DD028 D DAY CASUALTIES SET BY KING & COUNTRY
Overview
Introduction
History section: D‑Day Casualties at Omaha and Utah Beaches
Collector notes
The DD028 “D‑Day Casualties Set” by King & Country offers a grimly evocative 1:30 scale tableau of four American GI casualties from the Normandy landings. Released in November 2001 and retired by May 2004, this hand‑painted lead/tin set features tired, fallen figures bearing M1 Garand rifles and oval profiled bases. It embodies both historical realism and collectible rarity, appealing to enthusiasts of WWII dioramas.
Historical Background
The D‑Day landings on June 6, 1944, marked the Allies’ pivotal amphibious assault on Normandy and included five landing regions—particularly Omaha and Utah Beaches where American forces bore the brunt of casualties. At Omaha Beach, the U.S. 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions faced fierce German resistance, heavy artillery, and confusion in landing zones. Consequently, American casualties were the highest—estimates cite roughly 2,000 casualties, including around 2,499 killed in action across all Allied units on D‑Day, with additional losses among British and other forces (reddit.com). The nearby Utah Beach saw comparatively lighter losses, approximately 197 casualties with around 60 missing, thanks in part to more manageable defenses and better landing execution (reddit.com).
Therefore, the human cost of the Normandy invasion was staggering: roughly 10,000 casualties on D‑Day itself across all Allied forces, including an estimated 2,500 dead (reddit.com). Omaha’s high toll underscored the ferocity of Nazi coastal defenses—including obstacles, fortified bunkers, and interlocking fire—while Utah’s success demonstrated the value of lighter resistance and coordinated planning. In particular, Omaha became emblematic of brutal sacrifice and chaotic valor, where medics, engineers, infantrymen and officers fell under relentless fire before making subsequent inland advances. Meanwhile, other beaches contributed to the overall strategic breakthrough that would lead to the liberation of Western Europe.
Collector Notes
King & Country’s DD028 set, officially titled “D.Days Casualties,” was released November 2001 and retired by May 2004 (sagerssoldiers.com). It consists of four figures in 1:30 scale, crafted from lead/tin alloy and factory‑painted. Each figure stands on an oval profiled pedestal inscribed “King&Country D.DAY’44 2001,” and is armed with the US M1 Garand (lastdodo.com). Typical new‑market estimates place the set between US $325 (Noble Knight Games) and US $79 (retail listing) (nobleknight.com). Collectors should note that wear often appears on paintwork—especially on rifle sling, helmet, or uniform edges—and loose joints may emerge over time. Variants are rare due to limited production. Original box condition greatly affects value; sealed sets command premiums. Minor bends or base scuffs are common but repairable.
Authentication via pedestal text and correct scale (1:30) is vital. Compared to the very similar DD356 “Casualties Set,” DD028 represents American soldiers rather than British, and figures include bases versus base‑less DD356 (treefrogtreasures.com). Overall, well‑preserved examples typically sell between US $250–$350 depending on condition and marketplace.
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