Minifigure – German military medical personnel from the World War II (LEGO Compatible)

This image displays a set of two toy minifigures representing military medical personnel from the World War II era. Specifically, they depict nurses serving with the German forces and their allies.

Here is a detailed introduction to each figure from left to right:

1. Figure on the Left : German Red Cross Nurse (Afrika Korps) This figure represents a nurse of the German Red Cross (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz or DRK), specifically one serving with the Afrika Korps in North Africa.

• Uniform: She wears the standard field service uniform for female auxiliaries: a field grey double-breasted tunic and a matching grey skirt.

• Insignia:

  • Red Cross Armband: Worn on her left arm, marking her as protected medical personnel.

  • Iron Cross Ribbon: Tucked into the front of her tunic is the black, white, and red ribbon of the Iron Cross 2nd Class. This indicates she has been decorated for bravery or meritorious service in caring for the wounded under fire.

  • Cuff Title: On her lower left sleeve, there is a cuff title reading “AFRIKA”, identifying her specific deployment to the North African theater.

• Accessories: She carries a brown First Aid Suitcase and wears a tan medical satchel. The set includes a large Red Cross flag on a stand.

Historical Background: The German Red Cross deployed nurses to all fronts to staff field hospitals. Those serving with Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Korps worked in harsh desert conditions. They were highly respected by the soldiers for their dedication. Being awarded the Iron Cross was rare for women but did happen for those who showed exceptional courage during air raids or artillery bombardments on field hospitals.

2. Figure on the Right: Spanish Volunteer Nurse (Blue Division) This figure represents a Spanish Volunteer Nurse (Enfermera Voluntaria) serving with the Blue Division (División Azul), a unit of Spanish volunteers fighting alongside the German Army on the Eastern Front.

• Uniform: She wears a distinct hospital working dress consisting of a grey dress covered by a large white pinafore apron. This differs significantly from the military-style tunic of the German nurse.

• Insignia:

  • Spanish National Shield: On her right upper arm, she bears a shield with the Red and Yellow colors of Spain, clearly identifying her nationality.

  • Red Cross Armband: Worn on her left arm.

• Accessories: Like the other figure, she is equipped with a brown First Aid Suitcase, a tan medical satchel, and a Red Cross flag.

Historical Background: Although Spain was officially neutral, dictator Francisco Franco sent the Blue Division to fight against the Soviet Union. Accompanying these troops were groups of Spanish nurses, often from the Spanish Red Cross or religious orders. They staffed military hospitals in cities like Riga and Vilnius, treating the wounded in the freezing conditions of the Russian winter, far from their homeland.