1/35 "March to the West" Western Front 1940

The Feldgendarmerie (Field Gendarmerie) was the military police of the German army, which during the 2. The Gendarmerie was a military force of the German army during World War II. order in rear areas to monitoring compliance with military regulations and searching for deserters. Members of the Feldgendarmerie were easily recognisable by the distinctive metal shield (Ringkragen) worn on a chain around their necks, which earned them the nickname 'Kettenhunde' (chain dogs). This unit was present on all fronts and its activities were crucial in ensuring discipline and smooth military operations in the rear of combat units.

The Dragon "March to the West" kit depicts the Feldgendarme during the 1940 campaign on the Western Front, the blitzkrieg campaign against France, Belgium and the Netherlands that culminated in the French surrender in June 1940. At this stage of the war, the German army was at the peak of its strength and organisation - rapid advances required effective management of transport, security of communications and control of prisoners and civilians in occupied areas. The Feldgendarmerie played an indispensable role in this task.

The set includes 4 1:35 scale figures representing typical members of the field police in period uniforms and with characteristic equipment. The 1:35 scale is the standard for military figures and allows for a faithful capture of the details of uniforms, rank insignia, personal equipment (pistols, maps, satchels) and the typical Ringkragen. The figures are suitable for stand-alone display, but especially as a supplement to dioramas depicting checkpoints, traffic control on fieldroads, ensuring order in conquered towns or other situations typical of military police activity in a combat zone.

For modellers, the Feldgendarmerie represents an interesting and less usual subject - it is not a frontline combat unit, but a specific component of the army with its own identity and function. The colouring of the uniforms corresponds to the standard shades of the Wehrmacht field uniform (feldgrau), supplemented by orange Feldgendarmerie markings (epaulettes, collar tabs) and the metallic sheen of the chain and shield. It also captures the service wear and dust appropriate to 1940 field conditions. Package does not include paint or adhesives needed for assembly.