Yurts Up

The small camp seen from the air. In the harsh winters, the Cossacks actually bring the horses inside they yurts to keep them from freezing. Their body heat adds to that of the humans keeping their masters warm as well. These resin yurts are painted to represent several types of hides used to make a yurt. While well known as Tibetan housing, Cossacks also used this practical method of housing.

Women bear a yoke to carry in heavy canisters of milk. Little girls help round up the cows in preparation for the move. Imex Pioneers set is probably one of the most versatile sets ever made in plastic. I use them for many things, in this case as Cossack women. The little girl figure originally was playing by rolling a hoop with a stick. The hoop has been removed and she is now herding cows with the stick.

Spring is here as the thick plant life will attest. A good time for cows and a good time for a spring offensive by the Soviet Red Army.

A Cossack patrol returns to the camp. You can't move a large party of men, women, children and animals without scouting out the route first. By 1945 the Soviet Army was fielding many armored cars and halftracks supplies by the USA. That allowed them to cover great distances in a short period of time. The German Army was hard pressed for enough soldiers to maintain a continuous front line and often the Soviets would find a gap and pour through it. That would turn the flanks of German units who had to take up hedgehog positions or withdraw.

A close up view of the riders as they enter camp. Their arrival is greeted with flag waving, and people running up to greet them and get the latest news. The German commander, wearing his Cossack headgear, stands waiting for a report. Figures by Strelets, Odemars, and Imex.