The Winter of Discontent

I have finished the cover for the Winter of Discontent book for Si at Solway and I have to say I am rather pleased with it and even if I say so myself I think it is one of the best illustrations that I have done. The illustration shows that three different types of combatants in the war after a year of fighting, where supplies, ammo and other essentials like clothing, food, etc are starting to take its toll and what little supplies and goods making it way to the front rather that the home front. So I have tried to capture this with having the three different types of soldiers that were most common in the war depicted.

From right to left we have a regular soldier from the Leicestershire "Tigers" Regiment, is wearing service dress and a leather jerkin for warmth. His uniform has seen better days and besides the 08 Pattern webbing he has a overcoat rolled up in the backpack and a bag to capture supplies that he has found. Also he has a PH bags, that used to hold a gas mask, now being used as a bag that carried his personal effects and ideas as well as food and other sundries. He has is Leicester City Football Club scarf, home knitted and a red band to identify him as a member of the Socialist forces of Leicester.

Next is a member of the Peoples Assault Column with there Socialist green uniform and again the leather jerkin for warmth and protection. Again the chap is equipped as the soldier but has bandoliers instead of carriage carriers. His uniform again has seen better days and is patched up with a bit of blue gingham table cloth. He has a red armband and a red band around his helmet showing to be a member of the Socialist forces  and has a Leicester City Football Club scarf on being wrapped around his head.

Lastly is a local volunteer militiamen who is fighting in his day to day working suit and again a leather jerkin for warmth and protection. He has 08 Pattern webbing on but would have less rounds than the two previous chaps. This chap is more than likely from one of the Union militias, from the skilled shoeworkers, with a good quality suit but even that has been patched up and mended. He has the flat cloth chap of the working man and is wearing a Leicester "Tigers" Rugby Club Scarf.

I hope that you like these chaps.