Originally developed as an anti-aircraft gun, the 8.8cm FLugzeugAbwehrKanone ("Flak") was first employed in the anti-tank gun role in 1936, when the German Condor Legion was testing out its equipment during the Spanish Civil War. Amazingly, German war planners had designed the gun as an AA weapon with a heavy cruciform platform and central fire control operation, not as a multi-purpose anti-tank gun with proper anti-tank sights. Nevertheless, its capability was seen and quietly noted by commanders operating in the field. While the gun was occassionally used in the anti-tank gun role during the Polish and French campaigns, it wasn't until the Afrika Korps joined battle in Cyrenaica with the British Eighth Army that the "88" really showed its prowess as a tank killer. Here the tactical situation was such that it was possible to deploy the guns in their anti-aircraft role in positions which would allow them to be re-trained as anti-tank guns. Moreover their range and penetrating power were such that they could dispose of British tanks long before they were close enough to engage with their two- or six-pounder guns.

This particular 1:35 scale 88mm gun bears the insignia of the Afrika Korps' 21.Panzer Division and is painted in a desert camouflage scheme. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 7.50 inches
Width: 3 inches
Height: 3.50 inches

Historical Account: "We Greave" - The 21.Panzer Division was formed from elements of the 5th Leichte Division in August 1941. It fought in North Africa as part of Erwin Rommel's Afrika Korps, where it played a major role in nearly destroying the British 8th Army. 21.Panzer suffered grievous losses at El Alamein and was nearly annihilated during the subsequent retreat to Tunisia. It was decimated in Tunisia in May 1943 when PanzerArmee Afrika surrendered to the combined British and US Army clearing the North African territories of all Axis forces.

21.Panzer was reformed in Normandy in July 1943, where it took up occupation duties in France until the Allied seaborne invasion in June 1944. After the Allied breakout in August, 21.Panzer withdrew across France and into Germany before being sent east to fight the Red Army advancing into eastern Germany. It was completely destroyed by the Red Army in April 1945 as it attempted to defend Berlin.