Before Waterloo and before the great Peninsular victories came one of the British army's hardest ordeals: the winter retreat to Corunna. In the closing weeks of 1808, Sir John Moore led his army, the Foot Guards among them, on a brutal fighting withdrawal of some 250 miles across the Spanish mountains in the snow, pursued by Soult's French, with cold and hunger breaking the discipline of all but the steadiest regiments. At Corunna on 16 January 1809 the army turned and fought a rearguard action to cover its escape by sea — and Moore was struck down by a cannonball at the moment of victory. They buried him on the ramparts at midnight, and the Guards sailed home to fight another day.

The eight-figure set marches in column — an officer, a sergeant, a drummer, and five privates in the red coats and white bastion lace of the Foot Guards, grey campaign trousers and black shakos. It forms the backbone of a British diorama. Pair it with the British Foot Guards with Colours to bring up the regiment's standards, extend the march with the British Infantry Marching, and set it all under Wellington at Waterloo, the commander these Guards served to the last.

Tradition of London model 0765. 54mm, white metal, hand-painted in gloss enamel. Eight-figure set — an officer, a sergeant, a drummer, and five privates. Supplied in the Tradition Classic Red Box. Allow 2–3 weeks delivery.