Minifigure – Austro-Hungarian Empire Assault Trooper (Sturmtrupp / Trench Raider) WWI (LEGO Compatible)

Character Identification

Specific Name: WWI Austro-Hungarian Empire Assault Trooper (Sturmtrupp / Trench Raider)

This custom minifigure represents an elite soldier from the Austro-Hungarian Army (K.u.K. Armee) during World War I, specifically a member of the Sturmtruppen (Stormtroopers) equipped for trench raids.

Visual Description

This figure features high-level historical details specific to the “Great War” on the Italian and Eastern Fronts.

• Headgear & Face: He wears a grey M17 Steel Helmet (Austrian variant of the German Stahlhelm). Uniquely, the face print features a cloth mask or scarf pulled up over the nose and mouth. In the context of trench warfare, this represents protection against dust, the smell of the trenches, or a crude early attempt to filter gas/smoke during a raid.

• Uniform: He is dressed in Hechtgrau (Pike Grey) or late-war Field Grey. The collar features distinct Red Paroli (Collar Patches) with yellow piping, which was the standard method for identifying regiments and ranks in the Austro-Hungarian military.

• Insignia: On his right arm (visible on the left side of the image), there is a white shield patch featuring the black Double-Headed Eagle, the coat of arms of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This clearly distinguishes him from German troops.

• Weapons & Gear:

  • Sidearm: He is holding a Mauser C96 “Broomhandle” Pistol. While the Steyr M1912 was standard, C96s were highly prized by assault troops for their high capacity and range.

  • Grenades: His waist gear is heavily loaded with Stick Grenades (Stielhandgranate) tucked into a belt or carrying bags. This “grenadier” loadout is the hallmark of a Trench Raider, whose primary job was to clear enemy trenches with explosives.

• Legs: The trousers feature a red stripe down the side, a detail often found on officer or specific regimental breeches in the K.u.K. army. He wears brown leather boots/puttees.

Historical Background

• The Sturmtruppen: Following the success of German stormtroopers, Austria-Hungary formed their own Assault Battalions (Sturmbataillone) in 1916-1917. These men were the elite of the army, chosen for their bravery and physical fitness.

• Tactics: Unlike regular infantry who attacked in waves, these raiders used “shock tactics.” They would infiltrate enemy lines armed with pistols, sharpened spades, maces, and bags full of grenades to destroy machine gun nests and bunkers.

• The Front: This soldier would have likely fought in the brutal alpine battles against Italy (in the Dolomites) or on the Eastern Front against Russia. The mask and heavy gear suggest the harsh, close-quarters reality of these theaters.