Bn. Bombing Officer 2nd Tyneside Irish July 1, 1916

[ColinRF]

Here is my completed Stormtroopers Exclusive Series 1/9 bust of a Lieutenant and battalion bombing officer of the 2nd Tyneside Irish (25th Service Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers) on July 1, 1916 – the First Day of the Somme. This unit was brigaded with three other Tyneside Irish battalions as part of the 34th Division, which suffered enormously on July 1.

The bust is called “Zero Hour,” signifying 7:30 AM, the time when about 60,000 British infantry left their trenches and went over the top to start the worst single day in British military history. The Tynesiders left their trenches almost a mile behind the British front line and had to advance a great distance towards their objectives at La Boisselle and Contalmaison. They were forced to advance at the walk in the open and under constant German MG fire. A famous photo of the attack shows men marching with sloped arms and in some cases smoking.

The model’s watch hands have been painted to show the time as 7:30. That fits the look on the officer's face, a mix of tension and a fear.

Colin

[Pylon1357]

OMG, I cannot believe the talent you have. The shading and attention to detail are second to none. I have about as much creativity as a stump.

This 1/9 scale bust is amazing.

[Laurence Strong]

Very nice work, as usual I love the way you shade the bust't

850 Newfounlanders clambered out of their trenches - a mile or so behind the front lines as well - on that day at Beaumont Hamel, only 69 answered roll call the following morning.........

Looking forward to your next installment

Larry

[TacHel]

Sweet!

[ColinRF]

Thanks again for the interest.

This is cool. I posted my bust in the arts section of Great War Forum and one of the expert Tynesider members came back with this....he's even holding brown leather gloves!!!! Spooky as I doubt the sculptor accessed this photo..

"Hi,

Actually it is not a bad likeness to the actual bombing Officer of 2/TI.

The war diary records that on the 10th of February 1916 Second Lt Pantin and 15 OR's rejoined the battalion from a bombing course.

Second Lt Pantin is seated second right on the ground No 37 on the photo, the moustache is very close, don't know if he smoked a pipe. He was wounded 1/7/16 promoted Lt 2/7/16, Captain 21/8/17 transferred to Royal Air Force.

Hope this is of use to you.
regards
John"



I cannot over-emphasise how valuable GWF is to anyone wth an interest in the Great War.

Colin

[john6098]

Hi Colin

excellent bust, very good brush work. What paints are you using? Do you make your own nameplates?

John (baronband on PF)

[ColinRF]

Hi John - the paint is mostly Vallejo with a lot of water based inks. If you look at my vbench there is a WIP on this with more detail. Yes I do my own nameplates using he method that was discussed last week here http://www.planetfigure.com/threads/printing-name-plates.58296/#post-590350

Cheers Colin

[john6098]

Thanks Colin

and again awesome work

John

[TacHel]

Colin, do you have a pic of your numerous busts together? I'd really like to see one!

Try to keep the neighbour's daughter out of this ok?

Edited August 17, 2013 by TacHel

[ColinRF]

Not right now Frank. I am out of town right now but will try to take one next weekend.

Colin

[ColinRF]

Hi Boris. I usually sculpt my own but I liked this commercial bust and decided to paint it as it came out of the box. Really an enjoyable painting excercise. When I posted it on Greeat War Forum, one of the experts there posted the photo of the real 25th NF bombing officer at that time. I think its just a coincidence that they look similar as I do not think that the Russian sculptor had seen the photo. But you are right, the stresss of being in the trenches and of thee upcoming attack can explain the additional 10 years aging.

Thankyou for commenting.

Colin