Minifigure – German Waffen-SS Soldier (MP40 Gunner) WWII

Character Identification: WWII German Waffen-SS Soldier (MP40 Gunner)

This custom-printed building block minifigure represents a frontline soldier, specifically a submachine gunner of the Waffen-SS during the later stages of World War II. Based on the  image and the specific printed tactical gear, this figure depicts a fierce, battle-hardened infantryman equipped for close-quarters or squad-leading combat in an autumn environment.

Specific Name and Visual Details

• Specific Name: WWII German Waffen-SS Infantryman / MP40 Gunner (Rauchtarnmuster Autumn Camouflage)

• Head and Facial Features: The figure features an intense, yelling expression with bright blue eyes, capturing the heat of combat. A printed chinstrap is secured across his chin, and he has a small, bleeding red scar or cut on his left cheek, adding to the battle-worn aesthetic.

• Headgear: He wears a standard German Stahlhelm (Steel Helmet), which is fitted with a printed fabric camouflage cover matching his combat smock.

• The Uniform (Camouflage): The torso features the highly distinctive Rauchtarnmuster (“Smoke Edge”) camouflage in its Autumn (Herbst) color palette. This pattern is characterized by disruptive, hard-edged blotches of brown, orange, and dark charcoal. Visible just beneath the collar of the camouflage smock are the iconic SS lightning bolt runes on the right collar tab.

• Tactical Webbing and Gear:

  • Ammunition Pouches: Around his waist, attached to his black leather Y-strap harness, are highly specific MP38/40 magazine pouches. These feature three tall, vertical canvas cells on each side, designed specifically to hold the long 32-round 9mm stick magazines for his weapon.

  • Belt Buckle: The center of his belt features a silver combat buckle with a printed swastika, standard for the era.

• Lower Body: The figure wears standard field grey (Feldgrau) trousers. His lower legs feature printed canvas gaiters (Gamaschen) wrapped tightly over short black ankle boots.

• Weapon Accessory: Floating beside the figure is a detailed, molded black plastic weapon accessory representing the MP40 (Maschinenpistole 40). It features the distinctive downward-pointing pistol grip, the ribbed receiver, the magazine well with a stick magazine inserted, and the under-folding metal stock (depicted in the folded position).

Historical Background

This minifigure accurately captures the evolving look of a German soldier during the later years of World War II (roughly 1943–1945).

• Rauchtarnmuster Camouflage: The Waffen-SS was one of the first military organizations to issue camouflaged clothing on a massive scale. The Rauchtarnmuster (Smoke pattern) was developed to break up the human silhouette in forested and varied terrains. These smocks were famously reversible; the Autumn side (shown here) used brownish-orange colors to blend in with dead foliage and mud, while the interior was printed with green tones for spring and summer use.

• The MP40 (Maschinenpistole 40): The weapon paired with this figure was one of the most iconic firearms of the war. Firing the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge, the MP40 was an open-bolt, blowback-operated submachine gun. Because it fired fully automatic, it was devastating in close-quarters combat, urban warfare, and trench clearing. It was typically issued to squad leaders, paratroopers (Fallschirmjäger), and mechanized infantry (Panzergrenadiers).

• Late-War Footwear Transition: The printed canvas gaiters and short ankle boots are a hallmark of late-war German troops. Early in the conflict, soldiers wore the famous tall leather “Jackboots” (Marschstiefel). However, as the war dragged on and severe material shortages plagued the Third Reich, the military was forced to issue cheaper, shorter boots paired with canvas wrappings to save on leather.