French 638th Infantry Regiment Field Tunic Soldier WWII – Custom Printed Brick Block Figure

English Title & Specific Name

Figure Title: French 638th Infantry Regiment Field Tunic Soldier WWII

Historical Era: World War II / 1941–1944

Faction / Military Branch: French LVF volunteers / German Army (Wehrmacht), 638th Infantry Regiment

Detailed Character Identification, Description, and Historical Background

Character Identification

This custom printed brick block figure portrays an unnamed French volunteer of the 638th Infantry Regiment in a gray field tunic. Its black helmet, French tricolor shield, printed ammunition pouches and light gaiter details distinguish it from the greatcoat version.

Detailed Character Description

• Headgear & Face: A dark helmet has gold-brown weathered-looking edges, a white German eagle-and-swastika design on one side and a French tricolor on the opposite side. The face has dark brows, a small closed mouth and reddish cheek lines.
• Torso & Uniform: The gray tunic displays outlined breast pockets, buttons, pale collar bars, dark green shoulder details and a small eagle-shaped breast print. A dark circular upper-arm motif contrasts with the French tricolor shield visible on the other arm.
• Printed Equipment: Black ammunition pouches flank a pale circular belt buckle. A small metallic-looking front equipment motif and the diagonal yellow-brown detail remain printed artwork; the hands are empty.
• Rear Printing: The back carries dark seam outlines above a green-brown bag-shaped print and yellow-brown equipment shapes at the belt. The rear gallery also shows the French helmet tricolor and arm shield.
• Legs & Footwear: Gray trousers continue with dark fold outlines. Pale yellow-green gaiter-like printing and black shoes have highlighted seams, toe edges and side buckle details.
• Pictured Headgear: The full figure is presented with its pictured dark helmet. The different poses and front/rear layout show the same figure design.

Historical / Thematic Background

The 638th Infantry Regiment was the German Army formation associated with the Légion des volontaires français contre le bolchévisme, usually abbreviated LVF. Organized after Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the LVF recruited French collaborationist volunteers for service on the Eastern Front. Its French personnel wore German uniforms while retaining distinctive national identification.

The unit entered combat near Moscow in December 1941 and subsequently took part in anti-partisan operations. This history places the regiment within the military collaboration that followed the German occupation of France. The 638th designation refers to its Wehrmacht service; the transfer of surviving personnel into Waffen-SS formations occurred later in 1944.

The field-tunic figure combines a German-style helmet and gray uniform with the French tricolor visible on the helmet and sleeve. Its pocket printing, belt pouches and gaiter details create an infantry appearance. These elements make the tunic version visually distinct from the heavier coat and covered-face treatment of the companion figure.

As an unnamed soldier, this miniature can be used in a historical display about foreign volunteers in German service or the occupation-era choices made in France. The contrasting national and military markings are central to that subject. Its context includes collaboration and the violence of the Eastern Front, alongside the everyday clothing and equipment represented by the printed design.