Ironclad gunboats on the River Waikato in 1863

[Arteis]

An old colleague of mine has recently written a book that will be of interest to colonial-period wargamers.

The Waikato River Gunboats by Grant Middlemiss, and illustrated by marine draughtsman Harry Duncan, is the story of the gunboats used by the British during the invasion of the Waikato, New Zealand, 1863.

The Waikato Flotilla was purpose built for the New Zealand Colonial Government, and deployed during the British invasion of the Waikato 1863, when a force of 12,000 British and Colonial troops invaded the Waikato region.

With the author's permission, I've posted some drawings from the book on my blog: http://arteis.wordpress.com/2014/06/07/ironclad-gunboats-on-the-river-waikato-in-1863/

Here are some samples:




  

[Plynkes]

Now that's an aspect of these conflicts I was entirely unaware of (though that wouldn't be hard, given that I know very little to begin with).

But us Colonial Wargamers do love our gunboats, don't we? I'm sure there will be some gamers scrambling to make some now. 

[Stu]

I've never heard mention of gunboats before, all the time I have spent around  the river not even a whisper. They won't go on my 'to do' list but I will be interested in any one else's work.

[Traveler Man]

Fascinating! I'm sure there'll be a lot of interest in this book.

[Mr.Marx]

That 'monitor' is just fantastic. Very unique layout.

MM.

[OSHIROmodels]

Good to see an obscure subject get some good quality press 

cheers

James

[Paul @ Empress Miniatures]

Oooooooo. Shiny. 

So many good threads in the room today.

Paul

[Arteis]

I received my copy of this book the other day.  And I've got to say it is even better than I expected.  

The story is well-told and very readable and gripping.  It describes how the small flotilla of jury-rigged and purpose built ironclad gunboats supported the invasion of the Waikato in 1863.  Lots of nice wargaming ideas, with troop landings, bombardments and Maori ambushes.  

The illustrations are stunning.  Lots of contemporary paintings (many I've never seen before).  And some very detailed drawings of the vessels themselves, that would be very inspirational for those making model gunboats, whether for the New Zealand Wars or elsewhere.

[OSHIROmodels]

That's me sold then 

cheers

James

[chicklewis]

From whence is this fascinating book available, and for how much, please ??

Neither Amazon nor Bookfinder seem to be aware of the volume.

[Arteis]

It's self-published, so you're best to order it direct from the writer.  His details are on my blog:

http://arteis.wordpress.com/2014/06/18/3748/

Cheers

Roly

[chicklewis]

Thanks, Roly, my copy is on the way to me !