Pioneer
Our pioneer is dressed for winter on the Western Front
He is equipped for trench or dugout construction close to the front line as his helmet is covered to prevent reflection, and he is wearing his gas mask in the "ready" position so that it can be pulled from its case and slipped over his face quickly.
He is wearing waders to protect against the water in which he must work, and his scarf, mittens and jerkin help keep out the cold. Between his legs he supports the tools of his trade; a pick and shovel.
The pioneer combines the artisan and construction skills of the engineer with the combat skills of the infantryman. He operates close to the front line to undertake tasks like building fighting or defensive positions in the complex trench networks of the Western Front.
Explore pioneer 3D model
On this day
On this day
3 June
1942 — Battle of MIDWAY began. This decisive victory by the US Navy over the Japanese Navy shifted the balance of sea power in the Pacific and forced Japan to abandon plans to attack New Caledonia, Fiji and Samoa. Japanese losses were 4 aircraft carriers, 1 cruiser, 248 aircraft, and over 3,000 sailors. American losses were 1 aircraft carrier, 1 destroyer, 150 aircraft, and 307 men
1944 — 78 Squadron, RAAF, carried out the last major air combat by the RAAF in WW2, off BIAK Island, New Guinea. 10 enemy planes were shot down for the loss of one Australian plane and pilot
1969 — HMAS MELBOURNE collided with USS FRANK E EVANS in the South China Sea. EVANS was cut in half and 74 of her crew were killed