Minifigure – Republic of China Infantryman WWI (Beiyang Army Regular Soldier – Allied Powers) (LEGO Compatible) (Without Cap)

Character Identification

Specific Name: WWI Republic of China Infantryman (Beiyang Army Regular Soldier – Allied Powers)

This figure represents a standard enlisted infantryman of the Beiyang Army (North China Army) during the World War I era. This was the recognized military force of the Republic of China that declared war on the Central Powers in 1917, joining the Allies.

Visual Description

This custom-printed minifigure captures the specific uniform and equipment of the early Chinese Republic:

• The Headgear (Peaked Cap): He wears a light blue-grey Peaked Cap featuring distinct Red Piping around the top crown. On the front band, there is a Five-Pointed Star Badge, which was the standard emblem of the Beiyang forces (often representing the “Five Races Under One Union” flag of the era).

• Uniform: The soldier is dressed in the iconic Beiyang Blue-Grey Field Uniform. This distinct color separated the Northern Chinese troops from the khaki uniforms worn by Western Allied powers.

• Collar Insignia: On his collar, you can clearly see Red Rectangular Tabs with yellow/gold text reading “1-X 13”. In the Beiyang military system, red signified the Infantry branch, and the numbers identified his specific regiment or unit.

• Field Equipment: * Front: He wears brown leather Y-Strap Suspenders attached to a belt that holds two set of Mauser Ammunition Pouches. This heavily reflects the German military influence and training that the Beiyang Army received prior to WWI.

  • Back: The rear angle shows the continuation of the leather harness, a small field pouch, and a printed Bayonet Scabbard hanging on his left hip for close-quarters combat.

• Legwear: The lower legs feature detailed printing of Puttees (Leg Wrappings) tied with black cords, which were essential for infantrymen marching long distances in the early 20th century.

Historical Background

• China in WWI: The Beiyang Government of the Republic of China joined the Allied Powers (Entente) in 1917. While their most famous contribution was the Chinese Labour Corps (CLC) sent to Europe, the Beiyang government maintained a massive standing army at home equipped exactly like this figure.

• The Beiyang Army: Originally modernized by Yuan Shikai, this army was equipped with weapons like the Hanyang 88 or German Mauser rifles.

• The Warlord Era: After the end of WWI and the death of key leaders, soldiers wearing this exact uniform would soon find themselves fighting each other as the Beiyang Army fractured, plunging China into the chaotic Warlord Era.