Sudan - Guards battalion in red

Since the start of the Sudan project I have always had it in my plan to do one or two British units wearing their red tunics. this was after all the last colonial war when these were worn, with some units being ordered to change into them for battle. The battle of Ginnis in 1885 was the last time they were worn in battle. So I thought it would be nice to have a few battalions in my army wearing them.

The Sands of the Sudan rules allow for very large units -  it is an old school Grand Manner style set so I thought it was time for a big battalion ,this one to be a guards unit, and who better to have their red coats on. With the recent Perry release of some suitable plastic infantry it offered the opportunity to do a large unit with lots of variety to it. Its 60 figures in close order , a mounted officer , and 8 figures on two open order skirmish bases.

Another feature or lack of  it in the Sudan campaigns was the fact that British units no longer carried any standards in battle. I have followed this for the army overall - but I thought well perhaps just this one might be  nice to have. So I have done a standard bearer as separate figure complete with dog. The army had also moved over to a smaller size flag at this time with changes in the early 1880's -  but hell if I am having one let's make it a big one,  courtesy of a slightly earlier pattern Queens colour from my stash of GMB flags.

Steady lads!

Open order company

The Perry Miniatures plastic infantry box set does give some real variation and life to the unit. Although I think the bayonets won't all survive the first contact with the enemy as they are very delicate. if they were metal and broke I could just solder a new one on, the plastic will be harder to replace - but that's a challenge for another time. However it gives such variety in poses its something worth living with. It took almost two boxes of figures to build the unit - and I still have one box worth left to build - hmm may need another!

I could not resist a black and white shot- for the newspapers!

and I have been playing with some video options too.. I am planning a play by blog game later this year where this technology might be useful.