WIP Critique Young Somme Bust - Slightly Modified

[Colin_Fraser]

The night before the first day of The Somme offensive, over 5,000 Australian were killed at Fromelles in a single day, the worst 24 hour period in Australian military history. My Great Uncle Walter was very lucky to survive that day. His battalion, the 32nd suffered 75% casualties in one day and the 5th AIF Division was virtually wiped out.

Your bust may just be a blob of painted resin, but you have infused it with so much personal meaning. I hope it will become a family treasure, just like the letter. They belong together.

Thanks Tony - I wasn't aware that your lot were so heavily engaged prior to July 1 - I thought that the Aussies and Canucks were primarily engaged once the British army had burned itself out in July and August...it always amazes me the casualty levels WWI units sustained while just soldiering on. Many men were seriousy wounded over and over. A blighty one was not always a permanent ticket home and those from the colonies had to have a real reason to be sent home.

The bust will certainly be a family heirloom.

Colin

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Thanks Tony - I wasn't aware that your lot were so heavily engaged prior to July 1 - I thought that the Aussies and Canucks were primarily engaged once the British army had burned itself out in July and August...it always amazes me the casualty levels WWI units sustained while just soldiering on. Many men were seriousy wounded over and over. A blighty one was not always a permanent ticket home and those from the colonies had to have a real reason to be sent home.

The bust will certainly be a family heirloom.

Colin

Colin just reconnected with this thread.
Did you ever finish this piece?

My great great uncle was also killed on first day of Messines v3 at La Basseville 31 Jul 17.
Another was wounded in May of that year, bringing home a gammy leg & memories that prevented him having a family.

I am planning a series of tributes to them both, as you have done here.
So keen to hear how you went about keeping their story alive & look forward to seeing final chapter

Thanks for sharing "the letter " above.

Mike

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Mike - thanks for commenting. Yes he Is done. Here is the thread ID http://www.planetfigure.com/threads/pvt-19th-lancs-fus-3rd-salfords-somme.54905/

Good luck for your tribute pieces. I will watch for them.

Colin

 

[Nap]

Colin ,

Love this bust and especially what you are doing wth it ..fleshtones are great really like your work , as for the historical details ..just top class ...the letter is amazing .


Love the shoulder titles

Thanks for sharing

Nap