Scale: 1/72 | Models used: IBG Models – A10 Mk.I British Cruiser Tank (kit nr. IBGWAW015), Scammell Pioneer (72079), Zvezda British figures – (6166, 6167, 6174, 6228, 6219)

This diorama displays the British Expeditionary Force in France during the 1940 campaign. An A10 Cruiser tank is entering the village, where a Scamell Pioneer truck has parked further up the road to assist in clearing mines and setting up the communication lines for command. A machine gun team has taken up position and an officer is planning his next move, ready to give the orders via the radioman. At the back off the house a wounded soldier is being helped on a stretcher.

The BEF participated in the Dyle Plan, a rapid advance into Belgium to the line of the Dyle River, but the 1st Army Group had to retreat rapidly through Belgium and north-western France, after the German breakthrough further south at the Battle of Sedan (12–15 May).

A local counter-attack at the Battle of Arras (1940, 21 May) was a considerable tactical success but the BEF, French and Belgian forces north of the Somme River retreated to Dunkirk on the French North Sea coast soon after, British and French troops being evacuated in Operation Dynamo (26 May – 4 June) to England after the capitulation of the Belgian army.

Troops from the first contingent of the BEF embarking for France at Southampton, England, September 1939. Collections of the Imperial War Museums.

This was one of the most fun that I’ve had creating a diorama. From painting the figures to building the models and elements of the scene. I was gifted a bunch of Zvezda figures and thought to myself; ‘why not use them all in one scenario?’ So I did. The figures are well sculpted and fit excellenty in a diorama, their poses are very convincing. To accompany the troops I built two IBG Model kits, the A10 Cruiser tank and the Scammell Pioneer truck. I can highly recommend them, they even contain photo-etched parts.

The French house was ordered from Patrick Miniatures, a lovely 3D-printed model with removable roof. With an iconic building like this, you can immediately create a geographical setting. The base was made from AK carving foam, which was then covered with Earth Texture. I sprinkled some grass and placed tufts in the desired areas. The trees were made from seafoam combined with micro leaves scatter material. Lastly the wooden fences were made with plastic card, which I cut to measured pieces and then glued together.