The "Das Reich" Division took part in Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union from 22 June 1941 onwards. What followed was a stunning series of victories that swept "Das Reich" and other German units across the vast Russian steppes to the very gates of Moscow. However, stiffening Soviet resistance and frigid winter conditions eventually brought the momentum of the assault to a grinding halt. After refitting in France, the division returned to the Eastern Front and participated in combat in places like Kharkov and in the momentous Battle of Kursk in July 1943. After this, "Das Reich" was involved in the bitter retreat back to the borders of the Fatherland, including episodes such as the effort to relieve the Korsun Pocket, as well as combat in Hungary.
The latest 1/35 scale figure set from Dragon depicts four members of this famed division from various parts of the Eastern Front. Each figure features different aspects of the "Das Reich" Division's uniforms and weaponry. One soldier is dressed in winter clothing while others wear uniforms more appropriate to warmer weather. Notably, one figure is a member of a divisional armored unit. Their weapons include ubiquitous MP40 machine pistols, plus an M42 flare pistol and a captured Soviet PPSh-41 submachine gun. The weapons and personal equipment of these soldiers are all made to the highest Gen2 standards. These versatile figures are sharply molded in authentic-looking poses that will allow them to be easily inserted into a variety of dioramas or vignettes.