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.

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 riding 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 hooks for 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 too

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 green field-colored 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.

If you do not take into account the dress uniform, the most important component of military uniform is its functionality. During combat operations, the soldier must be supplied uniforms and equipment with convenience and practicality in mind. Since ancient times, they have recognized their own and others by their uniform. There is only one goal - so that you can see where to shoot and recognize your comrades and the enemy.

In ancient times, when a warrior’s uniform was elaborate and replete with decorations and decoration elements, there were funny cases. A historical fact is the case of the partisan of the Patriotic War of 1812 Denis Davydov. The peasants, who had little understanding of uniforms, mistook his detachment for French marauders or provisions masters and fought back, which almost cost the lives of the brave partisan and his subordinates. It was all about the hussar uniform, which was similar to the French hussar uniform. After this, Denis Davydov was forced to change into a Cossack, which was the uniform of the Russian Cossacks.

During Second World War the army personnel of the warring parties were equipped in accordance with the traditions and economic capabilities of a particular state. It should be noted that uniforms and equipment changed depending on the time of year and theaters of combat.

Workers' and Peasants' Red Army

On equipment and uniforms Red Army soldiers were affected by the Winter (Soviet-Finnish) War of 1939-1940. It was during the fighting on the Karelian Isthmus and north of Lake Ladoga that it turned out that the Red Army soldiers were not equipped for winter conditions. “The equipment of the troops, primarily the rifle troops, did not correspond to the conditions of a winter, and even one as severe as the last one. There were few felt boots, short fur coats and mittens; the old helmet turned out to be unsuitable for wearing in extreme cold and needed to be replaced with a hat with earflaps.”

The soldiers of the Red Army were equipped taking into account the time of year. In summer, caps and helmets were used. The most common was the steel helmet. In the initial period of the war, the old SSh-40 helmet was still used, which had an overlay on its top. It was designed to protect the head from a saber strike. According to legend, Marshal of the Soviet Union Semyon Mikhailovich Budyonny took part in its development. However, it was replaced by a lighter and more comfortable steel helmet. The war showed. As for saber attacks, the enemy will not be able to do so.

The personnel of the rifle units wore cowhide boots or boots with canvas windings. During mass mobilization, cowhide boots were replaced with tarpaulin ones.

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0 - Red Army soldiers during the fighting in Stalingrad

2 - Red Army soldiers at the end of the war

In winter, hats with earflaps were introduced with earflaps that protected the neck and ears from the frost. The lightweight uniform also included cotton tunics with breast welt pockets, trousers, and a cloth overcoat with hooks. The overcoat was adjusted taking into account its wear on a quilted padded jacket.

For storage property a backpack or duffel bag was used. However, even during the Finnish campaign, it was noted that there were not enough backpacks for supplies, which were more convenient as an element of equipment. But its production (leather or tarpaulin was used) was expensive. Therefore, the soldiers of the rifle units were equipped with duffel bags.

Water was carried in an aluminum flask. To save aluminum, flasks of the same shape began to be made from bottle glass with a plugged (rather than screwed) cap. These flasks are also suspended in a bag from a belt. But they had neither convenience nor practicality. At the end of the Great Patriotic War, their production was almost curtailed.

Grenades and cartridges were worn on the belt - in special pouches. In addition, the uniform included a bag for a gas mask. The Red Army soldiers wore raincoats, which could be used to construct individual and group tents. The tent included an aluminum stake and a roll of hemp rope. In winter, the uniform was supplemented with a sheepskin coat, a padded jacket or padded jacket, fur mittens, felt boots and cotton pants.

Thus, the Red Army uniform seemed to have been thought out to the smallest detail: the 1942 model duffel bag even had a compartment for an ax. From the documents it follows that the uniform of the Red Army soldier was of high quality and practical. Numerous pockets and bags for ammunition greatly facilitated combat operations.

Army of Nazi Germany (Wehrmacht)

Field uniform The Wehrmacht soldier included: a steel helmet with a double-sided cover, an overcoat, a gas mask case, a sword belt, rifle or machine gun pouches, a raincoat, and a bowler hat. A leather satchel was used to store property. German soldiers wore leather boots. Moreover, by the beginning of Germany’s attack on the Soviet Union, the leather and shoe industries of all of Europe were working for the needs of the Third Reich. The Wehrmacht uniforms were produced at the Hugo Boss factory and were complete for European territories. The plan for a lightning war did not include the provision of warm clothes (fur coats, fur products, felted boots and hats). The Eastern Front with its frosts required a completely different approach. During the first winter, the soldiers were freezing.

The first thing that saves you from frost is warm clothing. Troops, provided with seasonal uniforms, are able to withstand any frost. Analyzing the memories of German military personnel dating back to this period, you understand how unsatisfactorily the Wehrmacht army was provided for, facing the winter of 1941. “The lack of warm clothing became our main problem in the next few months and caused our soldiers a lot of suffering...” recalls the commander of the 2nd Tank Army (group), Colonel General G. Guderian.

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1 - Wehrmacht soldiers in summer uniform 1941
2 - Wehrmacht soldiers in winter uniforms after 1943.

By the second winter, changes had occurred. IN uniform Insulated jackets, quilted trousers, as well as woolen gloves, sweaters and socks were introduced. But this was not enough. To solve the problem of supplying troops with warm uniforms and shoes and to save their soldiers from the cold, the troops began to make straw boots that were worn over regular boots. However, in the memoirs of German soldiers, which have now appeared on bookshelves, one can find a comparative assessment of the uniforms of Soviet and German soldiers. This assessment was not in favor of the latter's uniform. The most common complaints are about German soldiers' overcoats, which are made from fabric that is not suitable for any frost due to its low wool content.

Royal British Forces

British soldiers did not have a single field uniform. It was different depending on the parts of the country that were part of the Commonwealth countries. The personnel of the dominion units had elements and distinctive features in their uniforms, including field uniforms. Field uniform included: a collared blouse or wool shirt, a steel helmet, loose trousers, a gas mask bag, a holster on a long belt, black boots and an overcoat (jacket). By the beginning of hostilities in Europe, a uniform was adopted that differed from the previous one in certain elements. In connection with the massive recruitment of recruits, the uniform was simplified and became more universal.

During the war, minor changes occurred, in particular, the collar and other elements of clothing received a lining that prevented the rough twill from rubbing against exposed skin. Buckles began to be produced with teeth. Instead of boots, British soldiers were provided with boots with short windings. British soldiers had to wear a heavy down-lined "tropal" cloak. Knitted balaclavas were worn under helmets in cold weather. In the African desert, uniforms were lightweight and often consisted of shorts and short-sleeved shirts.

It should be noted that the British Army's uniforms were intended for the European Theater of Operations. When landing in Norway, soldiers of special units were provided with Arctic uniforms, but this was not widespread.

1 - Sergeant. Welsh Territorial Guard. England, 1940
2 - Sergeant. 1st Command, 1942

US Armed Forces

Field uniform American soldiers for many years was considered the most convenient and thoughtful in the conditions of the Second World War. The uniform included a woolen shirt, a light field jacket, trousers with linen gaiters, low brown boots, a helmet or cap. All clothing worn by US soldiers differed in functionality. The jacket was fastened with a zipper and buttons and was equipped with cut-out pockets on the sides. Allowed Americans to become the best equipment arctic kit, consisting of a warm parka jacket and lace-up boots with fur. The command of the US Armed Forces was convinced that the American soldier had the best equipment. This statement is controversial, however, it has its reason.

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3 - Officer of the 10th Mountain Division

Imperial Japanese Army

During the Second World War, the Japanese had three types of uniforms. Each of them included a uniform, trousers, an overcoat and a cape. For warm weather there is a cotton version, for cold weather - wool. The uniform set also included a helmet, boots or boots. Warm uniforms were provided to military personnel operating in northern China, Manchuria and Korea.

For a more severe climate, such uniforms were not suitable, because the uniform included overcoats with fur cuffs, quilted woolen trousers, and long johns. It was suitable only for certain latitudes with a tropical climate.

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2 - Japanese Army infantryman in tropical uniform.

Italian army

Outfit Italian soldiers were more suited to the southern European climate. For operations in the harsh weather conditions of 1941-943, the uniform of Italian military personnel was completely unsuitable. During World War II, soldiers of the Italian Armed Forces wore a shirt and tie, a single-breasted jacket with a waist belt, tapered trousers with tapered or woolen socks, and ankle boots. Some soldiers found it more convenient to wear breeches.

A uniform not suitable for winter campaigns. The overcoat was made of cheap, coarse cloth, which did not provide any warmth in the cold. The army was not equipped with winter clothing. Only representatives of the mountain troops had insulated options. The Italian newspaper Province of Como noted in 1943 that only a tenth of the soldiers during their stay in Russia were equipped with a suitable uniform.

Statistics from the Italian command report that in the first winter alone, 3,600 soldiers suffered from hypothermia.

1 - Private Army Group Albania

French Army

French soldiers fought in colored uniform. They were dressed in single-breasted tunics with buttons, double-breasted overcoats with side pocket flaps. The coat tails could be buttoned back to make walking easier. The clothes had belt loops. Foot troops wore breeches with windings. There were three types of headdresses. The most popular was the cap. Hadrian's helmets were also actively worn. Their distinctive feature is the presence of an emblem on the front.

In very cold weather, the French uniform expanded its range to a sheepskin coat. Such clothing can hardly be called optimal for different weather conditions.

1 - Private of the Free French Army
2 - Private of the Moroccan Free French troops

Determine which dress was exemplary difficult. Each army was provided depending on economic opportunities and planned regions of military operations. However, there were often miscalculations when the calculation was based on a lightning war, and the troops had to operate in severe cold conditions.

Uniforms of Army officers
Wehrmacht 1943
(Anzugsordnung fuer Offiziere des Heeres)

Warning. The article is exclusively military-historical descriptive in nature. Those who want to see propaganda of Nazism and fascism in such publications, let them try to do this in relation to those who today, through their actions and speeches, actually promote not mossy National Socialism, but neo-fascism (its modern American version). The Wehrmacht existed as a military organization. And there was a uniform in which the officers of this army were dressed. And this form must be known from a historical point of view, and not hide your head in the sand like ostriches. Silencing what existed precisely opens the way to various kinds of harmful myths and lies.

From the author. Yes, in the end, everyone’s favorite film “Seventeen Moments of Spring” promotes Nazism to a much greater extent, showing a very handsome Stirlitz in a well-tailored SS uniform, rather than my dry presentation of regulations on army (not SS!) uniforms.
Come on, they admire the film, but they are indignant at my articles. No, gentlemen, then in the film, if you please, cover up the swastika on Muller’s sleeve with a pink blot, the skull on Stirlitz’s cap with a motley butterfly, and replace the Nazi flags with the flags of the gay community.

Before describing the types of uniforms of officers of the Wehrmacht Ground Forces that had developed by mid-1943, it is necessary to describe the main individual elements of military clothing so that the reader does not have any confusion or ambiguity regarding the rules for wearing a uniform. There are already too many of them in various secondary sources.

In the period from 1935 to 1945, the uniform of officers did not remain unchanged. Changes took place, both major and private. Mainly aimed at simplifying and reducing the cost of items. uniforms. It is not possible to track them all.

In addition, in order to save money, both budgetary and personal, it was allowed to wear old-style products, including items from the Reichswehr uniform, and in the divisions of annexed Austria included in the Wehrmacht, officers wore the old Austrian uniform with Wehrmacht insignia for a long time. This is especially noticeable for the years 35-39 and starting from the end of 1942, when, due to a growing shortage of fabrics, officers began to use their old uniforms again. Generals of the older generation generally preferred to wear uniforms from the times of their youth or uniforms with noticeable deviations from the rules. For example, General Field Marshal von Rundstedt wore not field marshal buttonholes on his jacket, but officer infantry buttonholes.

At the same time, in the article I do not describe uniforms of special types, such as black uniforms of tank troops, gray self-propelled artillery, tropical uniforms, and specific winter clothing.

I especially draw your attention to the fact that the forms of clothing and uniform items are described as of 1943. Therefore, the reader will not be able to see here what was introduced later, and partially what was abolished by 1943.

The new uniform of the Wehrmacht Ground Forces was introduced in 1936. Until this time, officers wore the Reichswehr uniform with the addition of the national emblem (Hoheitszeichen) to the right chest. This is the well-known eagle with outstretched wings, sitting on a wreath with a swastika.

As of 1943, officers were required to wear the following items of uniform and equipment.

Old model uniform (Rock alter Art).
This is a uniform of the Reichswehr type, but officially preserved in 1943. In any case, this is clearly prescribed in the section “Anzugsordnung für Offiziere des Heeres” of the 1943 edition of the handbook for reserve officers.

The characteristic features of this uniform are 8 buttons, colored piping according to the color of the branch of service, running along the bottom of the collar and side; welt side pockets with flaps and patch chest pockets with flaps. The collar is very dark green with blue, almost black. Sometimes this color is called bottle color. Some call it "marengo" or "sea green".
Buttonholes on a ceremonial type collar (they will be discussed below).

From the author. In general, the term "feldgrau" does not mean the actual color. It is rather something akin to our term “protective color”, which can be interpreted very broadly. For example, O. Kurylev, in his absolutely amazing book, shows four tunics that differ sharply in color (gray, faded green, grayish brown and dark gray), but which are officially called feldgrau field tunics.

The picture on the left shows an old-style uniform with Oberst shoulder straps, uniform buttonholes and red artillery colors (piping, shoulder strap backing, buttonhole valves).

Military Tunic (Waffenrock).
This uniform was introduced in 1936 primarily for special occasions. In what cases it is worn is described below.

Differences from the old-style uniform - there are not 8 buttons, but only 5 or 6, the side pockets on the floors are not welted, but patch pockets.

The color of the uniform is gray with a somewhat noticeable greenish tint (feldgrau).

Due to the fact that this uniform differs from the field tunic (Feldbluse) only in the presence of piping on the collar and along the side, many believe that this is a variant of the field tunic, only decorated with piping. Even in some German sources the name “field jacket with piping” (Feldbluse mit Vorstö ssen) is found.

Buttonholes on a ceremonial type collar (they will be discussed below).

From the author. In many publications there are photographs of officers in old or new uniforms with or without pockets, having dark green cuffs (similar to a collar) with two colored buttonholes. Yes, such uniforms existed as ceremonial or secular ones, but as of 1943 they were officially abolished. Because of their elegance and because the wearing of old-style uniforms was not forbidden, officers who kept them during the war often wore them on personal special occasions (marriages, coming on vacation, etc.).
In addition, for certain cases it was allowed to wear (I quote the reference book): “... a military uniform or your own field jacket...”. Or here’s another quote from the reference book: “....field tunic or old-style uniform (military uniform or decorated tunic at your discretion)...”.

Buttonholes (Offizierekragenspiegel) for uniforms of both models.
The base is a fabric colored flap (Kragenplatte) in the shape of a parallelogram on which a figure is embroidered with shiny aluminum thread, which we call a “coil” (Doppellitze).

The color of the valve is determined by the branch of the military or service to which the officer belongs:
*carmine red color - War Ministry and Veterinary Service.
*raspberry color - General Staff,
*white color - infantry,
*grass green color - motorized infantry (panzergrenadiers),
*light green color - mountain infantry, rangers,
*pink color - tank troops and anti-tank artillery (for combined arms uniforms),
*red color - artillery,
*burgundy color - chemical defense parts and rocket artillery parts,
*black color - engineering troops,
*golden yellow color - cavalry and reconnaissance,
*copper-yellow color - motorized reconnaissance,
*lemon yellow color - signal troops,
*orange color - field gendarmerie and recruitment bodies (military registration and enlistment offices),
*grayish-blue color - vehicle parts,
*cornflower blue - medical service,
*purple - priests of the Catholic and Lutheran churches.

In all branches of the military and for all ranks of officers, the pattern and color of the coils It was the same - silver. The only exceptions were the General Staff and the War Ministry, whose coils had a different pattern. In addition, the War Department reels were not silver, but golden.

In the picture on the right:
1. Artillery officer's buttonhole,
2. Infantry officer's buttonhole,
3. Buttonhole of an officer of the War Ministry,
4. Buttonhole of an officer of the General Staff.

From the author. It is necessary to clarify that traditionally officers in Germany were divided into two, so to speak, lines of service - military officers and General Staff officers. The first are all officers performing command positions. General Staff officers are officers performing staff positions at headquarters at all levels, starting with division headquarters. Usually the first ones rose in positions along the command line, without moving to serve at headquarters. The second, on the contrary, moved only along the headquarters line. Those. An officer of the General Staff is not necessarily an officer serving in the General Staff. This is an officer who generally has appropriate staff training and holds staff positions in all headquarters.
This division did not concern the generals.

White Tunic (Weisser Rock).

Its cut is similar to a military uniform, but there are no buttonholes on the collar and there is no colored piping along the bottom of the collar and along the side. Judging by the photographs, it was made of fairly light white material. It can be worn instead of a uniform or field jacket in the following cases:
1. in the barracks premises,
2. outside the barracks when riding alone to the barracks or apartment and back,
3. at training grounds on and off duty,
4. to the output form,
5. to an incomplete secular form
a) in the houses of officers,
b) in close communication within a family circle or circle of acquaintances,
c) at open-air festivals,
6. at tournaments, races or sporting events.

The time of year and the ambient temperature at which it can be worn are not specified, but we can assume that they wore a white uniform in the summer in hot weather and, of course, not at the front.

In the photo on the left, a cuff ribbon (militä rische Ä melbinder) is sewn on the right sleeve of the white uniform. This is not a mandatory element of a white jacket. Such ribbons were also worn by officers on other uniforms and jackets by those to whom such a ribbon was assigned. These could be tapes with the names of certain units, tapes indicating special duties (for example, “Propaganda Company”, “Fuhrer Headquarters”).

Field jacket (Feldbluse).

A somewhat strange name for this item of clothing. In most dictionaries, the word Bluse is translated as an item of women's clothing - a blouse or blouse. For the word Feldbluse I could find the only translation - tunic. However, none of these values ​​are completely suitable for the actual analogue of the above uniforms. Therefore, I considered it possible to resort to using the most suitable translation option - field jacket.

The field jacket is the most commonly worn type of officer's clothing during the war. It could be used in literally all cases, from parade uniforms to field uniforms. The only exception is the secular uniform, where a military uniform or an old model uniform was required.

The picture shows a Hauptmann field jacket for the Signal Corps (the gaps on the buttonholes and the shoulder strap backing is lemon yellow).

In the German army, shoulder straps were not divided into dress, everyday and field, but as a rule, in the rear on a field jacket they wore shoulder straps made of shiny or semi-matte aluminum soutache cord, and the “coils” on the buttonholes were embroidered from shiny aluminum thread. The buttons were light. In front-line conditions, dull gray matte buttons were preferred; aluminum cord and thread were usually replaced with gray silk. Infantry officers, who were with their personnel in the trenches, very often covered their shoulder straps with gray fabric muffs or turned their shoulder straps over so that they differed in appearance from the soldiers as little as possible.

In 1943, the field jacket model was introduced. 43 (Feldbluse M43), which was distinguished by the fact that the collar was the same color as the entire uniform, there were no strips on the pockets, and the buttons were dark gray matte. However, I am guided by the 1943 reserve officer's handbook, where in the uniform section the jacket is still of the old type. Therefore, the jacket is 43g. and I’ve been showing here for 44 years.

Buttonholes (Offizierekragenspiegel) for field jackets.

The base is a fabric flap (Kragenplatte) of the same color as the collar. In the shape of a parallelogram on which a figure is embroidered with shiny aluminum, matte aluminum or gray silk thread, which we call a “spool” (Doppellitze). However, the reel is somewhat different from the one used on uniforms. These buttonholes have colored stripes (Litzenspiegel) running along the middle of each coil. The color of the stripe is determined by the branch of the military or service to which the officer belongs. The colors of the stripes are the same as the colors of the colored buttonhole flaps on the uniforms. The only exception is the infantry, whose officers' buttonholes have uniform-style coils on the collar-colored flap.

In the picture on the right:
1.Field buttonhole of a signal officer.
2.Field buttonhole of an artillery officer.
3. Field buttonhole of an infantry officer.

On field tunics in the second half of the war there were often buttonholes embroidered directly on the collar. This is especially common on jackets of the 1943 model (Feldbluse M43), on which the collar became the same color as the jacket.

A white collar is sewn from the inside to the collar of both the field tunic and the uniform so that it is no more than 5 mm above the edge of the collar. a shirt under a uniform or tunic either should not have a collar at all, or the collar should be low and not protrude above the edge of the tunic collar. Shirt cuffs should not be visible from under the sleeves of the jacket.

From the author. It is worth noting that with the overall extremely strict discipline in the Wehrmacht, wearing a uniform was distinguished by quite significant liberalism. And not only at the front. For example, on tunics model 43 you can find buttonholes embroidered directly on the collar, on the uniform-colored flap, on the dark green flap. Often officers, at their own expense, made a collar on their jacket mod. 43 dark green, as was the case on old-style tunics.
The author has at his disposal a photograph of a front-line officer in a white jacket, but repainted in feldgrau. There are no buttonholes on the collar at all.

And further. Both our military men sewed a white collar on their tunics and tunics, and the Germans sewed them on their field tunics and uniforms. And they didn’t walk around all the time without collars, as is now shown in films that claim to be historically accurate. And the commanders did not need to particularly insist on clean white collars. They were extremely convincingly campaigned for by the boils that very quickly appeared on the necks of those who neglected this basic hygiene measure. A soldier or officer at the front did not have the opportunity to wash in a bathhouse every week. Wash and change your undershirt even less often. A small ribbon collar can be easily washed in a kettle and dried on the hot barrel of a rifle. Lice that infested underwear from dirt usually caused only some inconvenience. And it was still possible to fight them. But a boil on his neck made the soldier’s life hell. Neither turn your head nor lie down to sleep.

Trousers.
Officers wore two types of trousers with both their uniform and field jacket:
Long trousers (lange Tuchhose) We call them untucked trousers. They are worn with boots or shoes.
Trousers to be worn with boots (Reithose für Bereitene) they are also breeches (Stiefelhose fü r Berittene). They are worn with boots or boots, but in the latter case, windings (gaiters, gaiters, leggings) are also worn.

The color of the trousers is feldgrau, and with a white jacket they are white. The shade of the trousers could differ markedly from the shade of the uniform. The trousers could be stone grey, brownish grey, greenish grey.

Officers of the General Staff had crimson stripes on their trousers, similar to those of a general.

In the picture on the left:
1. Breeches,
2. Long pants.
3. Long trousers for officers of the General Staff.

From the author. So the secret of the resentment of one of our valiant tank crews is revealed, who received (as he believed) not an order for capturing a general, but only a medal “For Courage”. In our country, only generals wore stripes, but the tanker apparently came across an officer of the General Staff with the rank of Hauptmann to Oberst. And even then, in 1941, a captured sergeant major was more valuable than in the spring of 1945, an entire general.

Hats.

Steel helmet (Stahlhelm). In our army, where a steel helmet, commonly called a helmet, was considered not a piece of uniform, but a means of protection along with a gas mask and a steel breastplate.
In the Wehrmacht, the helmet was an item of uniform and was worn not only in combat conditions. Looking ahead a little, we point out that the helmet was put on:
*at parades while in formation,
*at other ceremonial military ritual events while in service,
*at the funeral of military personnel while in service,
*for non-military ceremonial events, if in service,
*at all ceremonial events with the participation of the Fuhrer, if the officer is in service,
*with a field uniform, if there is an order from a senior superior,
*with full service uniform, if there is an order from a senior superior.

From the author. The Germans generally love their helmets and put them on their heads at every opportunity. I don’t presume to judge the Wehrmacht, but in the NNA of the GDR, sentries at posts, duty officers of all types, orderlies in the barracks must wear a helmet. Wearing helmets at parades. The author had a chance to attend the graduation ceremony from the officer school. The newly minted lieutenants are all wearing helmets. Well, during field training and exercises... Evil tongues claimed that the Germans even slept in helmets.

Feldgrau steel helmet with emblems on both sides. On the right side there is a shield of national colors, on the left there is a state eagle on a swastika.

Cap (Schirmü tze). A headdress that officers wore on all occasions when they were not required to wear a steel helmet or cap. The crown is feldgrau color, the band is dark green (as is the color of the collar). On the crown is a silver national emblem, indicating membership in the Ground Forces (in the Luftwaffe and SS troops, the eagle design was noticeably different from the eagle on the jackets and caps of Ground Forces officers). On the band there is a cockade with a wreath of oak leaves.
Along the crown, top and bottom of the band there is a colored edging indicating the type of service of the officer (the colors are the same as for the buttonhole flaps).
Patent leather visor.
Silver braided aluminum cord.

In the photo on the right: an infantry officer's cap.

When wearing a cap, the bottom edge of the visor should be at eyebrow level.

From the author. Often there are photographs of officers in caps that do not have this cord and buttons for it, and with the spacer spring removed from the crown. Also, sometimes there are caps with some other emblem (skull, cross, etc.) attached to the crown below the eagle. However, the author did not set out to describe all the variants of distinctive signs on caps and known deviations from the rules so as not to confuse readers with excessive details.

Cap (Feldmü tze). Intended to be worn with a field or full service uniform (in the latter case, only if prescribed by a senior commander).
Note that if soldiers wore a cap in all cases when they did not wear a helmet, and a cap, as a rule, was worn only with a uniform, then officers even in field uniform, in violation of the rules, preferred a cap rather than a cap.

The 1943 edition of the handbook for reserve officers in the uniform section shows the cap of the 1938 model (Feldmü tze М38) as a uniform headdress, although most sources indicate that the cap of the model 1942 (Feldmü tze М1942) was introduced in 1942, and the cap in 1943 model 43 years old (Feldmü tze 1943).
The author, based on the fact that the reference book is the only primary source at his disposal, limits himself to a description of the cap mod. 1938 The reader should keep in mind that in 1943, officers could wear caps of all three types.

The feldgrau-colored cap is cut similar to a soldier's cap, but has a silver aluminum soutache cord trim along the top and along the leading edge. A cord running at an angle from the cockade downwards and to the sides is the color of the branch of service or service to which the officer belongs. There are caps without colored cord.

The picture on the left shows a cap mod. 1938 artillery officer

The cap should be worn tilted to the right so that the bottom edge is approximately 1 cm above the right ear and about 3 cm above the left ear, and in front about 1 cm above the right eyebrow.

There were no other uniform headdresses in the Wehrmacht Ground Forces, with the exception of special headdresses for tank crews and mountain riflemen. All other headdresses that are very often seen in numerous photographs from the period of the Second World War, although they were worn very widely, are not considered official. Many of the hats (mostly winter) are either amateur creations of officers or unregulated privately made hats.

From the author. Well, in fact, can an officer be considered dressed in uniform if he is wearing a Russian officer's overcoat with German shoulder straps, a Russian hat with earflaps with an emblem and a cockade from a uniform German cap, instead of uniform trousers with stripes, Russian cotton pants, and instead of boots, felt boots. But they went. And many. Cold is not an aunt. Senior commanders did not just turn a blind eye to this, but themselves set an example.

However, during the war, the discipline of uniform in all armies is significantly reduced. And in the Red Army there were a lot of deviations from standard clothing. Although, as Victory approached, without much pressure from above, soldiers and officers increasingly sought to dress according to their uniform. It has become a kind of panache and front-line fashion among us. Especially against the background of how in the Wehrmacht the uniform became increasingly dull and sloppy

With a uniform and a field jacket, depending on which ipsotasi it is currently being used in,
could be worn:
*Equipment (Tragegestell)-1,
*Waist belt (Koppel)-2,
*Field belt (Feldbinde) -3.

For part-time service, weekend, and secular uniforms, the uniform or jacket could be worn without a belt.

The waist belt was used both on its own and as part of the equipment.
However, even in front-line conditions in the trenches, officers did not often put on full equipment, preferring to make do with a belt.

The field belt was worn only with report uniforms and dress uniforms.

Field belt (Feldbinde)
It is a wide brocade ribbon made of aluminum yarn with two longitudinal stripes of dark green color, sewn onto a leather belt. Fastens with a round buckle.

From the author. Let it not seem strange to the reader that the belt, which is intended to be worn on special occasions, is called a field belt (Feldbinde). This name has been preserved since the end of the 19th century, when officers mostly wore an officer's scarf on their belts. But it was inconvenient for war, so they came up with a field version in the form of this very belt. Later they began to wear a simpler, cheaper belt, and the field belt, having moved to the dress uniform, retained its traditional name.

Waist belt (Koppel)
It is a leather belt in brown or black. A black belt was considered a uniform, but it was not forbidden to wear a brown one. The buckle on the belt is either the same type as on the field belt, but matte gray, or a regular two-pin buckle, as shown in the photo.

No rings, belt loops or other elements for hanging weapons, field bags, tablets, shoulder straps, etc. as of 1943 this belt did not exist.

From the author. Wehrmacht officers considered the Soviet commander's (officer's) belt more convenient and better suited for field conditions. Moreover, the German field bag was ideally attached to the Soviet belt. And in the first period of the war, the Germans willingly wore it instead of their belt, for which some paid with their lives. The Red Army soldiers and commanders did not wonder where the German got the Soviet sword belt. It is clear that he robbed either a killed or captured Soviet officer. And the unwritten laws of war are harsh and merciless.
However, our soldiers and commanders, for the same reasons, avoided having any German equipment. Even a wrist or pocket watch, a compass, although we had a great need for them.

Equipment (Tragegestell)

The basis of the equipment was the officer's waist belt (in the figure it is shown with a round buckle. Using belt loops, two shoulder straps were attached to it, which converged at the back into one. When wearing a field uniform, the equipment should be worn with a holster with a pistol, a camp flask with a mug, a field bag, cracker bag, bayonet in sheath, flashlight, signal whistle, gas mask, binoculars These items are listed in the reference book.
Of course, in practice, if officers wore equipment, they attached to it only those items that the officer really needed in battle. For example, an infantry officer could additionally carry pouches for machine gun magazines and a grenade bag. But the artillery officer hardly carried a canteen and pouches, but binoculars were a must.

Aiguillette (Aschsebänder)
This is a purely decorative element that is worn only in formal and full secular dress. The reference book defines the order of wearing aiguillettes as follows:

"At parades in front of the Fuhrer and at parades on his birthday, aiguillettes must be worn. The senior commander may prescribe the wearing of aiguillettes for other parades or special occasions."

"Full secular uniform: Military uniform with aiguillette,...".

Made from aluminum braided cord. The appearance of the aiguillette is shown in the figure on the right.

A number of secondary sources describe the second version of the aiguillet - the adjutant aiguillet (Adjtantschnure), which was worn as a sign of their position by officers holding the positions of adjutants. His appearance is shown in the photograph of an officer in a cap mod. 1938.

At the same time, this version of the aiguillette is not mentioned in the reference book.

Overcoat (Mantel)
According to German rules, the uniform was not divided into winter and summer like ours. The overcoat could be worn in any uniform, depending on weather conditions. It was supposed to be worn buttoned up, but at the same time, holders of the Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross could unbutton the top two buttons and turn down the side of the overcoat.
The reference book does not describe the color of the overcoat and collar, however, secondary sources indicate that until 1940 the overcoat collar was dark green, like the uniform collar, and later became the same color as the entire overcoat (feldgrau). There were no buttonholes on the collar.
Also, the guide does not indicate which products can be worn over an overcoat. Numerous photographs indicate that the overcoat was worn both without a belt and with a field belt, waist belt or equipment. There are also photographs of officers in overcoats with ailets.
Orders and badges were not worn on overcoats.

Cape (Umhang)

To protect from rain, officers were equipped with capes made of rubberized fabric. The cape was worn over any other types of clothing, although according to the rules it was an element of only the field uniform.
No insignia was worn on the cape. The color ranges from almost black to very light gray with a greenish tint.

Officers were not entitled to any other items of outer clothing. In any case, the reference book does not list or describe them.

From the author. However, this does not mean that German officers did not wear any items of clothing other than those prescribed. I already wrote above that the discipline of clothing during the war was not too strict. And if in the rear, on the territory of Germany proper, officers still adhered to the norms, and wore mostly items of clothing prescribed by the rules with deviations allowed by orders, then at the front, especially on the Eastern Front, they wore everything that could protect them from the harsh Russian climate. So, in particular, fur collars were sewn onto the collars of overcoats, and the overcoats were padded with cotton wool and fur. Or they simply wore Russian short fur coats.
It goes without saying that on the front line the officers wore soldiers' raincoats.

Having finished the description of the uniform items, let's move on to the actual description of the uniforms of the officers of the Wehrmacht Ground Forces (Des Heeres).

The 1943 edition of the Reserve Officers' Handbook indicates that the following uniforms are required for Army officers:

1.Field uniform (Feldanzug). The field uniform kit includes:
*Steel helmet or cap.
*Field jacket with award stripes and an order on the neck (who has it).
*Pants with boots (breeches).


*Equipment.
*Sugar bag.
*A hiking flask with a mug.
*Field bag.
*Signal whistle.
*Binoculars.
*Rifle bayonet in sheath.
*Gun in a holster.
*Mask.

In addition, cavalry officers must have a sword attached to the saddle of their horse. Wearing the orders themselves, badges, and other distinctions on the field uniform is not provided.

2.Service uniform (Dienstanzug). The service uniform includes:
*Steel helmet, cap or cap. What exactly does the senior boss determine?
*Field jacket with medal strips or awards (as prescribed by the superior) and an order on the neck.

*Boots or boots with wraps or shoes (for long trousers).
*Overcoat or cape (if necessary).
*Equipment, waist belt or field belt (prescribed by the superior in special cases)
*Signal whistle (if necessary).
*Rifle bayonet in sheath.
*Gun in a holster.
*Gas mask (if necessary).

The service uniform is worn in daily service when performing duties in the ranks or directing soldiers in the ranks.

3.Small service uniform (kleiner Dienstanzug). The small service uniform kit includes:
*Cap.
*Field jacket or uniform with award stripes and an order on the neck (who has it).
*Pants in boots (breeches) with boots or boots with windings or long trousers with boots.
*Boots, ankle boots or boots with wraps or boots (for long trousers).
*Overcoat or cape (if necessary).
*Personal edged weapons (dagger or sword).

The small service uniform is worn in everyday service if the performance of duties is not related to the formation or management of soldiers in the formation. Note that a waist belt is not worn with this form. Although, if the conditions of service required carrying a pistol, then, of course, a waist belt was worn.

4.Form for reports (Meldeanzug) The report form kit includes:
*Cap.
*Field belt.
*Long trousers or riding trousers (breeches).
*Boots (boots with wraps) or shoes. Depending on the trousers you are wearing.
*Personal edged weapons (sword or dagger).

This uniform is worn when an officer reports to his new commander for introductions, to the commander for various kinds of personal reports, and when he reports to the commander upon his call. Instead of this uniform, when an officer appears to his new commander or when he appears to the commander upon his call for introduction, a small secular uniform may be worn.
Moreover, if an officer appears to the commander in the usual official manner, i.e. in daily service, he may be dressed in the uniform in which he performs his official duties.

From the author. This is a kind of dress uniform, which emphasizes that reporting to the commander is a solemn occasion, and a personal oral report is a special occasion. So to speak, this form is a psychological means of increasing the authority of the commander.

5. Dress uniform (Paradeanzug). The dress uniform set includes:
*Steel helmet.
*Uniform or field jacket.
*Riding trousers (breeches).
*Boots or shoes with wraps.
*Field belt.
*Sword.
*Grey gloves.
*Orders and badges
*Overcoat (as needed).

At parades in front of the Fuhrer and at parades on his birthday, aiguillettes must be worn. The senior commander may prescribe the wearing of aiguillettes at other parades or on other special occasions.

From the author. Note that the only headgear for the dress uniform is a steel helmet. The aiguillette belongs only to the ceremonial uniform, and even then not in all cases, as well as to the full secular uniform.

6.Exit form (Ausgehanzug). The output form kit includes:
*Cap.
*Uniform (white uniform) or your own field jacket.
*Order bar, neck order.

*Boots or low shoes in black
*Overcoat or cape as needed.

Officers wear a dress uniform during off-duty periods, on vacation, at various non-military ceremonial events where they are present as guests, and when visiting theaters and concert halls.

In the photo on the right: Infantry officer of the Gross Deutschland division in uniform.

From the author. Your own field jacket is a jacket that an officer can sew at his own expense from expensive, high-quality material that is noticeably different from the standard one in its sophisticated appearance. However, the cut and the required elements are the same as on the official field jacket.
Wehrmacht officers had the right to wear civilian clothes when off duty, but this was recommended only in special cases. The officer was obliged to give preference to military uniform when choosing clothes. It was considered bad manners for an officer to wear civilian clothes

7.Full secular uniform (Grosser Gesellschaftanzug).The complete secular uniform kit includes:
*Uniform with aiguillette.
*Box with orders, neck order,
*White gloves.
*Long pants.
*Low shoes.
*Sword or dirk.

Full evening uniform is worn in large society and on special occasions. The field belt is worn on ceremonial official occasions, where the senior commander of the local garrison is present.

8.Small secular form (Kleiner Gesellschaftanzug The set of small secular uniforms includes:
*Cap.
*Uniform (white uniform).
*Order bar, neck order.
*White or gray gloves.
*Long trousers (white trousers).
*Half boots or boots.
*Sword or dirk.

At any time, the small secular uniform can be used outside of duty and on all official occasions at which only officers are present, for example, during reports. In addition, she runs around in close company.

9. Sportswear (Sportanzug). The sports uniform set includes:
*Sports shirt.
*Sports pants.
*Shoes with spikes.
*Swim trunks.

Sports uniforms are worn by officers when participating in competitions on sports grounds and stadiums. You are allowed to wear it when traveling to and from the stadium.

Officers discharged from service with the right to wear a military uniform wear on their uniform (field jacket), as well as on their overcoat under their shoulder straps, a silver braid 10 mm wide, which protrudes across the shoulder strap by 0.5 cm.

In the picture on the left: shoulder straps of a retired Oberstleutnant of the 15th Artillery Regiment.

During the war, for a number of cases, some simplifications were introduced to the above-described forms and rules for wearing them.

Military parades.

Officers in parade formation: Service uniform (field jacket or old-style uniform), riding trousers (breeches), long boots. Steel helmet, waist belt, pistol in a holster or sword, medal bar, neck order, ribbons of military awards above 2nd class, gray gloves.
Officers present at the parade:

In the photo on the left: An infantry officer of the Gross Deutschland division dressed to attend the parade.

Other ceremonial military events (providing military honors, laying wreaths at memorials, etc.).

Service uniform (field jacket or old-style uniform), riding trousers (breeches), long boots. Steel helmet, waist belt, pistol in a holster or sword, medal bar, neck order, ribbons of military awards above 2nd class, gray gloves.
The same thing, but instead of a steel helmet there is a cap.

Divine services.

A field tunic or an old-style uniform, long trousers, a cap, an order bar, a neck order, gray gloves, a saber or dirk (if on special occasions the leaders of the locality are present, and a senior commander is present at field services).

Military mourning events.

Officers taking part in the ceremony: Service uniform (field tunic or old-style uniform), trousers with boots, long boots, steel helmet, waist belt, pistol or sword, medal bar, neck order, award ribbons newer than German military awards 2nd class threaded under a button, gray gloves .

Officers present at the ceremony: The same thing, but instead of a steel helmet there is a cap.

Non-military state events (national holidays, acts of state, state visits, mass rallies in the presence of the Fuehrer, in the Reichstag)

Service uniform (field tunic or old-style uniform), trousers with boots, long boots, steel helmet, waist belt pistol in a holster or sword, medal bar, neck order, award ribbons newer than German military awards 2nd class in the buttonhole, gray gloves .

Non-military local events (groundbreakings, opening of public buildings and monuments, exhibitions, cultural events of government officials and unions).

In the presence of the Fuhrer:

Officers taking official part in the event. Service uniform (field tunic or old-style uniform), trousers with boots, long boots, steel helmet, waist belt, pistol in a holster or sword, small order bar, neck order, ribbons with new German military awards in a button loop, gray gloves.

Officers are only present at the event. The same thing, but instead of a steel helmet there is a cap.

Without the presence of the Fuhrer:

Field tunic or old-style uniform, long trousers, small order bar, neck order, gray gloves, sword or dirk, cap.

Visiting a theater, concert hall, etc.

On personal special occasions Field tunic or old-style uniform (military uniform or decorated tunic at your discretion), long trousers, small order bar, neck order, sword or pistol holster, gray gloves, cap.

In other cases. Field tunic or old-style uniform, small order bar, neck order, gray gloves, long trousers, sword or holster, cap.

Large secular or diplomatic daytime and evening receptions, balls and performances, public meetings in the presence of high political figures.

Private receptions, friendly meetings, horse races, sporting events.

Field tunic or old-style uniform (military uniform or decorated tunic at your discretion), long trousers, small order bar, neck order, sword or pistol holster, gray gloves, cap.

Non-military mourning events.

Service uniform (field tunic or old-style uniform), trousers with boots, long boots, cap, waist belt, pistol in a holster or sword, without an order bar, neck order, bar with new German awards, ribbons in a button loop, gray gloves.

Despite the abundance of regulations on dress codes for each occasion, it is clearly visible that during war, in almost all cases, the officer must be dressed the same. The only difference is that in formation there is a helmet on the head, while out of formation there is a cap. Yes, in various cases, trousers are either boots or long. Jacket with or without a waist belt.

Once again I want to emphasize that the article describes only the uniform items prescribed by the basic rules without the numerous variations and special forms, insignia and insignia that existed. The insignia of ranks (epaulets) with their numerous additional emblems, encryption, etc. are also not described, since this requires a separate article.

July 2016

Sources and literature

1. F. Altrichter. Der reserveoffiziere. Verlag von E.S.Mittler&Sohn. Berlin.1943
2. B. Lee Davis. German Army. Uniforms and insignia 1933-1945. EXMO. Moscow. 2003
3. O.P. Kurylev. German Army 1933-1945. AST. Astrel. Moscow. 2011
4. W.Böhler. Uniform-Effekten 1938-1945. Motorbuch Verlag. Stuttgart. 2009
5. Uniform of the Third Reich. AST. Moscow. 2000
6. Insignia of the German Army. Military publishing house of NGOs of the USSR. Moscow. 1941
7. P. Lipatov. Uniforms of the Red Army and the Wehrmacht. Publishing house "Technology-youth". Moscow. 1995
8. G. Rottman, R. Volstad. Wehrmacht combat equipment. AST. Astrel. Moscow. 2002
9. J de Lagarde. Nemecti vojaci ve Druhe Svetove valce. Nakladatelctvi Cesty. Praha. 2000r.

, was distinguished by its simplicity and functionality. At the beginning of the war, high-quality pre-war equipment was used.
Later, the design of the equipment was simplified, and its quality decreased. The same thing happened with the Wehrmacht military uniform. Simplification of sewing, replacement of natural materials with artificial ones, transition to cheaper raw materials is typical for both armies, both our Soviet and German.
Equipment of a Soviet soldier model 1936 was modern and thoughtful. The duffel bag had two small side pockets. The flap of the main compartment and the flaps of the side pockets were fastened with a leather strap with a metal buckle. On the bottom of the duffel bag there were fastenings for carrying tent pegs. The shoulder straps had quilted pads. Inside the main compartment, the Red Army soldier kept a change of linen, footcloths, rations, a small pot and a mug. Toiletries and rifle cleaning supplies were carried in external pockets. The overcoat and raincoat were worn folded and pulled over the shoulder. Various small things could be stored inside the roller.

Equipment of a Soviet soldier of the 1941 model

Waist belt 4 cm wide made of dark brown leather. On both sides of the buckle, cartridge pouches were attached to the waist belt into two compartments, each compartment holding two standard 5-round clips. Thus, the carryable ammunition was 40 rounds. A canvas bag was hung from the back of the belt for additional ammunition, which consisted of six five-round clips. In addition, it was possible to wear a canvas bandoleer, which could hold another 14 clips. Often, instead of an additional pouch, a canvas grocery bag was worn. The sapper's shovel and flask were also suspended from the waist belt on the right hip. The gas mask was carried in a bag over the right shoulder. By 1942, wearing gas masks was almost universally abandoned, but they continued to be kept in warehouses.

Items of equipment of a Russian soldier of the Second World War

Most of the pre-war equipment was lost during the retreat in the summer-autumn of 1941. To make up for the losses, simplified equipment was produced. Instead of high-quality tanned leather, tarpaulin and leatherette were used. The color of the equipment also varied widely from brown-yellow to dark olive. A canvas belt 4 cm wide was reinforced with a leather pad 1 cm wide. Leather cartridge pouches continued to be produced, but they were increasingly replaced by pouches made of canvas and leatherette. The production of grenade pouches for two or three grenades has begun. These pouches were also worn on the waist belt, next to the cartridge pouches. Often the Red Army soldiers did not have a full set of equipment, wearing what they managed to get.
The 1941 model duffel bag was a simple canvas bag tied with a drawstring. A U-shaped strap was attached to the bottom of the duffel bag, which was tied in the middle with a knot at the neck, forming shoulder straps. A raincoat, a food bag, and a pouch for additional ammunition became much less common after the start of the war. Instead of a metal flask, there were glass flasks with a cork stopper.
In extreme cases, there was no duffel bag, and the Red Army soldier carried all his personal property inside a rolled up overcoat. Sometimes the Red Army soldiers did not even have cartridge pouches, and ammunition had to be carried in their pockets.

Equipment of soldiers and officers for the Great Patriotic War

In the pocket of his tunic, the fighter carried a dressing bag made of light gray fabric with a red cross. A set of personal items could include a small towel and a toothbrush. Tooth powder was used to clean teeth. The soldier could also have a comb, a mirror and a straight razor. A small fabric bag with five compartments was used to store sewing supplies. Lighters were made from 12.7 mm cartridge cases. Industrially produced lighters were rare, but regular matches were widely used. A special set of accessories was used to clean the weapon. Oil and solvent were stored in a tin box with two compartments.

Elements of equipment and equipment of Russian soldiers

Equipment of a Soviet soldier of World War II , the pre-war bowler was similar in design to the German one, but during the war years, an ordinary open bowler with a wire handle was more common. Most soldiers had metal enamel bowls and mugs, as well as spoons. The spoon was usually stored tucked into the top of the boot. Many soldiers carried knives, which were used as a tool or cutlery rather than as a weapon. Finnish knives (puukko) with a short wide blade and deep leather sheath that accommodated the entire knife, including the handle, were popular.
Officers wore quality leather waist belts with a brass buckle and sword belt, a pouch, a tablet, B-1 (6x30) binoculars, a wrist compass, a wrist watch, and a brown leather pistol holster.