Italian Model 11 75-27 – Voloire Horse Artillery

It isn’t hyperbole to say that the Bolt Action Campaign book Case Blue has changed the meta for players fielding an Italian force. Possibly overlooked in the excitement about the new army rules and the potent Savoia Cavalleria Squad is the addition of the Voloire Horse Artillery (page 106 in the book). This unit consists of a light howitzer with a veteran three-man crew for 65 points. Which on the face doesn’t sound like a great deal, but indeed it is – the unit represents the “flying batteries” who were employed in the traditional horse artillery role, rapidly deploying and engaging their foes over open sights. This unit can run 12” instead of the standard 6”, this movement is integral to the unit and does not require a separate tow unit.

Although the actual model of gun isn’t identified in the book entry, the gun commonly used by the Italian horse artillery in WW1 and WW2 was the unique Cannone da 75/27 Model 11. A French design, it was adopted by the Italians before the outbreak of WW1. It was unique for having split trails and having the barrel separate from the recoil recuperator. It also continued the odd Italian practice of having separate bladed plates that are driven into the ground with sledgehammers, in place of traditional spades at the end of the gun trails. This made for an unusual looking gun, but it was well liked and continued in service through to the end of WW2.

This .stl pack is intended for resin printing only; it is not suitable for FDM printing. The model includes options for both the wooden spoked wheels and the stamped steel, rubber-tired wheels. As well, to represent the fact this unit has its own contained transport, I included a new gun limber. As well, also included is a gun base large enough to mount the gun, the crew members and the gun limber. The base has recessed spots for placing 25mm based gun crew (figures are from Iron Chicken’s .stl).