Minifigure – Royal Naval Division (RND) Assault Trooper / Combat Engineer(The “Bluejacket” Trench Raider) WWI (LEGO Compatible)

Character Identification

Specific Name: WWI Royal Naval Division (RND) Assault Trooper / Combat Engineer (The “Bluejacket” Trench Raider)

This figure represents a specialized soldier of the Royal Naval Division, likely depicted in a “Raiding” or “Storming” configuration. While he wears the standard naval infantry blue uniform, his equipment—specifically the heavy rope and close-quarters weaponry—identifies him as a Combat Engineer or a member of a Trench Raiding Party tasked with clearing obstacles and storming enemy positions.

Visual Description

This custom-printed minifigure features a complex loadout that tells the story of sailors adapting to the brutal reality of trench warfare:

• Uniform: Like the previous figure, he wears the Navy Blue Tunic and trousers. The back view confirms his branch with the iconic white-striped Sailor’s Collar (Jean Collar).

• Assault Gear (Key Feature):

  • Climbing Rope: A thick yellow Rope is coiled around his torso. In WWI, assault troops and engineers carried heavy rope to scale enemy trench walls, bridge gaps, or drag away obstacles like barbed wire.

  • Weaponry: He carries a brown Pistol Holster on his chest rather than a bulky rifle. This indicates a “Trench Raider” role, where pistols, clubs, and grenades were preferred for fighting in narrow spaces.

  • Ammo/Grenades: White pouches on his vest likely hold grenades or demolition charges.

• Headgear: He wears a Grey Steel Helmet. While the RND started with soft caps, they adopted steel helmets (like the Brodie) once trench warfare intensified. This helmet gives him a battle-hardened appearance.

• Leg Details:

  • Anchor Insignia: On the side of his left leg (visible in the middle profile view), there is a printed Anchor Symbol. This is a definitive mark of the Royal Navy.

  • Puttees: He wears white/grey leg wrappings (puttees) typical of the landing parties.

Historical Background

• The Royal Naval Division: These were sailors who fought on land because the Royal Navy had a surplus of men but not enough ships. They were famously nicknamed “Winston’s Little Army” because Winston Churchill organized them.

• Trench Raiders: Trench raids were stealthy or violent night attacks on enemy lines to capture prisoners or destroy defenses. Sailors were often well-suited for this, using their skills with ropes and knots (as seen on the figure) to navigate the chaotic “No Man’s Land.”

• Gallipoli & The Western Front: The RND fought in the disastrous Gallipoli campaign and later on the Western Front (France/Belgium), where they earned a reputation for extreme bravery despite often having older equipment than the regular army.