A new set of British Infantry in Normandy, 1944, from Alexander Zelenkov in 35th scale. Sold as a set of six or in singles, we look at them & the men that inspired them in our preview...
Preview: 1/35th scale "British Infantry, Normandy 1944 – Big Set" (& single figures) from Stalingrad Miniatures...
The Subject, the British infantryman in Normandy, France, 1944
Just after D-Day in June 1944, the British infantryman in Normandy carried a mix of reliable weapons and standard kit and fought in some of the toughest battles of the campaign.
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The British infantryman’s primary weapon was the Lee-Enfield No. 4 rifle, renowned for its accuracy and rapid rate of fire. Sections also carried the Bren light machine gun, providing sustained firepower, while the PIAT (Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank) offered a portable but temperamental means of tackling German armour. Sidearms like the Webley revolver were issued to officers and NCOs, and bayonets remained standard for close combat. Mortars, particularly the 2-inch and 3-inch, gave platoons organic fire support, while heavier artillery and tanks were coordinated at higher levels. This blend of rifles, machine guns, and anti-tank weapons defined the infantry’s fighting capability in the hedgerows and villages of Normandy.
In terms of equipment, the infantryman carried webbing with ammunition pouches, entrenching tools, grenades, and a small pack with rations and personal items. The standard kit included a steel helmet, gas mask (often discarded once the threat was deemed low), and waterproof cape. Communications were rudimentary, relying on runners, field telephones, and radios at platoon or company level. The infantry section was organised around eight men, with one Bren gunner, riflemen, and a section commander, all trained to use each other’s weapons if needed. This structure emphasised flexibility and resilience under fire.
The battles fought immediately after D-Day were brutal and costly. British forces pushed inland towards Caen, a key objective, but faced fierce German resistance from the 21st Panzer Division and later elite SS Panzer units. Operations such as Epsom (June 26–30) and Charnwood (July 7–9) saw infantry advancing through villages like Saint-Manvieu-Norrey under heavy mortar, machine-gun, and sniper fire. Casualties were high, with British, Canadian, and Polish forces suffering over 83,000 losses by the end of August 1944. Despite the hardships, the infantryman’s persistence in these battles ensured the eventual breakout from Normandy, paving the way for the liberation of France.
The figure set:
It has been a long time since the last of Stalingrad Miniature's new figure set releases. They return with his new set of British infantrymen, pictured in the model of the Normandy countryside just after D-Day, 1944.
We only have a few photos of their latest set, but you can see the sculptor Alexander Zelenkov's style is present in these figures, which he also painted. They come in singles & a big set of six figures we will look at now...
"British Soldier, Normandy 1944"
From Stalingrad Miniatures
Kit No. S-3281
1/35th scale
One figure in light grey resin
Sculpted & box art by Alexander Zelenkov
A quite good-looking figure to start off this set of six figures. He is seen with one leg slightly raised as he cradles his rifle in his left hand and a large shovel in his right hand.
A lance corporal is seen at rest but probably just back from a task, as he has his hands full. Like all of these figures and the big set, he comes in unassembled grey resin. Here in the box art, he is painted up by the sculptor, Alexander Zelenkov.
"Bren Machine Gunner, Normandy 1944"
From Stalingrad Miniatures
Kit No# S-3282
1/35th scale
One figure in light grey resin
Sculpted & box art by Alexander Zelenkov
The Bren gunner is taking a rest, reading what looks like a paper or wide magazine while he is resting between stints on the front. The Bren with bipod mount and his forage backpack are also supplied in this figure.
The only thing missing here seems to be thi man's helmet? Maybe it is placed out of shot...
"British Infantry Sergeant, Normandy 1944"
From Stalingrad Miniatures
Kit No# S-3283
1/35th scale
One figure in light grey resin
Sculpted & box art by Alexander Zelenkov
This serjeant with his large three stripes on his sleeve is seen sitting down in one place on his bum with his Sten gun cradled in his lap.
With foliage in the netting of his helmet and the large thick backpack and ammo/forage pouches on his chest in his battledress, he looks every inch the well-equipped Tommy of the D-Day era in 1944.
"British Soldier, Normandy 1944"
From Stalingrad Miniatures
Kit No# S-3284
1/35th scale
One figure in light grey resin
Sculpted & box art by Alexander Zelenkov
Seen having a "ciggie" while he rests in a very typical pose for this soldier, seen wearing much the same gear as his comrades, with the inclusion of a sleeveless leather jerkin. His Lee-Enfield rifle slung over his left shoulder.
Old mate smoking his fag and walking forward very slowly or just standing in one place, it is your choice. Painted up he looks great here.
"British Officer Normandy 1944"
From Stalingrad Miniatures
Kit No# S-3285
1/35th scale
One figure in light grey resin
Sculpted & box art by Alexander Zelenkov
This officer of the British army is seen kneeling and writing on a pad or small book and he leans down almost on one knee. You can see the details of the sculpt in this plain resin assembly here.
"British Soldier, Normandy 1944"
From Stalingrad Miniatures
Kit No# S-3286
1/35th scale
One figure in light grey resin
Sculpted & box art by Alexander Zelenkov
The resin figure, unpainted and constructed, showing the Tommy at rest sitting down, cradling his Lee-enfield rifle as he looks off to the side. his steel helmet, ammo and forage pack on the rear is prominent, along with the folds in his khaki uniform.
"British Infantry, Normandy 1944 – Big Set"
From Stalingrad Miniatures
Kit No# S-3280
1/35th scale
Six figures in light grey resin
Sculpted & box art by Alexander Zelenkov
A "Big Set" of six resin figures, all grouped together in the one set that match each other in gear, uniforms & poses. Shown here, a group of "Tommy's" at rest beterrn fighting (& tea, no doubt.)
These figures are sold together or in singles, and they are available right now – check these out and all of Alexander's other works at the Stalingrad Website:
