Sunday 8 September 2013

Flodden

The 9th of September this year marks the 500th anniversary of the battle of Flodden fought just over the border in England which saw a major defeat for the Scots and the last time a British monarch, James IV was killed in battle. I feel this army is about as old having been started back in 1979/80 when Dixon Miniatures first released this range of figures hence the old school painting and basing.
There have been figures from many companies added to this force over the years from Essex, Foundry, Hinchcliffe, Minifigs and Warrior but majority of figures are from the Dixon range which has now been re-sculpted since I bought these ones. This army has been in it's boxes and not seen action for over 16 years since its English opposition fled to New Zealand and I keep thinking I should sell it off, perhaps one day.
Part of the King's Division, men from Edinburgh
and the Lothians
King James IV of Scotland killed at Flodden
This figure was sculpted and painted for me by one of my oldest wargames
friends and top figure designer, Aly Morrison.
Another Division of Fife and Border troops
The King at the centre of the army
The Scots left flank was composed of men from Angus and the Borders
The Borderers usually fought mounted but in the battle they fought on foot as pikemen
 but remounted at the end of the battle to cover the Scots retreat.
The Scots right flank was composed of Highlanders under command of
Archibald Campbell, Earl of Argyle.
King James loved his heavy artillery and although very useful at the sieges of Etal and Ford castles the big guns took no part in the battle as they were facing the wrong direction and were too heavy to move in time plus the lighter guns the Scots did manage to move into position had difficulty depressing their barrels to fire on the English and were ineffective during the battle.
All the Scots artillery was captured after the battle.

12 comments:

  1. Beautiful paint jobs! What was used for the grass?

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  2. Dave

    In this 500 anniversary year have you seen a Flodden display at any show?

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    1. Colin and myself had been asked to put on a display at Flodden with the guys from Border Reiver club but unfortunately nothing came of it.

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    2. It does seem strange that nobody else has bothered to put on a display of this famous battle.

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  3. Excellent figures, love the shields! I tried to get my 15mm Flodden figures finished in time for the anniversary, but have failed miserably, to my shame. As its the 500th anniversary I'm surprised not to have seen it more at shows this year as well, Wigmore Warriors did put on the battle at Salute this year, there's some pics of their game up on my blog if anyone's interested.

    http://onelover-ray.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/salute-2013-part-1.html

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    1. Thanks Ray, they were done back in the day when there were no decals to put on and no pre-printed flags to buy, in fact there were no computers in the home then either.

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  4. Nice to see some old style troops again Dave!

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  5. Ahh! the memories. I still think this is one of the nicest armies you painted Dave. Pity nothing was done to mark the 500th anniversary of such an important battle though.

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    1. I still have great memories of games we used to play but I think running off to NZ just because I kept beating you was a bit extreme. Lol!

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  6. Lovely work there John and they remind me of Terry Wise's book on wargames and the photos within

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    1. I can't think if I have seen any of Terry Wise's books but I was always inspired by what I used to see in Donald Featherstone's and George Gush's books.

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