The Sentinel Chronicles
Recreating the grandeur of past battles and campaigns
A journey into historical wargaming
My fascination with miniature soldiers began in my childhood. The backyard became a vast theatre of imagination, where plastic warriors enacted epic tales in their dirt trenches and behind garden foliage. Those early days, fuelled by the boundless creativity of youth, laid the foundation for a lifelong interest in the art of war, albeit on a pint-sized scale, often punctuated with large breaks as life’s responsibilities and brickbats took precedence.
Now that I am semi-retired, I have the time to immerse myself in the hobby, or, should I say, a controlled obsession, again.
As a kid of a certain era, I played with Dinky Toys, 54mm plastic, and metal figures with my friends, pinging matchsticks from our spring-loaded artillery at each other's figures across my parent’s new carpet.
The pivotal moment in my wargaming odyssey occurred when I visited my local library. A wargames book by Donald F. Featherstone became my bible and promised to transform my backyard skirmishes into something more structured and strategic. Little did I know that flipping through those pages would open a gateway to a realm where history and gaming seamlessly converged. That dog-eared book marked the commencement of my journey into the world of wargaming and still sits on my bookshelf.
The allure of history soon intertwined with my newfound passion for miniature warfare. I voraciously consumed books that transported me across time and space, immersing me in the narratives of ancient battles and the charismatic leaders who shaped the course of civilizations. The more I delved into historical accounts, the more I realised that wargaming could offer not only entertainment but also a tangible connection to the past. I also had a lust for drawing, painting, and art, which eventually led to a long career in publishing, advertising, and eventually training, but gave me the skills and patience to enjoy painting my little men. It’s a kind of Zen thing for me.
Like many others, my miniature armies became more than just painted figures on a tabletop; they were living representations of historical forces, meticulously researched and lovingly crafted. The thrill of commanding troops in desperate battles with friends and like-minded acquaintances, whether it be the countless clashes across Europe with Napoleon’s battalions or the civil war in the US, became an immersive experience.
Books are my constant companions, adding colour and insights into historical periods that enrich my gaming experience. The shelves in my study and my computer groan under the number of both printed and digital books, chronicling the rise and fall of empires, the strategies of legendary generals, and the untold stories of forgotten warriors. The gaming table transformed into a stage where these stories unfolded.
This blog
Discover a wealth of insights in my latest blog post focused on historical wargaming. You can expect regular updates and thoughtful reflections. Additionally, I’ll shortly be introducing a newsletter through our contact form, providing a convenient way for you to stay informed. Sign up to receive periodic updates, exclusive content, and more. We look forward to sharing meaningful content with you as I delve deeper into the world of historical wargaming. Thanks for being part of the community.
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The Chronicles
Once upon a time in the East: Adventures in the French Foreign Legion
The brushstrokes of history: Nassau troops iconic appearance at Waterloo
Naval actions in the War of 1812, No. 1: The three-day chase of the Constitution
Naval actions in the War of 1812, No. 2: The fight between the Constitution and the Guérierre
‘Don’t throw those spears at me’. Embracing the richness of historical skirmish wargaming
In the beginning: Kriegspiel, its pioneering beginnings and evolution
The battle of Dunkeld, the most significant battle of the Jacobite Rising in 1689
The ‘Fog of War’. Here, miniatures and mayhem meet Murphy’s Law
The Siege of Paris: the sortie to Malmaison and the Battle of Buzenval, October 21st 1870
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In The Sentinel Shop I have the first of a large collection of German Staff maps of the Franco Prussian War for sale. At a later stage I will offer some of them as a free download, so keep an eye open for them. The files are PDFs and are currently available at 150ppi.
The first in line is a very large and exceedingly detailed map of the Siege of Paris 1870-71. This map is perfect for campaigns, kriegspiel, wargame scenarios and historians. More maps soon.