The Black Devils
Established in 1665 Dutch Marines were the only volunteer regular unit in the Dutch ground forces. On the tenth of May the Marine Regiment was preparing to depart from Rotterdam to the Dutch East Indies and join the other marine units already posted there. About 650 marines were in the barracks in Rotterdam when the invasion began with a further 200 as part of the training and recruit centre.
They became famous for their action during the invasion when the marine regiment in Rotterdam consisting of 100 marines, some artillery, Armoured cars and Naval personnel defended the Willemsbrug traffic bridge across the Nieuwe Maas river and prevented the link up for four days against the German Fallschirmjager who had tried to take the bridges by surprise on the 10th of May.
The name the black devils was thought to be christened by Oberstleutnant Von Choltitz “ die schwarzen Teufel ” when the 6 marines who were still alive defending the Willemsbrug bridge surrendered.
I have decided to build a complete battalion for the regiment, structured at full strength like a infantry regiment with support elements, a 81mm mortar, MG section, AT rifle and RHQ and recon coy. The miniatures are all SHQ.
Regimental Head Quarters
Co plus 7, AT rifle, reconnaissance platoon cycles.
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| RHQ command element, radio trailer and car to be added |
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| Reece platoon |
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| AT rifle platoon |
Battalion Head Qauters
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| BHQ OC plus 4 |
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1st company 10 figures, Lewis lmg |
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2nd Company 10 figs Lewis lmg
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3rd Company 10 figs Lewis lmg |
Support Heavy weapons
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81mm mortar 4 crew
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| MMG 3 crew |
