Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview

Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview
with James Brown

Normally we post spotlights for new products a week before they are released. We thought we should do a slightly early sneak peek for the Vietnam Anzac figures, since this Thursday happens to be Anzac Day.

The Vietnam Anzacs are personally significant to me because they are the first complete range of figures I have sculpted. As with any creative endeavour, there are some things about the figures I would probably change with hindsight, but I am quite happy with how they have turned out, and I can’t wait to see how they are received.
The Centurion Mk 5
Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview
Anzac Day is a national holiday of great significance to Australians and New Zealanders. The name ANZAC – from Australia and New Zealand Army Corps – commemorates the landings at Gallipoli in 1915. The poor handling of the Gallipoli campaign by the British leadership, and the ensuing high Anzac casualties, led Australians and New Zealanders to question their ties to the Mother Country for the first time. The ‘Anzac legend’ became a critical part of the emerging national identities of both countries. On Thursday morning thousands all over Australia and New Zealand will get out of bed early to attend dawn services honouring veterans of all wars.
Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview
As with many days of remembrance, Anzac Day has not been without controversy over the years. It has often been used as an occasion for protest against politically unpopular wars. Vietnam was certainly no exception, and the period of the Vietnam War marked a record low point in attendance at Anzac Day services in both countries.
Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview
The ANZAC Infantry
Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview
The public reaction faced by many returning veterans of the Vietnam war reflected the widespread public backlash against the conflict. Though this sad fact persisted for decades, in recent years attitudes to Vietnam veterans have changed markedly. While the war itself remains as controversial as ever, those who dutifully answered their countries’ call to serve have increasingly been allowed their deserved place in the popular consciousness alongside veterans of less divisive conflicts. Their country asked them to fight, so they fought, and the politics belong to a very different discussion.
Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview
Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview
I personally feel that the growing relevance of the Vietnam War as a period for wargaming reflects, in part, this adjustment of attitudes to the conflict. And I think that is a very healthy thing. I genuinely hope Flames Of War: Vietnam helps to inspire people to learn more about the war and the men and women on both sides who fought it.
Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview
Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview
Historical wargames are not generally a solemn, serious business - we play them for fun and entertainment. But nevertheless, wargames do not trivialise or glorify war, and they can help us to remember and reflect upon the experiences and sacrifices of the real individuals who fought in very real and very serious conflicts. I believe that days of remembrance – be it Anzac Day, Remembrance Day, Memorial Day or any national equivalent – can help us to remember that important facet of wargaming.
Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview
We’ve all heard jokes about how Vietnam was the war with the best soundtrack. In all seriousness, I’ll leave you with a moving and evocative song which I listened to pretty often while I was researching and working on the Anzac figures.

~ James.
Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview
Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview
Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview
The Australian M113 Tracks
Below: The M113 Fire Support Vehicle.
Below: The M113 with T50 turret.
Below: The M113 with M74C turret.
Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview
Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview Flames Of War Vietnam ANZAC Preview