Minifigure – Royal Hungarian Army Junior NCO (Lance Corporal) WWII (LEGO Compatible)

Character Identification

Specific Name: WWII Royal Hungarian Army Junior NCO (Lance Corporal) (Magyar Királyi Honvédség – Őrvezető)

This figure represents a ranked soldier in the Royal Hungarian Army (Honvéd). While he shares the standard uniform with the previous figures, a specific detail on his collar marks him as a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), likely a Lance Corporal.

Visual Description

This custom-printed minifigure features subtle but historically critical insignia details:

• The Collar Insignia (Rank Marker): The most important feature distinguishing this figure is on the Green Collar Tab. If you look closely at the green “spearhead” patch, there is a visible Silver Star printed on it. In the Hungarian Army, stars on the collar patch (Paroli) indicated rank. A single star typically denoted an Őrvezető (Lance Corporal), acting as a second-in-command for a squad.

• Uniform: He wears the standard M1939 Khaki/Tan Tunic and trousers. The color represents the summer or temperate uniform used on the Eastern Front, distinct from the German field grey.

• Arm Patch: On his left sleeve, there appears to be a printed Rank Chevron or Unit Badge. This additional insignia reinforces his status as a ranked soldier rather than a standard private.

• Headgear: He wears the olive-green Steel Helmet (M37). The M37 was the Hungarian version of the German helmet, featuring a slightly different liner and often a bracket on the back for carrying on a backpack (though not visible here).

• Equipment:

  • Y-Straps: He wears the standard brown leather infantry suspenders.

  • Ammo Pouches: He is equipped with standard rifle ammunition pouches, indicating that despite his rank, his primary role is still that of a fighting rifleman (likely leading a fire team).

• Legs: He wears the late-war style short boots with Anklets/Gaiters printed on the lower legs.

Historical Background

• The Rank System: The Royal Hungarian Army used a unique system where rank was displayed on the collar tabs. A simple green patch meant Private (Honvéd). Adding stars raised the rank to Lance Corporal (Őrvezető), Corporal (Tizedes), and so on.

• Role in Combat: An Őrvezető was a crucial link in the chain of command. On the Eastern Front, where officer casualties were high, these junior leaders often had to take charge of squads during chaotic firefights against the Soviet Army.

• Defending the Homeland: By the time this style of uniform (with gaiters) was common, these junior NCOs were leading defensive actions in the Carpathians and the siege of their own capital, Budapest.