Sunday 6 January 2013

Operation Pegasus: Go! Go! Go!


"We were awakened this morning by the roar of helicopter rotors as flight after flight of Wessex helicopters landed in the abandoned Pen-y-Pound Cricket Ground here in Abergavenny to pick up waiting lines of Paratroopers before heading towards the Welsh lines in the hills to the west. Other helicopters, Pumas and Chinooks flew overhead, after picking up their cargoes from marshaling areas in Bailey Park in the centre of the town. What we are witnessing is a major operation unfolding. Bob Langley for the, BBC."

"From advanced Government positions we can hear the far off crackle of small arms fire. During the last two nights we have seen tracers in the Hills. Unconfirmed reports suggest these were members of the Special Air Service attacking Free Welsh outposts and potential helicopter ambush positions".


"Lieutenant-Colonel Angus Mackenzie gave a short briefing outside the cricket pavilion to assembled officers...
"Gentlemen and members of the press. Today we are launching the largest operation of this war to date. We are confident of a successful outcome. I expect my officers and men to treat our fellow countrymen  who have taken up arms against the Government with respect. You have your orders. Dismiss."
"With that Colonel Mackenzie strode to a waiting Gazelle helicopter from the Army Air Corps which took off and headed west towards the Black Mountains. Brian Hanrahan, BBC News, Abergavenny". 


Cheers
Mark

13 comments:

  1. Really enjoying this series ! Good to see the Wessex's out too.

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  2. I love a Wessex ride in the dawning light. Great post.

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  3. Excellent stuff - keep it coming!

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  4. What a great photo, now I know why I cannot get my hands on one of those Wessex choppers, you seem to bought them up!
    Are the Paras by Liberation? If so, how many of the pack have bergens on? I prefer my figures with light kit, like the MJ figures.

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    1. LOL!

      Phil, the Paras are Liberation. Like you I prefer fighting order, and consequently MJ, ex-Hotspur and Elheim as a result. Though I feel bergans are ok for patrolling figures.

      You'll find that too many of the Liberation beret/helmet troops have Bergans and will need to combine several packs to get a section in fighting order.

      Cheers
      Mark

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    2. I may try the Combat Miniatures offering, as rough as they are!
      I found this link for some more card buildings that may be of use - http://www.wordsworthmodelrailway.co.uk/townscene.html

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    3. Phil at £3.85 for 5 figs of dubious quality, mmmmm. Don't forget the packs are mixed with guys in berets and cold weather caps.

      The MJ Figures beret heads fit them nicely though. I've been mixing the two - giving berets to my ex-Hotspur and cold weather caps in return to the MJ figures.

      The Mountain and Artic Warfare Cadre all have berets and can be slotted in quite nicely, if you are not worried about the M16s (though there is a Bren and a kneeling LAW).

      I've taken a spare 'pack' worth of MAWC and been turning them into Booties by adding S&S Models spare weapons - GPMGs and Sterlings.

      Cheers
      Mark

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    4. Well, I have 18 MJ Brits painted as Para's, I may get a section in berets from CP and another section from Elheim and swap the heads for some S&S heads with berets.
      The MACW sound interesting with the M16, I know the Para's used M16 and M203 in N Ireland so it would be in keeping with the period!

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    5. I have examples of all the figures/spare heads you mention and all I will say, is that the ex-Hotspur and MJ Figures actually look like they are wearing berets and in addition have very well sculpted faces. I deliberately bought extra MJ Figures to use them for beret headswops because of this.

      Matt at Elheim has indicated he may do the BAOR section in berets - might be worth emailing him.

      Cheers
      Mark

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    6. I have contacted Matt about a section in berets and they are on his 'to do' list, sadly, a long list and they seem to be at the bottom!
      I may just go with CP models to round off the platoon, the slotta base does put me off otherwise superb figures though.

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  5. You know that there is a book in here somewhere! "A Very British Coup" but from the ground up? Well done I like reading your work.

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  6. I like where this is going... Can't wait for the next installment.

    Cheers,

    Pete.

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