USA

Forever immortalised in the epic TV Series, Band of Brothers, the paratroopers of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division were desperately pressed directly into the front lines during the surprise German offensive in the Ardennes in December 1944. Unprepared for action in the bitterly cold environment, they would brave the extreme temperatures and enemy fire with little more than extra gloves and scarves to stave off the bitter cold. This boxed set contains a squad of metal battle-hardened paratroopers equipped in their 1943 pattern jump fatigues supplemented with little more than woollen gloves, scarves and a steely determination to take the fight to the enemy! Includes a 10-man metal US Airborne Squad:

• NCO & 4 paratroopers with SMG
• 1 paratrooper with BAR
• 4 paratroopers with rifles

Infantry weapons teams are a key component of any Bolt Action army, providing as they do great tactical flexibility for your force. Anti-tank teams and flamethrower teams are among the most prevalent, presenting your opponent with multiple challenges to overcome. The tasks of scouting and sniping were similar in American doctrines. In the US manual it was clearly stated that the duty of a sniper was to kill enemy officers in order to damage the morale of enemy troops. Mortars were the most commonly available type of support weapon. Paratroopers and Rangers had one mortar per platoon, in addition to those that may have been assigned at company level. Normally they were deployed in a suitable rear position, no further than 100 yards from the observer in order to ‘cover the most dangerous approaches to the platoon area’. Flamethrowers were used throughout the war, especially in the Pacific, to clear out tunnels and bunkers. During the Normandy landings, the number of flamethrowers was increased to allow the men to open a gap in the fortified lines. Contains the following Warlord Resin Plus figures:

• 2-man Sniper team
• 3-man Light Mortar team
• 2-man Flamethrower team

Infantry weapons teams are a key component of any Bolt Action army, providing as they do great tactical flexibility for your force. Sniper teams, anti-tank teams and flamethrower teams are among the most prevalent, presenting your opponent with multiple challenges to overcome. The American Bazooka was first used in North Africa and on Tarawa in November 1942. The first version (M1A1) had two grips and a wooden support. By 1943 the new version was released which no longer had the front grip but had an improved electrical firing system. The final version was longer (1.55m) and improved the range from 200-250 yards to 300 yards. The M6 HEAT rocket could easily penetrate 76mm of armour at 30 degrees or 110mm at 90 degrees. The tasks of scouting and sniping were similar in American doctrines. In the US manual it was clearly stated that the duty of a sniper was to kill enemy officers in order to damage the morale of enemy troops. They were equipped with a telescopic sight on a M1903 bolt-action Springfield rifle, and also had close-combat weapons such as pistols and shotguns with which to defend themselves if discovered. Both members of the team had sniper training so the role of spotter was interchangeable. Flamethrowers were used throughout the war, especially in the Pacific, to clear out tunnels and bunkers. And to open gaps in fortified lines. Box contains:

• Six Warlord Resin Figures
• Plastic Bases
• Three Order Dice

Due to the relatively short amount of time at the front, and particularly because of the constant influx of replacements, regular US infantry units never got quite as ‘seasoned’ as those of some other countries that lacked the American manpower, training and organisation. But once they did, they became the iconic imagery for the allies - the 'soldier to be'. Determined and proud, they fought on in any situation, often to the last bullet. Tough as nails, you can give these vets any task and they'll be able to do it. They are not invincible so make sure they are supported, or advancing behind some form of cover. Better yet, give them some transport and get them to the objective asap!