British Commonwealth Infantry WWII – Bolt Action 28mm Plastic Figures
British Commonwealth Infantry WWII
Bolt Action 28mm Figures – The United Forces of the Empire
🌍 "From Every Corner of the Empire" – The Multinational Fight Against Fascism 🌍
The searing North African sun had barely begun to rise over the rocky outcrop as Lieutenant James Wilson adjusted his binoculars. Beside him, Sergeant Dave Cooper from New Zealand pulled his slouch hat lower to shield his eyes from the growing glare. "Movement at two o'clock," Wilson murmured, indicating a dust cloud on the horizon. "Rommel's advance guard, right on schedule."
Behind them, their unconventional band of Commonwealth fighters prepared for action – Australian machine gunners checking their Brens, South African scouts adjusting their sun helmets, and a small detachment of SAS operatives with their customized jeeps and heavy weaponry. They had come from across the globe, from vastly different backgrounds and cultures, yet united by a common purpose – to stop the spread of fascism and defend the free world. As diverse as the vast empire they represented, these men would soon prove that their differences made them stronger, not weaker, against the Desert Fox's vaunted Afrika Korps.
"In the midst of darkness, light persists. In the midst of death, life persists. In the midst of untruth, truth persists. From faraway shores and distant lands, we came together as brothers to defend that which cannot be extinguished – freedom."
The Empire's Diverse Fighting Force 🌐
Command your own multinational force of British Commonwealth infantry with this versatile boxed set. Fighting for the freedom of the civilized world against the twin fascist threats of Mussolini's Italy and Hitler's Germany, these brave men were drawn from Great Britain, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, India, Canada, and other far-flung corners of the Empire.
This comprehensive kit contains 30 highly detailed plastic figures based on the 8th Army set but with specialized head options to represent Australian, South African, New Zealander, and even elite LRDG/SAS troops. Create a truly diverse force that accurately represents the multinational nature of the Commonwealth armies that fought in North Africa and Italy.
The British Commonwealth infantryman was a fearsome opponent whether facing the German Afrika Korps or the Italian Army, whether in the parched deserts of North Africa or the beautiful yet rugged terrain of Italy. This boxed set allows you to build distinctive national units with slouch-hatted Australians, sun-helmeted South Africans, or the eclectic mix of the elite Long Range Desert Group and Special Air Service.
✨ Key Features:
- True Diversity - 30 highly detailed figures representing the multinational Commonwealth forces
- National Identity - Optional Australian, South African, New Zealander, and LRDG/SAS heads
- Weapon Variety - Complete array of Commonwealth infantry weapons and equipment
- Special Forces - Build elite SAS and LRDG operatives for special missions
- Compatibility - Mix with the standard 8th Army set for even more options
- Theater Versatility - Perfect for North African and Italian campaign scenarios
📦 Box Contents
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Infantry Figures | 30 highly detailed plastic British Commonwealth miniatures |
| Weapons | Lee Enfield rifles, Thompson submachine guns, Bren gun LMGs, Boys anti-tank rifles, Webley pistols, and 2-inch mortars |
| Head Variants | Optional Australian, South African, New Zealander, and LRDG/SAS heads |
| Command Options | Components to build officers and NCOs for different nationalities |
| Bases | Plastic bases for all miniatures |
| Documentation | Detailed construction leaflet |
The Commonwealth's Diverse Warriors
The British Commonwealth forces represented one of the most diverse fighting forces in history:
Elite Special Forces
Long Range Desert Group (LRDG)
The LRDG specialized in deep desert reconnaissance and intelligence gathering behind enemy lines. These highly trained operatives were experts in desert navigation and survival, often operating hundreds of miles from friendly forces. They used modified trucks and jeeps equipped with heavy weapons and could sustain themselves in the harshest desert conditions for weeks at a time.
Special Air Service (SAS)
Founded by Lieutenant David Stirling in 1941, the SAS pioneered modern special forces operations. Initially working closely with the LRDG for transportation, they specialized in raids on enemy airfields and supply depots. Their unconventional tactics and equipment made them particularly feared by Axis forces.
Special Boat Service (SBS)
Specializing in maritime operations, the SBS conducted raids from the sea against coastal targets. Originally formed as the Special Boat Section of the Commandos, they developed expertise in canoe and small boat operations, beach reconnaissance, and underwater demolitions.
Non-Conformist Attire
These special forces units were known for their eclectic mix of clothing and equipment, often combining items from their parent units with personal preferences and specialized gear. This unconventional appearance reflected their non-traditional approach to warfare and makes them particularly interesting to model and paint.
⏳ Commonwealth Forces Timeline
As war breaks out, troops from across the British Commonwealth begin mobilizing. Australian, New Zealand, and South African forces are among the first to join their British counterparts in North Africa to counter the Italian threat.
Lieutenant David Stirling establishes the Special Air Service (SAS) to conduct raids behind enemy lines. The Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) is already operational, specializing in deep desert reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.
Commonwealth forces face Rommel's Afrika Korps in a series of back-and-forth battles across the North African desert. Australian forces earn fame for their stubborn defense of Tobruk, while New Zealand and South African units play crucial roles in Operation Crusader.
The Second Battle of El Alamein marks the turning point in North Africa. The multinational Commonwealth forces, including significant Australian, New Zealand, South African, and Indian contingents, contribute to the decisive victory over Rommel's forces.
Commonwealth forces participate in the final victory in North Africa with the surrender of Axis forces in Tunisia. The diverse makeup of these forces has proven to be a strength rather than a weakness.
Commonwealth forces continue fighting through Sicily and up the Italian peninsula. Special forces units like the SAS and SBS evolve their tactics for the European theater, conducting operations in advance of the main Allied forces and behind enemy lines.
🎮 Gaming Possibilities
These versatile Commonwealth figures provide numerous gaming options for your Bolt Action battles:
🌵 North African Campaigns
Recreate the famous battles against Rommel's Afrika Korps with a diverse Commonwealth force. Mix Australian, South African, and British units for an authentic multinational battlegroup.
🏜️ Special Forces Raids
Field a small, elite force of LRDG or SAS operatives for behind-enemy-lines missions. These specialized scenarios focus on sabotage, intelligence gathering, or raids on Axis airfields and supply depots.
🌄 Italian Campaign
Deploy your Commonwealth forces in the challenging terrain of Italy, fighting through mountains and rugged countryside against determined German resistance.
🇦🇺 Australian Outpost
Create a scenario focused on slouch-hatted Australians holding a vital desert outpost against overwhelming Axis forces, reminiscent of the famous defense of Tobruk.
🚙 LRDG Reconnaissance
Build a scenario around an LRDG patrol deep in enemy territory that must gather intelligence and return safely to Allied lines while avoiding Axis patrols.
🇳🇿 New Zealand Assault
Lead a force of New Zealand infantry in an assault on Axis positions, showcasing their reputation for tenacity and fighting spirit in offensive operations.
🎨 Multinational Painting Guide
Painting Commonwealth forces offers unique opportunities to showcase the diverse nature of these troops:
Base Uniforms
Start with Khaki Brown for the standard desert uniforms. Most Commonwealth troops wore similar base uniforms, but you can vary the shade slightly between nationalities - slightly darker for British, lighter and more yellow-toned for Australians.
Distinctive Headgear
The headgear is key to distinguishing nationalities: Australian slouch hats in tan with the brim pinned up on one side, South African sun helmets in light khaki, standard British helmets, and the eclectic mix of headgear for special forces including berets, caps, and even Arab headdress.
Special Forces Details
For LRDG and SAS troops, add personal touches reflecting their non-conformist nature - mismatched clothing items, extra equipment, desert goggles, and a more weathered appearance overall. Use a mix of khaki, sand, and brown tones.
Weathering and Environment
Apply desert weathering effects with a light dusting of tan or sand-colored paint on lower areas of uniforms and equipment. For troops in Italy, use a mix of earth tones for a more varied appearance reflecting the less harsh environment.
Ready to Command the Forces of the Empire?
Add these versatile Commonwealth infantry to your collection today and bring the diverse fighting spirit of the British Empire to your Bolt Action battlefields!
ADD TO CARTOur brands
