KING & COUNTRY
DISPATCHES
JULY 2008
WELCOME TO JULY… and thank goodness June is over! Here in Hong Kong we’ve had a Typhoon and days and weeks of Monsoon—like rains. I’m not saying it’s been heavy but I’ve seen a few people building Arks.
Anyway enough of our weather problems let’s cheer ourselves up with a few new releases…
1. AVAILABLE IN JULY…
a) “ICE COLD IN ALEX”
As promised in June’s “DISPATCHES” here is the four new 8th. Army releases—at long last!
EA027 “The Desert Austin K2 Ambulance”
This is a model I personally have longed to do for many, many years… The Austin K2 Ambulance.
Back in the late 1950’s a great British War movie called “Ice Cold In Alex” came out. I saw it as a kid and loved it. It tells the story of a British Ambulance and its crew trying to escape an embattled Tobruk and cross the desert to Alexandria in Egypt. The film covers lots of their trials and tribulations on the journey… one of which is that there is a German spy among them!!!
Anyway it’s a great flick… see it on late night telly or failing that… buy the bloody ambulance!
This very, very British looking truck and comes with a driver looking out for any land-mines.
EA028 “Stretcher Party”
Two Royal Army Medical Corps stretcher bearers carry a wounded Tommy out of the battle and, hopefully, towards the ambulance… the perfect add-on to EA027.
EA029 “The Crusader Tank”
Many, many 8th. Army Collectors have been requesting additional armour for the 8th Army sets… Well, here it is… “The Crusader”. Up until the arrival of the American Shermans and Grants this was the best and fastest tank the British Armoured Regiments had. It could be unreliable but its speed often got it out of difficult situations.
Our model is in typical 2 colour desert camo and in the markings of the 3rd. Hussars of the famous 7th Armoured Division “The Desert Rats”. Each tank comes with a commander and a seated British Infantryman.
EA030 “8th Army Tank Riders”
Another great add-on! Three Scottish Infantrymen in a range of poses that can fit on the Crusader or stand off the vehicle on the ground as you prefer.
AVAILABILITY: Mid July
b) From the desert to Normandy… “Moving Up To The Front”
Our newest German forces focus on regular Wehrmacht troops rather than Waffen SS this time. These 5 new sets are perfect for any Normandy display or diorama and fill in some important gaps in any WW2 K&C collection.
WS116 “Officer Pointing”
Many civilian police officers were conscripted (some volunteered) to serve in “Field Police” units attached to the army in support of the Army’s own “Feldgendarmerie”. This one is giving directions.
WS117 “Get Ready!”
As one Wehrmacht Panzer Grenadier watches the advance of the enemy another prepares to pull the pin on his “potato masher” grenade.
WS118 “Moving Forward”
A three-man rifle section (including a Schmeisser-toting NCO) stealthily move closer to the enemy.
WS119 “On the Road”
In the weeks and months following D. Day German vehicles found it increasingly difficult to move undetected along French roads. Infantry moved forwards (and backwards) by the traditional method… on foot. An NCO leads two of his riflemen to the front carrying extra ammo and weapons.
WS120 “Walking Machine Gun Team”
This two-man set is a “companion piece” to WS119.
AVAILABILITY: Early July
c) The Imperial Guard… Chinese-Style
Two sets of richly detailed… and colourful soldiers of the Emperor.
IC033 “Chinese General Staff Set”
A superb seated figure of a Chinese General of the Imperial Household Guard… Next to him a small table with his helmet… leaning over to advise him is one of his officers. Standing protectively over his General is the personal bodyguard carrying the richly decorated umbrella… Fantastic detail and a welcome addition.
IC034 “Chinese Armourer Set”
Standing at the forge this Armourer is “beating-out” a new sword next to him his assistant is working the bellows helping to “heat-up” the forge. Every Army should have its Armourer…
AVAILABILITY: Mid July
2. COMING IN AUGUST…
Two great “add-ons” to two popular series… and very different. First, for our Napoleonic-era enthusiasts…
a) “VIVE LA GARDE!”
(“Long Live The Guard!”)
It’s been far too long since we added on to Napoleon’s favourites—the men of the “Old” Guard… So, here they are…
NA151 “Guard Performing Bayonet Drill”
A Guard NCO demonstrating the correct bayonet defense position.
Note the white gloves.
NA152 “Guard at Attention”
Standing watch in the “classic” position.
NA153 “Kneeling Firing”
NA154 “Standing Firing”
NA155 “Standing To Repel”
NA156 “Loading Rifle”
NA157 “Marching with Rifle”
All of these new pieces are perfect add-ons for collectors who like to buy “multiples” to enhance their displays.
And now for a “wee surprise”…
b) NA158(SL) “Napoleon & His Generals”… Strictly Limited!
Here is the great man himself pondering the situation before him… By his side, three of his most trusted commanders… the bespectacled Marshal Louis-Nicolas DAVOUT… General DORSENNE resplendent in his Imperial Guard uniform and… General of Cuirassiers Jean-Joseph Comte d’ HAUTPOUL. Delivering dispatches is a standing, saluting Aide de Camps. Completing this scene are a camp table, chair and basket of maps and the Emperor’s Tent forming a backdrop.
Just 999 of this superb scene are being released and we feel it will be eagerly sought by Napoleonic collectors around the world.
Place your order now!
AVAILABILITY: Early August
c) From the glory days of Bonaparte we move forward more than a century to the dark days of 1940 and the Battle of France…
“FIELDS OF BATTLE”
This series has been a pleasant surprise for K&C… originally we thought it would only sell in Europe but its success elsewhere has shown that both dealers and collectors like to seeing something different and unique in their toy soldiers and military miniatures…
FoB042 “Bedford OYD Truck”
These Bedford General Service Trucks were produced in their thousands from 1939-1945 and they “soldiered-on” in the British Forces right up until the early sixties.
Our model is in early-war markings of the British 3rd. Infantry Division. Vehicle includes driver figure.
FoB043 “Polizei ADGZ Armoured Car”
This is one of the more unusual German armoured cars of the Early-War period. Originally built in Austria these were used on SS Police duties in the Polish campaign. Some were also used in France and most ended up on anti Partisan duties on the Eastern Front later.
This 8-wheeled monster comes with no crew figures but is still a great looking model.
FoB044 “Polizei in Action”
Apart from the “Feldgendarmes”—the famous “Chained Dogs”, other civilian police either volunteered or were drafted into special Field Police units as backup. This little 3-man set works well with the previous armoured car or on its own.
“THE NAVY’S HERE!”
FoB046 “Naval Officer with Pistol”
To help restore order and organize evacuation on the beaches of Dunkirk Royal Naval Landing Parties were put ashore. This officer, with pistol drawn, points the way.
FoB047 “Sailor at Attention”
This Matelot fully armed is part of the Landing Party… note his older 1914-1918 web equipment.
FoB048 “Communications”
Another sailor, this time with “shore-to-ship” radio set and rifle.
FoB049 “Sailor with Lewis Gun”
A veteran “old-salt” complete with light machine gun.
FoB050 “Marching Sailor”
One more Matelot with Lee Enfield rifle at the high port position.
FoB051 “Military Police Sergeant”
This standing MP shouting orders amidst the chaos.
FoB052 “RAF Sergeant”
Standing, saluting RAF NCO complete with kitbag and backpack awaits evacuation.
FoB053 “Field Marshal Lord Gort”
Commander-in-Chief, British Expeditionary Force was ordered by Churchill to return to London. Here he stands… ready to go.
AVAILABILITY: Mid August
3. BEING RETIRED IN JULY…
Yet more retirals for you to look at… so here goes…
a) AFRIKA KORPS
AK022 “The Mortar Set”
AK028 “Questioning The Prisoner”
b) BARBARIANS
BAR005 “Running Warrior with Shield and Spear”
BAR009 “Stepping Warrior with Sword and Shield”
c) ANCIENT ROME
RO018-RE “Legion Mascot”
RO026-RE “Roman Casualty”
RO028-RE “Kneeling w/Spear”
RO029-RE “Kneeling w/Sword”
RO030-RE “Defending w/Sword”
RO031-RE “Defending w/Shield”
RO033-RE “Stabbing w/Sword”
RO034-RE “Advancing w/Sword”
d) NORMANDY’44
WS088 “Road Block”
And that’s that… at least for another month. Once again many thanks for your continued and loyal approach. So, until next month… Best personal wishes!
Andy C. Neilson
Co-founder & Creative Director
King & Country
