Psychopathic Peacocks

This comes from The British History podcast and I think as a title it is pretty awesome. While Jamie’s intention was to use this moniker for the warrior class of the Anglo Saxons during the Dark Ages. These were highly trained warriors that were paid for by their lords. Payment that was often gaudy and showy. Weapons, jewelry, and bling.

While the originally intent was for a specific group of Anglo Saxons, I thought of the many other instances where troops liked their elaborate kit, with showy markings a little too much. I think of the German SS heavy units from World War II. These tanks have some extremely complicated schemes; I know as I have painted many of them with multiple layers of paint and zimmerit.

It is interesting how different the Allies (US, UK and USSR) painted their tanks and half-tracks compared to the Germans. The Allies painted different shades of solid khaki green with a few markings while the Germans painted three or four different colored schemes. All very complicated.

So am I saying all German tankers were psychopathic peacocks? No but the did like mounts that looked like peacocks.

For those not aware of the British History Podcast, Jamie has created an impressive collection of content covering British history from the beginning, mammoths and all, to currently the Viking era.

From the website…

History is human. History is drama. History is our story, and it belongs to all of us.

The BHP is a chronological retelling of the history of Britain with a particular focus upon the lives of the people. You won't find a dry recounting of dates and battles here, but instead you'll learn about who these people were and how their desires, fears, and flaws shaped the scope of this island at the edge of the world.

This is a podcast that I look forward to each week. It is a podcast that anyone interested in British history should follow and support.