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 that would allow them to be re-trained as anti-tank guns. Moreover their range and penetrating power enabled their crews to dispose of British tanks long before the enemy was close enough to engage the guns with their own two- or six-pounder guns.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a German 88mm Flak 18/36 Anti-Aircraft Gun that was attached to the 33.FlaK Regiment, 21.Panzer Division. Item cancelled.

Dimensions:
Barrel Length: 2-3/4 inches

Release Date: ?

Historical Account: "Unser Rommel" - The 21.Panzer Division was formed from the 5.Leichte-Division in August 1941. It fought in North Africa, suffering heavy losses at El Alamein and during the ensuing retreat to Tunisia when it acted as Rommel's rear guard. It was subsequently destroyed in Tunisia in May 1943.

The unit was reformed in Normandy during July 1943 and remained in France on occupation duty until it was called upon to oppose the Allied landings in Normandy. It withdrew through France and into Germany before being sent east to fight on Germany's eastern frontier where it was destroyed by the Red Army in April 1945.