British Army Black Watch Officer (Second Lieutenant) WWI – Custom Printed Brick Block Figure

Character Identification

• Character Name: WW1 British Army Black Watch Officer (Second Lieutenant)

• Faction / Origin: British Empire / Scottish Highland Regiments (Specifically the Black Watch / Royal Highlanders)

• Historical Era: World War I (c. 1914–1918)

• Block Compatibility: This brick figure is 100% compatible with major standard building blocks.

Detailed Character Description

(This premium building block figure utilizes incredibly detailed 360-degree UV printing to capture the highly distinct, traditional uniform worn by Scottish Highland officers serving in the British Army during the Great War.)

• Headgear & Accessories:

  • The figure is crowned with a traditional black Scottish Glengarry bonnet (cap).

  • The cap is highly detailed, featuring a red toorie (pom-pom) on top, a white regimental cap badge printed on the left side, and black ribbon tails hanging down the back.

  • He is armed with a highly detailed, custom-molded Webley Mk VI Revolver, the standard-issue sidearm for British officers.

  • In his left hand, he carries a traditional brown officer’s swagger stick (cane) with a painted silver/metallic tip and pommel.

• Facial Printing & Expression:

  • The face print captures a youthful but serious expression, featuring an open-mouthed, shouting demeanor, as if giving orders to charge across No Man’s Land.

• Torso & Upper Body Clothing (Front & Back):

  • The torso block depicts a crisp, tailored Khaki Service Dress officer’s tunic featuring a cut-away front, designed specifically to be worn with a kilt. He wears a collared shirt and tie underneath.

  • He is equipped with the iconic brown leather Sam Browne belt, featuring brass buckles and the distinctive diagonal cross-strap running over his right shoulder.

  • The tunic features detailed printing of four buttoned front pockets.

  • The back of the torso is elegantly simple, showing the continuation of the diagonal leather Sam Browne strap.

• Arms & Rank Insignia:

  • The arms feature printed white officer’s cuff ranks (intricate braiding on the lower sleeves), confirming his rank as a junior officer (Second Lieutenant).

• Legs & Footwear:

  • The upper leg blocks are the centerpiece of the figure, featuring a brilliantly printed Government Tartan kilt, historically known as the “Black Watch tartan” (dark blue, black, and green plaid). The printing covers the front, back, and sides of the upper legs.

  • The lower legs feature traditional Scottish diced hose (socks), printed with a striking red and black diamond pattern, worn over khaki spats.

  • The footwear consists of standard black/brown officer’s brogues.

Historical Background

The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) is one of the most famous and storied infantry regiments in the history of the British Army. Known for their fierce fighting spirit, they earned the terrifying nickname “The Ladies from Hell” (Die Damen aus der Hölle) from German troops during World War I, due to their ferocity in combat and their distinctive kilts.

During the early years of WW1, Scottish Highland regiments marched into battle wearing their traditional tartan kilts and Glengarry bonnets, exactly as depicted on this building block figure. While the standard British infantry adopted the steel Brodie helmet in 1916 to protect against shrapnel, many Highland regiments stubbornly continued to wear their traditional headgear into combat for as long as regulations allowed.

As a Second Lieutenant, this figure represents the youngest and most junior officers in the British Army. These men, often fresh out of university or public schools, were tasked with the incredibly dangerous job of leading their platoons “over the top” into enemy machine-gun fire. They carried Webley revolvers for close-quarters trench clearing and swagger sticks to direct their men.

Because their tailored tunics and unique kilts made them stand out so clearly to German snipers, the casualty rate among junior officers in Highland regiments was tragically high. Eventually, to reduce visibility, the British Army ordered the kilts to be covered with khaki fabric aprons, and the distinct cuff ranks were moved to the shoulders. This figure beautifully captures the proud, traditional look of the regiment before those grim realities set in.