KING & COUNTRY DD356
Overview
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Introduction to DD356 specifics
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Historical context: British role on Normandy beaches
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Collector‑oriented review of the set
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Collector notes
The King & Country DD356 Casualties Set presents two poignant British infantry figures in dying or wounded poses, cast in 1:30 scale with hand‑painted pewter detail. Released within the extensive D‑Day ‘44 line, the set captures the grim aftermath of combat. It includes two dismounted figures without bases, designed for flexible placement in both beach and inland dioramas. Notably, the set carries a manufacturer’s code “DD356” and retailed for approximately USD 95, reflecting its premium collector appeal.
Historical Background
On 6 June 1944, British and Canadian forces landed on Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches as part of Operation Overlord, codenamed the Normandy landings. Gold Beach, assigned to the British 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division, saw intense opposition from well‑entrenched German coastal batteries and obstacles. Brigades made early progress, but faced stiff resistance, causing casualties as troops cleared beach defenses and moved inland. Juno Beach, assaulted by the 3rd Canadian Division alongside British commandos, required coordination in house‑to‑house fighting through fortified towns such as Courseulles‑sur‑Mer; clearing operations drew casualties despite successful penetration inland by midday. Sword Beach, invaded by British 3rd Infantry Division supported by commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade, secured key exits and advanced toward Caen.
The British and Canadian forces achieved initial objectives, yet suffered significant losses: roughly 1,000 casualties each at Gold and Sword, and further losses among airborne troops and glider crews; overall, British‑Canadian casualties were substantial in opening the western bridgehead. These losses nonetheless secured the northern flank, enabling the establishment of a continuous front and prompting the eventual breakout from Normandy. The role of British infantry in securing these beaches was pivotal to the Allies’ success in establishing a lodgment on the Continent.
Collector Notes
Identification of DD356 is straightforward: the manufacturer’s code “DD356” appears on King & Country’s official catalog and product listings (kingandcountry.com). The set contains two hand‑painted pewter infantry figures in wounded and fallen poses, notably without individual bases for flexible integration into dioramas (troopsoftime.com). Originally priced at USD 95 on the official King & Country site (kingandcountry.com), secondary‑market value varies depending on condition and packaging, though retired status may elevate desirability. Packaging typically features branded cardboard backing; collectors should check for paint chipping—especially extreme‑highlight areas like faces and insignia—and secure limbs, as these parts often weaken over time. No alternate variants are documented, making identification consistent across examples. Overall, condition grading and original packaging retention significantly influence market pricing.
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