WWII Makin Island Raider [Real Edition]

After several iterations of Marine Raiders I've made over the years, I wanted to finally tackle a Raider in the exact configuration they appeared as during the infamous Makin Island raid. The research for this figure was incredibly difficult due to lack of source images, and contradicting claims by collectors and authors. 

Wading through source imagery and accounts, I've tried to piece together an accurate representation of these Raiders. Prior to the adoption of the frogskin camouflage covers, the Raider Battalions widely adopted their own unique covers, fashioned from surplus burlap material. Although commonly attributed to the raid, their planned khaki uniforms, dyed black, remained aboard the sub, replaced by the standard P41 dungarees. Equipment wise, these men traveled light, leaving their packs behind, although interestingly seemed to universally carry the early "kidney" gas mask bag, fearing Japanese chemical attack. Each man did however, carry as much ammunition as possible, with many pictured utilizing the grenade vests to carry more grenades, or additional magazines. On their feet, they wore the distinctive "Raider" logging boots, similar to airborne jump boots, acquired on the west coast while training. In total, I've tried to blend these details with the standard dungaree uniform to create the most accurate representation of these men as they landed in 1942. 

One of the first offensive actions by the US following Pearl Harbor, the 2nd Marine Raiders, also known as Carlson's Raiders for their beloved commander, attempted one of the first submarine landed special operations in military history. Well known for being armed with superior firepower, the Raiders were the first formations in the Marine Corps to receive the new M1 rifles, adding to their arsenals of BARs, Thompsons, and Reisings distributed liberally to each fire team. In preparation for the raid, their khaki dress uniforms were dyed black for nighttime concealment, but were quickly abandoned as training raids pointed out, these uniforms contrasted even more heavily than their dungarees against the sandy beaches at night, and did not provide the same level of durability in the field. 

The raid was costly, as many assaulting Raiders were picked off by Japanese snipers and machine gun nests, prior to eliminating the small garrison. The following exfiltration proved to be especially disastrous. With most of their boat motors damaged arriving on the island, less than 100 of the original 211 Marines were able to return to the awaiting sub. The remaining Raiders attempted to swim back to the submarine, or rig together rafts fashioned from their swamped boats and native canoes. Removing their uniforms and equipment to swim, most arrived back to the submarine naked, but luckily finding their unused dyed uniforms to wear home. The 9 men left behind in the confusion were eventually captured, and executed in captivity. The raid as a whole was considered a failure, failing to capture any of the intended Japanese prisoners and intelligence, or diverting any troops in the Solomons away from landings on Guadalcanal. Proving the island chain to be a weak area, the raid did unfortunately lead to heavier Japanese garrisoning and defensive preparations in the theatre, leading to much higher US casualties during the future Marshall and Gilberts Islands campaigns. The raid did however, provide much needed morale among the Marine Corps and general public in the wake of Pearl Harbor, similar to the ill fated but effective Doolittle Raid. Additionally, it proved the viability of small unit tactics, automatic firepower, and further paved the way for future special operations.

Original Proof Copy - 1 of 1, first complete minifigure out of the printer. Signature by Landon Reimer, serial numbered, and sealed plastic collectors slab with Brick Warp artwork. 

Collectors Edition - Signed by Landon Reimer, serial numbered, and sealed plastic collectors slab with Brick Warp artwork.

Base Model - Complete figure in hand-stamped numbered case inspired by WWII era packaging. Unsealed. This packaging again, is hand-stamped and is not intended to look perfect. 

• Custom printed BrickArms M1 Steel Pot helmet with burlap artwork 
• Custom printed minifigure head 
• P1941 HBT utility uniform (early pockets) 
• Marine contract M1923 cartridge belt
• Marine Depot grenade vest
• P1941 pack suspenders
• P2 Marine canteen cover 
• Army "Kidney" gas mask bag 
• White Early War USMC undershirt
• Raider logging boots
• Inside leg Marine cuffed dungarees printing 
• Holographically sealed packaging (original and collectors edition) 
• Hand stamped WWII inspired packaging (base model) 

LEGAL INFO: This is not a LEGO® Product. LEGO and the LEGO minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this product. The LEGO Group is not liable for any loss, injury or damage arising from the use or misuse of this product.