need help on historical accuracy for a figure

[kinggeorges]

Hi Planeteers,

May I ask you help. I have in my stash a oldie but goddie Hornet figures for which I had a setting in mind, but got no idea if that makes sense historically. I'm not a specialist of british ww2 uniform, but I was wondering if the lad in the pic could have participated to Dunkirk evacuation, or if his uniform only belongs to mid war/end of war period. And if he can "participate" to Dunkirk, what could be a relevant shoulder patch for him ? Thanks a lot for your help in my quest.
All the best,
Julien

 

[Airkid]

Hi Julien

Apart from his rifle, which is the the Lee Enfield No 4 version (not in use until 1943), the figure could fit the 1940 date. He appears to be wearing the earlier battledress with concealed buttons, and the 1937 pattern web equipment (which was in use throughout the war). The correct rifle for 1940 would be the SMLE No 1 Mk 3 and I'm pretty sure someone does replacements. Try Reedee's Miniatures (he's a PF member).
Regarding shoulder patches, those common on and after D-Day were not in use in 1940. I have some reference on the appropriate ones which I will dig out and post shortly.
Hope this helps

Phil

 

[kinggeorges]

Hi Phil,
Thanks a million for your reply. How the heck do you distinguish between the different Lee Enfield ? Am I right assume the one circled in blue is the correct version for what I intend ? I'll go for Miniart set. Looking forward to seeing the shoulder patches, which should a fun free hand !
thanks again, much appreciated !
Best,
Julien

 

[arj]

Message deleted.
I had referenced the MiniArt kit, but then saw you'd just found it anyway.

 

[Airkid]

The one you circled is the appropriate version for 1940. It was used long after the No.4 came into service, particularly by troops in the Far East and also exclusively in the North Africa campaign. Designed in 1907 as a compact rifle that could be used by infantry and cavalry, and our main rifle in WW1, earning the nickname "smelly" from SMLE (Short, Magazine Lee Enfield).
Sorry, I go off on one when guns are mentioned

Phil

 

[kinggeorges]

ahahah Phil
Thanks for your helo Arj !

 

[kinggeorges]

hi guys,

Another question on the same topic. Did the BEF worn camo netting (the ones with small pieces of wool on their helmet) ? I saw a 1939 pic with some sort of netting, but wasn't sure it is this one.
Thanks,
J

 

[Airkid]

For a BEF 1940 look I would leave the net off. It's not evident in most of the Dunkirk-era photos of the BEF.

Phil

 

[kinggeorges]

That what I feared. Just when I found the perfect match head for the figure. Argh

 

[Warren SMITH]

Hornet figures, have a large range of spare head sets.. Im guessing you already know this, but their maybe something that suits..

 

[Nap]

Hi Julian

Some great responses here , look forward to seeing how the figure progresses

Happy benchtime

Nap

 

[Mirofsoft]

Yes the gun is the good one, but this one represent Hocky Hotporridge, so, you have to decide if you represent him before he broke his rife butt or after .
In french we say : " Don't try to be more catholic than the Pope "

 

[kinggeorges]

thanks Guys.
Mirosoft, actually I'¡m French ahaha
So far I'll stick with the original head to which I added a moustache.
Too bad because the one with the netting had the perfect fit with the torso and scenery..