Bolt Action Progress Part 2

Bolt Action Progress Part 2

2/22/20

I've returned again, and have brought back reinforcements! Those dastardly Desert Rats have proven relentless, and so I thought we'd return to North Africa with some of the best troops Italy could provide! I've made great strides covering the Western Desert campaign, but my work is anything but finished. Expect more Italians and eventually, Afrika Korps and even British! Blood on the sand indeed. Enjoy! Viva Napoli! 

Behold, the 185th "Folgore" division! Famous for the actions/sacrifices during the battle of El Alamein. Among the most decorated of the whole of the Italian Armed forces. The Folgore (Italian for Lightening bolt) was tasked with defending the Afrika Corps's withdraw from El Alamein once there positions proved untannable. Bearing the brunt of numerous attacks from commonwealth forces, 185th would hold out from the 24th of October till running out of time, ammo, and men as of the 4th Of November, 1942. The resistance put up by the Folgore division was the stuff of legend. Combating tanks with little more than improvised explosives, the Folgore would claim 120 armored Vehicles in the first wave alone. When the Folgore finally surrendered, most of the prisoners were wounded. 

The models are from Warlord Games. Namely based on the later 185th that was reconstituted by the R.S.I. who'd fight for the Axis until the end of the war.. Hence why some posses panzerfausts, and a MG-42. 

Clad in there M29 "Telo Mimetico" or "San Marco" Camouflage smocks, and equipped with there signature Beretta Mab 38 submachine guns, The Folgore are a distinct bunch indeed. 

Little known fact: Italy was among the first to explore the concept of aerial deployed infantry or "paratroopers". 

To help carry there ammo, Italian paratroops were issued "Samuari vests" to store magazines for there Beretta 38 submachineguns. Don't they look neat?

From left to right; Forward observer, commanding officer or C.O., Flamethrower assistant, and flamethrower guy equipped with Modello 35 flamethrower.

Folgore support teams. 

Folgore Model 37 MMG team, and Modello medium mortar team 

Sniper team and prone Breda Model 30 light machinegun team.

Italian colonial forces, Askari of the 1st/2nd Libyan divisions. Models from Askari Miniatures. NCO's distinguished by the red and black chevrons on there shoulders.

And where would the Italian army be without it's support teams/heavy weapons? Featured in this photo is a Breda Model 37 MMG team, a 47mm Elefantino light anti-tank gun team, a Solothurn S18-1000 anti-tank rifle team, and another model 35 medium mortar team.  

And when the anti-tank rifle or 47mm Elefantino aren't enough. . . here's the glorious  Cannone da 90/53 heavy anti-air/anti tank gun! Despite it's appearance, the 90/53 is a separate design from Germany's legendary Flak 36 88mm gun. In fact, according to reports the 90/53 was capable of out performing the "88" in it's anti-air/anti-tank role. Model from Company B Models.

Italian anti-tank assets. British armor, beware!

For armor support, we have the handsome, if mediocre Carro M13/40. Italy's attempt at a medium tank at the outbreak of the war. Contrary what some might say, not an awful design at the time of it's introduction. It's shortcoming's came namely from being misclassed and poor suspensions. In combat the M13 was capable of challenging British Stuart/Honey light tanks, and even some of the earlier Cruiser series tanks. Model from Warlord Games.     

The camo scheme wasn't based off any particular design. I just tried something that looked plausible for Italian armor. Considering the M13 is among my earliest work being painted a year ago, I rather like how it came out. 

As of the last couple months I've been taking my first tentative steps towards terrain building. As you can see, the setting I chose to start was North African desert. Namely Tunisia. To my surprise, the improvised camo on my M13 would seem to fit it perfectly! Almost as if it was intended. More terrain photos coming soon! 

Thanks for reading, till next time!