Minifigure – Royal Naval Division (RND) “Bluejacket” Squad WWI (LEGO Compatible)

Product Overview: WWI Royal Naval Division (RND) “Bluejacket” Squad

(British Royal Marines & Naval Infantry – 1914 Era)

This set represents a Royal Naval Division section from the early years of World War I (1914–1915). These unique soldiers were sailors and marines who fought on land (notably at the Siege of Antwerp and the Gallipoli Campaign) wearing their navy blue uniforms before the British military standardized on khaki.

Here is the breakdown of the six characters, generally organized from top-left to bottom-right:

1. The Squad Leader (Top Left)

Specific Name: Royal Marine Light Infantry (RMLI) Sergeant

• Visual Description: This figure represents the leader of the squad. He wears the dark blue tunic distinguished by a leather Sam Browne Belt with a cross-strap, a piece of equipment reserved for officers and senior NCOs.

• Key Detail: A green Whistle Lanyard is printed on his chest, used to signal commands like “Charge” or “Cease Fire” over the noise of battle.

• Rank: The Red Chevrons on his arm identify him as a Sergeant.

2. The Rifleman (Top Middle)

Specific Name: Royal Naval Division Infantryman / Marine

• Visual Description: The standard “Bluejacket” infantryman. He wears the classic Navy Blue Tunic with the white-striped sailor’s collar (jean collar) visible at the neck.

• Combat Gear: He is equipped with a brown leather Ammunition Bandolier draped across his chest and standard leather belt pouches marked with a “2”. This was the typical loadout for naval reservists deployed as foot soldiers.

3. The Heavy Weapons Specialist (Top Right)

Specific Name: Vickers Machine Gunner

• Visual Description: This soldier is easily identified by the two crossed belts of Machine Gun Ammunition printed on his chest.

• Face Print: He features a printed Chin Strap on his jawline, simulating a helmet or cap strapped tight for combat.

• Role: He would operate the heavy Vickers or Lewis machine guns to provide covering fire for the rest of the squad.

4. The Medic (Bottom Left)

Specific Name: Sick Berth Attendant (SBA) / Combat Medic

• Visual Description: Distinguished by the Red Cross strap running across his chest. He wears a heavy canvas vest with pouches for medical supplies.

• Unique Detail: A grey Wrench/Tool is tucked into his belt, and he has a Stubble/Beard print. In the Royal Navy, unlike the Army, “Docs” and sailors were permitted to grow beards.

5. The Trench Raider (Bottom Middle)

Specific Name: Assault Trooper / Combat Engineer

• Visual Description: This figure depicts a soldier equipped for storming enemy trenches. He wears a Grey Helmet/Hood print and has a heavy yellow Climbing Rope coiled around his torso.

• Weaponry: Instead of rifle pouches, he carries a Pistol Holster on his chest for close-quarters combat in narrow trenches.

6. The Grenadier (Bottom Right)

Specific Name: Veteran Bomber / Grenadier Corporal

• Visual Description: This figure represents a hardened veteran, indicated by his full Grey Beard.

• Combat Gear: He wears a specialized Heavy Canvas Vest with multiple small buttoned pockets covering his entire torso. These pouches were historically used to carry early hand grenades (bombs) or demolition charges for clearing enemy bunkers.

Historical Background

• “Winston’s Little Army”: Formed by Winston Churchill in 1914 because the Royal Navy had too many men and not enough ships, the Royal Naval Division fought as infantry.

• The Blue Uniforms: In the early battles (Antwerp 1914), they famously fought in these blue naval uniforms. The bright color made them easy targets, so they were later switched to khaki, making this specific “Blue” look a rare and historically significant appearance known as the “Antwerp Defenders.”