Box Contents

The Warlord Games British 8th Army box is a plastic kit containing:

• 30 British 8th Army Infantry
• 30 Rifles
• 10 SMGs
• 5 Bren LMGs
• 5 Boys AT Rifles
• 5 Light Mortars
• Helmeted heads, Indian (Sikh, Punjabi) heads and Scottish Highlander heads.
• Backpacks, pouches, pistols, grenades, canteens, etc.

The List

Breakdown

Notes and Analysis

The objective of this list is two part – 1) use as many of the components from a single box of infantry as possible and 2) make a List that work at a competitive level. Please in mind, this List was written using only the content of a single box of infantry.

One fantastic aspect of Bolt Action is that you can truly get started with a single box of troops. And I don’t mean getting started with some kind of demo-level intro game. No no! This is a full on, 500pts army list. A 500pt game played on a 4×4′ table is a rich and engaging Bolt Action experience. Sure, this list does not include any vehicles but you gotta start somewhere. On to the list!

This Earl/Mid War army list makes use of all the 8th Army Infantry box has to offer. Not only do we have two solid squads of Reg riflemen (each with an LMG) to hold your line of advance, we have the full SMG Commando squad. Perfect for either cagey movement up the table or a late-game Outflank (don’t forget about Behind Enemy Lines). In support of these three dependable infantry squads we have a Light Mortar and Boys AT Rifle. The Light Mortar is perfect for harassing those enemy units that don’t want to move – Snipers, MMGs, other Mortars – and can also move up with your infantry providing fire support along the way. Remember, the Light Mortar is not Fixed and can fire on Advance. The Boys AT is another great support weapon that can Pin armored targets and pose significant threat to light armor and soft-skins. Plus, just like the Light Mortar, the AT Rifle is not a Fixed weapon. Both of these two-man Vet weapons teams will be very difficulty for your opponent to remove (Small Team, Vet, easy to hide in cover) and both punch above their weight.

Of course no British list is complete without the free Artillery Observer and this unit, especially at lower point levels, can swing an entire game. This army was created to be mobile (all your units can fire on the move). With this in the mind, the Arty Observer is perfect to both pinning down and forcing your opponent to abandon their positions.

There you have it! A 500pt army list that uses all 30 of the models included in the 8th Army Infantry box. I’ll be honest, I really like this list. If you have a copy of Campaign: The Western Desert you also have unparalleled versatility. The British already have a long list of Army Special Rules (Rapid Fire, Tough as Boots, etc.) to choose from and with the addition of the Commonwealth rules you are spoiled for choice. You could run this army as Australian, South African, New Zealander or Indian! This gives you extra flavor and extra Army Special Rule options to truly fit your playstyle.

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What’s Next?

Consider these additions to your 500pt 1 Box Army:

• Matilda II – The Queen of the Desert. Staying with our 8th Army theme, the Matilda II is a fantastic option. Although it’s Slow you can pick either a Light Howitzer or a Light AT Gun for the turret. This is great flexibility allowing you to pick the weapon that your list needs. Oh, it’s also Armor 9. And that’s some heavy duty armor for a Early War force.
• 15CWT Truck – Arguably the best way to add speed to any army, the Truck. Who needs the icon Bren Carrier when the no less iconic 15CWT will do just fine? The 15CWT can haul 8 men and it’s bigger brother, the 30CWT can take 10. Both saw heavy service in North Africa and Rubicon has some spectacular kits.
• 25pdr Light Howitzer – All Light Howitzers are good, but the British one is better. At only 55pts Reg you get a 2″ HE with a Gun shield, the option for a Spotter and the ability to fire AT rounds at +4 Pen (instead of +2). It’s an incredibly versatile weapon and a must-have for any British player.

– Andrew