UPCOMING ATTRACTIONS IN SEPTEMBER 07!

THE BATTLE OF CRETE 1941
We have just received the long-awaited and much-requested German Fallschirmjagers (the paratroopers) and many collectors have been contacting us asking what troops can be used to oppose them either in the Battle of France in May and June 1940 and the Battle for Crete in 1941. The “Fields of Battle” British Tommies and French Poilus are perfect for Battle of France scenarios. For the Cretan Campaign either FOB British Tommies or British 8th Army soldiers. Photos of the battle show British, Australian and New Zealand troops wearing British battledress and/or Khaki shirts and shorts of the Dessert War period.

AVAILABILITY: Early August
  

Britain’s Private Desert Armies

The war in the North African desert from 1940 to 1943 threw up many unusual and unique “freelance” fighting units that played a vital role in the ultimate defeat of Rommel’s Axis forces...Two of these units in particular became world-famous for their daring and dangerous exploits behind German lines during the conflict...The Special Air Service (SAS) and The Long Range Desert Group (LRDG). We are proud and privileged to propose you a companion series (to our 8th Army range) of sets of fighting vehicles and figures that vividly and dramatically illustrate their actions. Assembled together, the K&C releases will create an extremely impressive display and will add further depth to this interesting range.

Lets start by presenting to you “Major David Stirling”. Originally a Scots Guards officer the tall Stirling came up with the concept of small, fast moving, self supporting groups of soldiers creating death and destruction where the enemy least expected it...Behind their own front lines. Stirling wanted his men to use the desert...often under cover of darkness to strike fast and then withdraw as rapidly as they had arrived!

AVAILABILITY: Early September
    
   

AVAILABILITY: Mid September for EA023 and EA025 / Mid October for EA024
     

    
The “Classic” image of the Long Range Desert Group is the 30cwt. Chevrolet Truck...In the beginning these were bought from the Egyptian branch of General Motors and customized by LRDG men themselves. Mounted with an eclectic array of weapons — each patrol commander decided on what he required — the trucks were kitted out with extra supplies, fuel and ammunition for forays into the desert that might last several weeks. Special Note: Most LRDG patrols consisted of at least two (and usually three) vehicles. The favorite mode of transport for the SAS, the Jeep, albeit heavily armed, was also incorporated into these patrols as they became available.

  
A stiff GERMAN opposition: with all this British inspired mayhem going on around them we do have to provide some additional help for our Afrika Korps men…  

OTHER TIME…OTHER DESERT BATTLES…

It’s been a while since the last Saracens and Crusaders were released. So, here they are, all “freshened-up”. This time round you’ve got some “extra special” figures that we think will be pretty popular...Saracen Cavalry and the odd “personality” or two… In this age of honour, superstition and violence, imagine the sudden raids and the hysteria of the Crusades…

I know we are supposed to stay neutral but I have to say these are our favorite. Notice the detailed painting on the flags of the Bishop and of Saladin’s own bodyguard regiment, the sculpting of the poses and the animation of the MK051 set, and finally, the “piece de resistance”…the stunning figure of Richard The Lionheart; a magnificent mounted portrait of the English monarch most closely associated with the Crusades and Crusaders. Here, he charges into battle fearing nothing but his God…

    


AVAILABILITY: Mid September

John Jenkins NEW RELEASES SEPTEMBER 2007

THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN BEAUJEU

The final French set for the Monongahela series, includes the two French commanders. Captain Beaujeu, and Captain Jean-Daniel Dumas presented in a limited edition of 250.

Though the British possessed superior number, cannons and supplies, the French had an advantage of their own, leadership of the very best. Daniel-Hyacinthe-Marie Lienard de Beaujeu (1711-1755), born at Montreal on August 19th, 1711, became an officer in the French army, and in 1749 was appointed commandant at Niagara. He was in command at the battle of the Monongahela on July 8th 1755, and was killed early in the action. It was Beaujeu’s ability to motivate his French troops and Indian allies which shows his greatest leadership abilities. Stripped down to his breeches, dressed in the “Indian fashion for war” his words and dress were to inspire the Indian Chiefs into action. “I am determined to go ahead and meet the enemy. What! Will you let your father go by himself? I am sure to beat them”

On this fateful day, both forces, British and French, to their surprise collided without warning. Seeing the British column, Beaujeu turned back to his force frantically waving his tricorn from side to side to try to get his men to fan out and attack the flanks of the British column. The British Grenadiers at the front of the column, formed ranks and discharged a volley of fire towards Beaujeu and his French Marines. In this initial exchange Captain Beaujeu was hit and killed instantly.

With the death of Beaujeu, command now fell to Captain Dumas, who immediately leapt forward and rallied the shaken French force. Dumas was to accomplish one of the most difficult military tactics of all. Turning a retreat, and probable defeat, into a stunning, overwhelming victory!

BRITISH ARTILLERY and GRENADIERS FOR MONONGAHELA 1755

That’s the latest news for now. We invite you to check our website at www.toysoldiersclub.com. Please check our What’s New for all the new releases.

Visit us if you have a chance, our retail store dedicated to toy soldiers is open 7 days a week from 9am to 10pm and located at 30 Côte de la Fabrique, Québec city. We appreciate your business and welcome your comments and suggestions.
Antoine, Thomas, Julie and Jo