Right Arm of Rome: Bootnecks by the Boat-Load.

I am personally compelled by the argument that Roman military operations in Britannia were enabled and sustained by significant coastal and riverine activity. Roman armies were undoubtedly capable of campaigning inland using the 'tyranny of plunder' and accompanied by masses of baggage animals and carts bringing up catapult artillery, tentage, grain, solid fuel, reserve missiles and all of the impedimenta of war. Sustaining a campaign however, would require bulk movement of materiel. Before the advent of motor transport this was very much easier, quicker and economic by water. After all, it is a matter of fact that the Roman army arrived in Britain by sea and that a substantial fleet (the Classis Britannica) was established in the province. It is inconceivable that such a resource lay idle after the disembarkation of the invasion force. It has been estimated that, the fighting elements of a single legion required some 210 tons of dry grain and fodder per month. This is just one type of supply but provides an inkling as to the necessity for the 37 known Roman military ports in Britain. Many of these are at the mouths of navigable rivers, the valleys of which are peppered or parallelled with Roman forts and installations tracing the line of conquest.My miniature Roman army will fully reflect this naval influence.

My first project is to create "Portus Abonae" a colourful interpretation of Sea Mills port on the junction between the Rivers Trym and the Avon in the Westcountry and an excellent embarkation port for operations in the Severn estuary and (what is now) Wales. The first "contuberna" will be from Cohors Primae Aelia Classica. A formidable section of grizzled bootnecks - Roman marines.