GW026-GW036 WWI British Royal Fusiliers Pre-Order!! (3 Viewers)

[FirstLegion]

I also would have liked to have seen these released with fixed bayonets I personally think they would look better not to mention they are representing the Somme. The British Battle Orders for the Somme stated clearly that the advance on German lines would be with fixed bayonets, there is no debating that. Just ask anyone with any knowledge of the Battle. Now did all the units follow that order that's a grey area and I'm sure there were some that didn't.

One must also remember that the British were issued 100 rounds of ammo and having an understanding of the tactics of 1916 also helps. They still believed the bayonet as superior for hand to hand combat, and when fighting close quarters in enemy trenches that it would reduce the risk of shooting your comrades in arms, I know hard to believe.
For the taking and holding the trenches every effort was taken and using the Bayonet was thought of as a way to also conserve ammo. Tactics started to change in 1917 for the better, I'm really hoping down the line to see figures released for the trenches with maces, clubs and trench knives. German Stormtroopers with camo helmets would be a great addition.

Hey it is what it is, I still love these figures and will be adding more then a few to my WWI collection. I'm also looking forward to the release of the trench sections . regards Gebhard

While I don't want to get dragged into the "trenches" on this, I will remind you that the Somme was a 4 month battle covering a massive battlefront. There were attacks, counterattacks, rinse and repeat. So it really isn't as simple as saying the that the British Battle Orders clearly stated the advance would be with fixed bayonets. This is sort of like attributing the entire battle of Stalingrad to a single set of orders. It's much bigger than that and the longer the battle went on, the more the British learned and the less "over the top" you see as compared to night attacks launched from advanced outposts. Our figures are suitable for any of these offensive actions, not just July 1st. Yes, 57,000+ British were casualties on the first day, but the total bill for the British was 420k casualties, so there is a lot more to the battle than the first day.

That being said, it would not be incorrect to have the figures with fixed bayonets just like it's not incorrect to have them without them. In this case, it comes down to preference and I do understand that many of you would have preferred them with bayonets and we've noted that down for future reference. Gebhard also brings up the interesting point of doing figures with "maces, clubs, trench knives" and I'll add to that shotguns, spades, etc... as viable hand to hand weapons that would make for interesting figures. But figures carrying such would certainly not have fixed bayonets as these other hand to hand/close combat weapons were more effective than the bayonet in the close confines of the trenches.

Matt

 

[braddinpa]

My only complaint is why are they so good! I want to buy them But trying to be strong.

 

[King Tiger II]

Matt,

I must say these British release look fantastic and they are sure to find a good place in my house.

Cant wait to have them with me.

And btw , we all know that The photos from FL dont make them justice.

Again Great release and i just cant wait for those trenches.

Serge

 

[Gebhard]

Hi Gebhard,

You are spot on with the facts and with the comment about these figures, they capture that "moment".

Not sure if you are aware but, the 1908 webbing ammo pouches actually carried 15 rounds (on clips of 5) per pouch so, a fully laden Tommy would carry 150 rounds, not 100. I know from experience as, as well as being a manufacturer and collector, I am also a living history person who wears this kit {sm3}

Best wishes,

Malcolm.:salute::

Hi Malcom,

Thanks, I agree they seem to capture that moment unfortunately for me it's not the moment I'd been hoping for but it's a ****ed fine moment none the less. I'm really looking forward to getting more then a few for my collection.

Thanks for the correction in regards to my mistake about the ammo carrying capacity of the M1908 of course your 100% correct. I've been dealing with uniforms and equipment forever and I still get things mixed up sometimes :redface2:. I was thinking of the British M1914 equipment as well as the US M1910 and M1917 all of which carried 100 rounds I guess I had 100 on my mind. Of course since you have first hand experience handling the extra weight, it would make a more lasting impression.

I'm a long time member and supporter of the Great War Association and if you ever get to the eastern part of the US drop me a line. I'm sure I would have no trouble at all finding you a unit to fall in with for one of our events. They'd love to have you and you'd be blown away, we have sponsored European nationals before and they can't believe the benefits the second amendment affords Americans especially in the great state of PA or the size of the site. regards Gebhard

 

[Gebhard]

While I don't want to get dragged into the "trenches" on this, I will remind you that the Somme was a 4 month battle covering a massive battlefront. There were attacks, counterattacks, rinse and repeat. So it really isn't as simple as saying the that the British Battle Orders clearly stated the advance would be with fixed bayonets. This is sort of like attributing the entire battle of Stalingrad to a single set of orders. It's much bigger than that and the longer the battle went on, the more the British learned and the less "over the top" you see as compared to night attacks launched from advanced outposts. Our figures are suitable for any of these offensive actions, not just July 1st. Yes, 57,000+ British were casualties on the first day, but the total bill for the British was 420k casualties, so there is a lot more to the battle than the first day.

That being said, it would not be incorrect to have the figures with fixed bayonets just like it's not incorrect to have them without them. In this case, it comes down to preference and I do understand that many of you would have preferred them with bayonets and we've noted that down for future reference. Gebhard also brings up the interesting point of doing figures with "maces, clubs, trench knives" and I'll add to that shotguns, spades, etc... as viable hand to hand weapons that would make for interesting figures. But figures carrying such would certainly not have fixed bayonets as these other hand to hand/close combat weapons were more effective than the bayonet in the close confines of the trenches.

Matt

Hi Matt,

Actually I will remind you that the fighting in the Somme started in September of 1914 so it was a bit longer then 4 months^&grin only kidding :wink2:

Of course there were many different phases of the Battle and I totally get where your coming from and why you guys chose to represent the British the way you did with your first release, as you know its just that I had my heart set on something else. Next time Bayonets please .
You know it's sort of like how Bill always bust your chops when you release a British Napoleonic release in different poses then he'd have made. It's no biggie like you say above they both work and are equally correct for the different phases of the battle.

Now on to important things.....about those hand to hand figures you mention, and that Shotgun. Now I have visions of US troops issued with Winchester Model 97's ( oh yea bring on the trench sweepers) Bayonets or not ^&grin .. best Gebhard

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Matt,

Actually I will remind you that the fighting in the Somme started in September of 1914 so it was a bit longer then 4 months^&grin only kidding :wink2:

Of course there were many different phases of the Battle and I totally get where your coming from and why you guys chose to represent the British the way you did with your first release, as you know its just that I had my heart set on something else. Next time Bayonets please .
You know it's sort of like how Bill always bust your chops when you release a British Napoleonic release in different poses then he'd have made. It's no biggie like you say above they both work and are equally correct for the different phases of the battle.

Now on to important things.....about those hand to hand figures you mention, and that Shotgun. Now I have visions of US troops issued with Winchester Model 97's ( oh yea bring on the trench sweepers) Bayonets or not ^&grin .. best Gebhard

As a painter of castings or refurbishing/converting older figures - the answer to this would seem relatively simple to me. Just supply customers who want them - with unpainted casting kits, with optional features ( like bayonet added to weapon - or not) - or offer to construct them yourself with optional features such as this.

Many other companies used to do this, as a matter of course - and indeed some still do. These are the ones that I buy myself, and often adapt exactly the same castings to look very different from each other, by varying heads, arms legs, weapons etcetera - to eventually have a far more varied collection.

It might not be as easy for the supplier to do it - as it is far easier to stick to the same pose for each figure - but the customer would benefit enormously - and - you never know, they might be tempted to buy several more of each figure - to make up more of the optional poses.

Just a thought, as I rarely buy painted versions of anything - as I can usually find or adapt most things I want from those who do sell unpainted castings. johnnybach

 

[Gebhard]

As a painter of castings or refurbishing/converting older figures - the answer to this would seem relatively simple to me. Just supply customers who want them - with unpainted casting kits, with optional features ( like bayonet added to weapon - or not) - or offer to construct them yourself with optional features such as this.

Many other companies used to do this, as a matter of course - and indeed some still do. These are the ones that I buy myself, and often adapt exactly the same castings to look very different from each other, by varying heads, arms legs, weapons etcetera - to eventually have a far more varied collection.

It might not be as easy for the supplier to do it - as it is far easier to stick to the same pose for each figure - but the customer would benefit enormously - and - you never know, they might be tempted to buy several more of each figure - to make up more of the optional poses.

Just a thought, as I rarely buy painted versions of anything - as I can usually find or adapt most things I want from those who do sell unpainted castings. johnnybach

Hello,
I can only speak for myself but FL supplying kits does nothing to help me, as I haven't painted a figure since like 1980 or so and I wasn't that great anyway. I'm not sure if you know or not but FL are in the kit manufacturing business offering figures in 1:35 scale resin and also 60 and 90mm metal figure kits.

I've seen a friends work with the 60mm Prussian standard bearer and you could not tell it apart from the original release, excellent work. I've also seen guys buy multiples and move the arms and heads to make a more varied looking collection to good effect. Still haven't seen anyone do a true conversion yet ie bending the arms and legs ect to create a new figure. Maybe like taking a static pose and turning it into a attack pose, that takes a lot of talent and hard work.

To be very honest if I could paint figures to the level of my buddy Rod, I most likely wouldn't be spending 1000's on prepaid figures of any kind. I would be content with creating my own. I like your ideas ... regards Gebhard

 

[FirstLegion]

Hi Matt,
Next time Bayonets please .

Noted for sure. Perhaps we'll do a smaller supplemental release with a few bayonets to mix in with the existing troops. Really, had we known that folks would feel so strongly about it, we probably would have done these ones with bayonets...

Now on to important things.....about those hand to hand figures you mention, and that Shotgun. Now I have visions of US troops issued with Winchester Model 97's ( oh yea bring on the trench sweepers) Bayonets or not ^&grin .. best Gebhard

Once we get the trench sections out, I think it will be a good time to add some of these types of figures along with some H-to-H sets like we did for Stalingrad.

 

[sparkym]

Thanks for your reply ref the bayonets. I would really look forward to a later release of the same figures with bayonets added.

All the iconic images of the 1916 Battle of the Somme in paintings and film footage, show infantry advancing forward with fixed bayonets.

Thanks for taking on board the feedback of collectors.

I see your advert in the latest edition of Toy Soldier Model Figure magazine, listing the British First World War infantry.

I hope they will be a good selling range, with lots of future releases.

 

[spartan71]

I am not into WWI, every single piece/pose is great looking!!, I can not eliminate any piece, and not add it. All Great additions. Congratulations to the folks that collect these. When the trench sections comes out. This pieces would be hard to ignore, for me.

 

[sparkym]

Hello, has anyone taken delivery of the British Infantry ? it would be good to hear some feedback.

 

[sparkym]

Are there no sightings yet of the British WW1 infantry ? Intelligence regarding opinion of figures needed !

 

[cantinetozzo]

I ordered the Lewis gunner..and i'm waiting for it. I choose not to buy the rifle figures because of the bayonet (not because i don't like'em, there are 2 or 3 figures i'd buy tomorrow , but i read that there' s a possibility that a new batch of figures could be with bayonets). I didn't collect Great War figures by FL but after i bought the french telephone operator and the german puttin on his gasmask i'm in love with them. Unfortunately seems a forgotten range..:/...by the way in these figures i love the details of the different rifles...the New Army units had a few problems with the number of SMLE available, so they scrounged rifles from different sources (i read somewhere even Arikara were used), I'll post some pics when i'll receive the figure.

 

[FirstLegion]

but i read that there' s a possibility that a new batch of figures could be with bayonets).

Very glad to hear that you're enjoying the range. Unfortunately what you heard is most certainly not correct, there will not be new figures with bayonets.

Best,

Matt

 

[cantinetozzo]

Very glad to hear that you're enjoying the range. Unfortunately what you heard is most certainly not correct, there will not be new figures with bayonets.

Best,

Matt

Thanks...any news about this range?

 

[cantinetozzo]

Here is my Lewis gunner .. really a wonderful pose and a great figure. Hope there will be more British figures soon, the different patches, the equipment etc. permit to do many many figures of the WWI.

 

[cantinetozzo]

When i buy a toy soldier then i'm eager to know all that i can about the unit he represents. In this case we are before a Fusilier of the 11th (Service) Batallion, The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Here you can find some of its history https://wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/battalion.php?pid=6898 . It was part of the 54th Brigade, 18th (Eastern) Division and on the 1st of July attacked the Montauban de Picardie sector, in the southern part of the front of the Somme. Tha batallion was commanded by Lt.Col. C.C. Carr. First Legion did its homework very well regarding the "battle patches" and the visible simbols of a fusilier regiment (the grenade you can clearly see on the lapel of the attacking officer) . Also on the helmet of the officer you can see a triangle painted . It was typical of the batallions of this division to be identified in such way until 1918 when the system was substituted by a painted band around the helmet. The insignia of the division was the one posted, a "ATN" (reading eighteen). About the bayonets, i think these figures badly need them, but they are really wonderful in capturing the spirit of the tommies.

 

[Andanna]

The shading on that figure is just amazing.