Tommys War
A Fixture
TW54023
Corporal, 1st Battalion, London Irish Rifles, Loos 1915
Manufacturer: Tommy’s War Limited
Size: 1/32 scale (54mm)
Material: Resin
Number of pieces: 8 resin parts plus photoetch rifle sling
Sculptor: Nino Pizzichemi
Box art: Günther Sternberg
Price: £14.00 RRP
Available from: www.tommyswar.com
The 1st battalion London Irish Rifles were a territorial battalion of the London Regiment who are famous for their role on the Ypres salient in 1915 and the battle of Loos.
Before going ‘over the top’ Rifleman Frank Edwards, contrary to orders, had taken a football in to the trenches. On the order to attack he kicked the ball forward and the men of the Rifles continued their advance while kicking the ball to each other.
I have long been interested in this story and am pleased to be able to bring this story to life with this release.
The kit includes a replica of the ball used in that attack (on view in the London Irish Rifles Regimental museum).
This attack heralded the first use of gas by the British. Indeed, the Rifles were forced to don their gas hoods and advance through their own gas as a lack of wind meant it did not reach the German lines.
I am grateful for the following publications used in my research:
The Footballer of Loos: A Story of the London Irish Rifles in the First World War. Ed Harris. The History Press. ISBN 978-0-7524-5166-4.
Irish Regiments of the World Wars (Elite 147), David Murphy, Osprey Publishing, David Murphy. ISBN 978-184-6030-154
Campaign 1914 Volume 1, Chris Pollendine, Military Mode Publishing, ISBN 978-1628-4759-20
Corporal, 1st Battalion, London Irish Rifles, Loos 1915
Manufacturer: Tommy’s War Limited
Size: 1/32 scale (54mm)
Material: Resin
Number of pieces: 8 resin parts plus photoetch rifle sling
Sculptor: Nino Pizzichemi
Box art: Günther Sternberg
Price: £14.00 RRP
Available from: www.tommyswar.com
The 1st battalion London Irish Rifles were a territorial battalion of the London Regiment who are famous for their role on the Ypres salient in 1915 and the battle of Loos.
Before going ‘over the top’ Rifleman Frank Edwards, contrary to orders, had taken a football in to the trenches. On the order to attack he kicked the ball forward and the men of the Rifles continued their advance while kicking the ball to each other.
I have long been interested in this story and am pleased to be able to bring this story to life with this release.
The kit includes a replica of the ball used in that attack (on view in the London Irish Rifles Regimental museum).
This attack heralded the first use of gas by the British. Indeed, the Rifles were forced to don their gas hoods and advance through their own gas as a lack of wind meant it did not reach the German lines.
I am grateful for the following publications used in my research:
The Footballer of Loos: A Story of the London Irish Rifles in the First World War. Ed Harris. The History Press. ISBN 978-0-7524-5166-4.
Irish Regiments of the World Wars (Elite 147), David Murphy, Osprey Publishing, David Murphy. ISBN 978-184-6030-154
Campaign 1914 Volume 1, Chris Pollendine, Military Mode Publishing, ISBN 978-1628-4759-20
I didn't know about the football at Loos but I have heard about several examples on July 1, 1916.
