Minifigure – British Tank Corps Crewman (with Splatter Mask) WWI (LEGO Compatible)

The Figure: WWI British Tank Corps Crewman (with Splatter Mask)

This historical toy minifigure represents a soldier of the British Tank Corps (originally the Heavy Section, Machine Gun Corps) during World War I (1916–1918). He is equipped with specialized gear designed for the hellish conditions inside the first tanks, such as the Mark I or Mark IV.

• Face (The “Splatter” Mask): The most distinct and historically significant feature of this figure is the Splatter Mask (or Spall Mask) printed on the face.

  • Historical Accuracy: In early tank warfare, the armor plate could stop bullets, but the impact would cause flakes of hot metal (spall) and rivets to fly off the inside of the hull at high speeds. These masks, made of leather and chainmail (represented by the grill pattern on the mouth and eyes), were issued to protect the crew’s eyes and face from blinding injuries.

• Headgear: He wears the standard issue Brodie Helmet (also known as the “Tin Hat” or shrapnel helmet) in a tan/khaki color.

• Uniform: He is dressed in the Khaki Service Dress wool uniform.

  • Insignia: On his left arm, there is a printed Tank Corps Badge (a silhouette of a WWI rhomboid tank), clearly identifying his elite unit.

  • Equipment: The torso print details a leather Sam Browne Belt or 1903 Pattern leather gear, which was commonly favored by tankers and officers over the bulky webbing used by infantry.

  • Weaponry: A Revolver Holster is printed on his left hip. Tank crews operated in extremely cramped spaces where long rifles were useless, so they were issued Webley Revolvers for personal defense if they had to bail out.

• Legs: The figure features detailed printing of Puttees (leg wraps) and brown leather boots with stitching, completing the period-accurate look.

Historical Background: The British Tank Corps was the first armored unit in history, debuting their “Landships” at the Battle of the Somme in September 1916. Life inside these early tanks was brutal: temperatures could reach 50°C (122°F), the air was filled with carbon monoxide and cordite fumes, and the noise was deafening. The Splatter Mask depicted on this figure is a grim reminder of the unique dangers these pioneers faced. Despite the hardships, they broke the stalemate of trench warfare, famously achieving a massive breakthrough at the Battle of Cambrai in 1917.