WW1 Tank Crew vs Ancient Egyptians
I have been doing some research on British tank crews and especially in Palestine so as to translate against ancient Egyptians. Below is an AI generated image. I am assuming that the tank crews might have to get out of the tanks to do repairs, retrieve objectives and just to cool off.
First up, the general gear of British WW1 tank crews included Webley pistols, usually worn on the right hip. The ones I saw in photos were open topped holsters. The uniform could be much the same as infantry with relevant branch colored tabs (I still need to confirm the details). Alternatives were overalls. Often tank crews had googles and chainmail face protectors. If gas was employed they would wear gasmasks. Crewmen are depicted in puttees, leather gaiters, thigh or ankle length or just trousers without leggings. Headgear could be soft peaked caps, the same metal helmet as infantry or rimless, peakless close fitting brown leather helmets.
Tanks were not only deployed in Europe but in Palestine where the crews had khaki drill shirts, jackets trousers and shorts with puttees being less worn due to heat. They could have dark blue of khaki overalls (unsure if these were khaki drill). Outside the tank they could wear Wolsley helmets.
For figures I could use mechanic or farm worker figures in overalls, ACW officers suitably converted or even cowboys with unsuitable items trimmed off. The hats could be trimmed down to leather skull caps. As our fantasy situation will figure ancient Egypt I figure that WW1 Palestine would be a useful measuring point.
Of course, as it is a fantasy situation I could also greatly ignore the historical parallels and invent any uniform I like.
On reading about use of tanks in Palestine I found they had mixed success against the Turks (who as far as I can gather did not have tanks). They did have artillery, though, something ancient Egyptians will be lacking. The main mechanical issue was the sand mixing with the grease to foul the gears. The British were going to experiment with no grease, just relying on the sand to do the same job but this was not tested.
I am reminded of a cartoon depicting a game with a 'Universal' war game for all ages rule set. Thousand point armies. An Ancient Egyptian army - with its owner looking very glum. Opposing him was 1 tank - 1000 Army Points...
ReplyDeleteBut it might be interesting to play out some such scenario. Is this a high(ish) tech invasion of another planet? Perhaps one or other got time-zipped into another period. If it's the tank, they might have to worry a bit about how long they can remain fightable and moveable... (which remains me of a Fred Saberhagen story - 'Empire of the East'. If you've never read it, you might find it entertaining. It features a scenario vaguely similar to what you have in mind).
Cheers,
Ion
Thanks Ian. I'll have to take gander at that story. The game I had in mind is not part of a campaign or the considerations of resupply would become more pressing! Basically the premise is different civilisations existing in the same time. I have done this, to some extent, in my fantasy campaigns but so far the time frame has been prehistoric to Napoleonic or just after, due to nudge mid 19th century. The very contrived premise, which I employ, is aliens have kidnapped humans on a massive scale and transplanted them on an Earth-like planet, albeit slightly lower gravity and higher oxygen atmosphere (to allow for giant insects, arachnids and flying critters with smallish wings!)
ReplyDeleteThe civilisations have, for extended periods been kept separate by the toxic Green Fog. The motive of the uber aliens is unclear - study, entertainment etc?
My original inspiration was the campaign of Frank Perry with his pal, Ken and son Ross.
Further down the at least for some nations whilst others lag behind. track our fantasy game may become more mechanised.