Monday, 6 January 2014

British divisions in World War II



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African

  • 1st (African) Division – renamed 11th (African) Division – Formed 24 July 1940 in East Africa. 24 November 1940 redesignated 11th (African) Division. Served in East Africa from July 1940 until February 1941 and from August 1941 until November 1941, Italian Somaliland from February 1941 until March 1941, and in Abyssinia from March 1941 until August 1941. Fought at The Juba. 23 November 1941 disbanded in East Africa.
  • 2nd (African) Division – renamed 12th (African) Division and also known as the "12th (East Africa) Division" (after West African elements reassigned in late 1941) – Formed 19 July 1940 in East Africa. 24 November 1940 redesignated 12th (African) Division. Served in East Africa from July 1940 until February 1941, Italian Somaliland from February 1941 until April 1941, and in Abyssinia from April 1941 until April 1943. Fought at The Juba and Gondar. 18 April 1943 disbanded in East Africa.
  • 11th (East Africa) Division – Formed 15 February 1943 in East Africa. Served in East Africa from February 1943 until June 1943, Ceylon from June 1943 until May 1944, Burma from June 1944 until April 1945, and India from April 1945 until the end of the war. Fought in Burma. Ended the war under command of GHQ India.
  • 81st (West Africa) Division – Formed 1 March 1943 in Nigeria as the 1st (West Africa) Division, redesignated the 81st (West Africa) Division three days later. Served in West Africa from March 1943 until July 1943, India from August 1943 until December 1943 and from March 1945 until August 1945, and Burma from December 1943 until March 1945. Fought at North Arakan and on the Arakan Beaches. Ended the war under command of Southern Army.
  • 82nd (West Africa) Division – Formed 1 August 1943 in Nigeria. Served in West Africa from August 1943 until May 1944, India from July 1944 until November 1944, and in Burma from November 1944 until August 1945. Fought on the Arakan Beaches. Ended the war under command of HQ Allied Land Forces South East Asia.

Airborne

  • 1st Airborne Division – Formed 4 November 1941 in the UK. Served in North Africa from April 1943 until July 1943, Sicily in July 1943 until September 1943, Italy from September 1943 until November 1943, northwestern Europe (Arnhem) in September 1944, and after the end of the campaign in Norway. Fought in Sicily and at Arnhem. Ended the war in Europe under command of Force 134 (Norway).
  • 6th Airborne Division – Formed 3 May 1943 in the UK. Served in northwestern Europe June 1944 (landed at Normandy on D-Day) until September 1944, December 1944 until February 1945, and March 1945 until May 1945. Fought in Normandy and near Wesel. Met Soviet forces at Wismar on the Baltic Sea. Ended the war in Europe under command of U.S. XVIII Airborne Corps.

Anti-Aircraft

The following AA Divisions existed during the early years of World War II.[1][2][3] All AA Divisions were disbanded on 30 September 1942 and replaced by AA Groups.[1]

Armoured

 
The division was formed on 17 June 1941, in the United Kingdom. On 12 June 1945, the division was reorganised as the Guards Division.[4] The division served in North West Europe from June 1944 until the end of the war. The Guards took part in the Battle of Normandy, initially having a minor role in Operation Epsom, before taking on much larger roles in Operation Goodwood, and Operation Bluecoat.[6] In September 1944, the division played a prominent role in Operation Market Garden.[7] Afterwards, the division took part in the battles for the Rhineland, the crossing of the Rhine, and the advance to the Elbe.Ended war under command of XXX Corps.
The division was founded in 1937. The division briefly served in France during 1940,[8] from November 1941 until 1944 the division served in the Western Desert and Tunisia, taking part in the battles of Gazala, and the First and Second Battle of El Alamein.[8][11] On 27 May 1944, the division was transferred to Italy, were it fought until 28 October when it ceased operations.[12] On 11 January 1945, the division was disbanded in Italy.[9]
The division was formed on 15 December 1939, in the United Kingdom. In October 1940, the division was dispatched to Egypt and arrived in January 1941.[13] The division was used to reinforce the 7th Armoured Division, while elements were shipped to Greece. This left an under strength, inexperienced, and ill-equipped division, which was overrun during Rommel's first offensive.[14] The divisional headquarters was captured on 8 April, and on 10 May 1941 the division was formally disbanded.[13]
The division was formed on 12 September 1940, in the United Kingdom.[15] The division first saw service in North Africa from November 1942[16] – where "it was among the first to reach Tunisia as part of First Army[17] – till March 1944, when it was then deployed to Italy. The division fought at Bou Arada, Fondouk, El Kourzia, Tunis, the Liri Valley, Arezzo, Florence, along the Gothic Line, and in the Argenta Gap.[15] Ended war under command of V Corps.[16]
The division was initially formed, in Egypt during the autumn of 1938, as the Mobile Division (Egypt).[19] At the outbreak of the Second World War, the division was redesignated The Armoured Division (Egypt), before finally being called the 7th Armoured Division on 16 February 1940.[18]The division served in the Western Desert and North Africa from the outbreak of the war until September 1943 when it was shipped to Italy. After three months of fighting in Italy,[20] the division was returned to the United Kingdom for the upcoming Battle of Normandy.[21] The division then fought in North West Europe from June 1944 until the end of the war.[20] The division fought in every major battle of the Western Desert Campaign – including Operation Compass and the Second Battle of El Alamein – and took part in the Tunisian campaign.[21] The division fought in the Battle of Normandy (in particular at the Battle of Villers-Bocage), helped in the liberation of the Low Countries, and crossed the Rhine into Germany.[21] Ended war under command of XII Corps.[20]
The division was formed on 4 November 1940, in the United Kingdom. In July 1942 the division was deployed to Egypt, however it never operated as a complete formation during the following six months and was disbanded on 1 January 1943.[22]
The division was formed in the United Kingdom on 1 December 1940. It was never deployed overseas and was disbanded on 31 July 1944.[23]
The division was formed in Palestine, on 1 August 1941, by the redesignation and reorganisation of the 1st Cavalry Division.[24] In April 1942 the division moved to Egypt and later took part in the battles of Alam el Halfa and the Second Battle of El Alamein. In January 1943 the division moved back to Palestine, then on to Syria, before returning to Egypt in September.[25] The division stayed in Egypt until it was disbanded on 15 June 1944.[24]
The division was formed in the United Kingdom, on 9 March 1941.[26] The division was deployed to Normandy in June 1944, playing a prominent role in Operation Epsom.[27] The division would spearhead Operation Goodwood,[28] and take part in Operation Bluecoat.[29] It later liberated Antwerp, helped clear the Low Countries, and took part in Operation Veritable.[21] Ended war under command of VIII Corps.[26]
The division was formed on 1 November 1941, in the United Kingdom, by conversion of the 42nd (East Lancashire) Infantry Division. The division was never deployed overseas and was disbanded on 17 October 1943.[30]
The division was formed in the United Kingdom on 13 August 1942.[31] In April 1943, the division was reorganised as an administrative formation for the development and useage of specialist vehicles ("Hobart's Funnies"). In this role it never acted as a division.[32][33] Depending on the needs of any particular battle, the division would allocate squadrons, regiments, or brigades to other formations to provide support. The 'division' operated throughout the 1944–45 North West Europe campaign.[34] Ended war under command of 21st Army Group.[31]

Cavalry[edit]

The division was formed in the United Kingdom, on 31 October 1939. It was then deployed to Palestine, arriving in January 1940. Elements of the division formed Habforce, and took part in the Anglo-Iraqi War and the Syria–Lebanon Campaign. On 1 August 1941, the division was reorganised into the 10th Armoured Division.[35]

County[edit]

Main article: British County Divisions
Formed in the United Kingdom on 28 February 1941. On 1 December 1941, the division was redesignated the 77th Infantry Division.[36]
The division was formed in the United Kingdom on 24 February 1941, but had no troops assigned to it until 24 April 1941. On 24 November 1941, the division ceased to function and was formally disbanded on 31 December.[37]
The division was formed on 12 March 1941, in the United Kingdom. On 1 December 1941, it was redesignated Durham and North Riding Coastal Area, and ceased to act as a division.[38]
The division was formed on 18 February 1941, in the United Kingdom, by the redesignation of the West Sussex County Division. On 7 October 1941, the division was disbanded.[39]
The division was formed on 28 February 1941, in the United Kingdom, by the redesignation of 'Hampire Area'. On 25 November 1941, the division ceased to function and was formally disbanded on 31 December 1941.[40]
The division was formed on 24 February 1941, in the United Kingdom, but did not become operational until 27 March 1941. On 25 November 1941, the division ceased to function and was disbanded on 3 December.[41]
The division was formed on 24 December 1940, in the United Kingdom. On 18 November 1941, it was redesignated the 76th Infantry Division.[42]
The division was formed on 24 February 1941, in the United Kingdom. On 1 December 1941, the division ceased to function and on 21 December it was disbanded.[43]
The division was formed on 9 November 1940, in the United Kingdom, by the redesignation of 'Brocforce'. On 18 February 1941, the division was redesignated the Essex County Division.[44]
The division was formed on 24 February 1941, in the United Kingdom, but only became operational on 19 March 1941. On 1 December 1941, the division was redesignated 'East Riding District' and ceased to exist.[45]

Deception[edit]

Main article: British deception formations in World War II

Indian

Infantry

The division was formed in North West Europe on 12 June 1945, following the reorganisation of the Guards Armoured Division.[48]
Existing division at the start of the war, stationed at Aldershot. Served in France from September 1939 until June 1940, North Africa from March 1943 to December 1943, Italy from December 1943 until January 1945, and in Palestine for most of 1945. Fought at the Medjez Plain, Tunis, Anzio, Rome, and on the Gothic Line. Ended war under HQ, Palestine and Transjordan command.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Finsbury Barracks. Organized as a motor division. 18 November 1940 redesignated 56th (London) Division.
Existing division at the start of the war, stationed at in Aldershot. Served in France from September 1939 until May 1940, India from June 1942 until April 1944 and April 1945 until August 1945, and in Burma from April 1944 until April 1945. Fought at St Omer-La Bassée, Kohima, and Mandalay. Ended war under command of the Southern Army (part of GHQ India).
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in the London District. Remained in the UK until 1 September 1944, when redesignated the 47th Infantry (Reserve) Division.
Existing division at the start of the war, stationed at in Bulford. Served in France from September 1939 until June 1940, and in northwestern Europe from June 1944 until the end of the war. Fought at Ypres-Comines Canal, assaulted Normandy, Caen, Bourguebus Ridge, Mont Pincon, the Nederrijn, the Rhineland, and across the Rhine River. Ended the campaign in northwestern Europe under command of I Corps.
Existing division at the start of the war, stationed at Colchester. Served in France from October 1939 until June 1940, in North Africa from March 1943 until December 1943, in Egypt from December 1943 until February 1944, in Italy from February 1944 until December 1944, and in Greece from December 1944 until the end of the war. Fought at Oued Zarga, the Medjez Plain, Tunis, Cassino, on the Trasimene Line, Arezzo, Florence, and on the Rimini Line. Ended the war under command of HQ Land Forces (Greece).
Existing division at the start of the war, stationed at Catterick Camp. Served in France from December 1939 until June 1940, in India from May 1942 until August 1942, in Iraq from August 1942 until September 1942, in Persia from September 1942 until January 1943, in Syria February 1943 until June 1943, in Egypt June 1943, in Sicily July 1943 until September 1943, in Italy September 1943 until July 1944, in Palestine July 1944 until February 1945, and in northwestern Europe from March 1945 until the end of the war. Fought at Ypres-Comines Canal, assaulted Sicily, on the Sangro River, on the Garigliano River, Anzio, and Rome. Ended the campaign in northwestern Europe under the command of VIII Corps.
Formed November 1939 in Egypt by redesignation of the 7th Infantry Division. 10 October 1941 redesignated 70th Infantry Division. 24 November 1943 disbanded in India. Served in Egypt from November 1939 until March 1940, February 1941 until June 1941, and December 1941 until February 1942, in Palestine March 1940 until June 1940, in Syria June 1941 until October 1941, in Libya October 1941 until December 1941, and in India from March 1942 until October 1943. Fought at Damascus and Tobruk. Under command of Central Army (part of GHQ India) when inactivated.
Existing division at the start of the war in Palestine, headquarters underway to Mersa Matruh. 3 November 1939 redesignated 6th Infantry Division.
Existing division at the start of the war, stationed in Palestine. 28 February 1940 disbanded in Palestine, while under command of HQ Palestine and Transjordan.
2 June 1942 8th Division HQ formed to control administrative units in Syria; disbanded 31 October 1943 in Syria.
Formed September 1939 in the UK. 7 August 1940 redesignated 51st (Highland) Infantry Division.
Formed 10 October 1939 in the UK. Served in France from April 1940 until June 1940. 11 July 1940 disbanded in the UK.
Formed 11 July 1942 in the Sudan, from the 1st Sudan Defence Force Brigade. 12 January 1945 redesignated Sudan Defence Force Group (North Africa).
Formed September 1939 in the UK. Served in northwestern Europe from 14 June 1944 until the end of the war. Fought on the Odon River, at Caen, Mont Pincon, the Nederrijn, the Rhineland, and across the Rhine. Ended the campaign in northwestern Europe under command of VIII Corps.
Formed 30 September 1939 in the UK. Served in India January 1942 and in Malaya February 1942. 15 February 1942 captured by the Japanese Army in Malaya. Fought on Singapore Island.
Formed 2 October 1939 in the UK. Served in France from April 1940 until June 1940. 30 June 1940 disbanded in the UK.
Formed 1 September 1944 in Burma by redesignation of the 36th Indian Infantry Division. Served in Burma from September 1944 until May 1945, and in India from May 1945 until the end of the war. Fought at Mandalay and along the Rangoon Road. Under command of Southern Army (part of GHQ India) at the end of the war.
Formed September 1939 in the UK 1 September 1944 redesignated 38th Infantry (Reserve) Division. Ended the war in Europe under the command of Western Command.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Manchester. Served in Belgium and France from April 1940 until June 1940. 1 November 1941 redesignated 42nd Armoured Division.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Salisbury. Served in northwestern Europe from 24 June 1944 until the end of the war. Fought on the Odon River, at Caen, Bourguebus Ridge, Mont Pincon, the Nederrijn, the Rhineland, and across the Rhine. Ended the campaign in northwestern Europe under command of XXX Corps.
  • 44th (Home Counties) Infantry Division[70] – Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich. Served in France and Belgium from April 1940 until June 1940, and in Egypt from July 1942 until January 1943. 31 December 1943 disbanded in the Middle East. Fought at St Omer-La Bassée, Alam el Halfa, and El Alamein.
  • 45th Infantry Division[71]
Formed September 1939 in the UK. August 1944 division dispersed. 1 September 1944 Redesignated 45th (Holding) Division. 1 December 1944 redesignated 45th Division. Under War Office Control at the end of the war.
Formed 2 October 1939 in the UK. Served in France and Belgium from April 1940 until June 1940, North Africa from January 1943 until September 1943, Italy from September 1943 until March 1944, July 1944 until January 1945 and April 1945 until May 1945, Egypt in March 1944 and June 1944, Palestine from April 1944 until June 1944, Greece from January 1945 until April 1945, and in Austria as an occupation force. Fought at St Omer-La Bassée, El Kouriza, Tunis, Salerno, Naples, on the Volturno River, Monte Camino, on the Gothic Line, Coriano, on the Rimini Line, and on the Lamone River. Ended the war in Europe under command of V Corps.
Formed 21 November 1940 in the UK by redesignation of the 2nd London Division. August 1944 division dispersed. 1 September 1944 redesignated 47th Infantry (Reserve) Division.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Oxford. Served in France and Belgium from January 1940 until June 1940. 20 December 1942 redesignated 48th Infantry (Reserve) Division. Fought at St Omer-La Bassée.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Clifton, York. 5 April 1940 disbanded in the UK 10 June 1940 reconstituted in the UK. Served in northwestern Europe from 12 June 1944 until the end of the war. Fought on the Odon River and in the Scheldt Estuary. Ended the campaign in northwestern Europe under the command of I Canadian Corps.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Darlington. Organized as a motor division. Served in France and Belgium from January 1940 until June 1940, Egypt from June 1941 until July 1941, February 1942, from June 1942 until December 1942, and from May 1943 until September 1943, Cyprus from July 1941 until November 1941, Syria from January 1942 until February 1942, Libya from February 1942 until June 1942, from December 1943 until March 1943, and from April 1943 until May 1943, North Africa from March 1943 until April 1943, Sicily from July 1943 until October 1943, and northwestern Europe from June 1944 until December 1944. 16 December 1944 redesignated an Infantry (Reserve) Division in the UK. August 1945 arrived in Norway and retitled HQ British Land Forces Norway. Fought at Ypres-Comines Canal, Gazala, Mersa Matruh, El Alamein, Mareth, Akarit, Enfidaville, assaulted Sicily, assaulted Normandy, and in the Nederrijn.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Cragie, Perth. Served in France from 24 January 1940 until June 1940. 12 June 1940 captured at Saint-Valery-en-Caux. 7 August 1940 reconstituted by redesignation of the 9th (Highland) Infantry Division. Served in Egypt from August 1942 until November 1942, Libya from November 1942 until February 1943, North Africa from February 1943 until July 1943, and northwestern Europe from June 1944 until the end of the campaign in northwestern Europe. Fought at El Alamein, Medenine, Mareth, Akarit, Enfidaville, Tunis, assaulted Sicily, Adrano, Bourguebus Ridge, Falaise, the Rhineland, and across the Rhine. Ended the campaign in northwestern Europe under command of XXX Corps.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Glasgow. Trained at various times as both a mountain and airlanding division, but never used in either role. Served in France June 1940 and in northwestern Europe from October 1944 until the end of the war in Europe. Fought in the Scheldt Estuary, the Rhineland, and across the Rhine. Ended the campaign in northwestern Europe under command of XXX Corps.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Shrewsbury. Served in northwestern Europe from June 1944 until the end of the war in Europe. Fought on the Odon River, at Caen, Mont Pincon, Falaise, the Nederrijn, the Rhineland, and across the Rhine. Ended the campaign in northwestern Europe under command of XII Corps.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in The Barracks, Hertford. 14 December 1943 disbanded in the UK.
Existing Territorial Army division at the start of the war, with headquarters in Liverpool. Never left the UK. Ended the war under command of Western Command.
Formed 18 November 1940 by redesignation of the 1st London Division. Served in Iraq from November 1942 until March 1943, Palestine in March 1943, Egypt from March 1943 until April 1943 and from April 1944 until July 1944, Libya in April 1943 and from May 1943 until August 1943, and in Italy from September 1943 until March 1944 and from July 1944 until the end of the war in Europe. Fought at Enfidaville, Tunis, Salerno, Naples, on the Volturno River, Monte Camino, on the Garigliano River, Anzio, on the Gothic Line, Coriano, on the Rimini Line, on the Lamone River, and in the Argenta Gap. Ended the war in Europe under command of XIII Corps.
Formed 4 September 1939 in the UK. Fought at Caen and Mount Pincon. Served in northwestern Europe from June 1944 until October 1944. 19 October 1944 disbanded in northwestern Europe.
Formed September 1939 in the UK. Never left the UK. Ended the war under command of Eastern Command.
Formed September 1939 in the UK 22 June 1940 disbanded in the UK.
Formed 10 October 1941 by redesignation of the 6th Infantry Division. 10 October 1941 redesignated 70th Infantry Division. 24 November 1943 disbanded in India. Served in Egypt from November 1939 until March 1940, February 1941 until June 1941, and December 1941 until February 1942, in Palestine March 1940 until June 1940, in Syria June 1941 until October 1941, in Libya October 1941 until December 1941, and in India from March 1942 until October 1943. Under command of Central Army (part of GHQ India) when inactivated. 24 November 1943 disbanded in India.
Formed 18 November 1941 by redesignation of the Norfolk County Division in the UK 20 December 1942 redesignated 76th Infantry (Reserve) Division in the UK. 1 September 1944 disbanded in the UK.
Formed 1 December 1941 by redesignation of the Devon and Cornwall County Division in the UK 20 December 1942 redesignated 77th Infantry (Reserve) Division in the UK 1 September 1944 disbanded in the UK.
Formed 25 May 1942 in the UK to take part in Operation Torch. Served in North Africa from November 1942 until July 1943, Sicily from July 1943 until September 1943, Italy from September 1943 until July 1944 when it was sent to Egypt for rest and regrouping. It rejoined the campaign in Italy in September 1944 remaining until the end of hostilities there in early May 1945. Ended the war in Austria under command of V Corps. Fought in Tunisia at Tebourba Gap, Oued Zarga, Medjez Plain, Tunis; in Sicily at Adrano and Centuripe; and in Italy at Termoli, on the Sangro River, Cassino, in the Liri Valley, on the Trasimene Line, Florence (Gothic Line), on the Senio River, and in the Argenta Gap.
Formed 1 January 1943 in the UK 1 September 1944 disbanded in the UK
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Airsoft

For more info click: http://www.militaryflashpatches.co.uk/index.php
 
Airsoft is a sport in which participants eliminate opponents by hitting each other with spherical non-metallic pellets launched via replica firearms called Airsoft guns.
Gameplay varies in style and composition but often range from short-term skirmishes, organized scenarios, C.Q.B., field, military simulations (MilSim), or historical reenactments and speedball. Combat situations on the battlefield often involve the perception of military tactics to achieve objectives set in each game, but the lack of weapons with similar performance to real weapons, and the lack of personal danger, results in a "live action" equivalent of a video game and not an actual experience of combat. Participants attempt to emulate the tactical equipment and accessories used by modern military and police organizations.
History
Airsoft originated in Japan,[1] then spread to Hong Kong and China[2] in the late 1970s. Airsoft guns spread to the UK in the 1980s with a company called LS. The guns were sold in pieces and had to be assembled before they were capable of firing pellets. Airsoft equipment was designed to closely emulate real guns. Since the mid-1980s, airsoft guns have been adapted with a purely recreational application in mind, and the hobby is enjoyed by all ages. One of the UK's first Airsoft Games sites was Firefight Airsoft Games [3] which was set up in 1996 at Mapledurham Estate Reading. Some Airsoft guns are produced in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, while some are also produced in Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Canada. Many Airsoft guns mimic already existing "real steel" weapons.

Ballistics and velocity

For more details on Airsoft pellet ballistics,
Airsoft player shooting from behind cover wearing goggles that fully seal the area around the eyes and a Balaclava to protect the face.
On impact, the pain an airsoft pellet causes is directly related with the kinetic energy it has. This energy is directly proportional to its mass and the square of its velocity. It is important to note that doubling the velocity of a pellet will quadruple its kinetic energy. As a reference value, a 0.20 gram pellet traveling at 100 metres per second (330 ft/s) has one joule of kinetic energy.
A typical set of velocity for sanctioned fields in the United States on guns may be 350 feet per second (110 m/s) for Close Quarters Battle (CQB), 400 feet per second (120 m/s) for outdoor play with fully automatic AEG's, 450 feet per second (140 m/s) for semi-auto "DMR" style AEG's, and 550 feet per second (170 m/s) for bolt action sniper rifles, for a 0.20 g pellet.[citation needed]
The maximum effective range of field-legal airsoft weapons is around 100 yd (91 m) with a highly upgraded sniper rifle replica. Most airsoft guns used for field play will have an effective range of around 140–220 feet, depending on the intended role of the weapon.[citation needed] Most Airsoft guns are capable of shooting from 50 m/s (160 ft/s) to 125 m/s (410 ft/s), although it is also possible to purchase upgraded internals for some Airsoft guns that will enable the gun to shoot up to 250 to 300 ft. In California a common limit for CQB is 350 ft/s (110 m/s)[citation needed]. Airsoft guns that have high muzzle velocities tend to have a longer range and better accuracy. On the other hand, a lower muzzle velocity means that the pellet will glide more, which is a good thing for indoor skirmishes. Outside however, the wind may change its trajectory.[citation needed]
In Ireland, Italy, and Japan the energy limit for Airsoft guns is one joule regardless of the type of game play.[citation needed] Some UK sites allow semi-automatic-only weapons up to 400 ft/s (120 m/s) and bolt action rifles up to 500 ft/s (150 m/s).[citation needed] Northern Ireland has a maximum velocity of 328 ft/s (100 m/s) with 0.20 g pellets, without regard to the type of weapon.[citation needed]
The ballistics of spring or electric powered airsoft guns differ from real firearms in that a longer barrel will not always result in better accuracy. In spring/electric airsoft weapons, barrel length does not have a significant effect on accuracy.[citation needed] The "sweet spot" for barrel length in a spring/electric powered airsoft gun is around 400–500 mm.[citation needed] Past that length, added barrel length will not improve accuracy.[citation needed] In any case, barrel quality, velocity consistency, and hopup quality/design are more important factors with regard to accuracy.[citation needed] Added barrel length will result in slightly increased velocity if the cylinder size and compression are appropriate for the barrel length. For example, a gun with a large cylinder and a long barrel will shoot slightly harder than a gun with a small cylinder and a short barrel (ceteris paribus).[citation needed] This rule will apply even for barrels longer than 500 mm, if there is enough cylinder volume and air compression to propel the pellet through the barrel.[citation needed] However, the resulting velocity increase will be hardly noticeable. The only considerable advantage of using a longer inner barrel in an AEG or spring powered gun is that it generally will make the gun quieter.
Gas powered replicas function more like real firearms. In gas powered guns, added barrel length (to an appropriate degree) will result in significantly increased velocity, and increased accuracy to a degree. Tighter bore barrels will increase velocity because there will be less space between the pellet and the barrel for the air to escape through. Most stock airsoft guns have 6.05-6.08 mm bore barrels, but best performance is usually seen with "tightbore" barrels. However, the tighter the bore, the more likely the chance of a pellet jam, and subsequently, tightbores need to be cleaned regularly. It is generally agreed upon that a good quality 6.01-6.02 mm barrel will provide the highest muzzle velocity, while a good quality 6.03 mm barrel will provide the best compromise between power, accuracy, and ease of maintenance. The actual accuracy difference between a 6.01 mm barrel and a 6.03 mm barrel is debatable.

Safety

Eye and face protection

Players in the 'safe zone' between games.
The minimum safe level of gear required to participate in most games includes a pair of ANSI Z87.1 (impact-rated) goggles to protect participants' eyes. If shot from at least ten feet away by a gun with typical muzzle velocity, there will be minimal damage to other body parts. Traditional prescription glasses and sunglasses, or goggles not designed specifically for use with airsoft or paintball guns, may break or shatter upon being struck causing damage to the eye. The largest review of airsoft eye injuries found no case of loss of vision from an airsoft eye injury.[4] The same review found that only one of the 59 cases was wearing anything over their eye, in which that one patient was just wearing sunglasses as eye protection.
Full-face masks (similar to, and often including paintball masks) cover the rest of the face, protecting vulnerable parts such as teeth. Some airsoft masks are made with mesh screens, though theoretically, a pellet could shatter on impact, and its fragments could pass through the mesh and into the eye.[5] Masks with mesh screens are often preferred by players who wear prescription eyeglasses as they increase ventilation and reduce the amount of condensation on the lenses, while the lenses provide additional protection against possible fragments that might penetrate the mesh.
While masks offer superior protection, they can interfere with the use of scopes, and in cheaper masks, condensation inside the goggles can reduce visibility. During very hot days the masks can also cause the player to overheat more quickly due to the lack of air circulation. Some players have mounted small battery-powered fans (designed for computer circuit boards) on the masks to improve ventilation and reduce or avoid condensation.

Community safety precautions

Airsoft replica of a H&K G36C. Note that this replica is not in use on a field, and therefore has the magazine removed, the chamber cleared, and has a barrel bag placed over the muzzle.
Rules such as a maximum muzzle velocity and engagement distance guidelines are used by different groups. Some organizations have created common safety rules and guidelines.[7]
When not actively playing, some fields require "barrel bags", also known as barrel "socks" or barrel "condoms", to be placed over the muzzle of the gun. The magazine is usually removed as well, and the gun fired to clear the chamber. Most fields also require players to leave their guns set to the safety position when they are not shooting, a practice common when using real firearms. In certain countries, such as the Philippines, additional special rules have been adopted.[8]

Legal restrictions

Main article: Legal issues in airsoft
Classic Army M15A4 (M4 replica) Automatic Electric Gun.
Owning airsoft guns and playing airsoft is legal in most parts of the world. Some countries have specific restrictions,[9] such as maximum muzzle velocity and "unrealistic" colouring to distinguish them from actual firearms. They are legal throughout the U.S, but restrictions do exist in certain cities such as Chicago, Illinois and Detroit, Michigan. The states of New Mexico, New Jersey, and Michigan, however, do not allow airsoft guns to be used or handled publicly because of the resemblance to real firearms. They may be used on private property with the consent of the owner. The Customs and Border Protection FAQ page states that Airsoft guns are considered look-alike firearms which require the special blaze orange marking.[10] In October 2013, a 13 year old boy carrying an Airsoft replica assault rifle was shot and killed by deputies in Santa Rosa, California.[11]
In the United Kingdom, some Airsoft guns are classified as realistic imitation firearms or RIFs. The sale, manufacture, or importation of these is restricted to activities that are exempted or have been granted a defense by the Home Office under the Violent Criminal Reduction Act (VCRA). Airsoft skirmishing has been granted a specific defense against the requirements of the act, and a skirmisher as defined under British law is allowed to sell, import and manufacture airsoft replicas, and convert them into RIFs. Purchase from other vendors is not illegal, but the sale is - the crime is committed by the vendor. All are still however crimes under British law that can be defended successfully (in theory - this has never been tried to date) by fulfilling criteria suggested in the guidelines accompanying the VCRA. The most accepted method of proving entitlement to the defense is to be a member of a site that holds public liability insurance. An association set up by UK retailers, called the United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association (UKARA), in line with the Home Office documentation accompanying the VCRA, recommends that an airsoft site only give membership to a player who has played at least three games over a period of no less than two months. It is also possible for a member of an insured reenactment society or the film or television industry to purchase an Airsoft replica (this is a full exemption from, and not a defense against, the VCRA).[12] The right to buy a RIF (or IF) is still reserved for individuals age 18 and over.[13]
Many retailers are part of the UKARA scheme and will only sell to players who are registered to a skirmish site that fulfills the desired requirements for the VCRA Defense. Retailers must renew their membership annually. The Association has a database of registered players from approved airsoft sites that is updated on a regular basis by the sites themselves. Retailers who are members of UKARA have access to the database and can check for proof of eligibility for purchasing access to the player's site membership number before selling any RIFs to private individuals.
Other schemes have been attempted to allow Airsoft players to comply with the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006, but none have been successfully implemented. The use or possession of any kind of replica weapon—loaded or otherwise—in a public place without valid reason is an offense under UK law and can carry heavy penalties.[14]
As an alternative to RIFs, IFs (Imitation Firearms, including 'two tones') are available. These are RIFs which have been painted a bright colour (excluding white/silver/gold) over 51% of the item. No specific defense is required for purchase of IFs. They cannot be bought by those under the age of 18, and offer an entry to those unable to claim a defence under the VCRA.
In Canada, there are laws pertaining to airsoft importing. All airsoft guns that are bought in Canada are legal, but when importing it, the gun has to have between 366FPS and 500FPS to pass inspection at customs, otherwise the gun will be shipped back or destroyed.[15]

Orange-tipped airsoft gun muzzles

Although airsoft guns in the United States are generally sold with a 6mm (0.24in.) or longer orange tip on the barrel in order to distinguish them from real firearms, this is not in fact required by federal law. Manufacturers and importers may cite Title 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which stipulates that "no person shall manufacture, enter into commerce, ship, transport, or receive any toy, look-alike, or imitation firearm" without approved markings; these may include an orange tip, orange barrel plug, brightly colored exterior of the whole toy, or transparent construction (part 272.2, formerly part 1150.2). However, section 272.1 (formerly 1150.1) clearly indicates that these restrictions shall not apply to "traditional b-b, paint-ball, or pellet-firing air guns that expel a projectile through the force of compressed air, compressed gas or mechanical spring action, or any combination thereof." [16] This language clearly exempts airsoft guns from these requirements, placing them in the same category as bb-guns, pellet, air, and paintball, none of which are conventionally sold or used with an orange tip, and many of which bear as much resemblance to real firearms as airsoft guns do.[citation needed] Another difficulty the airsoft-playing community has with a legal or mandatory requirement for any orange-tipped or bright-colored paint on all airsoft guns is that lawless elements could deliberately paint real guns to have orange-tips or make them look like airsoft guns and thus cause more harm or alarm for the public.

Lasers

In certain countries use of lasers of any kind is illegal, thus it is very important to note prior to buying any laser pointers or scopes with integrated lasers, one should always check the country/state laws and ensure that they are not breaking the law.[17]

Airsoft guns

Main article: Airsoft gun
A Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 4.3 Gas Blowback airsoft handgun.
The guns used in airsoft are typically imitation firearms. They have a mechanism for shooting projectiles 6 mm or 8 mm in diameter.
Airsoft guns are classified according to their operating principle, which can be spring loaded, electric (battery powered Automatic Electric Guns,Airsoft Electric Guns or "AEG's"), or gas-powered (if these have a blowback feature they are known as "GBBs"). Some companies produce full replicas of counterpart grenade launchers which fire a projectile spray of 6mm pellets by use of a high-powered spring mechanism or a compressed gas propellant (i.e. green gas, propane, or CO2).
Newer guns, especially those made in Taiwan and China, have metal internal and external parts. Japan has specific rules about producing airsoft guns with metal parts. A typical airsoft gun is noticeably lighter than its "real steel" counterpart due to the use of aluminum, alloy, and plastic, though some have weights in them for a more realistic feel. Smoke caps are available for certain airsoft guns to add realism.
Gas handgun magazines usually contain 10 to 30 pellets in a standard capacity magazine; however, some are high capacity magazines (some of which utilize a winder) and can hold 50 rounds or more. In the case of AEG rifles, magazines come in either real-capacity (equivalent to the capacity of its real steel counterpart), low-capacity (20-50 rounds), mid-capacity (75-200 rounds), or high-capacity (220+ rounds). These magazines are spring-loaded. The high-cap magazines often have a ratchet wheel that can be wound up periodically to force pellets up from the holding chamber of the magazine to the feeding chute. Due to loose pellets in the reservoir, they often make a rattling noise when running or walking. Some airsoft guns have an electric-powered box or drum magazine that holds thousands of pellets.
It is common for owners to "tech" or modify their guns. The standard gearboxes are made to Tokyo Marui specs[clarification needed] and have upgrade parts available. It is also possible to perform DIY modifications.

Hop-Up[edit]

Main article: Hop-Up (Airsoft)
The "Hop-Up" system, which is installed in most stock airsoft rifles and in some pistols, is used to add extra range by putting backspin on the pellets, causing them to rise upward as they are fired. Hop-Up is not short for "High Operation Power Up" as is commonly believed, but is in fact called such due to the effect it has on the BB (effectively making the BB "hop" compared to its unaltered trajectory). A small rubber nub protrudes into the top of the barrel through a small hole, and it catches the top of the pellet as it flies past. Adjusting the Hop-Up makes the nub protrude lower or higher into the barrel, so that backspin is increased or reduced. Ideally, the Hop-Up should be adjusted so that the pellets fly as far as possible in a straight line without curving upward too far, or dropping to the ground too quickly. Hop-Up does decrease the velocity of the projectile (a gun firing 340 ft/s (100 m/s) with the hop fully unwound can drop as low as 300 ft/s (91 m/s)). However, players looking for the highest level of power should keep hop-up at normal settings as with the hop up working, the BB spin helps to reduce latent surface area, which, in turn, reduces drag on the projectile. The Hop-Up adjustment is usually relatively easy to access so that players can adjust it during play. On the soft side of airsoft guns, it is located underneath the bolt cover, on an external knob on the gun, or inside the magazine well, or occasionally it is inside the gun itself, requiring disassembly for adjustment. Sometimes the Hop-Up is only adjustable using an Allen wrench. Few lower priced gun models have an adjustable hop up system.

Airsoft projectiles

Main article: Airsoft pellets
6 mm plastic pellets (0.12 g). A sample of inexpensive pellets.
Most airsoft guns fire round plastic pellets, usually white, but black "invisible" or phosphorestic are common as well. The pellets mostly range from 0.12 to 0.48 g. However, the most popular weights for AEGs (automatic electric guns) and GBB* (Gas Blow-Back guns) are 0.20 g and 0.25 g (*These weights are generally specified for pistols whose muzzle velocity ranges from approximately 250 ft/s (76 m/s) to 400 ft/s (120 m/s)). Heavier rounds (0.30–0.43 g) are typically used in long range and sniper applications since they are more stable in flight and less easily deflected by wind. They are usually bought in bags or bottles of 2,000 to 5,000, but other sizes are available, such as a 250,000 round (65 kg) package of tournament grade pellets. Pellets are typically 6 mm in diameter, though 8 mm pellets do exist. Pellets vary by diameter depending on the brand (e.g. Matrix pellets are 5.95 mm in diameter and let less air slip past it during travel through the barrel, whereas Crosman pellets are 5.93 mm in diameter and allow more air to slip past during travel through the barrel and allow for less velocity). The optimum pellet weight depends on the gun. For instance, a mid to high end ($100+) automatic rifle uses between 0.20–0.30 g pellets, while sniper rifles work best with 0.30 g or higher. Experienced airsoft players won't use 0.12 g pellets in their high end guns, as these tend to jam and break inside the barrel and Hop-Up. However, 0.12 g pellets do work well with the less expensive plastic pistols or spring guns. Pellets are used for the majority of play, although foam balls may be used to represent M203 styled grenade launcher shells.

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Wednesday, 6 November 2013

Michael whittman panzer ace

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MICHAEL WITTMANN (1914-1944), proud son of the Bavarian village of Vogelthal and winner of the coveted Knight's Cross with Oak leaves and Swords, has to go down as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, exponent of the art of armoured warfare in the modern era.
During his many campaigns both on the Eastern front and in the West, Whittmann was to make a name for himself with his exceptional skill and bravery, and was highly respected both by friend and foe alike. While his skill had been recognised on the harsh battlefields on the Eastern Front, his exploits during the Normandy campaign of 1944 - and the famous assault at Villers-Bocage - were to elevate him to the status of a legend.

Following the D-Day landings in Normandy on 6 June 1944, the Allies had made rapid progress inland in what had become the Battle of Normandy. By 13 June, a full week after the beach landings, Allied formations including the famous 7th Armoured Division (the 'Desert Rats') had reached the vicinity of the city of Caen, slicing through the fast-retreating German defences in the process. This smooth action was made easier with the massive air superiority held by the Allies, and by the morning of 13 June the flanks of the Panzer Lehr Division had been massively exposed - setting up the possibility of their being completely enclosed.
Central to the Allied plan was the main road towards Caen, and the high ground located at Hill 213 (also known as Point 213); right in the path lay the small, compact town of Villers-Bocage. The Allies were completely unaware of the presence of the 101st LSSAH in the area, among which was Michael Wittmann and his Tiger I; commanding officer Lt-Colonel Arthur, the Viscount Cranleigh, had requested time to carry out a proper reconnaissance of the area but this was ignored as the order was issued to push on regardless. This decision to press on was to have dire consequences.

The build up: Morning, 13 June 1944

On the morning of 13 June, the LSSAH panzer unit commanders conferred with divisional commander Obergruppenführer 'Sepp' Dietrich as to what their plan of action would be. The general feeling was that the Allies were about to launch a massive thrust with the aim of outflanking Panzer Lehr; it was concluded that the targets to secure would be Villers-Bocage and Hill 213, which was located close to the main crossroads north of the town. Thus the scene was set for what was essentially a simple race for tactical supremacy; nobody was able to predict the events that were to follow. In his typically selfless way, Whittmann suggested that his Tiger carry out a reconnoitre of the surrounding area, a plan to which his battalion commander instantly agreed.
Whittmann's role was one of simply checking out enemy movement in the area around Villers-Bocage, which had been cited by Dietrich as being essential to securing a crucial foothold in the area. Wittmann set out towards Villers-Bocage at around 6am, moving cautiously alongside a wooded area in order to avoid being spotted from the air.


Led by Wittmann's Tiger Nr. 205, Tigers of the Second Company head towards the area surrounding the town of Villers-Bocage, 13 June 1944.
While at his command post some 150 metres from Hill 213, Wittmann encountered an Army sergeant who informed him of the presence of a number of unfamiliar vehicles. Wittmann spotted what seemed like a never-ending convoy of British and American type vehicles rolling along the highway, heading out of Villers-Bocage towards Hill 213. It turned out that these vehicles were the lead element of a highly-trained British unit, the 4th County of London Yeomanry (CLY) ("Sharpshooters"), part of the 22nd Armoured Brigade of the 7th Armoured Division, the renowned 'Desert Rats'.
Equipped with both Cromwell and M4A4 Sherman Firefly tanks, 'A' Squadron 4CLY had positioned themselves east of the village; meanwhile, 'B' Sqn. 4CLY had been stationed west of Villers, overseeing the intersection with the road leading to the neighbouring village of Caumont. 4CLY's Regimental Headquarters was situated in the main street of Villers-Bocage itself. Directly behind 'A' Sqn. were the 1st Rifle Brigade, which was equipped with a dozen M3 half-tracks and three Stuart M5A1 'Honey' light tanks.
Villers-Bocage
Map of Villers-Bocage and the surrounding area.
This rather enticing opportunity provided Wittmann with something of a dilemma: he clearly felt that he could not allow this situation to escape him, yet any radio contact with HQ would have been instantly intercepted. More crucially Wittmann noted that there were few German forces of substance in the immediate vicinity, and that the British column would have had a clear and unobstructed route though to the town of Caen. He himself had only six serviceable Tigers at his disposal: these were numbers 211 (commanded by SS-Ostuf. Jürgen Wessel), 221 (SS-Ustuf. Georg Hantusch), 222 (SS-Uscha. Kurt Sowa), 223 (SS-Oscha. Jürgen Brandt), 233 (SS-Oscha. Georg Lötzsch, and 234 (SS-Uscha. Herbert Stief); of these six vehicles, 233 had track damage and SS-Ostuf. Wessel was not present, having departed for the front to receive orders. It was at this moment that the enterprising panzer ace decided to take action himself. He recalled that the decision was a tough one, one that required split-second thinking:
"...the decision was a very, very difficult one. Never before had I been so impressed by the strength of the enemy as I was by those tanks rolling by; but I knew it absolutely had to be and I decided to strike out into the enemy."
Leaving the infantry sergeant safely in his foxhole, Wittmann sprinted towards Stief's Tiger Nr. 234 as it was the vehicle closest to him. The vehicle's commander, who had previously been taking a short nap, was quickly despatched to brief the remaining members of the platoon. The driver cranked up the engine. However, after rolling forward some twenty-five or so yards Wittmann sensed something not quite right. SS-Rottenführer Walter Lau, Stief's gunner, was not to know what he would miss out on as the next vital minutes unfolded. Without a moment of hesitation Wittmann leapt out and sprinted towards the next available Tiger, that of of SS-Unterscharführer Kurt Sowa, which had by this time made its way out of the defile.

Which Tiger?

The number of the vehicle Whittmann commandeered that morning is a subject of enthusiastic debate; Sowa's assigned vehicle at the time of the battalion's formation had been Nr. 222, and it is this vehicle that has been cited by the majority of commentators as being the one Whittmann climbed into on the morning of June 13 prior to advancing on Villers-Bocage. However, the historian Daniel Taylor has presented a series of arguments that suggest the vehicle Whittmann took into Villers-Bocage might well have been SS-Ustuf. Heinz Belbe's Tiger Nr. 231, which had not been among the six serviceable Tigers listed by both Patrick Agte and George Forty in their studies of the battle. There are a number of possible reasons for this, most of which stem from the (assumption?) that Sowa's tank was in fact Nr. 222. It is fairly well-known that the Tigers were prone to mechanical failure, and as a result commanders had got used to what could best be described as 'tank-hopping'. It could well have been that by this time in the campaign Sowa's assigned vehicle might have been undergoing maintenance, and that on the day of the attack on Villers-Bocage he may have been in command of Nr. 231 and not his designated vehicle. Thus, Sowa's Tiger, which everyone who has written on the subject is agreed that Wittmann commandeered on the morning of 13 June, might have been Nr. 231 instead of Nr. 222.
Whittmann gave the command to his 'new' driver, SS-Uscha. Walter Müller, to crank up the vehicle for an all out attack on the enemy formation. Also on board were his gunner Bobby Woll, Loader Sturmmann Günter Boldt, and radio operator Sturmmann Günther Jonas. The order was issued for all the remaining Tigers to stand fast and host their positions; Kurt Sowa, whose vehicle had been commandeered by Whittmann moments earlier, now in turn took charge of Stief's 234, rolling it into a defensive position on the highway. The other vehicles at the ready were Hantusch's 221 and Brandt's 233. The time was now 08:35.



"...the decision was a very, very difficult one. Never before had I been so impressed by the strength of the enemy as I was by those tanks rolling by; but I knew it absolutely had to be and I decided to strike out into the enemy."
Michael Whittmann, 13th June 1944.


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    Wednesday, 23 October 2013

    Royal green jackets

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    History

    It was formed in 1966 by the amalgamation of the three separate regiments of the Green Jackets Brigade:
    1st Green Jackets, (43rd and 52nd)
    2nd Green Jackets, The King's Royal Rifle Corps
    3rd Green Jackets, The Rifle Brigade

    There were also two Territorial Army battalions made up as follows
    4th(V) Bn Royal Green Jackets - formed from the remnants of the Rangers (KRRC), London Rifle Brigade, Tower Hamlets Rifles, Queens Westminsters, Queen Victoria's Rifles and Civil Service Rifles.
    5th(V) Bn Royal Green Jackets - formed from the 4th Bn the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (TA) and the Buckinghamshire Battalion of the Ox & Bucks Light Infantry

    During the 1980s, the battalions were deployed to various parts of Northern Ireland (Operation Banner). The 1st, 2nd and 3rd battalions were also based in West Germany, Osnabrück (1RGJ), Minden (2RGJ) and Celle (3RGJ), where the Queen visited the Regiment in the mid 1980s. The 4th and 5th Battalions were also part of the NORTHAG NATO forces based in West Germany prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

    In 1992 1st RGJ was disbanded and 2/RGJ and 3/RGJ renumbered 1/RGJ and 2/RGJ respectively. The last ever Royal Green Jackets unit was the London Oratory CCF who were rebadged as Irish Guards in 2010.

    The regiment's greatest loss of life came on 20 July 1982 when seven RGJ bandsmen were killed by a Provisional Irish Republican Army bomb which exploded during a public concert featuring the music from Oliver! to 120 people at the bandstand in Regents Park.

    After the 1992 reorganisation, the unit was mostly based overseas in Dhekelia, Cyprus and Paderborn, Germany as well as in Northern Ireland and saw action in Bosnia and Kosovo during the Yugoslav Wars. Both battalions returned to the UK by 2002 and one battalion served on Operation Telic in Iraq, the regiment's last ever assignment before the amalgamation. In 1975 to 1977 in Berlin 3 RGJ had a mascot called Charlie the Pig

    Traditions

    Their motto was Celer et Audax (Latin: "Swift and Bold"). As they were used as shock troops and marksmen, they had to get to the front line of battle as fast as was possible; as a result the RGJ marched at 140 paces per minute (at a 15" pace) whereas other regiments march at just 120 (with an 18" stride). Until recently no other regiment has devoted so much time to becoming highly proficient with the rifle, even though it has been part of standard army issue for 140 years; as a consequence, the RGJ's lowest rank (other than 'recruit') is Rifleman (Rfn), rather than Private (Pte), as in other regiments.

    The regiment was classed as a 'rifle' regiment, having its lineage in the regiments of foot that were equipped with the first Baker rifles. Traditionally, rifle regiments wore rifle green tunics, an early form of camouflage, instead of the red jackets worn by line infantry, hence the regimental name. Also, the regiment carried no colours, as traditionally rifle regiments, being skirmishers and sharpshooters, had no need to identify where their fellows were on the battlefield. So, the battle honours of the Royal Green Jackets were worn on the regiment's cap badge. Infantry in the regiment wore a beret with the badge behind the left eye towards the side of the head, traditionally to show that they do not need to hide behind their colours to show how good the regiment is. The Royal Green Jackets' predecessors were issued with short swords instead of bayonets as the Baker rifles of the past were shorter than the traditional musket, fitting the sword to the rifle made the overall weapon length the same as a musket with bayonet attached. The RGJ consequently referred to their bayonets as 'swords'.

    The Royal Green Jackets and its antecedent regiments, have been awarded, with a total of 59, more Victoria Crosses than any other infantry unit. The Royal Artillery, with 65, currently hold the most in the British Army.

    Amalgamations of 2007

    As part of the 2004 restructuring of the infantry, the RGJ was scheduled to be largely unaffected - though the regiment had already been reduced to two Regular battalions in 1992. The regiment would have received a new Territorial Army battalion through the grouping together of the various RGJ companies of the Royal Rifle Volunteers and the London Regiment.

    However, on 24 November 2005 it was announced that after discussions between The Light Infantry and the RGJ, the two would be merged with the Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry and Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry (RGBW) by the end of 2007 to form a single large regiment to be called The Rifles. The new regiment was to contain five Regular Battalions and two TA Battalions.

    The reorganisation into "The Rifles" took effect on 1 February 2007:
    The 1st Battalion Royal Green Jackets became 2nd Battalion, The Rifles
    The 2nd Battalion Royal Green Jackets became 4th Battalion, The Rifles
    the surviving Territorial Army companies of 4 & 5 RGJ, along with a company of the RGBW became 7th Battalion, The Rifles

    The Maltese Cross cap badge of the RGJ was adopted as the belt badge of The Rifles and will carry the battle honours. The Rifles is a Rifle Regiment and as such will not carry colours. The title "rifleman" was adopted for soldiers of the rank of private, as it had been with the Royal Green Jackets.

    The Royal Green Jackets had four Combined Cadet Force units, which were part of the London Oratory School CCF, Winchester College CCF, Rutlish School CCF and Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe CCF (which was originally attached to the Buckinghamshire Battalion).

    Battle honours


    A memorial sign of 1982 Regent's park bombingLouisburg, Quebec 1759, Martinique 1762, Havannah, North America 1763-64, Mysore, Hindoostan, Martinique 1794, Copenhagen, Montevideo, RoLica, Vimiero, Corunna, Martinique 1809, Talavera, Busaco, Barrosa, Fuentes d'Onor, Albuhera, Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz, Salamanca, Vitoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Nive, Orthez, Toulouse, Peninsula, Waterloo, South Africa 1846-47, Mooltan, Goojerat, Punjab, South Africa 1851-53, Alma, lnkerman, Sevastopol, Delhi 1857, Lucknow, Taku Forts, Pekin 1860, New Zealand, Ashantee 1873-74, Au Masjid, South Africa 1879, Ahmad Khel, Kandahar 1880, Afghanistan 1878-80, Tel-el-Kebir, Egypt 1882-84, Burma 1885-87, Chitral, Khartoum, Defence of Ladysmith, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Relief of Ladysmith, South Africa 1899-1902.
    The Great War: Mons, Le Cateau, Retreat from Mons, Marne 1914, Aisne 1914, 18, Armentières 1914, Ypres 1914, 15, 17, 18, Langemarck 1914, 17, Gheluvelt, Nonne Boschen, Givenchy 1914, Neuve Chapelle, Gravenstafel, St. Julien, Frezenberg, Heliewaarde, Aubers, Festubert 1915, Hooge 1915, Loos, Mount Sorrel, Somme 1916, 18, Albert 1916, 18, Bazentin, Delville Wood, Pozières, Guillemont, Flers-Courcelette, Morval, Le Transloy, Ancre Heights, Ancre 1916, 18, Bapaume 1917, 18, Arras 1917, 18, Vimy 1917, Scarpe 1917, 18, Arleux, Messines 1917, 18, Pilckem, Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, Poelcappelle, Passchendaele, Cambrai 1917, 18, St. Quentin, Rosières, Avre, Villers-Bretonneux, Lys, Hazebrouck, Bailleul, Kemmel, Bethune, Drocourt Quéant, Hindenburg Line, Havrincourt, Epehy, Canal du Nord, St. Quentin Canal, Beaurevoir, Kortrijk, Selle, Valenciennes, Sambre, France and Flanders 1914-18, Piave, Vittorio Veneto, Italy 1917-18, Doiran 1917, 18, Macedonia 1915-18, Kut al Amara 1915, Ctesiphon, Defence of Kut al Amara, Tigris 1916, Khan Baghdadi, Mesopotamia 1914-18.
    Archangel 1919
    The Second World War: Defence of Escaut, Siege of Calais, Cassel, Ypres-Comines Canal, Normandy Landing, Pegasus Bridge, Villers-Bocage, Odon, Caen, Esquay, Bourguebus Ridge, Mont Pincon, Le Perier Ridge, Falaise, Antwerp, Hechtel, Nederrijn, Lower Maas, Roer, Ourthe, Rhineland, Reichswald, Kleve, Goch, Hochwald, Rhine, Ibbenbueren, Dreirwalde, Leese, Aller, North-West Europe 1940, 44-45, Egyptian Frontier 1940, Sidi Barrani, Beda Fomm, Mersa el Brega, Agedabia, Derna Aerodrome, Tobruk 1941, Sidi Rezegh 1941, Chor es Sufan, Saunnu, Gazala, Bir Hacheim, Knightsbridge, Defence of Alamein Line, Ruweisat, Fuka Airfield, Alam el Halfa, El Alamein, Capture of Haifaya Pass, Nofilia, Tebaga Gap, Enfidaville, Medjez el Bab, Kasserine, Thala, Fondouk, Fondouk Pass, El Kourzia, Djebel Kournine, Agroub el Megas, Tunis, Hamman Lif, North Africa 1940-43, Sangro, Salerno, Santa Lucia, Salerno Hills, Cardito, Teano, Monte Camino, Garigliano Crossing, Damiano, Anzio, Cassino II, Liri Valley, Melfa Crossing, Monte Rotondo, Capture of Perugia, Monte Malbe, Arezzo, Advance to Florence, Gothic Line, Coriano, Gemmano Ridge, Lamone Crossing, Orsara, Tossignano, Argenta Gap, Fossa Cembalina, Italy 1943-45, Veve, Greece 1941, 44,45, Crete, Middle East 1941, Arakan Beaches, Tamandu, Burma 1943-44.


    File:RGJ Recruiting Poster from 1994
    RGJ Recruiting Poster from 1994

    Uniform

    All Green jackets would have historically been made of wool with a lining of linen to give shape to the garment. The modern scarlet wool is also supplied by "Abimelech Hainsworth" and is much lighter than the traditional material, which was intended for hard wear on active service. Their boots were made of thick, imitation animal hide; this was then lined with a thin layer of wool. They had a small pouch on the side of their hip which contained the ammunition for their rifles.
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    Saturday, 12 October 2013

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    Militaria|Military Patches|Antiques|History|War medals|Custom Badges|Death cards|Mugs| Denison smocks|Militaryflashpatches.co.uk

    Welcome to Paul Harding's Military Flash Patches.Paul Harding’s military patches specializes in WW2 German, British and American Militaria, providing WWII Re-enactors and Enthusiasts with quality kit at great prices. We keep an extensive range of WW2 Uniforms, Equipment, Boots, Helmets, Hats, Caps, Badges and Insignia, all in-stock! We also stock an expanding range of Military/Outdoor clothing & kit plus a great range of Army Surplus from around the world.
    Paul Harding’s military flash patches is a UK based company, but we ship to the USA, Europe and Worldwide. All orders are dispatched within 24 hours.
    You can call us on 0121 502 1356 (local call rate), Emails are answered within 24 hours. Paul Harding’s military patches takes customer service very seriously.

    We are also working on ways to fund the Staffordshire war memorial covering North Staffordshire, South Staffordshire and Staffordshire regiments. A category as been allocated for 20% of each sale toward the memorial if you want to know more please email us.    Sign-up to our free monthly newsletter by adding your email address to the box on the bottom left so you don't miss out on the latest WW2 and Military products. We have tried to streamline the first page of this site because we felt there were to many items. so if you like what you see you can use our categories menu to find what your looking for. We hope this will make the site easier to use. This also makes the site load quicker.
    Paul Harding’s military patches in no way subscribe to any Nazi or right wing views and the items we sell are purely to customers for re-enactment and military history purposes only.
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    1st of September 2013 was our first model making show we have ever attended the modelers liked out U-Boat and pennent flags so much they asked wether we could possibley do these flags to scale. This we are currently working on so if you have any querries please either click here:

    Militaria|Military Patches|Antiques|History|War medals|Custom Badges|Death cards|Mugs| Denison smocks|Militaryflashpatches.co.uk

    Welcome to Paul Harding's Military Flash Patches.Paul Harding’s military patches specializes in WW2 German, British and American Militaria, providing WWII Re-enactors and Enthusiasts with quality kit at great prices. We keep an extensive range of WW2 Uniforms, Equipment, Boots, Helmets, Hats, Caps, Badges and Insignia, all in-stock! We also stock an expanding range of Military/Outdoor clothing & kit plus a great range of Army Surplus from around the world.
    Paul Harding’s military flash patches is a UK based company, but we ship to the USA, Europe and Worldwide. All orders are dispatched within 24 hours.
    You can call us on 0121 502 1356 (local call rate), Emails are answered within 24 hours. Paul Harding’s military patches takes customer service very seriously.

    We are also working on ways to fund the Staffordshire war memorial covering North Staffordshire, South Staffordshire and Staffordshire regiments. A category as been allocated for 20% of each sale toward the memorial if you want to know more please email us.    Sign-up to our free monthly newsletter by adding your email address to the box on the bottom left so you don't miss out on the latest WW2 and Military products. We have tried to streamline the first page of this site because we felt there were to many items. so if you like what you see you can use our categories menu to find what your looking for. We hope this will make the site easier to use. This also makes the site load quicker.
    Paul Harding’s military patches in no way subscribe to any Nazi or right wing views and the items we sell are purely to customers for re-enactment and military history purposes only.
    The main thing is preserveing history.

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    Making Your Diorama

    http://www.militaryflashpatches.co.uk/index.php

    More of my customers are using my products such as 1 1/6th scale flags, and military patches to had realism to there model making and diorama so here's some basic tips to get knew model makers started on there journey good luck and have fun. My website is linked above but if you need anything you can also contact me via email: paulharding30@hotmail.co.uk





    The above 1 1/6th scale flags are limited in stock so if you want some or want some different ones please drop me an email and will have made to your requirements.

     The word diorama is a way to build an exciting scene in a small space. They usually model a historical time period, a nature scene, or a fictional situation, and allow a lot of room for creativity and innovation. Whether your diorama is a school project, a base for a model, or just for fun, building one is easy. Try these techniques for a homemade diorama.



    Choose a theme.

    Dioramas are small scenes created of layers of materials, all depicting a similar theme. Think of the topic or idea you want your diorama to portray - is it a scene from a book? A period in time? An example of an ecosystem or animal/plant group? The options for a diorama are endless; anything topics with a common thread could be made into a diorama.

    •  themes you choose may vary depending on the ultimate size you want and the amount of supplies you have. A very broad theme may not be able to be accomplished in a small shoebox, while a very specific theme will be difficult to accomplish in a large frame.
    • Consider the availability of your supplies. If you want to make a diorama with an ocean theme, but have nothing to represent water or fish, it will be difficult to accomplish.
     
     
    Plan your diorama. Create a list of ideas for possible inclusions for your diorama. How do you want the background to look? Will you use found objects only, or printed pictures as well? Do you need to buy any supplies to create your scene, or can it all be made using things from your home and garden? Brainstorming ideas prior to starting to build up your diorama will help you to have a more finished looking piece.






                        Select a frame.

    Because dioramas have layers of background, they need a box or frame that is several inches deep. For a basic diorama, a shoebox or old shipping box can be turned on its side and used. Larger dioramas can be created out of a large wooden crate or frame attached to a box. Anything that gives the illusion of a small open-faced room can be used as the frame for your diorama

    Create your background. Your diorama should be worked on from the back to the front. As you work, you will add layers of details and images which create depth in your scene. Make the background first against the formost wall of your box. Consider painting a basic scene or printing an image and gluing it on. You could also create a collage out of magazine cut outs to act as the background for your diorama.

    Begin adding details. Add your first layer of details and objects at the back and near the sides of your diorama. At this point, you could add larger detail items such as trees, rocks, or pieces of furniture. Keep to the edges of your project, as you will work inwards and forwards as you go.


    Add your figures. Although you don’t have to, complete your scene with the addition of small figurines or models. Keeping with our nature theme example, you might put small toy animals or bugs throughout the frame. Consider hanging things like birds or tiny airplanes from the top of your frame using fishing line and a bit of hot glue or staples. Simple photos could also be printed of the figures and be cut out and set amongst the landscape. This is the final step in your diorama, so complete the scene as you like






    Create a textured ground. Although you may just want a simple, smooth ground in your diorama, you can create a very realistic and textured ground easily. Try gluing sand or gravel along the bottom of the frame to give the look of a rough terrain. Pine needles, small leaves, and grass clippings can be glued down to look like grass or a more natural bottom.

    To give the appearance of trees in your diorama, gather small twigs and branches from your yard or neighbourhood. Twigs without any leaves look like trees barren in the winter, while small branches off of bushes or trees with needles look like full trees. Stick a tiny ball of clay on the bottom of the branch to hold it upright, or glue it to the inside of your box.

                    
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