Bolt Action - British Airborne - Part 1

Harry 'Mick' Walker 1914 - 1997

This is Staff Sergeant Harry Walker. Known as 'Mick' to his mates and Granddad to me. He served in the RAOC Advanced Para Recce Party and fought in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and North West Europe, most notably as part of the largest airborne operation of World War II - Operation Market Garden.

Tales of Harry's exploits on the bridge at Arnhem, elevated him into legendary status in the eye's of this young grandson and it's the endeavors of Harry and the brave men of Lt. Col. John Frost's 2nd Airborne Battalion that serve to inspire my first foray into the game of Bolt Action...

Harry's medals on display at the Airborne Museum 'Hartenstein', Oosterbeek, The Netherlands

I've been fortunate to make the trip to Oosterbeek to see the annual ceremony to commemorate the Battle of Arnhem and it's a humbling experience. On the same token, it's also a celebration of life and hope, as the veterans (not many left now), their families and currently serving Parachute Regiment troops, meet up and tell stories of bravery, heroism and crazy shenanigans... All of which usually ends up with a fair few whiskies being downed in honour of comrades past and present ;)

The drop re-created each year as part of the commemorations. 

Bloody right.

Harry (left), with Joe and 'Pony' - 1941.

Inspiring stuff. In the next post we'll actually take a look at some minis ;) as we explore the Bolt Action 'Red Devils' box set and begin planning out our first 500pt list 

Cheers.