Wehrmacht infantryman. German uniform: for SS officers, Wehrmacht uniform, insignia

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 initial period During 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 have time 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 short fur 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 Europe worked 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 wool 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, uniforms were adopted that differed from the previous ones separate elements. In connection with the massive conscription 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. Under the helmets in cold weather knitted balaclavas were worn. 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 American soldier has 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.

Abstracting from all world conflicts during the forties of the last century, and paying attention to the appearance of German soldiers, it is worth noting that they paid enough attention to this aspect.

It is worth paying tribute to those people who created uniforms for soldiers and officers. They did it with taste and not without a certain panache. German uniform The fascists compared favorably with many armies of the world.

Particularly worth noting are the SS units, the so-called security detachments. In which the officers stood out especially among the rest. But at the same time, an ordinary ordinary soldier, against the background of ordinary soldiers, was noticeable.

Black SS uniform and its history

The security detachments themselves (later they began to be called punitive) appeared back in the twenties. And their original purpose was for Hitler’s own security. The unit was a kind of special forces. At that time, the uniform of an SS officer was not very different from that of a regular army soldier. The main insignia were shoulder straps and stripes.

As the forties approached, the battalions grew in size and took on more responsibilities. At the same time, their appearance changed. Dress uniform SS has become everyday. The color, tailoring of uniforms and insignia have changed.

A black uniform was sewn for SS officers.

The war swept across Europe and the Soviet Union. And the fascists, almost everywhere, were remembered as occupiers and conquerors. And punitive detachments are left in memory Soviet people with great hatred. The black uniform of the SS troops caused fierce anger among the partisans in Belarus.

At the beginning of the formation of special security battalions distinctive feature there was one shoulder strap. But with the beginning of military operations, the German SS uniform received two shoulder straps. They now belonged entirely to military formations.

Another feature that distinguished the uniform of Wehrmacht and SS soldiers was the wearing of insignia. For the SS they were attached exclusively to the left buttonhole. And officer's hats had piping. Since the mid-thirties, the eagle became the cockade.

Since the head of the SS, Heinrich Himmler, was an inveterate Nazi and divided the whole world into Aryans and not, a soldier who was not of German origin did not have the right to wear some chevrons and insignia. Black uniforms were prohibited for them.

At the same time, the “true” Aryans wore a metal rune on their left breast pocket. And depending on the rank - some special stripes.

The shoulder straps of the SS troops were not much different from the shoulder straps of the regular army. Only the officers had minor differences, in the form of a metal edging.

Wehrmacht and SS uniforms

The military uniforms of the Wehrmacht and the SS were very different. The outfit of the latter can rightfully be considered special. Unlike the usual uniforms of Nazi Germany for soldiers, not to mention field divisions, the SS uniform stood out with some originality.

The German officer uniform had a cap.

Namely, there are special stitches on its band. They differed in color, depending on the unit’s affiliation with one or another army.

On the crown there was an eagle, and on the band there was a skull with bones underneath. A little lower, there was a special cord, usually silver. It was fastened with buttons, the same as on the soldier's uniform.

The highest ranks of the SS wore approximately the same caps, but the band was made of black velvet, and the buttons, in some cases, were made of silver.

A private SS sheep, wore a cap only in ceremonial uniform. And the cap was different in that instead of a lace, there was a regular leather train.

The uniform of Nazi Germany for the SS troops was developed especially carefully. Everything was provided for in it. Even underwear was specially sewn so as not to hinder movement. The material used was, as a rule, cotton.

• Shirts they were made of wool and were cut in such a way as to completely retain body heat. But at the same time they were free and did not interfere with movement. But wool was soon abandoned. Such shirts were abolished and switched to cotton ones. The reason for this was the unusually strong thorniness of the material;
• Trousers And jacket They were sewn quite elegant, and, among other things, they were durable. Since viscose was added to the wool from which they were made. Which significantly increased the life and service;
• Trousers They had a high belt and were worn with suspenders until the age of forty-three. The high belt was determined by the fact that it retained heat and was practical in terms of additional pockets;
• Overcoat has not undergone major changes since its creation. Closer to hostilities, only the color of her collar changed. Ordinary soldiers also wore a sword belt on top of their overcoat, on which all the necessary accessories were attached - weapons, ammunition, a flask, etc.

The SS soldiers wore ordinary boots. The officers' boots were patent leather.

Distinctive marks were on the shoulders, sleeves and chest. They also stood out with piping on some items of clothing.

Nazi female uniform

The German women's uniform of the SS units differed little from the men's. Because women tended to do auxiliary tasks. For example, communication.

They wore skirts instead of trousers. But if a signal operator was needed in a conflict zone, then women also wore pants and boots.

The main difference from the male uniform was the headdress.

Women, for the most part, wore caps. They differed from men's only in the absence of sides. And it was made of black wool.

An exceptional insignia was the black silk cuff ribbon. Which was worn on the left hand. Women also wore special silver fasteners, which in their own way were a kind of insignia and were a reward for achievements.

Otherwise there were no differences in colors, borders or piping. Both privates and officers of the female SS units.

Marks of Excellence

The insignia of soldiers and officers of SS units differed from the insignia of the regular army. Moreover, there were additional stripes and emblems. By the way, they were later (already in the post-war years) inherited by Bundeswehr units.

First of all, it is worth highlighting the emblems for headdresses. Cockades and additional signs. In the period from the twenties to the forties they changed. For example, the imperial sign was replaced with an eagle, and a jaw was added to the skull.

The buttonholes and shoulder straps of soldiers and officers were very diverse. As well as senior command staff. The difference in symbolism was complemented by piping of different colors, which determined the belonging to one or another branch of the military.

In addition to everything, along with the uniform, the officers were given a pennant and a cover for it. Such signs are mandatory, had to be attached to officers' vehicles.

Armbands were also an insignia of special SS units.

In addition to everything, the soldiers had their own specialization. And each specialist was required to wear a special patch on his sleeve, which visually made it clear to which qualification branch the soldier belonged.

These insignia were special, unlike the regular troops of Nazi Germany. Otherwise, all military awards and badges were similar to other soldiers and officers.

Also distinctive feature SS uniforms had colors.

The color of the SS uniform determined the unit to which the troops belonged:

Conclusion

Over the period of existence of military units (almost twenty-five years), the uniform of SS officers and soldiers was modified more than once. But for the most part, the uniforms of the Wehrmacht and SS remained the same. Only some insignia were added or colors and materials were changed.

During the war years, officer and general uniforms changed. Towards the end of the war, some components were canceled. For example, suspenders and wool shirts. And also some added pea coats. For combat in cold conditions.

But the shoulder straps and officer insignia always remained unchanged. Moreover, some of them still exist today. But already in the regular troops German army.

The Second World War, characterized by posterity as the war of engines. Despite a large number of mechanized parts, in German army Cavalry units were also widely used. 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 grey colour, or native 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 sleeve of the tunic cuff, and dark -green color collars are the same as on pre-war samples. 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. The 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 drivers Vehicle 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 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 wildflower fabrics. The photo shows olive color used in Africa, Southern Europe and in the south of 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 necessary measure savings; 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. You won't see it in any war movie. German soldier, in 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 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.

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.

State-owned enterprises in the system produced ammunition General management for Wehrmacht uniforms and equipment, 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 Rangers 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 back side The pouch shows 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 made of genuine leather. various shades 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. Most widespread- corresponding to the pistols - they received 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 with a similar purpose was used in North Africa along with leather, 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, 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 wore 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 machine gun belt(4), oiler (5), mounting wrench (6), rag (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, after releasing the strap, was 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. The rolled up tent and the bag with its accessories were carried, attached either to shoulder straps or to assault pack, or at the waist. 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.