Commemorating THE BIG WAR 1914-1918 (1 Viewer)

[Guy]

Folks
The national, regional and local autorities over here are in full swing preparing the hundreds of events which will commemorate the big war, events that will start next year . Maybe also an opportunity for TGM to produce some exclusive WW1 figures. Let's give him some ideas . What figures or vehicles would you like TG to produce. Let us know . Personally I would like to see some Belgian soldiers . Don't forget they fired the first shots against the Germans in august 1914 and for the duration of the war they held the line from the North of Ypres to the Belgian coast at Nieuport .
here is a picture of belgian soldiers in winter outfit.
guy

Note the typical belgian head gear

 

[Guy]

A few more uniforms of the Belgian Army and Gendarmerie from 1914-1918
guy



belgian army uniform egypt campaign

 

[Rob]

A few more uniforms of the Belgian Army and Gendarmerie from 1914-1918
guy
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belgian army uniform egypt campaign

Guy,

Excellent pics thanks for sharing.

Am keeping an eye on events in France, Belgium and of course the UK, if you have any upcoming events to share in the coming months please put them in the WW1 thread currently in the discussion thread, am very much looking forward to returning to your country next year and any WW1 news is always interesting to me.:smile2:

Cheers mate

Rob

 

[Guy]

Belgian armoured car 1914
In august 1914 the Belgian Lieutenant Charles Henkart put his two armoured Minerva cars at the disposal of the Belgian Army. Cockerill simply added some armour plating and a Hotchkiss machine gun. Despite previous efforts of both the German and French armies to build armoured cars, it was little Belgium which produced the first effective ones . It had a crew of 3 or 4, armoured plates 4mm thick and max top speed of 40kph ( because of the armoured plates)
here is a picture of this first AFV
guy

 

[Guy]

Will do Rob, will try to lay my hands on the rough outlines already available.
guy

 

[Mitch]

Guy...

not really a big WWI collector but, at least your thread is a commemoration of the start of WWI. I think sadly, the band wagon will roll for this mental view as an anniversary as if something to celebrate and, sadly, make piles of cash from the carnage on regurgitated pre existing books and all the other paraphernalia. I hope that TS manufacturers will avoid the quick buck and, not just release because it seems fashionable and, profitable to do.

Still for the life of me don't see what is so big about this year than any other but, I guess its how one views the war
Mitch

 

[Martin Tabony]

Guy...

not really a big WWI collector but, at least your thread is a commemoration of the start of WWI. I think sadly, the band wagon will roll for this mental view as an anniversary as if something to celebrate and, sadly, make piles of cash from the carnage on regurgitated pre existing books and all the other paraphernalia. I hope that TS manufacturers will avoid the quick buck and, not just release because it seems fashionable and, profitable to do.

Still for the life of me don't see what is so big about this year than any other but, I guess its how one views the war
Mitch

How else would you expect toy soldier makers to commemorate the start of "The Great War"? Do you also think all other military anniversaries should be ignored?

Martin

 

[Rob]

How else would you expect toy soldier makers to commemorate the start of "The Great War"? Do you also think all other military anniversaries should be ignored?

Martin

The First World War was such a huge shocking event for Great Britain that it scarred the nation deeply for decades afterwards, its natural the public want to pause to remember the start, finish and some pivotal moments during the terrible conflict. As the Australians will pause to remember their losses at Gallipoli we will pause to remember our dead on the 1st July 2016 one hundred years from the start of the Somme. Although every year is a national memorial this will be the last on a wide scale for the first World War. Its a free country, those who do not care to join the national remembrance on the several dates between 2014 and 2018 don't have to and those who do wish to such as myself are perfectly free to do so. I'll be pausing to remember my great uncles who fought in the artillery at Passchendaele and my wife's great grandfather killed outside Ypres. There will of course be many books and films and by the sound of it a flood of tv etc but that is a total side issue for those of us who study the conflict, its the remembrance that counts most. You can do it with the nation at a big service, you can stand at a graveside of the fallen or you can sit on your sofa at home and do it or if you simply don't care then you don't have to remember at all.

But I know I'll be remembering:smile2:

I'm guessing in a hundred years time the descendents of our Soldiers killed out in Afghanistan will still remember their lost too. We are only free because someone died for us previously.

Rob

 

[waynepoo]

How else would you expect toy soldier makers to commemorate the start of "The Great War"? Do you also think all other military anniversaries should be ignored?

Martin

Indeed, it will a commemoration of the a anniversary not a celebration, and something more than worthy to commemorate.
Wayne.

 

[waynepoo]

The First World War was such a huge shocking event for Great Britain that it scarred the nation deeply for decades afterwards, its natural the public want to pause to remember the start, finish and some pivotal moments during the terrible conflict. As the Australians will pause to remember their losses at Gallipoli we will pause to remember our dead on the 1st July 2016 one hundred years from the start of the Somme. Although every year is a national memorial this will be the last on a wide scale for the first World War. Its a free country, those who do not care to join the national remembrance on the several dates between 2014 and 2018 don't have to and those who do wish to such as myself are perfectly free to do so. I'll be pausing to remember my great uncles who fought in the artillery at Passchendaele and my wife's great grandfather killed outside Ypres. There will of course be many books and films and by the sound of it a flood of tv etc but that is a total side issue for those of us who study the conflict, its the remembrance that counts most. You can do it with the nation at a big service, you can stand at a graveside of the fallen or you can sit on your sofa at home and do it or if you simply don't care then you don't have to remember at all.

But I know I'll be remembering:smile2:

I'm guessing in a hundred years time the descendents of our Soldiers killed out in Afghanistan will still remember their lost too. We are only free because someone died for us previously.

Rob

Well said Rob, it would be almost criminal not to commemorate such a momentous era of our history, as you say you don't have to join in the commemorations...go fishing or something....:wink2:Wayne.

 

[Martin Tabony]

The First World War was such a huge shocking event for Great Britain that it scarred the nation deeply for decades afterwards, its natural the public want to pause to remember the start, finish and some pivotal moments during the terrible conflict. As the Australians will pause to remember their losses at Gallipoli we will pause to remember our dead on the 1st July 2016 one hundred years from the start of the Somme. Although every year is a national memorial this will be the last on a wide scale for the first World War. Its a free country, those who do not care to join the national remembrance on the several dates between 2014 and 2018 don't have to and those who do wish to such as myself are perfectly free to do so. I'll be pausing to remember my great uncles who fought in the artillery at Passchendaele and my wife's great grandfather killed outside Ypres. There will of course be many books and films and by the sound of it a flood of tv etc but that is a total side issue for those of us who study the conflict, its the remembrance that counts most. You can do it with the nation at a big service, you can stand at a graveside of the fallen or you can sit on your sofa at home and do it or if you simply don't care then you don't have to remember at all.

But I know I'll be remembering:smile2:

I'm guessing in a hundred years time the descendents of our Soldiers killed out in Afghanistan will still remember their lost too. We are only free because someone died for us previously.

Rob

I personally will be taking part in several personal and regimental commemorations. I also have been working on some more 1914 figures! I just thought it strange to infer on a toy soldier forum that anyone making toy soldiers of the first world war was just looking for a "quick buck".

Martin

 

[Rob]

Well said Rob, it would be almost criminal not to commemorate such a momentous era of our history, as you say you don't have to join in the commemorations...go fishing or something....:wink2:Wayne.

It would indeed Wayne, this country (and I'm sure yours) has always been good at showing their respect for the fallen and because we are free we can choose when and if we want to remember{bravo}}

I hope you have a wonderful time in France this year Wayne, I will be following in your footsteps next year when I return to the Somme and Ypres , nothing like treading that hallowed ground. Will also pay my respects at one of the evening services at the Menin gate, quite an atmosphere they have there every single night of the year.

Actually its also the 7oth Anniversary of D Day next year, but not only is that another story and another trip, its another campaign of persuading the missus:wink2:

Rob

 

[Mitch]

Martin...

I don't think I have stated they should be ignored and, not you, but some, have used this view as they always do to make out its disrespectful to have such views and, that's narrow minded in the extreme. Its not about not wanting to pay respects (though, it plays peoples arguments if they can hang onto that idea)

I pay my respects each and every year on remembrance Sunday every year and, having a military and police family I have grown up with that. I just for the life of me cannot see why this is more important than the 20th commemoration or, the 99th. If you want to pay respects, buy or release WWI memorabilia why not have already done so, why wait until this apparently pivotal and all important number??

If people wish to find family heritage (children that is as its been used) why this year what it shows, for me, is that because its getting beaten to death in the papers and, by our politicians (though the fact that its used as a nationalistic event to keep Scotland part of the Union is a major factor) makes it somehow seem more important.

All of these things that are now bandied around IMO should have been in place on every single year that remembrance has taken place. To me, and, that's all that matters, it seems that we have focused more on the number than what it actually means and, that's what I dislike.

Now, some can take that as a disrespect to servicemen if they so choose but, an anniversary and a commemoration to me are two wholly different things and, what I have heard and seen in some circles makes me feel that we definitely are heading down the wrong road of terminology.

It would be naïve to believe that some are not seeing this as an event and a way to make a lot of money under the fog of national pride and respect for fallen troops.
Mitch

How else would you expect toy soldier makers to commemorate the start of "The Great War"? Do you also think all other military anniversaries should be ignored?

Martin

 

[Rob]

For anyone planning a visit to Belgium or just a WW1 nut, here is one of the very best museums on the Western front in Ypre;

http://www.inflandersfields.be/en

Rob

 

[Fitzgibbon]

For anyone planning a visit to Belgium or just a WW1 nut, here is one of the very best museums on the Western front in Ypre;

http://www.inflandersfields.be/en

Rob

Excellent value and the one at the pub just inside the wall is also well worth the visit. Ypres is a remarkable destination and needs a few days to fully appreciate.

 

[Guy]

I can also recommend you the best privatly owned WW1 museum ' Hooge Crater' ( have a look at their website) and the one in Zonnebeke. In Hooge crater you can see an original film made in 1917
guy:smile2:

 

[Jefman]

Guy: Here is a link of a splendid masterpiece diorama of Belgian troops manning a Minerva armored car circa 1914 battling a detachment of German cavalry-Uhlans. This well crafted piece was made by American master hobbyist Bob Tavis and I've posted a link of this previously on another thread. The attached link albeit a German language site shows the step by step process used in undertaking and crafting this gem a classic convergence of 19th century horse flesh clashing with 20th century armor...how one era is quickly becoming obsolete to another right before your eyes.

Enjoy: http://www.modellversium.de/galerie/3-figuren/1677-brave-little-belgium-verschiedene-hersteller.html

 

[Guy]

Guy: Here is a link of a splendid masterpiece diorama of Belgian troops manning a Minerva armored car circa 1914 battling a detachment of German cavalry-Uhlans. This well crafted piece was made by American master hobbyist Bob Tavis and I've posted a link of this previously on another thread. The attached link albeit a German language site shows the step by step process used in undertaking and crafting this gem a classic convergence of 19th century horse flesh clashing with 20th century armor...how one era is quickly becoming obsolete to another right before your eyes.

Enjoy: http://www.modellversium.de/galerie/3-figuren/1677-brave-little-belgium-verschiedene-hersteller.html

I know this dio . Splendid work of art. Thanks for calling it to mind. I was forgotten about its existance . Another reason why TGM should produce a Minerva armoured car and some German cavalry .
guy

 

[Rob]

I can also recommend you the best privatly owned WW1 museum ' Hooge Crater' ( have a look at their website) and the one in Zonnebeke. In Hooge crater you can see an original film made in 1917
guy:smile2:

Now you're talking my friend! I second Sir Guy here. Been there many times and its a superb site. Very nice lady there that always remembered me and my wife every time we went. Ypre/Passchendaele is a wonderful place with so much to see that it would take too long to list....just go, you'll love it!

Rob

 

[The Military Workshop]

Martin...

I don't think I have stated they should be ignored and, not you, but some, have used this view as they always do to make out its disrespectful to have such views and, that's narrow minded in the extreme. Its not about not wanting to pay respects (though, it plays peoples arguments if they can hang onto that idea)

I pay my respects each and every year on remembrance Sunday every year and, having a military and police family I have grown up with that. I just for the life of me cannot see why this is more important than the 20th commemoration or, the 99th. If you want to pay respects, buy or release WWI memorabilia why not have already done so, why wait until this apparently pivotal and all important number??

If people wish to find family heritage (children that is as its been used) why this year what it shows, for me, is that because its getting beaten to death in the papers and, by our politicians (though the fact that its used as a nationalistic event to keep Scotland part of the Union is a major factor) makes it somehow seem more important.

All of these things that are now bandied around IMO should have been in place on every single year that remembrance has taken place. To me, and, that's all that matters, it seems that we have focused more on the number than what it actually means and, that's what I dislike.

Now, some can take that as a disrespect to servicemen if they so choose but, an anniversary and a commemoration to me are two wholly different things and, what I have heard and seen in some circles makes me feel that we definitely are heading down the wrong road of terminology.

It would be naïve to believe that some are not seeing this as an event and a way to make a lot of money under the fog of national pride and respect for fallen troops.
Mitch

Mitch,
I understand your comment about you personally paying your respects each year and in that respect the 20th should be the same as the 99th etc. That is fine for you as an individual.

However the reality is that many celebrate, commemorate or remember "more" on the major anniversaries. A comparison is wedding anniversaries where the 10th, 20th, 25th, 30th might be celebrated a bit more than the 9th, 19th, 24th and 29th. Same goes for 18th and 21st and 50th birthdays.

In relation to military anniversaries I have been involved in a few in Australia and yes I have made some money out of them. I commissioned an artwork and published prints for the 60th Anniversary of the Royal Australian Regiment. The RAR covers all infantry in Oz since 1948 and they have many reunions over the years. However since the former members are all around the country many only attend the "major" reunions organised such as 60th, 70th, etc. A similar thing happens with Vietnam reunions by various units etc. I know the Australian SAS had a massive reunion on their
50th but nothing much on their 51st.

Likewise I was on Committee for the final National Reunion of the Korean War vets held in Brisbane. That was held on the 50th of the end of the war and the reunion was much bigger than any before it. Luckily some denim shirts I ordered were not made in time otherwise I would have lost thousands as they only seemed interested in the baseball caps of which I did not make enough{sm2}. I dont think there was a National 49th anniversary. For the 50th some of the Vets received funding to help them attend.

I guess the same is happening in UK and Europe but here the Govt and the War Memorial has increased funding for the major events etc as compared to normal years. The 100th of Gallipoli is gearing up to be huge (the 40th Anniversary of Long Tan was a major event with all participants flown to Canberra for a memorial service). Here you will find the War Memorial (our Imperial War Museum) will be allocated extra funds and will revamp the WWI parts of the War Memorial.

As regards Toy Soldier company's making money out of producing WWI figures I hope they and their dealers do. However I am not sure that the current WWI collector base could support all brands producing good ranges of WWI figures. What I am hoping happens is that the figures will attract new collectors to the hobby (ie. more Waynepoos) and than can only be a good thing. The reality is that if TS producers are selling well then they can make more of each item which should mean better costings for them and lower prices for the collector.

If there are businesses in the UK who can come up with good selling WWI related products and make money from them then I say good luck to them. After all that is why they are in business. Businesses provide jobs and keep people off the dole.

Just another perspective of such major events.

Regards
Brett