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U.S. Infantry, 2nd Armored Division (Normandy 1944)

DML / Dragon

Reviewed by Cookie Sewell

DML has picked a very unique subject for this nice set of four US soldiers in march order. Based on all of the items I can find on the subject, they appear to be from the 17th Armored Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Division, during their first few months in France during the summer of 1944. All of the records indicate that only the 17th Engineers, and perhaps a few reconnaissance teams, were issued the abortive two-piece camouflage uniform during that time frame.

The main problem with the uniform was not one of functionality, for it was better cut and designed for troops than many of the others, such as the herringbone twill one which was pretty much de facto lightweight standard. Nor was it availability, as it was offered to a number of units. The main problem was that the camo pattern chosen was too similar to Waffen SS patterns, which caused the troops to be identified as "enemy", especially if they used the matching camouflage helmet covers. Most troops appear to have opted for "clean" helmets or netting with hessian strips woven into them rather than the covers. The uniform was thus a short-lived item on the 1944 battlefields, both with the Army in the ETO as well as in the Pacific.

DML has done its usual great job of these four figures, each of which has some "tweaks" to his uniform as well as the wide variety of separate accessories DML has become known for with its figure sets. Weapons include one BAR, two M1 rifles, one M1 carbine, one Thompson SMG, one M1911 pistol, two fragmentation grenades, one smoke grenade, medical kits, and over two dozen standard .30 clip packs for the M1 rifles. All figures have leggings and shoes.

The only drawback is that if other US troops are to be modeled, the uniforms must be altered a bit to match. The fatigues are similar to airborne uniforms of the period, but without jump boots. Likewise, the cut and cuffs mean that arms must be replaced as well. Still, if you have done up a 2nd Armored Division M8 armored car or other vehicle, the troops give it nice balance.

Thanks to Freddie Leung of DML for the review sample.

Cookie Sewell AMPS

Review Copyright © 2000 by Cookie Sewell
Page Created 04 February, 2000
Last updated 22 July, 2003

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