DD017 COVERING FIRE BY KING & COUNTRY
Overview
-
Intro
-
History Section
-
Collector Notes
The King & Country set DD017 “Covering Fire” is a finely detailed World War II miniature trio, depicting three 1st Infantry soldiers in dynamic “covering fire” action. Cast in the 1/30 scale typical for King & Country, the set includes three pewter figures, each posed to support an assault with a disciplined prone, suppressing fire stance. Released under the D‑Day – American line, DD017 offers both historical authenticity and collector appeal, measuring approximately 10×5×3 inches in its boxed form. Noble Knight records it under NKG part number 2148125488. Overall, collectors admire its fluid poses and tactical realism.
Historical Background
On June 6, 1944, the Normandy landings marked the beginning of the Allied liberation of Western Europe. American infantry units stormed heavily fortified beachheads, notably those defended by German coastal artillery, bunkers, and interlocking fields of fire. To overcome these, infantry squads used coordinated covering fire: rifle and machine‑gun teams suppressed enemy positions while assaulting elements advanced. The King & Country DD017 set captures this tactic with three figures assuming complementary roles: one leads with accurate rifle fire, another lays down sustained support, and a third maintains situational awareness. Opposing forces included the German 352nd Infantry Division and assorted coastal defense units armed with MG42s, artillery, and flak emplacements.
American squads were equipped typically with M1 Garand rifles, BARs (Browning Automatic Rifles), and Thompson submachine guns. Covering fire allowed riflemen to neutralize threats while dogged infantry surged inland through sand dunes, obstacles, and barbed wire. The successful breach of initial defenses enabled the establishment of footholds by midday across multiple landing zones. The significance of these small-unit actions cannot be overstated. Without suppressive fire, attackers would have remained pinned in impossible terrain under concentrated fire. Meanwhile, leadership and tactical cohesion turned chaos into progress. The DD017 trio symbolizes this crucial tactical interplay: covering units provided necessary suppression so that maneuver elements could close with and eliminate defensive positions.
Normandy’s success hinged not only on scale but this measured, lethal teamwork that paved the way for Allied breakout and the eventual liberation of France.
Collector Notes
Identification of DD017 is straightforward: look for the 1/30 scale and the designation “1st Infantry Covering Fire” with part number 2148125488 and manufacturer code DD017 (nobleknight.com). The three figures display distinct poses: one firing, another providing support, and a lookout – allowing dynamic diorama staging. They are cast in hand‑painted pewter, standard for King & Country sets, and include realistic details such as M1 Garand rifles, period‑correct helmets, and infantry gear. Variants are rare; production appears limited to this box set with no known repaints or alternate versions. Packaging is a small windowed box (~10×5×3 in) with original artwork, which significantly boosts value if intact.
Common condition issues include paint chipping on extremities like rifle barrels or helmet edges, and loose or bent weapons. For secondary‑market pricing, similar D‑Day sets range between $80 to $120 depending on condition and packaging; DD017 likely sells in this band if mint in box, slightly less if unpacked or worn. Collectors recommend checking for firm firearm attachments and consistent paint thickness. Original shrink‑wrap with manufacturer labels elevates grade to Near‑Mint or Mint. Overall, DD017 is a solid addition to WWII D‑Day collections, especially valued for its portrayal of suppressive fire tactics and cohesive three‑figure composition.
As an eBay Partner Network Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
