Stützpunkt ྔ' FlaK Nest

with one 8.8cm FlaK36 gun, Gun and Loading crew & one scenic resin nest.

After the Germans had recaptured Halfaya Pass on 27 May 1941 following British Operation Brevity, they set about reorganising and constructing defensive positions. In the forefront of their minds was the concept of the Stützpunkt or strongpoint. A Stützpunkt defensive position is prepared for all-round defence intended to hold even if outflanked.

The objective of a Stützpunkt defence was to provide effective fire to wear down the enemy before launching a counterattack, usually with supporting armoured troops.

A Stützpunkt position was organised in depth which meant the positions were able to hold and provide fire even when the enemy had pushed into it. The depth also allowed the fire to be poured on to the enemy’s flank if they broke through the position.

When the British attacked the Libya frontier during Operation Battleaxe they faced four Stützpunkt positions. The Stützpunkt positions did their job and blunted the British assaults around Halfaya Pass and the German panzers counterattacked.

German Stützpunkt defensive positions were reinforced by 8.8cm FlaK 36 guns placed in well-constructed nests cut into the hard bedrock.

Gun designed by Karl Cederman
Crew figures designed by Evan Allen & James Brown
Nest designed by Jason Buyaki
Painted by James Brown