Stuart first came to my attention with his magazines Practical Wargamer and Regiment as well as his Toy Soldier Box column in Military Modelling which eventually pushed me over the edge into ordering enough recast Britains charging highlanders from Soldierpac to form a regiment for MacDuff. Of course I painted them in matte detailed fashion but it was a big step towards today's glossy toy regiments.
I don't remember now what motivated me to write to him, but I think it was on the demise of Practical Wargaming to express how much I had enjoyed and would miss it and possibly about the positive effect it had had on my attitude towards wargaming. (It was 20 years ago so details are fuzzy!) At any rate he wrote back after viewing my old website and we periodically exchanged notes and pictures then emails over the years that followed. When he started slimming his own collection he offered me his Britain's Light Brigade at a price I couldn't refuse and they still form the bulk of my cavalry, for both sides!
I can't claim to be a close personal friend but I really enjoyed our periodic correspondence as well as his writing and was rather pleased when he invited me to contribute pictures of some of my War of 1812 40's for his first book on the subject and will miss hearing from him.
Stuart had a huge, positive influence on our hobby and that can continue through his books but it is a sad loss for the hobby as well as for his family and friends.
For more about Stuart see Bob's eulogy at http://wargamingmiscellany.blogspot.com/2019/11/stuart-asquith-rip.html
A very nice tribute Ross - for your dear Friend- Stuart Asquith. Regards. KEV.
ReplyDeleteOne of the 'Greats' of wargaming will be sadly missed.
ReplyDeleteA gentleman, who's magazine 'Practical Wargamer' was a cornerstone of my gaming for many years. I recall being in hospital. It was day 1 of an 11 day stint and my visitor asked me if I needed anything, you know, essentials like toiletries and what not ..... I asked them to call into the newsagent and pick up the new issue of Practical Wargamer! It was probably my most read issue :-)
ReplyDeleteThe sub-title of Practical Wargamer wass 'The U.K's most popular wargame magazine'and even though it has been out of print for over 20 years ....... I believe it can still can make that claim!
Well written Ross. he has had a huge effect on so many of us. I hope him, Terry Wise, Charles Grant and Don Featherstone are playing a game with HG Wells somewhere right now.
ReplyDeleteA great tribute.
ReplyDeleteStrangely, never met him - though did know a different Stuart Asquith in the Warrington club. A lot of the old generation are now sadly missing.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful tribute, Ross.
ReplyDeleteA fine tribute, Ross.
ReplyDeleteLovely post Ross.
ReplyDeleteAlways hard to lose a friend. I've heard of Mr. Asquith, but don't know that I've read any of his work - I will have to hunt it down now.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute Ross, I was fortunate to meet Stuart over the last two years at Cotswold gaming day. He was a gentleman and an interesting person to talk with. Our hobby has lost one of the greats.
ReplyDeleteWillz Harley.
Practical wargamer was and probably is (I still use them) my favourite magazine. Stuart's articles in particular were so much fun and stacked with enthusiasm! He will be missed!
ReplyDeleteBlessed be his memory. Thank you for your eloquent remembrance.
ReplyDelete