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Achaemenid Persian Empire
The 4 horse scythed chariots were used by the later Achaemenid Persians.
Scythed chariots were drawn by four armoured horses and manned by a single armoured driver. It was important for the vehicle to build up speed, as they were vulnerable to swift pre-emptive attacks by light troops.
Once the chariot was galloping towards its target, the driver would often bail out for his own safety, which unfortunately made it likely that the horses would miss or shy away from the target.
If they did make contact, the chariots would cause immense damage but would more or less destroy themselves in the collision.
Generally formed infantry bodies could stand firm after such contact, unless the chariots were closely supported, which they all too often were not.
Cavalry might have been easier to break than solid infantry bodies, but were not used, perhaps because the cavalry could easily have avoided their charge.
Xenophon’s “Kyropaidia” provides us with the best description of these items. It is described as having heavy wheels with studded rims, a broad wheelbase for stability, and two poles. Some decriptions refer to a closed back with a rear door, but others with an open back, but a simple bench seat to one side.
Diodoros describes the chariots at Gaugamela with 27 inch blades at the ends of the yokes, and blades on the axle ends.
Xenophon describes Persian charioteers, as wearing a cuirass, armpieces and helmet, with only the eyes showing. It is believed that no armour was worn below the waist as this was protected by the body of the chariot. The helmet is believed to have cheek pieces which would reflect a Greek influence.
Achaemenid Persian Empire
Trojan War
Cycnus was the king of the town of Kolonai in the southern Troad. He was the son of Poseidon by Calyce. (daughter of Hecaton). Legend tells that he was abandoned by his mother on the seashore, but was rescued by fishermen who named him Cycnus "swan” because they saw a swan flying over him. Other accounts, he is said to have had womanly white skin and fair hair, which is why he received his name that meant "swan”. Cycnus supported the Trojans and was a great warrior, killing one thousand opponents. According to some accounts, he killed the Greek hero Protesilaus. It was said that being the son of Poseidon, he was invulnerable to spear and sword attacks. When Achilles confronted Cycnus he could not kill him via conventional weaponry so he crushed and suffocated him. After his death, Cycnus was changed into a swan.
Troy and her allies
Adyrmachid
This Libyan tribe called the Adyrmachidae were described as carrying a buckler of many colours, a sword in the shape of a sickle and would wear a single greave on the left leg. Warriors would have their head shaved except for a central plaited crest, often with a crescent amulet fastened to hang on his brow. Nose rings were also typical for many punic cultures.
Carthaginian
Macedonian
Macedonian phalanx
Mongol
Mongol Invasions of Japan 1274 AND 1281
Nubian
Nubian troops had been an important part of the Egyptian army since the old Kingdom. Nubian tribes included the famous Medja who were regarded by the Egyptians as the best scouts and skirmishers. They were known for wearing leopard and lion skin kilts and had ostrich feathers in their hair. The Medjway were very highly regarded by the Egyptians as they seemed to have a natural affinity for the military life. These figures will of course be suitable for the Trojan War series as King Memnon’s army. Memnon was the King of the Ethiopians, who after the death of the Trojan warrior Hector, went to assist his uncle Priam, against the Greeks. He arrived with a great army, and performed prodigies of valour, but was slain by the Greek hero Achilles. According to tradition, Zeus , the king of the gods, was moved by the tears of Eos and bestowed immortality upon Memnon. His companions were changed into birds, called Memnonides, that came every year to fight and lament over his grave.
New Kingdom Egyptians, Battle of Kadesh 1274BC
Normans
Age of Arthur - Norman Knights
Cheyenne Dog Soldier
All the warriors of the Dog Society dressed alike. The usual style of headdress consisted of a cap with a narrow beaded band along the front edge. The crown was entirely covered with the tail feathers of the golden eagle, raven, the hawk or the crow. They were fastened in a way which made them stand erect all over the headdress. A whistle made from the wing bone of an eagle was suspended by a string from the neck of each warrior.
Black Hill Wars 1876-1877
Mountain Men
Whiskey, Scalps and Beaver Pelts
Battle of Bunkerhill
American Revolution - Battle of Bunkerhill 1775
ACW - Battle of Brandy Station
Buford was a superb cavalryman, as capable as he was tough, and perhaps the best the Union had.
He was Regular Army, and a comrade of Pleasonton in the pre-war 2nd Dragoons.
One admiring subordinate remembered, “It was always reassuring to see him in the saddle when there was any chance of a good fight”.
He was especially good at ferreting out enemy intelligence. On one raid he had captured J.E.B Stuart’s prized plumed hat, and almost its owner.
Buford had fought well so far in the war. But greater rank had eluded him, partly from bad luck, partly because he had been born in the Southern, if Unionist slave state of Kentucky. His fellow soldiers liked him, and he was to manage the right half of the Union troops at Brandy Station, with Pleasonton in tow.
Battle of Brandy Station
ACW - 2nd US Cavalry Regiment
2nd US Cavalry Regiment
Zulu Wars - Battle of Gingindhlovu
The Battle of Gingindhlovu was fought on 2nd April 1879 between a British relief column sent to break the siege at Eshowe, and a Zulu impi of king Cetshwayo. The British soldier would refer to it as the Battle of “GIN GIN I LOVE YOU”. Charles Pearson had led No.1 column of the British invasion force across the Tugela River to establish an advanced base at Eshowe. Having set up a base at a deserted Norwegian mission station, the British found themselves besieged. A relief column was organized by Lord Chelmsford and departed Fort Tenedos on 29th March to relieve the garrison. Chelmsford’s relief force comprised 3,390 Europeans, and 2,280 Africans.
Battle of Gingindhlovu, 1879
WWII Ground Crew
Ground crews were responsible for keeping the aircraft of WWII in safe flying condition. Ground crew members made repairs to aircraft, as well as handling routine maintenance. As soon as a plane lands, the ground crew went to work - checking landing gear, refilling fuel tanks, examining the wings, and making any necessary repairs. Aside from regular AAF soldier schooling, ground crews were also highly trained in mathematics, mechanics, and machine shop skills. The ground crew's job was truly to "keep 'em flying." Ground Crews tirelessly maintained and repaired battle damage, and made modifications to enhance aircraft effectiveness. Their work was crucial to keeping planes operational. The USAAF were to train hundreds of thousands of flying and ground personnel during WW2
JJD Second World War Aircraft Collection
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