French Alpine Troops Mountain Infantry (Chasseur Alpin) WW2 – Custom Printed Brick Block Figure

this picture showcases a single, highly detailed custom building block figure from multiple perspectives (Front, Behind, Side-Right, and Side-Left), alongside a dynamic action pose.

This figure represents a member of the legendary elite mountain troops of the French Army, operating during the early 20th century, encompassing either the World War I or early World War II eras.

Here is the detailed English description, specific character identification, and historical background for this unique military figure.

Character Identification: The “Blue Devil”

• Specific Name: French Mountain Infantryman / Chasseur Alpin

• Role: Elite light infantry trained specifically for combat, survival, and traversal in extreme, high-altitude mountainous environments (such as the Alps).

Detailed Visual Breakdown

• Headgear (The Iconic “Tarte“): The most defining feature of this figure is the oversized, dark blue beret covering his head. In the French military, this unique headgear is affectionately known as the “tarte” (pie). Printed on the front is a white/silver hunting horn (cor de chasse), the traditional emblem of light infantry and chasseur units.

• Facial Features: The figure features a determined expression complete with a classic, styled brown mustache, fitting the historical aesthetic of a French soldier from the early-to-mid 20th century.

• Upper Body Uniform:

  • He wears a distinctive dark blue tunic, which separated them visually from the standard French infantry who wore horizon blue or khaki.

  • His collar features pointed green and yellow collar tabs, denoting his specific unit and branch.

  • Yellow chevron/diamond insignias are printed on his sleeves, indicating his rank or specialty.

  • Webbing & Gear: He is equipped with printed brown leather Y-straps, a waist belt, and dual ammunition pouches on his chest. A light grey strap crosses his chest diagonally.

• Back Profile (Behind): The rear printing reveals the continuation of his leather webbing. Attached to his belt is a brown canteen/water flask and a grey canvas haversack or gas mask bag.

• Lower Body (Alpine Winter Gear):

  • He is dressed in white trousers, representing the winter or snow-camouflage over-pants used by alpine troops in snowy mountain terrain.

  • His lower legs are wrapped in dark blue puttees (leg wraps) that tuck into black mountain boots.

  • In the “Side-Left” view, a printed bayonet and scabbard can be seen hanging from his belt.

• Weapon Accessory: The main action figure holds a plastic building block accessory representing a wooden-stocked, bolt-action military rifle (likely representing a French Berthier, Lebel, or MAS-36 rifle).

Historical Background: Les Diables Bleus

This figure captures the distinct and proud heritage of France’s most elite mountain warriors.

• Origins: The Chasseurs Alpins were created in the late 1880s to respond to the threat of Italian mountain troops (the Alpini) along the rugged Alpine border. They were trained to ski, climb, and survive in freezing, hostile environments where standard infantry could not operate.

• The “Blue Devils” of WW1: During World War I, these troops fought brutal, high-altitude campaigns in the Vosges mountains. Because of their dark blue uniforms (unlike the rest of the French army) and their fierce, relentless fighting style, the opposing German forces nicknamed them “Schwarze Teufel” or “Blue Devils” (Les Diables Bleus).

• World War II & The Resistance: In WW2, the Chasseurs Alpins fought valiantly during the 1940 Battle of France and the Norwegian campaign at Narvik. After the fall of France, many of these highly trained mountain soldiers fled into the Alps and formed the backbone of the Maquis (the French Resistance), using their expert knowledge of the terrain to wage a guerrilla war against the occupying German and Italian forces.