British Westminster Dragoons (Sword Pose) WWI – Custom Printed Brick Block Figure

Character Identification

This custom building block figure represents a British Cavalryman of the Westminster Dragoons (officially the 2nd County of London Yeomanry) operating in the Middle Eastern theater of the First World War. He is distinctly identified by the red, white, and blue triangular flash printed on the side of his pith helmet, his specialized cavalry leatherwork, and his light blue “greyback” shirt, which was commonly worn in the scorching desert heat in place of a heavy tunic.

Detailed Character Description

(Utilizing precise 360-degree UV printing, this figure meticulously captures the pragmatic, hot-weather field gear of a British cavalry trooper enduring the grueling conditions of the Sinai and Palestine Campaign.)

• Headgear & Face: The figure wears a sand-colored Wolseley pattern pith helmet, highly textured to represent the traditional cork and cloth construction. The left side features the distinctive red, white, and blue regimental flash of the Westminster Dragoons. His face print displays a determined expression accompanied by a full, rugged red beard and mustache, reflecting the relaxed grooming standards of long desert patrols.

• Torso (Greyback Shirt & Cavalry Bandolier): Instead of the standard Khaki Drill tunic, this trooper is fighting in his light blue-grey collarless undershirt (often called a “greyback”), a common practice among soldiers attempting to survive the extreme Middle Eastern heat. Slung diagonally across his chest is the iconic 1903 Pattern leather cavalry bandolier. This is intricately printed with five individual pouches designed to hold 50 rounds of ammunition for the Lee-Enfield rifle. He also wears a matching brown leather waist belt with additional ammunition pouches.

• Back & Side Gear: The 360-degree printing wraps the bandolier and waist belt seamlessly around the figure. His back is detailed with a printed canvas small pack (haversack) and a standard-issue blue enameled water bottle secured in a leather carrier—an absolute necessity for desert survival. The left sleeve features subtle blue printed rank stripes.

• Legs & Footwear: His lower half features khaki riding breeches that transition into dark olive-drab puttees (tightly wrapped cloth strips for leg support). The legs terminate in heavy brown cavalry riding boots, complete with printed straps and metal heel spurs for controlling a mount.

• Weaponry: The dragoon is armed with a molded silver and brown Pattern 1908 Cavalry Sword, widely considered one of the finest cavalry sabers ever designed. The weapon features a large, bowl-shaped guard to protect the hand and a textured reddish-brown grip.

Historical Background

The Westminster Dragoons were a volunteer Yeomanry cavalry regiment of the British Army. During World War I, they were deployed away from the static, muddy trenches of the Western Front and sent to the sprawling deserts of the Middle East, serving in Egypt, Gallipoli, and the Sinai and Palestine Campaign against the Ottoman Empire.

In this theater, horse cavalry remained a devastatingly effective tactical force. The vast, open deserts allowed for rapid sweeping maneuvers and aggressive charges that were no longer possible in Europe. The harsh climate dictated their attire; the intense heat caused many soldiers to discard their heavy wool Khaki Drill tunics and fight in their light, breathable greyback undershirts, while the Wolseley pith helmet was issued to prevent heatstroke. Armed with the exceptionally well-designed Pattern 1908 Cavalry Sword, regiments like the Westminster Dragoons participated in some of the last great mounted cavalry actions in modern military history.