Minifigure – German Stormtrooper (Stoßtrupp) WWII (LEGO Compatible)

The Figure: WWI German Stormtrooper (Stoßtrupp)

This image displays a toy minifigure body representing a German Stormtrooper from the late stages of World War I (circa 1917–1918). The product name “MP18 Submachine Gunner” confirms his role as a specialized assault trooper.

• Uniform & Appearance: He wears the late-war Field Grey (Feldgrau) Tunic. Notably, he does not wear the tall jackboots typical of early WWII; instead, his legs feature printed Puttees (leg wraps) and ankle boots. This was a standard modification for German troops later in WWI to save leather and improve mobility in muddy trenches.

• Tactical Gear (Front): The torso is heavily printed with “trench raider” equipment.

  • Grenades: A Stick Grenade (Stielhandgranate) is tucked into his belt, a hallmark of stormtrooper tactics.

  • Holster: On his right hip, there is a brown leather holster, likely for a close-quarters pistol (like a Luger P08 or Mauser C96).

  • Pouches: He wears long magazine pouches specialized for carrying ammunition for the MP18 Submachine Gun (the first practical SMG used in combat).

• Reinforcements: The knees feature printed Leather Patches. Stormtroopers often crawled through No Man’s Land and barbed wire, so reinforced knees were a practical necessity.

• Equipment (Back): The back print details a Trench Shovel (Schanzzeug) tucked into the belt—used as much for melee combat as for digging—and a canvas bread bag.

• Head: He has a bald head with a mustache and a scar/smudge, depicting a gritty veteran.

Historical Background: The Stoßtruppen (Stormtroopers) were elite German infantry created to break the deadlock of trench warfare. Unlike regular infantry who marched in lines, Stormtroopers used infiltration tactics, moving in small groups to bypass strongpoints and attack from the rear. They were heavily armed with grenades, pistols, trench knives, and the newly invented MP18, which gave them devastating firepower in the narrow confines of enemy trenches. This figure perfectly captures the transition from old-school warfare to modern infantry tactics.