Desert Diorama: "The French Connection" (1 Viewer)

[PolarBear]

Here is my current WWII desert diorama utilizing K&C items. It is in a mirrored glass display case about 15"X10" (see below). To photograph it, I removed the glass/mirrored top. It depicts an SAS operation utilizing a "plant" among the French Vichy forces in North Africa, as represented by the French speaking Arab atop the Camel. In the SAS Recce jeep, seated next to the driver is a member of the French Squadron of the SAS that came to North Africa under the command of the British in early 1942. He is the liason to the double agents amongst the Vichy forces. He is a Free French paratrooper sent to Britain for training in 1941. He is dressed for the cold desert nights (as is David Stirling standing next to him) and wears OD British battle dress and his headgear consists of an Arab head-dress over a rolled up Balaclava. (info about him from Osprey Men-At-Arms The French Army 1939-42 (2). You can see him better in the K&C photo attached here. The group is looking for an enemy convoy that is supposed to be passing through the area. They are working with nearby LRDG units that have minded the road the convoy will be passing on.
Enjoy!

 

[jazzeum]

Nice job Randy. Did you just add sand to the case bottom?

Maybe they're thinking of Dizzy's "Night in Tunisia"?

 

[Wraith]

Nice stuff Randy.
Those sets work very well together.

Simon

 

[PolarBear]

Thanks Simon:
Yes just sand, a rock from the yard and some greenery in the back. This allows me to reuse the cases and materials for changing displays. I rotate items out of my cabinet for temporary exhibits in my library/study.
I do have a version of Night in Tunisia" by Art Blakey.

Randy

 

[PolarBear]

Thanks Brad

Were you aware of the French SAS figure and their role in the desert with the 8th Army?

Randy

 

[jazzeum]

Randy,

I remember reading something somewhere about how the SAS was an international outfit and how they even had refugees from Nazi Germany (hope I'm not confusing that with LRDG), but generally, no.

 

[razorboy]

Excellant! The figure detail and the weathering is outstanding. Great job!

razorboy