Chinese Eighth Route Army Mortarman of Justice Behind Enemy Lines Mortarman (Blue-Grey Uniform) WWII – Custom Printed Brick Block Figure

English Translation & Specific Name

• English Translation / Figure Title: WWII Chinese Army of Justice Behind Enemy Lines – Mortarman (Blue-Grey Uniform)

• Historical Era: Second Sino-Japanese War / World War II (1937–1945)

• Faction: Chinese Armed Forces (Eighth Route Army / Guerrilla Forces)

Detailed Character Identification, Description, and Historical Background

Character Identification This custom building block figure represents a specialized Mortar Gunner (迫击炮手) serving in the Chinese forces operating behind enemy lines during the Second Sino-Japanese War. He is instantly recognizable by his standard blue-grey cotton uniform, iconic soft field cap, and the specialized, large-capacity chest pouches required to carry heavy mortar shells into battle.

Detailed Character Description (Utilizing highly detailed 360-degree UV printing, this figure captures the utilitarian equipment and rugged reality of a specialized heavy-weapons soldier navigating treacherous wartime terrain.)

• Headgear & Face: The figure wears a classic blue-grey soft field cap featuring two printed front buttons and a prominent white circular badge on the crown (historically serving as a placeholder for the Blue Sky, White Sun national emblem). His face print portrays a focused, battle-weary expression, accented by a distinct red star-shaped scar or wound on his left cheek, highlighting the dangerous nature of his frontline duties.

• Torso (Uniform & Heavy Ordinance Gear): He is outfitted in a traditional blue-grey cotton military tunic, featuring printed collar lapels and fabric folds. On his left sleeve, a printed white rectangular armband denotes his specific unit or army group affiliation (a hallmark of the Eighth Route Army).

  • Tactical Gear: The defining feature of this mortarman is his khaki canvas chest rig. Unlike standard riflemen who carry small clips of ammunition, this soldier is equipped with two massive, rectangular pouches secured by brown leather-style straps and brass buckles. These specialized pouches were essential for carrying heavy, explosive mortar rounds. A thick canvas strap runs diagonally across his chest to help bear the immense weight of his equipment.

• Legs & Footwear: His lower half features matching blue-grey trousers. To protect his legs during grueling mountain marches, his lower calves are tightly wrapped in black puttees (cloth leg wraps) secured with white tying cords. He wears traditional black cloth shoes with white soles, accurately reflecting the peasant roots and industrial supply shortages of the Chinese forces at the time.

Historical Background During the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), Chinese forces operating “behind enemy lines” (such as the Eighth Route Army and the New Fourth Army) relied heavily on guerrilla warfare and highly mobile light infantry tactics. Because they severely lacked heavy artillery, tanks, and air support, mortars were considered high-value, devastating assets.

A mortar could provide crucial indirect fire over hills and into enemy trenches, making them the ultimate equalizers in mountainous ambushes. The mortarmen tasked with operating these weapons had to manually carry the heavy iron mortar tubes, baseplates, and bulky explosive shells on their backs and chests for dozens of miles a day on foot. The blue-grey uniform made of coarse, locally dyed cotton and the handmade cloth shoes perfectly encapsulate the extreme resourcefulness of a military force fighting a highly mechanized enemy with sheer willpower and grassroots logistics.