Description

This minifigure represents a  German Panzer corps Corporal  (Gefreiter/Unteroffizier) of the German Panzer Corps during World War II. As part of Germany’s armoured divisions, Panzer troops became synonymous with blitzkrieg warfare — the rapid, combined-arms offensives that swept through Poland, France, and much of the Soviet Union between 1939–1942.

The Panzer uniform was distinct: typically black or field-grey, chosen because oil stains and soot from tanks would be less visible. The minifigure reflects this with the tunic and insignia, while the cap bears the eagle-and-cockade motif. Corporals were non-commissioned officers with leadership roles, often commanding tank crews as gunners or loaders, and sometimes even stepping in as temporary commanders under fire.

This soldier’s field equipment includes ammunition pouches, utility belts, and the Karabiner 98k rifle or MP40 submachine gun, standard personal arms carried by Panzer crewmen for defence when outside their tanks. His role, however, was most critical inside armoured vehicles such as the Panzer III, Panzer IV, Tiger, and Panther tanks.

The German Panzer divisions fought decisive battles across Europe: from the invasion of France in 1940, where tanks bypassed the Maginot Line through the Ardennes, to the vast tank clashes on the Eastern Front, including Operation Barbarossa and the monumental Battle of Kursk (1943) — the largest tank battle in history. Corporals ensured orders from sergeants and lieutenants were carried out, keeping morale steady inside cramped steel machines where coordination could mean the difference between victory and destruction.

The Panzer Corps became legendary for both its effectiveness and eventual attrition, as Allied production and air superiority overwhelmed German armour by 1944–45. This minifigure captures the look and responsibilities of a junior NCO in these formidable units.

Includes 1 x German Panzer corps Corporal minifigure disassembled.

Pcs: 8

Age rating: 14+