KING & COUNTRY WH002
Overview
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Introduction
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History Section: German Wehrmacht medics early war
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Collector Notes
The WH002 “Medic & Wounded” set by King & Country depicts a German medic hastily dragging a wounded soldier from the battlefield in dynamic action. Produced in hand‑painted metal at the company’s signature 1:30 scale (approximately 60 mm tall), this two‑figure vignette was released in October 2014 and retired in August 2016, according to Sager’s Soldiers & Miniatures (sagerssoldiers.com). Its dramatic composition, thematic focus, and limited production contribute to its appeal among Wehrmacht and medical‑scene collectors.
Historical Background
In early Wehrmacht operations during the Third Reich—especially 1939 through 1941—German medics played a key role in salvaging lives under fire. These non‑combatant personnel, identifiable by their brass‑or silver‑coloured medical armband (Rotkreuz or Red Cross symbol), advanced into rapidly changing front lines during the invasions of Poland (September 1939) and France (May–June 1940). Equipped only with basic med‑kits and stretchers, they often improvised evacuation techniques. For instance, during Poland, they navigated muddy roads and active artillery zones to retrieve wounded infantrymen. During the Blitzkrieg in France, medics sometimes rode bicycles or motorcycles with sidecars to reach casualties swiftly.
Moreover, they carried miniaturized jerry‑cans of antiseptics and bandages, while their markings—distinctively the Red Cross band on the helmet or arm—ensured they were recognized under Hague conventions. In particular, the Law of Land Warfare (1907) stipulated protections for medical personnel, yet nonetheless many were inadvertently shot; nevertheless, they remained abiding by Geneva norms to aid the injured. Their actions boosted battlefield morale and, notably, the corps’ rapid evacuation efforts reduced mortality rates. Overall, these medics symbolized the Wehrmacht’s organized approach to battlefield triage and logistics during early campaigns, where mobility, uniforms, and simple medical equipment made a discreet but life‑saving difference.
Collector Notes
Identification of WH002 is straightforward via its SKU and descriptive title: a medic dragging a wounded “Soldaten,” released October 2014 and retired August 2016 (sagerssoldiers.com). As a hand‑painted, all‑metal 1:30 scale set, the figures stand roughly 60 mm tall. Packaging originally included a branded King & Country box with art‑card; condition varies significantly on the secondary market. Common collector concerns include chipped paint on the medic’s uniform and minor bending of the stretcher or figure limbs. Variants are minimal, as production quantities were limited and no known alternate paint‑runs exist. Secondary‑market pricing typically ranges around US $150‑$200 in mint‑boxed condition, though some listings show lower prices near $120 if loose or reseller‑stocked.
One can compare to similar retired sets—like WH035 Battlefield Rescue—to gauge value, noting WH002’s earlier release and smaller two‑figure composition (sagerssoldiers.com). Transitioning to display, collectors often highlight the dynamic pose and emotional contrast between the medic’s urgency and the wounded soldier’s limp form. Overall, the set remains moderately rare, especially in pristine, unrestored packaging, and commands attention in Wehrmacht medical vignettes.
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