Zvesda German Infantry WWI

The Zvesda German Infantry WWI (HC-Z8083) depicts German troops of the First World War. Drawing on the manufacturer’s notes, the subject covers frontline service and the characteristic small arms and support weapons used by infantry across multiple theatres of the conflict.

Historical Overview

• Germany entered World War I on 1 August 1914, declaring war on Russia, and subsequently on France and the British Empire on 3–4 August.
• German forces fought on the Western, Eastern, Italian, and Balkan fronts.
• Infantry were equipped with Mauser 98 standard magazine rifles, alongside Mauser, Luger, and Dreyse pistols.
• From 1916, troops employed Stielhandgranate anti-personnel grenades.
• The MG 08 heavy machine gun, a German version of the Maxim gun, provided crucial support and proved especially effective during trench warfare.
• By the end of the war, Germany introduced the MP18, its first submachine gun.

This subject highlights key weapons and developments seen with German infantry during WWI, offering a concise reference to the arms commonly associated with the period.