The idea of assembling a Fallschirmjäger army for Bolt Action, inspired by the ambitious and ultimately unrealized Axis invasion of Malta (Operation Herkules/C3), has been a passion project of mine. With the recent release of the Armies of Germany V3 book in hand, I’m ready to dive into this exciting Mediterranean Theater theme. Here’s a look at what I’ve started with and some of the resources guiding my journey.
The Starting Line-Up
To bring this force to life, I’ve invested in the following:
- Fallschirmjäger Starter Army: The perfect core for any themed list, featuring infantry squads, HQ options, and additional support. The Starter Army includes:
- Oberleutnant (Veteran) & two extra riflemen
- 3 xFallschirmjäger Squads (I’ll probably build these mostly without Panzerfausts, as they started being used in 1943, and save the Panzerschreck for later war games like Sicily.)
- Panzerschreck Team
- Flame-thrower Team
- Sniper Team
- 81mm Mortar Team with Spotter
- 75mm PaK 40 anti-tank gun (Veteran)
- Plastic Sd.Kfz 251 Ausf. D half-track with additional rear-facing MMG (Veteran)
- Plastic StuG III Ausf G (Regular)
- Fallschirmjäger 10.5cm LG40/1 Recoilless Artillery (1943-45): A light but effective piece that emphasizes the mobility and flexibility of Fallschirmjäger forces. While this unit wasn’t available in 1942 for Operation Herkules, it will be perfect for later games set in Sicily, such as Operation Husky.
- Fallschirmjäger Kettenkrad (1943-45): A unique and thematic transport option, blending functionality with flair. Like the recoilless artillery, this piece is not suitable for Operation Herkules but can add flavor to forces set in later Mediterranean campaigns.
- Fallschirmjäger Support Group: Additional command and firepower options to round out the army.
Additionally, I had previously purchased a box of Fallschirmjäger Squad (Tropical Uniform), which I’ll also include in my German forces for Operation Herkules. This squad perfectly aligns with the tropical theme of the Malta invasion.
I’ve also drawn inspiration from the book Operation C3: Hitler’s Plan to Invade Malta. The author is a friend of one of the local bookstore owners here on Gozo, and I’m hoping to meet him the next time he’s on the island. This book provides invaluable historical context for recreating the planned invasion on the tabletop.
These models provide a solid foundation for a Malta-themed force, and their inclusion ties directly to the kind of specialized units the Germans might have deployed for an airborne assault on the island.
What about Flames of War?
For those interested in wargaming Malta in Flames of War rather than Bolt Action, there’s an excellent resource worth exploring. The blog Wargaming from the Balcony features a stunning 15mm scale Malta table set in the southern port village of Marsaxlokk. The blog’s images showcase an incredible level of detail, providing inspiration for anyone looking to build terrain or recreate scenarios in the Flames of War system.
Painting the Army: Tropical Uniforms
One of the most exciting aspects of this project is painting the Fallschirmjäger in their tropical uniforms, appropriate for the Mediterranean setting of Malta. I’ve been using information from the Battlefront Malta website, particularly their page on uniforms and equipment of the Fallschirmjäger. This resource provides fantastic insights into:
- Tropical variations of the classic Fallschirmjäger smock and trousers.
- The use of tan and olive color schemes, adapted to the arid conditions of the Mediterranean.
- Details on the helmets, field gear, and other equipment.
I’ll be aiming to capture these elements in my painting to make the army both historically grounded and visually striking on the tabletop.
Inspiration from the Kriget Kommer Blog
The blog Kriget Kommer has been another invaluable source of inspiration. Their posts on building Fallschirmjäger platoons for the Mediterranean Theater offer insights into both painting and thematic list-building:
- Part 1: A deep dive into the history and composition of Fallschirmjäger units in the region.
- Part 2: Focused on specific unit structures and modeling.
- Part 3: Creative expansions beyond the standard platoon structure.
The blog also highlights other miniature manufacturers that offer excellent models for a Mediterranean-themed Fallschirmjäger force, giving hobbyists more flexibility and variety when building their armies. While I don’t have plans to build an Italian army for the game yet, this site is a good source of inspiration for anyone considering it.
These posts have sparked ideas for customizing my force and adding narrative depth to its composition, ensuring it’s not just a generic Fallschirmjäger army but one with a Mediterranean flair.
Campaign Supplement: Operation Herkules
In collaboration with Phil from my local club, I’m also working on a campaign supplement for Bolt Action V3, focusing on the invasion of Malta. This will include:
- Historical scenarios based on Operation Herkules.
- Custom rules for Axis and Allied forces in the Mediterranean setting.
- Narrative missions that capture the unique challenges of airborne assaults and island defenses.
The supplement will aim to blend historical detail with Bolt Action’s cinematic gameplay, making the Malta campaign a memorable experience for players. Later, I’ll write a blog post on our British/Maltese force, which will pull models from a number of different manufacturers to create a unique force.
Final Thoughts
This Fallschirmjäger project is shaping up to be one of my most ambitious Bolt Action endeavors yet. From researching uniforms and equipment to building thematic forces and creating a campaign supplement, the journey promises to be both challenging and rewarding. If you’re a fan of the Mediterranean Theater or just looking for a unique Axis force, I hope this inspires you to dive into your own Fallschirmjäger project!
I’ll be sharing updates as I progress, so stay tuned for painted models, campaign previews, and more. If you’re working on a similar project or have ideas to share, feel free to drop them in the comments!