Minifigure – German soldier from a Luftwaffe Field Division during the mid-to-late period of World War II (LEGO Compatible)

This image displays a toy minifigure and accessories representing a German soldier from a Luftwaffe Field Division (Luftwaffen-Feld-Division) during the mid-to-late period of World War II.

The figure is dressed in the standard blue-grey (Luftwaffenblau) uniform of the German Air Force. While the Luftwaffe is known for its pilots and aircrews, this soldier is clearly equipped for ground combat, wearing a Luftwaffe M43 Field Cap and printed with standard infantry webbing, including Y-straps and ammunition pouches.

The set includes these key accessories:

• A toy replica of the Gewehr 43 (G43). This was a semi-automatic rifle introduced in the latter half of the war to increase the firepower of German infantry squads.
• An alternative headgear: a blue-grey Stahlhelm (steel helmet) featuring the distinctive Luftwaffe eagle decal on the side.

Historical Background: In late 1942, facing a manpower crisis, the head of the Luftwaffe, Hermann Göring, ordered the formation of ground combat divisions from surplus Air Force personnel. These Luftwaffe Field Divisions were composed of retrained ground crews, support staff, and other airmen. Initially, they were poorly trained and equipped for an infantry role, but later in the war, they were absorbed into the regular Army (Heer). This figure represents one of these airmen sent to fight on the ground as an infantryman.