The Last Casualty of Cambrai

A young woman and her companion examine a three-quarter-size mannequin of a German soldier bearing a rifle.  Overhearing their conversation, Pitney Philips explains that the figure is part of a larger exhibition on military miniatures.  

The couple speculate on the fate of the soldier. Pointing to marks on its neck, Philips posits strangulation.  The woman notes the rifle’s missing bayonet and wonders aloud whether the statue was involved in a recent killing at the show.  Philips wanders away to take in a room-sized model of the Battle of Cambrai.

The day before, Philips encounters Captain Kyle Davis of the San Antonio Police Department at the entrance to the convention center.  Davis explains that he is guarding the event from anti-war protestors.  Philips invites Davis to visit his pen pal, Rob March, an exhibitor. 

March welcomes Philips and Davis, pointing out with enthusiasm the many rooms filled with dioramas of military engagements. Philips gestures to the German figure, and March explains that it was built by fellow hobbyist Erich Englemann.  

Dismissing Englemann’s work, March insists that Philips and Davis review his tabletop display of Cambrai. Englemann interrupts March’s demonstration, and Philips asks to see the German rifle.  Hoping to recapture his companion’s attention, March presses a button on his table. The intended mechanism – a light feature – fails to function, and March wonders whether a hippie vandal sabotaged his exhibit.  

Englemann leads Philips and Davis to his display while March sets out to repair his own. Philips examines the rifle, and Englemann remarks on his model German and its sturdy base.