Waffen-SS Bosnian Mountain Troop “Handschar” Infantryman (Oak Leaf Camouflage Smock) WWII – Custom Printed Brick Block Figure

English Title & Specific Name

• Figure Title: WWII Waffen-SS Bosnian Mountain Troop “Handschar” Infantryman (Oak Leaf Camouflage Smock)

• Historical Era: World War II (1939–1945)

• Faction / Military Branch: Waffen-SS / 13th Waffen Mountain Division “Handschar” (1st Croatian)

Detailed Character Identification, Description, and Historical Background

Character Identification This custom building block figure represents a frontline enlisted Infantryman serving in the 13th Waffen Mountain Division of the SS “Handschar.” The figure is identifiable as a member of this specific Balkan volunteer unit by the combination of the distinctive red fez headgear and the standard-issue Waffen-SS camouflage pull-over smock worn during combat operations against Yugoslav Partisans.

Detailed Character Description (Utilizing intricate 360-degree UV printing, this figure perfectly captures a heavily geared, combat-ready mountain soldier from the unique Handschar division.)

• Headgear & Face: The soldier wears the division’s signature Red Fez, designated by SS command to accommodate the religious practices of the Muslim volunteers. The front of the fez displays the silver SS national eagle perched above the Death’s Head (Totenkopf). A black tassel hangs from the rear. His face print conveys a rugged, grim expression with facial scarring, reflecting the brutal nature of partisan warfare.

• Torso (Camouflage Smock & Webbing): The figure is outfitted in a classic SS pull-over camouflage smock, printed in the autumnal version of the Eichenlaubmuster (Oak Leaf Pattern), consisting of dark browns, greens, and tans. The collar of his underlying field-grey tunic is visible at the neck, bearing the SS runic collar tabs. Worn over the smock is a complete set of printed infantry webbing, including black leather Y-straps and dual Kar98k rifle ammunition pouches resting on his waist belt. A stick grenade is tucked into his belt.

• Back & Side Gear: The 360-degree printing reveals extensive field gear on his back, including a highly detailed printed canvas assault pack (A-frame), a mess tin, and an entrenching tool (folding shovel). His left sleeve features printed rank chevrons.

• Legs & Footwear: His lower half consists of standard field-grey (Feldgrau) wool trousers. The legs transition into specialized mountain combat boots (Bergschuhe), which are printed with heavy hobnails and cleated edges, essential for gripping rocky, uneven Balkan terrain. Printed canvas gaiters wrap securely around his ankles.

Historical Background The 13th Waffen Mountain Division “Handschar” was deployed primarily in the rugged, mountainous terrain of the Independent State of Croatia (modern Bosnia and Herzegovina) to conduct anti-partisan operations against Tito’s communist forces. The combat environment was characterized by sudden, vicious ambushes and close-quarters fighting in dense forests and steep valleys.

Because of this harsh environment, these troops were heavily equipped as Gebirgsjäger (mountain infantry). The heavy hobnailed boots (Bergschuhe) printed on this figure were vital for traversing steep, icy rocks. While the bright red fez was officially intended for dress and off-duty wear (with a field-grey version issued for combat), photographic evidence shows that some Handschar soldiers occasionally wore the red fez into the field, creating a stark visual contrast against their advanced SS camouflage smocks.