MG087 BOMBS AWAY BY KING AND COUNTRY
Overview
Intro
History of British mortar sections at Market Garden (historical)
Collector‑oriented notes
The King & Country set MG087 “Bombs Away” depicts a two‑man British mortar team firing a 60mm mortar, part of the Operation Market Garden series in 1:30 scale. Released by King & Country under the “Operation Market Garden” category, it features hand‑painted metal figures with accurate period detail and a base labelled MG087. Retailing around USD 119 on the official site, this set captures the essence of British airborne support elements in Arnhem 1944.
Historical Background
During Operation Market Garden (17–25 September 1944), British airborne troops—including the 1st Airborne Division—landed near Arnhem with the mission to seize and hold the Rhine bridge until XXX Corps could reach them (en.wikipedia.org). The terrain north of the Rhine included flat polders, narrow roads, dikes, and water obstacles, which provided challenging ground for both attackers and artillery support (en.wikipedia.org). British mortar sections typically operated the 3‑inch (76mm) and 2‑inch (50mm) mortars at the company‑level in airborne formations. They provided essential indirect fire against German positions nestled in houses, woods, and along dikes, especially during German counter‑battery and armor attacks (nam.ac.uk).
On 19 September, as German StuG assault guns and infantry closed in on D Company, South Staffordshire Regiment defending near Arnhem hospital, British mortars fired near‑vertical, primary‑charge rounds at German armor to hold them at bay (historynet.com). This improvisation highlights the adaptability of mortar teams under fire and their importance in delaying enemy advances. Simultaneously, in pockets like Oosterbeek, British defenders endured relentless mortar bombardment from German Nebelwerfer and artillery units, causing many casualties despite foxholes and trenches offering some protection (battle-of-arnhem.com). These actions under intense bombardment demonstrate that mortar teams—both British and German—were central to the ebb and flow of defense and attack in the battle for Arnhem.
Overall, British airborne mortar sections played a vital role in both offensive and defensive operations amid the dramatic struggle to hold the Rhine bridgehead.
Collector Notes
The MG087 “Bombs Away” set is identified on King & Country’s own listing as part of the Operation Market Garden range, priced at USD 119 (kingandcountry.com). It includes two 1:30 scale hand‑painted metal figures operating a 60mm mortar. The precise piece count is minimal—just the two operators plus mortar and base, typical of King & Country’s compact diorama style. Collectors should inspect paint detail on uniform insignia—para wings, division markings, and webbing—to ensure crisp application. Packaging usually comes in branded box with foam cushioning; common defects include chipping on extremities and misaligned mortar pieces. Market prices for retired sets often rise; while MG087 appears available on secondary sites around USD 125 (treefrogtreasures.com), retired or limited‑run status could push values higher.
Variants are uncommon in this line, though pose duplicates may occur due to hand‑painting variations. Overall, this set is a solid acquisition for Market Garden or airborne British collectors.
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