Minifigure – German Navy Senior Boatswain (Oberbootsmann) (LEGO Compatible)

The Figure: WWII German Navy Senior Boatswain (Oberbootsmann)

This toy minifigure represents a senior Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the German Navy (Kriegsmarine). Specifically, the text on the image identifies him as an “Oberbootsmann” (Senior Boatswain) serving in the “Marine-Stoßtrupp-Kompanie” (Naval Assault Company). This unit was an elite formation of naval infantry.

• Uniform: He wears the Dark Blue (Dunkelblau) Service Uniform. Unlike the officers in previous images who wore open-collar tunics with ties, this NCO wears the closed-collar style typical of naval assault troops or landing parties in the early war period.

  • Tactical Gear: Printed on his chest is a pair of Binoculars, essential for a boatswain or squad leader spotting targets. He also has a brown leather Map Case and a Pistol Holster printed on his belt, indicating his leadership role in a combat unit.

• Headgear: He wears the standard Blue NCO Peaked Cap (Schirmmütze). It features the Gold Naval Eagle and wreath insignia, but unlike the admirals, the top is the standard dark blue rather than white.

• Rank & Insignia:

  • Shoulder Boards: The shoulder boards are outlined in gold, consistent with the Oberbootsmann rank (equivalent to a Warrant Officer or Senior Chief Petty Officer).

  • Collar Tabs: He wears the NCO style collar patches (Litzen) on his jacket collar.

• Accessory (The Flag): The figure stands next to the Flag of the Water Protection Police (Wasserschutzpolizei).

  • Note: Visually, this is the same flag used for the Coastal Police figure (Blue square with anchors in the corners and a central swastika wreath). While the figure is labeled as “Shock Troops,” this specific flag technically belongs to the river/harbor police, likely included here to represent coastal operations generally.

Historical Background: The Marine-Stoßtrupp-Kompanie (Naval Shock Troop Company) holds a significant place in WWII history. They were the first German unit to engage in combat in World War II, launching the assault on the Polish fortress of Westerplatte on September 1, 1939. An Oberbootsmann in this unit would have led a platoon of naval infantrymen, storming beaches or harbors. While they often wore field-grey army uniforms during land battles, they maintained their naval identity through their dark blue dress uniforms and ranks.