Monday, November 20, 2017

The Call is Out for The Eighth Annual Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge


If you're interested in joining this year's Painting Challenge please head over to the Challenge blog.

I guarantee you, it's going to be MONSTROUS!


Saturday, November 11, 2017

In Remembrance: Pvt. Frank Miller B/55391, Algonquin Regiment, Canadian 4th Armoured Division - August 9th, 1944 'Falaise Gap'

Frank Miller at the Algonquin Regiment training camp in northern Ontario

In memory of my great uncle, Pvt. Frank Miller (Müller), who served in the Algonquin Regiment in the Second World War. 

He was a son of recent Austrian immigrants to Canada.

Frank was killed in action August 9, 1944 - fighting as part of the ill-fated 'Worthington Force' - a battlegroup which became lost and isolated behind German lines. After fierce fighting, the force was overrun by units of the 12th SS Panzer Division.


The Saskatchewan War Memorial on the grounds of the Provincial Legislature


Frank rests at Bretteville-Sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery in Normandy. 



His family remembers.


Sunday, November 5, 2017

A Great Day Out at 'Crisis'


This is just a short post, providing a brief recap of my wonderful day taking in 'Crisis' in  picturesque Antwerp. 

Wow, what an amazing event. Sure, it was very crowded and quite busy (and the venue itself reminds me of a repurposed U-Boat pen), but the number of vendors and the quality of the games were absolutely astounding.

This shot was taken mid-way through one of the two adjoining halls. A massive space.
Here are a few miscellaneous shots of just a few things that caught my eye (apparently, from these pics, boats, ships and airships were a favourite!).
















Games and figures aside, the best part of the event, hands down, was being able to gather together with old friends (DaveD, SidneyR, MichaelF, JakeK and RobP), make new ones (Jerry and Christine), and meet-up with people that I've become acquainted with through the blog, but have never had the chance to spend time with until now. So a big shout-out to StefanK, Nick (Moiterei), ChristopherS and SanderS. What a wonderful bunch of people - it was absolutely brilliant meeting you all!


From left to right: Me, ChristopherS, Nick, StefanK and SidneyR (photo by DaveD)
From left to right: DaveD, RobP (behind), ChristopherS, JakeK, Jerry Miller and his wife Christine, Nick, myself and MikeF
DaveD and StefanK behind Stefan's club's brilliant North West Frontier table.
SanderS and his charming son Arthur, who came up for the afternoon to visit, spread good cheer and stock-up for the upcoming Painting Challenge.

Of course, I went waay over budget on a bewildering assortment of figures, terrain and books - some of which I hope to debut during the Challenge (fingers crossed). Many thanks to Dave and Sid for kindly arranging for it all to be sent back to Canada through 'diplomatic pouch', saving us from not having to try to squeeze it all into our luggage. Thanks again guys, you're brilliant!

Next up: Part II of our Ortona '43 mini-campaign