Surfing the various and wonderful wargames places that are out there, as one does, I came across this old photo on Doug Mason's blog. It was taken back in 1990 (yes really) and shows the participants in the 175th anniversary re-fight of Waterloo. Amongst many other things it was Peter Gilder's last wargame; as you might be able to make out, he was in a wheelchair and in the final stages of the disease that would ultimately and before much longer, kill him. He was, I remember, unable to move very much and could certainly not shuffle the vast numbers of figures involved around the equally enormous table. But in the closing stages of the battle as his Imperial Guard cavalry and my British lights fought a series of swirling melees, his delight in the hobby was clear to see.
That's me, back row, right - hair has a bit more grey in it now! The theme of this photo might be: people who run wargames holiday venues - centre rear is Mike Ingham, who took over from Peter, also alas no longer with us. Between Mike and I is Richard Harris, now running Legendary Wargames in Yorkshire - a fantastic set up I have visited several times, whilst rear left is Mark Freeth, owner of the Wargames Holiday Centre in Basingstoke! Doug Mason is centre front in a rather fetching hussar getup.
I am hoping to release another scenario book in the next few months - this time on the battle of Leipzig. It is provisionally entitled "Let's Fight Leipzig"!! A reference and intended homage to Peter and everything he did for Napoleonic wargaming in particular and wargaming/painting/figure design in general. I must admit I got a bit of a surprise when I saw this photo after more than 30 years!
I was just reading the original article last night! Miniature Wargames 4 and 5. I always pick them up when I want a bit of Napoleonic inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly provide that - nothing quite like the buzz of a large multi player game!
Deletepleased to hear that you are putting your hand to anew book. Love the Seelow Heights scenarios and look forward to what you plan for Leipzig. I used to play ITGM but have long been involved with Shako (I and II). Alas, the big battalions just didn't fit on my table and time restrictions demanded a faster tactical game. But I still have fond memories of visiting Gilder and playing his rules. Will the book be designed for a game system or more generic?
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Chris
Hi Chris. Pleased you liked the Seelow Heights book. The format should be fairly similar with a dozen scenarios and a bit of background and some nice photos. I use General d'Armee now, which gives you some of the detail but with quicker, slicker mechanisms. The scenarios themselves can be adapted to any rule set I would say. Yes, the Wargames Holiday Centre was quite something and I remember doing Leipzig there many, many years ago!!
DeleteGreat photo and memories Steve. Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Chris C
ReplyDeleteMade me quite nostalgic!
ReplyDelete