Recon Report: Bolt Action Third Edition Armies of the Commonwealth Unit Highlights (Part 2)

By Aaron Kamakawiwoole

Hey Reader!

Welcome back! We’re continuing our discussion of the Commonwealth forces, today looking at the Indian, New Zealand, and South African forces that operated all over the globe during the conflict.

The Indian forces were perhaps the most anticipated of all the Commonwealth forces, as they field the Gurkhas of great renown from 2nd Edition. And with a new plastic kit, they’re easier to field now than ever before!

All of us looking at the release of 3rd Edition knew that Gurkhas were going to receive a nerf, and they did: they don’t cut attacks in close combat in half, but they do get to ignore defensive benefits (both from terrain and the ability to reactive fire, which is useful).

They are expensive; jury is still out as to whether they will be a powerhouse unit to run, but at present I’ll leave it at, “You’ll need a plan for handling them,” which is a healthy improvement from last edition.

The Indians also get access to the India Pattern Carrier, which is very similar to the Bren Carrier that we all know (and most of us love), except that it’s a wheeled vehicle, and it can transport 5 men even though it’s an armored attack vehicle. Very useful, and could be a great way for some cheap pin potential while transporting up your Gurkhas.

And finally, the Indian forces still get access to some of the lighter British tanks, including the Mk VIC. It’s a cheap autocannon for threatening infantry and armor, and highly effective for its points (which frees up more space for Gurkhas!).

As we transition to New Zealand, there’s an argument to be made that Maoris are actually better in close combat than Gurkhas, and I’m personally of this mind. They don’t get to ignore enemy defensive bonuses, but they are cheaper and still just as reliable at doing damage up close, so the extra numbers might make up for the lost opportunities. With proper preparation, I think these guys can be better.

They also get access to some of the higher end British armored support, including the Achilles. A light armor chassis sporting the British 17-Pounder Anti-Tank Gun (a super-heavy AT gun with a smaller high explosive blast template, but coming with a commensurate points reduction), this is a cheap armor-busting tool that supplements your infantry removal tools really well.

And finally, they also get a great suite of transports, including the M3 White Scout Car. One of the best transports in the game in my opinion, it fits just enough infantry to be dangerous while not being too large on the table (so cover is easier to get) or too expensive (you’re paying for just enough tools to be good without being too expensive). So combining great armor with great transports and solid infantry, I think the Maoris of Aotearoa are worth trying!

And as we look at the South Africans, I’ll be honest: I think I would have let this army cook for a bit longer in the oven before publishing. I think it offers some interesting and unique options, but I think this one could have used a bit more love.

One of their special rules does really benefit your Marmon-Herrington Armored Cars, allowing them to get incredibly high volume of machine gun fire (which can be useful for eating through enemy veteran infantry). So while their armored options are pretty limited, they do get some good “dakka” options for pretty cheap.

And to accompany your infantry and light cars, if you have points to spare for something big that can brawl, the Firefly is available to you. A Sherman chassis with the British 17-Pounder attached, it’s a big boy sporting enormous firepower to protect your men from any form of enemy armor. If you like big brawler tanks, this is one way you can run them!

So all told, a lot of interesting options! If you enjoy playing something British-adjacent, but want more options for different play styles, check out the Armies of the Commonwealth book! I’m looking forward to playing some Kiwi / East African / Australian forces, and it’s fun to think through so many new ways to play with British vehicles but with a whole new realm of rules.

Until next time!

Aaron Kamakawiwoole

YT: @ZurnCentral