Montgomery's Staff (figures)
First impression
ModelFan

ICM
35617
Scale 1/35
Injection moulded model.
Price euro 13,00

In my review of the ICM Mercedes Tourenwagen of Prince Bernhard, I already indicated that this set was coming and I was very curious if it would indeed be Prince Bernhard, more about that later.
In this figure set, the central figure is the English Field Marshal Montgomery.
Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery was one of the most prominent and successful British commanders of World War II. His military career began in World War I, where he suffered serious injuries but continued to serve as a staff officer. During the interwar period, Montgomery held various positions and just before the Second World War he was appointed commander of the 3rd Division of the British Expeditionary Force in France. In the autumn of 1942, he became the commander of the British forces in North Africa and later achieved victory over the famous "Desert Fox", the German Field Marshal Rommel. In December 1943, Montgomery was appointed commander of the 21st Army Group and the general commander of the Allied ground forces in Europe, also participating in the planning of Operation Overlord. In the autumn of 1944 he was promoted to Field Marshal. Montgomery, also known as "Monty," was highly regarded for his modesty in personal life and communication with soldiers. They appreciated his modesty in daily life and communication, and deservedly called "General – Spartan." Nevertheless, he was one of the greatest Allied generals during the war, leading the largely conscripted Allied armies to victory, while being aware of the need for the smallest possible number of casualties.

This set broadly recreates a famous wartime photograph of Montgomery, Lieutenant General Brian Horrocks and Prince Bernhardt of The Netherlands bending over a map board during preparations for the Operation Market Garden campaign in late 1944. In this case, the set has been expanded with a radio operator and in the background the drawing of a radio car or perhaps Montgomerys Leyland Retriever that is not clearly visible.
The overall packaging is typical of ICM, the top cover with the image in color and a sturdy open folding box with everything in one plastic bag. There are 31 parts for assembling the four figures, all on a frame. The frame is divided into quarters, and each corner has all the parts for a figure. Montgomery's head is made of one piece with beret, and you'll have to paint it carefully. The figures are very well sculped, although the two-piece officer's caps had to be trimmed a bit. Keep in mind that there are no guiding elements (pins) on the parts, so you will have to be extremely precise when assembling them. In general, the figures look well sculpted with lots of details. It is my opinion that the figures do not resemble the original persons. Montgomery can be recognized by his particular wearing of his beret and moustache and will do.  Horrocks certainly didn't have a moustache and unfortunately it is not Prince Bernhard either if we have to go by the original photo: Bernhard was a four star general and this figure is a major and doesn't look like him either. With the exception of Montgomery, ICM has made a free “translation” of the original photo.  A pity, with the prince's Mercedes (ICM Model) it could have been a nice diorama. Whatever, my comment is that it is  incredibly difficult to sculpt faces to look like the real ones in 1/35 scale, yet I am impressed by the quality of this figure set and can thoroughly recommend them. If you want to go for a diorama, I suggest to wait for the Leyland Retriever that ICM is going to release.

Each figure has raised details to represent rank and regimental insignia, while the officers all have medal ribbon bars. So you have to paint them by hand, which is very tricky considering the scale - it would have been nice of ICM to include a small decal sheet.  Also included in the color guide is a scale map to cut out and add to the plastic map board, although the map is too large for the board, which seems too small compared to both the box art, and the instruction sheet as well as the photo. A loose instruction sheet will help you assemble the figures.

Conclusion
A very nice and attractive figure set from ICM. ICM used a historical background (the photo) as an example and has given it its own twist. Fine, although I would have liked to have seen our Prince. The quality of the figures is excellent.  In fact, I already came across a review that found that ICM brings by far the best figures on the market. I can't make that comparison yet. The set certainly gives ICM opportunities to adjust the posture of the figures and provide us with much more beauties.
I'm going to try to make a Prince Bernhard for a diorama with the ICM Mercedes. With a duffle coat, which hides the rank insignia and badges, and a pair of glasses (made of copper wire) should do the trick I hope.
Highly recommended set for the enthusiast.

Thanks to ICM for providing a review copy.