King & Country WS086 – German Soldiers Moving Forward

Unboxing King & Country WS086 – German Soldiers Moving Forward

This set is retired

King & Country WS086 — German Soldiers Moving Forward captures a pair of infantry advancing cautiously through the snowbound forests of the Ardennes. Sculpted in 1:30 scale as part of the Battle of the Bulge series, the set includes two German soldiers in winter uniforms — one aiming his scoped Mauser rifle, the other preparing to signal the attack with determined focus. The frozen setting and dynamic poses make this a highly atmospheric addition to any WWII diorama.

Historical Context – German Advance in the Ardennes

In December 1944, German forces launched the Battle of the Bulge, a surprise counterattack through Belgium and Luxembourg. The offensive relied heavily on infantry pushing through dense forests under freezing conditions, and it was Hitler’s last major gamble to drive the Allies out of Europe. In the opening days, the Germans achieved real success, breaking through thin American lines and throwing the Allies off balance. However, once the initial shock wore off, U.S. forces rallied at key points like Bastogne and Elsenborn Ridge. Starved of fuel, ammunition, and reserves, the German advance stalled by early January, and the offensive ultimately collapsed into retreat.

At Bastogne, German infantry pushed hard against the encircled American 101st Airborne, seeking to seize the crossroads that controlled movement through the Ardennes. It was here the paratroopers earned the nickname ‘the battered bastards of Bastogne.’ For days the pressure was relentless, with repeated, merciless shelling and assaults driven through snow and forest. Yet the 101st held their ground, and as German supplies dwindled and the winter deepened, the offensive lost momentum and finally broke apart.

WS086 captures that moment of momentum — German soldiers moving forward, uncertain of what lay ahead, yet determined to press on in one of the last great offensives of the war.

Collector’s Notes on King & Country WS085

WS085 was released in the mid-2000s as part of the Battle of the Bulge series. The set has been retired for many years, so it is harder to find today. On the secondary market, boxed examples usually sell in the $60–$85 range. Collectors appreciate it not only for its craftsmanship but also because it pairs well with other late-war German figures. In addition, the two-man team adds variety and action to any winter diorama.

Final Thoughts

King & Country WS085 — Prepare to Fire is a set that captures the tension of German infantry in the Ardennes. The combination of a Mauser rifleman and MP40 gunner creates a natural pairing that feels authentic on display. Furthermore, the figures look even stronger when placed alongside other German troops from the same series. For collectors who enjoy building Battle of the Bulge scenes, WS085 remains a memorable piece that blends detail, history, and atmosphere.

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