Description

This minifigure is a Panzer Corporal ‘Oberschutze’ crewman of the rank Oberschütze (corporal-equivalent), serving in the Panzerwaffe, the armoured force of the Wehrmacht during the Second World War. Panzer troops were at the heart of Germany’s blitzkrieg tactics, combining speed, shock, and firepower to overwhelm enemies from Poland in 1939 to the vast steppes of the Soviet Union.

The rank of Oberschütze, literally “senior rifleman,” was one step above private and typically given to experienced enlisted men who demonstrated reliability but had not yet become NCOs. In Panzer units, an Oberschütze might serve as a loader, radio operator, or driver, vital roles in keeping the tank functioning under combat conditions.

The Panzer crew uniform was distinctive: black wool wrap tunic and trousers, chosen both for practicality in tank interiors and for its intimidating appearance. The black colour helped conceal grease and oil stains, while the tunic featured pink piping to denote armoured units. The iconic side cap (Feldmütze) or Panzer beret was worn early in the war, later replaced by the M43 field cap or steel helmet in combat.

Crewmen operated legendary German tanks such as the Panzer III and IV, the fearsome Tiger I, and the advanced Panther. At battles like Kursk (1943), Panzer crews fought against swarms of Soviet T-34s in one of history’s largest tank clashes. Despite their training and equipment, they often faced mechanical breakdowns, fuel shortages, and overwhelming Allied numbers.

This minifigure highlights the critical yet often overlooked role of lower-ranking Panzer crewmen like the Oberschütze. They may not have worn the insignia of officers, but they kept Germany’s armoured spearhead rolling across battlefields until the war’s bitter end.

Includes 1 x Panzer Corporal ‘Oberschutze’ minifigure disassembled.

Pcs: 9

Age rating: 14+