Showing posts with label published 1971. Show all posts
Showing posts with label published 1971. Show all posts
Saturday, 16 February 2013
French Invasion of England in 1810, Part 8, by Harold Gerry
This was the last article in this series.
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Early Wargames Clubs
From Wargamer's Newsletter #109 of April 1971, a brief note on the Oxford University Wargames Club (1877-1914). It refers to other clubs in existence in 1911, including The Inns of Court OTC, the Bristol Tactical Society, and the Cambridge University club.
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
The Wesencraft Weather Gauge, from Wargamer's Newsletter 109, April 1971
I always think of Charlie Wesencraft (see other posts here) as one of the unsung heroes of early wargaming. It's good to see his books Practical Wargaming and With Pike and Shot made more easily accessible through their inclusion on John Curry's list of republished classics.
The weather gauge was included in Practical Wargaming, published in 1974, so this is an earlier public appearance. I recall mine was made from a Pocket Mastermind board (remember them?)
The weather gauge was included in Practical Wargaming, published in 1974, so this is an earlier public appearance. I recall mine was made from a Pocket Mastermind board (remember them?)
Saturday, 26 June 2010
Monday, 7 December 2009
Original review of Charles Grant's "The War Game", from Wargamer's Newsletter # 116, November 1971
THE WAR GAME by Charles Grant (10" x 7½”: 191 pages; 25 photographs; 28 maps and diagrams. Published by A. and C. Black £3.00).
I had read and enjoyed most of the contents of this book when originally published in "Tradition" magazine and now this most lavish and pleasingly presented book makes re-reading it a pleasure. My enjoyment was increased because I have actually fought with Charles Grant using the figures depicted in the beautiful photographs in the book and on the same battlefield. In that connection I am very impressed with the manner in which Charles Grant remains satisfied and loyal to his rules because those given in the book are exactly the same as we used on pleasant if argumentative Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings some eight to ten years ago. I say this with some feeling because my own rules are constantly being changed or amended as some new situation arises that causes dissatisfaction.
It is a most pleasingly presented book presumably aimed at the beginner whom it takes in carefully explained steps through the mechanics of fighting that neglected but fascinating and colourful warfare of the mid-l8th century. Charles backs his theories with historical illustrations and, whilst there is nothing particularly new or original in the book, it admirably does what it sets out to do - to arouse interest in a pleasing period of warfare without once straying from the fact that it is an enjoyable game that is being described and not a highly technical and intense simulation of real warfare. It may be because the wargaming careers of Charles Grant and Brigadier Peter Young have been blended together for so many years and because both fight in the same period, but "THE WAR Game" most strikingly resembles "CHARGE!" by Brigadier Peter Young and Lieutenant-Colonel J.P. Lawford in that both are exactly the same size books, both beautifully presented with gorgeous and stimulating coloured jackets, the interior lay-out, style and standard of photographs and method of presentation is remarkably similar.
The principal difference lies in the style of writing where Charles lacks the whimsicality of the Brigadier and occasionally I found irritating his over-wordy, slightly old-fashioned style of putting words together as though they were directed at youngsters. However, this may be carping because after all Charles Grant's credentials for writing such a book arise from him being an experienced veteran wargamer and not a writer.
All-in-all, this is a most pleasing contribution to the ever growing literature of wargaming and, speaking with some experience, may I say that I think that Charles's publishers have done him proud!
I had read and enjoyed most of the contents of this book when originally published in "Tradition" magazine and now this most lavish and pleasingly presented book makes re-reading it a pleasure. My enjoyment was increased because I have actually fought with Charles Grant using the figures depicted in the beautiful photographs in the book and on the same battlefield. In that connection I am very impressed with the manner in which Charles Grant remains satisfied and loyal to his rules because those given in the book are exactly the same as we used on pleasant if argumentative Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings some eight to ten years ago. I say this with some feeling because my own rules are constantly being changed or amended as some new situation arises that causes dissatisfaction.
It is a most pleasingly presented book presumably aimed at the beginner whom it takes in carefully explained steps through the mechanics of fighting that neglected but fascinating and colourful warfare of the mid-l8th century. Charles backs his theories with historical illustrations and, whilst there is nothing particularly new or original in the book, it admirably does what it sets out to do - to arouse interest in a pleasing period of warfare without once straying from the fact that it is an enjoyable game that is being described and not a highly technical and intense simulation of real warfare. It may be because the wargaming careers of Charles Grant and Brigadier Peter Young have been blended together for so many years and because both fight in the same period, but "THE WAR Game" most strikingly resembles "CHARGE!" by Brigadier Peter Young and Lieutenant-Colonel J.P. Lawford in that both are exactly the same size books, both beautifully presented with gorgeous and stimulating coloured jackets, the interior lay-out, style and standard of photographs and method of presentation is remarkably similar.
The principal difference lies in the style of writing where Charles lacks the whimsicality of the Brigadier and occasionally I found irritating his over-wordy, slightly old-fashioned style of putting words together as though they were directed at youngsters. However, this may be carping because after all Charles Grant's credentials for writing such a book arise from him being an experienced veteran wargamer and not a writer.
All-in-all, this is a most pleasing contribution to the ever growing literature of wargaming and, speaking with some experience, may I say that I think that Charles's publishers have done him proud!
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
A year with the Don
Don Featherstone republished this article of his from Wargamers Digest March 1962 in Wargamer's Newsletter 111 in June 1971. A fascinating insight into a formative year.
A Wargamer’s Year
by D. Featherstone
Back in 1962, when wargaming was in its infancy, most of the British wargamers knew each other personally, their friendship and enthusiasm is recalled with nostalgic warmth. Reading through the March 1962 issue of War Games Digest I came across the following article which amply revives the feeling of those days. This month's cover picture of myself and daughter Sally was taken in the same year.
Sitting idly reviewing the events of the past year, I was struck by the amazing number of interesting things that have happened to me wargames-wise since December 1960. I have always realised that the hobby had brought me untold pleasure but did not anticipate so many varied events resulting from collecting model soldiers and fighting battles with them.
JANUARY. Waited with some interest to see who won a rather comic race between Commercial T.V. and the British Broadcasting Corporation, both trying to be first to screen in magazine programmes some filmed stuff taken in my wargames room. Commercial T.V. won and made a very good job of animating cavalry and artillery with a most realistic background of battle noises. The B.B.C. did a more restrained job - but both of the programmes resulted in a lot of correspondence with would-be collectors.
FEBRUARY. Interviewed by the Manchester Guardian, the Daily Herald and the American Forces paper Stars and Stripes, all with pictures, and all calculated to win friends and influence people with wargame interests. Carried on with the campaigns of January both in my house and at Tony Bath's battlefield - think I won the Franco-Prussian War about here! But I lost Rome in the Punic War.
MARCH. Five lights, two cameras, six technicians, a director, interviewer MacDonald Hastings and myself crowded into my small wargames room to film the usual set-up for B.B.C's "TONIGHT" programme. Set-up - the fight for Little Round Top, questions were the usual novice type and the resulting film again brought letters.
Exciting phone call from C.B.S. of New York who seemed to think I was the man they wanted to make a scale model of Gettysburg battlefield not less than 6' x 3' and two days in which to do it! Succeeded, took it down to the home of Field Marshall Montgomery where it was used in the film he made for C.B.S. with Henry Steele Commager, discussing the American Civil War. A most stimulating day spent in and around Monty's Desert caravans and marvelling at the Great Man's effervescence!
Continued Thursday night battles with Tony Bath - don't recall what we did here but those Romans carried on losing the Punic War.
APRIL. The Month of the Convention - great, stimulating, provocative, and inimitable. But we hope to have another one next year! Appeared on T.V. with Brigadier Peter Young when we gave publicity to the Convention.
Asked by Hutchinsons the Publishers to write a book on War Games - began book.
Stonewall Jackson began to chase up the Valley followed by Bath's Federals - in spite of doubling on my tracks, the Union boys were a little too much for me!
MAY. Visited Warwick Hales and Peter Pringle in Chatham, where a most interesting weekend was spent discussing the usual hobby subjects. Watched a demonstration Napoleonic battle between Warwick and Peter, learned some new curses and varied lines of argument over rules. Fought Warwick next morning with Peter as umpire - good battle in which history was altered when I discovered an even stronger defensive formation than the British Square!
Drove to Bristol with Roy Blackman to see Lionel Tarr, whose modern set-up and application never fails to amaze me. Learned a lot, returned home very stimulated and full of admiration for this great stalwart of our hobby.
Continued fighting battles with Tony Bath - won and lost about my usual number. Wrote book in spare time.
JUNE. Peter Young visited me and we spent a very hot Sunday fighting a wargame between Federals and Confederates. At the end of it I knew how Peter had become a Brigadier, won so many medals and stayed alive during W.W. II - but it was good hard and drawn battle! Anyway, we fought to my rules!
Continued with book, fought more battles with Tony and spent a week on holiday, during which I found a shop that sold Airfix model tanks so bought and made a dozen of them en masse during the spare times off the beach!
JULY. Had a most interesting Marlburian battle at Peter Young's house, when he cunningly made himself Umpire and I fought a three-cornered battle with Ian Bale and David Nash. It lasted from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. when I conceded the game, I attach no blame whatsoever to the gargantuan quantities of excellent food provided by Mrs. Young and liquor by the Brigadier. He also bore me no malice for so violently arguing about his rules - he was the most flexible Umpire!
Spent a lot of time chasing photographers taking shots of staged battles for the book.
AUGUST. Events this month were a little crowded off the screen by the arrival of another little Featherstone - a boy this time who, up to time of going to Press, shows absolutely no aptitude for wargaming.
Book nearly completed - photographers go bankrupt and make life even more difficult.
SEPTEMBER. Visited Bill Gunson at his home in North Wales - he was home on leave from Kuwait. Drove 256 miles each way, glorious scenery, then drove another 120 miles to find a shop in that uncivilised part of the world that sold Airfix figures! Bill's army had not arrived from Kuwait but he had bought lots of modern plastic stuff on his way home via Germany, so we decided to buy some boxes of 00 gauge figures and fight a modern battle (I wasn't going to drive over 500 miles and not have a wargame!).
Finally got them in Llandudno - and had our battle on a dining room table and a large side-board 18" higher so that an intriguing sloping terrain was used!
Book went to publishers - I received part of the advanced royalties! Fought more battles with Tony and lost more than I won!
OCTOBER. Bill Gunson drove 256 miles to spend weekend with me (highly delighted because he did it half-an-hour quicker than I did!). Aided by Carl Reavley (home from Aden) Roy Blackman and Tony Bath, we fixed up the wargame to end all wargames.Using an 'L' shaped table 16" x 12' x 6' and with two armies of 1,200 men each, we fought for about nine hours, with a beer and cheese buffet on one side of us - no result and a fervent urge to fight small scale battles in future!
Tony and I began the Boer Revolt 1885 - in which the Boers aided by a Zulu rising on the West of the Province, attempt to throw the British out of Natal. The British being scattered in various towns and garrisons find it hard to concentrate, but aided by gunboat and landing party made a good fight of it.
NOVEMBER. Boer Rising still going strong - Tony curses the civilians and live stock he has to shepherd to safety and my Boers (masquerading as Confederates) have a couple of small successes but two big defeats.
Soldier Magazine send down Staff Photographer and we have great fun faking shots for article in January edition. Carry on fighting battles with Tony at his house - Jungle Warfare now!
Lot of time spent sorting out fabulous collection of SAE 30mm stuff bought from Bill Gunson (who has now gone over to 20mm figures). Details of surplus stuff elsewhere in book.
DECEMBER. Sit here typing this stuff for the March WGD. Boer Rising still going on - Tony has got a very fair Native rising going in his mythical Continent and my savages had fun last week raiding settlements and cutting throats of soldiers disguised as women settlers!
Note; During this past year, I have also endeavoured to earn a living (my wife and children have become accustomed to such luxuries as food and clothing), read a large number of books on military subjects, painted and made a considerable number of figures, done some high class swapping with various fellow collectors and carried on a large correspondence with other enthusiasts. Life doesn’t get tedious, does it?
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
Original review of Charles Grant's "The War Game", On Parade from Military Modelling December 1971
On Parade
A review of new books for modellers
The War Game by Charles Grant. 10 in. x 7- in., 190 pp, 25 photos, 35 diagrams. Published by A. & C. Black Ltd. £3.00.
It is possible to quarrel with the title of this book, on the ground that it might be considered more applicable to a general guide to wargaming than to a monograph on 18th century warfare. But this might well be a good thing, if it should wean some young modernists from their grim preoccupation with our present-day instruments of indiscriminate mass-murder to an appreciation of the most 'civilised' age of warfare, which interfered as little as possible with the civilian population, when both sides were composed of professionals anxious to observe humane rules, and even the private soldier when captured was not left to rot in a prison-camp 'for the duration', but could look forward to an early exchange.
Such conditions are of course ideal for wargaming, and we have the additional bonus of concentrated, orderly battles, a really active cavalry, and attractive uniforms. It is small wonder that many years ago Mr. Grant chose this period for intensive study, the results of which are here set down having first appeared in a preliminary form in that very 'glossy' periodical Tradition'. The rules that he evolved are constantly referred to; indeed, they are so likely to intrigue the reader that it seems a pity they are not included as a (very substantial) appendix. That they play well and are in character with the period is widely agreed. If a limitation might be indicated here, it concerns their detailed nature, which adds great realism to the normal-sized engagement between friends, but is less well suited to those gigantic set-piece affairs arranged as Convention spectaculars. For these, of course, the Grant Rules were never designed.
For details: Chapter IV's eminently sensible remarks on cavalry are commended to all readers, especially those enthusiasts whose horseflesh is apparently equipped with internal-combustion engines. One point I missed here was the proviso, which I presume still exists in the Grant Rules, for a six-move interval after a charge to allow for rallying, reforming, and breathing horses. The devastating effect of the knee-to-knee charge of heavy cavalry is mentioned; it would be effective against infantry and light cavalry of the Continental type, who would be sure to flinch from the impact, but cavalry v cavalry engagements are not touched upon. Here it may be pointed out no decision could be expected from a mutual knee-to-knee charge, the horses, being sensible animals, would be bound to pull up nose to nose, leaving their riders with nothing to do but wave their swords and make fierce faces, Chinese-style. In fact, cavalry confident of their swordsmanship would open their ranks to let their opponents ride in, and settle the affair blade to blade. (As I remember, this is covered in the Rules, and might well be mentioned here.) Another point, though an elementary one, is often overlooked, namely that cavalry cannot retire in order; quadrupeds cannot'about-turn' as do bipeds. Hence for every retirement there must be a reforming.
As to musketry (Chapter V) the only criticism I would make is that though the author indicates that the firing for a move may represent one volley or the total of several, according to the time comprehended in one move, the instructions for the two sides' firing are consecutive (i.e. B's casualties are removed before he fires). Very good, if the volume of fire is calculated to represent a single volley, not so, if B has to endure, say, two to five minutes' fire before the survivors may return a shot! Mr. Grant says. 'The firing-first procedure merely accounts for one side firing more quickly than the other'. But unless such an advantage has been agreed upon and compensated for at the start of the game, why should they? And with some time-intervals and rates of fire I have known, B could be blown to ribbons! Surely, if more than one volley is concerned, it is fairer if B fires back before his casualties are removed?
Artillery effects are well taken care of by three devices: the Roundshot Measuring Stick which gives the successive falls of ricocheting shot, the Howitzer Shell-burst Circle, and the Canister Cone. Should one desire to reduce the lethal effect of the first, or be playing on a narrow table, it is always possible to agree on a heavy overnight rain!
Morale is based to the greatest extent on control by officers - very characteristic of the period - combined with losses, and there is a useful chapter on organisation, historically based. Buildings, together with their attack and defence (including bombardment) are dealt with, and there is a very practical discussion on terrain construction, and the effect of dead ground. Engineers and river transport are not forgotten, and there is enough about map-strategy and campaigns at least to start the novice off on this refinement.
No less than three specimen battles are described in most illuminating detail. The photographs (some of them full-page), the work of Kent Photos of King Street, Dover, are about the clearest in detail I have seen, considering that they are not printed on art paper. Mr. Grant's learning is everywhere apparent, yet never oppressive, worn lightly as it is, and his enthusiasm is infectious. The price is perhaps on the high side, even for these days, but the book is handsomely turned out, and should be a wel¬come Christmas present to the younger enthusiast, while his elder will find much both to entertain and to consider carefully.
A review of new books for modellers
The War Game by Charles Grant. 10 in. x 7- in., 190 pp, 25 photos, 35 diagrams. Published by A. & C. Black Ltd. £3.00.
It is possible to quarrel with the title of this book, on the ground that it might be considered more applicable to a general guide to wargaming than to a monograph on 18th century warfare. But this might well be a good thing, if it should wean some young modernists from their grim preoccupation with our present-day instruments of indiscriminate mass-murder to an appreciation of the most 'civilised' age of warfare, which interfered as little as possible with the civilian population, when both sides were composed of professionals anxious to observe humane rules, and even the private soldier when captured was not left to rot in a prison-camp 'for the duration', but could look forward to an early exchange.
Such conditions are of course ideal for wargaming, and we have the additional bonus of concentrated, orderly battles, a really active cavalry, and attractive uniforms. It is small wonder that many years ago Mr. Grant chose this period for intensive study, the results of which are here set down having first appeared in a preliminary form in that very 'glossy' periodical Tradition'. The rules that he evolved are constantly referred to; indeed, they are so likely to intrigue the reader that it seems a pity they are not included as a (very substantial) appendix. That they play well and are in character with the period is widely agreed. If a limitation might be indicated here, it concerns their detailed nature, which adds great realism to the normal-sized engagement between friends, but is less well suited to those gigantic set-piece affairs arranged as Convention spectaculars. For these, of course, the Grant Rules were never designed.
For details: Chapter IV's eminently sensible remarks on cavalry are commended to all readers, especially those enthusiasts whose horseflesh is apparently equipped with internal-combustion engines. One point I missed here was the proviso, which I presume still exists in the Grant Rules, for a six-move interval after a charge to allow for rallying, reforming, and breathing horses. The devastating effect of the knee-to-knee charge of heavy cavalry is mentioned; it would be effective against infantry and light cavalry of the Continental type, who would be sure to flinch from the impact, but cavalry v cavalry engagements are not touched upon. Here it may be pointed out no decision could be expected from a mutual knee-to-knee charge, the horses, being sensible animals, would be bound to pull up nose to nose, leaving their riders with nothing to do but wave their swords and make fierce faces, Chinese-style. In fact, cavalry confident of their swordsmanship would open their ranks to let their opponents ride in, and settle the affair blade to blade. (As I remember, this is covered in the Rules, and might well be mentioned here.) Another point, though an elementary one, is often overlooked, namely that cavalry cannot retire in order; quadrupeds cannot'about-turn' as do bipeds. Hence for every retirement there must be a reforming.
As to musketry (Chapter V) the only criticism I would make is that though the author indicates that the firing for a move may represent one volley or the total of several, according to the time comprehended in one move, the instructions for the two sides' firing are consecutive (i.e. B's casualties are removed before he fires). Very good, if the volume of fire is calculated to represent a single volley, not so, if B has to endure, say, two to five minutes' fire before the survivors may return a shot! Mr. Grant says. 'The firing-first procedure merely accounts for one side firing more quickly than the other'. But unless such an advantage has been agreed upon and compensated for at the start of the game, why should they? And with some time-intervals and rates of fire I have known, B could be blown to ribbons! Surely, if more than one volley is concerned, it is fairer if B fires back before his casualties are removed?
Artillery effects are well taken care of by three devices: the Roundshot Measuring Stick which gives the successive falls of ricocheting shot, the Howitzer Shell-burst Circle, and the Canister Cone. Should one desire to reduce the lethal effect of the first, or be playing on a narrow table, it is always possible to agree on a heavy overnight rain!
Morale is based to the greatest extent on control by officers - very characteristic of the period - combined with losses, and there is a useful chapter on organisation, historically based. Buildings, together with their attack and defence (including bombardment) are dealt with, and there is a very practical discussion on terrain construction, and the effect of dead ground. Engineers and river transport are not forgotten, and there is enough about map-strategy and campaigns at least to start the novice off on this refinement.
No less than three specimen battles are described in most illuminating detail. The photographs (some of them full-page), the work of Kent Photos of King Street, Dover, are about the clearest in detail I have seen, considering that they are not printed on art paper. Mr. Grant's learning is everywhere apparent, yet never oppressive, worn lightly as it is, and his enthusiasm is infectious. The price is perhaps on the high side, even for these days, but the book is handsomely turned out, and should be a wel¬come Christmas present to the younger enthusiast, while his elder will find much both to entertain and to consider carefully.
Saturday, 6 June 2009
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Saturday, 25 April 2009
Captain Sachs, an early pioneer
The recent post of "harmless cannons" from the Gamages' 1914 catalogue, firing amorces (caps) and rubber shells, reminded me of the days of Little Wars when guns like these were fired at serried ranks of Britains' soldiers.
Captain J.C. Sachs was a member of the British Society of Collectors of Model Soldiers (later the BMSS), who championed wargaming within that august body in the 1930s. Captain Sachs devised detailed rules, including those for tanks and machine gun fire, which were published in instalments in the Society's Bulletin. Another member, W R Gordon, had a special room set aside in his house for wargaming, and made it available for the Society's wargaming competition.
Reporting this offer the Bulletin noted that in his room "The scenery is excellent, every possible obstacle and effect, he has all kinds of armies, guns, transport, planes and everything the heart of a War Game player can dream about." A number of people took up this offer and soon a series of games took place, organised as a competition in a number of rounds, until the overall champion should emerge.
This activity was suspended with the advent of the war, although Captain Sachs reported in 1945 to the Society that his War Game had been largely played by ARP Wardens in Bushey during the war years. The War Game competition, which had been held up for six years, ("so rudely interrupted by the late Paperhanger and Brush Artist in 1939", reported the Bulletin), took up where it had let off. Captain Sachs was elected President of the Society for 1948, and at the end of his term was elected their first Life Vice President.
This account has mainly been taken from Multum in Parvo, by Paul H Vickers, the British Model Soldier Society 1935-1995, published in limited edition in 1995, as is the picture of Captain Sachs, above.
Jack Scruby published a shortened version of Captain Sachs' rules in the War Game Digest in Fall 1971. To avoid confusion, this was in a section he called Table Top Talk...
This article is reproduced below
Monday, 13 April 2009
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