Mineur Pioner-Regiment Nr 49, Prusia 1745

The figure represents a Prussian sapper miner of the Sappers Regiment Nr. 49 of Frederick the Great’s army. 

The main function of sappers, who are also known as military engineers, is to facilitate the movement of their own or allied armies and to hamper the advance of their enemies. To this end, they construct and ensure the safety of bridges or roads; they are responsible for digging trenches and tunnels which allow enemy fortifications to be accessed and mined.

 They also specialize in the use of explosives to destroy bridges and fortifications.