Minifigure – British 8th Army Soldier (“Desert Rat”) WWII (LEGO Compatible)

The Figure: WWII British 8th Army Soldier (“Desert Rat”)

This toy minifigure represents a soldier of the British Commonwealth Forces during World War II, specifically outfitted for the North African Campaign (1940–1943). The filename identifies him as a “Sten Submachine Gunner,” indicating his role as a close-quarters combat specialist or Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO).

• Headgear: He wears the iconic Mk II Brodie Helmet (often called the “Tin Hat” or “Tommy Helmet”) painted in a desert sand color. This wide-brimmed steel helmet was the standard issue for British and Commonwealth troops throughout the early and mid-war periods.

• Uniform: He is dressed in Khaki Drill (KD) uniforms.

  • Color: The light tan/beige color is distinct from the darker brown “Battledress” worn in Europe. This lighter color was designed for the heat of the desert and was famously worn by the 8th Army (the “Desert Rats”) during battles against Rommel’s Afrika Korps.

  • Webbing: The torso print details the 1937 Pattern Web Equipment. You can see the shoulder braces and the two large “Basic Pouches” on his chest/waist. These pouches were universal carriers used to hold ammunition magazines (like those for the Sten gun), grenades, or rations.

• Weapon: He is armed with a black Sten Mk II Submachine Gun.

  • Historical Note: The Sten gun was a crude, cheap, and rapidly mass-produced weapon developed by Britain after the retreat from Dunkirk. Known as the “Plumber’s Nightmare” due to its rough tubular appearance, it was nevertheless effective at close range and was widely issued to NCOs, vehicle crews, and airborne troops.

• Legs: The figure features printed Anklets (Gaiters) just above the boots. These short canvas gaiters were used to secure the trousers and prevent sand or stones from entering the boots, a standard part of the British uniform.

Historical Background: This figure represents one of the famous “Desert Rats” who fought under General Bernard Montgomery. These soldiers endured scorching heat, flies, and sandstorms while fighting tank and infantry battles across Egypt and Libya. The combination of the Sten Gun and the desert uniform evokes the gritty close-quarters fighting at El Alamein or the defense of Tobruk, where British infantry held the line against the German blitzkrieg.