Last stand at Gandamak
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About the Project
I don't usually paint minis for non gaming purposes but I thought I'd do a small project based on a little diorama based on the last stand at Gandamak in Afghanistan in 1842
Related Genre: Historical
This Project is Completed
The minis
Over 50 years after the event William Barnes Willem painted this duplication of the last stand if the 44th. This was completed during Victoria's jubilee and this looked back at the first war of her reign. The first of many skirmishes in Afghanistan.
The minis available from Empress miniatures. You get more Afghans than I thought are visible in the painting so I won't use all of them. I wish they did more dead bodies. The history
The British had entered Kabul to enforce a friendly regime change but things went sour no thanks to the feeble command of general Elphinstone. A force of 4500 soldiers made up of 700 British and 3800 Indians with 14000 civilians began the march to Jallalabad. In winter surrounded by hostile tribes within three days 3000 were dead. Most froze to death or murdered if they were abandoned vengeful locals. Elphinstone was held hostage and leaderless the army broke down. Eventually 20 officers and 45 soldiers if the 44th regiment took a stand at Gandamak. They had only 20 working muskets with two shots each. One Afghan offered them safety if they surrendered but not believing the offer a Sgt shouted "not bloody likely" in the final scrim all but 7 privates one Sgt and s captain were killed. The survivors were taken hostage Captain Souter had wrapped the Queen's colours around his waist for protection. The Afghans mistook it for a fancy waistcoat and believed he was wealthy. It probably saved his life. For more information I'd recommend reading the first Flashman novel which describes the full horror of the retreat from Kabul.
Captain Souter
First couple of chaps painted with captain Souter with his Queens colours wrapped around his waist.
Couple of Afghans
I decided only to use two minis for the surrounding Afghans as you only see a couple in the painting. I need to do a standard for the falling tribesman
Green stuff
I haven't used green stuff in years but I needed to disquise this 1879 soldier so he looks like he's from 1842
Garden shots
I still need to add some small details such as dropped weapons and a few bloodstains as well as the Afghans banner
Stealing stones
While I was in the garden I spotted some nice stones that I thought would add to the diorama
Adding more details
Some spare muskets from various kits to scatter around
This chaps bayonet was broken so s bit of a repair and a few bloody splats 
Afghans banner
I was looking at the banners in the Perry box set. Some date to correct time period but the bright red will clas I think and the original painting it's very white.so I went for the green
All Done
Do I'd say this project is over. As it was my first diorama I'm happy enough for someone who only paints for gaming purposes. It has made me want to recreate other moments from history. Shame there isn't a set based in the Isandlwana painting
The event aniversary is on the 14th of January so I finished just in time
