KING & COUNTRY Dispatches -- September 2024 (1 Viewer)

[King & Country]

KING & COUNTRY DISPATCHES
September 2024​

Hi Guys,
Welcome to this month’s ‘DISPATCHES’ and a pretty diverse and colourful group of new releases you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else!
And so without further ado let’s get down to business…

1. BEING RELEASED THIS SEPTEMBER…

A. ‘Black Hawk Down Back-Up’


Back in July of this year K&C announced the launch of our dramatic new ‘Black Hawk Down’ series of figures and fighting vehicles depicting the horrendous events that took place in the war-torn Somali capital city of Mogadishu in early October 1993.
As most of you know an elite force of U.S. Army Rangers backed up by a few U.S. Special Forces were tasked with a mission to capture a Somali warlord’s top lieutenants in the centre of the Somalian Capital city of Mogadishu.
After being helicoptered into the middle of the city almost everything that could go wrong did go wrong… Two Blackhawk helicopters were shot down by rocket-propelled grenades, leaving surviving aircrew at great risk on both crash sites.
As some of the U.S. Rangers fought through to the first crash location they came under heavy enemy ground fire and were pinned down.
Meanwhile, two U.S. Special Forces soldiers landed near the second downed Blackhawk and courageously fought off hundreds of Somali militiamen for a short time before they too were killed. The lone survivor of this downed Blackhawk was the wounded pilot who was soon captured.
As the battle raged a ground force of Rangers, under the command of Colonel Danny McKnight in their ‘HUMVEE’ armored carriers were also battling through the city trying to reach their fellow Rangers.

This second release of 10 additional U.S. Army Rangers depicts these American fighting men fighting for their lives as they attempt to rescue wounded comrades and fight their way through this ‘hornets nest’ of Somali Militiamen in the middle of Mogadishu.

BHD001 ‘Ranger Radio Team’
This 2-man team shows a kneeling Ranger on his personal radio as another standing Ranger covers him.

BHD006 ‘Ranger w/M249 SAW'
This standing Ranger is carrying the M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) the U.S. Armed Forces adaptation of the Belgian FN Minimi light machine gun.
This weapon was introduced in 1984 to address the lack of a sustained fire weapon at the squad level for U.S. Army and Marine units.
The M249 SAW combines the rapid rate of fire of a machine gun with the accuracy and portability of an assault rifle plus fires the same 5.56 calibre ammunition.

BHD007 ‘Ranger Advance To Contact’
Another 2-man fighting team of Rangers tactically moving forward, one covering the other as they engage the enemy.

BHD008 ‘No Man Left Behind’
A dramatic rendition of the ‘Ranger Creed’ to let no fellow Ranger fall into enemy hands. This particular Ranger hoists a badly wounded buddy onto his shoulders in a ‘fireman’s carry’ as he moves to safety still clutching his M16A2.

BHD010 ‘Rangers M249 SAW Team’
Both Rangers adopt the ‘prone firing position’ as they lay down fire on the enemy using their M249 SAW Squad Automatic Weapon.

BHD012 ‘Ranger Covering The Rear’
As the fierce fighting continues this particular Ranger is covering another side of the battle to make sure the squad are not surprised from the rear.

AVAILABLE: Mid September

Special Preview Note: K&C’s ‘HUMVEES’ will be released this coming October… Look out for them!

 

[King & Country]

B … And Now For Something Completely Different!

It’s a long, long way from the rubble-strewn streets of war-torn Mogadishu to the tree-lined boulevards of London.
It’s also a world away from elite fighting soldiers in dust-covered camouflage uniforms to other elite soldiers in their smart dress uniforms but we’ll make the
jump anyway with our two latest recruits to K&C’s ‘CEREMONIAL’ series of Parade Figures’.

CE117 ‘The Irish Guards Mascot ‘Seamus’ and Handler’
The Irish Guards is one of the 5 Foot Guards regiments of the British Army and is part of the Guards Division.
The regiment was formed in April 1900 by order of Queen Victoria to commemorate all the Irishmen who fought in the Second Boer War on behalf of Queen and Country.
Since 1902, an Irish Wolfhound has been presented as a ‘mascot’ to the regiment by the Irish Wolfhound Club, who originally hoped the publicity would increase the popularity of the breed with the general public.
The first mascot was called ‘Brian Boru’, named after an ancient Irish King. Traditionally, the mascot is looked after and taken on parade by one of the Regiment’s own drummers as is shown in K&C’s 2-figure set.
The current regimental mascot’s name is ‘Seamus’ and he joined the Irish Guards in 2020. In 2023 ‘Seamus’ and his Handler led the Irish Guards Massed Pipes & Drums to Buckingham Palace for King Charles Ⅲ’s Coronation Military Procession.

AVAILABLE: Early September

 

[King & Country]

C. ‘The Battle of Britain… On And Under The Ground!’

One of the most important battles of The Second World War was the battle that was fought in the sky over Southern Britain in the summer of 1940.
For almost four months between 10 July and 31 October, 1940, the fighter pilots of the Royal Air Force defended the U.K. against large-scale attacks by Nazi Germany’s Luftwaffe in the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces.
Had the Germans won this aerial struggle a seaborne and airborne invasion would surely have followed and the outcome of WW2 would have been very different.
Thanks to the skill and bravery of the many young pilots of RAF Fighter Command and the thousands of dedicated, hard-working Ground Crew mechanics and airmen rearming, refueling and repairing the Spitfires and Hurricanes the Nazis suffered their first major defeat.
But that’s not the whole story…

Behind the frontline fighter aircraft and airfields was a reporting chain that would gather and move relevant information from various observation posts all over the British coast and countryside as well as from the network of radar stations located along the southern coast of Britain.
All of this vital information on the strength and direction of various Luftwaffe attacks would then be passed onto the different Fighter Group Operations Room responsible for that target area.
In these ‘Ops Rooms’ usually located underground a number of WAAFs (Womens Auxilian Air Force) can be seen working around a large table on which is printed a huge map with parts of Great Britain showing the boundaries and locations of various Fighter Command Groups and their airfields.
As reports of enemy attacks came in each Operations Room could also see on an illuminated electronic wall display which squadrons were available to take off while others might be refueling, rearming or already in action.
Senior Officers on duty in the Ops Room would then make vital decisions as to which squadrons would take to the air and, importantly, which sectors they would fly to in order to intercept and destroy the enemy intruders.
The vital, almost invisible, role these Royal Air Force ‘Operations Rooms’ played in helping to win The Battle of Britain can never be forgotten and here is our own small replica in miniature…

RAF080 ‘Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding & The WAAF Section Officer’
The architect of Britain’s aerial victory in 1940 was a career airman who rose to become Commander-In-Chief of RAF Fighter Command and spearheaded the development of the British air defense network that gave the RAF a critical advantage during the Battle of Britain.
Here we see him paying one of his regular visit to a typical Operations Room and being saluted by a young WAAF (Women’s Auxiliary Air Force) Section Officer, the female equivalent of a male RAF ‘Flying Officer’.

RAF081 ‘Battle of Britain Operations Room’ Set
Four WAAF personnel and a male RAF sergeant stand alongside a large wooden heptagonal table on which is displayed a sectional map of southeast England and part of northern France and Belgium.
Each of the WAAFs holds a long, wooden croupier-style pushing stick with which small wooden markers representing either an enemy raiding force or a friendly defending RAF squadron. These markers showing where enemy attacks were and which squadrons would be attacking them would be moved around the map. Each WAAF also wears a radio headset and an attached mouthpiece to receive instructions and reply when necessary.
Behind the table is a large illuminated, tote-style panel board, which has the various airfields of the relevant fighter group and the Spitfire or Hurricane Squadrons operating on each airfield.
The K&C backdrop is based on the one that can still be seen today at RAF Uxbridge, which during the Battle of Britain was used by No. 11 Group Fighter Command.
This five-figure set also includes the ‘heptagonal’ (seven sided) map table and stand plus the tote-style panel board backdrop.

AVAILABLE: Early September

 

[King & Country]

D. “It Was Twenty Years Ago Today…”


So began the first track on the first side of what is considered by many to be the best pop music album of the 1960s and possible the most original rock album of all time
Everything about this album or L.P. (Long Playing Record) as we called them in the U.K. at that time was revolutionary and innovative.From its record sleeve design and packaging to the songs themselves each of which was original and bridged the cultural divide between popular music and high art while reflecting the interests of contemporary youth and the counterculture.
When it was released in May 1967 the effect was one of the defining moments in pop culture heralding in the ‘Album Era’ and the 1967 ‘Summer of Love’.
And what amazed everyone, including myself who was there at the time, was just how far the four young musicians behind the album had travelled in less than five years from their home city on the banks of the River Mersey…

RnR001 ‘Four Lads From Liverpool’

In the cold, wet winter month of February 1963 I was 14 years old and delivering newspapers early each morning before I went to school.
In among the newspapers would occasionally be one of the weekly comics or magazines that might appeal to the younger sons or daughters of the people getting their daily newspaper delivered.
Being always inquisitive I would flick through the pages of these comics or ‘mags’ to see if anything interested me.
On this particular occasion I came across a ‘wall poster’ insert featuring a group of four young guys from Liverpool called ‘The Beatles’. I remembered I had heard their first record ‘Love Me Do’ a few months before… Not a great record, I thought, but not bad for a first attempt.
A couple of weeks later, The Beatles released their second .45 record “Please, Please Me” and like millions of other British kids I was bowled over and it went straight to #1. From that day until today I am still a Beatles fan and will be until my dying day!
Throughout my teenage years The Beatles were the sound track of one of the most exciting decades in British history.
The Beatles changed everything… how we looked, how we spoke, what we liked, who we listened to and, importantly, when to seize opportunities when and if they ever happened.
This unique little set, inspired by the Sgt. Pepper album cover, is myself and K&C’s tribute to these four lads from relatively modest, working class backgrounds in Liverpool who rose to the highest heights of fame and fortune… and changed the world!

AVAILABLE: Mid September

 

[King & Country]

E. ‘RULER OF A QUARTER OF THE GLOBE’

About a hundred years before John, Paul George or Ringo were born another child was delivered who, in later life, would be crowned King of the United Kingdom, its British Dominions and Emperor of India.
The second child and eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Edward, nicknamed “Bertie” was related to virtually every Royal Family in Europe.He was also Prince of Wales and heir apparent to the British throne for almost 60 years.
During his mother’s long reign he was largely excluded from political influence and came to personify the fashionable, Leisured elite more suited to the race track, casinos, the theatre and the company of ladies of dubious virtue.
His reputation as a ‘playboy prince’ inevitably soured his relationship with his disapproving mother.
Finally in 1901, upon his mother’s death, Edward inherited the throne and began to take a more serious interest in both his duties and responsibilities.
During his relatively short reign he played a role in the modernization of the Royal Navy as well as the reorganization of the British Army after the Second Boer War of 1899-1902.
In foreign relations he fostered good relations with other European countries, especially France with which Britain forged the ‘Entente Cordiale’ a mutual pact to support each other in the event of an attack by any third party.
The one country and one ruler Edward Ⅶ came to dislike was Germany and its ruler, his nephew Kaiser Wilhelm Ⅱ.
In Edward’s eyes this was the one nation that he felt was intent on causing friction and division on the European Continent while at the same time attempting to build a navy to threaten the global supremacy of Britain’s own mighty fleet.
As a King, Edward Ⅶ proved a more popular success than anyone had expected. He also ensured that his own son and heir, George Ⅴ was better prepared to take the throne upon his death on May 6, 1910.

TR017 “King Edward Ⅶ”
This latest K&C figure shows King Edward Ⅶ in his coronation robes and wearing the ceremonial dress uniform of a British Field Marshal and carrying his Marshal’s Baton in his right hand.

AVAILABLE: Mid September

 

[King & Country]

F. ‘Look Out… Apaches!’

Now, how many times were those the fatal last words of an unfortunate U.S. Cavalry trooper or perhaps an unlucky settler who ventured into Apache territory…?
Here are a very useful and dangerous pair of Apache warriors who are on the lookout for any unwary ‘white eyes’ or poor hapless Mexican that comes their way…

TRW192 ‘Black Knife’ Crouching Apache Warrior
Patiently sitting on his haunches and carrying a captured cavalry carbine this warrior has all the time in the world to wait for his next victim.

TRW193 ‘White Cloud’ Advancing Apache Archer
Bow and arrow in hand this Apache moves stealthily forward, closer to his target. He’s also carrying a Colt .45 pistol in its holster around his waist… just for backup!

AVAILABLE: Early September

 

[King & Country]

2. Items & Figures Being Retired…

Not a lot this month BUT King & Country is retiring the individual figures and items belonging to our King Arthur & His Knights of The Round Table.

MK137 King Arthur
MK138 Sir Galahad
MK139 Mordred
MK140 Sir Lancelot
MK143 The Round Table & The King's Chair
MK146 Sir Gawain
MK147 Sir Geraint
MK148 Sir Bedivere
MK149 Sir Tristram
MK150 Sir Peleas
MK151 Sir Caradoc
MK152 Sir Lucan
MK155 Sir Lamorak

So if you have been collecting this subject piece-by-piece you better grab the missing pieces NOW to complete this colourful depiction of the ‘Arthurian Legend’.

PLEASE NOTE:
The Complete Table, Chairs and all of the above figures will in future ONLY be sold as a SPECIAL BOXED SET.

Also:
The Wizard Merlin and Queen Guinevere will continue to be sold as individual figures.

And that my friends is that for one more month ... I hope there’s at least a few things for you in there.

All the Best and ... Happy Collecting!

Andy C. Neilson
Co-founder & Creative Director
King & Country Ltd.
​

 

[wayne556517]

Impressive Andy the RAF Ops room will be winging its way to my place.

 

[Horus]

Some exciting releases this month with the Black Hawk Down Rangers and the Beatles set looking great also, and a very colourful set they make indeed.
Might even draw in some who don't collect Toy Soldiers but do collect anything to do with the Beatles. Might be quite the sought after set as time passes.

 

[jason foote]

Absolutely love the Apaches, please keep them coming Andy.
There is no way i would collect the BlackHawk down stuff, its just too far of my time zone but the figures look amazing and its so fantastic that Andy is doing something new. Its making people happy and could get a new generation of collectors into our hobby.

 

[villagehorse]

Yes that Ops RAF room is just the ticket, thank you Andy for producing this very nice vignette. Those iconic 4 are under consideration also. Some very interesting releases this month. Robin.

 

[Spanish soldier]

I already bought the Roman general on horseback, now for the Beatles.

 

[Barkmann]

Highlight for me, the piece reminds me of the clips in The Battle of Britain, will be interested to see how collectors display, i was thinking on one of my Ikea Dolft cabinet shelves, but think the back board maybe too wide, might just display the table until i can get something designed and possibly look at a raised platform to one side for officers overseeing the table or Churchill making a visit.

This month's dispatches has a new RAF Table and there is the King Arthur Round Table being retired. Something complimentry about that, both iconic pieces/symbols in British history. With the RAF pilots being the Knights of their time, altho riding a much more powerful 'stead', it seems fitting.

 

[jazzeum]

D. “It Was Twenty Years Ago Today…”


So began the first track on the first side of what is considered by many to be the best pop music album of the 1960s and possible the most original rock album of all time
Everything about this album or L.P. (Long Playing Record) as we called them in the U.K. at that time was revolutionary and innovative.From its record sleeve design and packaging to the songs themselves each of which was original and bridged the cultural divide between popular music and high art while reflecting the interests of contemporary youth and the counterculture.
When it was released in May 1967 the effect was one of the defining moments in pop culture heralding in the ‘Album Era’ and the 1967 ‘Summer of Love’.
And what amazed everyone, including myself who was there at the time, was just how far the four young musicians behind the album had travelled in less than five years from their home city on the banks of the River Mersey…

RnR001 ‘Four Lads From Liverpool’

In the cold, wet winter month of February 1963 I was 14 years old and delivering newspapers early each morning before I went to school.
In among the newspapers would occasionally be one of the weekly comics or magazines that might appeal to the younger sons or daughters of the people getting their daily newspaper delivered.
Being always inquisitive I would flick through the pages of these comics or ‘mags’ to see if anything interested me.
On this particular occasion I came across a ‘wall poster’ insert featuring a group of four young guys from Liverpool called ‘The Beatles’. I remembered I had heard their first record ‘Love Me Do’ a few months before… Not a great record, I thought, but not bad for a first attempt.
A couple of weeks later, The Beatles released their second .45 record “Please, Please Me” and like millions of other British kids I was bowled over and it went straight to #1. From that day until today I am still a Beatles fan and will be until my dying day!
Throughout my teenage years The Beatles were the sound track of one of the most exciting decades in British history.
The Beatles changed everything… how we looked, how we spoke, what we liked, who we listened to and, importantly, when to seize opportunities when and if they ever happened.
This unique little set, inspired by the Sgt. Pepper album cover, is myself and K&C’s tribute to these four lads from relatively modest, working class backgrounds in Liverpool who rose to the highest heights of fame and fortune… and changed the world!

AVAILABLE: Mid September

I will post this to the music forum I belong to. Although it caters to all music and genres (I mostly post in jazz and blues threads) a good portion are crazed Beatles fans so there may be lots of orders.

 

[desk11desk12]

Placed my order for these new BHD releases. Andy, thanks for taking the risk with this theme.

Carlos

 

[MLH13]

Fantastic releases, Andy! The RAF ops room and the Sir Hugh Dowding set are ordered.

Mark

 

[bridport]

Such variety in these dispatches!

Black Hawk Down looks excellent!

The Beatles is a great idea. It will be a popular set. I’d like to see this series developed with perhaps The Beatles on stage - McCartney with his Hofner bass, Lennon with the black & white Rickenbacker in their collarless grey suits & moptops. Such an iconic look.

Maybe even in snow capes for Christmas from the ‘Help!’ Film?

Finally, Perhaps a cheaper, derivative non descript set for any Oasis fans out there?

 

[BHogan]

The figure of King Edward VII and the Irish Guards mascot are the picks of the month for me.

Brendan

 

[Panzer ace]

I am really looking forward to those new BHD figures.

 

[jazzeum]

Andy,

Does the numbering on the Beatles set, RnR 01, imply that there will be a range with other releases?