AIF Stretcher Bearer, Passchendale

[tonydawe]

Hi guys,

Here are the first shots of my latest project; a converted 120mm Australian Stretcher Bearer from WW1.

The figure was originally an Australian Lewis Gunner, sculpted by Phil Walden, but Phil started to convert the figure with Milliput, and then must have lost interest. His son Chris gave this unfinished conversion to me several years ago and its been sitting in my spares box ever since. I just found it tonight and pulled a few bits and pieces out of the spares box (helmet, stretcher etc) to give you an idea of the pose. The white/ grey bits are Phil's Milliput conversion work.

Imagine him struggling through a shell hole or trench full of frozen mud and water, shivering his bollocks off and struggling to stay awake after 24 hours of retrieving wounded from the sodden Passchendale battle field.

I can see the mud coming right up to his knees. This figure will take me sometime to do, so I doubt it will be ready for Euro, but you never know

 

[YongA01]

Looks good

Hi Tony

So far it looks unique and nice conversion

Allan

 

[unknown01]

Great start, Tony.
I think Good idea.
I hope that you're in time for a euro.

Mitsutaka

 

[housecarl]

What will he be Tony, RAAMC? I'm trying to sort out a figure to depict the RAMC in WW1,
as a moving in present for a friend I will watch developments eagerly.
Looking good,
Carl.

 

[Bluesking]

Tony, he looks the part to me! Great modelling mate

 

[tonydawe]

Thanks guys,

I always appreciate your feedback. Carl, I'm planning to do him as a member of the Australian Field Ambulance. I'm hoping my good mate Alan Mackie, who is a former member of 11 Field Ambulance, will give me more info on the specific Field Ambulance units engaged in the Passchendale battles.

 

[mil-mart]

Tony, looks like this is gonna be one to watch, you certainly like your mud.
Hey if you don't quite finish him before Euro, bring him with you... there's plenty of the real thing overhere.

Cheers Ken

 

[megroot]

Very unique conversion. And i like it.

Marc

 

[amcairns]

Tony,
looks good,but the stretcher looks vaguely familiar is it also from a kit?.
Andy

 

[alamac]

G'Day Tony.
Looking good big fella, love the subject, close to my heart as an ex-medic, off the top of my head 2 , 7 , 9 , and 11 field amb were all involved at Passchendale there were probably more as well but will have to check the facts, can help you with colour patches as well if you need them. I have a photo here of Bearers from 9 fd amb sleeping through a bombardment after working some 60 hours without a break at Passchendale. Aussie medical units up to ww2 came under aamc ,as the royal was not granted till after those conflicts ( from memory )
Cheers
Al

 

[RFL]

Looks very promising Tony, would love to see him halfway up to his knees in mud.

 

[housecarl]

Tony & Alan, found this site. http://www.army.gov.au/RAAMC/docs/RAAMC History Booklet - Low Res.pdf it states that the Royal was added in 1948, it also gives units & campaigns.

 

[tonydawe]

Thanks everyone for your feedback and encouragement.

Ken, we've got a fair bit of mud here too (it's winter in the Southern Hemisphere at the moment) but its nothing like the mud at Passchedale. I'm not sure if I need to put the lower legs on this figure.

Thanks Marc, I'm pleased you like it.

G'day Andy, well spotted mate. The stretcher came from your Gallipoli stretcher bearer figure. I've shortened it a bit to bring it into proportion with this figure and will add the metal "feet " to the stretcher soon.

G'day Al, I had a feeling this would be right up your alley mate. Thanks for the info. I may have get your help on the "SB" bandage around the left arm and the unit colour patches. Did any Australian Field Ambulance guys win the VC at Passchedale??

Thanks Richard, that's the plan mate. Sunk to his nuts in mud.

Thanks Carl, between you, Dan Morton and Alan I feel pretty confident I'll have all the research materials on WW1 stretcher bearers I need.

 

[alamac]

G'Day Tony
No VC's were awarded to any Aussie bearers during ww1, many DCM's,MM's MID's etc , the only one that many believed should have been awarded the VC was Pte John Simpson ( of Simpson and his Donkey fame ) and in the end was not awarded any medal for bravery, but became a household name for the Anzac's and generations of Australians since 1915.
Cheers
Al

 

[Marcel]

Tony, Excellent looking conversion. Looking forward to see you finishing this great figure.

Cheers,
Marcel.

 

[eissteban]

hi tony,

i like this excellent idea

 

[1969]

great idea mate and i will be following along with interest.

Steve

 

[tonydawe]

Hi Alan, thanks for your help today.

As you can see from the latest pics, I've added the lower legs, sculpted a stretcher bearer armband (with the letters "SB") and an oval-shaped colour patch just showing under the epaulette (indicating the 11th Field Ambulance) and I've also added the left hand (minus a thumb at this stage).

Marcel, Seb and Steve, thanks guys. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment and encourage me.

 

[billyturnip]

Hi Tony, looking good so far. I'm back at work next week so you should have it painted and finished for when I get back.... I'll look forward to that

Roger.

 

[tonydawe]

Hi Roger, thanks for your comments mate. I'll do my best to get him finished by the time you get back on terra firma.