1/72 1940 French Infantrymen ‘’ Behind The Enemy Bushes ‘’ Set

Historical Context & Theme

The 1/72 1940 French Infantrymen “Behind The Enemy Bushes” Set captures an often-overlooked reality of the Battle of France: the human moments of vulnerability, fatigue, and improvisation experienced by ordinary soldiers during the chaotic campaign of May–June 1940. As French infantry units maneuvered through forests, hedgerows, and rural landscapes, soldiers frequently found themselves dispersed, waiting for orders, hiding from enemy observation, or taking brief moments of privacy away from the main column.

The rapid German advance forced many French units into fragmented movements, temporary halts, and improvised defensive positions. Soldiers often used natural cover such as bushes, tree lines, and ditches not only for tactical concealment but also for brief moments of rest and relief. These situations were common during long marches, delayed engagements, or while regrouping after air attacks and artillery fire.

This set reflects the reality that war was not composed solely of heroic charges or dramatic firefights. Instead, it was equally defined by exhaustion, routine needs, and fleeting moments away from direct combat. By portraying French infantrymen taking cover behind bushes in informal, unguarded poses, the set offers a rare and honest glimpse into daily soldier life during the 1940 campaign. It is especially suited to dioramas focused on realism, atmosphere, and narrative authenticity rather than action alone.

Figure Details & Realism

The set includes three distinct French infantry figures, each sculpted in a natural, relaxed pose that conveys realism and subtle humor without caricature.

Key sculpting features include:

• Accurate 1940 French infantry uniforms with correct tunics, trousers, and gaiters
• Natural body language reflecting crouched and concealed positions
• Expressive poses designed to look spontaneous and unposed
• Properly proportioned heads and limbs for 1/72 scale
• Realistic folds and creases in clothing adapted to squatting or leaning postures
• Figures designed to work together as a cohesive group

The figures are sculpted to integrate seamlessly into terrain-heavy dioramas, especially those using bushes, grass, or hedgerows to partially obscure the scene.

Diorama & Display Use

This set is ideal for adding life and narrative depth to early-war French dioramas.

Recommended uses include:

• Hedgerow or woodland scenes during the 1940 retreat
• Marching columns temporarily halted along rural roads
• Rear-area pauses away from enemy observation
• Improvised rest stops during long infantry movements
• Dioramas emphasizing realism and everyday soldier life
• Pairing with French 1940 infantry, cavalry, or civilian figures

Because of the informal nature of the poses, these figures are perfect for breaking the rigidity of standard marching or combat scenes.

Material & Customization

Cast in high-quality resin, the figures provide clean detail suitable for precise painting despite the small scale.

Customization ideas:

• Classic French khaki and horizon-blue uniform tones
• Subtle dust and mud effects on trousers and boots
• Natural terrain integration using grass tufts or bushes
• Slight variation in uniform shading to enhance realism
• Minimal equipment painting to keep focus on pose and posture

Figures are supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue and paint are not included.

Who It’s For

This set is designed for:

• 1/72 scale diorama builders seeking realism
• Modelers focusing on the Battle of France 1940
• Painters interested in subtle, character-driven figures
• Collectors of French WWII infantry miniatures
• Builders who want to add human storytelling to terrain-based scenes

The set works particularly well for advanced dioramas where atmosphere and authenticity are prioritized.