Minifigure – German infantry squad (Wehrmacht) from World War II (LEGO Compatible)

These are WWII-themed custom building block minifigures representing a German infantry squad (Wehrmacht) from World War II.

Here is the individual introduction for the characters, moving generally from left to right and focusing on their specific roles and equipment:

1. The Grenadier (Far Left)

This figure represents a standard German Infantryman. He is wearing the iconic Stahlhelm (steel helmet) and a “Field Grey” tunic.

• Equipment: In his right hand, he holds a Karabiner 98k (Kar98k) rifle. In his left hand, he is holding a Model 24 Stielhandgranate, often historically nicknamed the “potato masher” by Allied troops due to its long wooden handle.

• Historical Background: The stick grenade was the standard hand grenade of the German Army. The handle allowed soldiers to throw it much farther than the round grenades used by other armies.

2. The Standard Infantryman (Second from Left)

This character is a basic rifleman. He wears the standard uniform with black Y-straps (webbing) printed on his torso, which were used to support the weight of ammo pouches and gear.

• Equipment: He appears to be equipped with standard infantry gear pouches printed on the figure.

• Historical Background: The vast majority of the German army relied on foot soldiers like this. The printing on the collar (litzen) indicates he is an enlisted soldier.

3. The Support Soldier (Third from Left)

This soldier is carrying a Jerry Can (the green canister).

• Equipment: He is holding a green fuel or water canister known as a Wehrmacht-Einheitskanister.

• Historical Background: The “Jerry Can” was a German invention that was significantly superior to Allied fuel containers. It was so well-designed (robust and easy to carry) that the Allies reverse-engineered it and used it themselves.

4. The Squad Leader / Officer (Center)

This is the distinct leader of the group. You can identify him by his headwear; instead of a helmet, he wears a Peaked Cap (Schirmmütze) with the officer’s insignia (eagle and wreath).

• Equipment: He is armed with an MP40 Submachine Gun (Maschinenpistole 40). He also has a map case or pistol holster printed on his torso.

• Historical Background: The MP40 was a symbol of the German infantry leader. Unlike the bolt-action rifles used by regular soldiers, the MP40 was fully automatic, designed for close-quarters combat and leading charges.

5. The Machine Gunner (Second from Right)

This figure is the heavy fire support for the squad. He has an ammunition belt draped around his neck and torso.

• Equipment: He is manning a heavy machine gun on a tripod. Based on the barrel shape, this represents the MG34 or MG42 (Maschinengewehr).

• Historical Background: German infantry tactics revolved entirely around the machine gun. The rest of the squad (the riflemen) existed primarily to protect the machine gunner and supply him with ammunition. The MG42 was feared for its incredibly high rate of fire, sounding like “ripping canvas.”

6. The Rifleman (Far Right)

This figure is another standard infantry soldier, mirroring the one on the far left.

• Equipment: He is holding the standard issue Kar98k bolt-action rifle upright.

• Historical Background: Despite the fame of German machine guns and tanks, the Kar98k was the primary service weapon for the average German soldier throughout the entire war (1939–1945). It was accurate and reliable but had a slow rate of fire compared to the semi-automatic rifles used by the US Army later in the war.