemaes has grown out of a number of independent-leaning local defence associations from the Preseli Hills and north-west Carmarthenshire that have banded together to form a joint front against the Royalist/BUF north of the 'Landsker' (the border between the English-speaking south and the Welsh-speaking north of Pembrokeshire). Centred on the windswept Preseli market-town of Crymych, the Cantref Cemaes was originally a province of the pre-Norman Welsh Kingdom of Deheubarth ('Cantref' meaning '100 towns). Following the Norman Conquest, Cemaes became a Norman Barony and in the 17th Century became the birthplace of the non-conformist Welsh Baptist Movement. Growing religious dissent, resentment of the land-owning classes, poverty and hunger during the late 18th and early 19th Centuries festered and came to a head in 1839, in the form of the 'Rebecca Riots'. Led by the legendary 'Rebecca' (actually a man named Twm Carnabwth), bands of cross-dressing Welshmen rose up to smash the hated toll-gates. These riots started in the Cemaes village of Efailwen and quickly spread across Wales, requiring military intervention and the formation of a national civil police force. With dissent in the blood, the people of Cemaes also hold little truck with the other Welsh Nationalist movements (particularly the more militaristic elements, such as the FWA and the Kingdom of Dyfed) and generally just want to be left alone. However, they do send non-voting representatives to the Senedd at Macynlleth. The Republic is firmly based in the deeply-rooted Welsh non-conformist chapel tradition. Each chapel is therefore responsible for electing its own assembly representative and for forming its own militia, as well as raising funds for the Republic. Chapel militias from the same district are then banded together to form regiments ('Catrawdau') which generally serve within, or close to, their home district. The Army of the Republic of Cantref Cemaes is therefore just a very large LDV force. This has its advantages in defence, as every soldier knows his own territory intimately and can function extremely well in the guerrilla role. However, this organisational structure does stymie offensive capability and to mitigate this, each chapel recruits a quota of ‘volunteers' to serve in the standing ‘Hedfan Colofn' (‘Flying Column'), which is a regimental-sized rapid-reaction force, being well-equipped by the standards of the Republic, with motor transport and a very small amount of captured and home-built armour, as well as artillery. However, the Republic is presently land-locked and therefore has little access to modern weaponry, ammunition and supplies other than what it manages to capture or trade at extortionate prices with neighbouring Welsh Nationalist factions. The Republic is therefore involved in a three-way race (with the FWA north of the Preselis and the Welsh Republic north of the River Teifi) to take the Royalist enclave of Cardigan and thus have access to seaborne trade and foreign support. Thus far, the three sides have maintained a united (though disorganised) front against the Royalists at Cardigan, though the situation has the potential to lead to conflict between these three Welsh Nationalist factions. Another potential flashpoint is along the River Cynin, which runs north from the town of St Clear's and marks the Republic's eastern border, which extends up as far as the market town of Newcastle Emlyn, on the River Teifi. There, Lord Rhys' Army of the Kingdom of Dyfed has become increasingly belligerent in attempting to impose his authority on the Republic's eastern communities. Among all this are continual raids and skirmishes with Loyalist forces along the Landsker, combined with the continual problems caused by refugees trickling north to Crymych from that ravaged country. The two advantages enjoyed by the Republic of Cemaes are the determined and belligerent people and the hilly terrain, broken by moors, woodland, rivers, deep valleys, narrow sunken roads and densely-hedged fields. As in Ireland, this creates a perfect environment in which to fight a guerrilla war and the Republic's armed forces have performed superbly in that role. One outstanding guerrilla unit are the ‘Daughters of Rebecca' (‘Merched Beca'), a terrifying regiment of fighters from the Landsker who blacken their faces and dress like old Welsh ladies, aping the legendary Rebecca rioters of a century earlier. This proud heritage of dissent is commemorated in other unit titles, such as the Gatrawd (Regiment) ‘Twm Carnabwth', named for the local man who became the original ‘Rebecca', and the Gatrawd ‘Twm Siôn Cati', named after the legendary Welsh equivalent of ‘Robin Hood'. Other units have titles drawing from a rich local seam of Welsh legend. Aside from some British Army surplus, uniforms and proper military equipment remain rare and those uniforms that do exist are frequently home-made. As in other Welsh Nationalist forces, green remains a popular colour for uniforms and civilian dress alike, though the Army of Cantref Cemaes presents a very ragged spectacle. Nevertheless, armbands are universally worn as a field-sign, being in the traditional colours of Cantref-Cemaes; two horizontal red stripes on white. Some armbands have also been seen with a green stripe inserted between the two red stripes, representing their Welsh Nationalist affiliation. Flags are in the same colours. This is my first batch – more to come. Figures are by Musketeer Miniatures, sculpted by Paul Hicks.
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Jemima Fawr | 31 Jul 2014 1:43 p.m. PST |
Hello. This is Huw Puw reporting from the front-line (wherever the hell it is – ed if I know) for 'Look Out Wales'. My editor last week asked me to 'embed' myself with the 'Twm Carnabwth' Regiment of the Army of the Republic of Cantref Cemaes. Needless to say, I was shocked at such a suggestion. God knows I've prostituted myself for a story before, but never with an entire regiment! In any case, my bara-brith isn't buttered on that side (and for that matter, neither is that of the Cemaes soldiery, as many a jealous Preseli hill-farmer can attest)… I suggested Lady Gladys-Emmanuel Picton, as she's probably got through the Bishop of St David's army by now and is probably looking for a fresh challenge… "No, you pillock! 'Embed', not 'Bed'! You're to attach yourself to the Army of Cemaes and report on their forthcoming campaign! Rumour has it that they're marching on Hereford in support of the Welsh Republican Army and the Anglican League. I've taken the liberty of packing your case. No need to thank me, Huw. Think of this as an opportunity, not as certain horrible death in a far-flung Herefordshire field armed with nothing more than a camera and typewriter… Bye!" So without further ado, I was bundled into a waiting car and whisked away out of Fishguard, with the sound of my colleagues cheering me on my way. At least I think they were cheering me on my way… So now I find myself at a secret training camp in darkest Carmarthenshire. The countryside, as yet untouched by war, is quiet. Only the sound of banjos, the occasional, surprised "BaaaAAAAA!" and the shouting of angry farmers breaks the silence. I'm not permitted to reveal identities, but I was permitted to take a few photographs of the Twm Carnabwth Regiment in training:
As can be seen, the regiment is a fairly ragged spectacle, though they like their flags. The main flag seems to be the old arms of Cemaes (two red stripes on white), with a green stripe for a Free Wales. The 1st Regiment ('Catrawd 1af') is named for 'Twm Carnabwth', properly known as Thomas Rees, who was 'Rebecca' at the very first 'Rebecca Riot' in the Cemaes village of Efailwen, almost 100 years ago in 1839. The 'Spirit of 1839' runs deep in the memory of these people and many see the present war as simply a renewal of old grudges. Indeed, the elite 'Cwmni Merched Beca' ('Daughters of Rebecca Company') is said to dress in women's clothing, as Rebecca and her sisters did in 1839.
Aside from occasional cross-dressing lunatics, the officers, NCOs and better-equipped soldiery wear Army-surplus uniforms dyed the typical bottle-green of the Welsh Nationalists. However, the majority wear civilian clothes or uniforms from a variety of sources – often with a green item such as a jacket, hat or scarf.
Armbands in the Cemaes colours are fairly universal and those lucky enough to have helmets often paint them with a green band to aid recognition in the field.
Here we see a medic. Specialised medical services are almost non-existent in this partisan army, though the Cemaes is supplied with a surplus of Mams, who will mother the wounded back to good health with lashings of tea and cawl.
Here we see a particularly well-dressed specimen.
The motto of the Twm Carnabwth Regiment means 'And They Blessed Rebecca'; a biblical reference which again harks back to their cross-dressing glory days.
As with uniforms, modern weapons are also in short supply. However, farmers' shotguns are plentiful and ammunition is easy to manufacture.
One of the great strengths of the Cemaes is its core of young countrymen. With skills honed by a lifetime of sneaking up on unsuspecting livestock, these men make superb guerrillas and snipers.
The Regiment's prized possession and only heavy weapon – a captured Vickers Gun.
That's all for now. Rumour has it that those terrifying transvestites, the Daughters of Rebecca, will be joining us in the camp later this week. Hereford won't have seen anything like it since Lord Byron's visit of 1808! Until then, this is Huw Puw, for 'Look Out Wales', signing off. [All models by Musketeer Miniatures, except for the sniper, which is by Great War Models. All painted by me. The next instalment will feature Rebecca and her Daughters, as well as some Welsh Nationalist armour support.] |
Old Peculiar | 01 Aug 2014 9:46 a.m. PST |
Excellent, thanks for the write up! |
Jemima Fawr | 01 Aug 2014 3:48 p.m. PST |
Thanks, that's very kind. Here's a couple I missed earlier:
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Patrick Sexton | 05 Aug 2014 11:42 a.m. PST |
That…is…awesome! Excellent work both in painting and in the running commentary and history. Thanks, Pat |
Jemima Fawr | 05 Aug 2014 11:52 a.m. PST |
Cheers Pat! I'll let you in on a secret though… I might have made up some stuff… The latest instalment is here: TMP link |
mashrewba | 11 Sep 2014 1:02 p.m. PST |
This is the best VBCW stuff ever!!! Love the Baron -very Richard III. |
Jemima Fawr | 11 Sep 2014 1:10 p.m. PST |
Hi Mashrewba, That's very kind of you. He's the 'Lord Cirencester' figure from Empress Miniatures' 'Muttonchop' range. And yes, he is based on Sir Ian McKellen's Richard III. |
Jemima Fawr | 28 Nov 2014 8:53 a.m. PST |
Al Broughton has added some reinforcements to the Albertine 'Protectorate of Pembrokeshire'. Here we see some Territorials of 'D' Company, 4th (Volunteer) Battalion, The Welch Regiment. As discussed in the earlier article on the Freshwater West Australian Light Horse, this unit was one of the first to join the uprising against the King in the town of Pembroke. As the local Territorial Army infantry company one platoon of 'D' Company had naturally been called out to assist the police in maintaining order at a large public meeting that was to take place at the Great War Memorial on Castle Hill, Pembroke. However, the BUF also decided to impose their version of the 'King's Peace' and a massacre was the result. One of the first to fall was the Territorial platoon commander and his incensed men were quick to return fire on the BUF. Civilians were armed from the Drill Hall's armoury and the BUF were soon driven from the town. 'D' Company then moved quickly to secure the locality: The Defensible Barracks was seized in a bloodless coup as they were joined by 'A' Squadron of the Pembroke Yeomanry and the men of the local Coastal Artillery Regiment, Royal Marines Detachment and Royal Dockyards Police. Most of the Officers and Airmen of RAF Pembroke Dock also joined the coup, though the Loyalists made a stand at the depot of the 2nd KSLI in Llanion Barracks. Nevertheless, the loyalist positions at Llanion were quickly overrun and the rebels consolidated their position in the south-west of the county. Within a week, an Albertine brigade group landed to reinforce the rebels, who quickly declared for Prince Albert. Despite the switch of allegiance, the men of 'D' Company are proud of their regiment and have retained the old title. Perhaps in a vain hope that the rest of The Welch will join them against the King? They continue to wear their old Service Dress uniform and insignia. The only variation on Dress Regulations is the cap-band, in Albertine Purple.
Models are Great War Miniatures, painted by Al Broughton. |
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