Soon I will be posting some German Fallschirmjäger(paratroopers) from Artizan designs in 28mm to battle a friends British paratroopers.I'm working on my first test model now.They will be used for the Disposable Heroes rule system initially.It's not a large project with just 30-50 models in total,but a difficult one with the camo scheme involved.As many WWII painters have pointed out that the splinter camo scheme is quite hard to do,but looks great if pulled off.
The background will be from the 6th Fallschirmjägerregiment of the 2nd Fallschirmjägerdivision during their actions in Normandy and Holland commanded by Oberstleutnant Freiherr von der Heydte.The regiment at it's core was formed of veterans from Crete,North Africa and Italy with the addition of Luftwaffe ground personnel in 1944 at Köln-Wahn.At this point they acted more in the role as elite light infantry then actual paratroopers,because of the heavy losses the Fallschirmjäger units and battalions sustained on a para drop campaign in Crete.However, they did keep the honorific title Fallschirmjäger to instill a sense of being part of an elite formation.
They saw action at Sainte Maris du Mont,Saint-Mere-Eglise,Carentan where they fought so hard their enemy nick named them "The lions of Carentan",battle of the bocage,The raid on St. Germain-sur-Seves,Operation Lüttich,and finally Market Garden in Holland.
The Fallschirmjäger in this time frame is very nice for painters as it offers a chance to change up the uniform.Many of the veterans were still wearing the plain olive green jump smocks in addition to the splinter and marsh camo smocks with luftwaffe blue trossers becoming more common in addition to the field gray.The bluse could found in field gray and luftwaffe blue with the the new recruits wearing more of the luftwaffe blue respectively.As a result, the appearance of the troopers will be quite mixed for reasons given above.
I've never painted Fallschirmjäger before,so my fingers are crossed they will turn out and I won't have pulled any hair out in frustration.
Looking forward to seeing your figures, Christopher. As it happens, I'm currently reading a history of the battle of Crete - clearly a horrifically nasty, dirty battle.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Giles
Hi Chris, Sounds great what you are working on. Any chance of a report on colours you use when you are okay with the initial outcome?
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Helen
Ooooooow, yeah! Very much looking forward to that Chris. Eat some ice cream every now and then... With this heat, you'll need it.
ReplyDeleteAre you using the Artizan painting guides?
@Giles-Your correct Giles as the German command completely misjudged their opposition on Crete where they thought they would face broken second rate troops and instead faced highly motivated crack troops.The result was very heavy causalities that put an end to anymore para jumps until a small one at Battle of the Bulge.I'm currently reading a book titled "Storming Eagles" by James Lucas and is a wonderful book.
ReplyDelete@Tank Girl-I will try and remember to post the method I used.If I forget after posting,then please remind me.
@Doc Phobos-I have viewed the Artizan paint guides and also been in contact with Tom Weiss for some pointers.I also followed Chevalier de la Terre Luftwaffe suggestions.
Cheers
Christopher
Hi Chris,
ReplyDeleteVery nice stuff. Really liking the Camo. Keep up the good work!
Rob