Minifigure – Royal Naval Division (RND) Machine Gunner / Lance Corporal (The Heavy Weapons Specialist) WWI (LEGO Compatible)

Character Identification

Specific Name: WWI Royal Naval Division (RND) Machine Gunner / Lance Corporal (The Heavy Weapons Specialist)

The filename “Machine Gunner” (机枪兵) matches the visual evidence perfectly. The most defining feature of this figure is the Crossed Ammunition Belts draped over his chest. This soldier represents a member of a machine gun section (operating Vickers or Lewis guns) within the Royal Naval Division during the early “Blue Uniform” period of 1914–1915.

Visual Description

This custom-printed minifigure is heavily equipped to sustain fire on the battlefield:

• Torso & Gear (The “Gunner” Look):

  • Crossed Ammo Belts: Two belts of Machine Gun Ammunition (likely .303 caliber) are printed crisscrossing his chest. This iconic “Pancho Villa” style look was common for machine gun crews who needed to carry massive amounts of ammo for their rapid-fire weapons.

  • Webbing: Beneath the ammo belts, he wears the white canvas vest with pouches seen on other figures in this series, used for carrying tools or spare parts for the gun.

• Rank Insignia: On his left arm, there is a Single Red Chevron (Stripe). This identifies him as a Lance Corporal, meaning he would be the second-in-command of a gun crew or leading a small team.

• Head: The face print features a distinct Chin Strap printed directly onto the jawline. This detail simulates the look of a soldier wearing a brodie helmet or peaked cap tightly secured during combat.

• Uniform: He wears the standard Navy Blue Tunic and trousers, with the white-striped Sailor’s Collar visible on the back, confirming his naval origin.

• Legs: Like the assault troops, he wears white/grey Puttees (leg wraps) over his boots, typical of the RND landing parties at Gallipoli.

Historical Background

• RND Machine Gunners: In World War I, the machine gun was the “Queen of the Battlefield.” The Royal Naval Division formed specialized machine gun battalions. These men were priority targets for the enemy, requiring them to be heavily armed and armored (figuratively) with ammunition.

• The “Blue” Period: Like his comrades, this gunner is depicted in the early war (1914) blue naval uniform. By 1916 (Battle of the Somme), these distinctive blue uniforms were replaced by army khaki because they were too visible to German snipers, making this figure a representation of the Antwerp or Gallipoli campaigns.

• Role: As a Lance Corporal, this character would be responsible for directing the fire of a Vickers gun team, providing covering fire for the riflemen (the other figures in your set) to advance.