**ONLY ONE LEFT! THIS ITEM IS NO LONGER IN PRODUCTION**

Limited Edition of 100 pieces worldwide.

Marmaduke Thomas St John Pattle,DFC and Bar, usually known as Pat Pattle, was a South African-born fighter pilot and ace of the RAF during WW2. Pattle applied to join the South African Air Force at 18, but was rejected. He later travelled to the United Kingdom and joined the RAF in 1936 on a Short Service Commission. Pattle was a pilot by 1937 and was posted to 80 Sqn based in Egypt upon the outbreak of war in September 1939. In June 1940, Italy entered the war on the side of the Axis Powers and he began combat operations against Italian Air Force, gaining his first successes during the Italian invasion of Egypt. Pattle's squadron were then sent to Greece in November 1940, where Pattle achieved most of his victories against the Italian air force. Pattle claimed around 20 aircraft shot down and in March 1941 was promoted to Squadron leader. With the German intervention Pattle started combat operations against the Luftwaffe, he claimed victories 24 to 50 within a space of 14 days. Pattle claimed five or more aircraft destroyed in one day on three occasions, which qualified him for ace in a day status.He achieved his greatest success on 19 April 1941, claiming six victories. The following day, having claimed more aerial victories than any other Western Allied pilot, he took off against orders, while suffering from a high temperature, to engage German aircraft near Athens. He was last seen battling Me 110 and Me 109 fighters moments before he was seen to crash into the sea, he was only 26 years old. Truly he must rank as one of the greatest Allied pilots like so many cut short in his prime.

About the Brand:

Thomas Gunn Miniatures, based out of the United Kingdom, offers high quality hand-painted toy soldiers in 1/30th scale. Founded in 2009, this company produces individual figures, mounted cavalry, armored fighting vehicles, military airplanes, and unique multi-figure vignettes. Each figure and set is assigned a limited production number, which means these items are available in small quantities only. Thomas Gunn Miniatures' French Foreign Legion figures represent their signature range. These toy soldiers come in a variety of poses, from fighting, to training, to marching. The range also includes some adversaries for the Legion in the form of Arabic soldiers. These figures are always highly sought after! The Great War from Thomas Gunn Miniatures has seen large expansions in the past 12 months, on both sides of the conflict. Central and Allied Flying Aces, German Infantry, ANZACS, Tommies, Poilus, and more are all available as toy soldiers from Thomas Gunn Miniatures. Another popular subject, Lawrence of Arabia, is also produced from this era. In addition, Thomas Gunn Miniatures produces World War II figures to round out your displays of the D-Day Normandy invasion, The Battle of the Bulge, The Russian Front, and The Pacific. Some of the most unique items created by the company are experimental rockets and jet aircraft for the German Luftwaffe. These sets are always in high demand when they are released, and only ever available in small numbers! Other conflicts covered include The Zulu War, The French & Indian War, The Napoleonic Wars, and more. Thomas Gunn Miniatures is known for tackling personality figures that other manufacturers do not, allowing for a variety of different looks in your displays. These figures match well with King & Country and John Jenkins Designs toy soldiers in terms of scale and subject matter. Choose a category below to view our selection of Thomas Gunn Miniatures' highly detailed, historically accurate toy soldiers.

Info: Marmaduke Thomas St John Pattle, DFC and Bar, WWII single figure