Royal Navy contingent

I’ve finished my Royal Navy contingent for my Suakin campaign … well, until I start work on the armed train.

Left-to-right: HMS Hecla’s company of Blue Jackets, commanded by Captain Arthur Wilson; RMLI company from HMS Tyne, Gatling gun battery, and company of Blue Jackets. Rear: Private Thomas Edwards (1 Black Watch) with a pair of ammunition mules. Front: Rear Admiral Sir William Hewett VC KCB and staff. Wilson and Edwards would be awarded VCs for their actions at second El Teb and Tamai respectively.

Progress while an east wind blows

I’ve been hunkered down with my RMLI and Naval Brigade, finally finishing them.

Meanwhile a hoard of Hadendowa and another British infantry company are ready for painting, and I am beginning to think about modelling the Jack Tars hauling the Gatling gun limber, and a screw gun carried by mules or camels.

Top to bottom: The Naval Brigade contingent from HMS Hecla join their chief, Captain Arthur Wilson; the RMLI company from HMS Tyne; Rear Admiral Sir William Hewett VC KCB; war correspondents and great friends Melton Prior and Bennet Burleigh.