18 October 2019

1940 BEF - 2nd 2" mortar, additional riflemen & Platoon Sergeant

One thing I came to recognize in our last games was the effectiveness of the British 2" mortar when deploying smoke. So I swiftly decided to paint me up another one as a support option. I also needed another two riflemen to bring up all of my four sections to the 11 men required for a 1940 Regulation BEF Platoon. And last but not least, as I'm rather a stickler for WYSIWYG,  a Platoon Sergeant armed with a rifle. All models are Warlord Games.



The famous 2" mortar was developed in the 30's based on a 50mm Spanish model. It was used by the British Army throughout the war and well into the Cold War in several variants, including a shorter version for airborne units. It was well liked by the men and could fire High Explosive rounds, smoke rounds as well as flares. Each of the shells weighed in at roughly 1 kg.


A typical 2" mortar team consisted of two men, i.e. the firer and the loader. Because of its small weight it was highly portable and easy to conceal. It's maximum range was somewhere around the 450 meter mark and it was capable of a rate of fire of about 8 rounds per minute.


Till next time!

18 comments:

  1. Beautiful minis...and bases!

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  2. Excellent work Nick, it be good to post larger images to view your beautiful work
    cheers John

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  3. Stunning work as usual Nick, but not excited to see another mortar as they are a right pain in the a**!:-( The flag in the rucksack is a cool touch btw!

    Christopher

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  4. Really really well done. Can't have enough two inch mortars, and you are right, smoke is the great British secret weapon.
    I like the green shade to the webbing, it really stands out.
    Best,
    Michael

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  5. Excellent painting! They blend in nicely with the very green bases!

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  6. Very good work. The basing really sets them off

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  7. WoW! They are superb. The figures almost seem to be lit from within if that makes sense. Thanks for posting.
    Cheers
    Matt

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  8. These are just stunning and as for that Union Jack I can see, brilliant!

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  9. Museum quality work as always! Inspiring and impressive!

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  10. Gorgeous finish on your lovely BEF troops!
    Best Iain

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  11. Definitely the way forward with the 2inch mortar and your superb collection just keeps on growing.
    Cheers,
    Pat.

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  12. Amazing brushwork as always, Nick. Love the base work too.

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  13. Lovely toys Nick...

    All the best. Aly

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  14. Gorgeous detailed painting! Is that a flag I spy tucked into the backpack of one of the soldiers?

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