Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Dutch Rebellion Army

15mm DBR Pike & Shot Dutch Rebellion Army

Another blast from the past (all the way back to 2004) with this post. Here we have some photos of my Dutch Rebellion army for the period 1577 to 1648. 

Maurice of Nassau

In particular it represents the army of Maurice of Nassau C1592 (DBR Book 1 List 48) and the Dutch Colonial army (DBR Book 3 List 20). It had most of the options allowed in those lists and totalled over 550 army points, depending on options and upgrades taken.


I really wanted to collect a Dutch Rebellion army after being inspired by the “Maurice of Nassau and the Dutch Army” entry in George Gush’s Renaissance Armies 1480-1650 book. I think was inspired by a story of the plucky underdog who took on an empire with innovation and determination! Nonetheless, my enthusiasm had to be contained until I could find an appropriate set of rules and importantly, an opponent. 



It turned out to be quite a long wait but eventually, with the happy confluence of the arrival of the DBR rules set and a willing opponent in the shape of John Sandercock, the wait was over. 


German Reiters - Essex

I was really happy with how the army painted up - the Scots were a favourite. Most of the Scots were Essex. The predominantly red Shot on the left of the photo below were from Naismith Design which were my favourites.




But sadly, like a lot of niche projects, fashions move on - and John moved away - so the army wasn’t being used and I sold it off.


Cuirassiers - Essex

The army consisted of a mounted wing of mainly German pistoleers, Dutch and mercenary currassiers, Huguenot volunteers and skirmishing carabins.


English Pike - Naismith Design

While the foot consisted of pike, arquebus and muskets in equal proportion. I have distinguished these last two by calling the figures with helmets muskets, and those with soft hats arquebuses.


The fleet

There was also a large naval contingent - including some Dutch fireships, of course. The ships were 1/2400th scale Hallmark Figurehead miniatures.

Dutch Pike in Battle 


Dutch Shot - Mike's Models

For the baggage elements I went for 6mm figures and equipment.


The Whole Shebang

The army had a total of 26 mounted elements, (90 figures)

42 foot elements, (162 figures)
2 Artillery elements
10 naval elements (30 ships) and
3 double based baggage elements



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Monday, March 2, 2026

The Royal Australian Navy Circa 1970 Part 2

 The RAN of the 1970s in Pictures - Part 2

Here we have a collection of 15 photographs of the various vessels, aircraft and weapons systems deployed by the Royal Australia Navy in around 1970. They are certainly no later than 1973 because the HMAS Sydney was de-commissioned that year.

Anyway, enjoy this slice of Vietnam War era Australian naval history. 

Of course, we have to start with the fleet Flagship, the mighty and storied HMAS Melbourne.



























Head here for Part 1 

The Royal Australian Navy Circa 1970 Part 1

 The RAN of the 1970s in Pictures - Part 1

Those folk of a certain age might remember sending off letters to various institutions in the hope they would send back brochures, pamphlets or even purpose made information so you could put together your school projects. In around 1970, I sent off a request to the Royal Australian Navy and the sent back a trove of photographs and this fold-out postcard. I did glue some onto my project but just kept most as little treasures. 

I recently re-discovered them and I thought I'd publish them here.

The postcard proudly informs the reader that the RAN at that time had 56 ships in service (our largest peace time fleet), and over 17,000 servicemen and women.

I'm posting the set of photographs separately.