Minifigure – Senegalese Infantry (Tirailleur Sénégalais) who served in the French Army during the World War II (LEGO Compatible)

This image shows a toy minifigure representing a soldier of the Senegalese Infantry (Tirailleur Sénégalais) who served in the French Army during the World War II era.

The soldier is depicted wearing the standard field uniform of the French Colonial Forces. His headgear is a khaki M26 Adrian helmet, which is distinguished by the insignia on the front: a fouled anchor, the symbol of the French Troupes Coloniales (Colonial Troops).

He is dressed in a khaki field tunic and trousers. The tunic has collar insignia, and over it, he wears brown leather or canvas webbing. This equipment includes a belt with ammunition pouches for a rifle and supporting cross-straps for carrying a pack and other gear. The figure’s legs are shown with puttees, or leg wrappings, which were common for infantry of the period to provide support and keep dirt out of their boots.

Historical Background: The Tirailleurs Sénégalais were a corps of colonial infantry in the French Army, originally recruited from Senegal but later drawing soldiers from across French West Africa. These units were formed in 1857 and served France in numerous conflicts, gaining a reputation as brave and tenacious fighters. During World War II, they played a crucial role, fighting with distinction during the Battle of France in 1940. After the armistice, many joined the Free French Forces and continued to fight with the Allies in North Africa, Italy, and during the liberation of France itself. This figure represents one of the hundreds of thousands of African soldiers who fought for France during the war.