SOLDIER SERGEANT ROYAL WINNIPEG RIFLES CANADA 1944 DEL PRADO
Overview
Introduction to the Del Prado miniature
Historical context of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles at D‑Day
Collector‑oriented notes including identification and pricing
This review examines the Del Prado replica, “Sergeant, Royal Winnipeg Rifles: D‑Day, 1944,” issued as part of the Men at War 1914–1945 collection. It is a factory‑painted, tin‑alloy figure in 1:30 scale (approximately 70 mm) bearing serial number MW049. Presented in blister pack with accompanying Osprey‑style booklet, the figure reflects Canadian infantry equipment of early June 1944. Collectors will appreciate the precise identification and value for its price, typically modest on the secondary market.
Historical Background
The Royal Winnipeg Rifles, nicknamed the “Little Black Devils,” are an infantry regiment of Canada dating from 1883 (en.wikipedia.org). As part of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, they landed at Juno Beach on D‑Day, 6 June 1944, in the first wave. Their landing craft touched down on Juno’s western edge, near Courseulles‑sur‑Mer, at sectors Mike Red and Mike Green, around 07:49, under heavy German fire (silviapecotastudio.com). The pre‑landing naval bombardment failed to neutralize enemy defences, forcing the Rifles to wade through chest‑high water against entrenched positions (silviapecotastudio.com). By evening, they had advanced further inland than planners had forecast (silviapecotastudio.com).
Over the succeeding weeks, the regiment fought through Normandy—engaging at Caen and the Falaise Gap—then moved on to the liberation of Channel Ports, the Scheldt, and the Netherlands, reaching as far as preparing for assaults on northern German towns before war’s end (en.wikipedia.org). The Del Prado figure depicts a sergeant of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles during the Normandy landing. While exact uniform detailing on the miniature is traceable primarily by inference, standard kit would include a battledress blouse, denim trousers, Mk II or Mk III helmet, webbing with ammo pouches, possibly a Lee‑Enfield rifle or SMLE, and sergeant’s rank insignia (chevrons). The model likely reflects darkened or blackened buttons in keeping with rifle regiment tradition (en.wikipedia.org).
Overall, the miniature captures the hard‑pressed but resilient spirit of the unit on D‑Day and their broader contribution to Northwest Europe’s liberation.
Collector Notes
This figure is Del Prado Men at War series item MW049, produced circa 2000, in tin‑alloy roughly 1:30 scale (≈70 mm), factory‑painted, and sold in blister pack with booklet (lastdodo.com). Identification tips include checking the underside of the rectangular base, which is engraved with details such as rank, regiment, and year (collectisgirona.com). Packaging should include the Osprey‑style Men at War booklet, which adds documentation and increases value (worthpoint.com). Variants are rare, as most share the same sculpt and finish; slight hobbyist repainting or paint chipping may occur. Condition assessors should inspect for paint wear on projecting parts—common culprits include rifle, chevrons, and helmet rim.
Blister creasing is typical; sealed packs usually sell between £5–£7 (or ≈€6, $7–8), while loose figures without booklet fetch slightly less (grelly.uk). Complete, unopened specimens command the highest interest among Del Prado collectors. Overall, this miniature offers excellent historical representation with modest secondary‑market pricing, making it a good acquisition for both thematic and regiment‑specific collections.
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Del Prado Sergeant Royal Winnipeg Rifles D‑Day 1944 Review
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