Wehrmacht infantry equipment. Military archeology

Original collectible pieces of captured German weapons or equipment carry a special energy. Military equipment, aviation, artillery, firearms, weapon accessories and equipment- all this, in general, is the level of development of science and technology of a particular power. After all, it is military technology They always go one step ahead of civilians. War trophies are, first of all, material proof of the military valor and strength of the winner. Technical excellence armies of the Third Reich in many areas of military affairs it is impossible to deny. The victorious march of the Wehrmacht across Europe, the huge losses of the Red Army in the first years of the Second World War - all these are indicators of the unprecedented power of the German military machine, using advanced technologies throughout Western Europe and innovative methods of warfare. And what strong enemy did our grandfathers defeat? Collecting trophies of the Third Reich: equipment, uniforms and weapons has nothing to do with ideological views and National Socialist ideas. On the contrary, it is necessary to preserve the trophies of the Second World War - the cultural and historical value of which cannot be underestimated.

On this page of our online catalog we present items of German equipment for reconstruction:Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe military equipment, made according to original samples and patterns, new-made ammunition of soldiers of the Third Reich, copies accessories for German firearms from WWII, replicas of holsters and pouches, replicas of shoulder straps for the Mauser rifle and MP40 submachine gun,

You can order from us:

• a copy of a German WWII-era sword belt;
• restored gas mask tanks;
• German flasks for reconstruction;
• replicas of belts and buckles of the Third Reich;
• new-made German backpacks;
• various accessories for small arms;
• holsters and cartridge belts for reconstruction;
• shoulder straps (copies);

Reconstruction of equipment of German soldiers of the Second World War.

The time has long passed when reenactors were confused with role-players. Today, historical reconstruction is often no longer just a hobby, but also serious work - research, studying crafts and restoration work, regular intensive training, working with young people, performing in front of audiences, and much more. The reconstruction movement has existed for centuries. Back in the 17th century, certain historical events and victories were recreated for the public so that people would not forget their history. In post-revolutionary Russia, the first reconstruction was carried out in 1920 - the storming of the Winter Palace, a costumed military “show” in which about 10 thousand people took part. Reconstruction of the Second World War in the Soviet Union originated in the 80s, when the first attempts were made to create mass events. Almost every reenactor has a sufficient number of original antique items, since it is our custom for everything to look as authentic as possible. Particular attention is paid, in particular, to the life of a soldier: to have money from those times, wallets in his pockets, and to have soap, a razor, and a toothbrush with him. Many have a fully equipped duffel bag or backpack, some kind of food in their cracker bags, some have old German newspapers.

Obergrenadier Martin Eichenseer, appointed commander of the 916th Grenadier Regiment (352nd Infantry Division), fought against US Army units on June 6, 1944 in Normandy during the American landings on Omaha Beach. After the war, he recalled the following: “I was loaded like a pack donkey, about 7 cartridge belts for MGs hung around my neck, 20 M39 grenades (“eggs”) stuffed into all my pockets and 20 M24 grenades (“beaters”), which I "I put it in my belt, in the tops of my boots and in my backpack. I had a rifle hanging on my back and about 500 rounds of ammunition in each hand, that’s how I prevented the advance."
Waffen-SS Sturmann Konrad, who was a sapper during the war and later a Panzergrenadier in the 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich, simply notes the fact: “Our pockets were always filled with what was necessary for survival at the front. Very often we walked went into battle lightly, leaving behind some of the equipment, but at the same time our pockets were tightly packed with ammunition and food."
Karl Wegner was a simple private grenadier in the 914th Grenadier Regiment (352nd Infantry Division), when asked what he carried in his pockets during the war, he replied: “Wallet, penknife, crust of bread, small book, like a Bible , and my French dictionary. These were all useful things."

Buy copies of 3rd Reich

We are always ready to help you purchase copies of certain rare accessories and items from the times of the First and Second World Wars, that is, remakes. made from original antiques. Contact our online catalog at any time, place orders, which will be completed as quickly as possible.

The WAS special project is dedicated to the 72nd anniversary of the surrender of Nazi Germany. Study and compare infantry uniforms from the seven armies that fought in the European theater of World War II.

Andrey, 35 years old, elevator installation engineer

Uniform: Wehrmacht, 1945

WHAT WE WORN

This is a 1940 uniform set, but it could also be seen at the end of the war. In 1945, the German army was already using uniforms from different times. The supply was disrupted, and everything they had was given out from the warehouses. The kit did not remain in use for long even after the war, in the occupation zones until the formation of the GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany.

The German uniform made of woolen cloth is considered hot for the summer, but it is comfortable. In autumn and early spring it is much better than the cotton tunic of the Red Army. During these seasons the Germans were in a more advantageous position.

DETAILS

Caps of the 1943 model entered the Wehrmacht instead of caps. The headdresses of mountain rangers were taken as a sample. Unlike a cap, a cap has a visor to protect the eyes from rain and sun. The flaps are detachable to cover the ears and neck. Closer to 1945, the model was simplified: the lapels became false and decorative.

In battle they wore a steel helmet. I have it from 1942, also simplified to reduce the cost of production. For example, stamping is now without bends at the edges. And yet the German helmet protects the ears and neck better than the Soviet one.

The color of the gaps on the buttonholes determined the type of troops. The green (then gray) gap is a sign of infantry. In the artillery, the gaps were red. Private soldiers were not entitled to chevrons.

On the pocket there is an infantry badge. This is not a reward. It was issued for 10-15 days spent at the front. In essence, this is a combat participant’s ID card.

EQUIPMENT

On my back I have an unloading frame, which is attached to belt straps. It was introduced at the end of 1941 to increase the number of items a soldier could carry. It can be combined with a backpack or used without it.

A bean-shaped pot is attached to the frame (tourists still use similar ones) and a section of a raincoat with a tent set: pegs, half-posts. The tent is assembled from four such panels. Under the tent there was a cracker bag in which they could put everything needed for a short combat operation: a rifle cleaning kit, a sweater, a towel, a soap dish.

Until now, teenagers in cinemas (or during a more thorough study of the topic from photographs on the Internet) get an aesthetic thrill from the sight of the uniforms of war criminals, from the SS uniform. And adults are not far behind: in the albums of many older people, the famous artists Tikhonov and Bronevoy show off in the appropriate attire.

Such a strong aesthetic impact is due to the fact that the uniform and emblem for the SS troops (die Waffen-SS) were designed by a talented artist, a graduate of the Hannover Art School and the Berlin Academy, the author of the cult painting “Mother” Karl Diebitsch. SS uniform designer and fashion designer Walter Heck collaborated with him to create the final version. And the uniforms were sewn at the factories of the then little-known fashion designer Hugo Ferdinand Boss, and now his brand is famous throughout the world.

History of the SS uniform

Initially, the SS guards of the party leaders of the NSDAP (Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei - National Socialist German Workers' Party), like the stormtroopers of Rehm (the head of the SA - assault troops - Sturmabteilung), wore a light brown shirt plus breeches and boots.

Even before the final decision on the advisability of the existence of two parallel “advanced party security detachments” at the same time and before the purge of the SA, the “Imperial SS leader” Himmler continued to wear black piping on the shoulder of a brown jacket for the members of his squad.

The black uniform was introduced by Himmler personally in 1930. A black tunic of the Wehrmacht military jacket type was worn over a light brown shirt.

At first, this jacket had either three or four buttons; the general appearance of the dress and field uniforms was constantly being refined.

When the black uniform designed by Diebitsch-Heck was introduced in 1934, only the red swastika armband with black piping remained from the days of the first SS units.

At first, there were two sets of uniforms for SS soldiers:

• front;
• everyday.

Later, without the participation of famous designers, field and camouflage (about eight options for summer, winter, desert and forest camouflage) uniforms were developed.

The distinctive features of military personnel of SS units in appearance for a long time became:

• red armbands with black edging and a swastika inscribed in a white circle ─ on the sleeve of a uniform, jacket or overcoat;
• emblems on caps or caps ─ first in the form of a skull, then in the form of an eagle;
• exclusively for Aryans ─ signs of membership in the organization in the form of two runes on the right buttonhole, signs of military seniority on the right.

In those divisions (for example, “Viking”) and individual units where foreigners served, the runes were replaced by the emblem of the division or legion.

Changes affected the appearance of the SS men in connection with their participation in hostilities, and the renaming of the “Allgemeine (general) SS” to the “Waffen (armed) SS”.

Changes by 1939

It was in 1939 that the famous “death’s head” (a skull made first of bronze, then of aluminum or brass) was transformed into the eagle famous from the TV series on the cap or cap badge.

The skull itself, along with other new distinctive features, remained part of the SS Panzer Corps. In the same year, the SS men also received a white dress uniform (white jacket, black breeches).

During the reconstruction of the Allgemein SS into the Waffen SS (a purely “party army” was reorganized into fighting troops under the nominal high command of the Wehrmacht General Staff), the following changes occurred with the uniform of the SS men, in which the following were introduced:

• field uniform in gray (the famous “feldgrau”) color;
• ceremonial white uniform for officers;
• overcoats in black or gray, also with armbands.

At the same time, the regulations allowed the overcoat to be worn unbuttoned at the top buttons, so that it would be easier to navigate the insignia.

After the decrees and innovations of Hitler, Himmler and (under their leadership) Theodor Eicke and Paul Hausser, the division of the SS into police units (primarily “Totenkopf” units) and combat units was finally formed.

It is interesting that the “police” units could be ordered exclusively by the Reichsführer personally, but the combat units, which were considered a reserve of the military command, could be used by Wehrmacht generals. Service in the Waffen SS was equivalent to military service, and police and security forces were not considered military units.

However, the SS units remained under the close attention of the supreme party leadership, as “a model of political force.” Hence the constant changes, even during the war, in their uniforms.

SS uniform in wartime

Participation in military campaigns, the expansion of SS detachments to full-blooded divisions and corps gave rise to a system of ranks (not too different from the general army) and insignia:

• a private (Schützmann, colloquially simply “man”, “SS man”) wore simple black shoulder straps and buttonholes with two runes on the right (the left ─ empty, black);
• a “tested” private, after six months of service (oberschutze), received a silver “bump” (“star”) for the shoulder strap of his field (“camouflage”) uniform. The remaining insignia were identical to the Schutzmann;
• the corporal (navigator) received a thin double silver stripe on the left buttonhole;
• the junior sergeant (Rottenführer) already had four stripes of the same color on the left buttonhole, and on the field uniform the “bump” was replaced by a triangular patch.

The non-commissioned officers of the SS troops (the easiest way to determine their affiliation is by the particle “ball”) no longer received empty black shoulder straps, but with silver edging and included ranks from sergeant to senior sergeant major (staff sergeant major).

The triangles on the field uniform were replaced with rectangles of varying thickness (the thinnest for the Unterscharführer, the thickest, almost square, for the Sturmscharführer).

These SS men had the following insignia:

• Sergeant (Unterscharführer) ─ black shoulder straps with silver edging and a small “star” (“square”, “bump”) on the right buttonhole. The “SS Junker” also had the same insignia;
• senior sergeant (scharführer) ─ the same shoulder straps and silver stripes on the side of the “square” on the buttonhole;
• foreman (Oberscharführer) ─ the same shoulder straps, two stars without stripes on the buttonhole;
• ensign (Hauptscharführer) ─ buttonhole, like that of a sergeant major, but with stripes, there are already two bumps on the shoulder straps;
• senior warrant officer or sergeant major (Sturmscharführer) ─ shoulder straps with three squares, on the buttonhole the same two “squares” as the warrant officer, but with four thin stripes.

The latter title remained quite rare: it was awarded only after 15 years of blameless service. On the field uniform, the silver edging of the shoulder strap was replaced by green with the corresponding number of black stripes.

SS officer uniform

The uniform of junior officers differed already in the shoulder straps of the camouflage (field) uniform: black with green stripes (thickness and number depending on rank) closer to the shoulder and intertwined oak leaves above them.

• Lieutenant (Untersturmführer) ─ silver “empty” shoulder straps, three squares on the buttonhole;
• senior lieutenant (Obersturführer) ─ square on shoulder straps, a silver stripe was added to the insignia on the buttonhole, two lines on the sleeve patch under the “leaves”;
• captain (Hauptsturmführer) ─ additional lines on the patch and on the buttonhole, shoulder straps with two “knobs”;
• major (Sturmbannführer) ─ silver “braided” shoulder straps, three squares on the buttonhole;
• Lieutenant Colonel (Oberbannsturmführer) ─ one square on a twisted shoulder strap. Two thin stripes under the four squares on the buttonhole.

Starting with the rank of major, the insignia underwent minor differences in 1942. The color of the backing on the twisted shoulder straps corresponded to the branch of the military; on the shoulder strap itself there was sometimes a symbol of a military specialty (the badge of a tank unit or, for example, a veterinary service). After 1942, the “bumps” on the shoulder straps turned from silver to golden-colored badges.

Upon reaching a rank above colonel, the right buttonhole also changed: instead of SS runes, stylized silver oak leaves were placed on it (single for a colonel, triple for a colonel general).

The remaining insignia of senior officers looked like this:

• Colonel (Standartenführer) ─ three stripes under double leaves on the patch, two stars on the shoulder straps, oak leaf on both buttonholes;
• the unparalleled rank of Oberführer (something like “senior colonel”) ─ four thick stripes on the patch, double oak leaf on the buttonholes.

It is characteristic that these officers also had black and green “camouflage” shoulder straps for “field” combat uniforms. For commanders of higher ranks, the colors became less “protective.”

SS general uniform

On the SS uniforms of the senior command staff (generals), golden-colored shoulder straps appear on a blood-red background, with silver-colored symbols.

The shoulder straps of the “field” uniform also change, since there is no need for special camouflage: instead of green on a black field for officers, generals wear thin gold badges. The shoulder straps become gold on a light background, with silver insignia (with the exception of the Reichsführer uniform with a modest thin black shoulder strap).

High command insignia on shoulder straps and buttonholes, respectively:

• major general of the SS troops (in the Waffen SS ─ brigadenführer) ─ gold embroidery without symbols, double oak leaf (before 1942) with a square, triple leaf after 1942 without an additional symbol;
• Lieutenant General (Gruppenführer) ─ one square, triple oak leaf;
• full general (Obergruppenführer) ─ two “cones” and an oak trefoil leaf (until 1942, the lower leaf on the buttonhole was thinner, but there were two squares);
• Colonel General (Oberstgruppenführer) ─ three squares and a triple oak leaf with a symbol below (until 1942, the Colonel General also had a thin leaf at the bottom of the buttonhole, but with three squares).
• The Reichsführer (the closest, but not exact analogue ─ “People's Commissar of the NKVD” or “Field Marshal”) wore on his uniform a thin silver shoulder strap with a silver trefoil, and oak leaves surrounded by a bay leaf on a black background in his buttonhole.

As you can see, the SS generals neglected (with the exception of the Reich Minister) the protective color, however, they had to participate in battles less often, with the exception of Sepp Dietrich.

Gestapo insignia

The Gestapo SD security service also wore SS uniforms, and the ranks and insignia were almost identical to those in the Waffen or Allgemeine SS.

Gestapo (later RSHA) employees were distinguished by the absence of runes on their buttonholes, as well as the obligatory security service badge.

An interesting fact: in Lioznova’s great television film, the viewer almost always sees Stirlitz in the uniform, although in the spring of 1945, the black uniform almost everywhere in the SS was replaced by a dark green “parade,” which was more convenient for front-line conditions.

Muller could wear an exclusively black jacket, both as a general and as an advanced high-ranking leader who rarely ventures into the regions.

Camouflage

After the transformation of security detachments into combat units by decrees of 1937, samples of camouflage uniforms began to arrive in the elite combat units of the SS by 1938. It included:

• helmet cover;
• jacket;
• face mask.

Later, camouflage capes (Zelltbahn) appeared. Before the appearance of double-sided overalls around 1942-43, trousers (breeches) were from the usual field uniform.

The pattern itself on camouflage overalls could use a variety of “fine-spotted” shapes:

• dotted;
• under oak (eichenlaub);
• palm (palmenmuster);
• plane leaves (platanen).

At the same time, camouflage jackets (and then double-sided overalls) had almost the entire required range of colors:

• autumn;
• summer (spring);
• smoky (black and gray polka dots);
• winter;
• “desert” and others.

Initially, uniforms made from camouflage waterproof fabrics were supplied to the Verfugungstruppe (dispositional troops). Later, camouflage became an integral part of the uniform of SS “task” groups (Einsatzgruppen) of reconnaissance and sabotage detachments and units.

During the war, the German leadership took a creative approach to the creation of camouflage uniforms: they successfully borrowed the findings of the Italians (the first creators of camouflage) and the developments of the Americans and the British, which were obtained as trophies.

However, one cannot underestimate the contribution of German scientists and those who collaborated with the Hitler regime in the development of such famous camouflage brands as

• ss beringt eichenlaubmuster;
• sseichplatanenmuster;
• ssleibermuster;
• sseichenlaubmuster.

Professors of physics (optics) worked on the creation of these types of colors, studying the effects of light rays passing through rain or foliage.
Soviet intelligence knew less about the SS-Leibermuster camouflage overalls than Allied intelligence: it was used on the Western Front.

At the same time (according to American intelligence), yellow-green and black lines were applied to the jacket and crest with a special “light-absorbing” paint, which also reduced the level of radiation in the infrared spectrum.

There is still relatively little known about the existence of such paint in 1944-1945; it has been suggested that it was a “light-absorbing” (of course, partially) black fabric, onto which drawings were later applied.

In the 1956 Soviet film "In Square 45" you can see saboteurs in costumes most reminiscent of the SS-Leibermuster.

A single example of this military uniform is in the military museum in Prague. So there can be no question of any mass tailoring of the uniform of this sample; so few similar camouflages were produced that now they are one of the most interesting and expensive rarities of the Second World War.

It is believed that it was these camouflages that gave impetus to American military thought for the development of camouflage clothing for modern commandos and other special forces.

The “SS-Eich-Platanenmuster” camouflage was much more common on all fronts. Actually, “Platanenmuster” (“woody”) is found in pre-war photos. By 1942, “reverse” or “reverse” jackets in “Eich-Platanenmuster” colors began to be supplied to the SS troops en masse - autumn camouflage on the front, spring colors on the back of the fabric.

Actually, this three-color combat uniform with broken lines of “rain” or “branches” is most often found in films about the Second World War and the Great Patriotic War.

The "eichenlaubmuster" and "beringteichenlaubmuster" camouflage patterns (respectively "oak leaves type "A", oak leaves type "B") were widely popular with the Waffen SS in 1942-44.

However, for the most part, capes and raincoats were made from them. And the special forces soldiers themselves (in many cases) sewed jackets and helmets from capes.

SS uniform today

The aesthetically pleasing black SS uniform is still popular today. Unfortunately, most often it is not where it is really necessary to recreate authentic uniforms: not in Russian cinema.

A minor “blunder” of Soviet cinema was mentioned above, but in Lioznova the almost constant wearing of black uniforms by Stirlitz and other characters could be justified by the general concept of the “black and white” series. By the way, in the painted version, Stirlitz appears a couple of times in a “green” “parade”.

But in modern Russian films on the theme of the Great Patriotic War, horror drives horror in terms of authenticity:

• the infamous 2012 film, “Serving the Soviet Union” (about how the army fled, but political prisoners on the western border defeated the SS sabotage detachments) ─ we see the SS men in 1941, dressed in something between “Beringtes Eichenlaubmuster” and even more modern digital camouflages;
• the sad picture “In June 41st” (2008) allows you to see SS men on the battlefield in full ceremonial black uniform.

There are many similar examples; even the “anti-Soviet” joint Russian-German film of 2011 with Guskov, “4 Days in May,” where the Nazis, in 1945, are mostly dressed in camouflage from the first years of the war, is not spared from mistakes.

But the SS ceremonial uniform enjoys well-deserved respect among reenactors. Of course, various extremist groups, including those not recognized as such, such as the relatively peaceful “Goths,” also strive to pay tribute to the aesthetics of Nazism.

Probably the fact is that thanks to history, as well as the classic films “The Night Porter” by Cavani or “Twilight of the Gods” by Visconti, the public has developed a “protest” perception of the aesthetics of the forces of evil. It is not for nothing that the leader of the Sex Pistols, Sid Vishers, often appeared in a T-shirt with a swastika; in the collection of fashion designer Jean-Louis Shearer in 1995, almost all toilets were decorated with either imperial eagles or oak leaves.

The horrors of war are forgotten, but the feeling of protest against bourgeois society remains almost the same ─ such a sad conclusion can be drawn from these facts. Another thing is the “camouflage” colors of fabrics created in Nazi Germany. They are aesthetic and comfortable. And therefore they are widely used not only for games of reenactors or work on personal plots, but also by modern fashionable couturiers in the world of high fashion.

Video

In the Second World War, many pieces of equipment were used that were developed back in the late 19th - early 20th centuries: some were radically improved, others with minimal technological changes.

The Reichswehr of the Weimar Republic inherited the ammunition of the Kaiser's army. True, they began to make it from higher quality materials, improved it, modernized it, and adjusted it to the standard. With the beginning of the Second World War! The militia and rear units were already supplied with outdated equipment, and with the transfer of hostilities to German territory, so were the Volkssturm formations.

The ammunition was produced by state-owned enterprises in the system of the General Directorate for Uniforms and Equipment of the Wehrmacht, as well as various private companies. Externally, the products of the latter sometimes differed from the standard official ones - for example, in better finishing, quality of seams, and so on. of course, labeling. Some items were issued centrally, others, mainly officer items, were purchased privately. with monetary compensation for costs.

The field equipment was distinguished by rational design, strength with relatively low weight, and ease of use. By the end of the war, the quality of the materials used deteriorated: various ersatz and low-grade raw materials were used. Leather was replaced by canvas and plastic; tarpaulin, in turn, canvas, etc. At the end of 1944, an attempt was made to completely standardize equipment in terms of materials and colors, to introduce a single one - of an all-army type. But six months later the question disappeared - along with the fall of the Reich.

By the beginning of the campaign to the east, a significant part of the metal and parts - pots, shovels. gas mask cases began to be painted not dark gray, as before, but olive green. Since 1943, dark yellow became the predominant color for all military equipment - as a natural basis for applying darker camouflage, ocher painting was done directly at the manufacturer.

Along with the marked colors, the ground forces also used bluish-gray, widely used in the Luftwaffe, to paint some parts.

Many elements of the equipment were made of leather, both black and all shades of brown - even natural. Black and dark brown tones were used in soldiers' and special equipment, light brown in officer's equipment. Leather of different colors in one item was usually not used.

Canvas belts and braid are also typical for pre-war ammunition, but have become especially widespread since 1943. Sometimes the tarpaulin was replaced by cotton fabric, folded in several layers and stitched. Such products were painted in the colors of feldgrau, honey mushroom grey, green, brown, and beige. Metal fittings: buckles, staples, washers, rings and half-rings - had a natural metal tone or were covered with feldgrau or another shade of gray. The attempt to introduce a single dark gray color for all branches of the military was not entirely successful.

This stamp, embossed on the leather, along with information about the manufacturer, also indicated the place and year of manufacture. Manufacturer's stamp on the pot. Under the abbreviated company name, the last two digits (41) indicate the year of manufacture. War Department acceptance stamp on a camp flask.
Infantry shooter. He carries two 98k carbine ammo pouches.	Reserve captain with a brown belt.	Company commander of an infantry regiment in field uniform. He carried 2 bags with magazines for the MP assault rifle. binoculars, wiauiuem and holster.
A rifleman of an infantry regiment in 1940 with typical weapons and equipment.	Different types of machines for a combat backpack, “trapeze” and bags for combat equipment.	Sergeant major of the 91st mountain ranger regiment, Hungary 1944.
Typically, pouches for the MP-Z8 and MP-40 submachine guns were worn in pairs. Each pouch had 3 slots, and each contained 32 rounds of 9 mm caliber. The pictures show a brown canvas pouch with a small pocket visible on the side. Here was a device for loading a magazine. On the reverse side of the pouch you can see the knee straps for attaching to the waist belt.

Officer's equipment

The wide waist belt with a double-pronged frame buckle and an adjustable shoulder belt was covered with genuine leather in various shades of brown: light, orange, reddish. The instruction that followed in July 1943 to blacken items of equipment for camouflage was not always followed: as already noted. The brown belt was revered as a symbol of officer dignity.

The 1934 model belt was worn not only by combat officers, but also by military officials of equal rank, doctors, veterinarians, bandmasters, and senior Fenrichs. The buckle frame was made of aluminum alloy with a grained surface of matte silver or gray; the general's buckle was covered with matte gold. The two-part shoulder strap with a movable buckle was equipped with two flat carabiner hooks for fastening to the clutch half-rings.

A pistol holster was hung from the belt. and at the front and field bag - a service tablet of the 1935 model, or one of its many commercial versions, purchased by officers at their own expense, or - at the end of the war - a simplified, artificial leather "press-stoff". If necessary, a bayonet in an officer's brown blade, a saber, and a dirk were hung on the belt.

From the end of September 1939, senior officers in the active army were prohibited from wearing a shoulder belt, and soon this ban extended to all officers in combat units. In return, they were allowed to use in combat conditions: lieutenants - a soldier's belt with a badge and shoulder straps with auxiliary straps; captains and above - cavalry-type belts, with narrow straight shoulders. (Later, in 1940, the corresponding standards changed somewhat, but on the Eastern Front, officers wore belts with a frame buckle, sometimes with a shoulder belt.) And in November 1939, officers in the active army were ordered to wear soldier’s belts in combat conditions: black waist belt - up to and including the regiment commander: supporting shoulders (both infantry and cavalry) - regardless of rank. But the officers preferred their own, “original” brown equipment.

Raincoat-tent arr. 1931 with camouflage. One side of the raincoat was covered with dark “fragmentation” camouflage, and the other side was covered with light camouflage. This is clearly visible in the photo. Three short tension cables were secured with pegs.	Reich, 1935. Artillerymen wear straps for cartridge bags. After the introduction of a sword belt with additional belts in 1941, in the future only officers had it.	A health service soldier was stationed in front of a camouflage tent. Medical personnel often wore very visible insignia (a red cross in a circle) to perform their tasks on the ground. He usually had a metal box with first aid supplies. Helmets with red crosses were no longer used in the second half of the war.

Pistol holsters

The German army was saturated with pistols like no other. The pistol was not only the personal weapon of each officer, but also an additional weapon for the machine gunner, squad leader, tankman, and paratrooper. sapper, motorcyclist, military policeman, as well as soldiers and non-commissioned officers of many other specialties.

Officer's holsters were made of smooth leather, approximately the same color as the waist belt; for soldiers, non-commissioned officers and all SS - black. And at the end of the war, various ersatz were used for those, others and thirds. The most widespread - according to the pistols - are holsters for the P-08 Luger, better known as the Parabellum, two types of iodine Walter P-38, and for pistols of 7.65 caliber - for the "long Browning" 1910/22. Walter PP and PPK. Mauser and some others. Many small pistol holsters were suitable for multiple systems.

The iodine 9-mm Parabellum and Walter holsters were similar - wedge-shaped. with a deep hinged lid of complex round shape, with a pocket for a spare clip on the front edge of the case. The first, under the R-08, was fastened with a slanting strap with a buckle: the second, under the R-38. had a deeper lid and a vertical fastening strap, either locked with a button or passed through a bracket into the slot of a metal plate on the valve (there were other options for its fastening). Inside the lid there was a socket with a lid for wiping, and a pull-out strap was passed through a slot in the body. Two belt loops were sewn at the back for the waist belt. There was also a swing version of the Walter holster - with a side pocket for a spare magazine. The lid, in the form of a flat valve with rounded corners, was fastened with a strap to a pin button on a triangular valve that covered the trigger guard.

The 1922 Browning holster had spring straps riveted to the flat cap flap; a wide coupling for the waist belt slid along them. A hinged strap was attached to the lid pin, attached to the body by a quadrangular ring; in the nose of the holster there was a small grommet for the retention cord. The clip pocket was located on the front edge, similar to the P-08 holster.

Large holsters were usually worn on the left - this made it more convenient to pull out a long pistol. Small ones - which were used mostly by senior officers and generals, as well as rear ranks - could also be worn on the right. A wooden holster-stock for the Mauser K-96 with leather fastening pockets and straps was worn on the shoulder with the help of a sling or behind the belt, like similar ones for the Browning 07 and UP. to the long Luger.

The Wehrmacht used various types of pistols, including samples of captured weapons. Officers were required to carry pistols and often chose the 7.65 mm caliber, such as the Walther pistol (pictured #1), which was carried in a brown leather holster. The holster for other pistols P 38 (No. 2) and P 08 (No. Z), both 9 mm caliber, was made of black leather. All three holsters had a pocket for a spare clip.		The 1935 pattern tablet could be made from brown or black gauge. It had two knee loops for attaching to a waist belt and was worn on the left according to the regulations. On the front there were slots for pencils, rulers and erasers. Inside the bag there were two compartments in which cards were stored in a protective case.

Tablets, bags, binoculars, flashlights

The officer's field tablet, or map bag, model 1935, was made of smooth or grained leather: brown in different shades for the army, black for the SS troops. It was also used by senior non-commissioned officers. During the war, the color changed to gray, and the natural leather changed to artificial leather.

Inside the tablet there were partitions, transparent celluloid plates for cards. On the front wall of the case there were leather pockets for pencils - usually along the pocket for a coordinate ruler - and sockets for other tools. There were different options for their placement: along with standard official ones, commercial products were used.

The valve could cover the tablet entirely, half, or only its upper third, fastening either with a leather tongue with a buckle, or with a bracket passing through the slots in the plates riveted to the valve - the tongue of the lid was passed into it. Domestic field bags were closed in a similar way. German tablets were worn either by hanging them from loops on a waist belt, or on a heavy-duty strap with an adjustable buckle.

Almost all binoculars were equipped with a neck strap with a fastened leather or plastic cover to protect the eyepieces and a leather loop attached to the body frame for fastening to a jacket button. State-made binoculars were covered with black ersatz leather and painted feldgrau or dark yellow; Frequent companies used genuine leather and black varnish for these purposes. The cases were made from natural or artificial leather - black or brown, as well as from plastics such as Bakelite; On the sides there were half rings for fastening a belt, and on the back wall there were leather loops for a belt. The lid clasp was elastic. with a peephole on the tongue and a peg on the body of the case; There were also spring ones, like on gas mask cases. The location of the binocular case was determined by the presence of other equipment.

There were many examples of service flashlights with color signal or camouflage filters. The rectangular body, metal or plastic, was painted black, feldgrau. dark yellow, and turned white in winter. A leather loop was attached to the back for attaching clothing or other similar devices to a button.

The bag of a Hauptfeldwebel - a company foreman, in which he kept report forms, lists of personnel, and writing materials. - it had no fastenings and, according to tradition, was worn tucked over the side of a tunic or jacket.

Infantry equipment

The standard equipment of the infantryman was basic for many other branches of the military. Its basis was a waist belt - mainly made of thick smooth leather, black, less often brown, about 5 cm wide. On the right end was put a stamped aluminum or steel (and at the end of the war, bakelite) buckle with a grained or smooth surface, silver or painted in color feldgrau, khaki, gray. Stamped in the center was a round medallion with an imperial eagle surrounded by the motto “God is with us.” The buckle was adjusted using a tongue sewn to the belt with paired holes into which the teeth of the inner sleeve entered. The hook of the left end of the belt was hooked into the loop of the buckle.

The next important component of the equipment was the Y-shaped support belts - two strong ones and a back one. Similar ones were used back in the First World War, and in 1939 new ones were introduced, with riveted side straps for a backpack of the same year or a combat backrest. The tapered ends of the shoulders with sewn leather stops had a series of holes into which the teeth of the adjusting buckles entered: the galvanized buckles ended with wide stamped hooks that clung to semicircular or quadrangular rings of pouches or movable belt couplings. The length of the side straps with rings was adjusted with cufflinks and slots, as was the case with the back strap, which was hooked from below to the middle of the belt, and for a tall soldier - to the ring of the movable coupling. The backrest was connected to the shoulder straps by a large round ring with a leather washer. On the back of the shoulders. above the central ring, large half rings were sewn for attaching the upper hooks of marching or assault backpacks, as well as other ammunition.

Simplified canvas equipment for a similar purpose was used in North Africa along with leather equipment, and after the surrender of the “Africa” army in May 1943, it began to be produced for continental troops, mainly in the Western theater of operations. However, at the end of the war, canvas belts, ranging from greenish-yellow to dark brown, were found in abundance on the Eastern Front.

Chief sergeant major of the 3rd motorcycle rifle battalion (3rd tank division). Various items of military equipment are visible on the stroller.	Army Reserve soldiers in most cases carried only one cartridge bag.	Sometimes army units also used camouflage patterns like the Luftwaffe or SS troops. In the picture, two officers are wearing camouflage jackets of the Luftwaffe field division.
The second number (on the right) with a carbine and a pistol. On his back are two boxes of ammunition (each containing 300 rounds) for a machine gun and accessories for a Type 36 light grenade launcher.	Hand grenades with handle mod. 24 and packing boxes for carrying them.	Several cartridge boxes, a field telephone and a hand-held anti-tank cumulative magnetic mine.

Pouches for clips and magazines for small arms

Three-section pouches for clips for the Mauser rifle model 1884-98. were used back in the First World War. Standardized in 1933 as an all-army one. The pouch of the 1911 model differed from the similar one of the 1909 model... it had a smaller capacity - six clips (30 rounds). In combat units, riflemen wore two pouches - to the left and to the right of the buckle; the second echelon troops made do with one, located depending on other equipment. The hook of the shoulder strap clung to a ring on the upper part of the back wall of the pouch, the lids were fastened with straps to the pegs on the bottoms of the pockets. There were belt loops at the back.

Soldier. armed with a pistol and a machine gun model 1938-40. (usually one per squad of shooters with rifles), kept magazines for it in paired triple pouches but on both sides of the belt buckle. They also carried magazines for submachine guns of other systems chambered for the 9-mm cartridge. Each pocket for a 32-round magazine had a flap with a leather tongue fastened to a peg. The pouch was khaki or beige canvas; before the war there was also a leather pouch - with a pocket for equipment sewn onto the front of the left pouch. On a canvas pocket, a pocket with a flap on a button was sewn on the back side. 11a on the back wall of the pouch there were leather loops sewn at an angle for the waist belt, so the pouches were worn obliquely, with the lids facing forward. From the sides there were leather straps with half rings running perpendicularly for fastening to the holding straps.

Soldiers armed with a Model 1943 self-loading rifle carried four spare magazines on the left side of the belt in a two-section pouch, usually canvas, with leather trim around the edges. On the right was most often an ordinary three-section pouch made of black leather.

		Machine gunner (1st number). For self-defense, in addition to the MG-34 machine gun, he also had a pistol, which was located on the left waist belt. On his right side he carried a bag with tools for the MG-34 machine gun.
The MG 34 machine gun was a wide-range weapon: it could be used as a light or heavy machine gun. Its theoretical rate of fire was 800-900 rounds per minute. The machine gunners carried a tool bag on their waist belt, which contained a cartridge ejector (1), a sight for firing at aircraft (2), a cartridge extractor (3), a fragment of a machine gun belt (4), an oiler (5), a mounting key (6), rags (7) and muzzle pad (8).
In the second half of the war, the MG 42 machine gun appeared, which was also used as both a light and heavy machine gun. The new machine gun was lighter, stronger and cheaper to produce than the MG 34. Its theoretical rate of fire was 1300-1400 rounds per minute. It gained legendary fame and remains the best machine gun of this caliber to this day. Its modified samples are still used in various armies.

Equipment worn on the belt

The blade for the bayonet of the Model 1884/98 rifle was made of leather, usually black, with a grained surface. On the tapering glass of the blade there was a slot for a hook holding the scabbard, and at the upper end, forming a loop for the waist belt, there was a swivel with a button for fastening the hilt. A lanyard was tied above the glass (it was almost never seen on the Eastern Front).

A small infantry shovel - a folding German one with a pointed end, a non-folding Austrian one with a pentagonal blade, a straight non-folding German one, a captured Polish one, or some other one used in the German army - was hung from one or two belt loops on the left hip at the back - in frame case made of black or brown leather, black ersatz press-stoff or canvas tape. A bayonet was attached to the blade in the blade, the loop of which was located between the loops of the blade cover. The bayonet could be placed in front of the shoulder blade if its cover had a single loop.

Small infantry shovel - folding German with a pointed end, non-folding Austrian with a pentagonal blade, straight non-folding German, captured Polish or some other one used in the German army. - hung from one or two belt loops on the left hip at the back - in a frame case made of black or brown leather, black ersatz “press-stoff” or canvas tape. A bayonet was attached to the blade in the blade, the loop of which was located between the loops of the blade cover. The bayonet could be placed in front of the shoulder blade if its cover had a single loop.

A characteristic feature of German equipment is a rusk bag, or bread bag. It has been used with some modifications since the last century. A large flap with a semicircular bottom completely covered the 1931 model bag, fastened with internal straps with button holes. On the outside there were two leather loops for the shoulder straps, which prevented the bag from swinging. In its upper corners, near the loops, leather ears with half rings for a pot, flask and other items were sewn. The bag, belt loops, and a strap with a hook between them were made of canvas or canvas, usually gray or feldgrau. At the end of the war, brown tones predominated. khaki, olive. Some bags were additionally equipped with a shoulder strap. The latest releases had a pocket with an external flap for gun accessories sewn onto them. Bread or crackers were stored in the bag (hence its name) - part of dry rations or NZ (“iron portion”). toiletries, shaving and cutlery, undershirt, gun accessories, cap (cap), etc. In essence, in field conditions, with a lightweight layout, it served as a small duffel bag, largely replacing a backpack. Always worn on the right back.

An aluminum flask of the 1931 model with a capacity of 800 ml, with a screw cap and an oval cup, was painted gray or black, later olive green. A strap with a buckle that fit into the brackets on the cup and went around the flask vertically in front and behind. was threaded through leather belt loops on a felt-colored or brown cloth cover, which was fastened on the side with three buttons, and its flat carabiner hook was fastened to the half-rings of equipment or a cracker bag. At the end of the war, steel flasks appeared - enameled or covered with red-brown phenolic rubber, which protected the contents only from frost - in this case, the flask had an additional strap around the circumference. Conical drinking cups could be made of steel or black bakelite; they were also pulled together by a strap pulled into brackets. Mountain troops and orderlies used one and a half liter flasks of a similar device. discontinued in 1943

The 1931 combination bowler, copied in many countries, including the USSR, was made of aluminum, and from 1943 - of steel. Until April 1941, 1.7-liter pots were painted gray, then they switched to olive green (however, the paint was often peeled off in the field). A fastening strap was passed into the brackets of the folding handle of the bowl lid. If there were old-style backpacks, the bowler was worn outside, with later ones - inside them. In a lightweight display, it was either fastened to a cracker bag next to the flask, or clung to a back strap or to a braided combat pack. NZ was kept inside the cauldron.

Introduced in April 1939, black shoulder straps were intended to support infantrymen's equipment. The backrest was connected to the shoulder straps by the knee on a leather lining. A 1939 model backpack was attached to it. The photo shows different angles of the infantryman's belt belts, including Y-shaped belts - two overstretched ones and a back one.
	A dark green pot made of two parts - a lid and a body.
A camp flask equipped with a black lacquered aluminum mug was produced until 1941. It was placed in a felt bag. The photo on the right clearly shows how the flask is attached to the bread bag using a leather strap and a carabiner. The picture below shows a later flask with a small black bakelite mug and a canvas strap.	Each soldier's gas mask consisted of a gas mask in a cylindrical dough case and a protective cape against liquid toxic substances. To the soldiers. Those wearing glasses were given special glasses that could be secured inside the gas mask. 1. Gas mask, model 1930. 2. Special glasses with a flat case, below is the ophthalmologist’s prescription. 3-5. From left to right: gas mask cases of the 1930 model (Reichswehr model), 1936 model and 1938 model.

Anti-chemical and protective equipment

The cylindrical gas mask canister case had a longitudinally corrugated surface and a lid with a hinged hinge and a spring latch. A shoulder strap made of braid was attached to the two brackets at the lid, and to the bracket at the bottom there was a strap with a hook that clung to the belt or to the rings of the equipment.

In the case of the 1930 model, a gas mask of the same type was usually placed with a mask made of rubberized fabric, with a round filter screwed onto the stigma and with tightening elastic straps made of rubber-fabric braid. The case for the gas mask of the 1938 model had a lid of shallower depth. and the mask is entirely rubber.

The lid contained a box with a degassing agent and napkins. The factory color of the gas mask cases was fel dgrau, but on the Eastern Front they were often repainted. and in winter they covered it with whitewash or lime. Cases from 1930 and 1938. were interchangeable.

According to the rules in the infantry, the gas mask was placed with the lid forward over the cracker bag, slightly below the waist belt, but also with the lid backwards - as in. for example, machine gunners or those whose special equipment blocked their gas mask. A shoulder strap and hook strap kept the case in a nearly horizontal position. Drivers and motorcyclists wore a gas mask on a shortened strap horizontally on the chest, with the lid facing to the right; cavalrymen - on the right thigh, passing the strap under the waist belt; in mountain troops - horizontally, behind the backpack, with the lid to the right. In transport vehicles, the gas mask case was released from the strap and placed on the knee. Well, in combat conditions it was positioned however it was more convenient for anyone - on the left side, vertically, on a shoulder strap, and attached to the equipment.

An oilcloth bag for the anti-chemical (“anti-suppressant”) cape was fastened to the strap of the gas mask case or directly to its corrugated canister.

The triangular raincoat of the 1931 model was cut from impregnated cotton gabardine with a three-color “splintered” camouflage pattern - dark on one side and light on the other (at the end of the war the pattern was dark on both sides). The slot for the head in the center was covered with two flaps. The tent could be worn like a poncho, and with the buttoned flaps it was a kind of cloak. There were ways to wear it for walking, riding a motorcycle and riding a horse. The tent was used as a bedding or pillow, and two - stuffed with hay and rolled into a bag - served as a good floating device. With the help of loops and buttons along the edges, sections of tents could be joined into large panels for group shelters. Eyelets at the corners and on the sides of the middle seam at the base made it possible to tension the panel with ropes and stakes during installation. A rolled-up tent and a bag with accessories for it were carried, attached either to shoulder straps, or to an assault pack, or at the belt. It was attached to the backpack or placed inside it. At the end of the war, tents were supplied only to selected field units. Therefore, the German army did not disdain the old square ones from the time of Kaiser Wilhelm II and captured Soviet ones with a hood.

Special infantry equipment

The rectangular black leather pouch for accessories for the MG-34 and MG-42 machine guns had a hinged lid with a strap. fastened with a button on the bottom, and on the back wall - fasteners for belts: two loops - for the waist and a four-headed or semicircular ring - for the hook of the shoulder support belt. At the end of the war, pouches began to be made from black or light beige “press-stoff”. An asbestos tack for removing a hot barrel was often placed under the outer strap of the pouch box.

Replacement barrels were stored in cases that hinged along the length, holding 1 or 2 each, which were put on over the right shoulder with a strap and worn behind the back. The commander of the heavy machine gun crew placed a case with two optical sights in the same way. All machine gunners were armed with a Parabellum (less commonly, a Walter P-38), carried in a black holster on the left side.

Hand grenades were kept in double canvas flat bags with valves and a connecting strap worn around the neck: subsequently they were carried only by the canvas handle. They also contained M-24 grenades with a long wooden handle, for which, however, there were also special bags (5 pieces each) made of coarse burlap with a knotted neck and two straps: one went over the neck, the other went around the lower back. But much more often these hand grenades were thrust into the belt, behind the tops of boots, over the side of the jacket. tied to an entrenching tool. A special vest for wearing them - with five deep pockets. stitched at the front and back and fastened with straps - it was rarely used at the front.

Since November 1939, officers in the active army were required to wear a belt on their field uniform. The waist belt was made of black leather with a number of holes and ended with a buckle with two pins.	Lemon hand grenades, model 1939	Eastern Front 1941. A messenger on a motorcycle talks to the commander of the Panzer 1 Ausf.V tank. The motorcyclist has a gas mask bag on his front. This method of wearing around the neck was common among motorcyclists.
Machine gunner (1st number) of the infantry regiment.	Entrenching tool. A short shovel and a bag for carrying it. The small picture below shows how to wear it.	Different angles of a folding shovel and the way to carry it. Once assembled, the shovel bayonet is secured with a special nut. The bayonet of this shovel can be fixed at right angles and used as a hoe.

The Second World War, characterized by posterity as the war of engines. Despite the large number of mechanized units, cavalry units were also widely used in the German army. A huge share of supplies for the needs of the army was transported by horse units. Horse units were used in almost all units. During the war, the importance of cavalry increased greatly. Cavalry was widely used in courier service, reconnaissance, artillery, catering service and even in infantry units. On the Eastern Front, “no one can conquer our vast expanses and almost complete impassability,” there’s no place without a horse, and then there are the partisans, and horse units were also often used to fight them. The uniform for the mounted troops was the same as for the rest of the army with the addition of a few elements of clothing: the mounted troops received riding breeches and riding boots, rather than M 40 boots. and a jacket. On the chest there is a white eagle, later gray cotton was used, field gray shoulder straps with dark green piping were used until the end of the war.

The breeches remained unchanged throughout the war; the leather inserts in the seat area were painted dark gray or the original natural brown. Breeches were the same regardless of rank. Sometimes, instead of a leather insert in the seat area, double material was used. In riding boots, a longer shaft was used, and such a necessary attribute as spurs M31 spurs (Anschnallsporen).

The standard saddle during the war was the M25 (Armcesattel 25), a wooden frame covered in leather. Various harnesses were used on the saddle to transport anything; bags were attached to the front part, the left one for the horse (food, maintenance), the right one for personal kit.

Wehrmacht cavalry officer, uniform, Russia 1941-44

After the war with Russia unfolded, it became clear that the wear and tear of military uniforms would be higher than in other companies. An order from October 1939 states that clothing should be standard in a combat zone. Officers ordering uniforms individually modified the uniform only by adding the officer's insignia. The officer's uniform had a difference on the jacket sleeve cuffs, and the dark green color of the collar was the same as on pre-war examples. Silver trim on shoulder straps and collar tabs. has a more muted color.

The photo shows that the jacket has been converted from a soldier's jacket, and there are holes on the belt for the hooks of the ammunition kit.

German uniform, jacket converted from a soldier's

There were two types of standard signal pistol, the army model (Leuchtpistole - Heeres Modell - also known as Signalpistole) adopted in 1928, was one of two types used throughout the war: the long-barreled one was adopted from 1935. Cartridge, 2.7cm serrated for identification in the dark.

Germany invaded Russia on June 22, 1941, and the campaign plan called for the Red Army to be destroyed before winter set in. Despite the achievements and victories, by the beginning of winter, German troops were stuck near Moscow. At the end of November, the Red Army launched a counteroffensive, smashing and driving back the Germans. Slowly the counter-offensive weakens and the armies switch to positional battles. The winter of 1941 turned out to be very harsh and frosty. The German troops were completely unprepared for such a winter.

During peacetime, the supply of winter kits was limited. And even those were adequate only for winter in temperate climates, and not the icy horror of the winter of 1941 in Russia. Losses from frostbite very soon exceeded losses from combat wounds. And some tasks for the army are very specific, for example, a sentry or a reconnaissance outpost - they were especially dangerous, soldiers were exposed to frost for a long time, their limbs especially suffered. The troops improvised to survive, using captured Russian uniforms. They put paper and straw in their shoes and boots, and tried to wear as many layers of clothing as they could find.

to save from the frost they did this

In Germany, events were organized to collect warm and fur winter clothes to be sent to the front to freezing soldiers.

Watchcoat (Ubermantel) - an overcoat-woolen coat was introduced in November 1934 for vehicle drivers and sentries. It was available as one of the few frost control agents available, and was widely used during the first winter in Russia. The overcoat had increased dimensions and increased length. The collar of the pre-war model was dark green, which was later changed to gray to match the color of the overcoat.

Fur jackets were worn under the overcoat, either locally made, taken from the population, or donated by civilians from Germany. rabbit fur jacket with wooden buttons.

Winter boots for soldiers performing static duties such as sentries. They were made of felt and reinforced with leather strips for insulation on a wooden sole up to 5 cm.

Knitted gloves had a standard pattern and were made of gray wool. The gloves were made in four sizes, small, medium, large and extra large. The size is indicated by white rings around the wrists, from one (small) to four (very large). The hood scarf was universal, tucked into the collar, served to protect the neck and ears, was adjustable at will, and was worn as a balaclava.

Field uniform of a Wehrmacht army police private, motorcyclist, in southern Russia 1942-44

The Army Field Police (Feldgendarmerie des Heeres) were formed during the German mobilization in 1939. Experienced officers from the civil gendarmerie police were recruited to work, and this formed the personnel backbone, along with non-commissioned officers from the army. The Feldgendarmerie battalion was subordinate to the army, consisting of three officers, 41 non-commissioned officers and 20 soldiers. The unit was motorized and equipped with motorcycles, light and heavy vehicles, they carried small arms and machine guns. Their responsibilities were as wide as their powers. They controlled all movements, checked the documents of troops en route, collected documents and information about prisoners, carried out anti-partisan operations, detained deserters, and generally maintained order and discipline. The Feldgendarmerie had complete power to march unchallenged through guard posts and safe zones, and to demand the documents of any military personnel, regardless of rank.
They wore the same uniform as the rest of the army, differing only in the orange piping and a special sign on the left sleeve. Their decoration Field gendarmerie gorget "Feldgendarmerie", this shows that the owner is on duty and has the authority to conduct an investigation. Because of this chain they were given the nickname “Ketienhund” or “chained dog”.

The motorcyclist's raincoat (Kradmantel) was more often produced in a waterproof design, made of rubberized fabric, gray or field-green fabric. Shown in olive color, used in Africa, Southern Europe and southern Russia. There were two loops at the top that made it possible to fasten the collar and cover the neck like an overcoat.

Using buttons at the bottom of the coat, the flaps could be folded up and fastened to a belt, convenient when riding a motorcycle. Feldgendarmerie field gendarmerie gorget The sign was designed to be clearly visible even at night under car headlights. The crescent plate was made from stamped steel.

The pendant chain was about 24 cm long and made of light metal. On a standard army belt, soldiers carried two triples of 32-round magazines for a 9mm MP40 submachine gun, sometimes unknowingly called a Schmeiser.

The first months of 1943 marked a turning point for the German Wehrmacht. The disaster at Stalingrad cost Germany about 200,000 killed and captured; for reference, about 90% of the prisoners died within a few weeks of capture. And four months later, some 240,000 soldiers surrendered in Tunisia. German troops fought in cold and heat, winter and summer, units were increasingly transferred between distant fronts to solve emergencies. Various items of military uniform have been simplified and made cheaper, and quality has suffered as a result, but the constant pursuit of research and development of new items reflects the concern that troops should have the best uniforms and equipment possible.

The use of reeds led to the introduction of a special green form. This lightweight and durable equipment was especially popular as a replacement for field gray, woolen uniforms on the hot southern fronts in Russia and the Mediterranean countries. The form was introduced at the beginning of 1943. The uniform will come in a variety of shades from sea green to light gray.

The M42 Steel Helmet (Steel Helmet-Modell 1942) was introduced in April 1942 as a necessary cost-saving measure; the dimensions and shape of the M35 were retained. The helmet is made by stamping, the edge is not folded and rolled, but simply bent outward and trimmed. The quality of steel is also not up to par, some alloying additives have been removed, and the economy is beginning to feel a shortage of some elements. To protect the gun, artillerymen are issued a personal P08 pistol.

The gunner's badge is on the left forearm, in the photo of the jacket.

Although ankle boots (Schnurschuhe) began to be introduced in August 1940 to preserve leather supplies, troops were zealous about preserving boots, trying to avoid the use of ankle boots and gaiters for as long as possible. In not a single film about the war will you see a German soldier wearing boots and spats, which is not true.

Wehrmacht uniform, boots and gaiters

So the German troops in the second half of the war had a very motley appearance,

not much different from our encirclement in the first half of the war.

The spats resembled English "bracelets" and were almost certainly a direct copy; they were extremely unpopular.

At the beginning of the war, Germany was able to field three full divisions of mountain riflemen (Gebirgstruppen). The troops are trained and equipped to carry out operations in mountainous areas. To carry out combat missions you need to be in good shape, well trained and self-sufficient. Therefore, most of the conscripts were taken from the mountainous regions of southern Germany and Austria. Mountain riflemen fought in Poland and Norway, made airborne landings on Crete, fought in Lapland, the Arctic Circle, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and Italy. An integral part of the mountain riflemen are units of artillery, reconnaissance, engineering, anti-tank and other auxiliary units that nominally have mountain qualifications. The Model 1943 (Dienstanzug Modell 1943) was introduced for all branches of the Army this year to replace all previous models. The new form brings a number of economic measures. Patch pockets have no pleats, whereas early models had a placket on the pocket.

The 1943 trousers have a more practical design. But due to the difficult economic situation in the country, materials of increasingly lower quality are used for military clothing. Although many soldiers retained the M34 boat cap for various periods, the single cap model 1943 (Einheitsfeldmiitze M43), which was introduced in 1943, proved very popular and was used until the end of the war. Cotton lining will soon be replaced by faux satin. The flaps of the cap can be folded back and fastened under the chin in bad weather. Something like our Budennovka.

Due to the poor quality of the material, six buttons are used instead of the previous five. The jacket could be worn with an open or closed collar. The edelweiss on the right sleeve, the distinctive badge of mountain riflemen of all ranks and categories, was introduced in May 1939.

Wehrmacht uniform, jacket, Russia 1943-44 complete degradation of materials

Standard mountain boots are worn with short wraps to provide ankle support and protection from snow and mud.

Wehrmacht infantry soldier, double-sided combat uniform for winter, Russia 1942-44.

After the catastrophic first winter in Russia. It was ordered to develop uniform combat clothing for the next season of the winter campaign. The uniform combat uniform was tested in Finland. In April 1942 it was submitted to Hitler for his approval, which was immediately granted. The textile industry has received an order to produce one million sets in time for next winter.

In the winter of 1942, some elements were added to the winter combat uniform. To the new flannel-lined jacket and trousers they added mittens, a woolen scarf, gloves (woolen and fur-lined), additional socks, a pullover, a hood, etc. While the majority of the troops received their basic uniforms on time. There was a catastrophic shortage of double-sided winter uniforms; infantry had priority for obtaining double-sided uniforms. So the new double-sided lined uniform was in short supply for everyone. This is clear from photographs of the 6th Army, which was defeated at Stalingradom in the winter of 1942-43.

captured Wehrmacht soldiers 1942 Bode

The new padded, reversible winter pattern was originally produced in mouse grey, but was white when turned inside out.

This was soon replaced (during the end of 1942, and of course by the beginning of 1943) the gray color was replaced by camouflage. During 1943, winter camouflage uniforms (Wintertarnanzug) began to appear in the military. The camouflage changed from swamp color to green beige. The angular pattern of spots became more blurred. The gauntlets and hood were painted in the same way as the uniform. This uniform was very popular with the troops and continued to be used until the end of the war.

Wehrmacht winter camouflage uniform jacket (Wintertarnanzug) Russia 1942-44.

Wintertarnanzug was first made of cotton with rayon. The inside is lined with layers of wool and cellulose for insulation. All elements and buttons are made on both sides. The hood was also double-breasted and secured with six buttons on the jacket. The trousers were made from the same material as the jacket and had drawstrings for adjustment.

All buttons on the trousers were made of resin or plastic, although metal buttons were also found.

The military uniform of Wehrmacht soldiers changed rapidly during the war, new solutions were found, but from the photographs it is clear that every year the quality of the materials used becomes lower and lower, reflecting the economic situation in the Third Reich.