"I have read with mounting interest your books WARGAMES, WARGAMES THROUGH THE AGES, ADVANCED WARGAMES and my favourite SOLO WARGAMING. I found the latter of great assistance because to date all my 'battles' have, due to the lack of an opponent, been solo. I would imagine that in the Forces there are quite a few people in the same sorry state as myself. What can you suggest to enable us to get together? Solo, is very good for a number of reasons which you explain in your books but I feel that actually taking part in a battle would be of enormous help to me and it would do away with having to use too much self control i.e. cheat by peeking or planning to ensure that one's favourite side come out on top. Many of the ideas suggested in Solo Wargaming can cut out the chance of cheating but the temptation is always there.
My "Campaign Season" is just starting, this is because my "Exercise Season" is nearly finished until next Spring. When I am playing soldiers, as opposed to playing with soldiers, I usually have a game by S & T with me. These are usually good games and the magazine is also very interesting. On top of which they fit into the bottom of my bergen comfortably. This winter I have decided to fight a Solo Campaign. It is something I have toyed with for a while but after reading Nigel Tranter's triology on Robert the Bruce's struggle for the Scottish Crown against Edward I of England, I have decided to take the plunge.
People who devote so much time and energy to researching their own wargame's period always seem to overlook the effect of weather and terrain whilst painting their armies. No-one wants to see a mud besplattered, down-at-the-heels, uniform faded Squadron of Cuirassiers engage an equally sad looking, dirt begrimed, unshaven unit of British Hussars. Most of the Allies at Waterloo slept fitfully in the cold and wet night prior to the battle, the field of which was of course muddy as Napoleon found out to his cost, and went without breakfast. My point is that even in these times of higher hygiene standards and the electric razor, a soldier in the field soon loses his 'parade ground' appearance, after a few days, even with the most well meant attentions of his Sergeant Major. To paint the skin of Ancients, Napoleonic, A.C.W., etc., in a nice clean glowing flesh colour is most unrealistic and to my mind spoils some models which are a delight to the eye. Well, I have got that off my chest. Sorry if I bored you.
I agree whole heartedly with the observation made by J.Keats of BFPO 30 (November.t74 issue) in regards to the fact that we (BFPOers) have to pay overseas postal rates. 1 believe that it should be brought to the attention of all concerned that if a person has a BFPO address then it is the same as having an address in U.K., and the same postal rates applies i.e. 4 1/2p for a normal letter which can be sent from London to any BFPO Number in the world."
"Thank you for publishing my "moan" concerning 20mm Napoleonic figures, I seem to have a small amount of support; and it did provoke a somewhat gushing reaction from George, of Tunbridge Wells. Let's hope that wargaming will be all the better for it, you never know, some manufacturer might suddenly introduce the "new", the "latest". the "exciting popular range" of "not to be missed" 20mm figures."
"Need I say that I am convinced (from conversation with wargamers and other military history enthusiasts) that the "Newsletter", despite the opinions voiced on the last "Letters" page, is still exceptional value for money, and even if, as your correspondent claims, there is nothing on one's own particular period in an issue, one still has a couple of hours entertainment in the various articles - and where else can one get that for 30P today?"
"I have been a wargamer for some five years now. While I will admit that compared to such greats as yourself, Charles Grant, P. Young, etc., I have a lot to learn yet but I thought that I should write.
First of all, about Wargamer's Newsletter. I have only been receiving it for about 2 years but I find that it is much better than anything we have in the U.S. While I usually enjoy everything in it, I get extremely annoyed with the "English are holier than thou" attitude that sometimes pops up. I play wargames for enjoyment, not to prove that my favourite country is greatest in the world. Unfortunately there is not that sort of feeling in everyone, too bad.
I would like to see more articles about the 18th century wargames, especially naval battles. There seems to be a growing interest in Naval battles in the age of sail, I recently saw a Pirate wargame that I thought was fantastic. I am still looking for a set of rules that gives the best reality without too much complication. Any one care to help?
In closing I would just like to throw out a word of thanks, to the miniature manufacturers. Some of these companies have done a great deal of work in advancing the hobby, thank you."
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© Copyright 1975 by Donald Featherstone.
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