SS186 Dead crewman with Luger

Description

The Panzer Division. A mechanized formation formed around a nucleus of highly mobile and fast tanks, supported by a variety of vehicles to perform the reconnaissance, carry infantry and supply the ammunition, fuel and supplies. The Panzer Division brought the concept of sustained mobility to modern warfare. Such a formation could travel 100 miles or more per day, day after day, only limited by the logistics network.
What many do not know is before the war, Germany secretly operated the “Kama” tank school in the Soviet Union (1929–1933) to circumvent the Treaty of Versailles. The school was vital for training future panzer commanders and for developing new tank design.
The Waffen-SS Panzer Divisions enjoyed favouritism from Nazi leadership, which meant its panzer divisions were often prioritized for the newest and best equipment, sometimes at the expense of regular army units.

A distinctive black uniform: The most recognizable item of clothing for early war panzer crews was the black, double-breasted Panzer wrap jacket. The black colour helped to hide oil and grease stains.
SS panzer divisions often acted as tactical “fire brigades,” rushed to block an enemy advance, defend a critical position, or spearhead a counter-attack.

World War II Panzer crews were highly trained, whose lives inside their panzers was cramped, noisy confines of their tanks were arduous, dangerous, and physically draining. Known as Panzertruppen, they wore distinctive black uniforms and operated in a structured hierarchy that was critical for the complex teamwork required in combat. German Panzer crews in WW2 were composed of a commander, gunner, loader, driver, and radio operator.

The four new SS crew from Thomas Gunn, alas only 4 crew members made it out alive from the damaged vehicle, with one of their comrades left inside, having paid the ultimate price. The four new SS crew from Thomas Gunn has multiple uses, escaping from their vehicle, be it a Panzer II to Panzer IV, or the late war heavy panzers.  Fleeing from their SPG in its ambush position as the Allies relentlessly move forward.  Working their way through the hedgerows or across the Russian steppes avoiding capture.  Picking their way through a damaged city or town trying to escape capture or worse, making a heroic land stand in the rubble or the fields and woods, as they defend each other to the last man.

SS186. Radio Operator
Located in the hull, this crewman operated the tank’s radio for external communications and often manned a hull-mounted machine gun. Have grabbed his luger and escaped the crippled armoured vehicle he was cut down.
Wearing a black jacket and camo trousers, still gripping his luger, he has paid the price.

SS187. Tank Commander
Overall command of the tank, observation, and target selection. The commander was typically positioned in the turret. Officer or Senior NCO. Dressed in typical black tankers jacket and camo trousers, he has survived his tank being hit, kneeling, MP40 ready, as he assesses the situation and gets his remaining crew together for whatever comes next.

SS188. Gunner
Operated the main gun, aimed, and fired under the commander’s direction.  Dressed fully in the black tanker uniform he awaits orders whilst scanning ground for the enemy.

SS189.  Driver
The driver navigated the tank, relying heavily on the commander’s directions since their own visibility was very limited. Having to manage the complex vehicle while enduring fire. Dressed in full camo gear, the crewman is laying, dazed, taking stock and just getting his breath back, ready to push on and escape or to defend his comrades from what hell come next.

All are priced individually at $55 each or you can buy all 4 for $200, saving you $20 on the set. These figures are best placed on or around a tank as you can see from the photos and can be used in a variety of positions.

Tank not included.