Minifigure – German Feldgendarmerie Private (Enlisted Military Police Soldier) WWII (LEGO Compatible)

Character Identification

Specific Name: WWII German Feldgendarmerie Private (Enlisted Military Police Soldier)

The text on the image explicitly labels this figure as “MTZ032 Feldgendarmerie Private”. This represents the standard enlisted soldier (likely with the rank of Feldgendarm or Gefreiter) within the German Field Police, distinct from the officers and NCOs by his weapon and rank insignia.

Visual Description

This custom-printed minifigure depicts the “backbone” of the Military Police units, equipped with standard infantry weaponry but marked with police authority:

• The Gorget (Ringkragen): Like his superiors, he wears the iconic Silver Gorget (metal necklace plate) printed on his chest. This chain is the primary identifier that marks him as a “Chain Dog” (Kettenhund), giving him authority over regular troops.

• Weapon (The Standard Issue): Unlike the NCO with the submachine gun or the Officer with a pistol, this Private is armed with a brown Karabiner 98k (Kar98k) Rifle. This long bolt-action rifle was the standard service weapon for the German Wehrmacht.

• Headgear: He wears a dark grey Stahlhelm (Steel Helmet).

  • Decals: The side views reveal detailed printed decals: the National Tricolor Shield (Black, White, Red) on the right side and the Wehrmacht Eagle Shield on the left side.

• Uniform & Insignia:

  • Tunic: He wears the standard field grey uniform.

  • Sleeve: On his left arm, the Police Eagle Patch (Orange/Brown) and the “Feldgendarmerie” Cuff Title are clearly printed.

  • Ammo Pouches: The belt features standard black leather Kar98k Cartridge Pouches (three small pockets on each side), matching his weapon.

• Back Equipment: The rear view shows full field gear including the gas mask canister, bread bag, and water canteen.

Historical Background

• The Private’s Role: Enlisted Feldgendarmerie personnel like this figure were the soldiers manning the checkpoints, checking paperwork, and guarding prisoners of war. They operated in small patrols (Streifendienst) behind the front lines.

• Recruitment: These men were usually battle-hardened veterans transferred from regular infantry units. They had to be experienced and reliable to police other soldiers.

• The Look: The combination of the helmet decals (which were often removed later in the war to reduce visibility) and the full gorget suggests this figure represents the early-to-mid war period (1939–1942), where uniform regulations were strictly followed.