5-ssinf

Page 1 of 19

Waffen-SS Infantry 1939-45

SS two letters which are forever seared onto the history of the twentieth century. From a small cadre of 200 men charged with guarding Hitler at early Nazi rallies, the SS grew to a membership of millions. The SS (short for Schutzstaffel or Defense Squad) was actually comprised of a number of organizations, with various responsibilities:
z z

the Allgemeine or General SS, composed of full- and part-time, inactive and honourary members; the Sicherheitsdienst or Security Division (SD), initially the Nazi party's intelligence-gathering wing, was later absorbed into the Geheime Staatspolitzei or State Security Police (Gestapo), which became responsible for internal state security. The SS was also put in charge of Germany's police. the Totenkopfverbande or Death's Head units, initially responsible for prisons, then the concentration and extermination camps; the Waffen-SS.

The Waffen-SS grew to a nominal strength of over 800,000 men in some 38 divisions by 1945. More significantly, it made up a quarter of Germany's tank troops and almost a third of its mechanized forces. Initially looked down upon by the professionals of the Heer, they rose to become the German Army's "fire-brigade", committed as the spearhead of attack or the last line of defense. Romanticized by a few, vilified by most, the Waffen-SS is probably the most-studied military formation in the history of the twentieth century.

Service Dress
The symbols chosen by the SS were both intentional and unintentional. The SS collar runes were supposed to symbolize Germany's Nordic roots. The Death's Head, besides its obvious graveyard menace, was the badge of four vanished regiments of the Kaiser's army. The cuff titles symbolize battle honours won by England's German Legion during the Napoleonic wars (though this claim is spurious at best). The service dress of the Waffen-SS divisions was broadly similar to that of the Wehrmacht, but with a wholly different range of insignia and with certain detail differences of cut and design. At the beginning of the war, the so-called "peacetime" tunic was widely worn. It was

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/uniformss/ssinfantry.html

11/9/2003

5-ssinf

Page 2 of 19

similar to the Wehrmacht's M1935 thigh-length tunic, but with two patch pockets with box pleats and three-point flaps on the chest and two internal pockets with three-point flaps on the skirt. There was a stand-and-fall collar, five large metal buttons on the front, and two buttons on the shoulders beside the neck for the attachment of shoulder straps. There was a 5 7/8 inch (150 mm) rear central vent in the skirt of the jacket, and the arms were split up the rear seam for about 3 inches (75 mm). But, unlike the Wehrmacht tunic, it had a field-grey collar and black shoulder straps instead of dark green. Early in the war a new tunic, identical to the Wehrmacht M1935 tunic but with black collar, was issued to replace the "peacetime" tunic; both tunics were worn side by side. Both tunics were worn with straight stone-grey trousers with slash side pockets closed by buttons and a right hip pocket, and black leather hobnailed marching boots. As well, during the mid-war years, Wehrmacht tunics were issued when there was a local shortage of SS tunics. A broad black leather belt was worn at all times, with a rectangular belt plate bearing the SS motto. Like the dimple-finish buttons, this was made in dull white metal but usually overpainted field-grey. Members of the cavalry branch wore flared riding breeches and knee-length black leather riding boots with spurs. Alone among the fighting services, the SS did not wear the national eagle-and-swastika badge on the right breast. Instead, all ranks wore it high on the left sleeve (above any rank chevrons). It was also of a special shape, which appeared on the cap insignia as well; the ends of the eagle's wings were pointed, rather than clipped (perhaps a veiled insult to their Wehrmacht brethren). The enlisted men's was in white thread on a black background, with officers' in silver thread. The shoulder straps, worn by all ranks, had the sides and rounded ends piped in Waffenfarbe or the branch-of-service colour. They were: infantry white; armor pink; cavalry golden yellow; artillery bright red; mountain troops and jagers light green; armoured infantry grass green; engineers black; signals lemon yellow; motorised reconnaissance copper brown The normal headgear in the field was the sidecap (Feldmutze). Similar to the Wehrmacht version, it was of field-grey with a turn-up all round, the upper edge of the turn-up being "scooped" at the front. However, the SS version had the central gusset offset to the right. In 1940 it was replaced by the Luftwaffe version, in field-grey; it differed from the Wehrmacht sidecap in that there was no "scoop" at the front. On both versions, a grey metal death's-head button was sewn to the front of the turn-up, and the SS eagle in white thread on a black patch was sewn to the front of the crown. Usually an inverted-V (^) of piping in the appropriate Waffenfarbe was sewn to the turn-up, enclosing the death's-head; the lower "legs" of the (^) extended down to the bottom edge of the cap. From 1942 the (^) of Waffenfarbe was not worn. The combat headgear for all ranks was the M1935 steel helmet (Stahlhelm)of the familiar "coal-scuttle" shape, with dark leather fittings and strap. The shape originates from the German sallets of the fifteenth century and was revived during theFirst World War. Initially painted grey-green, in 1939-40 it was worn with two decals on the sides: on the left side was a silver shield with the double-

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/uniformss/ssinfantry.html

11/9/2003

5-ssinf

Page 3 of 19

lightning SS rune in black; a red shield on the right bore a black swastika in a white circle. From 21 March 1940 the helmet was finished in matt dark grey and the tricolor shield removed with the SS rune decal disappearing in 1942-43 they made convenient aiming points for snipers! (The SS decal can still be seen in late-war photos. This may be because they had been covered by a camouflaged helmet cover, so there was no need to remove them.) Shades of paint, and presence or absence of decals, varied widely throughout the war. Helmets were camouflaged with paint, mud, hessian camouflage netting and with foliage tucked into a cruciform strap harness hooked over the helmet. At the beginning of the war, the black marching boots measured 35-39cm from heel to top, and were heavily hobnailed on the sole. However, on 9 november 1939 they were ordered shortened to 32-34cm as an economy measure (though both versions were seen throughout the war). In mid-1940, these began to be replaced by ankle-length laced boots, worn in conjunction with either short anklets in field-grey or khaki, or captured British canvas anklets in a buff colour. (The anklets were given the rather sardonic nickname of "retreat puttees" or "Timoshenko socks", after a Russian general.) The short boot was initially issued to second-line troops; the front-line soldier retained the high boot. From 1943, however, the ankle boot was issued whenever the high boot needed replacing. (It appears from photos that the short boot was hobnailed in the same pattern as the marching boot.) By late in the war the latter was generally seen only on officers and rear-echelon troops. Photos show that the anklets/puttees were rarely worn in the front lines; most soldiers either wore the trousers loose over the boots, or tucked into socks In 1943 a new economy version of the service uniform was issued, designated M1943. It differed from the M1935 in both materials and design. It had a distinctly "utility"appearance, and was greyer than the earlier uniform. Usually, but not invariably, the pockets had no box pleats, and straight flaps. The collar was now field-grey instead of black. It appears from photos that the black shoulder straps and collar patches continued to be issued with the M1943 tunic. It is likely that green shoulder straps were issued when black ones were not available. The silver Tresse on NCO's collars was progressively replaced by dull grey silk. As well, the trousers were now made of field-grey material. In 1943 the sidecap began to be replaced by the M1943 field cap (Einheitsfeldmutze), identical in cut to the Wehrmacht version. The Einheitsfeldmutze variously translated as either "action field cap" or "replacement field cap" was based on the cap worn by mountain troops, the Bergmutze. It was of "ski-cap" shape, with a slightly longer peak than the mountain cap, and was in field-grey cloth overall. The turn-up had two small buttons at the front (though versions with a single button have been seen). Insignia varied on this cap: some wore the skull on the front of the crown and the eagle sewn high on the left side of the turn-up; some wore the badges one above the other on the front of the crown (as on the sidecap). A combined badge with both eagle and skull one above the other on a triangular grey patch was also observed. Officers wore silver-thread badges, and had silver piping round the crown seam. However, the sidecap continued to be seen until the end of the war. The final major development came in autumn 1944 with the introduction of the M1944 Feldbluse (see Wehrmacht 1943-45 for picture). It appears that it was sseldom worn by members of the SS.

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/uniformss/ssinfantry.html

11/9/2003

5-ssinf

Page 4 of 19

Officers and NCO's field uniforms

Officers began the war wearing the M1933 officers field tunic. It was very similar to that of the enlisted mans, though of much finer quality (often of private purchase). The main difference was a set of turned-back cuffs, which reached to mid-forearm. The same national emblem was worn as enlisted men, on the right arm. The tunic was worn with flared riding breeches and black riding boots. Officers were required to wear the M1934 belt with "Sam Browne"-type shoulder strap. Both were a light reddish brown, with a thin line or groove pressed around the edge of the belt and shoulder strap. The buckle was open-faced with two prongs, in matt aluminum. The two-piece shoulder strap was 1 inch (25 mm) wide and fitted with a hook at both ends; these attached to two stud-secured leather belt loops with "D" rings positioned on the belt at the left front and the right rear, with the strap running over the right shoulder. Though principally ornamental, the belt did serve to support any attached equipment, usually a sidearm (pistol, dagger or sabre) and map case in either black or reddish brown leather. Apart from the steel helmet, officers had three types of headgear to choose from; they seem to have been worn indiscriminately in the front lines. The most common was the sidecap, similar in cut to the enlisted mens, but with silver piping round the edge of the crown. The high-fronted peaked cap (Schirmmutze) was also widely worn. The SS eagle and swastika were worn on the crown, and a metal death's head on the front of the black velvet cap band. Waffenfarbe piping appeared round the crown seam and on both edges of the band. Though the cap was normally issued with a black leather chin strap, for officers is was replaced by a heavy plaited double-cord in silver thread, held in place by two silver buttons. A silver metal eagle badge of SS design was pinned to the front of the crown, and a silver death's-head to the front of the band. Senior NCOs were sometimes to be seen wearing this cap, but with a black leather chinstrap instead of the cords. Waffenfarbe piping followed the crown seam and both top and bottom edges of the band. Insignia was the same as on the officer's version. NCOs wore the same sidecap as the rank and file. There was also the "old style officers cap" (Offizierfeldmutze alterer Art). It was of similar shape to the peaked cap, but noticeably smaller in outline. This soft and battered-looking cap was quite popular. It had no chinstrap or cords, though officers occasionally added the silver cords. The peak was either of unstiffened black leather or less commonly covered in field-grey cloth. Unlike the Army equivalent, it bore metal insignia as on the Schirmmutze. Officers also wore the officer's version of the M1943 field cap. It was identical to the enlisted man's version, but with silver piping round the crown seam. Changes to officers' and NCO's equipment were dictated more by experience than any regulation France 1940 was one thing, but Russia 1942 was quite another! One of the few regulated change came in July 1943, when it was ordered that the M1934 officer's belt was to be dyed black, and new belts be manufactured in black. But most of the changes were dictated by the battlefield. Any front line officer or NCO who wished to stay alive quickly made changes that made him look more like his men. This meant the abandonment of the officer's belt for the enlisted man's, adopting the enlisted man's tunic, and wearing the sidecap or M1943 field cap instead of an officer's cap.

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/uniformss/ssinfantry.html

11/9/2003

5-ssinf

Page 5 of 19

Cuff-titles and trade badges

Cuff-titles (Armelstreifen) were a common feature of German uniform insignia. Many military, paramilitary, political and ancillary formations wore such items. They can be divided onto a number of categories, though only unit and campaign titles will be dealt with in this article. Though many were in existence before the war, new ones were created throughout the war. Regulations were laid down for the manufacture and issue of all types of cuff-titles. Definite rules were set out regarding the wearing of these items, though these were often ignored. Many differed between those worn by officers and those worn by enlisted men; usually this took the form of the quality of the material used in the inscriptionwhite or grey machine-stitched cotton for the lower ranks, silveraluminum hand-embroidery for officers

.a.Unit cuff-titles Most of the important Waffen-SS divisions were awarded unit cuff-titles. These appeared on the lower left sleeve, 5 7/8 inches (150mm) above the end of the sleeve. They were of black cloth edged with silver braid, and about 1 1/4 inches (33mm) wide. In white, light grey or silver script, the divisional name was woven so as to appear on the outside of the sleeve. Most were in block letters but some were in Gothic or other special scriptsit appears that units raised either prior to or early in the war had cufftitles in Gothic script; the script appears to have been changed to block letters around 1941, though both versions would have been seen throughout the war. Regulations requred the cuff-titles to be worn 10mm above the turn-back of the cuff on the officers' tunic, or about 160mm above the cuff of the other ranks' tunic. Those with edging came in two types either the edging was woven into the fabric of the band, or it was laid on as part of the manufacture.

1st SS Panzer Division "Liebstandarte Adolf Hitler" Originally Hitler's bodyguard unit, it rose from motorized infantry regiment to motorized division in June 1941, to Panzergrenadier division in December 1942, and finally to Panzer Division. It fought on every European front. The cuff-title was worn by all members of the division, and simulated Hitler's signature. The officer's version had was in embroidered silver-aluminum thread, the other ranks' in white machined stitching. a band with an imitation of Hitler's signature on it. Edging was in silver-aluminum for officers, white for enlisted men

2nd SS Panzer Division "Das Reich"

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/uniformss/ssinfantry.html

11/9/2003

5-ssinf

Page 6 of 19

This division grew out of the SS regiments which were grouped as the SS-Verfugnugstruppen Division in the first year of the war. It fought on every front, rising from regimental strength to Panzer Division status by October 1943.The cuff-title was a blocklettered divisional band on black cloth and edged in silver. Within the division, the "Germania", "Deutschland", and "Der Fuhrer" regiments wore their own cuff bands, in both Gothic (early-war) and block (late-war) lettering.

3rd SS Panzer division "Totenkopf" This division was formed around concentration camp units and other units of the SS-Verfugnugstruppen Division. It fought as motorized infantry, then as a Panzergrenadier formation before being raised to full Panzer division status in October 1943. It fought on both the Eastern and Western fronts. Originally, the cuff-title was a black band with a silver woven skull in the centre, this was later changed to a blocklettered divisional name band.

Within the division, the 3rd SS Totenkopf Grenadier Standarte, later the SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment No 6, "Theodore Eicke", were issued with the honorary title after Eicke, the first commander of the "Totenkopf" Division, was killed in action in Russia on 26 February 1943. The title was in black cloth, with the name "Theodor Eicke" in block letters and edged in silver thread.

5th SS Panzer Division "Wiking"

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/uniformss/ssinfantry.html

11/9/2003

5-ssinf

Page 7 of 19

The Wiking Division was formed in late 1940 from Danish and Norwegian volunteers (who formed the Nordland Regiment), Dutchmen and Flemish Belgians (who formed the Westland Regiment) and the transferred Germania Regiment (from the Das Reich Division).

8th SS Kavallerie Division "Florian Geyer" In May 1940, the creation of a 1st and 2nd Cavalry Standarte was authorized. In August 1941, they were amalgamated to form a cavalry brigade, and were put into action on the Eastern Front to clear rear areas of partisans. In June 1942, the brigade was raised to divsional status, and the name Florian Geyer added. It orignally consisted of two regiments and an artillery battalion, with a third cavalry regiment being added in 1943. The division spent most of it's time in anti-partisan operations on the Eastern Front, where it moved from one sector to another. It was virtually destroyed while serving as part of the garrison defending Budapest, and was not re-formed.

9th SS Panzer Division "Hohenstaufen" Originally raised as a Panzergrenadier unit, in February 1944 it was upgraded to the status of a Panzer division. It fought on both the Eastern and Western Fronts, notably in Normandy, Arnhem and in the Battle of the Bulge.

10th SS Panzer Division "Frundsberg" Originally raised as a Panzergrenadier unit, it was upgraded to Panzer Division status in October 1943. It fought on both Eastern and Western fronts, notably in Normandy, Arnhem and in the battle for Strasburg.

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/uniformss/ssinfantry.html

11/9/2003

5-ssinf

Page 8 of 19

17th SS Panzergrenadier Division "Gotz von Berlichingen" Though the unit was authorized to be raised in October 1943, it was not ready for action until May 1944. It fought in Normandy.

As well, certain crack units wore monograms on the shoulder-straps in gold pins for officers, silver for senior NCOs, or embriodered in the appropriate Waffenfarbe for enlisted men. Pins were worn centrally between the pips by any ranks with two pips on the strap. Some examples are a monogrammed "LAH" of the 1st SS Panzer Division; and monogrammed "G", "D" and "DF" for the three named regiments of the 2nd SS Panzer division. By mid-war, the embroidered monograms were sewn on slip-on loops of black cloth.

b. Trade Badges A wide variety of trade badges were also worn. Medical officers, veterinary officers, etc. wore metal insignia in either gold or silver on their shoulder straps, either above or between the pips. Badges for enlisted personnel took the form of dark green circular patches bearing a symbol of the trade in (usually) yellow, and edged with yellow cord for higher grades (usually NCOs). There are too many to go into in this article, but some of the common ones are: Medical personnel in a non-medical unit (Sanitatsunterpersonal) yellow serpent-andstaff on dark green circle Signalers in a non-signals unit (Nachrichtenpersonal) lightning flash point down, in unit Waffenfarbe on dark green circle Artillery gun-layer (Richtkanonier) yellow shell, upright, with flaming nose, in yellow oak wreath on dark green oval> Motor or armoured mechanic, 2nd class (Kraftzeug o.Panzer Warte II) cogwheel, in unit Waffenfarbe on field-grey circle

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/uniformss/ssinfantry.html

11/9/2003

5-ssinf

Page 9 of 19

Badges usually appeared on the right forearm of the tunic; two exceptions were the signalers badge, on the upper left sleeve, and the artillery gun-layer, worn on the lower left sleeve.

Awards and Decorations

German troops made a point of wearing certain honourable awards on their combat dress at all times. See Awards and Decorations for more information.

Ranking
Waffen-SS shoulder strap and sleeve ranks were the same as in the Wehrmacht, but in silver on a black triangle. (Click here for table of US and UK equivalent ranks.) However, members also wore a set of SS ranks on small collar patches made of black cloth in a parallelogram shape, unpiped for enlisted ranks and edged with silver cord for all officers. These collar patches date back to the pre-war Sturmabteilung or SA the Nazi Party's dreaded stormtroopers. The SA used a rank structure similar to that of the German military, but with different titles;these ranks were also used in the SS,which was originally a minor organization in the SA.

Rank was worn on the left-hand collar, and a special SS patch on the right; in most cases, this took the form of the SS runes. However, there were exceptions: the 3rd SS Panzer Division "Totenkopf" wore the Death's Head instead of the runes; privates wore the death's heads on both collar patches. Members of the 4th SS "PolitzeiPanzergrenadier" Division wore the Wehrmacht collar bars instead of SS collar insignia, and the police badge on the left-hand side of the helmet. Other units wore special designs instead of the SS rune the subject is too broad to be covered here. Like NCOs in the Wehrmacht, ranks above SS-Unterscharfuhrer wore a strip of silver Tresse

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/uniformss/ssinfantry.html

11/9/2003

5-ssinf

Page 10 of 19

around the collar edge.Both the black chevrons and black shoulder straps appear to have been issued throughout the war. From the rank of SSStandartenfuhrer upwards, rank appeared on both sides of the collar and the SS rune was not worn. SSStandartenfuhrer's rank was indicated by a single silver oakleaf set diagonally across each patch. (The black collar patches were also worn on the "peacetime" tunic, a hold-over from the pre-war black tunic.) In 1942 a new system of sleeve rank patches was introduced for wear on camouflage garments and the working denims. These patches were rectangles of black cloth about 3 15/16 inches (100mm) wide, worn on the left arm only. The insignia took the form of bright green horizontal bars and pairs of oakleaves.

They were rarely used, however, most SS members preferring to retain their black insignia. (Some publications refer to the rank of SS private as SS-Mann; technically, this is incorrect. The rank of Mann originated in the SA. However, in the SS, this title was conferred only after a rigorous recruitment process, followed by a quasi-religious ceremony in which the Candidate swore an oath of allegiance to the SS and received his SS dagger all members of the SS, regardless of rank, were first and foremost an SS-Mann. However, it appears that the Waffen-SS altered the title to Schutze same as in the Wehrmacht to make the distinction between an infantry private and a simple SS member. Like the Wehrmacht, the title Schutze was changed to Grenadier in November 1942 .)

Camouflage clothing
The Waffen SS was responsible for one of the genuinely important innovations in military dress the use of camouflage-patterned cloth in combat uniforms. The first camouflage smock and helmet cover was introduced in 1938, and was worn throughout the war. It was thigh-length, of generously baggy cut, pulled tight at the waist with a drawstring. The front was of pullover type; a slit halfway down the chest from the neck was closed by drawstrings. There was no collar, and the collar of the tunic was usually fully exposed outside the neck-opening of the smock. The wrists were also gathered, emphasizing the baggy look of the arms. Early smocks had only vertical slits through which the tunic pockets could be reached. Later versions introduced in 1942 had two skirt pockets, with two large vertical pocket flaps

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/uniformss/ssinfantry.html

11/9/2003

5-ssinf

Page 11 of 19

on the ribs, closed by a single plastic button in the centre of each. Often, but not invariably, late-model smocks also had extra loops of the basic material were sewn to the shoulders and upper arms to take foliage camouflage. There were usually three in front and three behind each shoulder, about 3 inches (76 mm) long, parallel to the ground, and ending at the shoulder seam; another two or three close together across the top of the sleeve at the outside; and, occasionally, three more in the middle of the back, just below the collar. There were about seven variations of camouflage patterns, and a range of seasonal versions: light and dark green for spring, two shades of green and a purplish brown for summer, and three shades of russet and brown for autumn. All featured small, basically rounded patches of superimposed colours in patterns resembling leaves. The helmet cover used the same patterns, with additional foliage loops often sewn to the sides. Both smock and helmet cover were completely reversible, with the spring/summer pattern on one side, the autumn pattern on the other. Insignia was rarely worn on the smock. In 1944 a new camouflage uniform began to appear which was widely issued but never wholly replaced the smocks. This pattern, which does not seem to have reached the front in any great numbers until mid-summer, comprised a jacket of the same basic cut as the M1943 tunic, with straight-cut trousers. Unlike the smock, neither tunic nor pants was reversible. The two parts of the uniform were in the same camouflage pattern: the spotted effect was even more noticeable than before, and the colours two shades of green, dark brown and light tan brown appeared in a continuous pattern of multi-coloured spots over large irregular areas of contrasting colours. It could be worn over the woollen uniform, but more often than not, was worn instead of it. (There are many examples of the camouflage pants being worn with the non-camouflage tunic.) Though regulations stated that only the green-on-black rank insignia were to be worn, it is not uncommon to see photos of sleeve eagles, uniform shoulder-straps and even collar patches and cuff-titles being worn on the camouflage tunic. A camouflage version of the M1943 field cap was also issued, and was worn both with and without conventional cap insignia. Mountain and armoured formations seem, from photographic evidence, to have made more use of it than infantry units.

Summer clothing
SS units served both as occupation forces, and later in combat roles, in southern France and Russia, Italy, Greece and the Balkans. Initially, they wore the same uniforms as the Wehrmacht, but with SS insignia. However, it proved totally unsuitable for year-round occupation duties, particularly during the hot summer months. Initially, other ranks were allowed to wear the M1933 fatigue uniform, consisting of a cream or off-white cotton tunic and trousers. The tunic had two patch hip-pockets and five matt-grey painted buttons. The uniform was worn with black belt and marching boots. In general, no insignia was worn on this uniform. Though popular, the white drill uniform was hardly suitable. On 12 February 1940, it was replaced by a more practical version in reed green. However, the uniform (designated M1940 see Wehrmacht 1939-42) did not come into widespread use until the summer of 1941. Officers and enlisted men often added shoulder-strap and sleeve rank insignia and SS eagle. Its popularity led to the manufacture of the M1942 reed green drill tunic. .

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/uniformss/ssinfantry.html

11/9/2003

5-ssinf

Page 12 of 19

The popularity of the M1940 reed green drill fatigue uniform led to the manufacture of the M1942 reed-green summer tunic for wear in hot weather. Though it came into service in 1942, it was not in widespread use until 1943. It was of the same basic cut as the M1935, but lacked the pleats on the tunic pockets. However, the M1940 tunic was still occasionally encountered. As well, the M1941 reed-green pulloverstyle cotton shirt was also worn in hot weather. It had five plastic buttons and two breast pockets. When worn alone, officers and NCOs wore their shoulder-strap rank insignia; occasionally, arm chevrons or (more rarely) the camouflage insignia were also worn. In addition, the Luftwaffe tropical uniform was also worn, particularly by officers (see Airborne). As well, the Italian Sahariana tunic was also worn. It had a falling collar, two breast pockets and a "caped" effect on the chest. In general, the summer uniform was worn on the Western, Russian and Italian fronts; in Italy, Sicily and Sardinia, the tropical uniform (see Afrika Corps) was worn from the summer of 1943, after the surrender in North Africa. However, items from both the tropical and summer uniform were worn mixed together; as well, the M1935 tunic also continued to be worn. The camouflage smock continued to be worn-often with nothing underneath. In arid areas, (such as southern Italy), the fall/winter pattern was worn; in more fertile areas, the spring/summer pattern was worn. As well, the dot-pattern camouflage was widely worn. In rear rest areas, or while on fatigue duties, more latitude was allowed. Often, sports shirts and shorts were worn. The shirt was sleeveless, with a deep cut neck. The SS issue version had a large version of the SS eagle printed across the chest in black. Shorts and often swimming trunks, in black, were also wornsometimes with the high boot! In addition to the sidecap and M1943 Einheitsfeldmutze, the M1942 tropical pith helmet is occasionally seen.

Protective clothing
At the beginning of the war, the Waffen-SS were issued greatcoats similar to those of the Wehrmacht, but in field-grey cloth for both coat and collar. It was doublebreasted, had two rows of six metal buttons, and reached to the mid-calf at least. There was a cloth half-belt with two buttons in the rear of the waist, and a central rear vent, hidden in an inverted pleat, which reached from hem to waist. (Officers coats had the pleat from collar to hem.) There were two slanted slash pockets just below the waist, with rounded flaps. The cuffs had deep turn-backs. Uniform shoulder-straps and rank chevrons were the only insignia worn. During the terrible winter of 1941-42, German soldiers pressed into service any civilian or improvised protective clothing they could lay their hands on. Quilted Russian jackets, fur waistcoats, and fur- or pile-

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/uniformss/ssinfantry.html

11/9/2003

5-ssinf

Page 13 of 19

lined ear-flap caps were much prized. Thin cotton snowcamouflage capes and over-suits were improvised from sheets, their details varying with the skill or taste of the maker. A wide variety of fur- and fleece-lined and trimmed coats, and civilian fur clothing were also to be seen. Stories abound of soldiers wearing womens fur coats or fox furs, or with their greatcoats being stuffed with paper or straw. As well, a variety of white garments were improvised during the winter of 1941. A wide range of sheepskin and rabbit-fur vests and surcoats appear in photos, mostly in northern areas where the oncoming winter was taken more seriously. Officers appear to have kitted themselves out in tailor-made white fur coats. However, the SS also found themselves having to make do with whatever they could find to keep warm. The experience of the first Russian winter led to the hasty design and issue of a proper cold-weather field uniform in time for the winter of 1942-43. This was an excellent and popular two-piece reversible suit, very loose and baggy in appearance, with thick blanket inter-lining. The suit appeared in two basic patterns; the first was in "mouse grey" on one side and white on the other, the second was in camouflage pattern and white. This suit was completely reversible, all fittings and pocket openings being duplicated. The jacket buttoned down the right side of the chest with six buttons, and had two slanted pockets below the waist with buttoned flaps rounded at the corners. There was an attached hood, and internal drawstrings pulled the waist, hem, hood and cuffs tight. The trousers were of the same material, with drawstring bottoms; they could be worn inside or outside the boots, and were rather shorter in the leg than conventional trousers. The jacket had a button on both front and rear sleeve seams half way down the upper arm, for the attachment of different-coloured cloth armbands as an identification measure. No other insignia were worn on the suit's white side. Photos show SS troops wearing both the white/mouse grey and, less frequently, the white/splinter camouflage type worn by the Wehrmacht. Later, perhaps in 1943-44, a definitive version reversed in white and SS spotted camouflage was issued. The reversible winter uniform was widely used from its introduction until the end of the war. However, constantly wearing the garment white-side out caused it to become soiled, defeating the purpose of having a snow-white side. It was difficult to clean the suit under front line conditions, because the wool-rayon inner lining was hard to dry out without the right machines. In order to overcome this problem, a number of different styles of white, lightweight covers or "snow shirts" (Schneehemden) were stitched together and worn over top. How widely this practice was done, however, is difficult to say. As well, a shapeless two-piece snow suit consisting of a white jacket and trousers were also issued. The jacket buttoned down the front, and had an attached white hood as well as extra-long sleeves, the cuffs of which were rolled back up to the wearer's wrists. Both jacket and trousers were designed to be worn over other clothing. Single-piece snow coveralls and overalls were also introduced. They were not as practical, however, because they tended to restrict the wearer's freedom of movement. Issue winter caps were also to be seen from 1943 onwards. These were of field-grey cloth with fur or pile on the inside of neck, ear and forehead flaps. The flaps could be laced up over the top of the cap when not in use. The eagle and swastika, and sometimes the cockade, were often sewn to the fur side of

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/uniformss/ssinfantry.html

11/9/2003

5-ssinf

Page 14 of 19

the front flap in the form of cap or breast insignia, and metal cap badges were sometimes pinned here by NCOs and officers. (Some of these caps were actually made from the crash liners from the discontinued Panzer beret.) As well, a grey-green toque was issued. It was a shapeless sleeve, open at both ends which was worn by being pulled on over the head, one end worn open at the face. There was also a tight-fitting hood made of thick blanket material. It had a large collar which spread out over the wearer's neck and shoulders, providing excellent insulation against the cold. The hoods fit the contours of the head and neck, and could be closed over and tied with one long and one short tape, the long tape being wound right round the neck and tied in front. It was issued in both camouflage and mouse-grey, and was reversible to white. Large felt and leather winter boots were also issued from 1942. A variety of fur-lined greatcoats, complete with fur collars, were also worn. As well, animal-skin greatcoats were also worn, primarily by officers. They came in a wide variety of colors, sizes, shapes and styles. There was also a short-lived issue of a long parka in grey material, with a large furlined hood and matching overtrousers: This had two breast pockets with pointed buttoned flaps. and two slanted skirt pockets. It was of pullover design, opening down to the breastbone only with about four metal buttons. It was in use in 1943-44, but appears to have been withdrawn after that. It should be mentioned that in photos from the Battle of the Bulge, there is a notable absence of winter clothing. Most photos show German soldiers in their regular tunics, boots and trousers, with only scarves, balaclavas and gloves for protection from the cold. Some also appear to be wearing American long greatcoats and raincoats, likely taken from POWs or captured stores. They were both of olive drab material, the overcoat tending towards brown, the raincoat towards green. The overcoat was double breasted, with three paris of visible buttons and a large collar. There was an integral cloth belt at the back. The raincoat was similar in design. Camouflage clothing on both sides consisted of white bedsheets stitched to shape. Photos also show the Americans identified themselves by painting their sheets with a large circle on the front, back, or both!

SS Mountain Troops (Gebirgsjager)

SS mountain troops wore the same uniforms as those of the Wehrmacht (see Mountain Troops), though with SS insignia. However, there were some items that were unique to these units. Two units of SS Gebirgstruppen wore special cufftitles: 6th SS Gebirgs Division "Nord" Known originally as battle group "Nord", it was raised to divisional status in June 1942. It served in Lappland from February 1942 until it's return to Germany, where it participated in the Ardennes offensive. It surrendered to the Americans in the spring of 1945.

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/uniformss/ssinfantry.html

11/9/2003

5-ssinf

Page 15 of 19

11th SS Gebirgsjager Regiment "Reinhard Heydrich" Part of the 6th SS Gebirgs-Division "Nord", the regiment was authorized to wear the cuff-title on 4 June 1942. Heydrich was the leader of the SS-Security Service (Sicherheisdienst-SS) until he was assassinated in Czechoslovakia in 1942.

The cufftitles were worn in the same manner as other SS units.

SS Police (Feldgendarmerie and Polizei) units

In 1936 the police came under the control of the SS when Heydrich Himmler was named Chief of the German Police in the Ministry of the Interior. The separate State (Land) police forces became, in effect, a national police force with a unified command structure and organization. It was reorganized into a uniformed branch (Ordnungspolizei, or Order Police) and plainclothes branch (Sicherheitspolizei, or Security Police), which was to be incorporated into the SS. This integration was never fully completed within Germany, but was implemented in the occupied territories. Members of the Sicherheitspolitzei and Ordnungspolitzei (of which the principle organisation was the Schutzpolizei or Protection Police, which in turn was divided into a number of sub-branches) were quasi-military units, based in larger towns within the occupied territories. These units followed Army and SS units into occupied territory to provide security. Though they performed duties very simiilar to those of the Feldgendarmerie, they were often in the forefront of what were euphemistically called "anti-partisan" operations; though in reality, many of these operations were often an extension of Hitler's racial policy of exterminating those deemed "undesirable" Jews, gypsies and Communists. These Polizei units gained an unsavory reputation for brutality. In addition, there were also two actual combat divisions of Police troops (although the second was formed late in the war, and barely reached regimental strength). However, they fought as infantry, and did not undertake any police duties. The smallest of the SS Police organizations, the SS-Feldgendarmerie of the Waffen SS, were in effect military police. It was a much smaller organization than its Wehrmacht counterpart, but fulfilled identical functions. Each division of the Waffen SS had its Feldgendarmerie unit. Photographic evidence of SS Feldgendarmerietruppen are uncommon; it is likely that they were used to maintain order within their own unit lines, and as a result, their areas of responsibility were more restricted than those of the Army Feldgendarmerie. 1. Schutzpolizei units Although part of the SS, member of the Schutzpolitzei were not part of the Waffen-SS; as a result, they wore insignia and, early on, uniforms that differed from those of the SS. The traditional tunic of the Schutzpolizei was a field grey cloth distinctly greener than normal. The collar and cuffs were initially faced with brown cloth, and the cuffs each featured two

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/uniformss/ssinfantry.html

11/9/2003

5-ssinf

Page 16 of 19

silvered buttons. Both collar and cuffs were piped in "Police green" Truppenfarbe (similar to Waffenfarbe in that it was an arm of service color, but applied only to police units), and the traditional Litzen collar bars, similar to those worn by the Wehrmacht, were worn on the collar rather than SS runes. Police-pattern shoulder straps and collar patches were used; they were modelled on those of the Wehrmacht and SS, but featured a black stripe woven into the "Russia braid". Though the traditional tunic was worn, as the war progressed the same style of tunic worn by Wehrmacht and SS units, such as the M1943 tunic and trousers, became more common. Camouflage clothing, when worn, was standard Waffen-SS issue. The sleeve eagle on standard Schutzpolitzei uniforms were in green machine-embroidered thread with the swastika in black (though some versions were all green). Officers' versions were in silver wire with the swastika in black thread. Because these were not military units, the eagle-and-swastika were not worn on the left breast. Headgear followed SS pattern. The Feldmutze for other ranks was of SS pattern, with Police green piping; in place of the eagle-and-swastika and death's head, the police eagle insignia, in silver-grey thread on black, was worn on the front. Officers wore either the Feldmutze, piped in silver with the police eagle insignia in silver thread, or the Schirrmutze, piped in Police green with silver-metal Polizei-pattern wreathed eagle ans swastika on the band, and national cockade on the front. A police version of the M1943 Einheitsfeldmutze was also seen, piped in Police green. The Stalhhelm worn by Polizei troops featured a black escutcheon bearing a silver-grey Polizei eagle and swastika on the right side just below the vent hole. As in the rest of the military, these decals disappeared as the war progressed.

2. SS-Polizei Divisions Members of the SS-Polizei divisions initially wore a combination of SS and Police uniforms (since many of the members were drawn from the German police). Standard Wehrmacht field dress (with bluegrey collar) or SS field dress (with black collar) was worn with the standard SS sleeve eagle on the left sleeve, and the police badge on the left-hand side of the helmet (these decals tended to disappear after 1942). Shoulder straps and headgear were piped in "police green", a lighter green than the standard greygreen. As well, Wehrmacht-style Litzen collar bars were also worn, with Police green "lights" in the case of officers. As well, the division had its own cufftitle, in the same design as that of other SS units.

3. SS Feldgendarmerie The divisions of the SS did not get Feldgendarmerie components until they were raised to brigade status

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/uniformss/ssinfantry.html

11/9/2003

5-ssinf

Page 17 of 19

in 1940, and likely wore the standard SS tunic rather than the Feldgendarmerie tunic. Their rank structure and rank badges were identical to that of the rest of the Waffen SS, though their shoulder straps and headgear were piped in orange Waffenfarbe. SS-Feldgendarmen wore the standard woven pattern Army cuffband until 1942, when a special SS pattern was introduced. This was on black cloth, with a metallic silver thread edging, with the legend "SS-Feldgendarmerie" woven in grey artificial silk. Where two cuffbands would have been worn (such as in Liebstandarte Adolf Hitler, among others listed above), the unit cuffband was worn on top, with the Feldgendarmerie cuffband below. The cuffband was withdrawn in 1944.

The SS pattern sleeve eagle was to have been replaced by the type used by the Wehrmacht Feldgendarmerie badge from 1942; however, this does not appear to have happened, and photos show the SS sleeve eagle worn throughout the war. There was also an arm badge (Raute) that was to have been worn by German Police NCOs serving in the Waffen SS. It featured a version of the police badge, woven in silver or grey thread, on a black diamond. It was to be worn 35mm above the cuff (or cuff-title if worn) on the left sleeve. However, how widely this badge was worn is difficult to say. Probably the best-known of all was the duty gorget or Ringkragen, worn by members members of the SS Feldgendarmerie as well as the Wehrmacht. This was a half-moon shaped thin sheet metal stamping with a raided edge for strength. In the center was a large spread eagle and swastika, and at the bottom curve, a dark grey scroll bearing the legend "Feldgendarmerie" in Latin script. The Ringkragen was finished in a silver-grey color, with the eagle and swastika, lettering and two buttons finished in a luminous yellow-green paint. The back of the gorget was either in plain grey cloth or card, with a flat tongue on the back which slipped into the tunic buttonhole and prevented the gorget from swinging around. The gorget was hung from the neck by a neck chain of plain flat links (which no doubt led to the Feldgendarmerie nickname of "chained dogs"). Troops from other branches of service who were on temporary attachment to the Feldgendarmerie (such as signals troops) wore a special armband. This was in green cloth with the legend "Feld/Gendarmerie" in two lines of orange script (though other colors were used). Both woven and embroidered versions are known. 4. Feldjagers The deteriorating fortunes of the German military prompted the creation of Feldjager units in November 1943. Consisting of experienced officers and NCOs, these units, answerable only to the OKW, were charged with hunting down deserters and looters, combing rear areas for troops fit enough for front line duty, and generally stiffening German resolve. This "stiffening", however, was done through fear; these units were empowered to arrest and fling back into the front line anyone they caught who could not account for their absense from active service. Unit commanders had the power to conduct immediate courts-martial, and where necesssary, have the defendents executed on the spot.

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/uniformss/ssinfantry.html

11/9/2003

5-ssinf

Page 18 of 19

Members of Feldjager units wore only two items of clothing which distinguished them from ordinary troops: a special Feldjager arm band and duty gorget (Ringkragen). The arm band was red in colour, with the words "Oberkommando der Wehrmacht/Feldjager" in black lettering. It was worn around the lower left arm. The Feldjager gorget was identical in design to the Feldgendarmerie gorget, but with the word "Feldjagerkorps" in the scroll.

The Freiwilligen Divisions

Soon after the blitzkrieg occupation of western Europe, a number of attempts were made to raise a "German foreign legion" composed entirely of foreign nationals, to serve in both the Wehrmacht and SS. These units were initially drawn from countries with "Aryan roots", such as Denmark and Norway, "ethnic" Germans from Hungary and Romania, and pro-Fascist volunteers from Belgium, Holland, Spain and France . In the SS, these were generally classed as "free will" or Freiwilligen units (as opposed to those composed of German volunteers who had passed all racial purity tests, and could therefore be called "true" SS divisions). After Germany invaded the USSR, a number of units were formed from volunteers from Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. These were often used as security troops or in anti-partisan warfare, and were notorious for their brutality. Units were also formed from Moslem Croats from Herzegovina and Bosnia, and two "Cossack" divisions composed entirely of Russians. However, many of these foreign "divisions" were little more than regiments in size. Perhaps the smallest were the "Free India" Legion, comprised of East Indian POWs captured in North Africa, and the "British Legion", 58 members strong. Neither fired a shot in anger. This is a complex subject, and one that is beyond the scope of this series. However, a few points can be made. The foreign divisions wore the same uniform as the rest of the SS, with certain concessions to national pride. In most cases, this was in the form of a shield, sewn between the SS eagle and any rank insignia. The SS rune on the left side of the collar was generally replaced by a symbol unique to the unit. However, some (such as the early Freiwilligen "Legion Niederland" and the Turkestani regiment "Ostturkischer Waffen-Verband Der SS") also wore a unit cuff band. In some cases, rank insignia and gallantry awards from the mother country were also worn. German officers serving with these units wore the SS runes in silver on a field grey backing. Moslems were generally allowed to wear the fez a green one in the field, and a maroon one on parade; both were worn with the SS eagle above the Death's Head. Cavalry units made up of the three traditional Cossack "hosts" wore the traditional Astrakhan cap, about 8 inches tall and cylindrical in shape and of black or dark grey fleece. The top of the cap was cloth except for a fleece border, and was in the colours of the three "hosts": red with a white cross for the Don Cossacks, solid red for the Kuban, and light blue for the Terek. Death's Heads were occasionally pinned to the front. Finally, the "Free India" Legion wore the turban or pagris. (One final note: I draw your attention to the article on the Sturmabteilung in the March 1989 issue of Military Modelling, which I cite as a reference. This was to be the first of a two-part article published by the magazine. However, it appears that a large number of readers were deeply offended not by the content of the article, which simply detailed what members of the SA wore, but by the fact that the

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/uniformss/ssinfantry.html

11/9/2003

5-ssinf

Page 19 of 19

magazine published the article at all! Part Two appears to have never been published; this illustrates how, even some 50 years later, this one organization has affected the collective consciousness of the twentieth century.)

REFERENCES
z

z z z

z z

z z z

Davis, Brian L (1980). German Uniforms of the Third Reich 1933-1945. London: Arms and Armor Press. --------------- (1983). Badges and Insignia of the Third Reich 1933-1945. London: Arms and Armor Press. --------------- (1989). "Insignia of the Sturmabteilung". Military Modelling , March 1989, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp.153-159. Embleton, Gerry and Windrow, Martin (1976). Tank and AFV Crew Uniforms since 1916. Carrollton: Squadron/Signal Publications Inc. --------------------------------------- (1977). World War 2 Combat Uniforms and Insignia.. Warren: Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc. Fowler, E.W.W. (1992). Nazi Insignia. London: Bison Books Ltd. Gilbert, Adrian (1989). Waffen SS: An Illustrated History. London: Bison Books Ltd. Lefevre, Eric (1995). "Berlin, April 26th 1945: the 3rd Company of the Sturmbattallion of the 'Charlemagne' Division launch a counter-attack." Militaria Magazine , July 1995, No. 17, pp. 3337. Macdonald, Peter (1986). Soldier of Fortune: The Twentieth Century Mercenary. New York: Gallery Books Ltd. Mirouze, Laurent (1990). World War II Infantry in Colour Photographs. London: Windrow and Greene Ltd Morris, Eric. (1975).Tanks. London: Octopus Books Ltd. Mollo, Andrew (1982). To the Death's Head true: The story of the SS. London: Methuen London Ltd Pia, Jack. (1971) Nazi Regalia. New York: Ballantine Books Inc -----------(1974). SS Regalia. New York: Ballantine Books Ltd Rottman, Gordon and Volstad, Ron (1991). German Combat Equipments 1939-45. London: Osprey/Reed Consumer Books Ltd.

http://www.angelfire.com/sk3/uniformss/ssinfantry.html

11/9/2003