Minifigure – Late-War German Infantry Squad outfitted M45 Leibermuster Camouflage uniform from World War II (LEGO Compatible)

This image displays a set of three toy minifigures representing a Late-War German Infantry Squad from World War II.

The defining feature of this specific set is that all three soldiers are wearing the extremely rare M45 Leibermuster Camouflage uniform. This pattern, characterized by irregular black “carbon” spots over splashes of tan, green, and brown, was introduced in 1945 and was intended to replace all previous camouflage patterns for both the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS.

Here is a detailed introduction to each figure from left to right:

Leibermuster Assault Trooper (StG 44) This figure represents an elite assault soldier equipped with advanced late-war weaponry.

• Weapon: He is armed with the Sturmgewehr 44 (StG 44), historically significant as the world’s first true assault rifle.

• Gear: He wears a specialized tactical chest rig with three curved magazine pouches, specifically designed to hold the curved 30-round magazines of the StG 44.

• Accessories: Below him is a standard Field Grey M43 Cap.

Leibermuster Squad Leader (MP40) This figure represents a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) or squad leader.

• Weapon: He carries an MP40 Submachine Gun (Maschinenpistole 40), the standard automatic weapon for German section leaders.

• Gear: He wears a green chest rig with vertical pouches to hold the stick magazines for his MP40.

• Accessories: Distinctively, the M43 field cap accessory below him is printed in the matching Leibermuster Camouflage pattern, unlike the grey ones for the other figures.

Leibermuster Machine Gunner (MG42) This figure represents the squad’s heavy fire support.

• Weapon: He holds the fearsome MG42 Machine Gun (Maschinengewehr 42), often called “Hitler’s Buzzsaw” due to its rapid rate of fire.

• Gear: To support his weapon, he has ammunition belts draped over his shoulders and chest, ready for immediate use.

• Accessories: Below him is a standard Field Grey M43 Cap.

Historical Background: The Leibermuster (M45) camouflage pattern is famous among military historians because it was technologically ahead of its time. The black dye used in the pattern was made with special carbon compounds designed to absorb infrared light. This was done to help German soldiers hide from the early infrared night-vision devices that American and British snipers had begun using in 1945. Because the war ended shortly after its introduction, this uniform saw very limited service, mostly on the Eastern Front (Czechoslovakia) and during the final defense of Germany. This set depicts the “last stand” of the German military.