"Back To Bashis..." Topic

…a search turns up a few posts on Bashi Bazouks but none very recently. Having finally made some in 54mm (conversions of Italeri Mamalukes for mounted, Barzo Barbary Pirates for foot)) I am looking for pictorial inspiration for colour schemes, or rather some ideas on how to paint them individually.

Some gamers have gone for an actual uniform, but that just doesn't seem right to me, so I favour a more motley look. I have the S&S/TVAG Sudan booklets, which include an excellent article on BBs but wondered if there was other research out there, perhaps more recent, which casts light on these intriguing vagabonds?

TIA for any ideas.

Mike B

I recommend the very excellent book " Go Strong into the Desert" by Lt.Col. Mike Snook.
A veritable bounty of information on the early Sudan campaigns and all forces involved. He quotes several eyewitness descriptions of the Bashi-Bazouks as being in a zouave style "uniform" but all white with only the trim in red or other colors. Several color and black and white plates to view also.
Hope this helps,

Tom D

Dear Mike,

The newest edition of the Mahdist Wars Source Book, Vol. 1 (with the excellent "BB" article you mentioned) includes some additional color plates of Bashi-Bazouk costume (it's NEVER a "uniform!") and some weapons, too.

Mind, there is no new text, but the layout is rather different, with some articles previously in the 2nd Volume moved more logically to the first, and vice versa. And virtually every illustration is in color now, including upgraded maps, tables, etc.

Volume 2 of the MWSB is almost completely re-edited and laid out, also with many new color illustrations, and some new bits of information throughout. When completed (this month?), it will join Volume 1 as being available through both TVAG and Amazon.

However, more to your request, I can send the extra Bashi illos' to you via E-mail, if you wish, by writing me again at TVAG@att.net. Honored to be of further service to one of the masters of the hobby,

TVAG