Minifigure – Royal Marine Light Infantry (RMLI) Officer / Senior NCO(The “Blue Marine” Squad Leader) WWI (LEGO Compatible)

Character Identification

Specific Name: WWI Royal Marine Light Infantry (RMLI) Officer / Senior NCO (The “Blue Marine” Squad Leader)

In the context of the early First World War (1914), this figure represents a squad leader of the Royal Marine Light Infantry fighting in the Royal Naval Division, still wearing the dress blue uniform before the full transition to khaki.

Visual Description

This custom-printed minifigure distinguishes itself from the regular sailors with higher-ranking insignia and more formal military attire:

• Uniform (The “Blue Marine”): He wears the distinctive Dark Blue Tunic of the Royal Marines.

  • The “Blood Stripe”: A crucial detail is the thin Red Stripe running down the side of his trousers. This is a traditional element of the Royal Marine dress uniform, famously nicknamed the “Blood Stripe.”

• Rank Insignia: On his left arm, there are Three Red Chevrons, identifying him as a Sergeant. Above the stripes, there is a small red trade badge or regimental insignia.

• Officer/Leader Gear:

  • Sam Browne Belt: Unlike the regular infantry, he wears a leather Sam Browne Belt with a cross-strap over his right shoulder. This equipment was typically reserved for Officers and Warrant Officers, indicating his status as a leader.

  • Pistol Holster: A brown leather Revolver Holster is prominent on his right hip, likely carrying a Webley Mk IV or Mk V service revolver.

  • Whistle Lanyard: A green Lanyard (Cord) is printed on his chest. Whistles were essential for officers and NCOs to signal commands (like “Over the Top”) over the noise of battle.

• Legs: He wears dark boots with gaiters, differing from the white canvas spats of the lower-ranking naval troops.

Historical Background

• RMLI vs. RMA: The Royal Marines were divided into the “Blue Marines” (Royal Marine Artillery) and the “Red Marines” (Royal Marine Light Infantry). However, in the field with the Royal Naval Division (RND) in 1914, the RMLI also wore these blue service dress uniforms.

• 1914 Deployment: When Winston Churchill deployed the RND to defend Antwerp in late 1914, many marines and sailors arrived in these blue uniforms. The bright blue made them conspicuous targets for German snipers, leading to a rapid (and often improvised) switch to army khaki later in the war.

• The Role: As a Sergeant or NCO, this character would have led a section of marines in the trenches, using his whistle to direct fire and movement during the chaotic early battles of WWI.