Wednesday 4 September 2013

Donald Featherstone 1918 - 2013

I have just learned that veteran wargamer and author Donald Featherstone died yesterday.

There can be few wargamers who have not in some way been influenced by Don's books - especially those of us whose ages run into double figures and start with at least a '4'....

While I never met Don, I know that he was pleased to see many of his books reprinted as part of the History of Wargaming Project.  I found two of his books (Naval War Games and Air War Games) early in my wargaming 'career' and both have proved hugely influential.  It was with considerable pleasure therefore that I contributed photos, a revised chapter and a game to the expanded edition of Air War Games published last year.

I'm sure that much will be written about Donald Featherstone over the coming days, so I will add simply that his place on my own bookshelves is guaranteed.

My tatty 1966 edition of AWG
The 2012 edition

10 comments:

Jim Duncan Wargamer said...

War Games was the first book I read on the hobby as a teenager and I still play those rules today.

Donald Featherstones contribution to the hobby was immense and will continue to influence many newcomers to the hobby.

I have several of his books in my library and they will filter down the playing community when I myself follows Don to that great sand table in the sky.

Tim Gow said...

Jim Duncan
Well said Jim - were it not for Don's books we might be doing something sensible!

Don M said...

A sad day for the hobby, I always loved his Solo Wargaming book in particular.
If immortality is measured by the lives you touch, he will indeed live on for many years to come.

Tim Gow said...

Don M
Agreed - I don't think he's in any danger of being forgotten.

Bill said...

A very sad day, he was one of the greats.

Anonymous said...

I came across Wargames when I thought I was reserving Grant's The War Game, which I could only keep out of the library for 3 weeks at a time. So, aside from some Little Wars style games (with marbles) Featherstone's Ancient rules (actually Tony Bath's) were the first rules I used [with homemade flats out of card and modeling clay bases]. I don't know if gaming has been as much fun since.

So, don't be sad. Celebrate Don's life and what he gave us and fight a battle this week for Don.

Tim Gow said...

Bill
He was that Bill.

Tim Gow said...

SAROE
Just back from the Wargames club where (as here) it seems everyone has a DF story. While the game we played was quite new (Command & Colours) it was a fun and easy to play toy soldier game (some of the toys were 40+ years old...) so I like to thnk Don would have approved.

John Curry Editor History of Wargaming Project said...

I think he would

ian drury said...

He had a great innings: born during the March 1918 German offensive, survived the influenza pandemic as a baby, served in WW2 and made it to 95. Winchester library had many of his books, which together with CHARGE got me into wargaming in the 70s.