In support
Toy Soldier Collector International|October - November 2020
Canadian writer Guy Elliott talks us through some of his collection and how it came to be…
Guy Elliott
In support

For Christmas in 1955 I received two sets of Britains’ soldiers: Signal Corps Motorcycle Dispatch Riders from my grandparents and Royal Army Medical Corps Stretcher-Party with Nurses from my parents. Well of course I immediately wanted to play with them and to integrate them into my next battle - but how? I had already seen my toy soldier collection as my ‘Army’ with units and a General but in those days my General just took men into heroic charges - usually winning the battle but dying in the process. (In fairness, I was only nine at the time and thought that was how things were)

But to play with my new sets I now had to do things differently. My Dispatch Riders had to carry messages from my General to different parts of the Army and back again. So no more glorious charges for the General: now he had to stay put behind the fighting in one central place. My R.A.M.C. stretcher-bearers had to carry the wounded back to a safe place behind the lines where the two Nurses awaited. That also meant making a hospital. Well, a folded envelope with two Red Cross done with crayons did just fine. The point to this 1955 story is that I could no longer just fight battles: shooting, charging, defending and other exciting things - I had to interrupt the adventures at ‘the sharp end’ and also look after supporting my Army. From that time to this I have tried to ensure that all the Supporting Arms are represented in my collection, which is still my Army. What follows are a sampling of the units I have added over the years.

Signals

This story is from the October - November 2020 edition of Toy Soldier Collector International.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October - November 2020 edition of Toy Soldier Collector International.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TOY SOLDIER COLLECTOR INTERNATIONALView All
John Jenkins Designs
Toy Soldier Collector International

John Jenkins Designs

An iconic World War II fighter aircraft and a heavyweight from the annals of military history are among the latest new releases from John Jenkins Designs (JJD).

time-read
2 mins  |
February - March 2021
Surprising Canadians
Toy Soldier Collector International

Surprising Canadians

Guy Elliott looks at the largely unknown military history of his native land.

time-read
10+ mins  |
February - March 2021
W. Britain
Toy Soldier Collector International

W. Britain

A leading manufacturer since 1893, Britains needs little introduction to even the most casual of toy soldier collectors. Under the leadership of Ken Osen, the company is still going strong, expanding its existing product lines and seeking opportunities to introduce even more exciting new ranges.

time-read
2 mins  |
February - March 2021
Thomas Gunn Miniatures
Toy Soldier Collector International

Thomas Gunn Miniatures

Reviews of new metal figures to arrive in the hobby by George Philips

time-read
4 mins  |
February - March 2021
The Last Sake
Toy Soldier Collector International

The Last Sake

Eduardo Fernandez paints a large-scale bust.

time-read
8 mins  |
February - March 2021
The World of Model Soldiers, Part 1
Toy Soldier Collector International

The World of Model Soldiers, Part 1

Colin Luxford takes a tour of the world in miniature, starting with Europe and Asia.

time-read
10+ mins  |
February - March 2021
King & Country
Toy Soldier Collector International

King & Country

Reviews of new metal figures to arrive in the hobby by George Philips.

time-read
4 mins  |
February - March 2021
GNM Miniatures
Toy Soldier Collector International

GNM Miniatures

Hougoumont North Gate diorama

time-read
2 mins  |
February - March 2021
Dressing the Kiddies
Toy Soldier Collector International

Dressing the Kiddies

Keith Nairn-Munro presents the second part of his study of the uniforms and history of the Scots Guards up to the Great War.

time-read
6 mins  |
February - March 2021
A Family Enterprise
Toy Soldier Collector International

A Family Enterprise

George Phillips speaks to Abram Simon about the past, present and future of New Zealand-based Fleurbaix Toy Soldiers.

time-read
6 mins  |
February - March 2021