Minifigure – German Field Police Feldgendarmerie Series WWII (LEGO Compatible)

Product Overview: WWII German Feldgendarmerie Series

(The “Chain Dogs” Military Police Squad & Straggler)

This image displays a curated collection of figures representing the Feldgendarmerie (Field Police) of the German Wehrmacht, along with one specific “target” figure. The set illustrates the hierarchy of the military police and their grim role in the final stages of World War II.

Here is the breakdown of the five characters, from left to right:

1. The Traffic Guard (Far Left)

Specific Name: Feldgendarmerie Greatcoat Soldier

• Visual Description: This soldier is dressed for cold weather or roadside duty in a heavy green Greatcoat (Mantel).

• Key Accessory: He holds a red and white “HALT POLIZEI” (Stop Police) traffic paddle. This iconic tool was used at checkpoints to control troop movements and inspect papers.

• Uniform: He wears a steel helmet and the distinctive Silver Gorget (Ringkragen) chain around his neck, the symbol of MP authority.

2. The Squad Leader (Second from Left)

Specific Name: Feldgendarmerie Sergeant (NCO)

• Visual Description: This Non-Commissioned Officer is equipped for patrol duty. He wears the field grey Side Cap (Schiffchen) instead of a helmet.

• Weapon: He is armed with an MP40 Submachine Gun, providing the firepower needed for anti-partisan operations or enforcing discipline.

• Insignia: Like his comrades, he wears the “Chain Dog” gorget and features the police eagle patch on his sleeve.

3. The Commander (Center)

Specific Name: Feldgendarmerie Lieutenant (Officer)

• Visual Description: The ranking officer of the group. He is distinguished by his Officer’s Peaked Cap (Visor Cap) with silver piping and high-collared tunic.

• Weapon: He carries a black Pistol (Luger P08 or Walther P38), the standard sidearm for officers.

• Role: He represents the authority figure who would command the MP detachment and issue arrest orders.

4. The Enlisted Soldier (Second from Right)

Specific Name: Feldgendarmerie Private

• Visual Description: The standard trooper of the unit. He wears the Stahlhelm (Steel Helmet) featuring the national tricolor shield decal.

• Weapon: He is armed with the standard long Kar98k Rifle.

• Details: He wears the standard field grey tunic with the silver gorget and MP cuff title on his sleeve.

5. The “Target” (Far Right)

Specific Name: The “Straggler” (Versprengter)

• Visual Description: This figure contrasts sharply with the others. He represents a regular infantryman who has been separated from his unit during a retreat.

• Condition: His face print shows a Terrified Expression with heavy stubble. His uniform is covered in Mud Splatters, and he has lost his helmet and weapons.

• Narrative: In the context of this set, he is the “prey.” The Feldgendarmerie (the other four figures) were responsible for hunting down stragglers like him, often executing them as deserters in the war’s final months.

Historical Background

• “Kettenhunde” (Chained Dogs): The Feldgendarmerie were nicknamed this by ordinary soldiers because of the metal gorget (Ringkragen) suspended on a chain around their necks. They were feared and often hated for their strict enforcement of rules.

• Role: They managed traffic, guarded prisoners, and hunted partisans. However, their most infamous role was in 1945, manning checkpoints to catch retreating German soldiers (like the “Straggler” figure) and forcing them back to the front or court-martialing them.