DD201 CRAWLING COMMANDO BY KING & COUNTRY
Overview
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Introduction
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Historical context: British commandos and stealth operations
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Collector-oriented review details
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Packaging and secondary market value
King & Country’s DD201 Crawling Commando miniature delivers a striking portrayal of British World War II commandos in stealth action. Released in July 2013, the solo figure captures a commando in a prone, crawling pose, knife at the ready, evoking tension and suspense during covert infiltration missions. About 60mm tall at approximately 1:30 scale, it’s hand‑painted pewter with meticulous detail. Although now retired, it remains coveted by collectors for its expressive sculpt, dramatic realism, and relative rarity.
Historical Background
The Crawling Commando depicts a British World War II commando engaging in stealth reconnaissance or infiltration, a tactic central to commando operations. British Commandos formed from 1940 onward were specially trained for raids on occupied European coasts, behind‑the‑lines operations, and intelligence gathering. These operations often involved nighttime stealth landings by canoe or submarine, followed by silent movement against enemy position rear echelons. The miniature’s prone crawling posture with a combat knife raised suggests a close‑quarters ambush or silent dispatch of sentries — typical of raids such as Operation Chariot (St Nazaire, March 28, 1942) or Normandy sabotage efforts around D‑Day, June 6, 1944.
The commandos’ uniform, though not detailed here, would typically include dark green smocks, black berets or helmets, and commando insignia like the green beret and wear of the Fairbairn‑Sykes fighting knife. In context, British commandos significantly impacted the war by forcing German troops to spread thin across occupied territories and by gathering vital intelligence; their daring raids helped shape Allied strategy in Western Europe. The figure’s focus on stealth underscores the operational doctrine of surprise, speed, and close‑quarters engagement that became hallmarks of the commando role by mid‑1940s.
Collector Notes
Identification is straightforward: set code DD201, named “Crawling Commando”, released July 2013 by King & Country in 1:30 scale (circa 60 mm), hand‑painted pewter (actionfiguren-shop.com). The retired status often increases value; original retail was about USD 29 (toysoldiers.com). On the secondary market, completed sales like a listing sold for approximately €30 suggest modest appreciation (catawiki.com). Condition factors include paint wear on knife blade tip and raised hand, and pewter shows soft scratches if handled. Packaging likely included a clear plastic blister with King & Country branded backing; remain alert for bends or backing board discoloration. As a single‑figure set, variants are uncommon; collectors often display it alongside other DD‑series commandos in D‑Day themed dioramas.
Overall, DD201 is identifiable by its prone crawling pose and knife, scarce on shelves, and attainable currently at around $30–40 in good condition.
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