In 1943 the US high command raised a unit to rival the famous British Chindits; men who were to take the war to the Japanese behind their lines. They were officially called 5307 Composite Unit but; under their tough and charismatic leader – Brigadier General Frank Merrill – soon earned their famous name.
These hard-marching; tough volunteers raided Japanese supply lines and airfields; carrying their supplies by mule and by horse. 3;000 strong; the three battalions were equipped with a variety of semi- and fully-automatic weapons; as well as their trademark headgear. They were further toughened by intense training and marksmanship courses.
Their support weapons; man-portable by necessity; consisted of bazookas and 60mm mortars; and even occasionally Boys anti-tank rifles. They fought in numerous raids and earned a reputation for tenacity and jungle-fighting skills; helped on many occasions by native Kachin scouts who knew the terrain of the Burma theatre. Merrill;s Marauders were a tough unit and uniquely each man who served in the three battalions was awarded a Bronze Star medal. Their specialist skills will be of great use to US players in games of Bolt Action.
Contains a 10-man Marauders Squad:
1 NCO and three soldiers with SMGs
2 soldiers with BARs
4 riflemen
Note: Models supplied unassembled and unpainted
