Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Interwar => Topic started by: Doug ex-em4 on 07 January 2025, 11:43:14 PM
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The Cringing Peasant Inn is a hostelry on the main road from the Midlands to Borchester. It serves good food, good ale and reasonable wine although its reputation has suffered due to a recent incident it was unwittingly involved in.
<more information on the "incident" here: https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=126124.60 (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=126124.60) scroll down the page for the first mention of the inn. Note that In the intervening time, the road has been widened and almost miraculously, the inn has gained a garden>.
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_6076-2.jpeg)
To continue. A prosperous motorist from Borchester is inside, sharing a lavish lunch with his secretary, his Rolls parked outside. Occasionally vehicles pass by, mainly cars or lorries, even some horse-drawn wagons. Otherwise a typically peaceful day in north Borsetshire. Lunch over, the motorist and his secretary drive off to return to Borchester by the scenic (and considerably longer) route.
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_6091-2.jpeg)
Hours pass. A noisy and disreputable lorry appears from the north.
Surely there’s got to be more to it than this? There is. More information soon on The Socialist Alliance
Doug
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We await further developments... 8)
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We await further developments... 8)
A development :)
Within minutes of arriving, the lorry has been backed through the inn’s hedge, with total disregard for the sanctity of private property or rural tranquility. Three people emerge from the vehicle and swagger into the inn. Minutes later, the innkeeper emerges from round the back of the building. He is struggling to manage a long ladder and a large cloth bundle. Behind him comes one of the occupants of the lorry, casually holding a lewis gun which nevertheless, she keeps trained on him.
With surprising agility, he places the ladder against the inn wall, climbs to the roof and spreads part of the bundle over it. It’s soon obvious that it’s a huge red flag. He then descends to the first floor balcony and attaches two more, slightly smaller, flags. When he’s finished, he descends the ladder and, after a few words with the Lewis gunner, he nods in a way that indicates he has received and understood instructions. He then scuttles back into the inn.
Two people then emerge from the inn, join the lewis gunner and look with great satisfaction at the flags.
"Comrades" says one, a determined looking woman in a green dress "HQ Section of the 47th Ad-Hoc Shock Platoon is established. Send concentration orders to section heads immediately."
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_6092.jpeg)
The three are the HQ Cadre of the 47th Ad-Hoc Shock Platoon and consist of:
Leader: Comrade Major Bessie Braddock, the charismatic, firebrand Trotskyist, seconded from the Liverpool Socialist Enclave Brigade.
Second in command and Lewis gunner: Comrade Captain "Scouse’ Shelagh.
Commissar and Lewis gun second: Mildred "The Prof" van Dyke
Their job is nothing less than organising the invasion of the bourgeois stronghold of Borsetshire.
Doug
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What a crackin' set-up Sir :-*
I thoroughly enjoy when people spin a good yarn and accompany it with tasteful pictures. I can't help but notice that the landlord of The Cringing Peasant Inn is a very unlucky man, first there was some debacle with threatening crazy cultists, now the socialists are taking advantage of him, at gunpoint :o. The poor man must have a stout heart... or maybe a very optimistic view of life lol.
Keep up the good work sir.
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The story continues! Looking forward to this.
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What a crackin' set-up Sir :-*
I thoroughly enjoy when people spin a good yarn and accompany it with tasteful pictures. I can't help but notice that the landlord of The Cringing Peasant Inn is a very unlucky man, first there was some debacle with threatening crazy cultists, now the socialists are taking advantage of him, at gunpoint :o. The poor man must have a stout heart... or maybe a very optimistic view of life lol.
Keep up the good work sir.
Thank you very much - appreciated. I know you’re a kindred spirit when it comes to to character back-story so I’m chuffed to welcome you here.
The story continues! Looking forward to this.
Thanks for your interest. It’s quite a journey and the denoument includes such famous names as Mad Lord Snapcase and Vagabond. So hopefully worth following. Hopefully….. :)
Doig
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This is indeed stirring stuff, my old carbuncle!. A nasty incursion into the peace and quiet of Borsetshire by these raffish socialists. The somnolent authorities need something to prick them into action.
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How dare those blasted reds sully such a fine and upstanding establishment as the Cringing Peasant Inn with such vile displays? Surely, they will be taught a harsh and necessary lesson by the relevant authorities...
Or perhaps not. We'll just have to wait and see what transpires... :D
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This is indeed stirring stuff, my old carbuncle!. A nasty incursion into the peace and quiet of Borsetshire by these raffish socialists. The somnolent authorities need something to prick them into action.
Never fear, your Lordship - the "somnolent authorities" positively abound with pricks….. ;)
How dare those blasted reds sully such a fine and upstanding establishment as the Cringing Peasant Inn with such vile displays? Surely, they will be taught a harsh and necessary lesson by the relevant authorities...
Or perhaps not. We'll just have to wait and see what transpires... :D
As has been mentioned above by Legionnaire, the Cringing Peasant is an establishment prone to unsought misfortune. We can only hope the depradations inflicted upon it so far represent the limit of its troubles. Yeah - right…..!
Doug
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Just escorted Bessie's twin from my painting table. I do love the Pulp figures Ladies.
That poor innkeeper. Still unknowingly paying off the unfortunate karmic debt his ancestors incurred. Looking forward to the unfolding events of this tale.
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The landlord of the Cringing Pheasant is a lucky man to have its lowly hostelry chosen to be the HQ of such an august anarchist activist as the renouned Bessie Bradock.
Bessie is looking very fit and trim after her recent shooting during the successful Bombard raid, the recovery powers of the young are quite remarkable, if only they continued into later life.
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The landlord of the Cringing Pheasant is a lucky man to have its lowly hostelry chosen to be the HQ of such an august anarchist activist as the renouned Bessie Bradock.
Bessie is looking very fit and trim after her recent shooting during the successful Bombard raid, the recovery powers of the young are quite remarkable, if only they continued into later life.
I doubt that the gentleman counts himself as "lucky". He's barely gotten over the savage unpalatable business of that cultist affair, when socialist revolutionary elements drag their muddy boots through his hallway lol.
I really feel he's been underrepresented and there needs to be more of a biography about "The Landlord ", firstly, at this point, he needs to be named ;).
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I doubt that the gentleman counts himself as "lucky". He's barely gotten over the savage unpalatable business of that cultist affair, when socialist revolutionary elements drag their muddy boots through his hallway lol.
I really feel he's been underrepresented and there needs to be more of a biography about "The Landlord ", firstly, at this point, he needs to be named ;).
Seconded! Who is 'The Landlord'? My money's on Sid Perks?
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Just escorted Bessie's twin from my painting table. I do love the Pulp figures Ladies.
Indeed. In fact, I’m a big fan of Bob’s whole Pulp range.
That poor innkeeper. Still unknowingly paying off the unfortunate karmic debt his ancestors incurred. Looking forward to the unfolding events of this tale.
You never know- the Socialists may turn out to be big drinkers👍. Although they may not be big payers👎
The landlord of the Cringing Pheasant is a lucky man to have its lowly hostelry chosen to be the HQ of such an august anarchist activist as the renouned Bessie Bradock.
Bessie is looking very fit and trim after her recent shooting during the successful Bombard raid, the recovery powers of the young are quite remarkable, if only they continued into later life.
Profound thoughts, Vaggers. A word to the wise - best not refer to Bessie as an anarchist. Trotskyists are very particular about these things.
I doubt that the gentleman counts himself as "lucky". He's barely gotten over the savage unpalatable business of that cultist affair, when socialist revolutionary elements drag their muddy boots through his hallway lol.
I really feel he's been underrepresented and there needs to be more of a biography about "The Landlord ", firstly, at this point, he needs to be named ;).
His time will surely come? For the moment, he’s The Landlord.
Seconded! Who is 'The Landlord'? My money's on Sid Perks?
Definitely not….!
Doug
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The HQ Cadre, along with two Socialist Alliance undercover operatives, has already been involved in a significant action deep in the southern part of the county, details of which can be found here: https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=147714.0 (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=147714.0). Comrade Major Braddock sustained minor injuries in that action but is now fully recovered.
Having commandeered the telephone at the Cringing Peasant, Commissar van Dyke relays the concentration orders to the various elements that will coalesce into the 47th Ad-Hoc Shock Platoon.
The first element to be placed in readiness is a section seconded from the People’s Revolutionary Shock Army no6, Liverpool Free State Brigade. This all-female section is a battle-hardened bunch of dedicated Trotskyists, originally lead by Comrade Major Braddock herself. Now commanded by Comrade Lieutenant Maggie May, they are spoiling for a fight with the Borchester reactionaries. The platoon lorry is despatched to Liverpool to collect them.
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_5906.jpeg)
The section awaits their transport at the famous Pier Head on the waterfront.
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:o :o :o
Those are positively ablaze with the Flames of Revolution! They seem ready to cast of the yoke of the oppressive government right this instant!!!
Wonderful figures and I can almost hear the roar of their Trotskyist slogans lol
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This develops into a truly false direction. The papers have never mentioned any bricklane reds in Liverpool or any other working men's favoured locations. I suppose it's all propaganda by the establishment (namely a certain Rolls-Royce driver and his secretary perhaps...).
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A lovely looking bunch of scallies! :-*
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Tough as old boots
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:o :o :o
Those are positively ablaze with the Flames of Revolution! They seem ready to cast of the yoke of the oppressive government right this instant!!!
Wonderful figures and I can almost hear the roar of their Trotskyist slogans lol
Thank you…! Battle-hardened and imbued with the joy of The Revolution - that’s these gals.
This develops into a truly false direction. The papers have never mentioned any bricklane reds in Liverpool or any other working men's favoured locations. I suppose it's all propaganda by the establishment (namely a certain Rolls-Royce driver and his secretary perhaps...).
In times of war, all sorts of unlikely forces come to the surface.
A lovely looking bunch of scallies! :-*
I don’t know what The Landlord will make of them or, indeed, what they’ll make of him… :o
Tough as old boots
Not very gallant but true…!
Doug
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I ask this: Who, pray thee tell, will put these Red Rascals in their proper place (a grave or a cell...)? The Borsetshire Brigade, perhaps? One can only hope...
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I ask this: Who, pray thee tell, will put these Red Rascals in their proper place (a grave or a cell...)? The Borsetshire Brigade, perhaps? One can only hope...
Jim, you’ve got to think, or maybe hope, that’s likely…… ;)
Meanwhile:
After a slow and uncomfortable journey crammed into the ancient lorry, on loan from the POUM machine-gun detachment, Comrade Lieutenant Maggie May and her section arrive at platoon HQ. Despite the discomfort of their trip, their spirits are kept high by their unswerving belief in the inevitability of success for The Revolution. They are welcomed by the HQ Cadre and take stock of their surroundings. Being strict adherents to the doctrine of the Dictatorship of the Proletariat, they are a little disquieted by staying at a pub called the Cringing Peasant. As is well known by all Trotskyists, the peasantry are class enemies in need of serious re-education.
The POUM lorry has once again desecrated the Inn’s garden and hedge. The Landlord has made himself scarce which is probably just as well - when not having a vigorous discussion about materialist dialectics, the 1st Section delights in displays of boisterous humour.
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_6105.jpeg)
Doug
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Good God man! They desecrated the Inn’s garden and hedge?! Those things take years to get sorted out. The poor landlord. They seem more destructive than my nephews!
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A very impressive force The
pricks authorities will have trouble with this lot, that's for certain. Lovely painting, I particularly like the blue shirts with red berets.
"If the leaders seek only to preserve themselves, that is what they become; preserves, dried preserves." - Leon Trotsky
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Well! There goes the neighbourhood . . .
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Revolutionaries to a man (or woman) they claim. But I harbour the thought that they are nothing but ordinary thugs looking for an excuse! Look at the state of that hedge and garden!!! :o lol
Cracking paint work sir and I like the handmade banners waving in the Borstetshire wind. Might it be an eastern wind blowing :D.
But surely, this can't go unnoticed by whatever may be the "forces of law and order". Now, we'd like a "meanwhile..." to see what troops they are mustering in response to the escalating, barely contained situation! Maybe some "civilian defense gentry" with tweed jackets and pheasant shooting accessories lol.
Maybe the Rolls-Royce driver and his secretary was out on a reconnoitre look see and saw the lorry befouling the pastoral landscape lol.
I'm very excited to see where all this will lead, keep up the good work sir!
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Good God man! They desecrated the Inn’s garden and hedge?! Those things take years to get sorted out. The poor landlord. They seem more destructive than my nephews!
I’m afraid it can only get worse :(
A very impressive force The pricks authorities will have trouble with this lot, that's for certain. Lovely painting, I particularly like the blue shirts with red berets.
"If the leaders seek only to preserve themselves, that is what they become; preserves, dried preserves." - Leon Trotsky
Thanks, Old Sport. The trick is to take the photo from a long way away ;) Old Leon missed a lucrative career as a stand-up didnt he?
Well! There goes the neighbourhood . . .
The Landlord is in complete agreement with you :(
Revolutionaries to a man (or woman) they claim. But I harbour the thought that they are nothing but ordinary thugs looking for an excuse! Look at the state of that hedge and garden!!! :o lol
Cracking paint work sir and I like the handmade banners waving in the Borstetshire wind. Might it be an eastern wind blowing :D.
But surely, this can't go unnoticed by whatever may be the "forces of law and order". Now, we'd like a "meanwhile..." to see what troops they are mustering in response to the escalating, barely contained situation! Maybe some "civilian defense gentry" with tweed jackets and pheasant shooting accessories lol.
Maybe the Rolls-Royce driver and his secretary was out on a reconnoitre look see and saw the lorry befouling the pastoral landscape lol.
I'm very excited to see where all this will lead, keep up the good work sir!
Thank you for your kind remarks, Legionnaire - I appreciate your interest. Actually the "meanwhile" has already happened. Have a look here:
https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=144351.45 (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=144351.45) (scroll down to near the bottom of the page to see what the county’s vested interests are planning.
Doug
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Good God man! They desecrated the Inn’s garden and hedge?! Those things take years to get sorted out. The poor landlord. They seem more destructive than my nephews!
Lawns be damned, these lawns will become fields, tilled by the cringing peasants to feed the revolutionaries and we need more banners.
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Lawns be damned, these lawns will become fields, tilled by the cringing peasants to feed the revolutionaries and we need more banners.
And only red beet will be grown.
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And only red beet will be grown.
Radishes, red onions and maybe carrots are also permissible. On reflection carrots may not meet the strict colour requirements of the Trotsky Vegetable Selection Committee.
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Lawns be damned, these lawns will become fields, tilled by the cringing peasants to feed the revolutionaries and we need more banners.
More banners are on their way, Comrade.
And only red beet will be grown.
[/quote]Radishes, red onions and maybe carrots are also permissible. On reflection carrots may not meet the strict colour requirements of the Trotsky Vegetable Selection Committee.
Don’t forget the solid revolutionary credentials of the tomato.
Doug
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Don’t forget the solid revolutionary credentials of the tomato.
Doug
I'd think the red chili pepper would be a more fitting thing for a revolution than a tomato lol.
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:o :o Fascinationg! Well done. Can't wait to see what will happen next.
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I'd think the red chili pepper would be a more fitting thing for a revolution than a tomato lol.
I think you make a good point, sir…! :D
:o :o Fascinationg! Well done. Can't wait to see what will happen next.
Thanks Patrice and good to hear from you :)
Whilst the 1st section settle in to their new billets, Comrade Commissar van Dyke has already despatched the POUM lorry to a coalfield near Sheffield, in the West Riding of Yorkshire. Waiting there are a section from the armed wing of the Miners’ Welfare Club (Sheffield Branch). They have been seconded to the 47th Ad-Hoc Shock Platoon and will form the 2nd section. They tend to follow the line of CPGB (Communist Party of Great Britain) and in normal times there would be a violent hostility between them and the Trotskyists but these are not normal times and a working truce has been established. The men of the 2nd section are all miners. Under the leadership of Comrade Lieutenant Harold Scargill, ably assisted by Comrade Sergeant David Corbyn, they will make a formidable addition to the 47th.
They await their transport in the shadow of the pit-head, eager to join their unit and carry the revolution into the heart of England
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_5928.jpeg)
Doug
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These mining types look like formidable foes. They also talk in a sort of code, so the Borchester chaps won't understand them. They'll be full of phrases like "Chuffin' 'ell, that ruddy whippet 'as took me cap down snicket an' I've run oot of Woodbines. That's a threp in't steans an' no mistake!"
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‘Sorry,old boy; I just don’t understand your banter’.
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"Don’t forget the solid revolutionary credentials of the tomato."
Pah, tomatoes are bourgeois fruit, not fit for an honest revolutionary.
"Chuffin' 'ell, that ruddy whippet 'as took me cap down snicket an' I've run oot of Woodbines. That's a threp in't steans an' no mistake!"
I put this into Google translate to try and make sense of your mangling of the Kings English, as spoken by the good people residing in God's own country. It failed miserably on the second sentence, muttering something about "Scone Munchers taking a leak" ;)
I look forward with keen anticipation to hearing more of the bold exploits of the men from the pit head.
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These mining types look like formidable foes. They also talk in a sort of code, so the Borchester chaps won't understand them. They'll be full of phrases like "Chuffin' 'ell, that ruddy whippet 'as took me cap down snicket an' I've run oot of Woodbines. That's a threp in't steans an' no mistake!"
I think you’re confusing these lads with folk from t’North Riding
Doug
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Perhaps a nice radicchio salad with that beetroot? Hint of goat cheese and rocket? A nice mushroom risotto?
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Next day, the miners arrive at HQ where Comrade Major Braddock gives Comrade Lieutenant Scargill a warm welcome, despite their ideological differences.
But, oh dear. The poor inn. The 1st Section have now pitched their tents in the already desecrated garden and to make matters worse, the POUM lorry has burst through the hedge to deposit the miners in the previously untouched part of the garden. On top of that, Bessie has ordered that road blocks should be set up outside the inn and her enthusiastic subordinates ransacked the inn for anything that would be useful in a barricade. And the miners have brought their own banners.
The Landlord is still nowhere to be seen.
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_6112.jpeg)
Doug
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the POUM lorry has burst through the hedge to deposit the miners in the previously untouched part of the garden.
Well, that's not the worst part that happened to the previously untouched part of the garden. Neighbours saw some the miners starting to dig... lol
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Well, that's not the worst part that happened to the previously untouched part of the garden. Neighbours saw some the miners starting to dig... lol
Maybe they feel very uncomfortable being out in bright daylight, more at home underground lol
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Next day, the miners arrive at HQ where Comrade Major Braddock gives Comrade Lieutenant Scargill a warm welcome, despite their ideological differences.
But, oh dear. The poor inn. The 1st Section have now pitched their tents in the already desecrated garden and to make matters worse, the POUM lorry has burst through the hedge to deposit the miners in the previously untouched part of the garden. On top of that, Bessie has ordered that road blocks should be set up outside the inn and her enthusiastic subordinates ransacked the inn for anything that would be useful in a barricade. And the miners have brought their own banners.
The Landlord is still nowhere to be seen.
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_6112.jpeg)
Doug
At this point, I am fearing for the safety of The Landlord :o! A man with no stakes in the ongoing political power plays, just trying to enjoy his garden and a pint or two... The thought, that he is held in the wine cellar, with a single flickering light bulb and a hard wooden stool as only company has crossed my mind... Those revolutionaries, fired up by cheap vodka and their own misguided ideologies are surely capable of such!
Great job as always sir and I'm sure we are all sitting at the edge of our seats in anticipation of what comes next in this riveting saga!!!
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:o :o Fascinationg! Well done. Can't wait to see what will happen next.
Thanks Patrice and good to hear from you :)
I can't help it: these 4th International flags remind me of a time, a long time ago, when I was a young student with ideas. ::)
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At this point, I am fearing for the safety of The Landlord :o! A man with no stakes in the ongoing political power plays, just trying to enjoy his garden and a pint or two... The thought, that he is held in the wine cellar, with a single flickering light bulb and a hard wooden stool as only company has crossed my mind... Those revolutionaries, fired up by cheap vodka and their own misguided ideologies are surely capable of such!
Great job as always sir and I'm sure we are all sitting at the edge of our seats in anticipation of what comes next in this riveting saga!!!
Thanks for keeping up with this long and winding tale (there is a game at the end of it - I promise). Yes, The Landlord. I have to admit, I’m getting worried about him as well…!
Thanks Patrice and good to hear from you :)
I can't help it: these 4th International flags remind me of a time, a long time ago, when I was a young student with ideas. ::)
Patrice, you and me both. I was a student in 1968. One of my flatmates went to Paris to join the protest (of course, he was the one with a rich father so could afford to just take off like that :) That was the first time we’d heard of the CRS, it was a bit of a surprise to see them in action.
Doug
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Oh, for the love of all that is righteous and holy! Will the jingoistic poppycock spewing from the Communists, that passes itself off as propaganda, never cease? My hope and prayer is that that Lady Karma has her way with them. Anyone who willfully and purposefully desecrates such a hedge and garden as that at the Cringing Peasant ought be desecrated upon themselves. A pox on them all, I say!
Now, we need only wait for the forces of Law, Order, and All Things Good to descend upon these heathenistic vermin, and administer that afore-mentioned Karma...
There. Was that strong enough? :D
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Oh, for the love of all that is righteous and holy! Will the jingoistic poppycock spewing from the Communists, that passes itself off as propaganda, never cease? My hope and prayer is that that Lady Karma has her way with them. Anyone who willfully and purposefully desecrates such a hedge and garden as that at the Cringing Peasant ought be desecrated upon themselves. A pox on them all, I say!
Now, we need only wait for the forces of Law, Order, and All Things Good to descend upon these heathenistic vermin, and administer that afore-mentioned Karma...
There. Was that strong enough? :D
Well Jim, that certainly told…..someone? :) . It’s a tricky one. Are you just addressing the communists (ie the miners) or the whole platoon? Because most of them are POUM and they’d be very unhappy to be called communists. Although one thing they do agree on is a total lack of respect for hedges. And gardens.
Doug
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It's possible I may have exaggerated and over-generalized just a wee bit... ;)
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Although one thing they do agree on is a total lack of respect for hedges. And gardens.
Perhaps the hedgehogs and gnomes will enlist in the reactionary militia? Then the Red Caps will join in opposition to the gnomes. Where will this madness end?
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It's possible I may have exaggerated and over-generalized just a wee bit... ;)
Understood - things are tense at the Cringing Peasant and nuance is notable by its absence.
Perhaps the hedgehogs and gnomes will enlist in the reactionary militia? Then the Red Caps will join in opposition to the gnomes. Where will this madness end?
You’ve no idea how relevant this is as will be revealed, hopefully fairly soon.
Doug
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I tremble with…anticipation!
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I tremble with…anticipation!
I can understand that but try and stay calm - I feel responsible….
It doesn’t take long for the road to be blocked in both directions, substantial barricades being erected to the detriment of the inn’s fixtures and fittings. As can be seen by a glance at the repairs to the inn’s roof, this was not a particularly profitable business, at least recently. Its adoption as the 47th’s HQ has made a bad situation a lot worse. However, the cause of The Revolution outweighs any bourgeois considerations of business sustainability.
The barricades are defended by the two sections currently present and the 1st section’s Lewis gunner provides support from the inn’s balcony.
Concentration is well underway - when the rest of the platoon and it’s assets are present, it can begin its invasion of Borsetshire
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_6122-1.jpeg)
Isn’t this a rather under strength platoon, with only two sections, I hear you say? And of course, you are correct. But fear not, a third section has been allocated by Higher Authority and it’s on its way to join the rest of the platoon. However, the platoon lorry is busy collecting various support elements so 3rd section has to make its own way to the rendezvous. Which means on foot. Which is quite a long walk because 3rd section is made up of volunteers, recently fighting with POUM in Spain. They arrived clandestinely in a nondescript ship at Bristol docks and immediately set out to march to join the rest of the platoon in Borsetshire. They’re still marching.
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_6272-1.jpeg)
It can’t be long now before the 47th tests its mettle against whatever the reactionary, bourgeois running-dogs of Borsetshire can throw against them.
Doug
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Some dodgy geezers there, alright! Nice painting and an imposing addition to the forces massing at the Cringing Peasant.
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The POUM lorry has been back to Liverpool and collected some platoon support assets.
The Liverpool Socialist enclave has quite a variety of weapons available having seized various inward and outward shipments. From this treasure house a light anti-tank gun has been allocated to the 47th. The three man crew were originally clerks at a law firm in Chester. The amazing coincidence of their surnames made them friends from the start of their careers. They are John Partridge, Christopher Wren and Jack Sparrow. As a group, they were given various nicknames like The Legal Eagles or Birds of a feather. Because they were involved with accounts, humorous remarks like “Jack, have you got a bill” were bandied about. Or “John, has that client been up before the beak yet?” Such chaff (chiff-chaff?) was taken in good part.
However, things got more serious when civil war broke out and, as members of the Labour Party, they went over to Liverpool where socialist units were forming. They were given command of the a/t gun and a new nickname -
The Battery Hens
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_2991.jpeg)
The Battery Hens get in some training after arriving at platoon HQ
Doug
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Superb and some more nice painting.
Are these scousers robin stuff? It might be too much to swallow, so I'm going to duck out and head for a pheasant diversion! (I'm here all week). ;) ;)
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Superb and some more nice painting.
Are these scousers robin stuff? It might be too much to swallow, so I'm going to duck out and head for a pheasant diversion! (I'm here all week). ;) ;)
Snappers, I love you too much to grouse about this…..
Doug
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The POUM lorry has been back to Liverpool and collected some platoon support assets.
The Liverpool Socialist enclave has quite a variety of weapons available having seized various inward and outward shipments. From this treasure house a light anti-tank gun has been allocated to the 47th. The three man crew were originally clerks at a law firm in Chester. The amazing coincidence of their surnames made them friends from the start of their careers. They are John Partridge, Christopher Wren and Jack Sparrow. As a group, they were given various nicknames like The Legal Eagles or Birds of a feather. Because they were involved with accounts, humorous remarks like “Jack, have you got a bill” were bandied about. Or “John, has that client been up before the beak yet?” Such chaff (chiff-chaff?) was taken in good part.
However, things got more serious when civil war broke out and, as members of the Labour Party, they went over to Liverpool where socialist units were forming. They were given command of the a/t gun and a new nickname -
The Battery Hens
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_2991.jpeg)
The Battery Hens get in some training after arriving at platoon HQ
Doug
No clucking about! lol
Those are some excellent paintings sir, nice setup for the vignette and now with heavy ordinance in the game, I feel that there's a proper revolution brewing!
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While, as you may have surmised, I'm no fan of the POUM side of this affair, I must admit they all look spiffy enough. And the eagle-eyed among you will note I did not commit the cardinal sin of making bird puns...hmm. Having types that, I may now need to eat crow... :D
Oh well, on with things, old chap...
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Superb and some more nice painting.
Are these scousers robin stuff? It might be too much to swallow, so I'm going to duck out and head for a pheasant diversion! (I'm here all week). ;) ;)
And by the way, Snappers - the Battery Hens aren’t Scousers; they’re Cestrians….
No clucking about! lol
Those are some excellent paintings sir, nice setup for the vignette and now with heavy ordinance in the game, I feel that there's a proper revolution brewing!
Thank you Legionnaire for the comments but not the pun, which is truly dreadful :o ;)
While, as you may have surmised, I'm no fan of the POUM side of this affair, I must admit they all look spiffy enough. And the eagle-eyed among you will note I did not commit the cardinal sin of making bird puns...hmm. Having types that, I may now need to eat crow... :D
Oh well, on with things, old chap...
I understand that the Borsetshire Brigade is where your sympathies lie, Jim so I’m very pleased you can like the bashers of the bourgeoisie at least a little.
Your bird puns are definitely a class above Legionnaire’s but Snapcase should be ashamed that he’s egged people on to follow this line of humour. lol
Doug
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And by the way, Snappers - the Battery Hens aren’t Scousers; they’re Cestrians….
Apologies, I did not know they hailed from south of the Mersey. I was an early bird on this thread and am quite often referred to as a raven lunatic. No egrets. This may tern ugly, wren will it end? Toucan play at this game, quail before my wit!
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Mad Lord, we are not worthy!
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Mad Lord, we are not worthy!
lol lol lol
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Apologies, I did not know they hailed from south of the Mersey.
"The three man crew were originally clerks at a law firm in Chester……"
Read the small print, Snapcase and do try and keep up…!
I was an early bird on this thread and am quite often referred to as a raven lunatic. No egrets. This may tern ugly, wren will it end? Toucan play at this game, quail before my wit!
Aaaaargh…..!!!
Doug
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Thank you Legionnaire for the comments but not the pun, which is truly dreadful :o ;)
Your bird puns are definitely a class above Legionnaire’s but Snapcase should be ashamed that he’s egged people on to follow this line of humour. lol
Doug
Well, being of simple farm stock, salt of the earth myself, I've never soared much above my station. A pecking order has been established quite naturally and I have to crane my neck to keep up lol.
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You guys are all flocking mad! ;) lol
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Groan…..!
Will no one save me from these turbulent punsters…..! lol
Doug
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Groan…..!
Will no one save me from these turbulent punsters…..! lol
Doug
heh-heh hoisted by ones own Petral petard lol
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Arriving with the Battery Hens are Julia Lennon and Mary McCartney, two Liverpool housewives who have left their husbands and families and volunteered for active service. It has soon became obvious that they share a natural ability as markswomen and they have formed a sniper team which has operated with some success in early skirmishes. The Lennon and McCartney team have already been credited with a string of notable hits before their selection for the 47th.
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_2992.jpeg)
Julia and Mary in training in the grounds of the Cringing Peasant
Also newly arrived at HQ are Harold Lovebush and his assistant Jimmy Dingleberry. They’ve been re-united with the Bigsworth-Bombard, recently secured by a daring night-raid on the research facility and described here:
https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=147714.0 (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=147714.0)
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_5813.jpeg)
Harold and Jimmy refreshing their expertise with the Bombard.
The 47th is now nearly complete. They are awaiting the arrival of some POUM assets, recently part of Sir Gilbert Hill’s force in Herefordshire and now changing sides as the reality of Sir Gilbert’s allegiances slowly dawned on them. There’s also rumour of a devastating secret weapon which may or may now be added to the platoon’s assets.
Doug
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Two excellent pairs of reinforcements for the 47th. I will be resisting the Beatles puns (for now) but have started humming "Happiness Is a Warm Gun" after seeing Julia and Mary!
Make sure Jimmy sticks closely to Harold!
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Once again, I find myself admiring the quality of work on these damnable vermin... 8)
I do wonder, though. Does Harold go by "Harry"? That'd be a bit ironic, given his balding pate.... ;)
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Arriving with the Battery Hens are Julia Lennon and Mary McCartney, two Liverpool housewives who have left their husbands and families and volunteered for active service. It has soon became obvious that they share a natural ability as markswomen and they have formed a sniper team which has operated with some success in early skirmishes. The Lennon and McCartney team have already been credited with a string of notable hits before their selection for the 47th.
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_2992.jpeg)
Julia and Mary in training in the grounds of the Cringing Peasant
Also newly arrived at HQ are Harold Lovebush and his assistant Jimmy Dingleberry. They’ve been re-united with the Bigsworth-Bombard, recently secured by a daring night-raid on the research facility and described here:
https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=147714.0 (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=147714.0)
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_5813.jpeg)
Harold and Jimmy refreshing their expertise with the Bombard.
The 47th is now nearly complete. They are awaiting the arrival of some POUM assets, recently part of Sir Gilbert Hill’s force in Herefordshire and now changing sides as the reality of Sir Gilbert’s allegiances slowly dawned on them. There’s also rumour of a devastating secret weapon which may or may now be added to the platoon’s assets.
Doug
Crawling in the mud on the newly seeded lawn!!! Such hooligans! No respect for greenery!!! lol
Excellent work as always Sir and a great photograph of the "hits producing" duo ;).
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Bravo, good to see that Bounder Hill join HMG forces…or were they and now no longer…to be frank Hill ever sought to achieve his own ends and after his capture at the Battle of Winforton flats his arch enemy (at the time) Stokkies Joubert of the Kings Own Colonials would fine it unsettling to find himself allied if occasional should ever allow. Mind you if Miss Sweatmeat was to be in attendance Stokkies could forgive and forget…
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Make sure Jimmy sticks closely to Harold!
? :)
Once again, I find myself admiring the quality of work on these damnable vermin... 8)
Thanks, Jim although Bessie Braddock says the feeling is mutual. I’m staying out of it
I do wonder, though. Does Harold go by "Harry"? That'd be a bit ironic, given his balding pate.... ;)
I’m not too sure about this - could it be a reference to a higher class of vermin?
Crawling in the mud on the newly seeded lawn!!! Such hooligans! No respect for greenery!!! lol
Excellent work as always Sir and a great photograph of the "hits producing" duo ;).
Unfortunately, the lawn is still a mess. The sniper team is training in the back garden.
Bravo, good to see that Bounder Hill join HMG forces…or were they and now no longer…to be frank Hill ever sought to achieve his own ends and after his capture at the Battle of Winforton flats his arch enemy (at the time) Stokkies Joubert of the Kings Own Colonials would fine it unsettling to find himself allied if occasional should ever allow. Mind you if Miss Sweatmeat was to be in attendance Stokkies could forgive and forget…
Hi Roo - I see you’re still living in the fantasy world dreamed up by the inveterate braggart Stokkies. Sir Gilbert is happily retired and being ministered to by the fragrant Miss Sweetmeat although, regrettably, Lady Hill is unable to join them in their delightful bower. The command of Sir Gilbert’s victorious veterans has passed to his son, The Honourable Timothy Hill MP. He is rumoured to be preparing a detachment to reinforce the Borchester Brigade in their struggle with the Socialist Alliance.
Good to hear from, Sir….!
Doug
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...The Honourable Timothy Hill MP. He is rumoured to be preparing a detachment to reinforce the Borchester Brigade in their struggle with the Socialist Alliance...
Good man, I'm sure he is, what with his blood line and all. If the rumors are true, I'm looking forward to seeing he and his unit...
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The 47th is now nearly complete. Although there are further rumours of the devastating secret weapon which may or may not be added to the platoon’s strength, they are principally awaiting the arrival of some POUM assets. These were recently part of Sir Gilbert Hill’s force in Herefordshire and are now changing sides as the reality of Sir Gilbert’s allegiances slowly dawned on them. They cast about to find some more suitable comrades and were delighted to discover a POUM influenced unit being formed not too far away - the 47th.
They originally came over from Spain with Freddie Pitt-Bulstrode but Freddie has also left Sir Gilbert to go and help his dad defend Borsetshire which means that he’ll now be on the other side. The POUM veterans don’t care.
There are two detachments. A mortar crew and a machine gun detachment. Attached to the mortar crew is Mrs Hilda Spreadborough from the Ewyas Harold W.I. In fact, she attached herself because she has a "thing" about them and early in their service with Sir Gilbert, they gave her a flag. She is now inseparable from them even though she has no idea what POUM stands for. Also, none of them speak a language that has so far been identified so she can’t speak to them. Nevertheless, she has left husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, house and friends to follow them to Borsetshire. She’s a mad old biddy.
Along with the mortar crew is the mobile machine gun detachment crewed by several ferocious Catalan ladies. They also own the lorry which has been used to concentrate the various sub-units of the platoon. They are quick to point out that it is NOT the platoon transport, it is theirs.
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The lorry collects the POUM detachments from the Herefordshire border and they slip away without alerting any of their former comrades in Sir Gilbert Hill’s force and make their way to the rendezvous.
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_6329-1.jpeg)
The lorry, sometimes achieving speeds close to 40mph, makes steady progress and by nightfall, they arrive at HQ.
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_6639.jpeg)
. Next morning, they are officially welcomed by Comrade Major Braddock.
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_2999.jpeg)
Mrs Hilda Spreadborough proudly displays her flag next to the POUMistas
Doug
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"...the mobile machine gun detachment crewed by several ferocious Catalan ladies..."
Hmm. The Spanish ladies? Seems to me there's a song about them......I must say though, that claiming their truck is just "their" truck, and not a collective asset, kinda goes against the socialist philosophy they claim to espouse.
My what motley crue has assembled there at the Cringing Peasant Inn....(I hope I remembered that name correctly...). I must admit, however, that motley crues can be quite the spectacle...
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Like Mrs Hilda Spreadborough, I have no idea what POUM is supposed to mean lol. The Cringing Peasant Inn might be more aptly named "Muddy Boots and Codswallop" with all those people taking a very loose view of their so called political beliefs ;).
Sterling work as always Sir :-*.
Regards,
Legionnaire.
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The 'mad old biddy' and her comrades are very impressive. Some lovely photos there, too. The 47th seems to be building into a very formidable force, indeed, me ol' cock sparrer!
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I can recognise some of the figures but not all. Any chance of a list of assets?
Following closely in this escapade.
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"...the mobile machine gun detachment crewed by several ferocious Catalan ladies..."
Hmm. The Spanish ladies? Seems to me there's a song about them......I must say though, that claiming their truck is just "their" truck, and not a collective asset, kinda goes against the socialist philosophy they claim to espouse.
Another example of how they deviate from strict Marxist principles is their refusal to give up their national identity. Which is Catalan - definitely not Spanish😊
My what motley crue has assembled there at the Cringing Peasant Inn....(I hope I remembered that name correctly...). I must admit, however, that motley crues can be quite the spectacle...
And motley isn’t necessarily a bad thing👍
Like Mrs Hilda Spreadborough, I have no idea what POUM is supposed to mean lol. The Cringing Peasant Inn might be more aptly named "Muddy Boots and Codswallop" with all those people taking a very loose view of their so called political beliefs ;).
Sterling work as always Sir :-*.
Regards,
Legionnaire.
Thanks, mate. I reckon most people’s political beliefs can become "loose" when self-interest comes into play. :)
POUM in English - The Workers' Party of Marxist Unification which was a Spanish communist party formed during the Second Republic and mainly active around the Spanish Civil War. Eric Blair (George Orwell) fought alongside them rather than the Moscow dominated Communist Party.
The 'mad old biddy' and her comrades are very impressive. Some lovely photos there, too. The 47th seems to be building into a very formidable force, indeed, me ol' cock sparrer!
Could it be that you’re suggesting that it would take an exceptional enemy to meet them on even terms?
I can recognise some of the figures but not all. Any chance of a list of assets?
Following closely in this escapade.
Is it the machine gunners and mortar crew you’re asking about? If so, I can’t be much help. The machine gunners, with their lorry, were a present from a friend in Canada. I’ll ask him to see if he remembers if you like? The mortar crew I have no idea. I had them kicking round for ages and plucked them out of the box when I was looking for odds and ends to start a VBCW platoon for the Hereford games about 10 years ago. They’re not exactly top-of-the-range sculpts but they have a quirky charm.
Thanks for reading :)
Doug
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I'd love to know. Thank you.
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Could it be that you’re suggesting that it would take an exceptional enemy to meet them on even terms?
It is very much as if you had read my mind! Not just an exceptional enemy force, but also an exceptional commander. A person not unfamiliar with all the arts of war but also possessing coolness under fire and imbued with audacity, bravery, daring and determination.
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It is very much as if you had read my mind! Not just an exceptional enemy force, but also an exceptional commander. A person not unfamiliar with all the arts of war but also possessing coolness under fire and imbued with audacity, bravery, daring and determination.
But where could one find such a paragon? Doubtless, as events unfold, we’ll see if such will come to the fore.
I'd love to know. Thank you.
I’ll ask him and see if he can remember.
Doug
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I can recognise some of the figures but not all. Any chance of a list of assets?
Following closely in this escapade.
Don’t forget to mention the wheelbarrow!
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The 47th is now complete and 24 hours after the arrival of the POUM detachments, orders are given to move south - the invasion of Borsetshire has begun. Major Braddock has secured transport for the main body in the shape of a bus, until yesterday part of the fleet of the Borsetshire Transport Authority, and now liberated to serve The Revolution.
The pub’s landlord re-appears, pale and anxious but otherwise unharmed and is ordered to remove the various flags and banners from the roof and balcony. His last chore is to firmly fix one of the banners to each side of the bus. Instead of the bullet in the back of the head which, in his darker moments he expected, Comrade Major Braddock presents him with an original copy of Trotsky’s Stalinskaia Shkola Falsifikatsii. Leaving him bemused but grateful to be alive, she joins the rest of the platoon on the bus.
(https://velodoug.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_6648-1.jpeg)
And so, the 47th embus and head south, glorying in the inevitable success of their cause………
Next - The Battle of the Borchester Road
Doug
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But where could one find such a paragon? Doubtless, as events unfold, we’ll see if such will come to the fore.
My thoughts exactly...
And regarding the bus, I know those reds like that whole "collective" thing, but isn't stuffing all your troops onto the 4:15 cross-town a bit like putting all your eggs in one basket? One drop, and they're all broken? I wonder if that ends up being a tactical miscue?
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I don't know the quality of the Borsetshire Transport Authority vehicles but if you grabbed on of ours at this time period ... you might need a tow.
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My thoughts exactly...
And regarding the bus, I know those reds like that whole "collective" thing, but isn't stuffing all your troops onto the 4:15 cross-town a bit like putting all your eggs in one basket? One drop, and they're all broken? I wonder if that ends up being a tactical miscue?
When needs must, these risks have to be taken. They couldn’t get everyone into the POUM lorry and they couldn’t use it to shuttle troops back and forth like they did for the concentration - not with bourgeois mercenaries gathering. So, surrounded by the cloak of Revolutionary righteousness, they fear naught.
I'd love to know. Thank you.
The matching-gunners are conversions from the Dunwich Detectives range:
https://em4miniatures.com/collections/dunwich-detectives (https://em4miniatures.com/collections/dunwich-detectives)
And the mortar and red are Irregular Miniatires’ VBCW range.
The machine guns were from the bits box :)
I hope this helps.
Doug
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It is very much as if you had read my mind! Not just an exceptional enemy force, but also an exceptional commander. A person not unfamiliar with all the arts of war but also possessing coolness under fire and imbued with audacity, bravery, daring and determination.
You wouldn't be thinking of that Napoleon of the VBCW, the general who believed big battalion's maketh the General, or would you? ;)
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The matching-gunners are conversions from the Dunwich Detectives range:
https://em4miniatures.com/collections/dunwich-detectives (https://em4miniatures.com/collections/dunwich-detectives)
And the mortar and red are Irregular Miniatires’ VBCW range.
The machine guns were from the bits box :)
Thank you