"Britannia to do Congo/Africa in 28mm?" Topic

Judging by the ''soon to come'' section of their website?anybody know anything about this?

I looked at that section and I'd say they're going to do the Simba Revolt of the early to mid 60s judging from the wild rig and the weaponry. Looks like the jeep might be full of mercenaries. Lots of color in that period and after, lots of crazy weird stuff. I've got Mike Hoare's book "Mercenary" around somewhere, really a decent account and the man certainly seems honest enough as he relates some embarassing fiascos before they got their act together. Another good book on the period is "100 Days In Stanleville", concerns the Simba thing and the Western hostages held in Stanleyville by some absolutely off the wall crazies. Cuban exiles flying T28s for the CIA, mercenaries rescuing nuns and priests, Belgian paratroopers wearing SAS wings jumping from USAF C-130s and rushing to the rescue. Tons of scenarios and basically "Darkest Africa" with modern weapons. I've got some pictures around of Simbas, bits of uniform and animal skins, every weapon known to man, complete with Witch Doctor in full regalia. It definitely was and is a jungle out there.

Well spotted, we are currently working on the Merceneries, which will start of with 4 jeeps with various weapons [ the one in the photo is Hoares command jeep]. The range is going to be pretty large with Belgian paras, simbas [including witch doctors and tribal drummers], mercaneries, Cuban geurilla's and lots of civilians for the simbas to deal with. We are looking at a release date of probably October. For any US customers interested then take a look at the Combined Arms stand at Historicon where he will have some samples on display. As we get more figures painted up we shall add them to the coming soon section of our website

Many thanks
Dave, Britannia

hockler: How could I get copies of those pictures?

This is great! I said that this would make a good range on another thread a while ago.

The Congo mercenary range is a great idea. I would like to see a Simba pack with just Pangas (machetes). I would also like to see a a flamethrower for the mercenaries. It might not be historical but everyone I know loves them and asks for them in any modern game. Dismounted crew served weapons for Simbas and mercenaries. Some mercenaries in Biegard Kepi or Australian Bush hats would be welcome so I could form other commands. Dead mercenaries and Simbas for visual appeal on the game table. In the mean time I will wait and see how complete the range will be before I make an investment.

The pictures are up on Britannia's British site, but not on the combined arms site last time I checked.

By the way, this site link has a very detailed report of the Stanleyville hostage rescue in 1965. It's worth a read.