KING & COUNTRY TOY SOLDIERS DD315 D DAY PLANNING GROUP
Overview
Introduction to the set
Manufacturer specifics
History section: D‑Day planning context
Collector notes
The King & Country DD315 “D‑Day Commanders Planning Group” is a distinguished, now retired 1:30‑scale miniature set vividly capturing the Allied high command who orchestrated the June 6, 1944 Normandy Invasion. Released c. May 2018, it comprises four iconic figures—Tedder, Bradley, Montgomery, Ramsay—and a detailed map board depicting invasion beaches and sea routes. Importantly, additional promo variants offered Eisenhower in varied dress. The set appeals to collectors for its historical gravitas, expressive sculpts, and strategic presentation.
Historical Background
The real‑world subject depicted by the DD315 set is the Allied High Command that meticulously planned Operation Overlord—the D‑Day Normandy landings on June 6, 1944. Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower led this effort, supported by Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder (Deputy Supreme Commander, AEF), General Omar Bradley (Commander, First US Army and later Twelfth Army Group), General Bernard Montgomery (Commander, Allied Ground Forces), and Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay (Commander-in-Chief, Allied Naval Forces for Operation Neptune) (actionfiguren-shop.com). In the spring of 1944, these figures gathered around sand‑tables and large map boards—as represented by the included D‑Day Map Board in the set—which displayed seaborne routes, beach sectors, and troop deployment plans for American, British, and Canadian forces (actionfiguren-shop.com).
The planning process took place at multiple headquarters including Eisenhower’s HQ in Portsmouth and Southwick House in Hampshire, with planners refining timetables, logistic support, and airborne operations. Air Chief Marshal Tedder’s experience ensured cohesion across Allied air operations, while Bradley coordinated American land strike zones at Omaha and Utah beaches, commanding upwards of 43 divisions totaling 1.3 million men (actionfiguren-shop.com). Montgomery shaped the ground force strategy, despite frequent tensions with his American counterparts, and post‑D‑Day received the surrender of German forces in North Germany, Holland, and Denmark in May 1945 (actionfiguren-shop.com).
Admiral Ramsay’s naval acumen, forged during the Dunkirk evacuation, proved pivotal during Neptune’s maritime assault; he tragically died en route to a meeting with Montgomery on January 2, 1945 (actionfiguren-shop.com). Operation Overlord marked a turning point in World War II, establishing a Western front in Europe and accelerating the downfall of Nazi Germany. The DD315 miniatures, by portraying these four planners alongside a planning map, encapsulate this critical moment when Allied leaders marshalled forces for the liberation of Western Europe.
Collector Notes
Identification: The DD315 set consists of four pewter, hand‑painted 1:30‑scale figures and a removable map board. It was released circa May 2018 and is now officially retired and sold out (sagerssoldiers.com). Promotional variants (DD315‑1, ‑2, ‑3) included Eisenhower in differing uniform styles for ~US$20 extra (sagerssoldiers.com). Packaging: Originally sold in collector‑friendly window boxes showcasing figures and map board. Condition matters: intact board without warping and vibrant paint define higher value. Pewter is durable but check for surface scratches or loose joints. Variants: The promo sets (DD315‑1/2/3) are rare and command premiums. Approved “Special Set” adds Eisenhower figure—seek correct SKU when verifying authenticity.
Market pricing: Secondary market listings placed the base DD315 around US$199–219 when available; promotional variants usually higher depending on included Eisenhower figure (kingsx.com). As of now, expect collector pricing from US$250 to US$350 depending on condition and presence of promo figure. Display tips: Position figures around the sand‑table map board to evoke command meetings. Protect the board’s surface from scratches by backing with stiff cardstock. Keep figures dust‑free and away from direct sunlight to preserve paint.
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