Thanks, I'm enjoying the challenge.Looking very good so far mate
Interesting find, but playing Devil's Advocate here, he may well have a dummy arm, it was not unusual in those days, and the facial injuries may well be hidden by the hair ala Jimmy Edwards and his 'tach, as well as the poor exposureJust found this photo of Lt. Matthew Latham, taken in 1870. The caption seems to deny much of the story about him.
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Lieutenant Matthew Latham Matthew Latham was the hero of the Buffs who saved one of the Colours at Albuhera despite having his face badly cut and his arm severed. This photo of Latham was taken in 1870 and shows that his left arm is intact. The silver table ornament depicting his brave deed shows his left arm as being the one that was cut off in the act of saving the King's Colour at the battle of Albuhera on 16th May 1811. The story has different versions in the histories of the Buffs. Some say that he was carrying the Colour throughout the battle rather than having picked it up from the dead Ensign Walsh. Also that it was he that shouted "Only with my Life!" not Ensign Thomas. What is puzzling is why Richard Cannon failed to mention Latham or his heroic fight in the first history of the regiment. This was rectified in 1840 by Surgeon John Morrison who served with the Buffs. He wrote a long letter to the United Service Gazette.
This photo is of a man whose face does not look disfigured so we cannot be sure how severe his injury was. The medals must be the Military General Service medal, awarded in 1847 for Peninsula veterans, on the left, and the special medal purchased by his fellow officers at a cost of 100 guineas. It is the larger of the two medals and is gold suspended from a ribbon of scarlet with buff edges.
I agree. A closer inspection of the photo shows a linear marking from the middle of the right eye diagonally to the lower jawline. There also appears to be quite a lump on the bridge of his nose. Considering his injuries, he lived to the ripe old age of 79. Depending on which version you read, he either died in 1865 or after the photo was taken. Perhaps he's related to someone else who's parents were killed twice?Interesting find, but playing Devil's Advocate here, he may well have a dummy arm, it was not unusual in those days, and the facial injuries may well be hidden by the hair ala Jimmy Edwards and his 'tach, as well as the poor exposure
How did the colours end up ?Able to spend a couple of hours on Latham tonight. First job was to clean up the areas that had been filled. Artist's Modelling Paste tends to dry rubbery, so filing and sanding are out! I use my standard modelling knife with a chisel blade to carve excess paste away. The paste has cured well enough to take a coat of Orange undercoat, followed by Vermillion as the top coat.
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The Silver tassels on the end of the epaulettes were given a coat of Silver Chrome. This was also used for all other silver parts including all buttons, epaulette edging, gorget, sword fittings and sword handle. The Black Silk Cravat is just visible above the collar. This was given a coat of satin varnish to add a slight sheen.
The thumb is missing from the left hand; this was a bit of a fortunate accident as it allows me to fit the flag pole into the hand. The thumb is residing in a small box within the kit box.
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This view from the rear of the model shows the darker red sash and it's knot attached. This and the Sword sling give a sense of movement to the model. Prior to attaching the slings, I drilled out the rings that the slings connect to. Using some pre-cut brass sheet, I fabricated buckles and adjusting straps to give more reality to the model. These adjustments were coated with acrylic primer and then painted Black-Grey. Once dried and you ted, the slings were given a coat of satin varnish, while the Sword scabbard was given a coat of gloss varnish.
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This left side view shows the sash and knot together with the Sword and slings. The sword is showing "movement" by hanging down at the front, rather than handle upwards. The model is not yet fixed to the base, but the model sits well on it. On the kit box it shows a fine piped edging of buff to the tunic. I've replicated this by using a 00000 sized brush and infinite care. The brushes I use are mainly squirrel or rabbit but the smaller sizes are a collection of sable brushes I inherited from my Grandfather.View attachment 547838
This front view shows the model as it nears completion. I'm very pleased with the features and pose but am viewing the painting of the flag with some trepidation. I could cheat and make up two decals, but that would spoil the fun. The flag pole has been primed with the right hand already glued in position. Once I have everything assembled, I'll start weathering and shading. That will be tomorrow, I've done enough for the night.
They have their base coat and the Union Flag is complete. I still have the dragon, motto and roses to do. Not as easy as originally anticipated.How did the colours end up ?
The last sentence applies to every single figure I have thrown paint at. Stick to it mateThey have their base coat and the Union Flag is complete. I still have the dragon, motto and roses to do. Not as easy as originally anticipated.
It's been relegated to the "things to do" list as I got bored with it.The last sentence applies to every single figure I have thrown paint at. Stick to it mate
The missus' photo on Valentine's no help ?They have their base coat and the Union Flag is complete. I still have the dragon, motto and roses to do. Not as easy as originally anticipated.
Her mother's is a better bet!The missus' photo on Valentine's no help ?
Thank you kind Sir.What a brilliant piece of work. Very impressive.
Watched that yesterday - again. Pure propaganda but a wonderful film showing middle/ working class families between the Wars. Excellent acting from all.“This Happy Breed” was on again this week. I mention this as the two male neighbours regularly reminisce about their Great War service over some whiskies. One of the old soldiers is ex-Buffs (The other East Surreys, IIRC). Superb film, and they get in the line “Steady the Buffs”.
Looking forward to the end result.
Are you in contact with the spirit world, or just the whisky ?“This Happy Breed” was on again this week. I mention this as the two male neighbours regularly reminisce about their Great War service over some whiskies. One of the old soldiers is ex-Buffs (The other East Surreys, IIRC). Superb film, and they get in the line “Steady the Buffs”.
Looking forward to the end result.