Minifigure – Chinese Beiyang Army Infantries (LEGO Compatible) (Without Cap)

Product Overview: WWI Chinese Beiyang Army Infantry Close-Ups

(Republic of China – Allied Powers 1917)

This image highlights the upper-body and facial details of two soldiers from the Beiyang Government Army (North China Army) during the World War I era. Both figures wear the signature light blue-grey Peaked Cap featuring red piping and the Five-Pointed Star Badge (the emblem of the Beiyang forces).

Here is the specific breakdown of each character, from left to right:

1. The Soldier on the Left

Specific Name: WWI Chinese “War Participation Army” Vanguard (Republic of China – Canzhan Jun Soldier)

• Visual Description: This figure represents a specialized assault or vanguard soldier.

  • The Sash: His most defining feature is the White Diagonal Sash draped across his chest. The bold black Chinese calligraphy clearly marks him as part of the “War Participation Army” (参战军).

  • Face & Insignia: He features a fierce, gritting-teeth expression indicating combat readiness. His left arm displays Silver Chevrons (stripes denoting rank), and his red collar tabs feature specific unit numbers (visible as “61X”).

  • Gear: He carries a grey Canvas Haversack/Pouch strapped to his chest, distinct from the standard leather gear.

2. The Soldier on the Right

Specific Name: WWI Beiyang Army Regular Infantryman (Republic of China – Standard Enlisted Soldier)

• Visual Description: This figure depicts the standard rank-and-file infantryman of the era.

  • Face & Uniform: He has a calm, stoic expression with a Mustache. He wears the standard Beiyang Blue-Grey Tunic.

  • Collar Insignia: His Red Rectangular Collar Tabs clearly show the numbers “1-X 13”. In this military system, the color Red specifically designated the Infantry branch.

  • Tactical Gear: He is equipped with standard Brown Leather Y-Strap Suspenders holding dual Mauser Ammunition Pouches on his belt. This webbing style is heavily influenced by the German military advisors who trained the Beiyang troops.

Historical Background

• The Allied Powers Connection: In 1917, the Beiyang Government of China declared war on Germany and Austria-Hungary, officially joining the Allies in WWI.

• The “War Participation Army”: The soldier on the left belongs to a special army formed by Premier Duan Qirui. It was specifically trained, equipped, and funded (via Japanese loans) with the intention of fighting in the trenches of Europe.

• The Reality: Due to a lack of transport ships and intense internal political struggles, these fully trained soldiers never made it to the Western Front. Instead, this modern army was used during the Allied intervention in Siberia and eventually fought against other Chinese factions, plunging the country into the chaotic Warlord Era.