The Battle of Britain: Five Months That Changed History; May-October 1940 Paperback – February 14, 2012 by James Holland (Author)

I don't often write book reviews or recommendations. However, since 2015 is the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, 1940, I would like to suggest the following as a book worthy of consideration:

The Battle of Britain: Five Months That Changed History; May-October 1940 by James Holland

There are of course dozens of books on the subject and I have read quite a few. What I like about James Holland's book is the way he addresses all elements of the period May-October 1940 to set the air Battle of Britain in context. Holland discusses not only the military situation overall but also the political situation, the geopolitics (ie the USA), the leadership, the individuals who fought on the ground as well as in the air, on the home front as well as the front lines, the technology, economics and feelings of the time. I have never had a better understanding of all of these dimensions than in reading this book.

This is not your typical "Battle of Britain" book. However I really enjoyed the full perspective it gives on this fascinating time in modern history.

Highly recommended!

Patache "Nuestra Señora del Socorro", 1588

My latest 1/350 scale model warship of the Spanish Armada is the Patache "Nuestra Señora del Socorro", 1588. This another excellent commission by master modeler Julián Fernández de Sevilla Campos of ModelJShip. 

The "Nuestra Señora del Socorro" was built in 1586 in Santander. She was a Patache, a light armed vessel similar to a caravel, of 50 tons with 14 guns, 15 crew and 20 troops. She served in the Squadron of Castilla during the battles of the Armada in 1588. The Patache is described as having an overall length of 85ft and a beam of 25ft.

                               

The inspiration for this conversion was once again an excellent illustration by Joseph Wheatley in "Historic Sail" in which he portrays a patache, 1588.

                     

The basis for the conversion was another 1/350 scale plastic warship from Zvezda, the "Santa María". Since she was a nau of about 58 ft, although heavier at about 108 tons, this little ship provides a nice foundation on which to construct a later Patache. However the extent of Julián's conversion can be seen from a comparison of the original Zvezda model:

Here are further images of Nuestra Señora del Socorro. The sea-base is custom made by Julián and I think this is his finest sea-scape so far. Additional parts and crew are by Langton.

Dornier Do17 5K+AR

 This is my next Corgi model: Dornier Do17 5K+AR. This another beautiful 1/72 scale diecast model. It shows the slim pencil-like fuselage very well; the Fliegender Bleistift ("flying pencil") was designated a light bomber also a Schnellbomber or high speed bomber. The Heinkel He111P on the other hand was a fast medium bomber and placing the 2 models together the differences become quite obvious.

Heinkel, He111P

This is my first 1/72 scale Corgi diecast model, a Heinkel He111P. The model is very beautiful. The detailing is excellent and it is very heavy, being diecast metal for the most part. I have collected Corgi WW2 fighters in the past but this is my first medium bomber. The size was a bit of a shock.

I have learned that these limited edition models (usually around 1,000 only produced) are very collectible and not only hold their value but can become quite valuable on the secondary market over time.  My advise, buy from Corgi on pre-release or as soon as the model you like has been released.

This model will grace a section of my office cabinets, soon to be joined by more...

Redoubt ACW Union Army Ammunition Wagon

This Redoubt ACW model was painted for me by Frank Patterson. The model itself is a little on the large size but is a fun model and the canvas top is modeled in resin with a nice textured finish.

Crann Tara Miniatures

I have recently discovered a very nice range of 18th Century metal figures by Crann Tara Miniatures. These are beautifully sculpted in 1/56 scale by Richard Ansell and are compatible with Fife and Drum and Minden Miniatures.

http://www.cranntaraminiatures.co.uk/index.php?route=common/home


I was sent some very nice sample figures by proprietor Graham Cummings who has been great to work with. The animation is excellent and the poses are a little less formal than the Minden range. Graham is focussing currently on the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 and the War of the Austrian Succession.

I highly recommend these figures and hope that Graham will expand his products to include the Seven Years War which is my personal favourite.

British Infantry 'at ready' -Regulation dress 

British Line Charge Bayonet - Regulation  

Irish Piquet/French Infantry marching

Royal Ecossais Advancing and Command

Savoia Infantry Fifer

Savoia Infantry Fifer

Spanish Line Infantry - stood to attention

Spanish Line Infantry - stood to attention

The Lace Wars: Prussian Commands and Positions

My good friend, Bernd Fischer, kindly gave me an interesting book recently entitled:

"Die Kriege Friedrichs II"

This was published in communist Berlin in 1981. The front and rear plates contained some excellent images of the various positions taken by an infantryman of the 18th Century, most probably from the years prior to the War of the Austrian Succession.

Black Hussar Miniatures has tried to follow these positions in its recent SYW range as has Crann Tara Miniatures with its Wars of the Austrian Succession and Jacobite figures.