Bersaglieri Motociclisti

Following on from my last post here's a small support platoon of mounted Bersaglieri to compliment my fully mobilised Italian forces. These guys are mounted on the Moto Guzzi Alce ('Elk') which was in production throughout the war. This Single cylinder, 4 stroke 498cc engine produced 13hp and a top speed of 56mph. The Alce was a robust bike and was ideally suited to the rough conditions of the desert. Most Bersaglieri regiments were supported by a Motociclisti Company and I don't see why my Italians should not also benefit from their support.  

I really enjoyed painting these and look forward to seeing them in action. When mounted they move as Jeeps so will be very fast, especially on roads. The riders can then dismount and become Rifle/MG infantry teams, providing much needed extra firepower just where it is needed.

Motociclisti mounted and unmounted

As mounted troops they move like Jeeps which makes them very fast on roads or across country

The command stand

Battaglione Bersaglieri: Finished at last!

I have finally finished painting a Battaglion Bersaglieri for my Desert Raiders project. I have painted my figures to represent the 9th Reggimento Bersaglieri, part of the 101st ‘Trieste’ Division. I'm now very close to completing everything I need for a raiding game using my LRDG and other units. I have picked a scenario I want to run (more on that after I run the game) and have just a few more small terrain items to finish. Its taken a lot longer than I had hoped. mainly because the new job hit me between the eyes bringing painting projects to a complete halt for several months. I've made a concerted effort to get back on track since Christmas and now the end is very much in sight. 

Battaglione Bersaglieri with Transport Vehicles

A single Company within the Battalion - Lots of firepower!

The Italian Bersaglieri in WW2 were generally of a higher quality than regular infantry, with a greater emphasis on physical stamina and marksmanship. Their helmets adorned with black Cockerel Feathers may have been lampooned by Captain Alberto Bertorelli in the 1980's British Sitcom 'Allo 'Allo! but in reality the feathers were part of the "esprit de corps" of the Bersaglieri and worn with great pride.

Bersaglieri Painting Guide (Vallejo Colours)

Uniform - Desert Yellow 977

Puttees - Olive Grey 888

Tropical Helmet - Desert Yellow 977

Capercaillie Helmet Feathers - German Grey 995

Webbing - Yellow Green 881

Ammo Pouches - Beige Brown 875

Boots - Beige Brown 875

This force has a lot of firepower at its disposal with a high ratio of HMG's & Infantry Guns plus 3-ton trucks to provide transport. I'm looking forward to seeing these in action. I am also nearing completion of a couple of new Divisional support platoons and I hope to have these ready to show next week. 

Back to RAF Hendon

On Sunday the wife and I took our youngest daughter to the RAF museum at Hendon. We've been here several times before (see pictures here and here and here) as there is plenty to see. This time we spent quite a bit of time in the WW1 display hall in the Graham White Factory building. I didn't take too many pictures as I have taken plenty before but here's a handful from what was a very nice afternoon out. 

Myself and my Daughter in front of the Junkers Ju88

Messerschmitt BF 110

Falco CR42

Greham White Factory - WWI zone

The Lewis gun was still being used in WWII and was particularly favoured by the LRDG & SAS

Watch out von Richthofen!

Messerschmitt Me262

Avro Lancaster Bomber

Heinkle He 162

There is lots more to see here if you have a full day available. The quality of exhibits is world class and the displays are very child friendly with plenty of interactive content and hands on exhibits to keep everyone interested. 

Goodbye Caesar

Caesar Augustus Tiberius

Last night we found that our long lived and much loved hamster had died in his sleep. Caesar was nearly three, making him a very old gent in Hamster years. The last few months he has been less and less active and has slept more than usual, so we knew he was on the decline. None the less it was a sad moment and the house won't be the same without him. 

Caesar was a Golden Hamster, was very intelligent and had a very sociable disposition. When he was younger he would climb the walls of his cage and swing from the roof by his teeth (I kid you not). He never bit anyone, even when we tried to cut his claws, an activity he clearly didn't enjoy. He had the cutest little squeak and enjoyed being held and stroked making him an excellent pet. He was also quite partial to wargaming... I took this photo of Caesar reviewing the troops only last week. 

I'd often take Caesar over to my paint desk to show him what I was working on and he would look up at me with his big pink eyes as if to say "I'm not sure about the highlighting on these" or "wouldn't you prefer to paint Romans?".