My latest World War II, European Theater of Operations diorama is finished! Before pointing out its details, I’d like to explain what its title means.
“In der Not frisst der Teufel Fliegen” translates into English as, “When in need, the devil will eat flies.” Sounds gruesome, doesn’t it? The German phrase’s equivalent is “Desperate times require desperate measures.”
I have posted before regarding my choice of only portraying German troops within the context of looming, if not actual defeat. This diorama displays a ragtag squad of Landsers who have somehow mounted a 20mm FlaK cannon on a farm wagon, employing it to withstand the onslaught from Allied forces.
This side-on view shows the infantrymen who’ve gathered to guard the gun crew and their weapon.
Take a gander at the crewmen atop the jury-rigged platform. They are “on alert,” awaiting their next engagement. Will it be their last? The gunner is in his seat, placidly smoking a pipe. On the far side of the cannon, another man is checking to see that all’s in readiness, with regard to the ammunition supply. Then there is the one-armed commander. He had binoculars and a sheet of paper that carries his orders.
This final photograph does a good job of illustrating the details pertaining to the cannon, and its crew.
As always, I hope you’ve enjoyed following along, as this project came to its rapid close! I already possess the things I’ll need for the next story, so keep watch for its first installment.
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