2/Pz. Aufkl.Abt. Grossdeutschland - UK based WW2 German Re-enactment Group

Grossdeutschland 'special pattern' Waffenrock - 1939

Feldwebel - Autumn 1939

As Germany crossed the border into Poland this Feldwebel wears the typical unifom of the 'Early War Period', consisting of:

Uniform:
M35 Stahlhelm with breadbag strap used for camouflage
M36 Feldbluse (tunic) - note the characteristic bottle green collar and Kragenbinde collar liner
NCO's pebbled aluminium belt buckle and belt
M36 Steingrau trousers
Marching (jack) boots

Equipment: (Front)
Torch (fixed to shoulder board)
Rubberised Gascape pouch worn across the chest
6X30 Dienstglas (binoculars)
MP34 Ammunition pouch
Maschinenpistole 34 (MP34 submachine gun)
MP34 Bayonet
Entrenching tool

Equipment: (Back)
MP34 Cleaning kit
Gasmask tin
Rolled up Zeltbahn shelter quarter
Mess tin
Breadbag
Water canteen
Stick grenade (tucked in boot)

Panzer Crew Spring 1940

This Wachtmeister wears the distinctive black uniform of Panzer crew during the campaigns in Checkoslovakia, Poland and France.

Black was used so that oil and other stains associated with working with armoured vehicles would not show up. Black was also the traditional colour of Frederic the Great's Prussian Hussars, meaning this uniform was following a Cavalry tradition dating back to the mid 18th Century.

On his head he wears the Panzer beret or 'Schutzmütze'. Introduced in 1934 and phased out in 1941, the beret's interior was made from hard rubber, to protect crew members heads whilst moving about in the cramped environment of an armoured vehicle. It was covered on the outside by black wool.

The double breasted, high waisted tunic is piped with pink Waffenfarbe to show his branch of service, and the collar patches bear the familair death's head or 'Totenkopf' which was another throwback to the cavalry units of the Prussian Army. He also wears his Panzer battle badge in Silver, national insignia and a belt with the army buckle and his sidearm is the P38 pistol.

Around his neck he wears his 6x30 Dienstglas (binoculars) and his throat mike (Kehlkopfmikrofon). These consisted of a leather covered band with bakelite microphone housings on either side of the throat. Further down the cable is a junction box which clipped onto the tunic and featured a 'push to talk' button on the side. The headphones were made up of a sprung metal and leather covered headband and had large rubber ear pads which made them comfortable to wear and cut out a lot of the engine noise. They were designated Dfh.b (Doppelfernhohrer model B).

The loose fitting trousers featured an internal belt to eradicate the need for braces and are bloused over the top of his marching boots.

EM/NCO'S Drill & Work uniform (Drillich/Arbeitsbluse)

Prior to the start of World War 2 and until the existing stock ran out, the off white denim drill & work uniform was issued to all recruits as part of their basic equipment.

The tunic (Drillichrock) and trousers ((Drillichhose) were easily washable and were issued as a fatigue uniform with the intention of keeping the soldiers woolen service uniform in good condition. Produced from an unbleached denim or herringbone twill material, they were intended for use during activities such as work details, weapons cleaning, drill practice and so on. They featured two patch pockets on the jacket, five buttons to the front and a collar hook which was to be kept closed at all times. To complete the look, an M34 side cap and equipment belt was also worn. The trousers also had two pockets built into them.

During warmer spells, these loose fitting, shapeless jackets and trousers were favoured by troops in the field and used as an un-official Summer uniform. Due to the impracticalities of white in the field, a 'reed green' model came into production during the French campaign, which was eventually replaced mid war by the denim or 'HBT' field uniform which was produced in the same material, but based on the woolen service tunics with 4 pockets with flaps, insignia and shoulder straps.

Kradshutzen - Summer 1941

As German forces crossed the start line into Russia and Operation Barbarossa got underway this motorcycle soldier wears clothing typical of the period, consisting of:

M35 Stahlhelm
Private purchase goggles
Kar98 rifle slung across shoulder
The rubberised 'Kradmantel' motorcyclists coat (worn in foul weather)
Gasmask tin with Gas cape pouch attached (worn across the chest for the comfort of the pillion passenger)
'Got Mitt Uns' buckle and belt
Kar98 ammunition pouch
P38 side arm
Marching (jack) boots

Wehrmacht Chaplin

An unusual uniform, as most do not realise that military chaplains existed within the structure of the Third Reich. In 1933, a Concordat between the Nazi Party and the Vatican agreed that the clergy were to be exempt from conscription in Germany; except in a state of General Mobilisation. In this event most found themselves ‘inducted for pastoral work with the troops or into the medical corp’* (Deutsche Rote Kreuz).

The role of the Army Chaplain (Heerespfarrer), or Padre (Feldgeistliche) was not too much dissimilar to the duties they had perticular to their denomination in civilian life, conducting services of Mass, Communion, Marriage, Funeral, etc. though as previously stated, most of there time and duties were with the medical corp.

Shown here is a Senior Army Chaplain (Heeresoberpfarrer) in service uniform.

Uniform
Visor Cap (Schirmütze) - Standard Officer M38 or M43 issue. Notable differences are Violet piping on the crown and, top and lower of the blue/green banding. Cap cord and buttons are Silver/white to signify rank (as Chaplain). Silver/white National Emblem, and white metal Gothic Cross (Gotisches Kreuz).

Tunic (Feldbluse) - Standard Officers field grey issue. Differences are that no shoulder straps were worn. Collar patches were also of officers quality, the backing felt being of violet, instead of the standard blue/green, and the Litzen also being violet.

Trousers – M36 pattern standard field grey issue. Straight leg.

Boots – Standard issue marching boots (in the field). Ankle boots/shoes on official business.

Around the neck, each chaplain wore a gold cross on a long gold chain. The style of cross was again peculiar to there own denomination. In addition, during services, a Stole was worn. This was of non-standard issue, as they were often items bought along of local pastoral issue.

Another of the notable items of insignia is the armband. This is of white cloth, with a 7cm thick violet band around the centre. Central to this is the international emblem of the Red Cross, thus signifying that wearer is a non combatant.

*References and quote; German Military Chaplains in World War II, by Mark Hayden.

GD Schütze Eastern Front 1941

Typical of what was worn in the early stage of the war on the Ostfront - this Schütze wears the following kit:

Uniform:
M40 helmet
M40 'Feldbluse' (tunic)
M40 trousers
Marching (jack) boots

Equipment: (Front)
Leather Y-Strap support braces, webbing belt and Gott Mit Uns buckle
K98 ammo pouches
Gas cape pouch (worm across chest)
The standard issue K98 Mauser bolt action rifle

Equipment: (Back)
K98 bayonet
Straight handle entrenching tool
Gasmask tin
Breadbag
Water canteen
A-frame with bag
Rolled up Zeltbahn shelter quarter
Mess tin

MG 34 Gunner Eastern Front 1941

Our gunner wears kit typical of the first winter spent by GD in Russia. It was thought by High Command that German Troops would be holding and refittiing in cities by this point in the Barbrossa campaign - not counting on a Winter war the Wehrmacht was initially ill prepared for fighting in tempeartures dropping to -40 degrees or more. Due to the lack of warm winter clothing, soldiers had to improvise with camouflage schemes and make the best of what was available, he wears:

Uniform:
White washed M40 helmet
M40 Greatcoat with a torn bedsheet over the top used as make shift camouflage
Marching (jack) boots

Equipment: (Front)
Army issue Grey Scarf
100 round belt of ammunition for the MG
Rubberised Gascape pouch worn across the chest
Leather Y-Strap support braces, webbing belt and Gott Mit Uns belt buckle
Maschinengewehr 34 (MG-34 machine gun & 50 round drum magazine)
Hardshell P38 holster & P38, secondary weapon
MG34 gunners tool pouch

Equipment: (Back)
A-Frame and small equipment bag
Wool Blanket
Mess tin
Rolled up Zeltbahn
K98 bayonet
Straight handle entrenching tool
Gasmask tin
Breadbag
Water canteen

Wachtmeister - Autumn 1942

As Russian troops massed on the the join of the Vasuga and Volga rivers, Grossdeutchland were thrown into the battle to hold the nearby town of Rzhev at all costs.

Uniform:
M42 Stahlhelm covered in mud for camouflage
M40 Feldbluse (tunic)
NCO's pebbled aluminium belt buckle and belt
M40 Feldgrau trousers
Marching (jack) boots

Equipment: (Front)
Bandage worn around the neck (to prevent collar rubbing)
Torch (fixed to shoulder board)
Carl Zeiss 6X42 (binoculars)
MP40 Ammunition pouches
Maschinenpistole 40 (MP40 submachine gun)
Kar98 Bayonet & Entrenching tool

Equipment: (Back)
Y-Straps
A-Frame and small equipment bag
Rolled up Zeltbahn shelter quarter
Short wire cutters
Gasmask tin
Mess tin
Breadbag
Water canteen
Map case

Unteroffizer in parade uniform

As an alternative to the Waffenrock, this Unteroffizer wears the 'other ranks' field tunic. These tunics were available to buy as a private purchase item and were of a better quality material and finish than the service uniforms issued by the Army.

They featured French cuff's (ideal for carrying weekend passes in) and a more pointed and deeper collar that the regular service tunic. It was however made from the same material as seen on the M36 tunic.

Insignia was Officer quality with the collar litzen, breast eagle and script on the cuff title all woven aluminium wire onto wool.

He also wears awards including the Ostmedaille ribbon from his second button hole, Infantry assault badge and War Merit Cross. Across his right shoulder can also be seen his Army Marksman Lanyard.

He also wears his pebbled aluminium belt buckle bearing the 'Gott Mit Uns' motif, black leather belt, ceremonial bayonet and as an indication of his rank he wears the NCO's bayonet knot which is attached to the bayonet frog (see inset picture).

On his head he wears the Schirmmutze which was made from the same material as the service tunics and piped (in this case yellow) to show the soldiers branch of service. The caps had a shiny black peak and chin strap and featured the national emblem and cockade in white metal.

The outfit is finished with M36 pattern Steingrau trousers and boots.

Armoured Car Crewmember - Spring 1943

Most German Panzer Divisions employed reconnaissance units in one form or another and the Grossdeutschland Division was no exception. Typically the vehicles used for this role included the light 4-wheeled Sd.Kfz.222 and the 8-wheeled heavy Sd.Kfz.231, 232 and 233 series cars. Lightly Armoured in comparison to their Panzer counterparts, instead gaining the advantage of speed and manoeuvrability since engaging the enemy is not a prerequisite of the reconnaissance unit’s role.

Like all Armoured Car Crewmembers this Schütze of the 1st Schwadron Kradschutzen Battalion GD (1./Kradsch.Btl.GD) is authorized to wear the Heer Black Panzer Wrap uniform or Sonderbekleidung with his reconnaissance status being denoted by his golden yellow Waffenfarbe (piping) that symbolizes his historical links to the old Hussar Cavalry traditions. His headgear is the M34 Feldmütze enlisted man’s overseas side cap with the Soutache piping again in golden yellow. No webbing is required or practical for that matter in the tight confines of his Armoured Car; however a Walther P38 sidearm is carried for personnel protection seen here in a leather holster. His low boots are of the Panzerwaffe issued rubber-soled type with no metal studs to aid grip on the sloped armoured hull. He is seen here carrying supplies for his Car to replenish used fuel stocks and ammunition for the 2cm KwK38 Flak Cannon in the form of spare magazines held in the metal transport case.

By spring 1943 Grossdeutschland’s Divisional status was upgraded to that of a full Panzer Grenadier Division in time for the Kursk summer offensive. The squadrons of the Kradschutzen Battalion GD were increasingly deploying heavier Armoured Cars and Sd.Kfz.250 half-tracks, thus now in its true reflection their designation was changed to that of a Panzer Aufklaerungs- Abteilungen (Pz.Aufkl.Abt.GD). Interestingly the 250 half-track crewmembers in the 2nd Squadron were only authorized to wear the standard Heer field grey uniforms unlike their kamaraden here in the 1st Squadron.

Illustrated in detail; Sonderbekleidung or Heer black Panzer Wrap uniform featuring golden yellow Waffenfarbe of the Recconnissance troop. With it is a 20 round magazine for the 2cm KwK38 Flak Cannon. Although originally intended as an Anti-Aircraft weapon it was soon found to be a formidable weapon in the ground support role and fitted to many Armoured Cars. Along side this is a portable paraffin fuel heater for vehicles for use in cold weather and the standard sidearm the Walter P38 9mm semi automatic pistol.

Schütze Rifleman Ost-Front: Winter 1943-44

Here we have a classic depiction of a typical Wehrmacht ‘Schütze’ rifleman and member of the Panzergrenadier Division ‘Grossdeutschland’ as he appears on the Ost-front during the harsh Soviet winter of 1943-44. He’s wearing the by now standard Wehrmacht issued 'Wintertarnanzug' camouflaged padded parka, hood and trousers set, currently reversed to the white-snow side for the wintry conditions.

Ordinarily these garments would be seen camouflaged side out to suit the cold autumn/spring environment and feature either a simple mouse grey finish or the now classical Splinter-A pattern camouflage outer. However for the Germans in these snowy conditions, the major problem encountered with these types of garments comes with heavy soiling to the white reversible side with the consequential loss of the camouflage effect and the laundry issues associated with washing and drying these heavily padded garments in winter! The Soviet’s used simple single layer white pull-over snow suits to get round this problem which are simple to clean or replace entirely in the field. The Germans themselves later realised these mistakes and issued their own pull-over white snow suits and with some padded set manufactures foregoing the white side altogether for a non-reversible grey rayon lined sets.
Our featured grenadier is armed with the universal Mauser k98 7.92mm bolt action rifle, a rugged and robust weapon in even in the most untrained hands, worn here with the standard three pocket leather ammunition pouches set.

Uniform:
M42 'Stahlhelm' (Helmet) White washed
M40 'Feldbluse und Hosen’ (Tunic & Trousers)
Low ankle boots with canvas gaiters
Grey knitted Woollen Gloves
'Wintertarnanzug-Tarnungs Jacke' in Splinter-A (Padded Parka)
'Wintertarnanzug-Tarnungs Hose' in Splinter-A (Padded Trousers)
'Wintertarnanzug-Tarnungs Kopfhaube' in Splinter-A (Padded Hood)

Equipment: (Front)
Leather Y-Strap support braces, (Koppeltraggestell für Infanterie)
Leather Equipment belt and 'Gott Mit Uns' belt buckle
Mauser K98 rifle
K98 Leather ammunition pouches (Patronentaschen 98K)
M1928 Stick grenade (Stielhandgranate M24)

Equipment: (Back)
Gasmask tin and gas cape pouch (attached) (Gasmaske M30 mit Blechbüchse)
Zeltbahn-31 Splinter A; Rolled up Shelter quarter
k98 bayonet on leather frog (Seitengewehr 98K mit Seitengewehrtasche)
1st Pattern Entrenching tool (Schanzzeug mit Trager)
Mess tin (1931 Kockgeschirr)
Breadbag (1931 Brotbeutel)
Water canteen (1931 Feldflasche und trinkbecher)

GD Grenadier Eastern Front: Winter 1944-45

Typically by this late stage of the war on the Ostfront- this veteran GD Panzer Grenadier is armed with the Sturmgewehr 44 (assault rifle) firing a shorter 'Kurz' 7.92 x 33 cartridge and a Panzerfaust 60 disposable anti tank weapon, issued as part of the Wehrmacht's latest weapon developments program in an attempt to boost the firepower of the individual Soldat. He also wears improved winter garments 'Wintertarnanzug' designed to protect him from the harsh winter conditions common to the eastern front, which feature by this late stage in the war the Wehrmacht latest camouflage pattern 'Sumpfmuster-44' (marsh-pattern) on a non-reversible grey rayon lined padded parka and trousers.

Uniform:
M42 'Stahlhelm' (Helmet) with raw edge
M43 'Feldbluse' (tunic)
M43 Keilhose (trousers)
Low ankle boots with canvas gaiters
'Wintertarnanzug' in Sumpfmuster-44 (Padded Parka)
'Wintertarnanzug' in Sumpfmuster-44 (Padded Trousers)

Equipment: (Front)
100 round steel cased ammunition belt for the MG42
Leather Y-Strap support braces,
Leather Equipment belt and 'Gott Mit Uns' belt buckle
StG 44 Canvas ammunition pouches
K98 bayonet on leather frog
M1928 Stick grenade

Equipment: (Back)
Canvas combat Rucksack to carry personal belongings with correctly placed Gasmask tin and gas cape pouch (attached)
Rolled up Zeltbahn shelter quarter
Mess tin
Breadbag
Water canteen

Feldgendarme Gefreiter & Unterofficer

Pictured are two members of the Army Field Police, who received full infantry training, but were also tasked keeping law and order amongst the troops. In addition they were also charged with gathering prisoners and refugees, protecting captured enemy equipment, controlling the population in occupied territories and directing traffic.

One of the iconic bits of the uniform is the Gorget worn around the neck, showing that a man was on duty, earning Feldgendarmerie troops the nickname "Kettenhunde" or "Chain Dogs".

Working alongside his trusty Alsatian, the Gefreiter carries and MP34 sub machine gun, P38 pistol and a set of 'come alongs'. The decorated Unterofficer wears a P38 pistol, Ost front ribbon and infantry assault badge. Both also wear the Feldgendarme cuff title on the left arm and the Grossdeutschland one on the right, in keeping with the rest of the Division.