UNIFORMS OF THE JIJI VOLUME 1 ALLGEMEINE- .... 1923-1945
Andrew Mollo
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Windrow & Greene
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ABZEICHEN Inslgnl.
All insignia worn on the shin was subsequently worn on the black service uniform. and is described in the section dealing with insignia. There were however two pieces of insignia. that appear to have been worn on the shin. and not on the black uniform. The first was a white linen brassard with HllFSPOllZEI printed on it in black lellers. This was worn by SA and SS men. instead of their NSOAP brassard. when serving as auxiliary police in 19331 The second was a circular white badge 8.5mm in diameter on which was a red cross. This badge was worn by medical orderlies who had not passed the State Medical examination. It was worn on the upper left arm above the brassard. 2. The rest of the uniform consisted of black breeches and boots. black leather waist belt and cross strap with nickel plated buckles and fittings. The equipment was the Imperial German army pattern. and consisted of pack. ground sheet. water bottle. drinking cup. mess tin. and bread bag. 1. Oas Drille Aeich. Vel. 1. p 425 2. VOBl. der OSAF. Nr.2.. 10.6.31.. Zift, 9.
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THE BLACK SS SERVICE UNIFORM Introduced in 1932 with the first SA and SS dress regulations.l. For a short lime the black uniform was worn concurrently with the Traditional uniform. The cut of the black uniform was the same for all ranks. but the QualitY of the cloth of leaders uniforms was superior. leaders often had their uniforms privately made. which accounts tor detailed variations in Quality and cut. After the setting up of the ReichSleugmeislerei (Quarter Master General) a remarkable degree of standardisation was achieved. However impressive the black uniform looked. it was not suited to the increasingly varied roles that the SS was called upon to play. As early as 1935 cenain SS units were issued with grey uniforms identical in CUI to Ihe black ones.2. After the outbreak of war black uniforms were seldom worn. 1. Die Uniformen der Braunhemden. pp. 4 & 5 2. Oas Schwarze Korps. No. 10.8.5.35. P 4 An SS auxilliary policeman. in March 1933. As SS men had not been issued with overcoats 81 this date. they were lenl police ones. stripped of insignia.
(London and Wide WorId- Brian Oavis collection)
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ss Man In S81VlC8 dins 10
ss
ss leader ,n walking-out dress Man In wInter servlC8 dress with lleld cap.
Relchsluhrer-SS Helnllch Hlmmler and members 01 Ills pe.sonlll stall
In
wlnte. servtce dress. Winte. 1937.
11
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Formal evening dress for SS Leaders.
SS Mess dress. 13
SS COLLAR CORD
ss· Mann up to and Incl. SS ·Oberlrupplijhrer. 2 mm black and whIte tWisted cOld. SS·Sturmfuhrer up to and incl. SS-SturmhauptfUhrer. 2 mm alummium and black tWisted cord. SS·SlUrmbannlUhrer up to and incl. SS· Obergruppenluhrer. 2 mm aluminium tWisted cord.l. In Octobel 1934 the system was modified as follows: SS·Bewelber up 10 and incL SS· Stabsscharlijhrer. 2 mm black and aluminium tWisted cord. SS-Unlersturml(jhrer and above. 2 mm aluminium twisted cord. 2. 1. Miuollungsblatt der RZM. No. 4. 23.6.34.p 6. 2. Mltle1lungsblall der AZM. No. 25.17.11.34. p 6. SS-KAMPFBINDE SS Brasllrd
SS-Kampfbmde (Blassald) worn on the upper left arm of all black SS service uniforms: see rear endpaper. A member of the crack 7th SS Cavalry Regiment (Plauen. late! Berlin) in summer walking-out dless. (Hugh Page Taylor collection.) 14
ss peaked caps
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Top 2nd pattern SS field cap badges Bottom. 3rd panern SS held cap badges
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16
THE FIELD-GREY FIELD SERVICE UNIFORM Certain unitS had been issued with a field-grey· uniform for field work as early as 1935.1. but it was officially introduced in November 1935.1a This uniform wa~ identical in cut to the black one. but was worn wllhoutthe NSDAP brassard. In 1936 the SS version of the national emblem was introduced. and was worn on the upper left sleeve of the tunic and ovcrcoat2. In 1938 two shoulder cords began to be worn. instead 01 one. Prior to the Introduction of fleld·gley peaked caps. in March 1937.3. black ones were worn With field-grey uniform,
THE FIELD-GREY SERVICE UNIFORM Introduced in 1938 to replace the black uniform as a service dress for members of the General SS. It was identical in cut to the black uniform, bUl was worn with the national emblem Instead of the NSOAP brassard. and with two shoulder cords. instead of one. 1. Oas $chwarze Korps. No. 10.8,5,35. p 4. la. SS·Befehlsblall.. 25.11.35. 2. Mitteilungsblatt der RZM. No. 11.23.5.36. p 205. 3. SS"Befehlsblatt.. 25.3.37. • Some confusion exists as to the exact colour 01 the first grey SS uniforms The Germans relerred to tile colour as erdgrau or earth-grey, but as far as can be ascertained it diliered linle from Ihe later SS Feldgrau 01 field· grey. which was identical to the colour of army uniforms. SS·Oberfuhrer Wlmmer of Himmler's personal staif wearing regulation AlIgemelne-SS field grey service uniform. (Oodkins colleclion)
17
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PLATE 2
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PLATE 3
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oBEASTE S.A.• FOHAUNG SA High Commend of the black uniform only.2.. allhough they were later worn on Ihe grey service uniform. The departmental rank armband had plecedence over Iny other armband. and was not supposed to have been worn in conjunction with a second armband. although this was often done. As the SS increased Its sphere of activity the Aeichsfiihrung·SS was enlalged to eight main departments. and a new armband was introduced In 1939. which was to be worn by all offiCials 01 the AFSS regardless 01 department.3. Members of the mechcal company of the SS Main Office. wore SAN.·ABT.SS HA on thel' llmlband.4. In 1936 an armband V.u.W Hauptllmt was Introduced for members 01 the Main EconomiC and AdministratIVe Office.5. 2. Organisationsbuch der NSDAP.1943. p 434. 3. SS· Preisliste. Apnl 1939. P 6. 4. SS·Preisliste. Ap:11 1939. p. B. 5. SS-Beflthlcblan.. 1939.
Belole the assasslnallon of Ernsl A6hm In June 1934. and lhe establishment 01 the SS as an Independent organlsallon within the NSDAP. the SS came under the ovelall command of lhe SA. SS Leaders attached to the Oberste S.A.-fiihrung wore carmme collar patches. shoulder cord underlay. and 3 cm. wide black armband.l. 1. VOBL. der OSAF. Nr.H.. 1.2.34 .. Z'll. 18. REICHSFOHRUNG.SS SS High Command Hlmmler's personal Slall and ofhclals of the ttvee main. and numerous subSidiary departmentS of the Aelchsliihrung-SS were members of the General SS. Apart from lhe armbands and armb~es that identified the wearer's main department. there were also those that showed the departmental rank 01 the wearer. These armbands were supposed to have been worn on the leh cuff
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Armband for all SS m('mbers of lhe slaN of Ihe SA High Command. 1933.
27
PLATE 4
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1. Afmband 101 members of Hlmmler's persona! staff.·
2. Almband for the Stall of the SS Main OUictl. (Inlr. 25.1.35). 3. Armband tor the stall of the SS Main Security Office. (1nll. 25.1.35). 4. Armband for the staff 01 Ihe SS Main Race and Rehabilitation Olllce. (Inlf 251 35). 5. Armband fOf Reichsluhler·SS.Hauptamtchels and Amtschefs ollhe three SS Milln Ollices. 6. Almband for HauptabUlItungslelter on the staff of the Relchsfiihrer·SS and lhe thlee SS Mam Offices. 7. Almband for Abtellungslelter on Ihe staff of the Relchsliihrer·SS and lhe Ihree SS Main Offoees. 8. Almband lor Releremen on the staff of the Relchsluhrer·SS and the Three SS Main Offices. 9. Armbadge for lhe staffof the SS Mam Security Office and an SO personnel. 10. Armbadgc for the staff of the SS Main Race and Reha1;)lhtatlon Olllce. (lnlr. 6 1035). Also for Agllcultural experts. 11. Almbadge for the staff 01 the SS Main Race and RehablhtatlOn Office. 12. Almband Introduced In 1939 lOf III offiCIals attached to any of the Main 01 subsidflty offIces whICh made up the 8:"llarged RFSS. • As from September 1939. all SS armbands were to have lhe Runic SS. I SS Prels!ISte No. 29.,15 12.34. plO. 2. SS Preis!lste No. 29.,15.12.34. p 11. 3. SS Prclsllste No. 29.,15.12.34. p 11. 10·11. Mitteilungsblau der RZM. No. 2.•1.2.36., p 27. 12. SS-Pfelslfste. April 1939.• p 6.
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PLATE 5
31
PLATE 7
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PLATE 8 see colour gUide on from endpaper
PLATE 8
1 It Pattern
1. Armband for membe's of tl,e 3,d company of the I b
2
(Munich) 1-4 Unrlormen der Braunhemden..p 87. 5·11 Minellungsblatt der RZM. No. 30..22.12.34..p 7. 12. Dienstalterllste det S5.1944
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SS-REITERSTANDARTEN SS Cavalry Regiments Each SS District had one or two Cavalry Regiments under liS command. which were identified by crossed lances on the nght collar patch and armbadge. In 1937 ttlere were 21 Cavalry Regiments.l" and in October 1944 thele were 22.2.
1. Dienstalterliste der SS.. 1937. 2. Dienstalterhste der 55..1.10.44.
PLATE 9 1. Collal patch for commissioned ranks in an SS Cavalry unit. flat lorming part 01 a cavalry regiment. 2. Collar patch lor non-commissioned ranks in the 6th SS Cavalry Regiment (Dusseldorl). 3, Armbadge lor all ranks In SS mounted t;nits. inCluding the Main Rldln\} School in MUnich. 4. Armband lor leaders In the 5th company of an SS Cavalry Il~giment 5. Armband for non-commiSSioned ranks in the 1st company of an SS mounted unit under the command 01 SS District East: see hom endpaper. 1-3. Mllteilungsblalt der RZM. No. 4..23.6.34, p 7.
A cavalry officer with the rank 01 SS-Ostubar. and his adjutant.
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pLATE 9
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pLATE 10
2
pLATE "
45
PLATE 12
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SS-FLlEGERSTURM SS Flying Company
SS-STREIFENDIENST SS Provost Service
The SS Flying Company was lormed In Munich In November 1931. In
A Strellendlenst was formed as and when reqUired by the commander 01 an SS DiSlfic!. Amongst liS duties were the patrolling 01 out-ai-boundS areas.
September 1933 all flying units were Incorporated In the Deutsche LUltsport Vcrband.1. There appears to have been no official InSignia to Identify SS flYing personnel. but some did wear a whlle melal Winged plopcl!er on the right collar patch.2. Certain members 01 the company wore an SA/SS pilot's wings on their right breast.3.
1. Unllormen der Braunhcmden. p 25. 2 -3. Ritter von Schleich II1uSlf3\1on between pp 176 & 177.
Collar patch lor membcrs of the SS FlYing company.
SA/SS pllo1's wings.
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Set:"U1lJ II,at SS men b<:haved IllCmselves. ware ploperly dressed, and were nOI seerl In 'he straets, III unI!olm altel midnight A palrol conslsled 01 two or tnee men undel Ihe command 01 il senior non-commiSSioned leader. who carried a special pass 1 All members or a Streile wore il n'ckel-plated gorget. 1. Organis31ionsbuch der NSDAP,1936. p 55.
1. ;: 3 4,
Die SS.. 1ol19 Mll1ellungsb!an der RZM. No. 26 .2B 9.35 p ~65. Mlllellungsblan der AZM No. 15.,18 7.36. p 302_ SS-Prelshsle Ap,,! 1939. pp 5 & 10.
SS-VERWAlTUNGSFOHRER SS Administra1ive leaders SS-STAMMABTEllUNGEN SS Supplementary Reserva Companies Trase special umlS were tOlmed by each SS d,st"ct from members of Ihe Gereral SS who we,e over 45 years of age \lcmbcr;; 01 a Stammabtel!ung wore SS unllolm With sllvel grey collar II..L:cI·es The Iloht collal palch bOle the emblem and number in black silk 01 'he ac:tve unll 10 which they wele attached. In July 1936 plain sIlver grCV almbands WIth ahJmlmUm stnpes lor leadels. and grey for men WCIC Ullroduced. as were grey vel~t collar patches for SS SlaflCanen!uh,llf, \Vlth aluminium embtoidered oakleaf 2. Bv 1939 nll:mbelS of an SS·Stammablellung allached la an SS Dlstnct \',Ole :l,t! name 01 the d,stnCI In black Silk for men. and aluminIum wue c"-u'o1dery lor leadels. on lhell arnlbanc!s.3. Also In use were bronzed lank PIpS. ilrd olack collar patch lank b,ald .... 'm alumullum slllpe, Instead 01 the
Whilst the SS was Shll P31l 01 the SA. SS adml:lISUallve OlllCI31s wOle Ihe sam~ insignia as Ihell counterparts If! the SA. namely blue collar patches and undllflay 10 the shoulder cord. and thelt badges of lank 0'1 both collar palehes 1 F,om July 1934 until the introductIon In 193501 a sacc,;}1 allnbadge (Plate No 15) SS 8dmlnlSlrallve olhe'als wore no drst,ncl,ve badges 2. 1 Umlormen der BrauntMlmdcn p 93 2. Mllteilungsblall del RZM No. 3.1.2_36_. P 27.
n, "mil! plllC!rn.4.
(~,lld'llaIChCS 'Olllt1 SI\fSS iKllllUlISt'
,nQSfUhrt!. see lear endpaoer
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SS·EHRENFOHRER SS Honorary leadars HonOlary rank In Ihe SS was conferred on a number of impOrlanl 1IfISIOClaIS. linanciers and Indusuiahsts. whom Relchsfuhrer·SS Heinflch Hlrnmler know would be valuable 10 him. in hIs suemplS to Infiltrate Inlluenltal conservahve Groups In lhe Gelman h,erachv 1. Honorary leaders were given the IIghl to wear SS Uniform wl\h SS rank whICh corresponded to their status III CIVilian hfe. Spec,a1lnStgnla which allrrst was qUIte sllalglltlorward was Illlcr enlarged 'l .. and Ihen. nOt long aller. seems 10 have been abolished altogether Apanlrom special collar palch", and ilfmbands. hol'lOl'ary leaders also wore a Silver agulllellc. sllT.llal 10 the pauem Inttoduced In 1938 for all SS leadtol:'i ,. Del Orden unter dem Totenkopf p 132. 2. Millellungblatl der RZM. No. 29.. 1S 12.3'1 P 11
PLATE 13
(See lront endpaper 101 armband colOl.lIs )
PLATE' 3 1. Collar patches lor an SS Honorary Le8der WIth lhe lank of SS-Sland:"ten. fuhrer gazelled to (; la sUite) the 2nd SS Regtrnelll (Flankfun/Malll) 2. Armband for SS Honorary Leaders. 1. Die Un,fomlen der Blaunhemdcn. p 98. 2 Die UnifOl'men der Braunhemden. p 98.
PLATE '4 1. Armband lor SS honorary leader attaehed to SS OISlrict 5ooth. 2. Armband 101 an SS honolary leader atlached to SS Sub-district IX. 3. Armband for an SS honorary leader allached to the 5th SS Regiment (Traben -Trarbaeh). 4 Armband 10r SS honOlary leaders wilh Ihe rank of SS·Sturmfuhrer up to and including SS·OberSlurmbannfiihrer. 1·4. Mitteilungsblatt der RZM. No. 29..15.12.34. p , 1.
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SS·SCHULEN SS Schools Staff and cadeTs 01 the following SS schools wore the name 01 lheir school on their armbands.
1. SS·REITSCHULE FORST (Dlsbanded7.B.193B). 2. SS-HPT-REITSCHULE MONCHEN (In March 1938 ltlls armband was replaced by Ihe crossed lances which were on Ihe arm badge. 3. SS·MOTORSCHULE BERNE (Runic SS).
1. Ml\leilungsblatl der RZM. No. 11 .. 23.5.36. p 205. 2·3. SS Price Ilsl. April 1939. p 6.
Armbadge worn on the upper leh arm. above the brassard. by graduates of the REICHSFUHRER$CHULEN. (From centre to OUler edge. black. whole. red)
SS·ARMELABZEICHEN SS Armbadgas Armbadges were worn on the lower lelt sleeve 3.5 ems above the armhi.tnd. PLATE 15 1. Leader
In
medical service.
2. Medical personnel. 3. Leader In dental serVlco. 4. PharmaCIst. 5. Leader and under leader in veterinary service. 6. Farrier. 7. Bandmastar. 8. Leader In administrative service. Introduced 25.2.1938. Other armbadges existed, but havll not yel been idenllhed. 1. For cross countl'f spon. 2. Wollsangel.
Armbadga worn on the lower lelt sleeve by SS members 01 the AUS· LANDS"ORGANISATION DER NSDAP. Introduced on the 25.9.36
3. For ex·SA men in SS. 4. For Kylfhauserbund. Introduced on Iho 25.4.1938. 5. For tournament and racing club. 1. SS-Prelshste. March 1941,p 6.
PLATE 15
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SS-ARM WINK El
SS Ch.vroos PLATE 16 1 EI'r~nwmk.e: lu' Alte J(;amp'e' (hOl:our chevror: lor old ~m"pi"' ',j1lL'fS) was wcrn 00 the UPj;1!1 F1;,ht mm bV SS rm:o whe had pnell e:lllC/ .he SS. ""SOAP 01 ore 01 Its 0I'9anr5i'ltonll$ helore the JOih JanuiorV 1933 A'so bv
those members of tt:c Auslnan SS, NSDAP
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onc 01 I~~ Ofg
members 01 11 tloceat:-le AUSII;2l'l. and bv I:"05e. In
AuslIla wt>o vtrlul1teEled fot SS membctsh p before the 12th FebruoY.',' 1933. 2 l:hrenw nfm! IUI 01l~l'lloilhge Pohzel uoo Wet'lmacht.~ A'l{jcllul1ge (Honour chevron lor ex 'llC'llbcIS 01 ll'e PO'lce ilnd armeu forces) fn;loduccd 25 7 1935. was wOln on the upper nrJh, ,um by all SS velefans wl'., had sONed ill Ihe mOler! !mees er pohce. Cf who had selvef! 511nullarloouslV In another party organisation. 3. Chevron for ele-membels ul the SWhlholm (Sleel Hc;lmet UI!l<.I11,satlon). was wurn on the lower lell sleeve. 1-2. Organts
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Armband mtroduced Olllhc 251h May 1936101 ex members of the "Slosstrupp Adulf Hitler' worn 011 "yht cuff
PLATE 16
2
3
SS·ADJUTANTENSCHNUR
SS Adjutant's aiguillette WiliJe the SS was sUIl unCer :IlC o\'C'laH
number of SS adJul;!n;i or. hIs
~lalf.
wmmwd 01 the S.4... Huhm hall "
\..-::) \\'Cre Ih ait;jl.t11cItc
p'e~CflOCI!
fer SA Ildj\llants.
SS leMrs WIth the r'lvtr ,'l'SJ,lIel111 1
SS-SIG NAlPFEIFENSCH NUR 55 whistle lanvard
BI'Id<. twIsted silk cerd
("IW'ill!!
was worn I:y
n(JIl·ccmffiisSIUIHJII
alh
ecl1lmlS!oiorred leaders from tile top tunic. butten \0 the left t:/Cllst p~ckell,llll
service lUr'lic.2.
Adjutant with the lank cf SS-Ustul In tr.e 6th SS rOOt Aegl. Chaf1ottenburo (Berlin). February 1933. (Sudverlag).
56
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whi~lle
lanyard.
57
....
SS-D1ENSTDOLCH MODELL 1933 SS Service Dagger, Model 1933
IlllloCuced on the 15th Decefllbe< 1933 for al ra"k51n lhe Gc..,cr:ll SS Tt-c light 10 \vcar Ihe daGuer was bestowed Oil fJll SS mal" on the 9'h Novelllbcl. alter he had 5ervoo three ~'C3r.i as an SS C'lI1U,dale. and hac been finally
accepted In lhe SS. The dagger W3S \\'011'1 wl\h all 0I0C!S 01 dr!!S!> unlll September 1940. wllen 'I was no longer 10 /)(' worn. Dagger Blac~ wooden tj/lpwl\h mset white metdl ea;llc "lid en3~1 SS ballfje Nickel plated sl,calh anu 11111 pleces_ Black melal sl'eil~". Elu'crI mall... or blade. MEINE EHAE HEISS 1 1REUE Daggers prcsemed by lhe Rel(;hsh,~"p,r SS l-IoH\r1ch H'f!lrlilllr hore an IrIS(;llpIIO" 0'1 Ihp. rCVCll,C of the blulh: IN HFRZllCHER KAMFHADSCHMl H, H1MMl
~n
Average overall lenil,l!
37 ems. Hanger FES1S1EIl AI[M(N W3S a short bldek
• Icalh~f
S113:) with an ov,,1
nlckel·plated buckle alone cnd. and a mck!!l p1illed r..lif.l ;It the other rne strap was passed 111I0ogh lhe IIn1J on tl'e daggel shealh.
buckle(~.
and 1',ell cllppc:.J 01'110 a 0 ling 011 a b ;lck leather slide ell the scrvlce belt. In NovemlJ.!r 19311 It .....as ordered th
a speCial vel\lcal black leathcr ha""ef. 001 CHTriAGETASCll( t lhc
dagger was. 'ram 1'1<11 date. 10 he >Nom With lhe old type hllrgm. only VOI\ll walk,ng out unlfOfm SS-DIENSTDDLCH MODELL 1936 SS Service dagger Model 1936 Introduced on the 251h August 1936 a5 a new uiI\j\jer for Wl:m With ~ClVlce
and undress un,forms. by comrmSSloncd ond tll0se l1on-CvrWI1ISSlullod
rallk~
who were lully lIedged SS men 00'010 the 30lh Jam.ary. 1933. lJ~mJel IdentIcal to Ihe 1933 modell1\llh the ell:cepllun 01 (ill ell:lfil sheil!n Imm9 and chaIn hanger. SS-SEITENGEWEHRE SS B.yonets Model 84/98 bayonets wefe not standard ISsue In the General SS. bvllrke sleel helmelS VIlE-le ISSUed tor special occaSions.
58
SS ~!!IVICe dagger model 1933.
SS-QllCfsct!a'!I,I'rt'f Hem- cl
R(10WS.(, ,n wal<'IIlCJ'OUI Ulu'orm
Will' ll~ 19:'lli 1'"1<)11"1 '1;)<:'1(", Jllly 1937. (W. 8/cop er collecllGfi I ss S!:P/lCe da.gqcr mOl1c1 1936.
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SS-AUSROSTUNG SS Equipment as at December, 1934.1. SS SS SS SS SS SS SS SS SS
C~jf-5krn
pack with C,lfryl'l;j straj)s
Triar.gular grol.nd shell;' Ground sheet
SS Sread ban strap. SS Waler bOlll'! viIlh Irdl l.Ol/er. SS Drinl-.rng cup SS Pack cOl/cr. grey.
SS Sleeprng Vil!). while. SS SI!)nal linin (RetICClOr) !'ll OlIlJrch cljlumn.
lrQnL
SS Signal light (Rctlcc10r) for IT'arch column. rear.
SS 51g'1alllgl1l (RnllectDr) lor m, 1:1 .6.Ci,3G.p 237.
PLAn: 17 1!J36 f,eld eu,I'pment corslsl'llq ut PelL'" Will' lolrler: (!round shet't ill1(j
In
\IV nil
breild hag and
\IV a
mess
le' butt le ~Ilsnnnded Ir urn ,lIlVlce hell lJ ndell ,e"l h
U1her ri'rnks cross Slr<:lp The >1rOlll10 sheel W<:Irt'r tJottl(: (Ol/()! ilnd urt!
1JItJ,·.... n call·skin
60
PLATE 17
.
~.--_.J
61
SS·lEOERWAREN
SS Leatherware 8S at December 1934.1. SS Wa'51 bell In1('(I
'11-1111
bucld':! Il)f SS rn "
I,ll
In
.)110 ,n~1
SS Hautl!·
",cl
SS·llaunt·
MI@f"I·'Cf
SS W'lIstllclt. \.u,lmelt
Will' tll"l.h~
lor
~S
men Ut) to ,lilt!
SCllOrtUhll,;
SS Wa,!;1 bell. I""d '0',,:11 buckle t(,lf 1o,;;IIJ",S SS Wa,M m-II. ,,"lll~ v.nh buCkle 10' leiICers
SS CIt"'.. SlIiIC. I "I!(I lilt SS men up 10 .lod ,oci SS·II<1ulI1SLha,lu11lc,
SS (ftiS" """'0. u'lll"leu kll SS n><'n up 10 and Ine! SS- HauplscharrullfC' SS Cross saap. hned IO! le...deJs SS Cross SIHIJl. UI, 1Il«:l10l Icilcers
SS
CIOSS
strap
(lhll.'C
p L.C). Imcd I()C SS men up to anu
,"t-!
SS·Haupt
sch:nluh.('I
SS Cmss sHap (lhree piece). "ni" t'il 1.1' SS r~n uo t~ ar.d lrtl SS- Haupt-
SS leadC1's bell buc~fe.'
SClllUfutllCf
SS CIO~5 S~lIlfl Ill,'e.: poctc} h:Y.!'d fer le5 Ill. :r.[I;t;')
SS Sptll 51'<1"
SS M.11Ch :>lr
SS AU>ulhary caflVlllO s:,ap lor p..ck: SS WillS1 bell slide SS Dagoer slide (DulL! ..Ula"lcn) SS Dispatch case SS Map case SS BaYl,l1l\!1 hoy SS Dagger "O
SS olhl:r· ranks belt buckle.'
SS Dagger hanger (Ol,llchllagelaKhen). SS Daggcr hanger. lor mounted personnel
Brown
SS Daggor Ilangcr (rCStStcllrremcn). SS Riding brecches ICillher (Buckskin).
6.
1. Mlllcilungsblatt der RZM No. 29,1512 34.p 14
I Mentioned as new '1ems on VOBl der OSAl- Nr,6, 26.1 32 . l,II 22
SS-SPORTBEKLEIDU NG SS Sports clothes as at December 1934. SS Motorcycle gO~Hlles. SS Motorcycle ovcralls. grc)'. SS Tr'lImn!) outfl!. glCy, SS Sports troUSC'iS. blllCk sateen (satin) SS SPOlts veSI. while wll11 SS badne. SS B!JIIIIIl~1 costume. black wool SS l:latl1lng COStUrll(: Three cOff\f>rcd type. bIJ(;k, wool. SS Ski tuniC SS Ski
trOUl;<'l~
(Uberfallhose).
SS Ski cap. SS Ski oalters (Wlckclglll11ilSdwr').
Sports veSI badoe
SS Spons clothes as at March 1941.2 SS Sports trouselS. black Sdteen SS Sports shrrt. white With SS badge,
SS Tralnmg jilcket, blue With SS badge. SS Tr;JInHlQ llOusers. blur.
FenCing Jacket arm bad(le
1. Ml\leilunnsblatt der RZM. No. 29 .. 15.12,34, pp 13 & 14. 2. SS-Prerslistc. M,lICll 1941, 3,
63
MUSIK-INSTRUMENTE UND ZUBEHOR
SS·SPIELMANNSZUG UNO MUSIKZUG
Musical instruments and accessories as at March 1941,1
SS Corps of drums and bands
SS Drulll-mlljor's milCC WlthOlct cord ane ti>ssels.
"V1u5ICI
SS hfe. Aln,y rnedc.L
~fOUPS
SS Drum
~19hl
The SPIELMANNSZUG or corps of (:IU'I\S.
r.o~·s,s1Cd
Drum-ma;ur
SS Dnl'!l rover Wlttl carf', nCl S!fa:>. SS UUl]le with l),JlloJlnl f'rrblem ill1d blmlrng.
Thc MUSIKLUG Of band
Icd h'{ iJ MUSIKFlJHRER (Bandrnaster)
SS trumpet.
I-
mac(;,
(;on5Iste~1
SS cavalry rC[lments II"d ,I twer~t ...
SS Drull1 !IlJ'lk with loathcI stlap.
• 1 bCll'le' r
nn! twcnty fCI.r dlummers and filers or bt.qler,. (,.umrnwukd I,V
SS DnJl11 sl,ck
SS Cord ar1d tassels tor Drum
(!I~"'I
corp~
01IlC:V'/(',J11 tWC'lly al:l f0rty m"S!';:li)", (i1L'1l"~
01 trumpeters which CCllslsted ut >1';
trumpeters ard a KESSELPAUKEH (KellleclUmrtwc)
SS Drum huok WUIoOUllcJlhcr strlp. SS Slieet mus,c l'
SS Bu>]le carrYIrl[j strap.
SS "Swallow's nests"
SS Drum slick case
SS F,lc ("lse.
MUSIC ans woro;l spel-Idl wln[jS ur '"~wiJI10w's "~';Ili" iJS tr<,~y \I'.crc ~nO'A'n
SS Drum knee leillhcI (ApI\Jn) Illack Icather. SS Dfum knee le
on both sroulders of tllelr tUl1lC SS "sw;l1 ow's nosts' 'Ncre rr:;,~ or black ololn ,rlmmcd WIth while. for the CD/PS of drums. ,tIlr! .11Ulnlr'II
SS Trumpet b<1nncr Wllh !i cm aluminIum frlr1[Je.
bra d for !:;,nrJsmen, Drum-milJors liad 7 cm long \'>111C funge.1.
SS KCllIll drum banner With 5 cm <1IUmlnlUm lrlnQc rncludll1g SS piJrar!c flllg for "'Jmglmg JOf1l11lIc'". 1
SS-fJre+:;Ilst~.
MdfCh 1941. P 14
It
Gcrma~)',
cove~,
In 1!l3ti \-'llllte tllmmlnq for "swallow's nests' was
Drum-mil;er's mace
"ndmaSleIS w,lI Icact's rank dl(! flU" .... cal
s.....alo,.-/o; n.''''''.
bu' 1l.1fla
coo the r "rrrbalJgc
SS-SCHEllENBAUME SS "Jingling Johnnies" 'lI'qhnq Johl1nlcs" were call1ed ill tho hoad of bands and Clime 10 PruS~M
,I'.e 181h cenlUry. frOm Turkey, vU! Poland ,md AUSlfl1l Its ollgm If\ MOh1ll11' .oan :umlcs was Ihat 01 a symbol of command 11IIer II wns used In lUlk,s]1
!1
aOlssnry ~nds as a perCUSSion Uls\lumcnt 3 'Ingllng JohnnlCS" did not COf\fo"n 10 allY standard pattern. and many florenl models CXI:>lcd. In most cases lhey were pa,d fOl b" pllv
·u..,lpcl and kenledrum ballnors dl[l nOI conform 10 any standard deSI1 ~,llle!!1 'swallo.... s IS t I (l'pO; II rlll,Wo; .100 Ot m ma,ar see le"l endlJ
65
I~; f\
-J;: .1'
' 'Le". '-:jiTll.: il·~i
\
66
It\"
. A,A
Obverse ct b30ner.
"SdICllcllhllum" ol the 36th SS Fool Rcglmcllll (03l1.1!g).
"S:"eller-I;ll\ml' 01 the 12.th SS Foot Rcgimt'rll (H,mnovcr) which W
orcscnlo:od 10 the re!jlmenl in December 193G
6/
DIE BLUTFAHNE The "Blood flag" On lhe 91h Novemoer 1923 Hltle,'s ~ul!>ch to r1aLn corill'~ 01 ":'I,llIC.h wa!> !>t-alll,;,ed by a pahce volley_ F,om arnOl'g~1 Ihc SIlf!een Nil:",:n;JI Sue ,111515 that had neen I. 'led, imd tt>e ot"er!> thall'llr: h«n ....,oundco a bl{)Qfj $Oaki'd SWilstlkll lIaq v.as la~en fro..., I\S dead bearer, Andrens Baurocol The NDSAP was b.ml;cd, Hllier Inpfl$Oncc, and tl'c IIa1 ....as COIl! Scaled by It-C, un ch
Pc";;e PfeSl(1.rnl On 'I'e 9111 f\;,~c"l'lbcr 19]6 11~s;,nl'O flag \Vim a new pele i1rd IUI} ~\,.~ rll'e· scnlcd to t'l! SS,StUIM 1 (",,~lI:,ons:.:url11) \ SS Stand':lIte (\hmetlt.'fl), fCI sale kceplOU II I:!d b': tl'en become one uf tt'e mOSt hOl'cl.rcd r('hu ul I htlcr's Struflflle I(,f
-.... er r,cm Ihal day 0" all rew SlanOiJffts 'lnd ft.1gS wcre
Inaugur;'ltcd by be nn loud",'j ""nh thc "elOlld Flaq" 1
Hie 1l,;'1.eral 01 Udl,'et;>,
Wafl'1.~'
-, \!ft.,; Oil" .,
wlllch the "Blooo f.-a"" was Ifoooea
68
',hI o::~a!>loni OIl Scltcrl8,Jacrdu::ns,
l' ':!
o.
STANOARTE (FELOZEICHEN) OER SS SS Standllrd I hO fl(~t prcsenwlIon of four SA standarC5 t00k pluco on tll(, 28th J"nu
10 presenl new st3ndards ,md 1139S al the llm1W31 P3rtv ()av 11,llIy_2_ The IlIst 8 SS sl31\d3fds were presemiW ;Il Nurcmber!!. In S('p~cmbel 1933.3. Tile dOlh 113rl of the s\
,Ill
Tre SUlllt!;lrrl 01 lilt! 45111 SS Re!llllcnt tOppeln)
soo re"" lJl1dl);lP<'I
69
SA/SS Slandard·bearer .s gorgel
Massed SS Slandards at the
10
193~ ::l
Party Day Rally (Planet News . B' mm DD VIS . Co/fecl/'on.)
SS-STURMBANNFAHNE
ss Battalion flag Tlw IIrst 10 SS batlahon 1Iags were presented In 1929 1\2 more were p~eserlled at MUnich In November of the same yCill 6. rhe flag measuled 120 x 140 cms. and was edged on three sIdes Wllh black and alumll1lum lr1nge. In the top left hand corner was a black rectangular patch 20 x 15 cms. which was edged In twisted aluminium cord. and on which was embroldeled rn alumllllum Wife the number of the bal\allon in IOman numerals. and Ihe reglmemal number 111 arab,c numerals. The s\l\;i1sllka rested on ItS side 111 tho I,rst paltern ollhe flag. but in the laler pallern It slood on liS pOlnl. The flag was
was 3 m. The flag was call1ed by a senior non-comnl"sslnned leader who wore a gorget. bandolier .lOd while gloves 7.
Flag 01 the 3rd oalla!lun uf Ihe 9th SS Rcglmem (Slelllll) see rea' endpilper
71
• \
~
j
/ ,
"
S5-REITERSTANDARTE SS Cavalry standard
The fusll.:Jvalry standards wele rvcsenled In MunIch ,n October 1935 8. 11 was call1ed by a IUlllor commIsSIoned. or senior non·commlSSloned leadel. who wOIe a 901gel. special knee length clad: leather bandohel and while Iloves 01 gauntlcts_9 Oas Schwar7e KOIps No. 29.. 19.1035. p 5.
2 Un formen des I3rounhemden. p 15. 3 Urlllormen das BHlunhcmden. pp 84-86. 4. UllIforl1lCIl del Bl3untltHnden. pp 85 b 88 !j. D
1.
6. Oas SChW3r1E! KnTps No, 37,.14.11 3[).
n 5.
$lil!1da'u 0' rhe 1!J!I' Cavnlry HC\illll('1l1 (Vi U'lI('n 1 1><:e I",,' elluOilrwr I{ew ",lt1ahon flags being lrlaugul:llcd bV Adoll Hitler. at Ihe 1938 Pally Day Rally The standard bearer IS W(!3l1ng the rn,)wly Introduced golget
and bandolier
'Hcmnch Hot/man)
SS Slan:1ard-bealof .lttho 1933 Party Day Rally neld al Nuremberg He wears '··0 SNSS standard· bearers gorget
(Fnednch 8.iUe,.)
See page 71
see page 69
See page 73
See page 65
see page 49
see Plate 8, page 39
5
9
2
6
10
3
7
11
4
•
See Plate 9, page 41 ~....
Ion'
-~...,
See
rh! _.".
.... "
1.
~,
P~!e
11, page 45
See Plates 13 & 14, pages 50 & 51 . . . . . . . . . . . .PwQ
-
.
--
I"I
I
. . .J.~!-~f~!!!-!q~_.fi
~
UNIFORMS OF THE .... VOLUME 2 GERMANISCHE-Ji"1940-1945
Hugh PageTaylor
K COlKaneHIlIO,
HaM AOCTanllCIo TonloKO CTpaHII",'" C ljJoTorpaljJlIRMII.
Windrow & Greene
the N.S.B. but in practice it paid obedience only 10 Himmler and was but
a 1001 of his representative in Holland-Rauter. 11 held its fns! parade in the Hague on January 11 th. 1941. and on February 22nd. 1941. a large
rally was held lor them in the Clly-Theater in Amsterdam and there followed a massed march-past through the Slreets of the capital. In March 1941 the Dutch SS was reported as having some 600 members. On May 17th, 1942. Musserl handed the Dutch SS over to H,mmler at a
ceremony held in Amsterdam-it was a move described at the lime as "the inCOfporation of the Dutch SS mto the Germanic SS", and It was "received into the SS Order and CommunllY With all nghts. duties and
laws that this Ifwolved:' Hlmmler also honoured them With the right to wear the German SS belt buckle with the motto "Melne Ehre helsst Treue" (Rei: Der ReichsIUhrer-SS. FUhrerhauptQuarller. den 23. Junl 1942. Tgb.Nr. RF(V.) This point marked the lormal transler of allegiance of the Dutch SS to Hitler. Himmler and the German SS proper. (although it still continued to be a formation of the N.S.B.) and at this ceremony the only concession given 10 Mussen was that he took the oath of allegiance from the Dutch SS personally. This oath was given 10 Hitler and ran as follows: "Adolf HItler. leader of the Germanic peoples. I swear loyal and failhful obedience unto you. and those that you place in authority over me. unto death. So truly help me God r' C'Adolf Hitler. Germaansche Fuhrer. U zweer ik hOU en lrOUW en U en de door U over mij gestelden gehoorzaamheid tot in de dood. Zo waaflijk helpe mij God
n
At this ceremony the full complement of the GermaniC SS in Holland is reported as 750 men. The actual status 01 the Dutch SS was. to say the least. confUSing. and il remained ambiguous to the end. It owed its allegiance to the N.S.B. and the SS rather than to Holland or Ge.many. It was said to have been
The commander 01 the Dutch SS (Voo/man der Nederlandsche SS)
J. H. Feldmeijer.
,
SS SCHOEISEl SS Footwear As German. SS KLEDING SS Underwaar Black shirt. White shirt. Black tie. SS RANGAANDUIDINGEN SS Badge. of rank The badges of rank in the Dutch SS corresponded exactly to those of the Allgemeine-SS. Although the official rank chart shows badges 01 rank for genera! olficers. the most senior Dutch SS officer held the rank of SS-Standaardleider. and it is therefore presumed that they were never in fact required.
SS $?I!:C!:LS SS Coller patches Collar patches wele used to denOle the rank and unit 01 the wearer. The unit designation was worn on the right. and the badge of rank on the left collar patch, The commander (Voorman) of the Dutch SS wore special collar patches as illustrated. Members of the Staff of the DutCh SS wore a plain right hand collar patch. Members of the numbered SS regiments (SS-Standaarden) wore the regimental number In ArabiC in aluminium embroidery on the right collar patch. Collar patches were edged In tWisted cord. according 10 rank (see Volume 1. p. 20).
SS-Roltenlelder. Avegoor. Augusl 1942,
11
12
(Above)
(left)
Commander of the 3rd regiment of the Dutch SS.
DutCh SS man,
(opp. page)
Parade of the 1st Regiment of the Dutch SS.
13
.J
Group of senior Dutch SS and police leaders. March 1943. Front row I la f. Feldmel)er. JansonlUS. umdentlfled SS leader. and Bewnk Back row. Two unldenllf,ed SS leaders, and three Dutch police officers.
14
PLATE 1
1
2
3
7
,
9
13 16
"
15
., , , ,
~",~
~~
~~
,
~....~
•
10
16
•
II
•
~
" "
,
~
~
'"
•
""
"
'<).
12
17 17
PLATE 2
4
1
18
2
3
pLATE 3
2
1
3
• 19
ss
SPORT INSIGNES
SS Sports badges Because of Ihe Importance attached 10 proflClencV
In
sport. a number
of awards were made to Dutch SS men at the SS School Avegoor In ElIecom. In the summer of 1941 a special award In lour classes was Introduced bv Feldmeljer. August 9th.. 1942. saw the Relchssportabzelchen to Dutch SS men. when In silver and two In bronze were ISsued. In April sportabzelctlen "were presented. and finallv In .. Germanlsche Lelstungsrunen" were awarded
the fIrst award of one In gold. four 1943 62 "Relchs· February 1944 95 to Dutchmen by
Relchsl.:ihrer-SS Helnllch Hlmmler The Dutch SS Sports Badge was awalded In three classes according to the age of the reciPient. In bronze for men between 20 and 30 years. In silver for men between 30 and 42 veals. In gold for men of 42 years and older. The Dutch SS Honour Sports Badge was awarded In gold onlv.
SS·Opperstormleider J. l. Jansomus (Chief-ai-Staff of the Dutch SS) and a member of the Watfen·SS at a presentation ceremoovof the "Reichssportabzelchen" at the SS School Avegoor. August 1942.
20
SS VLAG SS Flag The Dutch SS did not have unit flags or standards. but did carry a Ilag.
ss Sports badge (SS-Sportteeken).
Dutch SS Flag. SS Honour spoilS badge
(SS~Sporleeleteeken).
21
plans than the Flemish SS and he envisaged that DeVlag should e....entually replace the V.N.Y. and ha....e the Flemish SS as Its own militia. Actually DeVlag and the SS were closely Interwo....en and many
year he returned to Belgium. but did not resume his command at the Flemish SS. He remained a member. howe....er. and in 1942/1943 was an SS-HauptSlUrmfuhrer In 11. as well as being "Generale Sekret8f1S der
Flemings belonged to both organisations. Another indication of the inter-relationship between Flemish SS and DeVlag is Ihat according to the instructions for funcllonaries of Ihe laller for service duties within that organisation men were reqUired who were "members of the Germanic SS , , . or who can be conSidered as being on the same le....el... Once Berger SWitChed hiS attention from the Flemish SS 10 the DeVlag the Importance of the former diminished and DeVlag continued as the vehicle of SS ideology in Flanders. E....enlUally. In May 1944. the Fleml~h SS (Including the Flemish Corps) was merged with DeVlag to form a "Securlty Corps" ("Slcherheltskorps"). By the autumn of thal year It had virtually ceased to eXIst. and In September Belgium was liberated by Ihe Allies. The Flemish SS differed In se....eral respects from its Dutch counlerpartwhereas the DUICh SS was a forma\lon of the N.S,B, the Flemish SS was In no way anached to the V,N V . and whereas the Dutch SS had but one leader from beginning 10 end (or at least until hiS death). the Flemish SS had several leaders. RenE!! Lagrou was Ihe anginal commander of the Flemish SS. but in midFebruary. 1941. at the age of 36. he left to JOin the "Germania·· Regiment of the Waffen-SS. For some time he served on Ihe RUSSian fronl as a war correspondent and IS recorded as being the fllst Flemlng to recel....e Ihe second class Knegs....erdlenstkreul wllh swords. Wounded fater that
Lapel badge for members of the Flemish SS for wear with ci....ltian clothes.
24
SS-Onderstormlelder August Schollen.
The funeral of SS·Onderstormleider August Schollen in Brussels on December 8th. 1942.
26
Flemish SS Flag,
PLATE 4 ,
Badge worn on the upper left arm by all ranks in the Flemish SS.
2.
Here for non-commissioned ranks. Flemish SS other ranks belt buckle.
3. 4.
Armband tor all ranks of the Flemish SS. Armband for all ranks of the Flemish Corps.
29
PLATE 4
2
3
4
30
HISTORY OF THE NORWEGIAN SS Motto: Min ;!Ere er Troskap Germany Invaded Norway on Apnl 9th, 1940, and in September of that year Josef Terboven was appointed Reichscommissar. Under him and representing the SS in occupied Norway came a "Higher SS and Police Leilder", at first SS,Obergruppenfuhrer und General der Polizei WeitzeL but soon after replaced by SS-Obergruppenfuhrer und General der Pollzel Wilhelm Rediess ("Der Hahere SS- und PolizeifUhrer beim Reichskommissar fUr die besetzten norwegischen Geblete'"). Vldkun Abraham UlUtltz Quisling (born 1BB7) was Ihe Norwegian Minister of Defence In the Agranan Government. but when this fell in 1933 he formed a fasclst-slYle political party called the Nasjonal Samling r'N,S,"-"Natlonal Union"). ThiS party With liS para-military troops the Hlrd (similar to the S,A. of the N.S,D.A,P. In Germany) was consequently In eXistence when the Germans mvaded. Quisling was believed to have been a party 10 the German invasion, and the regime he proclaimed upon tllelr arrival so Incensed the Norwegian people th3t it lasted only a week. QUisling still continued 10 lead his Nasjonal Samling. however. which was the only political party permitted In Norway by the occupying forces. Aelchscommlssar Terboven was extremely hostile to Quisling and
Reichscommissar for occupied Norway Terboven, Higher SS and Police leader Rediess and Vidkun Quisling, February 1942,
as unco-operatlve as pOSSible. but on Hitler's orders did help him to bUild up the strength of the N,S, The success of QUisling's efforts can be seen Irom the increase In N,S, membership from 6,000 In September 1940 to its peak of between 45,000 and 60,000 in early 1943, Under occupation the Nasjonal Samling grew and With it tile Hird. which was by Ihen oulfitted with uniforms and insignia similar 10 Ihe German S,A. There was. however. no Norwegian political SS organization such as already had been formed in Holland and Flanders. as QUisling was very much against the Idea. For despite hiS shortcomings, Quisling was fanatically pro-Norwegian and he rightly saw in the political SS a movement towards a Great German Retch, and a threat to Norway of being Incorporated into It as a mere districl (Gau), But whereas Quisling was against Ihe formation of a Norwegian political SS, Himmler, his "Higher
31
SS and Police Leader". Rediess. and Relchscommissar Telboven were slrongly in favoul of ... Ouisling and Telboven fought bitterly and the laller did all in his powel to dlmimsh lhe importance 01 QUisling and his NasJOnal Samling. One 01 Terboven's attempts was even to replace QUIsling as "Ferer" (leader) of Ihe N.S. In June 1940 by his old Inend Irom the Saar. Chief of Police Jonls lie (born 1899). who although not a member ollhe party was a strong sympathizer. It was only Ihrough (he diplomacy 01 one 01 Ouisling's best Iriends. Albert Viljam Hagehn. that the plan failed lor Hagelin stated (Quile without foundation) Ihlt Quisling had appolr1ted him as deputy leader 01 the N.S. and that he should therelore take over the leadership and nOI lie. This rivalry between Terboven and Quisling continued and m ffild·1941 Tefboven and ue once again got together and set about the lorma\lon 01 a Norwegian political SS conlingenl behind QUlsling's back. Accordmg to subsequent N.S. propaganda it was at a meeting of the 711'1 Hlld Regiment 'Viking" In Oslo on May 16th. 1941, that the creation of such a unIt was first suggested. and It was a suggestion that apparently mel with some enthusiasm. for a number of the Hlrd men present declared themselves willing 10 join al once. They had not long to wait. lor just one week later (on May 21 SI, 1941) a Norwegian poli\lcal SS formallon was established and called "Norway's SS" ("Norges SS"). On Ihat day ReichsKrhrer-SS HeinriCh Himmler Ilew in to Oslo where he was met by Reichscommissar Terboven. a disgruntled Quisling. and a number 01 senior SS and Wehrmacht officers. and then taken to the Nasjonal Samling's PartY House. The ceremony opened with a speech by the Rikshild's Chief of Staff, Orvar Saether. who spoke to his former Hild men that had volunteered to be the first aspirants of the new Norwegian SS. He explained how they were about to join SS comrades from all the other Germanic
32
Jonas Lie and members of the Norwegian SS. May 1941.
countries, and how their role was to protect and safeguard the future of the Germanic race, Once Saether had handed over his Hird men to the SS. Helnrich Himmler look the stand and described to them the development of the SS In Germany from Its eswbllshment in 1925 until the present day, and also how the SS stood as a guarantee for the future of the Germanic communities, Having referred to the achievements of the Norwegian volunteers in the SS· Regiment "Nordland" (then serving wrth the "Wlklng" diVISiOn of the Waflen-SS) which had been raised in January 1941 from Norwegian and Danish volunteers. Hlmmler stated that the formation of the Norges SS was a new and importa'nt step forward for the Germanic community, The honour for its foundation. he told his audlonce, would fall upon Norway. Hlmmter then appolllled cabinet minister and Norwegian Chief of Police Jonas Lie as SS-standartf0rer and leader of the Norwegian SS (as has been seen above. Lie was an old friend of Terboven. and had been chosen by tllm to found and recruit for the Norwegian SS-Lie was a sympathizer of the N.S, but not a party member and was a man disliked and distrusted by Quislrng), The oath of allegiance was 1aken by Lie. who then administered rt to hrs men, and was given to both Hitler ana OUlsling, Immediately after the ceremony the new SS aspirants !ravelled to the SS school at Elverum. where they recerved a beginners' course lasting weeks. To sum up, although the Norwegran SS was created as a subdivision of
SIK
Members of the Norwegian SS swear the oath of allegiance to Hitler and QUlsli ng, May 1941.
lhe Nasjonal Samling it was strongly opposed by Quisling, and recruiting by Jonas Lie was at first carried on behind Ouisling's back, and later in direct defrance to his orders, Loyal N,S. members were urged to oppose Lie's recruiting drive and this met with paltial success at first. but the Norwegian SS was too strongly backed by both Lie's Stale Police and Terboven's Reichscommissarlat to be blocked in this way. Whether
33
SS STAlHJElM ss Steel helmet The German 1935 mode! steel helmet sprayed black was used by the Norwegian SS. and it also appears that the field grey German Army helmets complete with the Army eagle (Hoheitsabzeichen) wele worn as issued.
ss
SKOT0Y SS Footwear Black Black Black Black
boots lace-up ankle boots lace-up ski boots lace-up shoes
SS HANSKER SS Gloves Black leather White cloth
ss
UNDERT0Y SS Underwear Brown shirt While shirt Black tie
ss
lA:RT0Y SS leatherwear
Black. lealher belt and cross strap With niCkel plated two pronged belt buckle and single pronged cross strap buckle_ The German SS belt and buckle is also known 10 have been worn. and as It was referred to as the "belt buckle for the whole Germanic SS" In an order from Himmler dated June 23rd. 1942. I1 may have been Introduced forthe entire Germanic SS about that time.
ss TJENESTE
DOlK SS Service dagger
SS-standartforer Jonas lie (here just back from the Eastern Front and in Waffen-SS uniform). With members of the Norwegian SS and Police. March 1943.
The Chief of Staff of the Norwegian SS is known to have worn the 1936 model SS service dagger. An example with the Norwegian version 01 the SS civilian badge on the top of the grip does exist.
41
PLATE 5
1
,
3
7
•
9
13
14
15
,
~
~
,
~
~
, ,
4
,
10
11
, ~'Wr1 "~l\..q , . ...................... 6
12
- -, • ~
~
@ !J."'i ""~
,
•
,
, , ,
--
PLATE 6
ift~
~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~
5
~~~~ ~~~~
~~~~
~~~~ 1
4'
2
3
4
pLATE 7
3
2
''''1-
J.
,-': a;.e-~e-.-
J"' P'r" ....... ,.~...... t.:J.....,. l!"1.r.l" j . !'4.
t 5 ~e-·1" ._•, L "'-" ' '-'~ , ...., ... , , , , .
i \...~
-1-,
~·I-t.J't
... r~"""'''''f
i·i-'_f~
.
, "\ ; ,...... ·-1. ", ;
._-,
_/_~
, ••• = • •
.
.: . . "
•
• • ,., • • "
• • ,-, ,
I
"'--'. I,. l-'
, \...' , • •, •,,, , •
,- 1
, l\n •
~, ~
~ ~._. •
·~I
.~r
•
I_
i\ T
·~h"';·
!_I·
, ." ; 1<-'''''''''r \..: r·-' , .
~.
•
,•••••
•
.,:.
-
-, , . • • , ~
,
•
,••,
.
:l
~
'~L'-
.... ~ I
"'-
,
,
,.
-
4
47
•
1,
Basic Company flag of the Norwegian SS.
SS FLAGS AND STANDARDS
48
2,
Named Company flag of the Norwegian SS (here SS·Storm Oslo).
SS STORMFANE SS Company flag
The Norwegian SS had a number of diHerem patlerns of SS flag. Some were printed so that the SS runes welt~ back '0 front on the reverse. Others were double sided and had either a white Of Sliver fringe. The only
Black silk flag which measured approxImately 100 ems. by 150 ems. in the centre of which were the SS runes In white Silk. The flag was
official flag. however. was the SS company flag (SS-Stormfane).
edged on three Sides With silver ftlnge. In some cases the company name
3.
Named Company flag 01 the Norwegian SS with motto (SS-Storm Oslo IS the only recorded example of lhlS),
appealed In Sliver mock-funic In the top left hand corner, and ,n othOls lho Norwegian SS mOllO "Mm A:re er Troskap" also appeared under the runes. All recorded flags wnh company name. or company name plus molto, were notlflnged. The pole was made of black polished wood and
4,
Named Company Ilag ollhe NOlweglan SS.
was surmounted by a nickel plated lance head. or knob. The overall height of the flag was approximately 3 meters. The lIag was camed by bOlh commissioned and non·commlssioned ranks who wOle white gloves or gauntlelS.
49
and then not as a formation of Ihe D.N.S.A.P.-in fact it had nothing to do with that pafly whatsoever. As a result the D.N,S,A.P:s paramilitary formation the Storm Afdelingen ("S.A:'-the Danish eQuiYalent of the German S,A.) remained the pflncipal party organization, Hlmmler had long considered Denmark ideally suited for a Germanic SS extension to the Allgemeine-SS, but found it much more difficult to establish a branch there than In Holland. Flanders and Norway. for unlike these countries Denmark still retained its King and Government. and both yiolently objected to the Idea, As a result it was not until 1943 that such a formation was established, and so in contrast to the other three branches of the Germanic SS it came not in the early days of occupation as a reward for collaboration, but rather at a much later date and in an atmosphere of acute hOShhty towards the Germans in general. and the NaZIS In particular. Denmark's branch of the Germanic SS was called the Schalburg Corps (Schalburg-Korps), and being named after a late Danish Nazi and SS hero It was the only one not to include its countryOs name in its title. Only in Denmark, therefore, was there such a cult of the personality in the naming of a Germanic SS formation. and to understand liS background and the significance of this name some space must be devoted to the man YOn Schalburg himself.
SS-OberSlUrmbannfuhrer K. B. Marllnsen. founder and leader of the Schalburg-Korps.
51
Memorial setVice for members of the Danish Free Corps lulled in Russia. in Copenhagen on the 17th October. 1943. From I. to I. SSObelSlurmbannfiihrer K. B. Martinsen. SS-SturmbannfUhrer BoV'en. SchalbufO'S son and widow. and Of. Werner Best (Nationalmuseet.)
SchalbulQ Corps recruils arriving al Ihe RlngSlad 51allOn near Copenhagen accompanied by a Luflwaffe band. (Museel for Danmarks Fnhedskamp.)
56
Guard outsIde the Scha!burg Corps headquarters at lhe Freemasons' Lodge In Copenhagen. 1943
63
Schalburg Corps men in Danish khaki unilorms stand guard outside their headQuarters.
64
Lowland counterpaTlS in not wearing regimental numerals on the right collar patch. but then this IS not surprising as Ihey were not organIsed In regiments. II IS presumed that any officers with the rank of colonel (Oberst) and above wore their badges of rank on both collar patches. that is rf there were ..ny officers of such rank SS GRADER SS Ranks The lollowlng IS a comparison chart between the ranks of the Schalburg·
SCHAlBURGKORS Schalburg Cross Lrllle IS known aboutthrs cross. whrch was named after von Schalburg. and IS therefore believed 10 have been founded for award to members of the Schalburg Corps. If ever there was a foundation order I1 has so far not come to light. and accordlOg 10 a former member of the Schalburg Corps the cross was only awarded once. and Ihen to a member of the Corps killed In a skirmish With the Danish resistance movement. Soon after Ihis one and
KOlps and the German General SS:
No.
SCHALBURG·KORPS
ALlGEMEINE-SS
1
Schalburgmand
2 3
Tropsl""er Overtropsf0rel
SS-Mann SS-AottenlUhrer
4 5
Vagtmester Overvagtmester
6
Stabsvagtmester
7 8 9
FiEndrlk L0jlnanl Overl0Jlnant"
IQ 11
KaptaJn Major
12 13
Oberst!0Jnant Oberst
SS· Unterscharluhler SS-Scharluhrer SS -Oberscharfuhrer SS· Hauptscharfiihrer SS-Stabsscharfiihrer" SS· Sturmscharfiihrer SS -UnterSlurmfiihrer SS -OberSturmfijhrel SS- Hauptsturmluhrer SS -Slurmbannliihrer SS- OberstUt mbannfuhrer SS -Standartenfiihrer
"An appointment. nOI a rank. but included here as an eQulvalell1 drd eXist in the SChalburg Corps • ·There is no such rank as an OVerh,ljlnant in Denmark. and this rs believed to have been a Germanrsed form 01 Kaplajnlcjtnant.
The Schalburg Cross.
Molio Collection
only award. the repon goes. the Corps' headquarters were set alighl by the resistance. and whole boxes of the crosses were either melted down. or strewn over the Streets of Copenhagen. Some of these were undoubtedly picked up by passers·by and have since fallen into the hands of collectors.
65
Unidentified Schalburg Corps leader weaflng a DanIsh tunIc..
66
UnIdentIfied Schalbufg COIPS man wearing black servIce dress.
. Shllllm fjoio~
PLATE 8 1, Collar patch presumed to have been worn by all ranks In the Schalburg Corps. 2. Badge worn on the upper (eft sleeve by all ranks In the Schalburg Corps (10 woven s,lk with blue hons and red heans on a golden yellow field). PholOgraphs suggest that thiS badge may also have been manufactuled 10 white metal, although all survIving examples arc 10 cloth. 3. Collar patch fCf membels of the intelligence service of 1119 Schalburg Co/ps (which appears not to have been worn on lhe Schalburg COIPS' Uniform) 4. Armband worn by the Staff. NCO School, Guard Company and Landstormen of the Schalburg Corps (and which was possibly wlttldrawn W~len the battalion on Seeland dropped the name "Schalburg"),
RIGHT
m
ftbsolon • 2
{)erluf t!l'olle
Armband worn by the "SkJalm HVlde" company of the Schalburg Corps (named after the founder of the HVlde dynasty, died 1192). 2 Armband worn by the "Absalon" company of the Schalburg Corps (named altel the archbishop who founded Copenhagen. 1128-1201) 3. Afmband worn by the --Hcr!uf Tfolle" company of the Schalburg
3
Corps (named aller lhe naval hero. 1&16-1565). 4 Armband worn by the "Olaf Rye" company 01 the Schalbufg COfPS (named alter the Norwegian -Danish major-general, 1791-1849). 5. Armband worn by the "lress0e" company 01 the Schalburg Corps (named alter the lieutenant-c:olonel_ 1811 -1850).
4
.-
5 67
PLATE 8
2
68
Flag 01 the Schalburg COIPS (See caption Plale 812. p 67.)
69
standard required for the attainment of the sHver. It was worn in the centre of the left breast pocket of the service Uniform. Once Himmler had decided upon Instituting the Germanic Proficiency Runes. he handed over to Berger and his SS-Hauptamt the task of devising the badge's attainment rules and regulations. These were published on JulV 15th. 1943. and the Introduction ran as follows: "R-slulationl for the Award of the Germanic Proficiency Run. . The Germanic Proficiency Runes shall be awarded to those that have distingUished themselves in spans competitions and shown spiritual
consultation with the Reichsfuhrer-SS. Recipients 01 the Germanic Proficiency Runes receive at the same time a diploma witnessing the award. Those that wish to try fOt the Germanic Proficiency Runes and are not members of the Germanic SS. nor aspirants in that organization. must hold a political leaders' card ISSUed bV an SS sefV1ce centre to be able to join a preparation course. The test for the Germanic Proficiency Runes requires a preparation 01 three weeks. Applicants must then take part in a course laid down for the attainment of the Proliciency Runes. or be able to complete 120 satisfactory hours of training, which must oot be spread over more than six consecutiVit months.
The Germanic Proficiency Runes in bronze. Mollo collection.
The test shall be carried out bV a fullV Qualified representative of the SS-Hauptamt. Instruction Section. assisted bV \WO members of a Germanic SS service centre. The Proficiency Runes shall be worn on the left side 01 the uniform. more correctlv Wilh service dress. The Chief 01 the SS-Hauptamt can from time to time insist that the tests be taken again. Those unable to achieve the requirements. or who do not take part. forfeit the badge. It is at the discretion of the Chief of the SS-Hauptamt whether or not the badge shall be withdrawn on attount of minor inlringements or fOt other reasons. Berlin. July 15th. 1943. Aeichsluhrer-SS Chief of SS·Hauptamt (signed) Berger:'
maturity and sound personal thinking in the ideological field. It can be won by German and other Germanic men. To be Qualified for the Germanic Proficiency Runes one must fulfil the regulations laid down in the following three categories: (1) Individual achievement; (2) Team achievement; (3) Tests in theoretical education (Ideology). The award shall be made by the ChIef 01 the SS-Hauptamt follOWing
From his field headquarters on August 15th. 1943. Himmler officially introduced the Germanic ProfiCiency RUl"IBs.ln the institution document he stated that it "should be an example in physical training and tests in the use of weapons in the National Socialist spirit. and confirmation of the voluntary anainment of the Germanic joint destiny". His introduction ended by refening to the rules and regulations for the anaimnent 01 the badge that had been prepared by the SS-Hauptamt. and which are reproduced in full on page 75.
73
The lirst award ceremony 01 lhe Germanic Proliciencv Runes held at the Du1Ch SS School Avegoor on February Is!. 1944. From leh 10 fight SS-Dbergruppenfuhrer Berger (Chiel of SS-Hauptamt). Reichsluhrer-SS Heinrich Himmler. Or. Sevss-lnquan (Reichskommissar in Holland). Mussert (leader 01 the N.S.B.). and Feldmeijer (Voorman of the Dutch SS).
74
Himmler presented the badges personally, taking them from a board earned by an Unterscharl(ihrer from the "Germania" regiment 01 the "W,klng" SS divisIon. and made a speech praising the achIevements of the DutCh SS (and the "Westtand" regIment In particular). and upgf<,ded the Dutch Volunteer legion to a grenadlel brrgade (SS· GrenadIer· brigade ··Nederland").
Oenmerk: SS·A::resruner SS·A:restegn The only recOlded awards of the Germanic ProfICIency Runes rn Denmark were made at H0velte on June 2nd. 1944. by the ChIef ot the SS·Hauptamt. SS·OberQluppenlUhrer und General der Waffen·SS Berger. The presentallon was made at a memOflal ceremony lor SS volunteers from Denmark kIlled ,n actIon. and In fact the lest schedule had been timed so that the lesults would be ready lor thIS ceremony. Berger spoke of the Danish SS volunteers kIlled ,n action, and how "their spirits could rest rn peace knOWIng that new columns of Germanrc fighters stood behind them:' He stated that It was In the memory of the dead Danish SS volunleels and ,n thell SPllll thal the Inst GermanIc Ploficiency Runes were being awarded on DanIsh SOIl. No detaIls are avaIlable of the number of badges actually awarded. nOI of the recipIents. However. photographs suggest that the badges went 10 members of the Schalburg Corps. who wele wearing the black service uniform.
78
SS·Hooldstormlelder Bettrnk wearrng the leistungsfUne and FeldmelJel rn Ileld·grey unifolm.
Norway: Germanake Runemerke Germanake Dugleiksrune The only recorded awards of Ihe Germanic Proficiency Runes In Norway were made at the Norwegian SS School on August 16th, 1944, when the Higher SS and Police Leader In Norway. SS-Obergruppenfuhrer Rediess, acting upon instruct,ons from Hlmmler. awarded ten In silver and fifteen in bronze to members of the Norwegian SS. Also present at the ceremony wele SS-neststandaflf0rer RIISnoES, and the leader of the Germanlsche Leitstelle In Norway, SS-Sturmbannfuhrer Le/b. Once the commander of the Norwegian SS School had bade hiS guests welcome, Redless spoke of the badge's meaning. and how the 25 recipients had, though their behaViour, been a good example 10 their comrades In the Germanic SS. and to the youth of Norway. He then presented the 25 badges to the Norwegian SS men. Alter the awards SS-neststandartf0rer RIISnoES made a shOrt speech on the meaning of the victory runes of the SS and the sun· wheel (Which two emblems made up the deSign of the Rune Badge), as well as of the swastika. He ended by slIessing the need for volunteers for the front hnes. In his words. "to enable the SS to achieve the final victory".
SS-mann of the Norwegian SS Proficiency Runes.
wearing the
Germanic
79
UNIFORMS OF THE __ VOLUME 3 ....-VERFUGUNGSTRUPPE 1933-1939 Andrew Mollo
K COlllaneHIlIO,
HaM AOCTlIIIIICIt TOnltllO CTJIlIHIII4Io1 C clMnorpacIJlIJIMII.
Windrow & Greene
SS and vetelans' aSSOClauons, but when It dawned upon them that the Nazi Party organisations did not Intend serving as mere training units, but had pletentlons of being an Independent armed force. they changed their minds, Hitler had relied on the backing 01 the army in his rise to power. and In the uncertain years that followed his takmg of office. he had to sareguard his good relations With the Army High Command. This partiCUlarly mvolved restraining Ernsl R6hm's massive SA. which was a real threat not only because of liS vast size. bUI also because its leaders had pretentions of fOlming IIInlO a "people's army", IrOnically, Ihe army took less heed of Himmler's comparatively smaller SS, which was eventually to grow inlO a small Party army ell 01 its own. Yet even m Ihose early days Hlller had to keep a tight rem on Hlmmler, and prevent the proposed armed SS Irom growing 100 fast. So it was with a cellaln degree of caution and restraint Ihat the local leaders of the General SS were allowed to start recruiting and Iraining a full-time fOlce able 10 carry OUI police and Internal security dUlles. As will be seen from the unit histories thal follow, small groups were olganlsed in certain areas of Germany. and in many SS Districts groups of 100 armed men wele organised as "HeadQuarters Guards". When trained these were known as "55 Special Detachments" (SS-Sonderkommandos), which were later renamed "Barracked Centulles" (Kasemierte HunderlSchaften), When they reached company sl/ength they were renamed "Political Readiness Detachments" (Politlsche Bereilschaften). Such delachments were formed at Munich. Hamburg, EUwangen and Reulhngen (jointly known as WUl1.Iemberg). Arolsen. Leisnlg (or Oresden), Wollerdlngen, and elsewhere. These Political Readiness Detachmenls were of battalion size and can be laken as Ihe nucleus of Ihe laler SS-VT. For most of them eventually went to make up the SS·VT. wllh the notable excepllon of the 3rd. whll":h became a guard unit for the Buchenwald concentration camp.
2
Reichsfuhrer-SS Heinrich Himmler created the SS-Verlugungstruppen as his personal army for use in case of internal strife. only to have it subordinated to the army in time of war.
Members of the LAH in drill uniform. The officer and n.c.o:s wear black caps and breeches. whereas the men have earth.grey field caps and drill trousers. The brassard was rarely worn with drill uniform. Bozich Collection.
6
The Reich's Chancellery Guard Detachment on duty, 1935. National Archives,
8
Commander of the 1st Battalion SS Regiment "Deutschland'·. SS-OberSlurmbannfUhrer RIl!er von Heng!. He wears an earth-grey seNice tunic with two shoulder cords and an army pattern nallonal emblem on the sleeve, 1934( ?). Munin Verlag,
~Ighl.
Daladler inspects the guard of honour of Regiment ·'Deutschland·· September. 1939.
11
administer thl$ regIment a planning stall (Arbe'tsstab) was established In Ihe early summer of 1935. which on July 1SI. 1936. became the regImental staH under SS- Hauplsturmluhrer JUlInel, By mId· February. 1935, a reconnaissance platoon was added to the mOlor-cycle company. and the regiment's order of barde was as follows; 3 slaffs (one per battalion) 9 flfle companies (three per battalion) 1 malar-cycle company 1 SS-Kradschulzen-Sturm 3 machine gun companies 3 SS·Maschinengewehr-Sturme 1 morlar company 1 SS·Minenwerfer·Sturm 3 SS-Nachtichten·Zuge SS-Sturmbann 3 Signals platoons 1 armoured car platoon 1 SS-Panzerspih-Zug 2 SS·Musikzuge SS-Sturmbann 2 bands 3 mOtor transport columns 3 SS-Kraltfahrkolonnen
3 Stabe SS-Sturmbann 9 SS·Schutzen- Slurme
AI the Party Day Rally at Nuremberg In September 1935 ("Der Palleltag der FreihelCI, the 1st SS Regiment was given Ihe honour \ltle of "Germany" ("Deutschland"). and at Ihe same ceremony fltC8lV8d lIS regImental standard and banahon Ilags. In the autumn 01 1935 a mOlor ttansport column (Kraltfahrkolonne or KK) was added to the IIlrd Battalion. In October 1935 the 1st and Ilnd Battalions. together With Ihe 131h and 14th Companies. went to the Konigsbruck training area near Dresden for training. At this time Rllter von Hengl left the regiment to loin the alpine troops of the army and was succeeded as commander 01 the 1st Battalion by SS·SturmbannlUhrer Georg Keppler. The regiment moved into liS new barracks at Munchen-Frelmann on November 7th. 1935. Two days latet. on the 9th. unllS from MUnich. Dachau and EJlwangen took part in a commemotatlve ceremony lor the 1923 Putsch at Ihe Feldherrnhalle monument in Munich. and wore lor the first time the cuffband WIth the GothiC Inscription "Deutschland". In March. 1936. the baltahons 01 the reg.ment wele statIoned al MunICh.
12
Heinllch Himmler. Adoll Hitler and SS·BrigadelUhrer Paul Hausser watch "Battle readiness manoeuvres·' of Regiment ··Deutschland·· In 1939.
Stab I. Batail10n (Hamburg) 11. Bataillon (Arolsen/Waldeck) Ill. Bataillon (Wolterdingen)
staff 1st battalion at Hamburg Ilnd battalion at Arolsen IlIrd battalion at Wollerdingen
13. Infanteriegeschutz- Kompanie (Wismar)
13th infantry gun company at Wismar
14. Panzerabwehr·Kompanie (Hamburg·Veddel) 15. Kradschutzen- Kompanie
14th anti-tank company at Hamburg-Veddel 15th motor-cycle company
Armoured Division of the German army its order of battle was the same as that of the "Deutschland" regiment. Its designation by this time was that of a motorised regiment (SS-Standarte ·'Germania" (mot)). Commander; SS-Standartenfiihrer Carl-Maria Demelhuber.
On March 13th, 1938. "Germania"' was amongst the German troops that marched into Austria. In the summer of the same year, the regiment carried out security duties during Senito Mussolini's visit to Germany. By August 1st "'Germania" was known as an SS regiment organised like an infantry regiment of the army. It was ordered that in the event of mobilisation in the interior of Germany, "Germania" was to receive an additional armoured car platoon, a light infantry motor-cycle company, and other additional communications sub· units, In the autumn of 1938 "Germania" assembled at the Konigsbruck training area near Dresden and was placed under the 4th Infantry Division. It was under this formation that it took part in the march into the Sudetenland. Once in Czechoslovakia the regiment was stationed in Prague and served as the Guard Regiment of the Protector of Bohemia and Moravia (Wach-Regiment des "'Reichsprotektors von Bohmen und Milhren"). (The IIlrd battalion served as a Guard Battalion in Prague from March 1939 until July 31 st. 1939). "Germania" was relieved from its duties in Prague and its elements were brought together again at Konigsbruck on August 17th. 1939. In the summer of that year the regimental staff and 1st battalion were still at Hamburg-Veddel. the Ilnd battalion at Arolsen. nnd the IlIrd at Radolfzell. During the night of the 16th/17th of August. 1939. "Germania" was alerted and brought together at Konigsbriick in preparation for the coming of the Second World War. It was than placed under the 14th Army for the Polish campaign. and other than having its armoured
The standard and battalion flags of the SS Regiment "Germania". 1939(
car platoon serving under the 8th Reconnaissance Unit of the 8th
Bundesarchiv Koblenz.
16
n.
INSPEKTION DER SS-FOHRER-SCHULEN INSPEKTION DER SS-JUNKERSCHULEN
Defence Minister Blomberg's decree of NO'lember 1st. 1934. prO'lided for three officer cadet schools for the SS-VT. In 1935 Hitler ordered that future SS officers should be tlained along military lines. and chose an ex-army Lieutenant-General to see to it. Paul Hausser founded the SS officer cadet school at Brunswick. and in the summer of 1935 was appointed inspector of SS officar Cadet schools. They were officially recognised as part 01 the SS-VT. and service in them counted as fulfillment of the German conscription obligations. The schools at Toll and Brunswick were modelled on those of the army. but more anention was given to political and ideological training. often at the expense of more traditional pursuits such as "squarebashing". Physical fit~ess was considered to be of paramount importance. and competitive sports and realistic manoeuvres. using live ammunition. produced a hardy. possibly reckless. breed of officer Note: A third SS officer school is reported in 1935. Which would probably have come under the control of the Inspectorate. This was the SS Medical Junke! School. which was later renamed the SS Medical Academy. SS-FOHRERSCHULE TOU SS-JUNKERSCHULE TOU
An SS leadership school was founded at Toll in the Bavarian Alps by Reinhard Heydrich in 1932'. In eally 1934 training for the armed SS
Cadets of the SS Officers School. Toll. during a route march. 1935. This shows very well the first earth-grey field tunic. and it was unusual to see it worn with the brassard. Auln, Folkerts.
23
was begun in the same town. and the first course was held In a former hotel from April 1st to December 23rd of that year. SS-Ostubaf Paul Lettowwas instructed to form the first officer cadet school of the SS·VT. and he re-formed the old school that Heydrlch had previously created. This was named the SS Officer School T61z (SS-Fuhrerschule Tolz). an was officially opened on October 1st. 1934. It was re-named "SS.Junkerschule Tolz" in the following spring. although the old title was still in use as late as mid·August. 1935. Soon after the foundation of the school. work was begun. at state expense la build a new and spacious school complex at Bad Hilz. but it was nol completed until 1941. Courses. however. were held there from 1934 onwards and the school officially moved into them on October 1 st.1937.l At first the number of cadets in each course was limited to about 110. but this number rose later to 240 1. The school staff numbered some 80 officers and other ranks. Commanders: SS-Obersturmbannfuhrer Paul Lettow SS-Standartenfuhrer Voss SS-StandanenfUhrer Klingemann SS -Standartenfi.!hrer Dor;lfler-Sch uband
1: Aeitlinger. p. 76 l: Weidinger. "Division Das Reich". vol. ~: do.
1. p.110
SS-FOHRERSCHULE BRAUNSCHWEIG SS-JUNKERSCHULE BRAUNSCHWEIG Hausser was appointed the first commander of the second Ollicer Cadel School of the SS-VT at Brunswick (SS·Fuhrerschule Braunschweig). This was renamed the SS Junker School Brunswick (SS-Junkerschule Braunschweig) on February 1st. 1935.
24
Hitler congratulates newly commissioned SS officers in Ihe Mosaic Hall of the new Chancellery. 1939. Planel News
The first course began in the spring of 1935 and together with those that followed. was based on those in army olficer cadet schools. Courses lasted ten months and were made up of about 240 cadets. In the summer of 1935 Hausser was appointed Inspector of the SS Officer Cadet Schools (Inspekteur der SS·Junkerschulen). Commanders: SS·Standartenfiihrer Paul Hausser SS-Oberfiihrer Friedemann Gotze SS-$tandartenfiihrer Arno A1tvater-Mackensen SS-Sturmbannfiihrer Lothar Debes SS·Oberfiihrer Werner Ballauff.
SS-ARZTLlCHE AKADEMIE Reference to an 'SS Medical Junker School' (SS-Arltliche-Junkerschule) can be found as early as March 1935'. Other sources state. however. that the SS Medical Academy was established at Absensttasse 6. Berlin NW 40. in 1937. and was moved to Graz in the autumn of \ 939. Commander; SS-Standartenfiihrer Dr. Schlink. : "Der Freiwillige"', March 1956. page 5.
VERWALTUNGSFOHRERSCHULE DER SS SS-FOHRERSCHULE OES VERWALTUNGSDIENSTES The Administration School of the SS was opened in the late summer of 1935. and was housed in the staff building at Dachau, which had been taken over from the Ilnd Battalion of the 1st SS Regiment. Different cou~es were provided for members of the SS-VT and the General SS. and each lasted three months. In the first course there were some 53 trainees. The men came from the SS Districts (SS-Oberabschnitte) or SS companies and had to be al least 23 years of age and not over the rank of SS-UntersturmlUhrer. They reported to the
An SS-Standartenoberjunker of the SS Administration School. 1938. Imperial War Museum.
25
28
is
r
.I
1\
f~
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30
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1
SS·DRILlICHlEUG SS Drill clothing
In order to protect and preserve the black service uniform, a tunic and
trousers were produced in a lightweight drill (Drell 01 DliIlich). These garments were produced in a variety of patterns and colours. ranging from ofI-white to light grey (Cementfarbe).
At first officers and n.c.o:s wore a drill jacket which was identical in CuI to the black tunic. and on which all insignia was worn, including at times the brassard. The drill tunic was worn with brown shirt and
black lie. black breeches and black peaked cap. The men wore a shapeless jackel with stand collar and five buttons.
It had a leh breast pocket and two hip pockets. and was worn with drill trousers and field cap.
, L.->.~
32
•..
~
-
Members of the 11 th Coy of the SS-Sonderkommando Zossen in Essenfassen.
____
1933. The men are wearing the first pattern drill uniform and field cap. Schneider Archiv.
SS·FELDANZUG (ERDGRAU)ss Earth-grey field dress By June 6th 1935. the LAH had been completely equipped with l;lrey uniform'. although it was not officially introduced until November 25th. 1935,3 The tunic was identical in cui to the black service tunic. but had five instead of four buttons. and could be worn open or closed. The officers' version. which was usual I}' tailor made. retained the four buttons and could not be worn closed. At first breeches were worn by all ranks. and those issued were reinforced with leather on the seat and inside leg. By 1936. members of the SS-Verful;lunl;lstruppe were being issued with the following c1othinl;l .• 2 tunics. black.·· 1 tunic. earth-l;lrey. 1 tunic. earth-grey drill. 2 pairs breeches. black. 1 pair breeches. earth-grey. 1 pair breeches. earth-l;lrey. drill. 2 pairs lonl;l trousers. black. 1 pair trousers. earth-l;lrey. 1 pair trousers. earth'l;lrey drill. 2 greatcoats. black. 1 greatcoat. earth-grey. ·The earth-gley (Erdgrau) uniform of the SS-VT should not be mistaken for the earth-brown (Erdbraun) guard uniform of the 55- Totenkoplverbande. • ·One black uniform was kept in the man's locker. and used as a parade dr.ass. A member of the LAH with hiS locker in the background. Note the army pattern escutcheon on his helmet. and non-regulation national emblem on his peaked cap. Summer 1935(?) National Archives.
33
34
SS·FELDANZUG (FElDGRAU)
ss Field-grey battle dress The earth-grey umforrn began 10 be replaced In 1937 by a new field uniform. This was based on lhal In use In the "my. but retained certain t.OIcally SS features. It contmued to be worn un!11 g,adually replaced at the beginning 01 Ine war. The lumc was wo," closed. bul Ihe top 00110n could be worn undone between 151 April and 30lh September when In the field, while being lIansported by \fam, and while tllvellmg alone. The lacl Ihal earth-grey clothing was sllll in use In 1941 is confIrmed bv an Older which stated Ihal all earth-grey lunlcs, lrousers. greatcoats, held caps. dnll and ski dothes were \0 be ,ttlpped of 10s'gl'lI.1 and Mnded In fOf the eventual use 01 clv,han workels In wOlk camps.' 'DIVIsion Cas Re.et!. vol. 1. p. 63. !DI8 Waffen-SS. p. 22. ~SS- Befehlsblatt. 25.11.35. 4Tiken from an undaled dOCllmenl. WhICh may posscbly hive come from a pay book. IVelordnungsblan del WaHen-SS. 1941. Zlff 121. p. 25.
, i
\.
!l1}
,
'I I
i ,i
1(J}
Ii€7
Gun crew of the LAH wearing Ihe first earth-grey field funic end breeches. The helmet is the 1916 model. The Wide leather bandolier ISchlepPflemen) IS lor manhandling Ihe gun. AUlumn 1935( 1).
R'ght SS fle!d blouse (hI Pallet") A,' h,sl It was ISSued Wllh 2 mm black and aluminium Iw'sted COld around lhe colli". bUI th's was sooo d,s.c:onlcnved' 'VerOldnungsblall der Waffen-SS. 1940. ZIlI Nr 155
~, i
Lefl
National Archives.
\0-
11/
,
,I
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SS-TARNANZUG SS Camouflage uniform
Due 10 the IMllUiye oltha commander 01 the Auklarungsabtellungl SS-VT, SS-Stulmbannfuhrar Dr. lng. Brand!. an altempl was made to modernise the old. and to introduce new combal clothing and eqUIpment lor the SS-Verfugungslruppen' In 1939, Brandt designed and had manu!ltctured I cover for the steel helmet. and I smock rn I Spolled camoullage malerlaL These were soon ISSued to field unIts. whO must ha'18 been the first regular troops in the world to be ISSUed With camouflaged clolhlng. Known as "'Tiger JackalS" (Tl(lerlacken), lhe smock (and helmet CO'l8f) doesn"t appear 10 haw been generally worn during the lnyaSlon of Poland. or lhe bailie of F"nce. bUllater In the war 'I was so common. thalli became the elSlest way 01 IclenlJfylng SS troops
SS-TARNJACKE SS Camouflage smock
nlls smock-like pullover garment was made 01 waler-repenent Imen duck. As It wu reversible. the camouflage desIgn was prlnled on both SIdes. One Side was Pfedomlnenlly green lor spnng and summer. while lhe reverse WIS grey brown for .tJlumn and Winter use. The smock had no collar, and was galhered around the neck.. ....,tSlS and WIISt wl1h elastIC, It had two vettlcal openings above lhe wa,sL In front. 10 enable tne wearer 10 reaCh hiS tunIC pockeTs
SS-STAHLHELM TARNOBERZUG SS Steel helmet camouflage cover
The ctlYer was cut 10 fit oyer the sleel helmet. and was made of the same camouflage malellll as Ihe smock. It was attached 10 lhe helmet by three spring-loaded, double Sided metal hooks. IDivlSlon Das Aelch. Vol 1. P 104,
36
N co and men of the Armoured Car P1aloon of Regiment "Gelmania'", 1939 Note the lalge meetune-embrOldered badges on the belBI BundesalchlV KobleN SONDERBEKLEIDUNG FOR PANZER EINHEITEN Special clothing for armoured units CreW1l of enclosed armoured vehICles were Issued With the speCial black C10lhlng whIch conSlsled of a beret, shirt. lie. Jacket and trousers,
SCHUTZMOTZE Craah helmet A padded black cloth cap wl\h four rubber vennlation holes, and black fabric lining. Over the baSIC cap was worn a large removable black beret. whIch was usually worn pulled to tne back. In front was worn a while or silver grey silk machine embroidered na\lonal
SS-FOHRERDIENSTMOTZE (GRAU) SS Officera' ..rvice peaked cap (grey) Earth or field· grey cloth cap with black velvet band and black fibre (Vulkanflber) peak. Patent leather and leather peaks were rorbidden. TWisted aluminium chin cords were rastened to the cap bv two 13
emblem. and the death's head.
mm aluminium bunons. All officers up to and including the rank of SS-Standartenfiihrer wore white piping untIl January 1941. by which
FElDJACKE ISCHUTZJACKEI
date they wele expected to have the piplng In the colour of their branch of servIce (WaHenfarbe). See AppendiX Ill.
Field jacket Shon double breasted black cloth jacket. wtnch could_ be worn open or closed. It was fastened in front by four large. and three small black plasllc buttons. The cuffs were slit at the back. and could be fastened 8lIher tightly or loosely around the WriSt. The fint pattern had pink plping afound the collar and collar patches. but thiS pracnce was soon
General officers WIth the rank of SS·Oberfiihrer and above had alumInium piPing irrespecllve of thell branch of service. Officers acting as Judges and umpires at manoeuvres wore a detachable white cloth band on their caps.
discontlnued_
FElOHOSE (OBERFALLHOSE) Field {(OUMrs Long black cloth trousers WIth tWO slanting SIde pockets WIth buttoned flaps, and a fob pocket. The trOlJsers were gathered at the ankle, and were worn folded down over tne tOP of the marching or ankle boot.
TRIKOTHEMD Tricot shirt Brown shin without pockets.
SCHWARZER SCHLlPS Black tie
SS-KOPFBEDECKNUNG SS Headdre.. Until the Introduction of gley head-dress In 1935·6. black peaked and field caps were worn with grey uniform. For details of black head-
Offlcels of Il/SS"O" watch
dress see volume 1, pages 15 and 16,
ualnlng area. 1936, They wear the earhes! form of greV sefVice
The same Insignla was worn on grev. as on black head/dress.
peaked cap. Schneider Archlv.
Itve tiring on the AJlengraben
37
SS·FELDMOTZEN SS Field cap. The lirst paltern field cap. which was worn by members of the SS' SOI'Iderkommando Zossen. was identICal In cut 10 the field cap (I
Mer the beginning 01 the war. the death's head bunon was painted lield-grey. In February. 1938. a lield-cap wu oHlclal1y Introduced for noncommissioned officers·. I1 was Ileld·gley with black cloth band and white piping. The peak was made of the same cloth as the tOP 01 Ihe cap. and it was worn Without a chin s\lap. At IlrSI only melal. but tater
38
bolh metal and cloth badges were worn on thIS cap The order Intro· ducmg the cap. emphasised the fact Ihat I1 was a held. and 1'101 a peaked cap. and should not be worn on occasIOns when a peaked cap was proscnbed. Oum'lg the Wilt. a number of offJCefs appear 10 have worn IhlS cap In preference to any other. Untlt the Introduction In 1940. 01 a regulauon offIcers' "eld cap. tnay wore the 1938 model army officers' "eld cap with a metal 01 woven death's head In place 01 the natIonal cockade l . ·SS·Befenlsblal1. 25.4.38. z,tl 12. p. 9. JMIlIellungsblatt der RZM. Nr. 29. 15: 12.34. p. 13. ~Mmellungsblatt der RZM. Nr. 29. 1512.34. p 13. ·SS·Befehlsblal1. 25.2.38. lifll 5. p. 8. ISee for example SS·Gruppenluhrer Elcke's field cap on page 8 of the book '"Damals·'.
SS-STAHlHElME SS Steel helmets
.--..-
The Pohtlsche Bereltschaften were at flrsl ISSUed WIth the 1916 model steel helmet. which had been palnled black.. later a special version oflhe 1916 model was produced bv the RZM It was different In shape. and much lighter than 115 predecessor. and WIS obvlouslv designed lor Inlernil seculllV use only. Its wldo leather dlln strap was fastened bv a smgle pronged. black melal buckle. On the inside of the rim. it was stamped with both RZM and SS Issue marks.
A member of SS-Standante I on guard outside the Feldhellnhalle In Munich. 1934 ( 1). He wears the 1916 mOdel sleel helmet with unusual Chin stlap.
The black service peaked cap being worn bV an n.c.o.. and a soldier weanng the 1916 model steel helmet with modified Chill strap alld army patte," escutcheon Nallonal Arch,....es.
L'h SOdefl of SS-Sonderkommando Zossen weanng a ·Kratzen". and the black 5el'Vlte peaked cap The cord on hiS collar and collar patches IS the Cre-Octobel. 1934. pattern Nallonal Archl ....es.
39
The 1916 model black steel helmet was worn with grey uniform t . but the LAH. and possibly other units. wele issued with it in field· grey finish as well. The 1935 model In black for wear with the black uniform. and field-grey for wear with field uniform, began to be Issued in 1936. but replacement and guard Ur'lltS (Wacr.·Einheiten) were stili wearing the old model. when It was ordeled, m March 1941. that they should be sent la the penitentiary in StraubmQ. Bavarra, where they were probably dismantled for meltm9 down 1 The 1935 model was worn with the final pallern of escutcheons until 1940. when fOl reasons of camoufJage the red. white and black shield was ordered to be removedl. tSee for example picture on page 23,
1st pattern steel helmet escutcheons for the LAH The lett hand side escutcheons were in black/white/red
'Wirtschahs'und Verwaltungsanordnungen (W.V.A.) 1941. Ziff 159. IVM-SS, 1940. Nr. 136/85. pp. 65/42.
WAPPENSCHILDER Escutcheons The LAH at first wore (he SS runes in silver on a black shield. and then the SS runes in black on a silver shield. on the right. and the diagonal shield m the Relch'~ colours on the left side. Other units wore the SS runes In white, With m a double white Circle on the light and a swastika In white outline on the lell side. Late In 1935 all these escutcheons were changed to the final pallern which was mtroduced for the whole SS, Steel helmets were often issued. and worn. without escutcheons.
40
2nd pallern steel helmet escutcheons for the LAH.
SS-FUSSBEKLEIDUNG SS Footwear Marching boolS. long. InfantrY boots. half length.• Riding boots lace·up boots. Walking-out boots. Sports shoes. House shoes. Socks. Fool cloths. Knee pads. lsl pallern sleel helmet escutcheons for all other SS-VT units
SS·SPOREN SS spurs Strap·on spurs Screw-on spurs.
SS·HANDBEKLEIDUNG SS Gloves Gloves. wool. grey-green. Glo\les. COllon. whlle. Gloves. leather. grey.
SS-UNTERKLEIDUNG SS Underwear Brown shirt. triCOt. Fmal pattern steel helmet escutcheons lor the whole SS The lelt hand Side escutcheOn was In black and white on a fed gfOund outlined black
Blown shirt. cotton. Underpants. Vesl Night shirt. Tie. black. Pullover. Braces. grey (1 pall per year).
41
1st pattern machine-embroidered national emblem for the sleeve.
SS·ABZEICHEN SS Insignia There were lWO categories of insignia worn on SS unilOlm. The IlIst consisted 01 those badges which wele worn on all SS uniforms. iuespective of the wearer's rank or unit. These wele the death's head (Totenkopl). the emblem olthe SS. whIch was worn on the head-dress. the brassald (Kampfbinde). the emblem 01 the NSOAP. whIch was worn on the upper leh aIm. and the national emblem (Hoheitsabzeichen). which was worn on the head·dress and left sleeve. The second categol)' identified the lank. Unl! 01 qualification of the wearer. and consisted 01 collar patches (Kragenspiegeln). shoulder straps (Schulterstucke). armband (Armelstreifen). which was WOIfl
2nd pattern machine-embrOidered national emblem for the sleeve.
on the lell cuff. and the arm-badge (Armelabzeichen). which was worn on the lower left sleeve.
HOHEITSABZEICHEN NatIonal emblem Even before the official order of March 7th. 1936'. established the swastika wi1hin a wreath 01 oak leaves. surmounted by an eagle with Outstretched wings as the emblem of the Third Reich. the eagle and swastika had been worn on the uniforms 01 the NSDAP and armed lorces. Onlv members Of the armed forces and aHiliilted organisations {such as the NSFKj wele allowed by law to wear the national emblem on the righl breastt
43
By order of the RF-SS in May 1940. all collar palches wllh runes and numerals or lellers were to be changed for those with Just the SS runes. At the same ume the 2 mm black and aluminium cord on collars and collar patches was abolished'. 'Verordnungsblalt der Waffen-SS. 15.8.1940. Zlfl Nr. 155. SS-SCHULTERSTOCKE SS Shoulder straps Olflcers and men at lirst wOle one and later two General SS shoulder cords on the eaflh-grey tuniC. See volume t. pages 21 and 26. Other ranks were the first to receIve army pattern shoulder straps (Schulterklappen). while commissioned ranks continued to wear the General SS pattern. It was not until 1939 however. that n,c.O.'S braid began 10 be worn on the tunic collar. lInd together with aluminium Slars. on the shoulder Straps. The first army pallern shoulder straps were made of black cloth with rounded ends. and were edged in black and aluminium cord. In tha centre of each shoulder strap was a 3.5 cm high regimental cypher (Namenzuge). which was machine embroidered in silver-grey silk thread. This pattern 01 shoulder strap was usually sewn into the top of the sleeve.
The second pane," was Simpler in design. and probebly was intended to be worn WIth the field blouse. It was made of black cloth with pointed ends. and in the cenlle was a 3 cm high regimental cypher (Namenzuge). whiCh was machine embroidered in silver-grey silk thread. This palle," had a tongue which was passed through a loop on the shoulder and fastened to the tunic by means of a button. This bullon sometimes bore the number of the company in arabic numerals. At the beginning of the war these cyphers were often covered with the strip of field-grey cloth. for security purposes. Starting In late 1937. black cloth shoulder straps with rounded ends and piping in the branch of service. began to be issued to other ranks. and by September 1940. sufficient stocks were available to equip training units (Ersatz-Einheiten) with them'. Simultaneously Ilrmy pattern officers' shoulder straps begun to be worn. These were identical to thOle of the army. but at first only had a white cloth underlay. which was later changed to the colour of the branch of service. See AppendilC It I. Regimental cyphers (Namenzuge) were in bronzed metal for officers. and aluminium for n c 0 ·s. the latter were different in design and smaller in size. 'Verordnungsblatt der Waffen-SS. Nr. a. 5.9.40. Ziff 46.
1sI. 2nd and 3rd pallern SS runes. The 1SI IS hand embrOidered. and the 2nd and 3rd ale machine embroidered. Mollo Collection.
45
SS-ARMELSTREIFEN SS Armbands The armband became one of the most diStinctIve features of the SS uniform, and apart from IdentIfying the unit of the wearel, was partly responSible for the remarkable esprit de corps of the SS.
of recrUits. on the left cuff of the tunic and overcoat. The band was made from a 2Bmm wIde black woven tape with a 2mm wIde aluminium Wire strIpe along the top and bottom edges· At fust all ranks had the
The armband could be worn by all ranks. usually wIth the exception
name or tItle of the unit hand embroidered
In
aluminium Wire,
Officers' armband. Regimen! "Germanla". Hand-embroidered type.
nl."u ... UI.ntlUtH:UU·ltnUIt.,11 fI It j U
,)"t;, IU:;:; IllS \hHh·ft_"'I.:(t:J"H.i.fJ~~Ia.iI
n~~,:", . . . . ,~!.~~~(~~~~)f.~~~~r~~~~!~l'!
Other ranks' armband, Signals Battalion, machine-embroidered tYpa.
OfJlcers'
armband.
Regiment
·'Oar
Fuhrar"
Woven
tYpe.
See
PLATE 1
, 48
2
3
6
7
4
8
9
10
11
B
12
13
14
c 49
16
,. o 50
17
PLATE 2
2
3
52
4
PLATE 3
2
3
54
PLATE 4
2
3
55
PLATE 5
1
5
3
2
6
66
4
PLATE 6
, 2
3
5 57
PLATE 7
, 2
5
3
59
PLATE 8
,
3
2
4
60
PLATE 9
,
61
PLATE 10
2
3
4
62
PLATE '1
2
1
3
, 63
PLATE 12
1
,
3
,
"
PLATE 13
2
3
, _~ ...,:
tdlllI
~ -
.•
'"
.
tifl'"iII_
SS-ScnttCe 13rCtl\11 clttucig _.
-
-
"!"~_
.~_
5 65
PLATE 14
2
66
3
SS.ARMElABZEICHEN SS Armbadge.
PLATE 15
Armbadges (Raute) were wom on the lower leh sleeve. 3.5 cms above Ihe almband.
All armbadges were supplied by lhe RZM. unhl February 1936 when It was announced that they would no longel be available. and retailers were adVised to mark. ,heIr lists accordingly. Presumably in future these badges could only be obtained from the qualifying body.1
PLATE 15
1. Officer In administratIVe service. Introduced 252.38.
2
2. Offlcel In legal 5elVlce. Introduced 203.38.
3. DocIOl. 4. Bandmaster. 5. Officer in technical service. 6. Officer and n.C 0 In veterinary service. 7. Technical sergeant (SChlffmeISler). 8. Almourer n.C.O. 9 Signals perSOOllel.
10. FarriBr. 11. Medical personnel. IMltleilungsblall del RZM. Nr 3.. 1 2.36.. p 27.
7
67
PLATE 15
68
3
,
5
6
8
9
10
11
SS-ADJUTANTENSCHNUR
ss
Adjutants' cords
Wltt! eUect f/Om the 1st May 1938, SS officers officially appointed adjutant in the AUgemeine-SS. SS·Verfugungstruppe. and SS-Toten· kopf"erbande, were entitled to wear a new paltern aluminium and black cord. The old black and white silk cord could be WOIn until the 31st December. 1938' See volume 1. page 57, The army patlern made 01 aluminium cOld was also worn on fleld·grey uniform.!
SS·ACHSElBAND SS Aiguil1ette The almy patlern ollicers' aiquillette in aluminium cord was worn for the fllSt lime at the 1937 NUfenberg Rally. by officers of the Regiment "Deutschland'" didn't receive it until July 1938. The LAH. alguillene was wOln wilh both walklng·out and parade dress, as well as with formal evening Cless. See volume 1, page 13. The aiguiUelte was WOIn under the right shoulder strap, and the other end was allached to a small bullon. under the right lapel. 'SS-Befehlsblalt.. Nr 4" 25.4.38" p 2. lSee Weldinger. Division Das Reich, opp page 225. lWeidingcr. Division Das Reich.. p 47,
Officers' aigulllelle. Mollo Collechon,
69
SS-SABEL SS Sabre Before the In!roductlon m 1935 of the SS sword. officers wore ltle army paltern with lion's head pommel In silver instead of gilt fUllsh. Certain examples had the SS runes
In
a black enamelled circle on the
reverse langet. and the SS mono MEINE EH RE HEISST TREUE etched on the blade. Mounted personnel were Issued with the army oauern cavalry sabre. which had a plain nickel plated hilt and black enamelled scabbard.' See for example Eickhorn·s other ranks sabre. Model No 189. , Das Schwalze Korps. No. 2.. 10.637.. p.3
SS-FOHRERDEGEN
SS Officers' sword The new officers' sword was presented by the Reichsfiihrer·SS. la battalion commanders and above in the SS-VerfiigungstfUPpen. General SS leaders with the rank of SS·StandanenfUhrer and above, and departmental chiefs in the SS Main offices (Hauptamter). Graduates of the SS officer schools were automatically presented With the sword at a special ceremony on passing out. These swords. ond those presented by the Reichsfiihrer-SS as special awards. were known as honour swords (SS-Ehlen-Degen). If the sword presented by the ReichsfUhrer·SS was lost. a new one could be purchased from the SS Clothing office (SS-l(leiderkasse) on presentation of the award certificate'.
Sword. Nickel plated knuckle bow. qUlllon and tang bUlIon. Black wooden grip bound with silvered wire, and Inset white metal SS runes. Black enamelled metal scabbard With band. loose ring. and nickel plated locket and chape. Plam straight polished steel blade With one narrow fuller. A senior n.c.O. of the LAH with sabre National Archives.
70
Off,cers' sabre by Elckhom. F. J. Stephens I J. Angohil Collection.
SS·Untersturmfuhrer Karl Bohmer. in walking·out dress with army panem
sable.
71
~l.~,n
l!I" o1Jn NUMl' O~II< !1111
lll,d," 6i, ifIn nkmlll,.1n
.~II< l~.ol
l'Do~"n l!I" 1~t. d~", l~" OlI~"U)U
ol!jltn IIIIb
flit
Cmlo ldlnGl'";IlIoI, IDle 6it 6M ffF;
lStj~.r.
nllaUdj Un)Ulttll1l
~a6ul1
oa6klbul,_.o-. ~ WI ft6:. lSdjd6al IS.. -i'Ia IlIICI ea " 1llICI, /0
.o"ru O';l~ roUin J~.«.trlpP< t'.rlll loll; llIllO)
,.lIt
le
llIClid ca 6<. fuldj.futj.... ISlS.
DaQ'If
r.!n(n ~uaUl6lid'J
'~u.llljilleu J~1ItIl
1IId'9 . .~ JktlloucII 4ic .d1~d
OlltdjtktJIi4\U1G 6i1,fu mo!rl pfdjlllh ~GI.
~ld6tJl ./lit in I\lItlIIlIIb rdjlt4;lca 'I...
!uqun JJit 6tn lJrgcn In
SS officers' sword
72
Award cilatlon for the SS sword.
t:~unl
lmnIII''''' ald4
ss-u NTER FOH RER DEGEN SS Non-commissioned officers' sword This sword was worn by senior non-commiSSioned offlcels (PortepeeUnterfuhrer) with full dress. Informal service dress. and when walking out. It was nOt 10 be worn in the field or dWlng training Sword. Nickel plated knuckle bow. qUlllon and cap p.ece. which bale the SS runes Black wooden grip Black: enamelled metal scabbard With band. loose ring. and shoe. and nickel plated locket. Plain straight polished steel blade With one narrow fuller
Detail 01 the top of the tang button of the SS n.c.o.'s sword. SS-PQRTEPEE SS Sword knots As In the German army. SS officers and
nc o's
wore sword knots
on their swords Certain officers wore plivately purchased bayonets. on whIch tlley tied their sword knot 2 ThiS practise was common during the First World War. but rare dUllng the Second. I. 1s1 paltern officers' sword knol (Ponepee) 2. 2nd pattern officers· and senior nC.O.'s sword knol (Ponapee)
•
o 2
73
TRAGEVORSCHRIFTEN FOR SElTENWAFFEN The wearing of swords The officers' sabre. and laler the sword. were worn on the left hiP, suspended vertically from a black leather ffog (Aushaktel1). which was clipped to a thin labrlC belt. whICh was worn either over the Ilghl shoulder. or round the wa,st. undel the tUniC. The leather frog was then passed through the slit Undel the leh hip pocket flap When the overcoat was worn Ihe leather frog was also passed through the slit under the left overcoal pocketllap. An optIonal extra. whICh appears to have been rarely WOlf1. was an alUmlf1lum bfaid shng (Sllbertragnemen). which was anached la Ihe labm: belt. under the tunIC. and clipped onlO the loose flng on Ihe sheath J • The n.c o:s sword was WOfn In the same way wrth walklng·out dress when the waist belt was not worn. bul when It was. the sword was suspended from a black leather sling (Tragnemen). which had nickel plated fillings. Mounted personnel camed the sabre In a special frog which was attached 10 the saddle When on fool. it was worn If1 the same way as the sword. Apparently mounted personnel were not allowed la wear a sabre WIth walking-out dress Inslead they wore a bayonet". 'Verordnungsblalt der Wlllten-SS. 1940. lilt Nr 234 lOamals. p. 33. ISS del'" NSOAP. Klelderkasse Kalalog. Gulllg ab 1 November 1940. p. 13. "Feldgrau. 1954. p. 131.
74
SS·SElTENGEWEHRE SS Bayonets The Issue 84/98 short Mauser bayonet was worn WIth all orders of dfess It was earned In a black leather flog (Selteogewehnasche), and suspended from tne waIst belt. on the left hIp WIth undress unllorm privately purchased (Extra) bayonets. w.th nickel plated fillings and black enamelled sheaths. were worn. SS·TRODDElN SS Bayonet knots 8ayonet knots were probably introduced In 1933, The bayonet knot was divided Into five parts. the strap, slide. stem. crown and tassel. The colour of the slide and crown Identified the company. and the stem, the ballalion of the wearer. The knot was worn tIed to the leather bayonet frog. SO that 11 hung In ffont of the bayonet.
1 2
JumOf n c o's bayonet knot. to! Unte,fuhrer ohne Portepee. Soldier's bavonel knot. lhe stem rs led DespIte the owner's name tag. sevvn mSlde the strap of an Oflglnal example m the author's collecllon and mdlcatlng 1st company I battalion. I1 lS lhooghllhat th,s knOI was tor the 5th company. II ballalion It SO. thefllhe SS·vr used lhe same colour sequence as the Army
1
2
SS·AUSAOSTUNG SS Equipment The basic personal equipment 01 the General SS IS described In volume'. pages 60 and 61. and that 01 the Pollllsche Bereltschaften was exactly the same. In addlllon to the basic equipment. they were Issued with old paltern ammunition pouches (each pouch camed nine clips). and an 84/98 bayonet. Officers and n.c.o:s were issued with pistols. As soon as the SS·Verlugungstruppe undertoOk serious mill\ary training. they were Issued with the same equipment as the army. The following list 01 equipment issued to a member of the SS-Verfugungstruppe was extracted from an undated document. Waist belt and buck.le. Cross strap. Cross Strap (threa-piece). Bayonet frog. Ammunition pouches. pair. Clothing bag. Pack (Model 1934). Mess tin snaps. pair. O"ercoat straps. three. Ground sheet. old square type {Model 1931). grey. Ground sheet, new three-cornered type (camouflaged). Ground sheet accessory bag. Ground sheet pole (three-piece). Ground sheet pegs (three). Ground sheet line. Pack cover. Bread bag with strap (Model 1931. then Model 1934). Water bOllle {Model 1931). Cup. Eating implements. Mess tin. Despatch case. Map case.
76
Theongrnalcaptlonslateslhat'onSeptember 11th. 1938. 120.000 Storm Troopers were reViewed by Herr Hl\ler at NU1emberg: for an event covered by the world press. rIfles were leflln camp
Associated Press.
SS-VerfugungSHuppe eQuipment 1935 Bell and straps. ammuMlon pouches. and other leatherwork IS black. showing natutal hide mner surfaces. the mess tin and bayonet and scabbard. black; all other melal, while. the groundsheet. breadbag. and waler bottle cover. grey. the pack. natural brown calfslon. the bayonet gflps. blOwn wood - and nOle JUllIor n co's Troddel
77
LAH guald of honour aWaIIlng Mussolim's arrival in Mumch. 1938. NO!lce both 1916 and 1935 model Sleel helmets Heinrich Hotfmann.
7.
WEISSES lEOERZEUG White leather equipment The LAH being a guards regiment spent much of Its time on celemonial duties. for which white equipment was introduced In stages. In 1936 white waist belt, cross strap. bayonet frog. pistol holster and pack straps were introduced and worn together with black ammunition pouches.' In 1937 the white leather waist bell and cross strap was replaced by an aluminium braid belt (Feldblnde) for officers of the LAH. This belt was Introduced gene/ally In 1938.2 In January 1938 the LAH marched past Adolf Hitler wearing white leather waist belts. cross slfaps. bayonet frogs. and ammunition pouches. The Reich's Chancellery guard detachment wore white leather equip· ment when on duty at the Chancellery. 'Relchstagung In NGrnberg 1936, p. 321. 2Mmeilungsblalt der RZM. Nr 6. 25.4.38. p. 11. Right
1936 was the first year
which the LAH appeared In white equipment. Here they are stdl wearing black ammunition pouches. The army camouflaged ground sheet IS folded and strapped on top of the rolled In
greatcoat, Officers'
parade belt (Feldbrnde). Introduced In 1937·38. Mollo
Collection.
79
SS-SPORTKLEIDUNG ss Sport. clothes (el et April 1939) 1.
SPOilS shoes. Model 1931 (Army pattern) Sports trousers. black. sateen. Sports Shift w,th SS badge. -While TlIlnlog lacket wnh SS badge. -blue. Training 1I0users. blue
-
.~
~IN{;: {;:~Q{;:
~,
H
:;:;:;:.~ 155TT~lJf
,
-Members 01 the LAH had their own SporlS badge. 'SS·Pre's!.ste. Apn11939. pp. 2 and 3. 'Weldlnger DIVISIon Oas Relch. Vol 1 . p. 104.
Sports vest badge for members 01 the LAH.
Membe~ of Ihe LAH in sports clothes later they had their OWn sports vest badge.
National Archives
82
, k "
••
1
2
85
The "Jingling Johnnie" of the LAH, 1939(?) The moon has the name
Trumpeters of the LAH Most SS trumpet banners were modelled on those
01 the regiment engraved on it.
01 the LAH. Beadle Collecl1On.
86
Dodltins Collection,
Obverse and reverse of a IrUmpel bannef of the III Battalion. Regiment "Der Fuhrer". Pflvate Collection.
FANFARENTOCHER Trumpet banners Trumpet banners of the SS·VerfUgungStruppe and SS·TOlenkopl-
na\!on In 5 cm high. aluminium wire embrOidery. The feverse bore
verbiinde were of a standard pal1ern. which was based on those of the LAH. 1 The banner was double sided. made of black velvet. and was 49 )( 42 cm. On the obverse was a 23 cm high death's head worked in
24 cm high SS runes If'I alumlf'llum lamE! edged in twisted cord. The reverse onlv was edged In 1 cm Wide aluminium braid. The banner had 5 cm long aluminium fringe on three sides. and was attached to the
aluminium lamE!. With detail and shading machine embrOidered In Silvered wire and black Silk thread Underneath the deallfs tlead was the regimental or ballalion deslg-
trumpet by two nickel·plated srlap hooks. 'Reichstagung In Nurnberg 1937. p 33. lSS·Befehlsblatt. 25635. Z,lf 17
.7
PARADE·PAUKENBEHANGE Banners The kettledrum banner was made of black velvet and was edged in 2 cm wide aluminium braid and 5 cm fringe. On three, or all five 01 Its panels, were embroidered regimental or banalion emblems. or the death's head and SS runes in aluminium wire embroidery or aluminium lame.
GROSSE TROMMEL ansdrums The big drum was painted black, and had black and white zigzag rims (Holzspannriefen). On the front of the drum was painted a white death's head and the unit name in Gothic script. Ballalion "N" had the 1933 Nuremberg rally badge in place of the death's head,!
GLOCKENSPiEl WIMPEL Lyra pennons Small triangular black velvet pennon. edged in 1 cm wide aluminium braid. On the obverse was embloldered the national emblem In aluminium WIle. At each of the three pOints of the tflangle was suspended an aluminium wire tassel. The pennon was attached to the reverse of the instrument so that it was Visible from the front. See opp. page.
BB
I,",!t ~~~:t d 1.6: I ,'1.
Kettle drummer of the LAH Kettle drums and fanfare !rumpets were only used by non·mounted units for concerts and beating the letreat. Suddeutscher Verlag
SS-Hauptschatluhref Meyer on NicolaU5 In January 1936 All mounted addlUon to {hIm own Instrument. carried a trumpel slung on their "ad:. The Tnsmp8t Major gave his commands wnh his trumpet Sudd Verlag. ~,uS1Ctans. In
Bass drum ollhe Regimen, "Germania"
89
SS-FAHNEN UNO STANDAATEN SS Flags and standards It was the custom to plesent and Inaugurate flags and standards at the annual Party Day Rally (Reichsparteitag), which was held each September from 1933 to 1938. The following units are known to ha...e recei...ed their Ilags and standards at Nuremberg,
1933 1934
1935 1935 1936 1937 1938
Lelbstandarte Adoll Hitler SS·Standarte "Oeulschland" 5 S· Nachrlchtensturmbann· 55- Pioniersturmbann· SS-Slandarte "Germanla" SS·Sturmbann "N"· SS·Standarte "Der F\.ihrer"
t standard and 3 battalion Ilags 1 standard and 3 battalion Ilags 1 standard 1 batlalion flag 1 standard and 3 battalion Ilags 1 battalion flag 1 standard and 3 battalion liaRS
·Not confirmed.
ss
standards and battalion Ilags were basically the same for all units both in the Allgemeine·SS and SS·Yerfilgungstruppe. Each regiment had its name on the standard, and a black patch on the top corner (neKt to the pole) of the battalion Ilag, on whiCh was machine embroidered the regimental and battalion designation. See opp. page 1. SS·Lelbstandarte "Adolf Hitler", I. 11 and III banahons. 2. SS-Standarte "Deutschland", I, 11 and III banalions, 3. SS-Standarte '·Germania··. I. 11 and III battalions. 4. SS·Standarte "Oer Filhrer", I. 11 and III baualions. 5. SS Saualion "N'·.
Regimental standard 01 the 55- Leibstandarte "Adoll Hitler" Gilt eagle and bmding 01 aluminium wreath; red 11ag wl\h black/aluminium/red fringe, cords and tassels, all other features alummlum. white or black (SeeYol. 1. rear endpaper)
90
FAHNENSPIEGEl UNO STANOARTENBALKEN Flag patches and standard cross bars
I~I
11 Immmmml
I'IJ ImmIIllml
11 III Regimental standard of the LAH. NallOnal Archives
91
Colour party of the SS-Engineer Battalion. 1937(?) Mumn Verlag
BANDOLIER Sendolier
In 1935 a new pattern bandolier was Issued for carrymg bOlh the standard and battalion flag. The bandolier was 11 cm wide and was trimmed with 4 cm wide aluminium braid. The length of the bandolier could be adjusted by means of a black leather strap and nickel-plated buckle on the inside, The bandolier was worn over the left shoulder, on
Battalion flag 01 the SS Engineer Battalion. Black:. while and red flag: aluminlum·flecked black fringe; black and aluminium patch ,n upper hOist canton.
92
top of the gorget. with the bucket on the right thigh, The standard· bearer and hiS escon wore while buckskin gauntlets (Stu1penhandschuhe).' lSS-8elehlsblatt. Nr 10. 25.10.38. p. 5.
Detail of the lnnge from an SS banahon flag The top IS the flISt. and boltom lhe second pallem. Mollo ColleclJon Stander (gUidon) of the SS Signals Bat· tahon The lunge. cOld and lassel are black and aluminium RINGKRAGEN (BRUSTSCHILO) Gorgets The SA/SS slandafd·bealels gorgel was worn until 1938, when a new model wn Introduced h appeals that at one IJme. the LAH had a specIal model
This draWing is based on a photo. found by an Enghsh soldier In an SS barracks at Unna. Wes(phaha. on 6th June. 1945. The anginal phOtograph IS In the collection of the Imperial War Museum. London.
93
SS Standard·bearer's gorget, model 1938, Slandard bearer's bandolier, 1935 model Mono Collecllon.
94
UNIFORMS OF THE JtJt VOLUME 4 JtJt- TOTENKOPFVERBANDE 1933-1945 Andrew Mollo
K COlKaneHllIO,
HaM AOCTanllCb Tom.KO CTpaHII",'" C cj)OTorpacj)IIRMII.
Windrow & Greene
SS-WACHVERBANDE SS-TOTEN KOPFVER BAN DE SS-TOTENKOPF·WACHSTURBANNE
The decree ollhe 281h Febluary 1933 for the protecllOn of people and state (Veloldnung des Re.chsprils,denlen zum Schutze von Vo'lc und Slaal. vam 28 2.1933. RgB 1 1583). whICh lollowed the Relchslit9 gave the polICe the light to place potential enerrlles 01 tl>e statc (wIlo had been legally sentenced 10 pr'son by a COUrt 01 law. Of wIlo hawlg selVed a legal sefltenCe .....ere ordefed to be Iwthe! detamed bV the SO Of GeSt.lpo) In protectIve custody (Schutztlafl) lor up 10 th,ee months I As a direct result 01 thIS deCle8 so many so·calted oppon8flts 01 the regime were allested that conventional prison acCOmodal'OI'l was not avaIlable. and make·sll,lt detenl,on centres had to be sel up In Aar I 1935 It was eSllmated that 25.000 people were being held n Plotce1lve cUSlodV In P,ussla alone:
"'l'.
Helnnch HlmmJer. IS aet,ng Police President of Munich. set up In Marc" 19231he fllst Independent SS·run concenualJon Chele I mes when no tUOles. shoes 01 even socks wele ava:lable. The men camed on IhClr dU1 es '.\"C
•
..... lJ ....
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~\
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.
", i I ,~l. • I: '.'''~, t.
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•.. I'"~i.···'
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....
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SS' BIIgadeluhrer Theodol ElCke. commander and Inspector of SS Death's Head UOllS and Conccntra:ian Camps. 151h September 1936. (BOl,ch Collec\!on)
I was forced literally to beg the treasuries lor the meagre wages 01 my oUlcers and men. As an Oberfuhrer In Dachau I myself recell"ed a monthly salary of RM, 230, .. Al the beginning there were no cartridges or rilles.let alone machine guns. Of the entile stafl only three men could handle a machine gun. My men wele billeted In draughty lactolles_ Evelywhere there was poverty and misery. At tha1 lime these guards wefe under the command of the SS District South whIch left the wOlrles and anxielles to me but. unask.ed. sem me people 01 whom for some reason or other it wanted 10 be lid In Munich: In consequence they contammated my men and their SPllll, I encountered disloyalty. graft and corruption. For these reasons I was forced to dismiss about sixty men in lour week.s. No progress could be made because the unit was undelthe command and influence olthe District South and was used as a deposl\ory for so· called Velsorgungsanwarter (ex-soldiers entitled to ex·servicmen's welfare benefits). When I found i1 Impossible to continue like this the Relchsluhrer-SS glilnted my requeS1 and placed the small guard unit under my exclUSive command. Flom then on there was uninterrupted progress. I went to WOrK alert ilnd happy. training men la become N.C.O·s and. N.C.O·s to become officers. Mutual sell-sacllflce. deprivations and hearty comradeship created In a few weeks an example 01 manhood which In turn exhlbned an excellent "'esprit de corps". We did not become paranoic, because we all had nothing Behind the barbed·wire we qUietly did our duty and ehmmated Without concern anybody In our ranks who showed the smallest sign of disloyalty. So we formed and lfained the guard unit In the qUietness of the concentration camp. Their ideals were loyalty bravery and obedience," Having Improved the mOrale and diSCipline of hiS men. Elckc formdated serVice regulations for both guards and Inmates. which remained vHlually unchanged until the end of the war. In 1934 Elcke was made Inspector of Concentration Camps and SS Guard UnI1S (Inspckteur der KonZentrationslager und SS·Wachvcrbande)·. with the rank 01 SS·Gruppenfilhrer. 7 • By 1938/9 his official mle had become" FLihrer der SS-TV u. KL.··
2
Dachau guard COmpany marches into the compound. Officers and N.C.O.·s wear the black peaked cap. where· as the men wear the earth· brown field,cap. 1936.
In March 1935 there were Ihe following gUilld Unr!S (Wachverbiinde) In
Unll:
Camp:
9)uSI9nce:
SS·Wachsturmbann 10berbayern SS·WachstuflTlbann 11 Elbe
Oachau uchtenburg
Unll.
Camo.
SS-Wachlruppe Oberbayern
Dachau
SS-WachtnJppe Ostfrlesla.,d
EStelWegen
SS-Wachtruppe Elbe
llclllenburg
SS-Wachtruppe Sachsen
S.1chsenburg
SS-Wachlfuppe Brandenburg
Oran.enburg und Columbla-Haus
SS·Wachtruppe Hansa
Ha."burg -Fuhlsbunel
Sachsenburg SS·Wachsturmbann III Sachsen SS-Wachstufmbann IV Ostfnesland EsteIWegen SS-WachstuflTlbann V Brandenburg Oramenburg u. Columbla-Haus On the 29th March 1936 the above units WIth a lotal strength of 3.500 men were collectively renamed Ire SS·Tolenkopfverbande. Q In Apnl
1936 oolh the SS-Verfugungslruppe and SS-Totenkopfverbande well' c1assrlred as "orgamsa!)ons rn the servIce of the state'-. and placed on the pohce budgel of the MiniStrY 01 the 10;1'1101. 10 Service In the SS-TV did nOt count as fulfilment of Ihe mrlrtary serv,ce
On the 1st April 1936 I'll' scallered company,s'led gU3rd units wefe removed !rem Ihe conlrol at t'l:l General SS. and re·organlsed Into live bal1alro;ls CJch of whlC" ....as asslgncd to a p
oblrgauons untrl the Sprrng of 1939. and boys w,th the age of sixteen and above were accepted as volunteers for 4 or 12. and officers 25 years. DUllng their service In the SS-TV volunteers had to complete their nlllrtary service in eithef the armed forces or SS-VT. Elcke preferred hrs men 10 do the'r servIce In the army. navy or all fOfce. as he was afraid Ihalllthey were to serve ,n Ihe SS-VT. they mlghl not wanllo ratum 10 the onerous lask of guarding concentratron camps, lIOn completion of thClr service In lhe armed fOlces TV pCfsonnel were reminded by E!cke trill "we belong nClthef to the almy nor the police nOf the SS-VeffugungSlrUPpe. our cohesion IS based upon comradeshrp inherenl In our National Socralist Ideology:· rI Fr;Jm the 1st July 1937 the live battalions were re·organ,sed 1010 three fi!91'Tleflts (Slilndartell). W Ih a 10tal strellgth of 4.449 persons. lJ Unrt SS·TotellkoofSlandarte 1 Ob~bayern 2 Brandenburg
Camp·: Oachau Buchenwald
3 Thurlngen
Sachsellhausen III 1938 a fourth reglmenl was formed In Ausura I 4 11 Oslma/k Mauthausen a'ld In 1939 a fifth was added 5 D,etrlch ECkhard, Daehau Inmates are 9 ven thelf assgnmenlS by the duty officer 1936.
• On the 1s. August 1937 the seven concentration camps were re·orga:1ised iOlo three marn camps (HaUpllager).
3
uniforms. and Ihe same pay-books (Soidbucher).19 The significance of tllis dlfectJVe was missed at the time. and the Walfen-SS was always to regret that 11 had not resisted the lumping together 01 its fighting formations with the COnCerllratlon camp guards. in the Summer 01 1941 the concenllatlon camp guard establishment was as lollows; 10 KL mit SS·Totenkoplsturmbann
7 Kp.* Sachsenhausen 4 Kp. Dachau 3 Kp. Buchenwald/Weimar 3 Kp. Mauthausen 4 Kp. Gusen 3 Kp, Flossenburg/Bayr. Ost. Neuengamme Ravensbrud
Up to the outbreak lithe war the primary purpose of the concentration camp had been to Isolate the 'enemies of the state' from the German people, but with the outbreak of war exploitalion 01 camp labour became of paramount imporlance. The growth of the camp population was relatlYely slow until 1941/2, when the camps were filled 10 bursting point with yast numbers 01 pusoners collected in the newly occupied eastern territories. ThiS expanSion, and the eyer increasing demand lor labour was loO much lor the Operational Main Office, under which the camps had been subordlnilted since August 1940, and in March 1942, the Inspectorate or Concentrallon Camps (The Inspectorate of Guard units had been disbanded in August 1940) was transferred to the SS Economic and Administrative Main Office (SS-Wirtschalts+ Verwaltungshauplamt-VWHA) under SS,Obergruppenluhrer Oswald Pohl as Group (Amtsgruppe) D. under SS-Brigadefuhrer Ric1)ard GIGcks 21 ·Kompanlen or Companies
SS-OberS1UrmbannlUhrer Karl Koch. commander of the IV SS Death"s Head Battalion '"Ostfriesland"", 1936 (1). (Black Star.)
5
Amls9luIlPe 0 was organlscd as lollo\\'s ,n Malch 1942.!! Office 0, I Cerllflll Oflll:c Zentralaml (SS·Oslubaf. l'ebehenschel) Hallhngs3rgcit!genhe,len 0111 Inmale maltels o 1/2 Communlcallons, Camp N3ctUlchlenvvesen. Lao;;c.sct-u:z SecUfI\)' and gua-cl dogs und Wac"'hunde 0113 Motor transpofl KraIlfah"",lese n o I/A Weaj:X)ns and equipment Wa'leo \,lOC Gerat:) SC'lulung de. T,upp~ o 1/5 Troop lIam,"g Olflce 0: Illnnl,lle laboVf Arbc'lse,nsatz der Hafll,n!le (SS-Slaf MaUler) HalthngsetnSaiZ o 11/1 Inm,lte labour o 11/2 Inmate tra,nlng Haltllngsausbrldung o 11/3 StatlsllcS and accounts Stai st,k un::! Verrechung Office 0 III Medical malters and San':;l!s....esen u Lagem~g.;?re canp hyglene (SS-Stal Or Ooll,ng) 011111 SS Wedlcal and denial Amllche und zal1nalzthcllC Velcare sorgung d~ SS o 111/2 Inmato mec,ul and AI2'lIIChe ~,"ld zahnarz,oc~e V<;rdental cale sorgung der Haltl,oge o 111/3 Camp hyg,ene and Hvg10msche u san,tare Massna\ . sanllat on men '" den KL Olfrce 0: IV camp admlnlstJallon KL·Verwaltung (SS·Stubal BUlger) o IVll Househ~ld, cash and Haushah, Kassen·u Beso!dT.;~;· pay malters wesen - Verpllegung o IV/2 Supoly o IVl3 Clolhlng Belr.1elCfung o IV/A BIllets and a ommo- Unlol::unlt dallon o IVI5 Legal, lax and conlrac- RechlS- und Vemagsangele£enlUal maners he,len
6
A Death's He3d hallahon, 1935 (?j (Helr,flch Horrrrann)
rhO wartime guard units were organised
In
baila'lons and companies
wh,et1 bcre the name of tha camp, e9 6/SS Sturmbarm 'Cl. Auschwl1Z. was '1'1 fact [he 6;11 CO'Tloanv of the SS Ballallon COr'lCer1l1allOn camp
w;!h SS uniforms and pay·books, and used to reinforce the e)l;Istln9 guards.~~ In Sachsenhauserl In Apltl 1945 lhere were apprOXImately 3.000 SS personnel. all of whom wore SS uniform "~ Ravensbruck had
Auscilwnz lt1e numb!;!r 011'10 guards deponded on the Sdi! of the ca'l'lp. and numb~r of mmates. but was ollCn remarkably small. although milny
90 men on the camp stall and 250 guards In November 1942. and by Apnl 19t15 the number of guards hac rrsen 10 550 men 26 Whon Rudolf
01 the larger camps wOle situated alongSldo SS camps or barracks. a:1d In the caso of a S~f10US rnsurreC\lon the camp cO'11mandant could call 011
Hoess assumed command of Auschw.{z rn May 1940. he had a staff of15, and a guald platoon 01 50 SS men, which rose 10 3,500 men bV the lime he relinoulsl1ed t-IS command In December 1943 11
military Ur'llts Ir1the vrcm,!" for aSSIS!Dr1CC In 1943/4 the SS·Totenkopls!urmbann Harrburg Neuengamme conSisted of four companies of GO men armed wl;h 98 K carbme, Of 11\0 240 men. 70 were German nationals (Relchsdeutsche). 74 Rumanians. many of whom had been wounded 3t Stalmgrad. 25 Slo\'aks. mOSI of German origin, al'd 60 RUSSians. none Of w;'.om, With Ille llxcepllon of tl1elr Ne Os. could speak Gormal'll' Al tl10 same camp air fOlce [1cr,cnnol ~ad been taken mto the SS
Ifl
The ongrnal wartime guards ware contrnuouslv changed, as the younger age groups wele posted to flold units, and replaced by even older soldr(llS. saIlors,
thc summcr of 1944. Issued
Officers and men of the staff of Buchonwald Concentration Camp In 1940. Judging by Ihell age these are General SS reSErVISlS (Boz!chCollectlon)
7
On the 51h Aplil 1944 the WHA listed 20 official concentration camps and an additional 165 subsidiary labour camps. Z'I and In AvgusI 19-14 feponed that these camps held 524.286 inmates. 30 The following list gives all the main camps (Hauptlager) which came under the jurisdiction of the WHA. and which were therefore classified as '"official" concentration camps.· II Dachau 22. 3.33 - 29. 4.45 836 - 22. 4.45 Sachsenhausen 15. 7 37 ~ 11 <145 Buchenwald bel Weimar·· Flossenburg/Bayr.Ostmark 3. 5.38 - 23 4.45 8. 8.38 5. 5.45 Mauthausen Ravcnsbruck 15. 5.39 - 21. 4,45 Auschwilz (Poland) ••• 20. 5.40 - 1B. 1.45 Neuengamme 4. 6,40 - 29. 4,45 Gross·Rosen 1. 5,41 . 2.45 NalZWeiler (Alsace) 26. 7,41 - 23.11.44 Niederhagen in Wewelsburg 1. 9.41 3. 5.43 Stuffhof (Danzig) 13. 1.42 - 25. t.45 8. 4,42 - 11.10.42 Atbeitsdorf Herzogllnbusch 5. 1.43 9.44 lublin (Poland) 9. 3.43 - 24. 7.44 Riga·Kaiservvald (Latvia) 15. 3,43 6. 8.44 7. 7,43~ 11.4.45 Bergen-Belscn Warschau (Poland) 15. 8.43 1. 5.44 Kauen (Lithuania) 15.943-14.7,44 Vaivara (Estonia) 15. 9.43 - 28. 6.44 Klooga (Estonia) 9.43-19. 9,44 Krakau·Plaszow (Poland) 11. 1.44 - 15, 1,45 Mittelbau 28.10.44 9. 4.45 • On the 281h May 1941 Himmler authorised tdS & BdS to form Arbeltser· ziehungslager at the expense of the Reich. These detention camps were 10 be staffed by Gestapo officials and employees and guarded by hired personnel. olten by auxiliaries such as Estonian. and Lilhuaman police. n This camp was previously known as Enetsberg. ... This camp also inclvded Auschwitz 11 (Birkenau). and Auschwilz tll (Monowitz).
8
SS-Obergruppenfuhler Oswald Pohl. chief of the INVHA. September 1942. He weals a '"Lllewka". a style of tunic which becamo popular with senior functionaries, (Dodkins Collection.)
In May 1944 Hlrnmler ordered the lIansler of 10.000 reserviSts over the age of fo"y from the leplacerrent army to the Waffen~SS as canp guards. The same orde' suggested that these reservists. and all concenaatlon camp guards whod,d not meet SS membersh,p requirements m'ght v.ear a macrlf'e embrordered W on the "gIlt coltar patch. It is not known ,f thiS order was rn fact ,mplemented 3~ As the Allied arm es o\lerran German OCCU~lJed Europe. and then Germany hersell. ca"'p alter camp was I,berated In some Ihe SS guards slayed to surrender. wh,le In others they lied. In all the campSlhe most appalling conditions were found. due. In the greal par\. 10 the complete breakdown 01 the system. which resulled In Germany'S collapse.
Elderly concentration camp guard. probabl ( a ·VolksdeuUcher". being searcred by Bfl\lsh sold'ers after tne liberation of Bergen Selsen In April 1945. (Imoemll War Museum)
1. Anatomy of the SS Slale, p. 401. 2. Ibid. p. 406. 3. Ibid. p. 429. S. Ibid. p. 431. 4. Ibid. p. 437. 6. Elcke 10 Himmler on 10.8.36, concemmg SS-TV Ook.DC Pers.Akt/Eicke 37c/A. 7. Anatomy of the SS State. p. 443. 8. Ibld, p. 442. 9. 10. Soldaten wie andere auch. p. 257. 11. Nuremberg Interrogation Summary No_ 4802. 12. Anatomy of the SS State. p. 331. 13. Statisllsches Jahrbuch der SS der NSDAP. 1938, p, 79. 14 Die Walfen-SS. p. 345. 15 Ibid. 16. Soldaten Wle andere aUCh.. Document 6. pp. 252·259. 17. Anatomy of the SS State. p. 459. lB. IMT.• Vol. VI. p. 459. 19 Zusammensetzung der Walfen·SS issued by the SS·F(jhrungs~ Hauptaml (Kommandoamt der Waffen-SS) Ab:. la/Ne/Oe. Tgb Nr 2825/41 geh. Dated 16.7.41. Quoted In full ,n "Soldaten wle andere auch". p. 301. 20. Ibid. 21, Anatomy of the SS Stale. p. 461, 22. Ibid, p. 486. 23. Interrogation report No. PVVIS(H)/LOC/477. 24. Nuremberg document 0/748. 25. 0/745a. 26. D1746b. 27. D1749b. 28. 29. NO-020. 30. NO-399. 31 list compiled from the Intemallonal Tr3Cmg Service pub!lcallon "Haltstalten unter dem RelchsfUhrer-SS (1933·1945):· 32. Nuremberg Military Tribunals Oocument NO-5089. 9
SS·AUFSEHERINNEN SS Women Supervisors
The fjrsl womcn's concentrat'Of'l camp was SCI uo at L,chtenburg In Augusl 1937, and It IS thought \11,,1 the reClUl1menl and tramlng 01 selected women as supervisors began al the same lime. In order 10 aurael lecfUltS dUflog Ihe war, women were offeree lhe besT accommodallOO and tugilcI salanes Il'an lhey coold earn elsewhere_ Once they had 101ned. new recr",rts wefe clothed and trained at RavensbrUck, whew they remalneCreil5,ng numbers Ihat we'e requHe
10
1. 2. 3. 4.
Nuremberg Document D3746a & b. Commandant of Auschwitz, pp. 137·140. RFSS-Belehl Yon 14.843. Beleh!sbfan des Chefs del" $lpO ul\d des SO NI21 .. 30.4.43. p. 127.
Female overseers captufed by the Brlllsh al Belgel\ Bels,'!n 11\ /\pilI 1945. The while brassard was probably worn as a token 01 surrender. (Impellal War Museum,)
SS-STURMBANN "OACHAU"/WACHTRUPPE "QBERBAYERN" DER AllGEMEINEN-SS SS-WACHSTURMBANN I "OBERBAYERN" SS-TOTENKOPFSTANDARTE 1 "OBERBAYERN" 55- TOTEN KOPF· RE KRUTEN-STAN OARTE "0 BER BA YERN"
In June 1935. SS-Obertuhrer Theodor Elcke took over command 01 Dachau concenlrallon camp. and with I1 a thoroughly corrupt and demoralised guard detachment of barely 120 mel). Elcke immediately dismissed 60 men and set about Improving the discipline and morale of Ihe remainder. at Ihe same lime recrulUng carefully·chosen personnel. In 1934/5 this unit was enlarged and renamed SS·WaChsturmbann I ··Obelbayern·'. In 193711 was again enlarged*. and renamed SS·Totenkopfstandarte 1 ··Oberbayern··. and organised as follows: Stab I Stuba.
( 1.- 4. Hdschlt.)
II Stuba. ( 5.- 8. Hdschft.) III Stuba. ( 9.-12. Hdschlt.) IV Stuba (13,~16, Hdschlt.) V Stuba. (17.-20. Hdschlt.)
H.D. 1st Bn. (1st·4Ih Coys.) 2nd Bn. (5th-8Ih Coys.) 3rd Bn. (9th-12th Coys.) 4th Bn, (13th-t6th Coys,) 5th Bn. (17th·2Oth Coys.)
Nachr. Hdschft Signals Coy. Muslkzug Band In September 1938 Ihe 1SI and 2nd battalions took part in the Sudeten operation at Asch. In November 1939 the unit was renamed the SS Death's Head Recruiting Regiment. arid in the winter of 1940/1 was disbanded. Commanders: SS-Obert. Theodor Elcke., SS·Stat. 0110 Augustinl., SS-Onubaf. Max SimOn. • Some of the additional personnel came from twO SS-Sonderkommandos under the command of SS D,stllc! South Wes!. at the Political Schools (Ordensburgen) Crosinsee and Vogelsang. (See "Paoa Ereke" and il,s men relax ot! dUly. 1934 (Page Taylor Collection.)
RfSS 155/2684885.)
13
SS-WACHTRUPPE "BRANDENBURG" SS·WACHSTURMBANN V "BRANDENBURG" SS-TOTENKOPFSTANOARTE 2 "BRANDENBURG" On the 28th Apl,1 1935 S$-Wachtruppe "Brandenburg" was formed as 11 guard unit for Sacrsenhausen Concentration Camp,l and was organised as fellows: 1. HundellSchaft 2, Hundertschaft 3, Hundertschaft
Oranlenburg -Schloss Oramcnburg- Schloss Columbia-Haus
In 1935 the unit was re-organised and renamed SS- Totenkopfsturmbann V "Srandenburg", On the 1st July 1937 It was enlarged and tormed Into a leglrllent. SS-Totenkopfstandarte 2 "Brandenburg··. By December 1937 the
Commanders SS-Os:ubal \I\rchae L,poert SS·Staf Ot:o Re,ch SS-Stal Paul \JOSll:Z
1. 2 3. 4 5.
Das Schwarze Korps.. No 19.107.35, P 4 Dienstalterliste der SS. Stand yom 1.12 37. Die Waffen·SS.. p. 346. Elnsalzgruppen In Pole" (Heft 2). pp 38·43. Die Waf/en-5S.. p 346
regiment had si~ ba1talrons.~ but by the sprll1g of 1939 it was
HQ 1.- 4. Hdschft ) 5 - 8 Hdschh.}
III Stuba 9-12 Hdschh} IVStuba (13-16 Hdschft) Nachrlchten- Hundertschalt Musikzug In 1939 was added: Kraftfan rstallel
ls·. 8n. (1si·4Ih Coys.) 2nd Sn, (5th-Bth Coys.) 3rd Sn (9th-12th Coys ) 4th Sn (13th-16th CoJ's) Signals Coy, Sand Motor Transport Echelon
in September 193B the 151 and 2nd battalions look: part 111 the Sudelen operatiOn at 8rieg. On the 12th September 1939 the 2nd (relfforccd) Death's Head Regiment "Brandenburg" under SS·Grut Theodor Elc"e was sent to Poland where It worked In conjUnction With EG II1 In the 8th Army region. On the 26th September the regrment returned to Germany. At the end of the year the regiment was rename~ the 5th Death's Head Reglmen1.~
14
MaChine gun crew of lhe 1Sl Death's Head Regiment in action during the Sudeten CIISI5. September 1938.
SS-SONDERKOMMANDO 3 SS·WACHKOMMANDO "SACHSENBURG" SS-WACHSTURMBANN If "ELSE" SS-WACHSTURMBANN III "SACHSEN" SS·TOTENKOPFSTANDARTE 3 "THORINGEN" In the spnng 01 1933, SS D'Slflct Centre formed a special commando Irom General SS volunteers In Dresden, On the 1SI May 1934 a second cOmpany was formed, and In the autumn a third was formed f/Om cadres
Commanders: SS-Sthptf.·· Kart Koch SS-Sthptf Herman P,stor SS-Slal. Paul Noslltz SS·Stuba1. Helmo Hlenhes
1. Das Schwarze Korps.. No. 15. 12.6.35. p. 1. 2 Die Walfen·SS. p 346 3 D,enslallerlisle der SS vom 1 1237. 4 Die Waflen·SS .. p. 347.
drawn Irom the Ilrst two companies. In the summer 01 1935 Poll\lcal Readiness Squads (Poh\lsche Beleltschaftenj were disbanded. and most of the pelsonnel provided the nucleus of the SS-Yerfugungsuuppe. The 1st and 3rd companies 01 SpeCial Commando 3 went 10 fOlm Wachtrupp€ -·Sachsen". and Ihe 2nd and 4th. Wachtruppe "El be". Wachtruppe "Sachsen" was brought to Chemnitz and then transferred 10 Welmar-Buchenwatd "Elbe" was uansfeTred from Bad Sulza 10 Welmar Buchenwald. where both came together to fOlm a cadre tor the 3rd SS Death's Head Regiment ··Thurmgen". which by December 1937 had grown to seven battalions. J tn September 1938 the 1st and 2nd battalions took part In the Sudeten opeTation at Radebeul and K6tzschenbroda, In November 1939. Just prior 10 the lormatlon of the SS Death's Head DTVlslolllhe regiment was olgamsed as follows: Stab I Stuba. 1 - 4. I1 Stuba, 5,- 8. III Stuba, 9.-12. tV SlUba. (1 3.-16.
HQ Hdschft ) Hdschfl) HdschfL} Hdschll.)
Nachlichten- Hundertschaf t Kr aftfahrstallelMus'kzug
1st Sn (lst·4th Coys.) 2nd Bn. (5th-8th COl's.) 3rd Bn, (9th-12th Coys.) 41h Bn. (13th·16th Coys.) Signals company Motor Transport Echelon Band
ShOrtly after the regiment was renamed the 101h SS Death's Head Regiment.~
Youthful guard of honour dlawn from the 2nd Death's Head Regiment "Brandenburg", 1938 (7). • PosSibly part 01 the H.Q. company. - - The rank Sturmhauptf(jhrer was Introduced In September 1931. and replaced In May 1933 by SS-HauPtSturmfuhrer. although It was still used in the October 1934 '"Dienstalterllste der SS der NSDAP'".
15
OHicers of 55-50nderkommando Sachsen (PS 55.3) in Wlnler service dress. 1934 (?). (Bozlch Collection)
16
ss- TOTENKOPFSTANDARTE
4 "OSTMARK"
Formed or. the 1st AplIl t938 by order of the RelchslUhrer·SS. near Linz· fOI the newly·bullt concentration camp at Mauthausen. Stab I Sluba,
(1
-
Hdschft.)
11 Stuba {5 -8. Hdschft ) NachnChten· Hunder tschah
H.O. tst Bn. (lst-4Ih Coys.) 2nd Bn. (5th·8th COYs.) Slgnltts company
In October 1938 a Ihud ballahon was formed In Berhn-Adlershof. At lilsl It was known as SS Dealh·s Head Battalion GOlle. after its commander SS-Oslubaf. Galze. In July 1939 II was renamed Ihe SS Danzlg Home Defence (SS·Helmwehr Danzig). As Ihe original thud batlallon had become an Independenl unit. a new thrrd banahon Slaff was fcrmed In the summer of 1940. In May 1940 the rernforced 4111 SS Dealh's Head Regiment was stalloned In Prague. and rn 194t became part of Ihe 2r.d SS Infantry Brigade. Commanders.SS-Slaf Ono Reich • Stcyr accoldlng 10 thE: 1938 SS Slallsllcal Yearbook:,
Duty NCO. Wllh gorget. and members of SS-Sonderkommando Sachsen (PS SS 3) In serVIa! dress. 1934 (1). The bUIlding shown above and opposite has nOI been Identified. II could be ellher the entrance to Enelsberg Concentr3110n cam:). or the unit's baltacks,
17
SS·STURMBANN GOTZE SS-HEIMWEHR DANZIG Beginning in October 1938, the thOld batlahon of the 4th SS Death's Head Regiment was formed In Berhn-Adlershof under SS-Ostubaf GOtze. In the summer of 1939 the Oanzlg Senate had deCided to form a Home Defence, and the responsibility lor Ihls was laken ovel by the Relchsfi,ihrer-SS. In June 1939 the battalion was transported to Danzlg where It was jOined by the Anu Tank Demonstration Company of the Death's Head Regiments (Panzerabwehr-Lenrsturm der SS-T01enkopfstandanen), which as part of the Home Defence. became known as Lemer Company (Companie o'Leiner In July 1939 the formation 01 t~le unl1 was completed and lIS lull complement conSisted 01 42 offlcels and O
).
approximately 1,500 men, tWO-ItHld: of whom were Germar1 nil!l(lr1als while the lest came from DanZlg The unit was organised as follows; I Slab 1. SChUI20r1-Sturm 2. Schutzen-Slurm 3. Scllutzen-Sturm
H.G. 1st Rifle coy. 2nd Rifle coy 3rd Rifle coy.
4. SChulzen-5turm M,G,-Sturm
4th Rifle coyo Machine-gun coy
Infantenegeschulz·Sturm 1. Panzerabwehr·Sturm 2, Panzerabwehr-Sturm
Infantry gun coy, 1st Anti-tank coy. 2nd Anll·tank COy,
Nachrichlen,Zl1g Pionier-Zug
Signals platoon Engineer plaloon
Throughout November 1939 the unit saw action In and around DanzlQ, Gdlngen and WeSlerplalte Shorlly aftet the unit was disbanded and I(S personnel distributed as cadres for the new Death's Head unlts.~ Commander: SS-Dslubaf. G6tze 1. Die Waffen-5S.. p. 347. 2. Ibid.. pp. 419-20.
18
The Danzig Home Defence, August 1939. (HeinriCh Hollmann.)
SS·WACHSTURMBANN EIMANN This Ullll Wil, formed on the 3rd July 1939. lollowmg we closurc of the Danzlg Senate. as a Pohco Remforcement Battalion (Polizt'lver,tarkungsSlUrmbann) on the ordels 01 SS-Sugar Schalel and with the aSSISlance 01 SS District North East. Tile baual,on conSisted of 4 companies (Hundertschaflen) and a motor transport Echelon (Klaftfahrstailel) From July until September 1939 tile battalion saw act,on In and around Danzlg Duung Hltler"s V'Slt the bauallon camed Ol,lt secullly duties m Dhva and D'H1zlg. while two companie!'o guarded Hlt!er'!'o HQ. In Zoppot FollOWing the fightmg in Oanzig large numbers 01 Civilians were taken pnsoner and put in camps at Neulahrwasser. StuUhol and Grenzdorl, where two compan,es of the banallon acted as guards, At the beginning of 1940 Hlmmler ordered the battalion to be disbanded. and Its personnel were uanslerlCd to Death's Head un'ts. 1
UNIFORM Members of the banallon wOle either black SS. or grey·green Darlllg police uniforms, although dUllng hiS post·war interrogation E,mann
SS·Obersturmbannfuhrer Gotze. commander of the Oan21g Home Defence. Gotze was killed durmg the French campaign in 1940, (National Archives.)
could not ICmembel I1 the bauallon had ,n fact oeen Issued wl\h policc uniforms ~ E,nsatzgruppen In Polen" Heft 2. p 192·5 Bellcht Gber Aulstellung. Emsalz und Tatlgkelt des SS·WachSlurmbann E 2 Emsalzgluppen m Polen. pp 83·84.
19
SS·TOTENKOPFSTANDARTE 5 "DIETRICH ECKHARDr
UNTERFOHRERSCHULE
The last peacetime Death's Head Regiment. was formed in the spring of 1939. and was organised as follows: H.G. Stab 1st Bn. (1st-4th Rifle coys.) I Stuba. (1.~ 4. Schutzen·Sturm) 2nd Bn, (5th-8th Rifle COy5,) 11 Stuba. (5,- 8, Schutzen-Sturm) 3rd Bn (9th- 12th Rllle coys ) III Stuba. (9.-12. Schutzen-Sturm)
With the re-organisation In April 1936 01 the SS Death's Head un'lS. an N,C.O."s school was formed. Its permanent staff in May 1937 was 79 persons:ltls thought that the schOOl was dlsbanced In July 1937,
Shortly after the lormation 01 the Death's Head Dr'lrslon the regiment was renumbered the 13th.
• A I and 11 Supplementary
b~lIa',on
is thought to have elClsted_
1. Der Frelwilhge. No. 1. January 1970. pp, 16-17 2. Stal,st,chcs Jahrbuch der SS der NSOAP. 1937. p. 51.
WILODIEB-KOMMANOO ORANIENBURG S5-S0NDERKOMMANOO D1RLEWANGER Formed on the 15th June 1940. on SS-Ogrul Gonlob Berger's suggestion. from convicted poachers servlrlg In concentration calT,ps, and known as Poacher Commando Oranlenburg, Its commander. Oska' Dlflewanger_ was a recently released concentration camp Inmate. newly commissioned II'l the SS wllh the rank of SS-Ostul. Training was earned out by the 5th SS Death's Head Regiment. and In September 1940 three hundred men were transported to the General Government. where they were employed both f,ghtlng partisans and guarding labourers_ On the 29th January 1942 Hlmmler Issued a directive which established the status of the SS SpeCial Commando Dlrlewanger. as lhat of a 'Iolunteer formation of the Watlen-SS Commander: SS-Ostuf, (later SS-Oberl) Oskar Dlrlewanger
SS-TOTEN KOPF-ERGANZUNGS·STURM BANN Ill· SS·PIONIEREIHEIT z_b.V. (t-met.) Thought to have been formed in Breslau in 1938. and disbanded after service in the Polish campaign. as a semi-motorised englrleer unit under army command. Its personnel were distributed to the Waffen·SS or Death's Head Guard Formations. 1
20
SS-Brigadefuhrer Schaler with members of the Danzig Protection Polico (SCbulZpolizei) who were attached to Elm~nn's Guard Battalion. autumn 1939. (National Archives)
SERVICE DRESS 1940·1945 By 1940 all concentrat,on c;anl:) guards had been eQi.lIpped wllh at least
CoU;ar Irnel (Klagenbrnde),
one f'eld-grey uniform, which was Identlcalln all respects to that of the Walfen-SS (whlcll wIll be desc"bed In Volume 6l_ Staff 01 guard personnel be,ng transferred ellher 10 or from Walfen·SS replacemenT unITS. were to be eQUipped With the follOWing baSIC Items 01 clothing
Unde,vest. Bataclava helmet (I
sUitable lor fIeld-service use l 1 Cloth blouse. fleld-grev WIth Ins'gnla 1 Clolh uouse,S. tong. fleld·grl!"( 1 1 1 1
CIOlh 9leatcoat. fleld.grey Field cap. fleld·grey Pr.lace-uc ankle boots Brown shirt or urdervest. wh.te
1 Pr. underpants 1 Pr. socks
22
1 Bayoretlrog ThIS was on lact the bnlc clothl"9 ISSUed 10 coocentration camp personnel unlll the end ot tne war I 2
SS Main Office order ca:ed 9.336. VBldWSS.1942.118M92
AUSSTATTUNGSSOLL FOR BEKLEIDUNG UNO AUSROSTUNG DER AUSFSEHERINNEN IN DEN KONZENTRATIONSLAGERN Issue clothmg and equipment lor female overseers
In
concenlrallon
Stockings. wool.
camps.
Stockings. wool. Tie. black.
I. Clothing. i1.
Sweater. wool. b. Winter clothing. Cap with ear·mutfs.
Normal c(othmg. CIOlh jackel. ClotlltunlC. Waterproof woollen cape.
Scarf. wool. Socks. wool. Tricot shirt.
Dull jacket.
Knickers. wool,
Cloth greatcoat With hood.
Drill skirt (diVided). Cap (boat shaped). Blouse. grey.
J
,•
Gloves. wool. 11. Footwear. Guard boots. Ankle boots. Ill. Equipment-. Bread bag, Bread bag strap. Water boltle. Whistle, Whistle lanyard. Dust and sun glasses. - Only Issued to overseers of outSide working partIes (Aussen· Kommandos) . \.
Wlrtschafts-u. Verwaltungsanordnungen. August 1944., p. 29.
Left to right VCfY carly photograph of SS concentration camp guards wearing drill uniform with the early service cap, Probably taken in Dachau in 1933. Members of SS·Sonderkommando Sachsen (SS PB.3). 1934 (n. (BOllch Collection,) Death's head personnel In the earth-grey service uniform. 1937. (Bozich Collection.)
23
Duty N.C.O. (Unterluhrer ."om Dienst) with gorge!. and leader of the Political Section, who was a member of the Security Police, 1939 (?). (Bozich Collection.)
SS·Hauptscharfuhrer on the staff of the commandant of Buchenwald Concentration Camp. The letler "l" on his shoulder straps stands for training (lehr). and Since Hlis ,... ~,
24
..........
STAHLHELME Steel helmets The follOWing informatIon complementS ihe se<:tion on steel helmets ,n Vol. 3. pages 39·41, and IS also applicable to the SS·TV. In August 1935 the RFSS ordered that all members of the 5S·VT.. TV.. and officers' schools must have the new pallern escutcheon on their steel helmets. The escutcheons were to be pamted in 011 paInt. so lhal all unllS taking part in the NurembelQ Rally WIll have the nevII paHern esculcheons on their helmets. I The Chief of the SS Mam Office amended the above order on the 14th August. as the new pallern escutcheons, In the form 01 transfers, had b<:>en ordered from the f,rm of C. A. Pocher G.m_b,H. NUrnberg.A., althe cost of Rm 2S.-per 1,000 pal~.~ On the 1st November 1935, ,he Chief of the SS Mam Office made It known that since the Milllslry of War (Relchskllegsmllllslellum) was due to deliver the new M.35 steel helmet for f,eld service at the end of the year, the proposed grey·green cover 10f the black steel helmet will not be Introduced. 1. Older of the Chief of the SS Ma," Off,ce to all units of the SS·VT. dated 121h Augus11935, See RFSS T-354 414/4133167. 2. RFSS T-354 414/4133164, 3. RFSS T-354 414/2674053. SS·Hauptsturm!Uhrer Campe gIves hIS olders to Block Leadels (Block· fuhrer) Mever, Saalhofl, Hohmann, Kfamer. Schroter and Seifert, Sachsenhausen 1940 (n, (W,ener LIbrary) photograph was probably taken ,n 1939/40, 1\ IS lIkely that thIS man was responSible for trammg resef\/Ists who had been called up to replace the regular guards. The same man also appea~ In the photographs on page 22 all of whIch were found In an album bv an American soldIer at the end of the war, All the photographs are reproduced bv the courtesy of Stanley J. Bozich.
25
KRAGENSPIEGEl
Caller petche, In Ihe Allgeme'ne-SS and Ihe Pohl'sche Bere'lschahen Ihe balta',on was Idenllhed by Ihe colour of Ine stripes, and the company b'{ t!lC arablC numerals on the alTJlbafld. (See VoJUl""le 1. page 3.:1 ) In Ihe SS-TV olflcers WOfe Ihe OO:lahon number In Roman numerals (I·V), while other ranks wore the company (Hundenscnah) number '" arab'c numelals on the right collar palch unoelneath Ihe death's head The IIlSI paltern death's head whICh Illhought fO have been Introduced In 1935. and Irom ""tllch Ihe un'l detlved lIS name, was rather crudely embrOidered ,n a'umlnlum WIle The ceattfs head contlOued 10 be embrOIdered 1fl alum'nlum ....Are until April 1936 \vhen Hlm-nler ordct~d that In future atummlum embrOtdeted ins,gnla wdl not be WOln on the fleld-gley unoform because Illeilectc
In May 1940 it was ordeled that in tulule collal patches beaflng the death's head and numerals and leners would no longer be worn. The poslllon and deSign 01 lhe dealh's head was also changed Irom the honzontallo Ihe vertIcal poslllon, so that the death's head laced to the leh (see Plate 11. hg. 1.) Al the same lIme the .....eanng Ollile dealh's head on both coltar patches was lorb,dden J 1 RFSS T-175 155/2685049 2. see pholDglaph on page 14 3. Ausliihtungsbestlmmungen RFSS Hauptamt HuB VOM 196.1940 1/3 1501 Zllf. 7. See also V B1 d W SS., 1941.. UI. 482, Member 01 SS-Slurmbann Dachau weallng the RZM model SS sleel helmel, (Suddeulscher Verlag )
26
SS_WACHVERBANDE 1933-1936-
PLATE 1
1. Collar patch 101 non-commiSSioned ranks In the SS Bat1ahon Dachau (SS·StUfmbann Dachau)
2, Collar patCh tor oU,cers ot the batlahons and companies (Hundef1schalten) of the SS Guard/Death's Head Ul1IIs. 3 Collar patch lor members ollhe l)atlahon slaft (here. oflicer on the stall 01 the V/SS Death's Head Battalion ··Brandenburg··l. 4 Collar patch lor othel ranks III The companies 01 The SS Guard/ Death·s Head Ballalions (here. 14th Company)
2
5. Armband 101 all ranks In lhe J SS Guard/OeaTh's Head Battalion and the commandan!"s stall 01 Oachau Camp 6 Almband for all 'anks [n the II SS Guald/Death's Head Batlalion and The commandant's statl 01 Lrchlenbelg and Sub:a C
,he 111 SS Guard/Death·s Head Battalton and the commandant"s sTaff of SachsenOOlg Camp
7 Armband lor all lanks
In
8 Armband fo' aJllanks In The IV SS Guard/Death·s Head Bat·
talion and the commandant"s stall 01 Sachsenhausen Camp 9 Armband lor all ranks [n The V SS Gua,d/Deatt..-s Battalion
2-6 T-175 1551268497 -84 nlcl • On the 29Th March 1936 these units were collectively renamed The SS·Totenkoplverbande, and Ihe WachslUlmbanne (battalions) and WachsTi.irmen (Companies) were then called Totenkopsturm· banne and Totenkop'slurmen respectively
28
3
4
5
,
7
,
9
29
PLATE 2
,
,
, 31
PLATE 3
2
3
4
32
PLATE 4
,I I
I
...........................
'"
..
, •,
:0 ,,
.... "" -. .........
..... .... '" '<'
,
--
2
,
5
33
PLATE 5
3
2
4
PLATE 6
1
36
,
3
PLATE 7
2
3
31
PLATE 8
2
3
4
, 36
PLATE 9
,
3
39
PLATE 10 SS-RAUTEN
1. Armbadge wom on the lower right sleeve by non-commissioned members of concentration camp commandanfs staff. 2. Armbadge worn on the lower fell sleeve by all olllcers with the rank 01 SS-Staf. and above.
In
tne SS-TV
3.lntrodllCed by SS Ol"del daled 13th December 1939. for all members of the NSKK who had reported voluntarily 101 duty w Ih the SS Death's Head Units. 4.lnttoduced by permiSSion of the Fuhrer on lhe 16th f\ovember 1939. fOf all members 01 the SA who had reported voluntanly fOI duty wIth the SS Death's Head Units. 1. RFSS T -175 15512685059·60.
3. SS·Belehl Nr. 351245/39 dated 13.12.39.
2
4. RFSS T-175 173/2708113.
PLATE 11
INSPEKTION K.l. UNO SS·TOTENKOPFWACHSTURMBANNE 1940-1945
1. CoUar palch for commIssioned members 01 the staff oltne ConcentratIOn Camp Inspectorate. 2. Collar palch for other lanks In the SS Dea!h's Head Guard Battalions. Introduced In May 1940. 3 Shoulder strap lor officer With the rank: 01 SS~Uslul In The con· centratlon camp service Double underlav. brown over block 4. Armband which may have been worn by members of the permanent sta1l 01 Dachau concentration camp. 1-2. V.SLd. W-SS.. March 1941, Zilf 158. 4. Original example in the Royal MIlitary Museum. Brussels.
40
3
4
PLATE 11
, .
1
2
,
3
4
4\
TRODDELN Bayonet knots Although bayonet knots wele Issued. they CId not al first 'dentlfy the company 01 ballalion of the weall!f. but wele of a standard pallern (Emhe1tstrOddel).1Nhen the vauous battalions were re-organised into regiments the system of colouls 10 denote the company and battalion was introduced. 1. JUnlOI non-commissioned offICers' (Unterlijhrer ohne POllepee) bayonet knot (uoddel). 2. Olher lanks' bayonet knot I. AFSS T·1551268S060 SS·Hauptamt dOCument dated 91h Malch 1936. 2. Ibid.
SS·AUSROSTUNG SS Equipment The same eQuipment was issued to bath the SS·VT. and SS· TV. (see Volume 3. pages 76-81). OUflng the war concentratIon camp guards were issued with the fOllowing basic items of equipment: I 1 Waist belt 1 Belt buckle 1 Bayonet frog To thiS was added: 1 Blead bag 1 Pair ammunition pouches 1 PIStol holstel 1. V.BLd.W SS_. 1942. ,tem 92.
Sword knot (Sabetttoddel) for N C.O·s :"'Ith rank of SS-Unlerscharfuhflr and SS-Scharfuhrer (Unte,fuh'er ohne POrlepee). S.....ord knolfol SS·Mann up 10 SS-Rotlenfuhrer (SS·Mannschaften).
•
SS-SP1ElMANNSZOGE UNO SS·MUSIKZOGE SS Corps of drums and bands Prior 10 the reorganisation of the five ballalloos ioto three
reglm~nlS
which took place m Julv 1937. each Dealh's Head bana!lon. wtth possibl~ excepTion of the IV. had a battalion strength band (SS·Muslkzug SS-Sturmbann). and a corps of drums. Alter lhe r9-orgaoisation regiments "Oberba~'em". and "Brandenburg" aTe known to have had bands. and the existence of a trumpet banner of the 4th regimen! "Ostmark", suggests that il too had a band.
,
SS GROSSE TROMMEl (PAUKEI SS Bass drum A letter from the
R~lchslUhtef'SS 10
the chief of lhe SS Main Office.
dated 31st June 1936 descr,bed how the bass drums should be pa,nled in time for the 1936 Parlv Dav Rally, The drums of the Death's Head Banalions were to be painted as follows: "SS (Kleiner Totenkopf) Sturmbann "Oberbayern" USW."l
jU. ! .t
I
," " I
;
;
i
'I' '11
1. RFSS T·175 150/2678588.
t
i
"Jingling Johnnie" "Brandenburg".
44
of
the
2nd
SS
Death's
Head
Regin;ent
Obverse and reverse of a !furrpel banner 01 lhe 4lh SS Dealh's Head Re~l"'nenl "OSlmark". Allhough lhe regIment was only formed In 1938 lhls banner shows considerable signs 01 wear, whICh suggests it was used during the war, posslbly by SS Rifle Reglmenl ··Langemarck". (Mollo Collecuon,)
55-FAHNEN UNO 55-STANOARTEN
55-flags and standards In September 1936 the ',ve Dealh's Head Bal1alions were plcsented
,
Wllh banahon flags at Nuremberg I
"
In September 1937. followmg Ihe re·organlsa1l0n of the five battalions mto 4 regiments, It IS thought that each regiment was presented wl\h a leglmental standard and Ihree ballalion flags. Although the 4th regiment had only two banahons. lhe marCh plan for the 1938 Party Day Rally
j1
shows three,2 It was usual Gc/many army p/actlse to use arablc numerals for regimental, and roman numerals for battalion numbers. e.g. 1/4.SS-TV·Slandafle "Ostmark" or 1Sl Bn, 4th SS Death's Head Reglmenl "Ostmark". I1 appMrs however that In the case of Death's Head leglmenlal slandards. thiS rule was nOI observed, as can be seen 'rom the photcgraph repro· duced oPPosite. whiCh IS IhoughllO show the standard of the 2nd SS Dealh's Head Regiment ··Brandenburg'". If roman numerals were used to deSignate the u~glment on Lhe standard, It seems logical thal the same syStem would have been used on tile battalion flag. but a pholOgraph has come to light which shows that on the battalion flag the battalion was identified by Roman, and the regiment by ArabiC numerals as illUSlrated on page 4B. 1. Parte.tag der Ehre. 2. Relchspartcltag. Tell 1 (SS-Dv RPT 1), p.86
Regimental standard of the 1st SS Death'S Head Regiment "Obef· bayern" Gill eagle and bllldlng of i1lurnlnlurn wreath. scarlet tlag With fringe, cords and tassels In red, aluminium and black. all Olher features in black. while and aluminium,
46
I
\,
\
The colour of the SS-Helmwehr DanZIQ. presented to (he
Believed to be the stane,ild of the 2nd SS Death'S Head Reg'Ment Brandenburg.
battalion by the Gaulelle' 01 Danzl9. Albert FQfstet. atlhe Dal\Zlg Malleld on F'lday 18 Augusl 1939 Scarlet flag fringed with aluminium. all oUler lealUres black. while or aluminium
47
APPENDIX 1
SS·FAHNENSPIEGEL UNO STANDARTENBALKEN Flag patchas and standard crossbars SS·To1enkopfsturmbann I
The Chief 01 the SS Main Off,co "Oberbayern"
SS' Totenkoplsturmbann 11 '"Elbe" SS· Totenkoplsturmbann III "'Sachsen"
Berlin the 9th March 1936
IAIO Tgbr. Nr, 01462/36 Subject: SS Guard Formation inSignia Rei: Veri, IA/O Nr, 01294 01 the 18.3.35.
SS· Totenkoplsturmbann IV "'Ostlriesland"' SS-Totenkoolsturmbann V "'Brandenburg"
Distllbutor V A) Collal patches: Worn on the fight collar patch by:
SS·Totcnkopfstandarle 1 I 11 & III Battallons
IIiEEII
11._ ImEJilll
••• 16WD1
__ Ill 48
"'Oberbayern"'
I) Members 01 the SS Death's Head companies (Hunderlschaflen), an a!umu'llum embrOidered death's head Wllh underneath the number
01 the company (arablc numerals 1 to 25). 21 Members 01 the battalion stall. an aluminIum death's head with underneath the number of the battalion (roman numerals I,V).
SS·Totenkopfstandarte 2
"Brandenburg"'
3) SS leaders up to and incl. the rank 01 SS-Ostubaf. on the stafl 01 a camp commandant an aluminium embrOIdered death's head WIth underneath the leller K. 4) Non·commissloned ranks on the staff 01 a camp commandant. an aluminium embrOldeled K. and on the lower right sleeve a four-Sided badge (Raute) with an aluminium embroldeTed death's head, The
I 11 & III Ballalions
badge is edged 10 aluminium-black tWisted cord, 5) Members olthe medica! battalion, an aluminium embroidered death's SS·Totenkoplstandafle 3
"'Thurmgen"
embrOidered Aesculapius rod. N.C.O.'s and men of the Medical Battalion qualifred as orderlies wear on the lower left sleeve the existing four,slded badge (Raute) With a
I 11 & III Battalions
SS·Totenkoplstandarte 4
I 11 & III Battalions
head wllh underneath the leller S, SS leaders who are qualified doctors also wear on the lower left sleeve the exisllng lour-sided badge (Raute) With an aluminium
"Ostmark"
black Silk embrOidered AesculapiUS rod. 6) Membels 01 the stall 01 the Leaders 01 SS Guard Formations. an aluminium embroidered death's head. Leaders With the rank of SS-S1al. and above on the staff 01 a camp commandant or serving with the battalions wear on the lower left sleeve a lour-sided badge (Rautc) With an aluminium embrOidered death's head. The badge IS not edged.
UNIFORMS OF THE .... VOLUMES SICHERHEITSDlENST UND SICHERHEITSPOLlZEI1931·1945 Andrew Mollo
K COlKaneHllIO,
HaM AOCTanllCIo TonloKo CTpaHII",'" C cIIoTorpacllllRMII.
Windrow&Greene
THE SECURITY SERVICE AND SECRET STATE POLICE In June 1931. a meeting was arranged between the ReichslUhrer 01 the 14,000 strong SS. and a cash,ere
bill.• OurlllQ lhe state of emergency that lotlowed the RelChstag hIe on the 30th January. 1933. Hermann Goring was put .n charge of the Prussian Ministry of the InterlOl. One 01 hIS Inst aCllons was to appoint Dr. RudoIf Diels head 01 Department 1a of the Berlin Police Headquarters which dealt with opPosl1lon to the republiC.' To make the tllsk 01 dealing WIth Opposition to the Hitler regime easier, a Prussian M,msterial Ordinance authorised the police to disregard paJ8graphs 14 and 41 ollhe PrussIan Administrative Police law. which imposed reslrlctions on Its powers. As if to underline its new found power and independence the Polilical Police moved out of ils head-
~. ." '~'t..l,
IVk ., -,
IJ ",,.,
If",. ....
'l~. i) - 'I "/.-,,h~ ...... -1-')''/10 I
(
•
A signed photograph of RelOhard Heydllch presented by him 10 K8I1 Hermann Frank, 1941, Heydrich wellrs non-regulation twisted cord on his tunic collar. (CTK Prague.)
Security Police were often blought under severe pressure to join the SS. On the 30th January 1935 the Secu.ity Office (Siche.heitsamt) was re-organised as the Main Security Office (SicherheitsdienstHauptamt).l! On the 17th June 1936. by decree of the Fahrer and Chancellor. the
party post of ReichsfUh.e.-SS was formally amalgamated with the newly created governmental ollice of Chief of the German Police. and the process of unifying the German Police with the SS began. Himmler appointed Police General Kurt Daluege. Chief of the Order Police. and SS-GruppenfUhrer Reinhard Heydrich. Chief of the Security Police. t} The next step in the extension of SecuritY Police powers was the appointment in October 1936 of Security Police Inspectors (Inspekteur der Sichelheitspolizei-ldS) in each military region (Wehrkreis). They were mainly intended to improve co-ordination between Criminal Police and Gestapo. but in so doing. they succeeded in undermining the traditional authOlitY of the Police Presidents. I. On the 1Si January 1937 Ihe Security Service Main Office with 372 leaders and men was situated at 102 Wilhelmstrasse. Beriin. near the Seclet State Police Office (Geslapa).15 On the 13th November 1937 the post of Senior SS and Police Leader was introduced by the ReichsfPrussian Minister of the Interior: "In the event of mobilisation it will be necessary to appoint a commander within each Military District (Wehrkreis) to take charge of all forces belonging to the Reichsfuhrer-SS and Chief 01 the German Police (Orpo. Sipo and SS units):' 16 Originally intended to come into being in the event of mobilisation the oflice of HSSPF (which in many ways duplicated that of the SS District leader (SS-OberabschninlUhrer) was never truly established in Germany. but in occupied territOlies il wielded considerable power. being responsible for both political administration and the command of SS. police and SecuritY Police forces as directed by the ReichslUhrer-SS.
Representatives of the German police as guests of the Italian Police Corps in Rome in October 1938. From L-R unidentified. SS-Stubal. Heinrich Muller. Chef der OlpO. SS·Ogruf. Kurt Daluege. SS-Grul. Reinhard Heydrich. and unidentified section leader (Abteilungsleiter).
By the 31 st January 1938 the SO had 5050 legulal and honorary members. 11 which by December 1938 had risen to 7230.11 On the 27th September 1939 the Security Police and Security Service were amalgamated 10 lorm the Reich Security Main Office (Reichs. sicherheitshauptamt-RSHA). Once again a governmental office. Chief 01 the Security Police. and the Nazi Party office. Chief of the Security Service wele merged into a single post. Chief of the Security Police and Seculity Service {Chef der Sicherheitspolizei und des SD-CSSD).19
3
In May. 1942, SS-ObergruppenfGhrer Reinhard Heydrich was assassinated by British-trained Czech parachutists. and after considerable anxiety and indecision Himmler finally appointed SS·Ogruf.u.General der Pol. Ernst Kaltenbrunner as Chief of the RSHA and CSSD. on 1st January. 1943.
To carry oul such operations as lhe rescue 01 Mussolini. the attempted CapfUre by airborne IfOOPS of Tito. and the abduction of Admiral HOflhy. Skorzeny had at his disposal the SS-Jagerbataillon 502. which was later re-organised as the SS-Jagdverbande which had H.O:s and training camps Widely dispersed throughout Germany.
It was inevitable that sooner or later the SO would clash with the Military Intelligence Service (Abwehr) under Admiral Canaris. but It was not until Canaris was implicated in lhe 201h July. 1944. plot against Hitler that the Abwehr was handed over to the SS leaving the German. as the only major European army without liS own intelligence saNice. Most of the Abwehr departments were absorbed into ASHA offices IV (Gestapo) and VI (Foreign Intelligence). Later a special Military Office (Militarisches AmI) under SS·Brigaf. Waiter Schellenberg was formed 10 work closely wilh Amt VI. 20 By the end of Summer 1944 the organisation of all German sabotage and political subversion had come under the control of one man. when SS-Ostubaf. OltO Skorzeny. already head of Amt VI S·. took over Mil. Amt 0 (previously Abwehr Abt. 11). Skorzeny and hiS ex-Abwehr deputy Major Loos had their H.O. m Schloss Friedenthal. Oranienburg near Berlin. Section 0 of the Military Office was organised as follows: Amt 0 S
Sabotage
Amt 0 J AmI.Mil.O{T.
Insurrection Supply of sabotage materials
Its functions were divided mto ewo general types:
1.
2.
To threaten· Allied lines of communication by sabotage and by fomenting political trouble in Germany and the former occupied territories. using for these purposes German nationals or Fascist and anti-Allied elements in the countries concerned.
Chiefs of the Aerchssicherheitshauptarnt. From L-A: SS-Oslubaf. Hubcr.
To mount military operations of a special type whIch the regular
Mullel. Contrary to regulations Heydnch wears two armbands. (Heinflch Hoffmann.)
army could not normally undertake.
4
SS-Oberl. Nebe. chiel of the Klipo. ReichslUhrer·SS Heinrich Hlmmler. SS-Gluf. Aeinhard Heyduch. chief of Ihe Sipo. and SS-Oberf Heinrich
The last months of the war saw the final attempts of the rank and file of the SecuritY Police to hold together the collapsing country. while their leaders. Himmler and Schellenberg made vain attempts to negotiate with the Allies. As the war drew 10 a close SO and Sipo furnished themselves with false papers and scurried underground. only to be flushed out again to face trial fOf their wartime aClivities or to continue in their old specialist roles as East and West prepared for what then seemed an almost unavoidable confrontation. 1
Heydrich und der Anfiinge der SO und der Gestapo. p. 78.
2
Ibid.. p. Ibid.. p. 70.
J
• Ibid.. p. 91. J Anatomy of the SS state. p. 145. Ibid .. p. 146. lbid.. p. 146. 1 Ibid.. pp. 149-151. 6
1
9 Ibid..
SS-ObergruppenfGhrer Or. Ernst Katlenbrunner, Heydrich's successor on the 1st January 1943. as Chief of the RSHA and
esso.
(Wiener Library.)
p. 152.
10 Ibid.. p. 179. 1I Heydrich und die Anfiinge der SO und Geslapo. p. 297. L2 Oer Sicherheilsdienst der SS. p, 53. I J Anatomy of the SS state. p. 157. I. Ibid.. p. 185. B Oer Sicherheitsclienst der SS, p. 53. 16 Anatomy of the SS slate. p. 214. 11 Statistisches Jahrbuch der SS del NSOAP. 1938. p, 39. I1 Ibid.. p. 39.
I'
Anatomy of the SS state. p. 172. 20 Schellenberg memoirs. p, 412.
5
A Security Police leader and cadets 8t the Security Police School in Berhn·Charlottenburg, 1938 (7). members of the SO Fencing SChool in Bernau. but the fact that il was not included in the March 1941 SS price list suggests that It was never In lact introduced.7 1.2 Oar Sicherheitsdienst der SS.. p.
85.
l.~ Oienststellenverzeichnis der Sipo und des SO, Berlin. Aplil 1942.
• () 7
Original caption to photograph reproduced opp, Mil1eilungsblan def AZM • NI. 6. 25.4.38, p. 11. Heydrich to the SS Main Office. 29th June 1939 re. Armband
The opening of the new security Police School in Prague in April 1942.
"Fechtschule Bernau", RFSS T·175156/2687129.
stands in the background. The Oliginal picture caption refers to the school as 'Aeichsschule fUr Detusche Schutzpolaei',
Heydrich talks to Bruno Streckenbach while SS-Oberfuhrer Erwin Schulz
9
UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT From 1933 until the formation of the Frontier Police in October 1937. SS auxiliary customs personnel wore the black SS service uniform wilhout Bny special insignia. l In June 1937 the question of distinctive insignia for members of the Higa. battalions under the jurisdiction of the InspeclOr of Frontier and Guard units was still under discussion and in the meantime existing insignia was to be worn. 2 In January 1939 SS District Elbe applied lor distinctive armbands for its frontier baltalions bearing the inscription SS·GAENZSTUAMBANN ElBEforthestatl. and SS·GAENZSTUAMBANN ELSE preceeded by the numbers 1-5 for the five battalions. but it is doubrlul il these armbands were ever actually authorised. J From October 1937. ollicials. candidate oHl:;ials and employees (Kriminal-Angestellte) of the following Frontier Police Ollices and stations were obliged TO wear service dress on duty. although civilian clothes could be worn if considered necessary.· 1. 2. 3. 4.
Customs Inspector Generals
Member 01 the Frontier Police of the Gestapo in service dress. 1938.
12
The uniform of the Frontier Police was the field-grey service uniform of the Security Police. which was worn with the armband GRENZPOLlZEI, on the lower left cuff. The basic issue of uniform and equipment consisted of the following articles: 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Peaked C
• It appears that a black peaked cap with white piping was worn with
2 1 1 1 1 1
From the beginning auxiliary customs personnel were armed and a photograph in "Oas Schwarze Korps" :;hows a frontier guard (Grenzwichter) of The 341h Foot Regiment (Munich)· C
By 1935 Higa personnel were being issued with 98 carbines and rifles. and 7.65 automatic pistols. 1 • This particular guard is wearing the "traditional unllorm" consisting of kepi and brown shirt. and over his shoulders a fawn raincoat. 1
2
3
~
5 6
7 Grenz·Polizei ollicers' armband. (Dodkins Collection)
Brown shirts Black lie Pr. gloves Pr. long boots Waist belt with accessories POftepee or sword knot
Das Schwarze Korps.. No.25.. 21.8.35.. p.2. Der Reichsfiihrer-SS.. Az. B 23 d/18.6.37" Betr.: Dienstabzeichen der Al1gemeir.en SS. Berlin. den 18.6.37. SS-OA Elbe an den Chef des 55- Hauptamtes. Dresden. den 12.1.39.. Betf.: Spiegel und Armelstreifens der Einheiten des SS-Grenzsturmbanns Elba. Bekleldungsvorschrilt IUr die Grenzpolizei der Sicherheiispolizei. Befehlsblatl des Chefs d.Sich.Pol.u.d.SD.Nr.4{42 .. 5.21-22. See also RFSS T-175 238{2726976-7. Ibid. Das Schwarze Korps.. No.2" 9.1.36.. p.3. See correspondence between SS-Hauplamt and SS-OA Rhein. 30. 1.35. See AFSS T-354 414{4132351.
13
RFSS KOMMANOO z.b.V, STAB RFSS KRIMINAL-KOMMANDO The SS was originally created as a bodyguard !orce for Hitler and leading members of his party, and until 1934 two of the flfSt SS men, Julrus Schaub end Julius Schreck, together with others. contrnued to be responsible lor lhe Hihre(s lile. In 1934 the responsibility for Hitler's protection was transferred from a few trusted veterans of the early years 01 Nazism a more sophist,cated section 01 the Security Police, the Reich Securrty Service (Reichsstcherheitsdlenst·RSD). The RSO mainlained permanent sections (OienSI· stellen). Dlenststelle I was at Obersalzberg (later rn Berlin) and consisted 01 Hitler's personal guard under SS-Slaf,Hoegl l , Oienstellen 11 and III wele known as the Fuhrer Escort Commando. The commander of thO RSO was SS-Srigal.Ratlenhuber and his personnel consisted, III the mOSI parI. 01 elCperienced profeSSional detectives from the Cum,nal Police. AI Ilrst these secllons were known collectively as lhe RFSS Specl..1 Purpose Commando (RFSS Kommando z.b.V.), with some 15 leaders, and presumably Olhe, ranks. l In 1936 It was renamed RFSS Staff Cumlna] Kommando (Stab RFSS Krlminal-Kommando) Wllh a permanent establishment of 50 leaders •. It IS thoughl that by thiS date the RSO had assumed responSibility lor the personal safety of other leadll'19 NaZIS. GOling IS known to have had 15 men assigned 10 him, Ratlenhuber, whose centre of operations was always at Hnler"s headQuarters (Fuhrer-HauptQuartier), conlmued to be responsible for Hltle(s safely untlllhe'end 01 the war. and on 30th April 1945 it was membelS 01 his commando who witnessed the disposal of HlIler's corpse In the gardens 01 the Reichs Chancellery, , The last Days of Hitler.. p,194, 1 Guides to German Records microlllmed at Alexandlla, VA.No.39 p VI 1 Dienstalleniste der SS.. 1934. • Dienstallerliste der SS.. 1936. , Last Days 01 Hitler.. p.194.
14
Himmler greets members of Htller's Escort Commando l·A, SS·Stal. (Lawl SS-Brlga!.) Hans Ratlenhuber. Hlmmlef. SS,Sluba!. Kempka. (Helnrlch Hollmann.) .
SS·BEGLE!TKOMMANDO DES FOHRERS (FOH RER-BEGLEITKOMMAN DO) While the RSD tracked down and apprehended ally anti·party or dlssalfected elements who mIght Wish to assassmate Hlller. lhe Escort Commando was responSible for protecting him against spontaneous or surpflse atlempts at assassination or abuse on state occasslons. journeys and public appearances. In addlllon to the permanent escort. which consisted mainly of his detectives, chauffeufs and persona! attendants.
extra personnel could be drawn lrom his Bodyguard Regiment and the various SS main offices. It appears that in 1940 a regular escort consisting of smart Wallen·SS men who had seN'ed at the Iront. was formed under the command of SS-Ostuf. Franz Schiidle. l On the 28th September 1939 Hitler ordered the formation of the Flihrer Escort Battalion, an army unit. under the command of General Erwin Rommel. The battalion guarded the perimeter and approaches to Hitler's field headquarters. such as Rastenburg, while the SS continued 10 be responsible for internal security I The Last Days of Hiller.. p.194.
Members of Hitler's Escort Commando, drawn from his personal Body· guard Regiment and the SS Main Ollice;'September 1939. IHeinrich Hoffmann.l
Hitler greets his personal chauffeur SS-Stubaf. Erich Kempka. On Kempka's right SS-Stubaf Gesch, and on his teft SS-Hstuf. Schadle. commander of Hitler's Escort Commando, (Heinrich Hoflmann.)
15
EINSATZGRUPPEN DEft SICHERHEITSPOLlZEI EINSATZGRUPPEN DER SICHERHEITSPOLlZEI UNO DES SO When Germany annexed Austria. Security Police and Gestapo agents working in conjunction with the Austrian police under the pro-German, Nazi Minister of the Interior Dr. $eyss-Inquart immediately carried oul actions against prominent anti-German Ausnians and subversives.
For the invaSion of Czechoslovakia specially formed Action Staffs
(Elnsallsliibe) were formed 10 co-ordinate SO. Security Police and Order Police personnel and unllS In their speCial tasks. Two staffs were set up.
"K" under SS-Dberf. Jost fOf Prague, and "L
o •
under SS·Slat. Dr.
$Iahlecker for Brno. Each Stall consisled of an SO and Gestapo expert (Referent).
Czech-speaking
interpreters,
specialists
and
lechnlcal
pelsonnel, and 5 Action Commandos (Einsalzkommandos-EK)- with 1 in reserve. I HaVing proved successful In Czechoslovakia the system WilS developed and enlarged for the inVaSiOn of Poland In Seplember 1939, SIX SpeCial Action GlOupS were formed and altached to each of the live armies taking part in the invaSion, as well as one for the province of Posen. - In the event of resistance from ·'Franc-Tlreurs·· and partisans during the opening stages of the operation. Action Group personnel were to
be armed with carbines. pistols, hand grenades. gasmasks, and light machine guns. Z
SS-Gruf. Heydrich and commander 01 a Special Action Group during the invasion 01 Poland, September 1939.
16
In the Free City of Danzig a number of Action Commandos were formed ifom members 01 the Political Police of the Danzig Crimina! Police and
Batlle zone (Gefechlsgebiet)
Protection Police (Schutzpolizei) and General SS. and were exclusiYely at the disposal of the Danzig Police. Following Himmler's decree of the 20th Noyember 1939 the Action Groups and commandos used for the inyasionol Poland were disbanded.•
L of C. Area (Ruckwlirtiges Armeegebiel)
In Danzig and West Prussia personnel of; EK 16 Abt. Danzig went 10 Stapoleitstelle Danzig EK 16 Abt. Bromberg went to Stapostelle Bromberg EK 16 Abt. Thorn EG VI Stab EK 1Nl
wenl to Stapostelle Graudenz went to IdS Posen went to Stapostelle Lodz
EK 2Nt EK 1N
went la Stapoteitstelle Posen went ro Sraposletle Hohensalza
Under oYerall CSSD (HeydrichjKaltenbrunner) command. but subordinate to army in mallers 01 movement. rations and billets. Subordinate to representa\lye of CSSD. who w.as usually group commander. but subordinate to army In mallers of movement. rallons and billets.
Rear areas
The army commander had no juriS(Ruckwlirtiges Heeresgeblet) diction oyer action groups. except to issue "limited" inS!rUCllons when danger was Imnllnent.
In Eastern Upper Silesia members of Action Group z.b.V. went to Stapostelle Kattowitz. In the General Goyernment personnel of; EG I went to KdS Krakau EG 11 went to KdS Lublin EG III went to KdS Radom EG IV went to KdS Warschau On the 28th April 1941. prior 10 the invasion of Russia. the Commander in Chief of the Army Field Marshal van Brauchitsch laid down the con· ditions and zones in which Special AClion Groups could operate. and also empowere.d them to take executive measures against the ciyilian population as long as these actions did not interfere with military operations. The operational zones in which the groups could function were divided as follows:'
18
Members 01 a Special Action Group recelye thelf orders. Poland 1939. Note that thelf yehlcle bears police markings.
At first the civilian population In the occupied territories. If not actually
of Plenrnpotentiary for the Combatting of Partisans in the
pro-German did not resist the occupiers. butthe indlsc/imlnate and brutal treatment meted out by the secullly forces In general. and the Special
(BevoJlmachtigter fUr die Bandenbeldimplung im Osten). and in 1943 Chief of Anti-Partisan Formations (Chef der Bandenkampfvefbande). In Western Europe Action Groups In the extermination sense had not
Action GIOUpS in parlicular. soon swung it against the Germans. Large numbers of Soviet deserters and stragglers cut off behind the German
East
lines. could now rely on the ciVilian population for support. and began to disrupt German hnes of commUnications and carry out reprisals on
been used in the initial occupations. but the establishment 01 the normal seCUrity police network of commanders and regional commanders under a Higher SS and Police Leader was rapidly set up. The situation however.
persons 01 commUnities which had collaborated With the occupiers. In May 1942 the BdS Lubtin formed a special Action Group (Sander-
developed differently. The resistance movements at first did not take up arms against the occupiers. but acted as agents and couriers for the allied
elnsalzgruppe) which was to disgUise itself as a partisan band and assist the security forces In the marntenance 01 order. This unit was intended 10 carry out large scale lootrng and reprisals in the name 01 the partisans. and
powers; their numbers were small and their techniqu?s sophisticated. and It required moro brains than brawn. on behalf 01 the security police to track them down. h was not until 1943 that bands 01 partisans began to
thus discredit the partisan movement (Gwardla Ludowa) in the eyes of the local rnhabltants. 11
harass German lines of communication and supply. as a prelude to the Invasion of Western Europe. In the west. SO and security police had no special anti-partisan units of
In October 1942. SS·OberQruppenfiihrer Eflch von dem Bach-Zelewsld was given overall command of all antl·partisan formallons With the title
their own and had to call on the security units 01 the army and the police
These three photographs show Special Action GfOupS in action during the initial stages of the invasion of Russia. A Soviet straggler is captured. personal documents are scrutinised. and a suspected partisan questioned.
21
Members 01 an AuxIliary Secuflty Police Battalion surrender their English and Amellcan alms to members 01 the Danish Resistance. 1945. These ale bell8Ved 10 be members of a LaMan Unll. and lhey weal a mixture of $chuma. and Waffen·SS uniform and lnslgnla.
Cap and armbadge lor AuxlhalV SecUllty Police personnel. Olllcers' badges were woven In aluminium wire and othel ranks In grey·green silk Ihread. both on a black background.
29
DIENSTGRADABZEICHEN
B.dgea of rank The wearing of German badges of rank by foreign auxiliclfles was expressly forbidden. I and new titles and badges were gradually introduced. although II appears Ihat neithel Ihe prohIbitIon. or new regulatIons were ever uniformly enforced. or obscrved. The Decree of Ihe RFSS of Ihe 30th May 1942 staled Iha! wilh ellecI from the 1st June Ihe following badges of rank and tllles were to be introduced: ~ a) Russians and Ukramians. etc.: Batalllonsfuhrer der Schuma. Kompanleluhrer der Schuma. Oberwgfuhrer der Schuma. ZugfUhrer der Schuma.
Same badges of rank as Army.
Kompanle·Feldwebel der Schuma. Vlzefeldwebel der Schuma. Korporal der Schuma. Unterkorporal der Schuma. Schutzmann
Sleeve sUlpes.
b) Latvlans. Estonians and Lithuanians: Oberslleulnant Major Hauplmann Oberleutnanl
Same badges of rank as Army.
Leutnant Non·commissioned officers and men to have same tItles and badges as a). I RFSS T-175 14012668246. ~ O-Kdo I 0(1) Nr.204/42 in Rep. 320 AdJ.Nr.29.
30
Members of a Ukramlan Securrly Police AUXIliary ballalion are decorated with lhe medal for bravery and mefl! of the "Eastern people". This photograph together with others appeared In Ihe 1st December 1944 Issue of "DIe Deutsche POIIZCI".
Quantity
Item Peaked cap Field blouse. f'eld Jacket or uniform tunic ,n cloth or serge
2 2 2
Collal liner or 511ff collar
4
Field cap
Riding breeches. breeches, field or long trousers gathered at the ankle Greatcoat Of over-greatcoat (Obermantel)
2 2
Raincoat
1
HIgh boots. or lace· up ankle boots wl1h leather gaiters or mountain boots
2 prs.
Ankle straps for mountain boots
2 prs.
Shoes. black
2 prs.
Spurs with straps
2 prs.
Balaclava helmet.· or woollen scarf
1
Pullover. or woollen Unde'l3Cket Of fur veSl
1
Leather gloves. Imad or unloned
1 pI.
Handkerchiefs
3 1 2 2 1 1 1 1
Washing bag
Sports vest Sports trousers Waist belt Sword bell (Umerschnallgun)
Map case Sleeping bag Shoe resoling
,n
the vear
up to 3 prs.
Leather lining tor riding breeches (only If able to ride a horse)
1
Sword kn01
2
Officers' trunk
1
From SS,SlUbaf upwards
2
• The name gIven to a krul1ed woollen helmet with face opening Invented. together wl1h 1he cardigan, in Ihe Crimean War. The Germans called It a head-protector (Kopfschutzer).
34
SS·Ogrul. Reinhard Hevdllch. hIS adJutan1 and SS-Grut Frank. Prague. September 1941. (Cn:. Prague.)
Despite the IfHroductlon 01 branch of service colours (Waffenlarben). members of the Secullty Poltce and SD appear to have continued to wear white. Instead of police green piping. This was possibly due 10 the rather vague status of the SD as a branch of the General SS. whose standard piping colour was White. With the introduction of police paHern shoulder straps in January 1942. N.C.O.'s with rank of SS,Slurrnscharlul1rer in the Security Police and SD were allowed to wear offIcers' caps. wrth black velvet band and aluminium chin cord. 4 I Erlass des Chefs des SS-Fuluungsamtes vom 19.9.1940. ~ Verordnungsblalt der Waflcn-SS. No. 11. 1.6.42. p, 00. l Ibid.. No. 3. 1.2.43. lIlt. 37. 4 Belehlsblatt des Cllefs d, Slch. Pol. u.d. SO. No. 2/42. p. 6.
Members of Ihe Securrty Polrce search suspects, Poland. September 1939. They are weaflng the fIrst model field·grey tunic (Rock) and special l,ghtweight steel helmet
36
SS-Sturmscharfuhrer Ackermann. Note the while pIpIng on his oHicers' cap. and police panern shoulder straps. (Dodkins Collection.)
To prevent members 01 the SO and Sipo from being mistaken for members of the Waffen-SS. police panern shoulder straps were introduced In January 1942. for N.C.O·s and men. At the same time the weaflng of N.C.O·s braid on the collar and arm chevrons was lorbidden. 2 With the call-up of women for various duties within the Security Police and concentrallon camp systems. six new ranks were introduced. which were Identified by 0.5 cm wide aluminium braid chevlons. which were worn on the lower left sleeve 01 the jackel and greatcoat 8 cm from the bonom of the sleeve_] • Poh2el-Griin. but often described as Glfl-Gl1jn or toxic-green. I Befehlsblatl des ChdSPudSO.. NO.32.. 23.8.41 .. pp.161-2_ Belehlsblatt des ChdSPudSO.. No.2.. 17.1.42.. pp.5-6. J Belehlsblatt des ChdSPudSO.. No.49.• 12,10.43,. p.321.
!
Plllte 1 lpp. 38 &I 391
1. SS-Obelgruppenlijhrer Hollere SS-Fuhrer Senior SS leaders
2. SS-Gruppenluhlel 3. SS-Brigadeluhler 4. SS·OberlUhrer
SS-Hstuf Strobel and members of the Maastrichl SO. 1941, (Museet vaoIOorlogsdoCUment311e.)
5, SS-Standartenluhrer 6. SS-Obersturmbannluhrer 7. SS·SturmbannlUhrer
DIENSTGRADABZEICHEN
8. SS-HauplsturmlUhrer 9. SS-Obersturmluhrer 10. SS-Unlersturmfijhrer
Bedges of rank
11. SS-Sturmscharluhrer
At IlrSl members of lhe SO and Sipowore the same badges 01 rank on the collar and shoulder as members of the General SS. but with the introduction of field-grey they began to wear army pattern shoulder waps
12. SS-Haul'tscharfuhrer 13. SS-Oberscharfuhrer
which had already been adopted by the SS-VerfugungStIUppe.
14. SS-Scharfuhrer 15. SS-Unterscharluhrer
In August 1941 SO and Sipo members were reminded that they could
16. SS-Rottenluhrer
only wear armv/walfen-SS shoulder sllaps il they had police-green' piping. I
17. SS-Sturmmann 18. SS-Mann
SS-Fuhrer SS leaders
ss- Unterfuhrer mil Portepee
1
Senior non-commissioned leaders
f f
SS-Unterfuhrer ohne Ponepee Junior non-commissioned leaders SS- Manner SS Men
37
PLATE 1
DIENSTGRADA8ZEICHEN DER SIPO UNO DES SO
1
2
1942-1945
5
3
1-3: Outer strands 01
Interwoven cord, gold finish: underlay, tOXIC·
green. 1, 2· RanI: stars. Silver
a
4-10 Underlay.l0ll!C-
9
10
la
green over black Rank stars, gold
11-17: Undertay 1111 &
oolel P'PII1O 112·171. toxoc..green
39
PLATE 2
olENSTGRAoAB2EICHEN oER HELFERINNEN DER SI PO
UNO DES SO
Krlmlnalobersekrelarln
Knmtnalsekretalln
40
Krimlnaloberasslslenlln
Kumlnalobefllsslslenltn zur Prufung
PLATE 3
OIENSTGRAOABZEICHEN OER SCHUTZMANNSCHAFTEN OER SICHERHE1TSPOLlZEl 1943·45
Kapltan
Starschy Leltenanl
Lellenanl
Shoulder SHap for commIsSIoned ranks
Kompanle· Feldwebel
Vize-Feldwebel
Korporal
Shoulder slrap fOf non-commissIoned ranks
41
PLATE 4
2
3
4
5
43
UNIFORMS OF THE JiJt VOLUME 6 WAFFEN·.... CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT 1939-1945
Andrew Mollo
K COlKaneHllIO,
HaM AOCTanllCb TonbKO CTpaHII"'b1 C cjJOTorpacjJlIRMII.
Windrow&Greene
Soon new works for krTltwear and straw overboots. a weaving mill. and a training school for tailors was established in Ravensbruck. By 1943 the clothing works in Dachau and Ravensbruck had achieved a very high standard. and apart from manufacturing clothing for inmates, were producing some 20% of the Waffen-SS clothing needs. Items of clothing manufactured by the SS clothing works usually bore the stamp
SS BW
Typical
~eeno ,n~ldll
an SS eoneenuat,on camp cloth,ng works al ,he begmnlng ollhe war.
Another firm. German EQUipment Works Lld (Deutsche Ausrustungswerke GmbH - DAWj was formed in May 1940. and operated a number offactor'es which undertook minor economic enterprises, including the sword smithy run by Paul Muller in Dachau from October 1939." After the occupation of Poland and parts of RUSSia. Eastern Industries Ltd (Ostlndustrie GmbH - Ostl) used Jewish Inmates from concentration and labour-camps to make winter uniforms and various items of eQuipment from property and raw materials seized by the Germans. In October 1943 Ostltook over the fur working factory attached to the fOfced labour camp at Trawnlkl, where. under the management 01 the German service firm of Schulz & Co, 6.000 Jews manufactured and maintained fur caps. coats. and gloves for the Waffen-SS and armed forces. Byuse of KL inmates, the SS was never short of labour although increasingly short of raw malerials. which necessitated restriction on the issue of new clothing and re· issue of renovated used clothing. By 1943 the shortage had become cmical. and In January Pohl reported to the Reichsfuhrer-SS. 'In the past year the Situation in the field 01 textile and leather goods has worsened considerably.' He went on to blame this on 'the absence of supplies from abroad, the continuing expansion of the armed forces, the Increase in the reQuirement lor work clothing for foreign workers and the needs of the
Notes: 1. NO-678. This induded a small tailors' shop estabhshed 1949. transferred to DAW on 1 January 1941_ 2.
In
August
NO-l 043. The SS economIc enterprises in Dachau were incorporated DAW from 1 January 1940.
In
3.
2
NO-678. The plant was opened in Dachau transferred to Texled on 3 June 1940.
In
February 1940. and
German civilian population as a result of general wear and tear". After calculaung the supply of raw materials available, Pohl estimated that the needs of [~le Waffen·SS fm the year 1943 could only be met up In the following percentages: Wool 26% Cotton 15% Synthetic wool and rayon 25% linen 30% leather for footwear and equipment 50% Pohl commented. This m
Re,ct,slul"e,-SS Hlmmle' and Gene,.lobe,sl Model ,nspect the t31h SS Voluntee, Mounlam D,v,s,on (Croal,an) On 12 Janua'v t944, On II,e "ghl IS SS·Og'ul.Pohl. and beh,nd H,mmle'. 5$·8"gal F,lll,um_ TIH!V all wu, la,lor-made g,eatcoals w,rh sllve' g'eV lapcls and coli., parcl1es_ H'mmle' has a detachable fur colla'.
the labour situation'. The sample of the material they sent fOf inspection was Similar to the earth·grey that the SS·VT had used until 1937 - 8. and Pohl could not resist reminding Hlmmler that 'we realised eight years ago that this shade was undoubtedly nlore practical and acted accordingly. At the beginning of the war on the intervention of the OKW, we had to depart from this colour. although we were convinced that it was beller', The OKW had to deCide 'what Items of uniform are to be made in future. and
3
Ziff.1S: Subject. SS field-grey field cap for N.C.O.'s.' II has been ordered that the SS lield cap. without chin strap or wire stiIFener (Mutzendrahl). IS to be worn. It must be borne in mind. that it IS not to be worn as a ser~lce cap. but as a Ileld cap. Ilnd thiS fact has been taken InlO ,ICCounl when deslgmng the cap All caps currently in use must have the chin strap and sllllener remo~ed Allhough IOI\lalty IOltoduced as an N.C.O·s cap. II continued to be worn \,ell on InlO the war by N.C O:s and oflocers (many 01 whom were forme' NCO s) In lhe field The cap had a fleld·grey lap. and salt Ileld-gley cloth f' vered peak. black band. and whIte pipIng Badges were OrigInally 10 whIte fT'l>lal. bUl either metal. machine-embrOidered (from Panzer beret) or .'. 'ven p;llterns wele used The December 1939 order laid down that m the lOlly of the barracks. senior N C.Os (Porlepee-Unterluhrer) could wear the I, Id grey servICe cap With "eld-grey uniform. On all other occaSIOns. when a " cl helmet was not specll.ed. the Other ranks' field cap (Sch.ffchen) should le worn. However. amendments to the orde, perml1led the weanng OUI of lhe Id pattern N.C O:S field cap."
-
DienstmuUe s..'Ylce cap -UlCers were the first to receIve an eaflh-grey peaked servICe cap m 1935. . 11 by 1937 rt was betfl.Q manufactured Wllh a fleld-gley top. It was worn by -mmlss,oned ranks· 0 on duty. on all occasions when a steel helmet was 11 t specifIed Aftel lhe InUodOCIIOn of an off,ce-r's lleld cap In 1939. the ~(·aked cap was worn Wllh servICe dress. and. after the outbreak of war. Wllh ..... "Iking-oul dless. (Hlcers' caps were made of "eld·grey cloth. with black velvet band and ,le piping lor all oHloers up 10 and 'ncluding SS-Slal Semor oHlCers ,\ I" the lank of SS-Oberluhrer and above and alumlmum piping. The peak -"as made of lacqueled black fibre (Vulkanfiber). although softef lacquered kdther peaks were also worn. albeit unofficially Chin cords were made of t ....o twisted aluminium cords. and were fastened 10 the cap wilh two 13 mm ~h'le metal buttons. Badges on the field-grey peaked cap were supposed ICI have been In aluminIum fllllsh. but Silver plated ones were also worn, as 00
The officers cap was alsO worn by graduale officer cadets (SS-Stand. Ob.Ju.) awaiting P'Dmotlon to SS-Ustul.. and by SS-HauptscharlUhrer d.Res. in Ihe medical or vetrinary services. ~ For the various regulations governing the wearing 01 coloured piping on the peaked cap. see the section dealing with Waffenlarben.
TO() 10 bOuom • Okl ""ne'" 1'(I1d cap lOfothe' ,ank. and N.C.O:. heldcapw'lh cloth pclak.
11
were woven or embrOldeled badges 10 June 1940. wearing of lhe whIte lopped summel peaked cap by Wallan·SS oU,cers was forbIdden J The othe, ranks' verSIon of fhe cap was IlIst Introduced m 1939.101 wea, b\ 5eOlOI NCO s m the v,c,n,tv ollhe barracks. and I1 was anI\, alter lhe b.ac~ uOllorm had ceased 10 be worn as a walking-out dress Ihal other ranks weft" ISSued wllh. 01 allowed 10 purchase lhe held·grey peaked cap for wea, wher, walkmQ out II had a fIeld grey lflkof top. bl3Ck cloth band. and whIte PIPIng The chIn strap was black leather. and lhe peak was black Ilble BaOges WelT whIle 01 malt-g'ev melal Conlrary 10 legulallons obsolete pallerns of SS cap badges were wo," 0' both ollicers' and othe< lanks' 5eIVICe caps DUllng the war the dlftlCulty 11 obtalnmg SS InsIgnIa meant Itlal natIonal emblems of lhe almy and othe' pohhcal olga",sauons wele WOHl ,nslead of the legulatlOn SS paltern InItIally. manulacture and retaIling of flekl·gley SS peaked caps was con trolled by the RZM. bUI In February 1941 Ihey wele freed from RZM control and 'ram then on were obtaInable Irom private hatters and unilorm outflUers although the mS'9",a was Stili only Obtamable from the RZM. or one 01 lIS oUlle's.· As a resull 01 the difficulty 01 obtammg SS caps and InSignia. man\ olltcers purchased armv caps. had a black velvet band IlIIed over lhe dark g,een one. and wore the national emblems of the army (Of other political organisations) Instead 01 the regulation emblem (See. lor e~ample. the 11Iustrallon on p. 91 J Tho followll19 unusual and unoffiCial prilClIces regardll1Q weallng 01 the se, Vice cap have been noted. 1, Wearmg of Ihe cap Without chm cords 01 stlap. 2. A photograph shows an officel m RUSSia wearing what appears to be a I,eld-grev ctolh COvel over h,s service cap.
Too 10 bClIIOIn 1938 model .rtlW oH,ee's l.eld np ,onve'Ied loo SS use New ':"lI•• n l.eld ap lor other "nu' 19"0 mooel W.ff.,,·SS olfoc».s!lekl cap_
12
Feldmutze (Schiffchen) fur Fi;ihrer Offlce,'s field cap (boal·shapedl The December 1939 order requlled lhal officers obtain lhe new field cap (boat"shaped rn the all·force cut) by I January 1940 • PrIOIIO thiS date there had not been a regulallon olflce(s lleld cap Many offlCels had unoff,clallv pUlchased lhe 1938 model armV off,cer's field cap. In black Of field-grey. and replaced 01 covered the nallonal cockade WIth erther the melat SS death·s head. Of the small whlle me,al one from [he army Panlel lloops collar patch Thele IS at least one lecorded InSlance of an SS offICer wearing the army fIeld cap wllh army InSlgma wllh Waflen·SS umform. T The 1939-model offlcer's fIeld cap was made 01 field-grey tukot w,th alumln~ lum piping around the lOP 01 the llap In November 1940. however. Hlmmlel
amended his earlier order. and restricted the wearing of aluminium piping to scnlQI officers with lhe rank of SS·OberfUhrer and above. All other officers wele to wear white piping. ThiS order may have been rescinded. but In any c"se nobody appears to have taken any notice of It.' InSignia on an olllcer's field cap conSisted of the national emblem and death's !lead. both ot which were worn In Iront_ They were macfllne woven in aluminium thread on a black ground. A Soutache in Waffenlarbe was illso tll be worn rn front. Accordrng to regulallons the correCI dls\nnce between the ends of the Soutache was 9 cm,
Feldmutze (Schiffchen) n.A. field cap (boat· shaped) new pallcrn In November 1940 a new style field· grey cloth (black for Panzer troops) f,cld cap In the air· force cut was Introduced. "Inslgn,a on caps for other ranks was baSIcally the same as for officers. but woven In a silver grey (later mall· grey) artifiCial s,lk lhread, At firstlhe Soutache In Walfenfalbe was sewn 10 the front of the flap of the cap, but In order to bClhtate the changing of the Soutache and cut down on make,up time. It was deCided to pass the Suut1lche tl1l0ugh a loop at Its apex and sew It at both ends only" Weallng the Soutache was discontinued In September 1942,1l Einheitsfeldmutze Modell1943 Stanclard f,cld CilP. Model 1943 By 1943 practical experience "t the ftont had shown the boat-shaped field (.''0 to be Imptactlc;)l. as it afforded InsuffiCient shadmg from the gl~re 01 lloe sun. and msufflClent protection to the ears ilnd back of the ned In cold ""eafher S'r1ce II could be worn In many different ways it also tended to dosfroy the ur1lform appearance of a unit The mountam cap, which had b€en Isslled In Ilm,ted numbers befole the Wilr fOl tralO1I19 111 mQUntilll1QUS regions, wa'i small. practical- and popular.
355. Field cap.I' Instead of the existlf19 field cap[s] (boat·shaped). a new field cap In Ihe same cut and manufacture as the mountain cap IS to be Introduced on practical grounds, The field cap 13 black for Panzer troops. and fleld·grey for ail othcr units. Designation and article numbO! remains unchilnged The Ileld CilP[S] (boat-shaped) may be worn out.
•
It was impractical If1 the sense that crews of enclosed iJrmoured vehicles were perml1ted to wear it back to front, since the large peak made it difficult to use optical equipment.
Top 10 bottom. 1943 mod"II,,,ld cap 101 Qlher lanh and cltreers t943 modellield up ollal" manulaclure w'lh f,nal p.lIern cap badge_
13
The issue standard field cap was made of rield·grey cloth." and was similar In cut to the mountain cap. with large cloth covered peak and flap thaT fastened in fron!. with at !ifSt two and then one bunon. which could be lowcred to cover cars. side and back of the head. and chin. Officers had atuminium piping around the crown of the cap. At first the same insignia was WOIO as on the new pallelO field cap. The death's head was WOIO in fronl. and the national emblem on the leh side 01 the flap. In order to save time the Width of the flap In fronl was slightly reduced and both badges worn In Iront. Since It was qUicker and easier to sew olle badge. a new panern, incorporating the national emblem and the death's head on a triangulal base was Introduced later in 1943. The new insignlCl was produced In twO patterns. The fifSI was mactllne-embroidered in mall grey and black artifiCial Silk on a triangular fleld·grey or black (Ior the black cap) cloth ground, The second pallern was machine-woven In a continuous strip. although the deSign remained basically similar. There was no officer's version 01 this Insignia. Allhough primarily deSigned for the M.1943 cap. thiS Insignra also appeared on other patterns 01 field cap. which remained in service untrlthe end of the wal. The follOWing unofficial prachces regarding wearing lhe standard field cap have been noted: I. Wearing 01 melal cap insignia in place olthe woven panern, 2. Wearing 01 a combinallon of woven and cloth Insignia. 3 Wearing of lhe army M,43 field cap complete wilh army insignia, but the national cockade ellher replaced or covered by a metal or woven death's head. 4. Wearing of M,43 caps made of while malerial wilh winler clothing. 5. Wearing of M,43 caps made of light colouH:!d lightweight materials. 6. Wearing of M.43 caps Wilh tho flaps covered wllh fur. 7. Wearrng 01 ski caps of civilian manufactum either wilh or withoul SS insignia.
Stahlhelm
Top 10 botlom Peaked serv,ce cap for seniOl off,cers. ofhccts and Olloe, tanks,
14
Steel helmCI Initially Ihe SS·VT had been issued with a modified version of the 1916 model steel helmet. or SS/RZM model, (See Vol. 3. pp. 39 - 41.) On I November 1935 the chief of the SS-Hauptamt. notified all units of the SS-VT that since deliveries of tl,e field-grey Wehrmacht helmet Irom the Reich War Ministry were expected before the end of the year. the intrOduction of the grey-green canvas cover for the black onc was no longer necessary. The black helmet in the possession of the SS·VT was to be used 10r parades. u This
not,ce does not specify which model helmet was to be delivered. but most probablY tl was the AClchswehr model, which was, at the time. being fCplaced by the 1935 model In the ilrmed forces. The smaller 1935 model steel helmet was flfstlssued to the SS-VT In 1936, and by the beginning of thc war had been Issued III both field-grey and black "mshes. The obsolete 1916 model and AZM helmets contmued In use with security and Ersatz units until withdrawn In March 1941,' I The 1935 model was made m five basic sizes, weighing from 681 -1.200 grms. The lining was of niltural coloured leather (perforated for ventilation) which could be adJusli:ld to fit the head by means of a drawslrlng and was allached to and suspended from an aluminium band frxed to the shelt of the helmel by three cOII~r pins. The two,plecc black teDlhor chin slfap was fastened on bOlh sldtls to f1ngs on the band. and buckled on the leh side by a Single pronged while metal buckle. In 1943, both cost lactor and ptOductlon speed were impflJved when ttle helmet was modified With
Top 10 bonom t935 model Sleol hQlmel Wllh soml·man lIeld-gl model .....,Ih man 10uOh hlllsh ISI J>;l1!orn sloel helmm covo'.
15
of adjustable straps titled to the tlelmet so that foltage and other camoullage materials could be held In place." Camouflage nelllng III Slrtng or wire was also used
Members of SS Deattfs Hud Inlanuy Regiment 2 d~"ng winter tralnong al M(ins",gen manouvre gro~nd. winter 1939·40. They wllBr the t"SI panern held.grey 9futCoal w'lh Collar plp,ng and have paInted the" helmets with whitewash.
16
Notes: 1. SS-Befehls·6Iatt .. Nr 2. 25 Febr~ary 1939. ZIIf.15. 2. See Appendix I. 3. V 61 dW.·SS.. Nr.2. 15 June 1940. liff.46. 4. MlItellungsblatt der RZM. Nt.2. 25 January 1!)4 J. p. 10. 5. V.Bl.dW.·SS.. Nr.23. 15 December 1941. Ztff.487. 6. See Appendix I. 7. Bender/Taylor, Vol. 1, p. 85 Wtth illustration. 8 Ocr Reichsfuhrcr·SS. SS· Belehl (Abschrtft). Belr, : Feidgtaue UllIform der Weffen-SS. Stchcrheitspalizet und des SO. Bezug Mein Belehl vam 10 May 1940. Berlin, den 5 November 1940. 9. V.Bl.d.W,-SS.. Nt.21. 1 November 1940. Zlff. 10. lbld.. Nr .20. 15 October 1940. ZIII. 269. 11. Ibid.. Nr .17. 1 September 1942. lifl.309. 12. Ibld.. Nr.19. 1 October 1943. ZIIf.355, 13. Def Chef des SS·Hauptamles, J/U 1 Nr,014481/35 Bctr,: Uberzug IUr Stahlhelme. Berlin den 1 November 1935. 14. V.Bl.dW.·SS.. NI,6. 1 Ap1111941. Zilf,159. 15. Ibid.. Nr.21, 1 November 1943. Zif1.402. 16. See page 113.
BEKlEIDUNG Clothing Feldbluse Flclrl blouse In 1937 a new field-grey field blouse and long grey trousers began la replace tile' ,Id ealth-grey service uniform, The new field blouse was based on the 193', army model but retamed certain SS features. such as the collal. which Wd~ tile same colour as the blouse. deSigned to be worn primarily open but easli, rimed It had slantlf1g slash Side pockets With bultoned flap 1I15tead of li" pleated army patch pockets The collar (and collar patches and some p,1llo'lns of should~r strap) was piped 111 black and aluminium twisted cord unt,1 A.ugust 1940 when 1\ was discontinued' FC"rI1"t,on of the SS-Totenkopf and SS-Polllel diVISions at the close of 1939 ner"~~llJted the supply. by the army. of suffiCient Quant't'es of army field unll,'rms to equip them' The December 1939 Older dllscrlood the freld blolJ,e as being of aTlny cut With dark green collar. bunon-on collar liner. and p;Hr,h pockets. The blouse was to be worn open wllh brown shin and black lie When trarning. on manoeuvres. or on speCial occasions rt could be worn clo:ed by order of lhe commander. Amendments to lhis order stated Ihat tho old'style SS blouse (With the same colour collar) was to be worn out'. and th~1
One 01 a se"es of photO{jraphs entllled '8 dav In Ihe hfe of Ihe Lelbslandane SS Adolf H'lle( 22 November 1938. shOWing a sold,er lurnlng h"og POS",OOS uoder the watchtul eye 01 an SS-Umerscharllihrer who wea,s typical everyday dress cooSiSllOll of an army tUniC. obsolele eaJlh·grey breeches. aod Ih" M38 N C.O.·s held cap wlIII chio snap,
17
Typ'cal uain,ng unilo,m being worn by Le,bstanda'10 SS Adol! H'lle, ,ocrUllS On 22 Novembe' 1938. The holm.,l.s lhe old black t916 mooot. and H'e lllmy held blouw 's be,ng worn w,lh lhe IUSI Plltlern nal.om,1 emblem and no cull. band. The lape,ed Housers (St,cfelhoso) and h,gh boolS Ble on Ihl! pr()CC$$ 01 bemg wOln out
18
and laler the lower edge of the flaps was straightened. Since wartime materials had less tensile strength than rn peace time. it was necessary to increase the five front bUllons to srx. Other modifications and simplificallons were made 10 the lining and manufaClure of the field blouse. but none of them altered ils outward appearance. After exlenSlve field trials with army units. a new field unrform (Feldunrform 1944) began to appear in lale 1944. but never In suffrcient numbers to radrcally aller the appearance of Ihe Waflen·SS.· The new field blouse bore cerla,n similarities to the British baltledress. and COnsisted of a short blouse with wide waistband and patch pockets. and long taperrng trousers which were designed to be worn either inside the gaiter or marching boot. The uniform required considerably less cloth than the eadier models. and was specrally designed 10 facilitate rapid manufacture by semi·skilled labour: the M.1944 field blouse insignia was unchanged. The colour of the uniform was also changed flom field·grey to Feldgrau 44 (the officral designallOn for the new greybrown colour). ExiSlrng stocks of field· grey and foreIgn materials were madeup rnto Ihe new field uniform. thus manydilferenl shades of flcld·grey emerged. Seitenheken Belt hooks Each field blouse was usually Issued wllh four fleld·grey painted steel or aluminium hooks of speCIal deSign. These hooks were ilttached to a fabric strap which formed part of lhe blouse ilnmg. The stlap was deSigned to take Ihe weighl of a fully loaded waisl bell supported by a metal hook. Feldhose Field trousers The 1937 model SS field trousers wele identical 10 the 1935 almy modol. Both had long straight legs. two SIde pockets and a watch pocket in front. They could be adjusted at the waisl by means 01 a buckled Slrap and were desi9ned to be worn with braces At fi,st trousers were manufactUled in new·gley clOlh. but lrom 1939 onwards they were to malch Ihe blouse In fleld·grey.- In July 1942 ncw standard Irousers (Keilhose) were rnlloduced.; 220. Introduction of new items of clothing. For the Warfen-SS a new standard lace-up ankle boot. and freld-grey Keilhose. will replace the old malching boot and long cloth trousers. With the Kellhose. cloth gaiters or putlees (m Ihe summer) or canvas gaiters (in winter) will be worn. Molol-cycllsts and offic131 pillion passengers (but nOI sidecar passengers) N.C.O.s and men in engIneer units and guard battalions. Will retilm marching boots. Kdo.dW.-SS/la
In September 1943 an altempt was made to standardise the various different types of trousers and breeches in use in the Waffen-SS. 357. Introduction of new llInd alteration of existing clothing.' For Ihe rest of the war the following are introduced or altered: 1. Riding breeches in drill with cloth belt. side and hip pockets with buttons. fob pocket with flap. and four loops at the waist for the belt. Designation and article number: Riding breeches. drill. Article No. 6/173. 2. Instead of the eXisting riding breeches, breeches will be manufactured as 1 above. Designation and article number: Riding breeches. grey. Article No, 6/54. 3. Instead of the existing drill trousers. a drill trou~ers with cloth belt. bullon fastening at ankle, pockets. and loops are 1 above Will be introduced. Designation and article number: Drill trousers. undyed or rush green ... Article No. 6/171. 4. The expected issue of cloth trousers (Kellschnlll)· 10 replace the long trousers and ski trousers remains unchanged. Trousers described In 1 and 4 above may be worn With or Without braces. New trousers Will be issued In relation to production. Existing patterns may be worn out. New trousers (Feldhose 44) were introduced with the new Field Un,form '14. They had a built· in cloth belt. side. fob and two hip pockets (one was 'ntended for a Ileld dressing pack) all With buttoned flaf}S. The bottom of the trouser leg had a drawstring so that It could be fastened tightly around the 3nlo;Ie lor wear with gaiters or pultees.· • The trousers with a built-in cloth belt were introduced because the wearing of braces was impractical in the field and impossible with shirt-sleeve order. The new trouse's were known also as Rundbundhose. Notes: 1, V.6I.dW.-SS .. Nr,5. 3 August 1940. Zlf!. 2. Soldaten wie andere auch. pp. 268 and 274. 3. See Appendix I. 4. Die Deulsche Wehrmacht 1934-bis 1945, Heft 1 with illustration. 5. See Appendix I. 6. V.bl.dW.-SS.. Nr.13. 1 July 1942. lll!. 220. 7. Ibid.. Nr.19. 1 October 1943. Zift. 357. 8. Die Dcutsche Wehrmacht 1934·bis 1945. Hcft 33 with illustration.
Membe's 01 SS A1!{lHl'ent DeUlschland wea,;nlllhe M1937 I,eld blouse France 1940. They have 'emoved tllo" call., patches 10 avold pos,t'vo idont",calion 01 tile,! un,' by the onomv.
19
A lI'oUO 01 N.C.D.I hom Ill. I 4tll Com~nv SS·Pl G,en. Rill. 38 (17.sS,P2. G,;m D,Y GOII ~on 8.,I,ell'''II.n) wli"nll Ivp,nl wrv,ce ".Id blous•• nd lool~" 111.'1 ''I us'. f"ne. 1944
20
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21
• An SS·O~lullf.. _;II.n<;I iI I)f.-YllelV olloc...• quM;I'f' _ _, 0''''1 lor wall""Il·O\oIl.
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F;e.Jd unifOfln 1944.
23
SS·OStUbif KhngenbergW9i"nll in unusuil vorSlOn ot lha pre·war rumc WIth closed oolli•. Analt'el photograph of rhe Sime olficlI' shows thll lUnlC wllh su:fll patch podets and bUlloned Ilaps and plUlS.
24
Rock Tunic Until 1939. ofllcer~ In the SS·Vcrfugungstruppe had only onc f,eld-grey tunic (Rock). which was made of field-grey tllko\. ;\nd was Iden\lcalln Cut 10 the black SS Sl'lrYlce tuniC It was worn on all occaSions with a blOwn shirt and black t,e, After the gencfalintroduct,on of the field blouse. officers were pelml\led to continue wearing the tuniC on all occasIons when It was con· venient to do so. such as II"l the office or off duty. The commander SIXlclfled whIch should be WOIl"l so thlll lhe off,cers' corps was uniformly dressed' The tuniC was also made 01 lightweIght fleld·grey gabardine or moleskm wl1h matchmg breeches for wear dUring summer.: At the begmnmg of the wa'. the more ImpeCumouS SS officers avoided the expense 01 haVing to buy an exua almy field blouse by havmg then tumcs converted Into field blouses by the addlllon of a dark blulsh·gleen stand·and· fall collar.~Olhefs had tailored alterations so Ihat the coUar could be WOIl"l closed 1Il the neck. Some. however. had tunics specially m
Ocr ReichsfUhrer·SS. Betr: Weisser Sommerrock. Berlin. 27 June 1939. V.Bl.DW.-SS.• Nr.2. 15 June 1940. Ziff.46.
7.
see Bender!Taylor. Vol. 1. pp. 42 III 76. with iIIUSlrations.
Feldbluse (Fuhrer) (fIj~ld blouse (officels» The RClchsweh! pauern officer's field blouse had been adopted by at leasl one officer In the lelbslandane Adoll Hlller as early as 1935, but I1 was nOI unul 1939 tllal olflcers thloughoul the aImed SS began eqUipping themselves WIIII a field-grey field blouse lor wear on aChve duty_ During thiS tranSlt,onal penod a number of stop-gap measurcs wcre laken b\' officelS, who clther modlflcd Ihen tuniCS, or obtained an Issue field blouse from stores. The December 1939 oldel, concerning lhe flcld·grey unllorm of the Waffen· SS. st,pulated thal an olllcer"s blouse was to be Identical In cuI to that of Ihe men (I.e Ihe Issue blouse), and worn opcn althe neck With blown shirt and black tie, It could be worn closed only.1 mOn had been ordered to close theirs, Weallng the dark blulSlt ·grccn stand-and·fall collar (army offlcer's field blouse collar) was forblddcn ' ThiS IS Intercstlng, because 11 shows H,mmler's latem dislike of [he stlff·necked PrUSSHln lunker look. which he did not want emulated by hiS "classless' SS ThiS ordcr had no sooner been typed OUI when It WIIS amended by the SS·Hauptaml.ln IUlure, wearing [he blouse open With sh,,[ and \le was 10 be dlscontmued lor Ihe dural IOn 01 the war. It was now to be worn closed. opened only by specIal Older, as In the army,: Waflen·SS offIcers now began 10 order army field blouses. but Hlmmler rnslsted thallhe stand and fall collar was 10 be fastened With one hook. no[two l' But on 10 May 1940. Hlmnllel amended hIS December 1939 field blouse order, stipulating once agarn (and conlfadlctlng the pre"ious amendment) that Ihe field blouse for officers and men was to be Iden\lcal In all,espects, and In plinciple was to be worn open wllh shirt and tIe. Only on special occaSions (rain. storm. or cold etc) could the blouse be closed o"er shirt and tie. The order went on to say Ihat the blouse be altered [0 close lightly and comfortably o"er the tie.• Few officers had either time or inclination 10 obselve such subll!iues. Throughoul Ihe war. then, Waffen·SS officers. wOle eilhel a privately tailored fIeld blouse in ,limy oflicer's cuI. or with slight differences. such as Slanlong slash side pockets With bunoned Ilaps. as on the SS tunic. or with a Sland and·fall collar made 01 Ihe same material as the blouse. During [he COurse of lhe war the buttons on the front of some lallor-made blouses wele reduced from srll. to fi"e, In aClion offlcefs tended to wear Ihe issue field blouse, Field blouses fOI summer wear were also made of lighlweight gabardine, moleskrn. or drill in various shades 01 grey or lield-grey, Captured So"iet grOundsheets were in plentiful supply on the eastern front and the olr"e green waterproof col1on duck was often made up into lightweight field blOuses,
Ss-ogrul 'Sepp' D>e1roch ana memoers 01 his Slall neat Cl\ilr\QV If'! Aofll t943 L·R, SS·Hstul MoDous weannll'55U8 \ll'IIIOIm WIth OftoC4lr'S b30ge 01 rank. Olelfich rOl once weanng 11 'easonab/v 'egulallOl'l olfoeer's _ e dress SS,Slubal. and 0Ms000ill OlMlfatOOlls Qlfltel (lal LehfmaM on .egu"'llOI'l oftoeer's 1181d seMCIl un,fOlm, llfld SS,Slubal Meyer ,n it ore-war lUOlC whOC:lll\ils DelIII eonvene
25
Insignia Generally speaking all inSignia could be worn on both lunlC and field blous_ On the tunic and tailor-made field blouse. InSignia tended 10 be of olflr'"( quality. Collar patch emblems. Mlional emblem, and cuff-band mscriptll n were usually hand-embrOidered. In filet. the May 1940 order actually gOf'S so far as to stipulate that only on the tumc were hand·embroidered lrat!e badges to be worn. On the lield blouse. oUlters were 10 wear the machln~. embroidered pallern. In 1940. officers' inSignia began to be machine wov'"
•
An unidenllfied SS·OberSlurmfilhrer hom Ihe SS Death's Heed O"',s;on. photo· graphed some tome atter June 1942. wea"ng a tailor-made lightweight foeld blouse tor summer wear.
26
in aluminium thread. and by lM end of Ihe war It had mostly replaced lite hand-embroidered piltlern on mQSl officers' uniforms. Officers usually wore the field blouse wl\h inSignia as issued. Since brig! I aluminium embroidery was dangerously conspicuous In acHon OIfiC("IS retained the Issue rnslgnia only addrng thell rank badges. often omlllrng th! IWlsted aluminium cord flom lhe collal patches. Stiefelhose (Breeches) und lange Hose Breeches and long trousers The officer's tuniC was worn With tailor-made new·grey (neugrau) trllll breeches without piping. Aiding breeches were made of a speCial hea'.ty new-grey tnkot. and were usually reinforced With grey buckskrn on t c seal and rnside leg. or just at the knee.' With the IIgtnwelght summer tun-,;. bleeches were made of matching ',eld·gloy gabardrne or moleskin. Dlf-duty oUicers could wear long new· grey trousers with white plpll g irrespective of branch of service. t Piping in Walfenfarbe was Introduced I 'It discontinued alter 31 December 1940.~ BOlh breeches and trousers h.od similar pocket littings ~ two slanting slash pockets fastened With a bullen. a watch pockel in llOnl. and a slraight slash pockel With button on the 10 It hip. Trousers were filled With ollher loather or clashC 100tSlfaps (Stegcl. Trousers and breeches deSCrIbed above continued to be worn With the tunic and field blouse throughout the war. but front-hne officers tended to W£>ilr long field-grey Issue trousers. or cavalry breeches With the lield blouse of other ranks. In August 1944 officers were ordered to wear long trOusers w'lh corresponding footwear (when their men had been ordered to turn oul n long !lousers without gaiters). They were also to wear long trousers (rnstc"d 01 breeches and boots) with inlormat service dress (Kleiner DienstanzuJ) and reporting dress (Meldeanzug). Notes: 1. SS-Kleiderkasse Katalog .. pp. 5.18.25 with Illustration. 2. See Appendil( 11. 3. Der Aeichsluhrer·SS.. SS-Selehl; Betrlfft: Feldgraue Uniform der Waflen·SS.Sicherheitspolizei und dcs SO.. Berlin, den 5 November 1940.
SS medical OU,ce.S who volunlwred for medical durlCS ar rhe llberaled concenuauon camp 31 Neuengamme. May 1945. The SS·U~1Uf. on lhe leh wears rhe 1944 mOdel hid unIform. The olflcer In rhe cenue (whose badges of ran~ On Ihe collar palch and shoulder straps do not maleh) wearS rhe 1943 modellleld blouse. lrOUSerS and marching boots. The SS-Osluf. on the "ghl wears standard Ileld cap. tailor-made held blouse from Issue Quality cloth. and of1icer's breeches and boots.
27
Mantel Greatcoat The orrglnal earth·grey greatcoat was Identical In cut to the black one. and tlad an earth· grey collar which was piped in tllack and aluminium tWisted cord until August 1940. Shoulder straps and collar patches were always worn. but not the national emblem. Introduction of the fleld·grey unifOlm was accompanied by a m;;Jtchlng regu!atron almy gleatcoat With dark blUlsh·green collar. ThiS IS confirmed by the December 1939 dress regulations which stated that the Waffen·SS greatcoat was to relam liS eXIsting CUI but have a dalk green collaL l Both the SS and army paltern greatcoats we/e wom SIOO by SIde. With or Without collar cord and patches. until the old earth·grey model was weaned In March 1941. iI For the rest of the war. and until the Introduction of the standard greatcoat. the Waffen·SS wore tho army pattern greatcoat which al 11Ist had a dark green and tater a lield·grey collar.
28. Standard greatcoat. l In order to continue the standardlsa\lon of the uniforms of the armed forces. a standard greatcoat IS tlereby Introduced. DeSIgnation and an,cle number Cloth greatcoat ... Arllclc No. B/87. The old surcoat (Ubermantel) for drivers. andlhc old pallcrn cloth greatcoat Will continue to be worn. EXisting Stocks Will be used up. SS·FHA/la
Fijhrermantel
SS·OSlu1. Bohm(!r wea"nll 01her 'Bnh unrform cOflgralulale$ membe.s 0' lI.s banahon. The SS·Slabsscharfuh.el (Spoess) wears a most unusual wmle. head· dress. whrlo lhe 'esl 0' the me" weD' both panems 0' lhe 'reld cap. and grealcoatS wnh eilher lhll dark g,een 0< "eld·grey colla•.
28
Offlcel's greatcoat By July 1935. the leibstandarte Adoll Hitler had been issued With earth·grey uniforms. which Included an eanh·grey greatcoat wuh matching collar. While cellaln officers drew Issue greatcoat from regimental stocks. others wore privately tailOled army pallerns. with colla/ 01 slightly darker lace cloth (Ablclchentuch). Both issue and plivalely made greatcoats had collar patchcs. shoulder straps. and cuff-band. but at first the national emblem appeared only on private coats. At this time the greatcoat collar was not piped in tWisted cord. FollOWing army regulations. the colour of the greatcoat collar gradually became darker. unlll it was a datk bluish-green. The next step In the development 01 the officer's greatcoat came in 1937. with the introduction of field· grey. Once agam officers wore either issue Notes: 1. See Appendix l. 2. V.Bl.d.w.·SS.. Nr.4. 1 March 1940.ZilI.t21. 3. Ibid. Nr.2. 15 January 1944. Zifl.28.
greatcoats with appropllate InSIgnia. Of had them tailor made. The tallormade held·grey SS office(s greatcoats differed !fom that 01 the army only in its hall belt. The SS design was Idenllcal to that on the blacl( greatcoat being 5 cm wide and buttoning at each end The afmy half belt lorned III Ihe middle where It was fastened with two buttons. l The Issue held· grey SS greatcoat was Iden!lcal to the army pattetrl. Collar patches. shoulder straps, and cuU·band was almost Inyarlably worn. whereas the national emblem appeared only on some coalS. With tile military deyelopment 01 the armed SS. there was a tendency to follow army fashions In matters 01 dress. which led to the remoyal at coliar patches Irom the greatcoat By the outbreal( of war. the Situation was prctly muddled. Wilh officers weanng fleld·grey greatcoats With either matching or dark green collars, either With or Without collar patches. so Ih,11 a number of orders had to be ISSUed lhroughout the course 01 the war to clarity the Situation. (See section on Issue greatcoats.) SenlOI officers With the ranI( 01 SS·Oberfuhrer and above were allowed 10 wear the greatcoat w,th the tOp three butlons undone. thus elCpOSlng sllyer grey lapels. In February 1941. holders of the Kmgh(s Cross olth& hon Cross or Waf Serv,ce Class were also allowed to wear Ihe tOp two bUTtons undone and to laid back the lapels so that any decoration - which was worn at the neck - was Ylslble,' A comparatlYely common. but unoffICial practice. was the wearing of twisted aluminium cord on the darl( green greatcoat collar Accolding to Waffen-SS legulatlons all Inslgnl1l could be worn on the grealcoat. allhough. for reasons already Slaled. there was a tendency to follow army praCtice, and Ilmll the mSlgnla to shoulder straps. national emblem. and cuff·uand In addlllon to the regulation cloth gre3tcoat. officers were allowed 10 wear the follOWing exlra coats: Regen-Wettermentel Raincoat ThIs fleld.grey raincoat was firSt Inuoduced In 1938. S ilnd could be purchased and worn bv officers and senior N CO.s. The only InSignia offICially worn on Ih,s coat were shoulder STraps During the war officers oflen unoffiCially Wore the motOl·cvclist's coat as a ramcoat. ledermantel leather greatcoat The field-grey leather greatcoat was an extremely elCpenSlve elClra Item of clOthing. which was purchased by lhe wearer. It was supposed to conform to regulahon greatcoat cut. but many yaWlllons in colour and cut were worn Again. shOUlder straps only wer€' offiCially acceptable. but some officers WOre all msignlil.
55·0g'uf. 1.1. Gen. d, W.·55 D,el"ch With o",cer~ of lhe 12.55.;>1. D,v. HIlIe'Jl.lgend. sprong 1944. D'emch wears a 'egulal,on lI'llilrC08t wlTn s,lver g,ey lapels and da'k green Colla'. MOSI 01 lhe Olher oU,ce,s appea, to De weatlng Issue greatcoats. wh,le one has added a fur collar.
29
....----....
Tragen der Spiegel auf dem Mantelkragen Wearing of collar patches on the greatcoat collar The wellllng of collar patches on Ihe g,ealcoat was nevel very uniform. and the following Iou, o,ders were Issued In :m allempt la regularise the situation.
,
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231. Collar patches on the greatcoat collar.• The Relchsluhrer·SS has Oldered Ihat collar patches wlIl be worn on Ihe gteatcoat collal. as well as on the blouse. by all units of the Waffen-SS. Collar patches must be put on Immediately The removal of collar patches for reasons of camoullage may ontv be aulhotlsed by the RClchsfuhrer·SS. Kdo d.W.·SS IVa 169. The wearing of collar patches on the greatcoat.' With immedlale eltec!. and by order of the RFSS. the wearing of collal patches on the gleatcoal must cease until further notice because of shortage of raw materials for Ihe sake of uniformity. this order does not onty apply to the manufacture 01 new collar palches lor grealcoats, bUI Ihose already on greatcoats must be removed and used elsewhere. Sgd. JUllner SS·Gruf.u.Gen.Lt. del Waffen·SS
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37. The wearing of collar patches on the greatcoat collar." The Relchsfuhrer-SS has orde,ed:
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FollOWing the published order In Ihe V.Bl.d.W.-SS. No. 11 of 1 June 1942. concerning Ihe wearing of collar patches on the g,ealeoa\. It is ordered that collar patches Will be worn: 1. 2.
Bv the Alfgemeine· SS on all gleatCOats By the Waflen·SS on all greatcoats With the exception of: (a) Leather greatco:n (grey) (b) Raincoat (Iubberlsed or impregnated fablic) (c) Surcoat (for dlivers) (d) Guard coat (fur) (e1 Motor·cychsts coat (rubbeflsed) (f) Field greatcoat (Feldmantell
Standa,d llfCalCOa1.
30
2. The wearing of collar patches on the greatcoat.: I Item (llUet) 37 01 the VBldW-SS. No, 3 or I Febfu;nv 1943 IS hereby amended 2 On lhe grounds 01 (shoftage of) law nUlleuals colla. patches and lhe cull-band will not In IUlule be worn on 'SSue 9reatcoalS (truppen clg.enen Mantcln) 3 Collar patches and cull-bands may conllnue to be worn on all pllvate greatcoats wl1h the exception 01 . (a) Leathel greatcoat (9Iey) (b) Ramcoat (rubberised or Impregnated fabriC) (c) Surcoat (Ior drivels) (d) Motor-cyclists coal (rubberised) (e) Field grealcoa! (Fcldmanlel) 4 In the AlIgememe SS. collar patches and cuff-bands Will COnlmuc 10 be worn on all greatcoats. SS-FHA/la To summarise. Ihose possessmg their own p"vale greatcoats could conllnue wcanng colla. patches. but Issue greatcoals we.e to have the collar palches removed prior 10 Issue. and were to be worn wltnoutlnSlgnla. with lhe exceplion 01 shouldet straps In thIS connectIon II IS mlercstlng to note Ihal even the SS Guaod Banahon. wtuch was drawn from lhe Lelbstanda,le·SS "Adoll Hitler". and whIch callHK! out guard dulles at the Relchs Chancellory ,n Berlin. wore the greatcoal WIthout colla. palches.' Notes: 1 Unllormen-Markt. Nr 4. 1940. p. 27 With Illustration 2 V.Bl.d.W.-SS . Nr.1. 15 January 1941. lllf 5. 3. SS-Bolehls-Blan. Nr.3. March 1938. lllt.ll. 4. V.Bl.dW.-SS.. Nr.IO. I October 1940. lifl 231, 5. Ibld Nr.. 11. I June 1942.lif1.169 6. Ibld Nr.. 3. 1 February 1943. lllf.37 7. Ibld Nr.. 1. 1 January 1945. lltl.2 8. Hamburger lIIustrleJ1e Nr 16. 17 April 1943. pp. 4·0) wtth IIIUSlratlons
31
UNTERKLEIDUNG/WASCHE
TVPIC811SSll8 o'ev woollen $O(:~s and WllII wa'me,s. F,om one to IOIJ' 1H11I$ dflnote(l the Srl0 ollhe a,ucle. One nng waslhe s~lIesl.
32
(Underclothing) Issue underclothing conSisted of Ihe following Items: 1. Brown shllt 2. Neckcloth or collar liner 3. Black [le 4. White undershill 5, White underpanls (Iong-Johns) 6, Braces 7. Pullover 8. Handkerclllels 9. Socks 10 Footwraps 1. Brown trlkol collaHl1lached shllt wllhout pockets. Replaced. together wllh while undershut. by the new standard shirt In 1943. .'!. The neckcloth was made of earth·grey or black COllon and was fastened around the neck by a tro-strlng. It was designed to be worn In conJunction wllh the collarless white undershirt. and to give a neat appearance when worn With the closed field blouse. The collal liner was Issued Instead of the collar·allached shirt or neck· c1oth.lt was allached 10 the inSide of the field blouse collal by five small buttons sewn there for this purpose and enabhng easy removal for washing. The hnel was while on the InSide (next to the neck) and fieldgleyorrush green on the outSide. When the field blouse was worn open at the neck. the hner was buttoned so thal it followed the hne of the opening. BOlh neckcloth and Irner were disconTinued after Ihe rntroductlon 01 the standard collar·attached shlll. 3. The standald SS tlO was of black aruflcial Silk as woln With the black se,vlce unilorm. It was only issued together WIth the blown shirt 4. The standald army Issue natural coloured aettex underslllft was Im· practical in the front-line because of lis conspICUOus cOlour and was sometimes dyed green, It. too, was replaced by the standard shin. 5. Long·Johns (or underpants) were made 01 natural Coloured wool or COllOn. three-Qualter length. and tied at the rear 01 the waist and at lhe legs With drawstlmgs, They did not stand up very well to the rigours of continuous marching. so In September 1941 a speCial lining was made available fOI the 'speedy and durable Improvement of underpants', G. Field·grey elastiC braces With metal flllmgs and leather straps were not issued aftef the IntroductIon of trousers wllh built· In belt. Other ranks were entitled to a pair per yeal.
7
Fleld·grey knitted woollen pullover with long sleeves and V-neck. Pullovers wl1h turtle necks were also Issued late! In the wal. 9_ The grey knitted woollen socks had 1-4 bands at the top During the second half of the war there was a tendency to wear the tapered trousers (Keilhose) Inside socks and roll them over the top of ankle boots. ThiS practice was forbrdden In August 1944. 10 In the Russian army footwrap clothS were. and still are. conSidered to be a hrghly rmportant part of an Infantryman's kll. and far superior to socks. bUl In the German army and Walfen-SS. they were only Issued rf socks were not available. The footwrap cloth was square and folded around the fool. Its advantages were that It d,dn't slrp down tIle foot as socks tended to do. and could be re-positioned so that the sole of the foot was always wrapped in a fresh and dry part of the cloth. ClothS were eaSier to wash. dried qUIcker. and lasted longer than sacks Officers" 1 Officers' brown shrrts for wear With the tuniC were made of poplin With detached collar. White shuts were never worn With the field-grey tunic. 4 Officers' vests were made of natural coloured wool. cotton. Of aertal[. and usually had short sleeves. For the Winter there were long-slecved shifts With lined fronts. 5 Underpants were also made of wool or cotton. With an elastiC waist. SpeCial re-inforced short- Of long-Johns In either light or heavyweIght materials were wom lor riding. The above Items were recommended by the SS Officers Clothing Counter. but officers could purchase CIVilian underclothing If they wished. Later In the war. shirts of almost any colour could be worn under the field blouse Finally. In August 1943. a standard field-grey shllt was ordered to replace the vallous types of shirt in use. The new pattern shut was manufactured In vallous materials and colours. but tIle most typical were field· grey Irlkot Of aerlel[. Although the introductory orders clearly stale that the special badges a! lank were 101 wear on clothing Without shoulder straps. some shrrts were manufactured With loops for the shoulder straps. and shoulder sHaps were qUlllt commonly worn on lhe shirt. 335. Shirt with collar attached. I t , Instead of the brown trlkOI shift. and wtme undershlrlS. a grey· green Collar· attached shirt Will be introduced. DeSlgnal10n and article number: Collar-attached shin .•. ArtIcle No. B/415 This shirt Will be supplied as and when ready. There IS no pOint If. making applications for preferential delivery. Other types of shirt are to be worn out.
Top Issue colla' lItlacrle
33
In summer, clOttl gaiters or puttees, and In Winter canvas gailers wdl be worn with the Keilhose, Motor-cyclists, official pillion, but not sidecar passengers, and N,C.O.s and men in engineer units and guard ballalions Will retam their marching boots. Kdo,d,W,-SS/la Nearly all new foolwear was issued In lIS naluralleather colour, and was then stained and polished by the recipient. In peacetime only the best pair of boots was actually polished. while field boots were lust blackened and left With a dull finish, In 1944. the blacking of Issue footwear was forbldden. a Officers With service dress (Le, breeches) officers worc high black riding-type boots. wtllch were privately purchased and thus not of standard pallern. Some had plain tops, others had various kinds of straps and buckles around the top to prevent the boot slipping down the calf: boots were either suff or soft.· Like everything else during the war. boots became increasingly scarce, so that regulations governing the wearing of boots were generally relaxed In August 1943 Waffen-SS officers were ordered to wear long trousers and ankle boots al all occasions allended by other ranks. With undress uniform (I e. long lrousers) officers wore either black or lacquered leather lace·up or elastiC Sided ankle bOOIS or shoes.' I n action and as war progressed, Issue marchmg footwear was Increasingly worn WIth long field-grey trousers by CQmpany and field officers. Spurs Officers wore variOUS types of spurs with different orders of dress, With service dress, officers with the rank of SS-HauptsturmfLihrer and above wore rust-proof, nickel plated spurs with straps and buckles, With either a straight or slrghtly curved neck and eUher a sharp or dumb (non-spIked) rowel· With undress unrlorm they could wear speCial screw spurs With straight neck and dumb rowel or plain (huntmg) neck For dancmg thele were speCial SCrew dancing spurs {Tanzsporenj,e • Although the high black boot (contemptuously mrsnamed 'jackboot' by the enemies 01 Germany) became one of the hated symbols of NaZI militarrsm, there IS a touch of Irony m the suspicron that the Germans would them· selves have held the boot In disrepute after the war on the grounds that rts strff shaft caused varicose veins!
Top Slanda'd ma'ch,ngl>ool (Knooolbeche' 0' 'd,ce sha~er') w,lh hrgh shalt. BOl1om: Standard lace·up ankle l>oor wh,ch graduallv replaced Ihe cosllv 'dice shake,'.
35
It was obvIous that many SS officers clanked around In SPUIS and leath' l
Canvas and Italller g"I., lor wee' wtllltlle
36
ell~le
0001.
posterlOI relnlorcement to thell bleeches with no aspirations In horsemanshl[ nevertheless, throughout Its short history there were many SS orders COl cernlng the wearing of spurs. Finally, In June 1943. Hlmmler Issued t~~ follOWing order 217. Tho wearing of spurs.: The RClchsluhrer has ordered ThaI In the whole SS - Allgcmelne. Wallen. and Pohzel - only members fll mounted or hOlse drawn units may wear spurs If they arJ authorised to (\" so In the relevant regulations All other members at Ihe SS and police. oU,cers. N C Os and men of tl .} Allgemerne-SS. Watlen-SS. Order and Secullty Police may only we.1 spurs when gOing to fide. while rid 109. and on 10turnlng from riding SS·FHA!11 In add,tion to spurs, there was an adjustable black leather strap (Marschflemer I thal fl\1ed under the InSlep. and around the ankle, 'I prevented movement I lhe foot InSide the bool when marching. Gamaschen Gaiters When leather became scarce In November 1939 the marching bOOI had to l
Wearing of gaiters and puttees Gaiters were worn over the top of the ankle or ski boot and bonom of the trousers and fastened by two leather straps and metal buckles on the outside so that the straps faced Ihe rear. The coneet method of folding the trouser leg was to grasp the back and fold It to the front on the inSide. ThiS was to pfevent the insides of the trouser legs rubbing togelher and wearing out. A popular habit was the rolling of socks outside the trouser leg and over the top of the ankle or ski boot. but this was finally forbidden In August 1944." Notes: 1. V.Bl.dW.·SS.. Nr.13. 1S November 1940. Zlff. 335. 2, Ibid. Nr.13. 1 July 1942. Ziff.220. 3, Ibid. Nr.l0.15 May 1944. Ziff.233. 4. SS·Prelsliste, Gultig ab 1 November 1940. p. 41 with illustrations. 5, Ibid. 6, lb'd. 7. V.BI.d.W.-SS.. Nr.12. 1S June 1943, Zllf.217. 8. Ibid. Nr.15. 1 August 1944. Zilf.'l33. TARNBEKlEIDUNG Camouflage c10lhlng The deSign. development. and manufacture of ctothlng made from a fabrrc on which a camouflage pallern had been printed was the most 01l9inal of all SS IIlnovatlons in the field of uniform and equipment. and was to have an enormous IIlfluence on wartime and post-war uniform development. Today most armies In thc world wear same form of camouflage clothing.' Camouflage clothing was tested III Ihe field by SS·Standarte Deulschland in December 1937 and January 1938. and In June 1938. after further investigation bv the Reich Patent Office. a patent in respect of each item of clothing was granted to the NSDAP Reichsfuhrer·SS. By 1 November 1938 • Weidinger in his history of the Das Relch division attributes the Initiative for the design and development of camouflage clothing and equipment to the commander of the Aufklarungs-Abtcilung/SS-VT. SS-Stubal. Dr.lng.Brand\.· Responsibility for the manufacture of prototypes and initial delivcries rested with OtlO Schick. and it was proposed that he and hiS assistant should be found a post in the inspectorate of the SS-VT. Hausser pOinted out that It was unlikely that the army (OKH) Would agree. since it was working on standard camouflage clothing for the army and air· force. Hausser thought it would be easier if Schick and his assistant were given an SS post outside the inspectorate."
The l,rSI patte,n SS C4moull81le j8ckel 8nd helmel cOVe! bt"ng worn In France, 1940.
37
.-
-'
-
LIQJ1:~<::"
,,-'--"-------------- -- -:;.::---./
38
-.:.,:-
quanlltY produclion of camouflaged groundsheets. steel helmet covers an,j face masks was already undef way I On 27 Janua!Y 1939. SS-Bflgaf. Hausser reported to the chief of the SS. Hauptamt that despite great difficulties In obtaining suffiCient quanlllies t I waterproof cotton duck. and the fact that pflntlng on the matellal had to 0\1 carried out by hand. 8.400 camoul!age groundsheets and 6.800 helllltt covefS had already been supplied to the SS-VerfUgungs\lUppe. It was hoped thal the remainder would be supplied by April 1939 Hausser added that ha thought 11 adVIsable to Issue 20 camouflage jackets per company fOI aSSllU t HOOP training The face masks he found unusable." Camouflage clothing was used spallngly dUflng the Polish campargn. and. probably due to Hausser"s suggestion. was only Issued 10 ilssaull trOOps. but thiS new SS InnOVation dId nOt go unnoticed by the army. A~ parently GenerJ(major Werner Kempf. In a report to the Oberkommando des Heeres. praised the camouflage groundsheets and helmet covers used 1;;1 SS-Standane Deutschland while under hiS command. At the request of thl OKH the SS agreed to send a sample of the groundsheet and helmet cover t::l OKH Section In.6. at the Bendlerstrasse. Bellin.' The arnw. howevel. did nut Inaoduce camouflage clOIhlng until 194213. and the only other branch of the armed fOlces to make extenSive use of SS camoulfage clothing was the all-force General GOllng Regiment (later. Hermann Goring DiVISion). By June 1940 the tedium 01 hand plinting had been superseded by tl e rolter pllnllny press. and the lollowlng Quanlllies of camoullage jackets IId d been delivered: SS·VerfUgungs·Divlslon 10.900 3.000 LClbstandane SS Adolf Hitler SS·Tolenkopf·Divlslon 9.000 SS-Pollzel-D'VlSlon 9.500 By September delivery of a further 30.000 jackets was anticipated. but thiS would use up the peacetime stock of material. The reqUired quanlltY vI camouflage Jackets had been determined by the fact that only field unllS (diVISions) wele to be equipped wllh them. but It was then ordered that tl e SS Death's Head leglments wele also to receive them. It was hoped. however. that 75% of the Death's Head regiments' requirements could be supplied from the 30.000 jackets delivered by September 1940. The big problem. even at thiS early date. was raw material supply. Apparentl.,.. thc SS war requllcment for waterproof cotton duck had been liKed by It e OKH at 42.300 metres pef month. but thiS was only sufliclent for 8. 9foundsheets. 6.000 camouflage Jackets. and 14.000 steel helmet cover, I1 groundsheets were nOI Included. then 18.300 sets of jackets and helm.t
covers could be produced Pohl hoped 10 overcome this deflcll by gelling a liuger allocation out 01 the raw matellal ofllce at Ihe OKH. and he was confident thal I1 he hi,ld sulllClerll mi,llerli,ll. i,lny quantity 01 camouflage nems could be mi,lnulactured because pllnllng i,lncl m~ke·up presented no problems. I The Orlgmi,ll helmet cover. Jacket. i,lnd lace mi,lsk were followed In June 1942. by a camoullage pe
C.mouflege pltterns tsee reer end peperl As already deSCribed. the ci,lmoullage patteHl Wi,lS flfst hand Pllnted. then ,oiler printed In averi,lge four colours The desrgn valled conSiderably and the generi,ll tendency dUllng the war was lor an II1creasmgly spotted deSign m lighter Shades. Earlier Ci,lmoullage uniforms tended to be much darker thi,lf1 laler ones Most camouflage garments made f!Om waterproof Imen duck were pllnted on bolh Sides. and lhe articles made from thiS mateflal wele reverSible. which was not the case With unllorms made from dflll mi,llenat On one SIde the deSign was predomll1antly green for wear during Hle seilson of milXlmum foliation. whilst on tile reverse It was In vallQUS shades of blown for use In autumn. Winter. and early SPlll1g. There WilS no Slgm!lcilnt reason for the difference between one camouflage panern and anotheL To suggest. as do some Post-war publications. that cerlaln units had speclat deSigns. or Ihi,l! speCial patterns were deSIgned to blend With speCifiC regions In which operations were to take place - or as two BlIllsh writers suggested In a recent publication on Watlen·SS uniform. that 'there was i,l speCial ··brlck" pattern lor wear In predomrnantly bUilt· up afCas· - a!1llbutes almost supelhuman organ,sauoni,ll ability to Ihe supply SCIVlces 01 the Walfen-SS. Jacket The lacket was a smock-like. revelslble. pullovel garment I1 had no collar. and was gathered at the neck. wrists, and waist With elastiC, The Ilfst pallern had no pockets. but two vertical openrngs 111 front. above Ihe Wi,lISI. whIch gave the wearer access 10 hiS Ileld blouse. which was worn underneath. Wartime modtllcallons to the smock were to sew loops In threes to the Iront
SS N C.O. wcallng a steel helnlel Wllh camouflage cover.
39
Group Of WaU",,"SS Offoee
•
, •
-
"
..,• • ,•• • .'.'".,~ r
"" "
•
,,,>;
A
Wafleo·SS IIreoad,el wea"oll the herfl0llbooe Iw,11 Hungary. August 1944 IBundesarcluv)
eamouf. d,,11 urulo
•
0' the shoulder and upper outside sleeve. and replace lhe vertical openings with IWO side pockets with buttoned flaps. below the waist, Some photographs taken lOwards the end of the war show whal appears to be a smock with a collar. but this was In fact the collar of the camouflage field blouse worn underneath lhe smock dUflng the summer. The jacket was worn in many dltlerent ways. Some personnel tucked lhe cutis and skirt of the jacket inSide the elastiC at the WIlSt and waist. but In cold weather It was often worn on lOP of the greatcoat. The jacket appears to hllVe been the only camouflage uniform which scems never to have been worn with insignia An example In the lmperJal War Museum. london. IS made camouflage dnll mateflal and modllled by a Zip fastener filled In front and the culls removed jusl below the elastiC. It ceased to be manufaclured In January 1944 with the InlrodUCIIOn of Ihe camoullage drill blouse.
0'
Steel helmet cover The reverSible steel helmet cover In camouflage material for wear on the 1935 model steel helmet bcgan to be Introduced In 1939. s It was atlached to thc helmct by threc rust-proof. spring-loaded, double,slded metal cliPS, Helmct covers made from 1942 onwards often had loops sewn onto the fron\. top, and back of the cover. to hold foliage. The cover was sometimes worn on lls ov,," as an ImproVised camoul/age head-dress. Fece mask The lace mask was one 01 the original Itcms 01 camouflage eqUlpmenl which had undcrgone !fIals belore the wal and was pronounced useless by Hausscr In 1939. 1 Since Quanlll1es had alfeady been manufactured It was decldod to Issue them In Apfl11942.
134. New introduction of the camouflaged face mask." In order 10 complete Ihe camouflage of men, and In addition to the eXlsllng camouflage clothing (jacket and helmet cover) a camoutlage face mask Will be inlfoduced. DcllvelY la the diVISions and brigades. elc. 01 the Waffen·SS will follow. Indents from lhese units for up 10 30% of the lighting strength. for the time being. must be senl to the SS,Wlrtschafts·Ycrwaltungs-Hauptamt. Berhn·Llchtcdelde·Wesl. Unter den Elchen 129 For !raining purposes each company of Ersatz unllS Will be enlllled to Iwo face masks. SS-FHA/Aml IV Tho face mask was baSically a series of strings which were filled to an elastic· ated strap, At the bonom the Strings wC/e woven together. so thal thcv formed a CUlIaln which hung in front of the face. The mask was usually worn on ,he Steel helmet. and when not In use was eithel thrown back over the helmel or hung round the neck.
41
Top FUll ~ll''" "rnoutJ.ige "eld "Po BonOI'll C.mouflage f.-Id cap W1lh ",gut.llon 1n5'O"1I.
42
·P.nzer·M~. III SS SIM1dIflentultre. Ind c ~ . 01 the 12 SS·pz _ 0 HltleflU{)e1lO. welt"'ll' r~"p."" blouse mMle lIomltlllln clmounage male'
Field cap In June 1942. a camouflaged field cap was mtroduced : 170. Introduction of a camouflaged field cap for troops. The Relchsluhrer·SS has ordered the mlloductlon 01 a camouflaged flckl cap fo' Ileld units The cap IS to be worn without mSlgnla. Kdod W ·SS/Ia Delivery can begm at the end 01 May The cap was made 01 wate'plool duck. and could be worn wIth elthe' the autumn Of summe' pattem on the outsKie. although the sweat band of the cap was sewn on the autumn SIde 432. Camouflaged field cap. By o,der oft~ Relchsfuhrer-SS. the held cap WIll In lutufe be worn with InStgnla ExIsting caps Without InStgma muSt be WOIn OUt SS·FHNla!IV n> s necessitated the manutacture of specIal InStgma which wele woven In blOW'n ilrtlllclat silk thread 101 the autumn. and brIght gleen thread lor the $I.lmme, paltern The background 01 lhe Inslgma remained black Thete we,e othCl' Items of clothmg and equipment made from camouflage matelOals but these WIll be dealt WIth under Ihelr ,especltve sect,ons as lollows: EQUIpment Gloundsheec. CombmallOfl fOf tank Clews. Tank umfOlm QI,U unllolTTl, 01111 unllOlm 01111 umlOlm 101 tank Clews. Tank unllOlm WJnte, umlOlm. Wintel umlOlm P;tfachute smock Palachute umfolm Non-regulation camouflage uniforms The,e ale a lew lecorded Instances of Wallen·SS troops wearing camouflage unIforms. other Ihan lhe standard Walfen-SS panem In June 1944 Hlmmlel VISIted SS·Flerwllllgen DIVISIon GallZtefl m lIamlng al Helde1a9C" Photoglaphs of thiS V'Slt show Uksalnlan volunteers weaflng 81my camouflage smocks and SS camouflage helmel COVCl'S -In 1944 large quantllles 01 camouflage umfomlS In German cut. but manufactured Irom Italian camoullage mateflal. appealed In Normandy There were also Isolated cases of Walfen·SS Personnel wearing Umted States camouflage SUIts In NOlmandv Notes: 1 J G Quo Sch,ck an den Relchsluhrel'SS Beu.: Abschluss der Arbelten lur die Tarnausruslung . Munchen. den I November 1938. 2 Del Inspckteur del SS·VT. SS-Bllgal Hausser an den Chef des SS·Hauptamles. Inspcktlon der SS-VT Betr.. Tarnausrustung zu
.....mbe<$ 01 Itw SS HeornwelT' D.n;rog _I"'"
dull uno.torm. NOM -'to lne
3 4.
5
6. 7. 8. 9.
~
lhe
~IU'~ c:oIou,MI heom"QlbOlle Iwtll litr~ps liupporl"'ll. Au9uli1 1939
SS Pll1em ......etJOong
De! Relchsluhrer-SS. PCl'soohcher Stab Tgb NrAR/1938/1 Wa./Lu vom 13 1238 Belrlln. den 27 January 1939. Dct Chef des Beschallungsamtes-SS. SS-Oberl. Gartner an SS·Stal Dlesterweg. Hauptabtellung IX/2. BellIn. den 8 Novembel 1939. SS-GIUI Pohl. Chel des V.u W ·Hauptamtes an den Relchs!uhler Betr Tarnlackcn. Tarnschume und Tflppelwagen.. Berltn. den (7) June 1939 SS·Oglul u Gen d W.-SS Oswald Pohl an den RelchslUhler-SS Belr . Benchl Ubel dlC Rohstofllage au! dem Splnnstofl-und LedCfgcolel.. Berlin. den 9 January 1943. V.Bl.dW.·SS.. Nr.8. 15 Aprt11942.llff 134. Ibid. Nr.11. 1 June 1942. Zlft.170. Ibid. Nr 23.1 December 1942. Zlfl.432. Die Woche. NI.23. 7 June 1944. p. 5.
43
Tile rusll ",elm dull un,torm beln9 wo,n bV Bosn,an Janus,., 11144.
44
~('IlunlCl!'S
,n Till! WaUlln·SS.
ARBEITSANZUG/DRILLlCH (Working and doll uniform) Al the outbleak of war the armed SS had two basIc patterns of drill un,form The fust was the SS-YerfugungstlUPpe one consls!lng of a field blouse and long trousers. Identical In cut to the field-grey SS field blouse and trousers but made of a cement coloured herrlng·bone twill (Drillichstolt) The field blouse was filled with detachable buttons. shoulder strap loops. and wa\ worn with shoulder straps nallonal emblem. and collar patches Alter the beglnnmg of the war. thiS blouse was often worn dUllng the summer as a summer UnlfOfln W,th me very rapid expans.on of the Waffen-SS 10 t 939---40 It was necessa,-. to Issue large auar\lllieS of unbleached natural coloured linen hefllng·bon.. Twrll. as used In The German ,HOlY. The Jacket had five detachable bunons In trant and two flapless SIde patch pockets No Insignia was IOtended to be worn on thiS Jacket The trousers were the same as thel' cloth counterpafl_ Durlllg the war ,he unbleached drill Uniform was considered totally Impractical because of ItS colour. and " was either dyed rush green or replaced by onr> made of rush green IlOen hemng-bone tWIll ThiS wartime working unlfon" ulcluded either the Wallen- SS palleln Sctlllfchen or the standard field cap made of the same material They differed from cloth models Insofar as neuhel cap had a separate flap which could be lowered The standard field cap wa~ Idenllcal to the one made of camouflage matellill Watt,me experience and lhe need to standardise Walfen-SS uniform brougl1l aboul lhe Introduction of iI combrned summer field serVice and working unltorm 99. Camouflaged drill uniform.' To utilise front·hne experience. a camouflaged drrll uniform consisting ofDrill blouse ..• Article No B/40 Drill trousers •.. A'llcle No B1l7! IS rntroduced as a camouflage and working uniform On those drrll blouses In the same cut as the clott, field blouse. the ranK badges for Items of clothing Without shoulder straps (according to V.Bl.dW.-SS.. Nr.4. 15 February 1943. Zrlf63.) are to be worn 0.5 cm under the natiOnal emblem. Collar patches are not to be worn. Existing types 01 drill uniform as well as the camouflage jacket are to be dIscontinued EXISllng stocks may be used up. SS-FHA/la This uniform was made of unbleached tWill on which the camouflage pattern had been printed on one Side only. and was therefore not reversible. Insignia.
other than the nOhonal emblem and special rank badges. were nOI Intended to be worn on the blouse. but there were Instances 01 shoulder straps and other inSignia appearing. \. V.BI d.W.-SS.. Nr.5. 1 Malch 1944.llll.99 SS-SPORTBEKlEIDUNG
SS Sports clothes SPOilS clothes were pulchased from the RZM belole the wal. but soon altel the oUlbreak 01 Will stocks were reserved lor officers and UnitS ot the WallenSS. who held stocks of SPOilS clothmg whIch was ISSUed as and when lequlfed and letulned altel use Those members of the Wa/fen-SS who had been ISSUed WIth SPOilS clothing belole the war continued 10 use it. In 1941. Waffen·SS troops In Greece used spoilS clolhmg as tropICal dress. Instead 01 theIr fleld·grey fIeld UnlfOlm. SS sports clothing conSisted oflhe lollowlng Items:' Shorts. saun. black Vest. with SS badge. white Tramlng Jackel. WIth SS badge. black Tramlng trousers. black SS badge for Fencing Jacket SpoltS shoes. natural colour. leather The same Items are listed In the MarCh 1941 SS puce Itsl. but the ltalnlng lacket and trousers are desc..bed as blue." SpoilS shoes were mcluded as part 01 the wafllme ISSue schedule In September 1940." Notes: I SS-Prelshste. Apul 1939. p. 3. 2 Ibld.. p 3 3. V.Btd W ·SS . Nr 8. 5 Septembel 1940.llff 45. VARIATIONS ON THE STANDARD FIELD SERVICE UNIFORM
1. Cavalry or hors. drawn units. In addition to tong trousers. mounted personnel were ISSued With a pall of field-grey clOlh breeches WIth seat and InSide leg letnfolced Wl1h grey leather. In place of drrll trousers. they received drrll breeches. In October 1943' standard riding breeches on both cloth and tw,ll wele intrOduced. whICh had a bUilt-In cloth bel\, Side and h.p pockets WIth buttons and a fob pocket With lIap. and lour boil loops at the wa.st. Instead of marching boots. mounted personnel rece.ved a pair of lidlng boots complete wl1h SpUIS. Laler in the
The 1944 umoultage droll in
45
- - '. -- .. Gl
-' , -. . IF T
..
(il
•
I
f~
\ 'l~;~
\
(
\
,1
SS cav~.ym.n ,n RussIa 1941. It Wil'j; common IlrICl>ee 10 lUoCk the culls .nd sklfl 0111!41 camou",ge stnQCl( uoder lhe .1,urH; ill The _,sI and WIISI.
46
\
I
I
!
:/ , :,.
\
\
~
war mounted personnel made increaSing use of ankle boots with puttees or gaiters for training on foot 2. Artillery and Flak (axe!. Panzarjagar (anti-tank) and Sturmgeschutz (self-propelled gun) personnel). Artillery men wore standard field· grey uniform of the Walfen·SS. or with varrallons for mounted personnel, If they were serving In horse drawn unIts. During the course of the war varIOUS kinds of overalls were worn In action Ind on maintenance work. In September 1942 anti-aircraft gun crews were ,ssued with black overalls.' 308, Protective clothing for anti-aircraft gun crews. For anti-aircraft gun crews serving wl\h Ileld Units a two-piece overall consisting of Protective jacket. black. drill (Manufacturer's code 8/307) Protective trousers, black. drill (Manufaclurer's code 8/308) IS 10 be Introduced. Field unit requirements must be forwarded via clothing channels. Kdo,dW. SS/la 3, Engineers Engineers also wore standard field·grey uniform (8lack special clothing If crews 01 armoured vehicles in Panzer·Pioniere units). bUl because of thclf speCialised tasks lhey wore many kinds 01 protective clothing and equipment. such as rubber waders for bridge building and hie jackets lor crossing rivers: these articles were nel1her clothing or personal equipment but technical apparatus Issued for the task in hand. 4, Mountain units Belore the war great importance was attached to the training of SS personnel In mountainous regions and winter sports, lor which purpose the follOWing black, (Ior Allgemeine-SS) and earth·grey (for SS.Verlugungstruppe) ski clothing had been introduced In 1938: 1
The black overall for crews of anl'·aIJcrah guns. Russ,a Wlnler 1942·3,
Ski cap. gabardine. black or earth-grey Ski blouse. gabardine. black or earth-grey Ski trousers. gabardine. black or earth grey Puttees Before the war ski clothing was issued to personnel only for the duration of training. then returned to stales, but in 1940 Waflen·SS units serving in Norway were already being issued with suitable clothing and equipment lor wear in mountainous regions.
47
A"icle A2. 43. 44 45. 46. 47. 48. 49 50 51. 52.
Bread bag Bread bag strap Mess-11n Ealing Implements Idenllly disc with cord Ousl· and sun·glasses Towel Carrying slfaps for blou~ Sleel side hooks sewing bag Cleamng bl'Ushes. set (W) - Issued only In winter
Quantity 1 1 1 I I
I I 2 4
1
1
I1 IS nOI mtended here to deSCribe the elfaclluncllon and manulaclure 01 every arllcle IIsled above. since this would reqUire a manual on mounlamee"ng. so It IS only pos.slble 10 desc"be lhose Items 01 clothing whICh dlflered conSiderably from standard patlefn. EQUipment Will be COveted In the sectIon dealing With that subject
2. In the above IIsllng.the mounlain cap IS Included In adchtlOn 10 the fIeld cap (Schlflchen). because 011 the lime It was SIIU classlhed as an Item of special clolhlng for wear when mountaineering. It had nOI yet become a dlsl'nctlVe head-dress. Being an ISSue Item I1 was ldenllcal for all ranks. although officers could buy elClfa caps of supenor Quality. ollen With aluminium pIping around the crown and on lhe front 01 the flap. The Ileld cap was worn In barracks and on "eld ualmng when the steel helmet was not specified In March 1941 the mountain cap was offiCially recogmsed as a dlstmctlV1t head-dress.'
llooP o"cers In TypoQI
19.3. Three of the offlCel'l _ sl. Iouu on lhe !eh. mel~1 dUI,,'i .... ad on Ironl ~nd ....Iat mv todelwerss 01\ left. met.l1 de~I"'S ~ In Ironl. _ dUI"'. Moun~ ...
"OUMI'I.
wh,-' I.... _
head lA "On! _Ad
If' llle
Wf'\ItCe dress f)Ivs
IO'IOddlol
_.-s
110...1 emblem on llIe ..1t.
306. SS Mountain c.p. The AelChsfUhrer·SS has authorised all members of SS-Geb.rgs-OlvISlon Nord and SS·F,elw,Ulgen-Oivislon Prinz Eugen 10 wear the mountain cap. The AelChsfuhrer·SS has forbidden all officers. N.C.O.s and men m Olher uruts hom weanng Ihe mounlain cap. Kdo.dW.·SS/la 49
But In Septembe, 1943 it was decided to introduce a standard field cap lor the whole Waflen-SS. 10 be modelled on the mountain cap. and it was therelore necessary to preserve Ihe special idenllty of Wallen-SS mountaIn troops by the Introduc\lon. In OClober \943. of the cloth edelweIss fOI wear on the leh side of the standard Ileld cap and mountain cap. (For detaIls 01 the insignia and melhod 01 weallng see Vol. 7 of the p,esent series.) 3. In wintel a white knitted woollen cover was WOln over Ihe mountain cap. and ,n the forests of Lappland the steel helmet cove' was worn either on tOP of Ihe mountain cap or on liS own as camouflage headdress. and thIS practice may well have been responSIble for the introduction of a camouflaged lield cap latel in the war. I 4. The a'my pattern wind cheater is Included In the above listing. although photographs of 11 being worn by Walfen-SS personnel have not so lar come to light. ThiS double-bfeasted. lO-button. olive green calico jackel. had two slantIng pockets wIth buttoned Ilaps above the waist. and two patch side pockets with centre pleats and buttoned flaps. It had a half belt at the back with two buttons. and the cuffs could be fastened tightly around the wrist by means 01 a tab and button. All bUllons. e_cept those 101 the shoulder straps. which were In metal. we(e either horn or plastiC. Only inSlgnra normally worn on this garment were the shoulder straps. 5.
Field-grey mountain trousers were cut wider in the leg than standard long trousers. and were relntorced in the seal. The trouser legs were fastened at the ankle by dfaw·strmgs and held If'Islde the mountaIn boot by foot straps. In 1943 mountain trousers we'e gradually replaced by the new Keilhose. 'I Popular with mountaineers were the nonregulation Climbing I,ousers or knickerbockers. which were buckled just undor the knee and worn with long woollen socks. 6. The snow smock or shirt was a loose fllUng slngle-b,easted undyed cottOn smock. deSIgned to be wo," over the normal uniform and equipment as camouflage in snowy terrain. I1 was litted with a hood and collar. and had \Wo vertical slies above the waist to enable the wearer to reach hiS blouse pockets or ammunition pouches. Bultons were standard metal pattern wllh malt-white finish.
8. Canvas mlllenS with leather palms and wrist stfaps were used In conjunction with woollen gloves 10 improve insulation and keep the gloves
,,,.
SS mOUOla,,'1 t'oops wnh heav,lv loaded ,uckucl:s aod the specIal laf9c capacIty wale, bOllle.
9.
50
Boots had a specially designed lace-up ankle and thick studded soles fOI climbing and skiing. Many olticels and mountaineers wore thei, own
privately purchased mountain lootwear. whIch did not conform la any standard pal1ern. Mountaineers also wore special rock climbing canvas ankle boots with rope or felt soles. la. Wrist warmels were made of field-grey. baUle green or grey knllle
""pe
TOp
Sr,nd,.d 'n....
"'>01,'"1""
boor.
Bonom Mo","I,," boot w,th 'Styll,n OIlIer.
51
Notes: 1. V.8I.d.W.-SS. Nr.19. 1 October 1943. lrl!.3!"!7. 2. Ibrd. Nr.17. 1 September 1942, Z,ff.308. 3, SS-Plerslrste.. Nr.3. 1 Januarv 1938. 'I. V.8I.dW.·SS" Nr.14, 1 December 1940.lllf.418. 5 Ibid. Nr.17. 1 September 1942. llff 306. 6. Kampf untel dem Nordllcht IllUSlIatlon between pp. 176 and \ 77. 7. V.Sl.d.W·SS.. Nr.19. 1 October 1943, lllf.357. 8. De! Chef des Amles B 11. SS,Wlltschafts und Velwaltungshauptaml SS·Brigaf.lorner an SS-Ostubaf.Dr.Brandt (Pers.5tab. RF·SSl.. Berlin 28 June 1943.
5. Training and replacement units_
A Bosnl3n Moslem bemg Issued wllh brand·new mounla,n trOOD clothing, 1942.
Before the war It was normal practice to rssue a new recruit with one complete field service unllorm for wear during basIc training. on completion of which he was Issued wllh a second seL The fnst. now somewhat wOln and olten stripped 01 inSignia was relegated for wear In barracks. while the new unilorm was reserved for wear on exercises ilnd manoeuvres outside barracks. Even before the war and the rapid expanSion of the WaHen-SS. the flfst everyday unIform. or part of It. conSisted of odd Items of the old earth-grey service uniform. untIl finally Withdrawn In March 1941,' Already by 1939 training and replacement units wele being Issued wllh the most unusual selection of Uniforms lor thea baSIC training. Members 01 the SS-TotenkopfErganwngssturmbann III In 8reslau. for example. were wearIng FlfSt World War tunics of the lelb-Kurassler-Regt Nr,1. WIth black collar and wh,te IItzen, 101 stable duty and training. Without SS Illslgnla. DUllng the PolIsh campaIgn they were refelred to by the German army as the 'strange guards'.' By 1940 mosttrainll1g and replacement personnel were being Issued With twO fIeld· grey field uniforms and a set of dnll. As raw materials beCame scarce and stocks depleted. Ersatz unIts were the first 10 suller: In 1941 they were no longel issued With malchrng boots but two pairs of ankle boots.' By the end of the wal the Waffen-SS was not even able to Issue the two baSIC sets of fletd and one set of dill I uniform. and were lorced la requislllon stocks of mrscellaneous uniforms, 01 manufacture new selS out of whatever matellals were available In 1944-5 members of lhe Feldersatl. ballafions of the Toten· kopf and Wlklng diVISions In Schrotlersburg (Welchsel) were wearing field blouses made out 01 two dlftelent krnds and colours of matel ial. The breast and back porllOIlS (above the waist) wele made 01 dark doll material. while the lower parI of the Ironl and back portions (below the waist). collar and sleeves. were made of the normal fleld·grey material. The greatcoats were
earth-brown.' Many a young SS recruit. aUracted by the glamour and appeal of the SS Uniform. must have sullered severe disillusionment as he stared at the motley collection of'hand-me-downs' w.th which ne was issued on reporting for servIce. Notes: 1. V.Bl.d.W.·SS Nr.4.1 March 1941.Z.11 121. 2. Der Frelwllhge Nr.l, January 1970, pp. 16-17. 3. V.Bl.d.W.·SS.. Nr.20. 1 November 1941. Zltf.428. 4. Feldgrau.• Nr.1. January 1956. p. 19.
,,
BEKLEIDUNG DER PANZEREINHEfTEN
,
Clothing of armoured units The German definitIOn of the term armoured troops for lhe purpose of .ssulng the special tank black Uniform. was the crew and exchange crevv of lanks. armoured cars. and radIO vahlCles With enclosed superstructures. All othe' personnel In armoured Units wore the standard field-grey uniform. Towards the end of the war there was a tendency to ISSue the special black undorm to all p8rsonnelm an armoured Unit The specIal black Uniform was fIrst Introduced in 1938 for wear when on duly With an armoured vehICle. smce dill and grease marks would not show up. Wllh Other orders of dress the standard field-grey Uniform was normally worn later In the war lhe black Uniform was pl"oudty worn at every opportunlly. even when walking-out on RelCh lemtory. In fact Ih,s was due to lteld-grey uniforms being no longer ISSUed In add.llon to the black. At first the special black SS uniform was manufactured by the SS (Iolhlng Works and d.lfered slightly from .IS army counterpart. but once again rapid expansion necessitated the Issue of army Uniform. In complete contrast to the SllUallon wh,ch came about Wllh the field-grey SS field Uniform. the SS managed to maintain the supplies of liS own special black unIform. and It is therefore rare to see the army paltern being worn after 1942 As In the army. there was no SpecIal black greatcoat to go WIth th.s Uniform. and standard field-grey was .ssued. Schutzmutze/Baskenmutze Crash helmet This specIal head·dress was deSigned to act both as a protective head-dress and a smart Item of military uniform. It conSisted of a round black. cloth headplece.· padded With rubber and lined With American cloth. With four rubber ventilation holes. Over the headplece filled a large black. felt beret
....
l
\
/! "
, / j . i
~"-..j
\,
, '()o
~
./'~
\
\
\.~ :./
_.._-_._--~-._- .. '-"
\
--'-
...
-_.'
Snow smock with del'll or coil"•.
53
On the front of the beret were worn specIal versions of the nallonal emblllrn and death's tlead. both of whIch were machIne-embroidered rn SIlver grey SIlk thread on a black ground. ThIS Issue Item at head-dress was IdentIcal for all ranks. However. the beret was WIthdrawn alter proving ImpractIcal dUflng combaT experience: In ITS place. eIther the Schlffchen. standald fIeld cap In black cloth (see sectIon on head·dress). or the steel ~lelmeT were worn. Feldjacke Field jackeT ThIS was a short double·breasted black Jacket fastened wllh seven black plasllc bUllons. WIth collar worn open or closed with brown shirt (later grey· grllen) and black tIe. I1 dlffe'ed from liS army counlerpartlnsolar as Ihe front was CUI vertically Instead of slanting. and had much shorter lapels. Jackets were also privately made Irom vanous lrghtwelght or camouflage malellals. ' The COllar 01 Ihe black Jacket was sometimes piped In pink lor other ranks. and enher pInk pIpIng or tWIsted aluminIum COld for offIcers. I1 has been suggesle
-The base 01 the Panzer berel had a second lease 01 Irle when eXls\lng stocks were covered WIth tan matellal and. 'med wllh rabbtt lur flaps. Issued as WInter head·dless.
A,moured Car crews from rhe SS Re<:onna'SSOlnce Ballal,on in the SS verSIon ollhe specIal black clothing. France 1940
Notes: 1. Die Deutsche Wehrmachl1934 bls 1945. Heft.12 with IlIustrallon. 2 The Watlen·SS. I(S dIVisional lflSlgnia. p. 22. 3. See lor example the pholO 01 Max Wunsche as SS-Stuba!.. and Chef I.{SS.Pz.Rgt.LSSAH.l .. in Bender-Taylor Vol. 1. p. 44. This quite clearly shows pink pipIng.
Feldhose Field trousers These were similar to the army panern. haVing slanting sIde pockets with flap and bullon (later two buttons). watch pocket. and bUlloned hip pocket. They were baggy and cut like ski trousers. the bottoms lastened around the ankle by draw-strrngs and lootstraps. Fussbekleidung Footwear Ollginallv both marching and lace-up ankle boots were Issued with the black uniform. butlrom 1941 1• ankle boots and gaitels only were to be worn. allhough It appears this order was disregarded and those In possession of marching boots continued to wear them. In August 1941 the need for a practical working and summer uniform. and the necessity to provide reconnaissance personnel with a less conspiCUOus Uniform when operating on loot brought about the Introduction of the reed green drill uniform. 355. Protective clothing for personnel in armoured reconnaissance units. ~ 1. Crews of armoured cars ale to be issued with protective clothing In the same cut and make-up as the black field uniform. This protectIVe clothing is to be worn as camouflage over the black Uniform. or on ilS own in summOf. and also to prOtect the black uniform. Designation and arllcle number: Field jacket. drill. reed green. for tanks ... Arllcle No. 309: Field trouselS. drill. reed-green. fOI tanks ... Alticle No. 310. 2. The dflll unilOlm for these units IS discontinued. Divisional reQuirements must be sent to the SS-Verwaltungsamt with the next clothing Indent. V3/431/8AI. Although the basic cut 01 the jacket and trousers remained unchanged. there were minOl modilications. such as a large patch pocket With flap and button added to the left lront of the jacket and left thigh of the trousers. In JanualY 1943. the reed green drill unifOlm was replaced by a new onepiece reversible camouflage combination. The old reed gleen drill uniform continued to be worn. and was suit In use in Normandy in June 1944. 3.
Maetlln
ml~laklln
55
26. Camouflage combination for tank cr8ws.~ V.Bl.dW.·SS., Nr.16. 1 September 1941, Ziff.355 1. The crews and e)(change crews of tanks. armoured cars. and radio vehicles with enclosed armoured superstructures are 10 be issued with 11 camouflage combination instead of the protective clothing, drill, reed green. 2. Designation and article Number: Combination, camouflaged. fOf tanks ... Arlicle No. 306. 3. Field unil requirements must be forwarded to the WVHA. SS-FHA./a/Amt IV. The combination was made of water repellent colton duck with aUlumn and summer shade camoullage patterns. It was usually Issued wl\h the nallonal emblem on the left sleeve. shoulder strap loops cmd detachable metal shoulder strap buttons. Later models had a large patch pocket With flap and button on the front of the left thigh. Nevertheless. the need 10 pfOvlde crews with bener winter clothing was anticipated.
;
i
\ ~-L
27. Winter combination for tank crews.' In order to improve the winter clothing of tank crews and exchange crews. a new combination is Introduced. Designation and article number: Winter combination for tanks ... Article No. 396. Field unit requirements must be forwarded to lhe WVHA. SS- FHA./l a/AmI-IV) The winter combination was basically the same cut as the camouflaged onc. but was made of two thicknesses of cloth. white on one side. and fleld·grey on the other. Because of the difficulty in getting in and out of a combination. it was never very popular. and so in January 1944. It was decided to re·issue the two-piece drill uniform in camouflage material Instead of reed·green. This was also done to coincide with the intfOduCllOn in the rest of the Waffen-SS of the camouflage working and summer field service uniform.'
l
"
SpeCIal black clothIng 'or armoured vehlckl crew •.
Unofficial uniforms On the whole the clothing of armoured personnel appears 10 have been fairly standard. but there were two major changes at diVisional level. bOth of which took place in Normandy in 1944. The fifSt was the wearing of various items of camouflage clothing. field caps. jackets. and combmations by members 01 the Hitlerjugend and its parent Adolf Hitler Division. which were made from Italian camouflage material.' The Adol! Hitter Division arrived in
SS-Stub
Muhlen~amp
(Kdl. SS-Plo Rill. 5) alle' the award ollhe Kn'9hl's e,o••. Ru.s,a. Seplember 1943. Th"$hQw~ a good c,oss·secllon 01 Panze, troop cloth,ng.
57
France In Decembel 1943 alter helpmg dIsarm lhe Ilalran armed forces and Ilghung pal1lsans In nOlthern Ilaly. and provIded 11 cadre for Ihe formanoll 01 the HltlerJugClld DlvlsrOll. large quantllles 01 Italran mOlal llanspOfl and olher materIals werc used to replace dIsastrous German shortages.' In Ilalran naval depots large quantities of German feather U·boat clothing (ollglnall'r supplied by Germany 10 Ilaly) were discovered. requlSI!loned. and Issued 10 German tarlk crews In Normandy." Notes: 1 V.BI dW.-SS.. Nr.13, 1 July 19. ZI1I.220. 2. Ibld .. Nr.16.1 September 1941.Zlff.355. 3. Ibid. Nr.2. 15 January 1943. Zlff,26. 4. Ibid. 5. Ibld.. Nr.5. 1 March 1944. ZIII, 99. 6. See illustration on p. 42. 7, DleWalfen-SS. pp. 181-3. 8. Verbal conversation With the former divisional Ordnance Offrcer February 1972.
FElDGRAUE SONDERBEKLEIDUNG Fleld·gley special c10thmg The special fleld·grey clothing was first Issued to members of the Slurmge· schutz· Ballerre LSSAH In trme for the campaIgn in the Balkans In the summer of 1941. but 11 was not unlll Augusl 1942 lhatll was issued to crews of sell pfOpelled guns (Slurmgeschutze). 283. Special clothing for assault gun units.' Assault gun crews will be equipped With the newly Introduced special clothing. F,eld Jacket. field· grey (Prod. code 311. subject B)
'od
Captu'ed SS men wea"nu lhe ,uSh g,wn d,,1I u",ro,m !Of a,mouled vehIcle crews. Normandy June 1944.
58
Flcld tlousers. fleld·grey (Prod. code 314. subject B) EXisting field blouses and trousers Will be worn OUI.ln accordance wllh thr published order (V.Bl.dW.-SS.. Nr.16.. 1 September 1941. Zllf.348) non-mounled personnel are issued wrth one pair of ankle boots Instea(J 01 the marching boots with ordinary uniform. Kdo.d.W.-SS/li I n December 1942 the wcaring of the field grey speCIal clothing was alst' extended 10 self-propelled anu·tank gun unrlS (PanzefJagerernheilen.(Sfl.) , The uniform consiSled of a field-grey Jacket and long trousers. brown shut
The cemOllfl~!le Pan;re. combln~llon. Russia summel 1943.
·Panzermllyel' wearing llle .eve'slble wrnter combInatIOn for rank crllW1O. dunng lhe bal1le 01 CharkOll. February/March 1943.
59
SS· p,......KhuUe <;.....,,\1 In. D.ale ot Nor_ncl1 ......."ng lhe C:_'q tor l.nk Cfews.
GO
Or·" unatoom
BI:Ioc:k ":101"-< U _ I dothong llI'ltIg WOIn Dv ....maers ollM 2!Pz Resl1 12 (H1lIer"JU\IetICI 0_1 Rl'>I"ms. 1'.3
',n,
Novemoe.
(laler Ileld-grey) and black 111'1 Although not mentioned In the above order a fleld·grey verSIon 01 the black beret was <11:,0 produced' but ,t was not worn unlll the ,ntroductlon In 1943 01 a self-propelled rocket launcher Wllh enclo~ed superstructure (Mauluer S(tKfz 3) Officers usually WOH.' Ihe ISSUll field urllform wllh lhell badges 01 rank:, N.CO,s (with the e~cept,on of thoS() in SS Sturmgesch Abt and SS Pz_Jag Abl lSSAH.l.) dId nOt wear lace on the lacket collar' Pink piPing was worn on the collar by certain members of pz Jag bauahons. and a few oU,cers wore !Wlsted aluminium cord. but lecorded cases 01 these practices ale rare. Notes: 1 1/ Btd W.-SS. Nr 16. 15 August 1942 UI283 1 Ibld Nr 23. 1 December 19a2. Z,t/434 3 There IS an example of a fleld·grev berel with InSignia In the COlleCtion of Davld Delich. Kansas e,lV. OhiO. U.s A. FAllSCHIRM-SQNDERBEKlElDUNG ParaChule c10lhlng 01 olllhe branches of the SS. least 's known about Ihe CIOlhlng and equlpmenl 01 SS parachutists. SS 1I00PS tOok pall In two well-known all borne operallonsthe Iiberat,on 01 Mussotrm ;!Od the ,memplcd Capture 01 T'lo In hiS mountain HO In YugoslaVIa. Despue these evenTs there IS lUlle or no relerence 10 lhe clolhlng and eqUipment of the [lOOPS who palllc,p,lled In the operallons. ' It appeals that lhe alr-Iorce assumed responsibility nOI only for lhelr parachute training and transportal Ion by air. but also the equipping of SS parachut'STs w,th speCial all-force clolfllng and eqUipment. Normally then SS parachutiSTS wore standard fleld·grey uniform wllh lhe paraChUTiSt helmet Insle
Thflle N CD's from tile SS·Pl. Jag Abl ·lSSAH'. Spr'''lI T943 In AV5S'" Ihev 81. all we811"l1 Ihe sp&CI3l held-gflly cloth'no Only N C O_s on ItllS d'Ylsoon wele perm'Ue
61
-
fuhler Rybka. wore Im-lofce clothing and equIpment II conSISlcd of sl~1 helmet (will' or wlthoul camouflage nel). geometriC pattern camoullage smock. complete with alr-torce nattonal emblem on the light breast.· f,cld. grey 110users w,th the sIde opening \11,gl1 pOCkCIS. canvas gaIters. and ankle bOOIS SS untform was represented by the field cap (Sch,lfchen) With SS insIgnia and the bell buckle. Towards the end of the war. SS. like ,III-Iorce parachutists, were thrOwn Into aChon as Infantry. ,InCl contmued 10 weal standard t leld-glcy clothing and the parachulIslS helmet
.~
I
·T/ I.
•
• SS paratroopers du"no ,he 'a,d Oil r,!o·s HO.
O'~ar.
YugQlsavi. May 1944
Reccmly a batch of brand new (one only WOIn) parachu\lsts smocks. made of SS camouflage dllll matellal Win, the SS national emblem on the nght breast. [Ulned up In America. According to unconllrnlll(l reports thf!se werf! found by American troops In the SS Clothmg Depot at Dachau m April 1945 Thell wme brOught back to America. like so much SS camouflage clothing. because they were thought to be Ideal for duck shooting ThiS IS the only recorded Instance ot the SS nallonal emblem sewn on the light breast. and may have had something to do With the statlls ot SS parachutists under all·force operational command
SCHUTZANZUG Protect,ve clothing Protective clothing was Issued to Wallen-SS personnel. IHespectlve 01 their branch 01 service. to protf!Ct therr ordinary clothing and person from severe climatiC and phySical conditions. but which cannot be claSSified as wmter clothing. Kradschutzmantel Motor·cyclist's coat ThiS was Illst Inlloduced lor army dispatch riders and personnel In urlltS eqUipped With motol-cycles. and later adopted by ttle SS, and worn by all branches ollhe armed lorces. Waffen-SS and polJce until the end of the war. The coat was made 01 a fubberlsed fabriC. bUI like the greatcoat. also had al Ilrst a dark green clOlh collar, bUI already In 1939 coats With f,old-grey cloth collars were In use I The coat was double breasted With Wide sleeves that Notes: 1. In April 1944 It was announced that only those who were phYSically suitable could wear parachute clothing. This excluded those With large thighs and thick lorsos. V.Bl.d.W.-SS., Nr.S. 15 April 19·14,
Zlf1.189.
62
.....
.0
-," --
!
i i
" '--
.... - "-.. -----.;. ..... ---
'-------. -----.
; _._--~_.-.-_
..... ..... ... , '
•
•
•
Liole venoon 01 lhe SS l»'~lf_'.
IOf
torce ~KhUI~l' .teel ~lmet. as 'ssued 10
63
could be fastened IIghtlv around the wnsl. The skill of lhe coat could be divided and bUlloned around the legs. Although or,gtnallv Inlended as a motm-cvcllng coat. 11 proved popul<)r <)s a rainCOat and oflen worn as such by Waffen·SS personnel, The rubbellsed materIal was not very Strong and did not stand up well to the rigours of !lont·hne use, so the follOWing order was Issued: 216. Motor-cyclist's coat. I The malar ·cyclisfs coal may onlV be worn on duty bv members of lhe Waffen·SS. who have been offiClallv Issued With It. The mOlor-cychsfs coat must be worn over the eQurpment OnlV when action IS Imminent may lhe belt be worn over the coat SS-FHA/la In addition to the coat. overalls were made oflhe same malerlal. and deSigned to be wom over bOlh the ordmary lrouselS and footwear dUllng wel 01 muddy condl1lons. Other speclahsed protectIVe clothmg fa/ motor· cyclists were vanous types of goggles With either nOlmal 01 smoked antl·glare and sun lenses. and ellhe' gauntlets 01 mlltens In canvas or leather. The gauntlets were made of a dark brown leather and had a separate lhumb and forefinger. and could be fastened at the WIISt with an adjustable suap and press studs, Note: 1. V.Bl.dW,·SS., Nr.3. 1 February 1943, Zltt.216
WINTERBEKlEIDUNG Winter clothing It IS well known lhatthe Germans hoped to defeat RUSSia before the coming 01 wmte" and therefole made little or no preparations for wagmg Wlfller warfare. Failure to prOVide troops with adequate warm clothing resulted m disaster For the a"..erage German Winter. a pullover, knllled woollen gloves. greatcoat. and toque wele conSIdered suffiCient additional clothing lor uoops able to return and sleep In modern quarters, alter the campaigns of 1940. extra winter ctothlng had to be prOVided lor IrOOpS servtng m Norway
D,spalCh "der wearmg lhe r",bbe"ied rTI(IlO< CYChsfs CO
64
419. Special clothing for especially cold zones,' 1. The following items are rntroduced as addlhonal winler clothing for especlall.,. cold zones: Anorak With hood. fur lined. Fur waistcoat. These aflldes WIll onl.,. be conSIdered for unllS Quartered In former Polish territory and Norway. The anolak IS nOI SUitable for cavalry units. and so IS nOI prOVided. These unus Will be Issued wllh sheepskins
2,
The enlltlement IS. Anorak with hood. fur lined fOf 10% of the fighting slrength. Fur walstcoal. one pef man. The anorak with hood IS to be used fOf patfols over fairly long distances. The guafd coat. fur. is imended for statlonafY Of walking guard duty within the afea olthe barracks. Allocation Will be made on procurement and accorOlng to available stocks by application to lhe Verwaltungsaml def Waften·SS Units in Norway will be given prlOflty In supplies. V/3431/December 1940
.0
,
~ r# ..-
•
Pelzwaste Fur walstcoal ThiS was a shOIl (just below Ihe waist) sleeveless waistcoat designed for wear undef Ihe greatcoat fOf additional warmth. and was made from any available types of fur and to no standard pallern,
Windbtusa mit Kapuze. pelz-gefuttart
~
I
"
:,
\
fur Imed anorak II is not known whethef thiS was the same as the garmenl lhat appeared dUring thewlnter 011942-3. bUlltlS conSidered unlikely. So far It has nql been pOSSible la Idenllfy thiS item In photographs.
Nacktpelz Sheepskins The version Intended for use by mounted units was a threc-QuarlCf length double-breasted sheepskin coat wllh lamb's wool collar. Wachmantel Guafd coat ThiS was a traditional garment for sentlies on static guard duty In extreme cold. The coat was made of sheepskin with lamb's wool collaf. and was very long - almost touching Ihe ground. It was usually worn together wilh straw ovef boots, DUflng the fllst RUSSian Wlntef of 1941-2 Gefman troops were forced to augment their meagre winter clothing with whalever lhey could lay their hands on. and ImprOVise as beslthey could. The Items listed above were made available whenever possible. and often two greatcoats were issued, worn one on top of the other. But the greatcoat and surcoat were not very practical 10f wear in action, and weight alone Imposed qUite a burden on the weafef Sloch of clothing originally Inlended for mountain troops. such as woollen Scarves, mlllens, Wlntef underwear. and most imporlant of all. the snow smock, were Issued 10 the fighting troops whenever pOSSible. Where shortagos
W;nfel clOThing 'ssued to EsTonian volunt~ers near Leningrad. December 1942. The hooded wh'Te conon smock was p"ma"lv fc. camouflage. and was worn ove' other typeS 01 Warm w,nle' clOThing. The bOOTS w~'e malle (It ",hlte canvas with lealher blndmg and 'ubber soles.
65
were stili apparent. captured Russian Winter clOthing. particularly cap were issued. Sheepskin Clothing, the tradmonal Russian peasant Winter clothing, was enher requIsitioned from or manufactured by the Russ,ar" themselues, and either sold or bartered to the Germans In Germany a maSSive collecllon of winter clolhlng was Instituted, and thou. sands 01 ladles' old lur coats, ruSly skiS. and old toboggans were rushed to the Iront. olten w,thout repair or alterallon. Nevertheless. the wrelched supply situation at the front was not allev'aled unlll winter had broughl much suffenng. hardsh,p, and death to many Ill-eqUipped !fOOps. In Apnl 1942 winter clothing was 'e-collected for repau and storage unl,1 IUrlher need.' Throughout 1942 the Wallen· SS developed and manulactUlcd its own winter combat clothing Independent 01 the almy. It consisted 01 a lur·lined pullover anorak In a water lepellent. cement coloured gabardln' Imed with various kinds of black. brown, or while furs. or sheepskin Overal s were unlined and unqUllled. and deSigned to be worn over ordonary tlouser The bottoms of the !fousers fln,shed on a gallel, which f,tted ovel the top ....1 the boot WIth laces and footstraps, by this time the lace-up ankle boot was ,n general use, and the gaiter preventod melted snow from entering the bm I When snow lay on the ground, on undyed cotton overall, consistIng 01 ,1 separate smock with hood and Irouscrs (specially deSigned to go OVE'[ anorak and trousers) was Issued. The advantage of thIS arrangement was th"t the white OVCl garments tended to get very duty but being separable could be easily cleaned or replaced. Head-dress conSisted of a fur cap. based rougl11y on the Russian modr,l, with ear flaps. The head piece was usually made of leather, sheepskin, field· grey cloth, or the same material as the anOlak, Another pattern UTilised eXisting stocks of Panzer berets by covering lhe black head pIece wtlll cement coloured cloth and fitting rabbtt fur to the front and ear flaps_ Th s may have been originally intended for crews of armoured vehicles. as phot( graphs of it being worn are very ,are,
An unidentif'&d SS officer wea"ng one of rhe many d,lfe,enr paue,ns 01 sl>eepsk,n cap end COlt wh'ch wele made for the SS ,n Poland end Russ'a,
66
330, Issue of winter clothing_ ~ From 15 September 1942 all untts must be Issued With articles of Wlnkr clothing: Woollen gloves Balacfava helmet Surcoat For drNers only GaUnllets or ml!lens Pullover Over socks
}
ReqUirements of these articles are to be forwarded to the competent service offices. Fur clOlhing and other special Winter clOthlOg· is not issued la Ersat7 units. The provision of thc field reserve (Fcldersatz) wllh these arucles Will be undertaken in due course through collecting POlOtS. poss bly Rlga. Stel1ln. Warschau and Kracau. There Will be funher IOSlTuctlons. EXlstlOg stocks from the fur and textile collections by the German people are 10 be Issued on transfer 10 the front as additional clothing. and a Simultaneous entry to that effecl is to be made In the pay book. The addilronallssue of a second a,my blanket or greatcoat IS not permissible. Field Unl1S Will be supplied With wlOtef clothlOg by a special regulation of the SS· Wntschafts -Vefwallungshauplaml. SS·FHA/IV Kopfschutzer Balaclava helmet/toque ThiS was baSically an open ended cylll1der of knl1ted wool (measurlOg 33 x 29 cm) which could be worn 10 a number of different ways - round Ihe neck like a scal!. on the head like a cap comfollef. Of fOund Ihe neck and pulled up over the back of the head. coveflng the ears. like a Balaclava helmet. Obermantel Surcoat ThiS garmenl. Introduced as early as 1937. was a long. loose fining and heavily Ilnod version of the greatcoat. deSigned to be worn over the ordinary greatcoat. or sheepskin or fur waistcoat by dnvers of open motor veh,cles. Early models had black and aluminium twisted cord around the collar. the same cOlour as the coal. and the national emblem on the left sleeve. Basic cut was Identical to thal of the greatcoat. DurlOg Ihe war many dlflClent patterns of thiS coat were issued. and 10 addition to the normal side pockets they were equipped wl1h two vertical pockets above the waist. which were so placed and suffiClcntly large to convemently take a gloved or mlttened hand. The sUlcoat was lined with dark grey blanketll1g or brown fur; some had lleld-grey leather patches on Ihe shoulders_ "The term 'speclal winter c1Olhlng- (WlOter-Sondefbekleidung) was reserved for the speCial wlOter combat clolhlOg SUltabte for wear in action. as opposed to other types 01 winter clothing worn by personnel behll1d Ihe lronl
I~SllO held·g,~y knllled woollen toque (KoplsehullerJ and wr'$1 walme'$. TYPical ear·delender$ made hom held-g,ey cloth hned Wllh lamb"s wool.
It CQvered the ears and
wu ned under the chin.
67
Wachmantel Guard coat ThiS was a Irad'lIonal garment (sulcoal) 101 sentries on stallC guard duty In extreme cold. I1 was usually made of sheepskin and worn together wl\h 0
,Q-
I
0
0
I I
'0-
0
:~ I
'?I
! I
0,,
\0-
,
straw over b001S.
0
,I
;
Ol
0-
, !
.I :,0-
Q
\ '
..
-
----
.---d
••
"-
-'
.. ' ..--_
_----_
.
",
.- ..,- /
Su.coal. O!lverse and reverse and dela,l of raIsed hOod
68
In January 1943 Pohl reported thal 'thanks 10 supplies obtained in the Balkans. and by the change of domicile of the Jews, the WaHen-SS was able la obtain suffiCient stocks. and was able also thl$ year 10 line anoraks With fur. Next year. however, we must also change over to the Winter clOlh,ng introduced ,n the army',' FollOWing a crash programme. the army succeeded in iSSUing liS new winter combat Uniform 10 field units In time for the winter of 1942-3. but apartlrom odd sets obwined from the army by the Walten·SS, liS own verSion 01 thiS clothing did nOt enter service until the winter 01 1943-4. The clOthing consisted 01 a hood. jackel. trousers. and mittens. made Irom twO layers of wind ploof material. With wool-rayon interlining. It was reverSible. being white on one side and SS autumn camouflage on the other. and was designed either to be worn OVOf the ordinary field uniform or In conjunction with speCial qUilted under garments. The white Side of thiS unllorm tended to get filthy. which defeated ItS purpose as camouflage In a snowy lilndscape. so troops behind the front were ordered 10 wear It With the camoullage side out. Recognition Because of baSIC Similarity In shape (or shapelessness) and coloUl of winter clothing. a system 01 markings had to be Introduced to Identify one Side from the other. On the RUSSian Iront a strip 01 black cloth was worn on the upper left or right arm. and changed dally. so that It could not be Imitated by the enemy. the 1943 pattern winter COmbat jacket was prOVided wllh buttons on the sleeves. so that the Strip could eaSily be changed. Waffen-SS personnel also wore the death's head on the front of the lur cap. sometimes accompanied by the national emblem. Notes: 1. V,Bl.d.w.·SS.. Nr.14. 1 December 1940,2111.419. 2. Ibid.. Nr.8. 15 April 1942. ZiH.13fi 3. Ibid.. Nr.18.15 September 1942.ZI!f, 330. 4. SS-Ogruf.u.Gen.d.W.-SS Oswald Pohl an den RF-SS. Seu :Serlchl Uber die Rohstolflage auf dem Splnnstofl-und Ledergebiet. Berlin. den 9 January 1943.
I
SS-Grill.",. Gen L. d W SS Feh~ Sle'ne, we.rong an '.sue Sulcal' w"lIlealhe, ,lIool!le' p,d. SS O,cll•. we3rS lhe il~nd'Jl' "elll Prey g''''eall.
t.,.
Tile 1942 SS w,nle' cornbal un,form. The lokl,e. on ,roe "\1111 Welr5. toque.
69
Gro",p Of SS gfenad'C1S on 1944. wearong the new pane,n f,eld caP. wh,le one w~r$ a capl",'ed Sov,et Wln1er cap wIlh SS ,ns,onla, Some 01 Ihe men wea, lI'e SS vars
----SS 'eversible ...... nte' combal ",,,,Io,m conSISlono of Jacket. ll005l:"S. hood and mlllens. onuod",ced In 1943.
70
TROPENBEKlEIDUNG TroPical clothing Tropical clothmg came lather late to the Waffen-SS·. and IS believed to have been first ISSUed to members 01 the S!Urmbngade Relchsluhrer-SS on then arnval on CorSica In September 1943 Although there was talk of sending the Walfen SS to north Africa. the clothing was designed p(lmaflly lor wear In southern Europe. the Balkans. Adrlauc. and southern RUSSia. and conSisted of the following Items: 1 Sun helmet 2 Field cap (Schlflchen) 3 Standard Ileld cap 11 Field blouse 5 Shirt 6 Field trousers 7 Shorts All lhe above Items were basically the same In CUt and manufacture as the.r field grey counterparts. but all were made out of a sand coloured cotton dull Tropllnhelm Tropical helmet The shape was the same as that Issued to German trOOps In North Africa, lwd was made 01 cork covered With olive green cotton dllll, All external leilther Urmmlng was In field-grey. and the helmet had a red IImng The SS runes and national colours were the same as those worn on the steel helmet. but were detachable white metal shields I Fllldmutze (SchiHchen) Field cap Idenhcal m cut 10 the new pattern field-grey field cap. (See p_ 73 ) Einheitsfeld mu t;re Standard field cap Tho same shape as ItS field-grey counterpart. but Without separate Hap and buttons In frOnt The same inSignia was worn on both caps. and consisted of a national emblem and death-s head. machine-woven In sand coloured irtchclal Silk thread on a black ground • The Irrsl mention of tropical clothing In the SS-Verordnungsblalt IS
fmpro.nsed IfOpOl;.1 c101hong III G,ee<:e 1941. f;OflSlSI.ng 01 sports doll>eS .nd C.plUled
6<.'JSh sun hel.... ts. In
NI 19. 1 October 1943. Zlf1.370.
7.
Feldbluse Field blouse There were two basIc piHternS 01 tropical field blouse, as well as a number nt mmor vatrants. The fl,st was Identical In cut la Ihe 1940 model army Ilelcl blouse, Ihe second was basetl on lhe velY elfltlent Italian bush jack(1 (Sahanana), Normally only badges 01 rank and lhe naltonal emblem were worn on th" troDlcal flcld blouse. allhough Olher InSlgma. such as colhn patches anti nilllonaltly badges. were also worn by mdlYldua\s.' The nallonal emblem was machmc·woven m sand coloured arl,l,c,al silk on a black ground. anot NCO s lace. which appeared on lite colla, and sleeve chevrons was ai' woven m sand coloured arllllClal Silk
Hemd Shlfl The shin was also manufactured In llle same way as the lta!tan Saharlanil With IWO breast patd, Dockets.
Feldhose Field trousers T1lese we'e In lhe standard trouser cut. wllh bullHn clOth belt, twO sl,lIlf,n(j SIde Dockets with flaos and bunons. walch pocket. and hip pocket wuh bunon The bOllom 01 the trouser leg lapered and was fastened around Ihe ankle wltl, a draW-SUing and footstrap
Kurzhose ShOIlS Poss,bly nOI olllClal Issue. but certainly wo.n by cerlam Waffen-SS personnel Same cloth belt and pocket a"angement as Ihe Ileld trousers.
SS-Obv'Slu.m~nnfuh.n' Gesele. commander 01 !he Sturmb"gade Re,chsfuh'e.-SS, lOOn ahe. h's unO! had been 'ssued w,th t,op,c~1 CIOth,ng. CO'$IC~. Seplembe1 I !l43.
72
Notes: 1. ThiS is a desCllptlon of the helmet Illuwated (only surviving example known al lIme 01 wtltmg) from Ihe colleCtion of Mr James van Flecl, Slanhope. New Jersey. U.S.A, 2. See the Waffen-SS. Its D!vislonal InSignia., p. 63, with iIluSlrallon
'\
Cl
Two
~n."n Voll
'1'1 lhe .....'kong DIVISIOn. _
......>form lIncl mounu,on bOOtS.
73
ARMELHOHEITSABZEICHEN
Nallonal embl~ms fo, wea' on 1he sleeve. l·R: hand emb,o.dNCd and machine woven pane", 10' oU,ce,s. Bottom fOW. l-R mach'ne embro'dered and machlnc woven panc", 10' 01hc' 'anks.
74
National emblem for the sleeve TIle nahonal emblem first began IQ be wom on the upper lell sleeve of the earth-grey SS Uniform rn the summer of t935 Conllary to popular belief rt was not generally worn by all ranks on the field-grey tunic. blouse. anu greatcoat until 1938. Prior to thal year oflicers usually wore a hand-embroid ered versIon. other ranks a machrne-embrOldeled velsron rf the freld blouse or greatcoat had been issued with It on. In 1938 the second and frnal pattern of the SS natIonal emblem In aluminIum hand embroidery 'or oflicers. and machine embroidered In silver gre'l SIll' thre
Aluminium wire on black ground for officers Sllvel grey thread on black ground 101 other ranks, Light khaki (sand coloured) thread on black ground for wear on tropical uniforms. Brown on black ground for camouflage uniforms (autumn). ~ BlIgtll green on black ground for camouflage uniforms (spring) •
HOHEITSABZEICHEN FOR KOPFBEDECKNUNG National emblem for head·dress At flfst Ihe SA and SS shared the same small while metal (tin) national emblem. which was worn on frOnt at the service cap. above the SA button. Of SS death's head. In the summer of 1935 the Lelbstandane-SS Adoll Hitler was equipped With earth·grey. and a photograph 01 seven offIcers In brand new earth·grey uniforms shows twO wearing the Relchswehr n
Notes: 1. SS·Preishste Nr,3. 1 Janu
2. See photograph on p. 18 3.
SS-Preisliste Nr.4. March 1939,
4. See orders Quoled In sectoon on camouflage clothing. 5. See source of th,s mimmation ,n footnotes to section dealing with camouflage clothing. 6. Adjutant des FGhrers. Hptm.a.D.Wiedermann An die ReichsfGhrung. SS Belr Hoheltsabzeichen fur dre SS· Mutze, Berlin. den 3 February 1936.
Top 10 bonom l-R' Badges for the old and 'law p<1nern field caP. Combined badge for lh. standard field cap, macl"n. emb'(lIde'ed and mach,ne WO~en pancm. for wear on field gtey head·dres•. Mach,ne embto,dered and maeh,no woven palle",. for wear on bli'Ck head·dress.
TOTENKOPFABZEICHEN (STOFF) Death's head badges (cloth) The fust cloth verSion of the death's head badge was not made for the SS Panzer beret. In 1939. SS death's heads began to be machrne woven rn aluminium thread for the new pattern SS offrcers' field cap.l W,lh the introduction. in Novembl!r 1940. of Ihe new Slyle SS field cap, the dealh's head began 10 be machine woven In sliver grey Silk thread far other ranks, In addlllon to Ihe pattern 10 alum,nlum thread. ThIS patlern was manufactured unhllale m Ihe war. when it began to be replaced by Ihe new combrned death's head and national emblem for wear on Ihe M.1943 standard field cap,' The machine woven death's head was manufactured m a standard size for wear on alllhe various kinds of field cap. and was even worn by some personnel on the service cap, A slightly larger verSion was, however, produced for wear on Ihe Fez. (See Vol. 7; sectIon on the \ 3th SS D,v) The same colour threads were used for the manulacture of death's heads as were used for national emblems.
TOTENKOPFABZEICHEN FOR DIENSTMOTZE
Standard mmal cap Insignia.
Death's head cap badge The dealh's head was worn on nearly all Items of SS head·dress beneath thE na1l0nal emblem. The death's head was adopted by Hrtler"s SIOSSlrupp In 1923. and was to remam the symbol of the SS until Ihe end of the war The first pallern was tdentlcal 10 thal worn by the PrUSSian Lile Hussar Regiment Nos, 1 and 2, and was made of silvered tm, In 1934 It was replaced by a specially designed SS model. Both old and new badges were worn concurrently, but by the outbreak of war only a few Watfen·SS otlicels continued to wear Ihe old pallern,' Like the national emblem. the dealh's head was manufaclured IIfSI m SIlvered tIn, and then In an alloy. The death's head for wear on the grey service cap was to be rn matt alumrnium. and Silver plaled lor the black walkmg-out cap Although rntended for wear only on the serVice cap and the N.C.O.s field cap, the metal death's head was worn on other types 01 head·dress such as the field cap. standard tield and ski cap, and on varrous kinds 01 fur cap. I Notes: 1. SS·Preishste. NrA. April 1939, With hand-wrmen amendments 2. See section on head-dress. 3. See illustratIon on p, 58. 4. See illustration on p. 70.
76
SS.VT/WAFFf:N·SS 8ADGES OF RANK IDlf:NSTGRAOABZEICHENJ 19)9·1940.·
SS-Ooooo-""... • e;,." • W
ss
ss QI>orl.......
SS~_
....... u.... w'\;S
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,
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86
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WAFFEN·SS BADGES OF RANK IDIENSTGRADABZEICHENI 1942.1945.
~., 0
0
0
0
0
0
ss·O.,..,,'·G'uPP<'nlu....' u. G.n. 01>0,. G. W.·SS
• SS·UnlOawrmluJu.,
88
SS·Ot>o'~ulll"m'yh~1
u.G.n.G.W.·SS
SS "'"p_l"~,.. yG.... llG.W.SS
.,,
~.
~. 0 0
SS 1l''lI_lulut' u. G..,. M.,. d. VI SS
0
,.
0
I
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
SS ot>et"u'"\W1..r""~'.'
•
ss·OI>t,"'.....". u .........
89
An hton'an SS·Slandarteno!J.e'lunker, wearing off,ce(. cap (wIth non'egulatlOn natoonal emblem) and bell, The badge. on h,s lell breast pocket are estonIan.
Of1icer cadelS (SS·Junke') at lhe funeral of SS· Bnga!. Ff1lz Wm. ~Illed near Caen on 12 June 1944. Ahhough lechnlcally cadelS held N.C.O. ,ank lhev ale not wearrnll glove•. Thev all wear the cull·band 01 Ihe" former unIt to whIch they wIll return, and nOl thel 01 I~.e school.
91
WAFFEN_SS POTENTIAL OFFICERS AND OFFICER CADETS. BADGES OF RANK (DIENSTGRADABZEICHEN). ACTIVE. 1940-1945. 1940-1944
•
•
55-5''''''' ,'''... (SS I"c )
,'''''.«
5,,,,,,,.,,,,,,,,,,·,
SS lSS,Sc"'l
SS S""".,.,.,,,.. [fill
• ss "n'....,'"
If 01
SS Stl'", .... w.w ('0'
Feb. 1944·Mey 1945
• SS 5' (SS·
92
"<,,, .,.'....•.. e'
~.,J
SS 5'""" ..."",,,,,., (SS·S'I "
• SS Se""". "
,w
IfS)
See nOlI! at 1001 Of page 86
WAFFEN·SS POTENTIAL OffiCERS AND OffICER CADETS. BADGES OF RANI( (DIENSTGRADABZEICHEN). RESERVE. 1940·1945. 1940-1944
SS I.."',"..,... " ....., d
R~,
(RI"')
O_XNo',,",.,
SS • R... (RrAI
•
•
lID
ffiJ
".,M".,
SS u.,", .. d.R., lRfAI
ss
I ,-
"'
SS St_""." ",w. (RFRI
Feb. 19411.M.V 1945
•
•
~
•
LW SS·Sto.u.,_"",,,,",, d.ReL
SS Jun••, d. ReL
ss s,"'"....."" (RrD)
SS-St"""." ,.w (RrD)
93
UNTERFUH RER-ANWARTER-ABZEICH EN
Potential N.C.O.s badges 78. Potential N.C.O.s badges."
• SS·SlUrmmann and ss- Unlerfuhre,anwarter (12 V's servIce)
SS·Slu,mmann and SS· Unle,fur"eranwa,ter (less than \2 y,s servIce)
I! has been established that the badge for potel1lial N.C.O.s who have Signed on 101 twelve years. IS oo.ng worn by other ranks not entitled 10 it. The potential N,C.O:s badge IS: (a) For potential N.C,O.s who hOle signed on lor twelve years. a 0.9 cm Wide. regulation aluminium lace bar across the bollom of the shoulder strap. (b) For potentIal N.C.O,s who have signed on ior less than twelve years: a 0.4 cm thick tWisted cotton cord In Waffenfarbe across the bottom of tIle shoulder strap. Only olher ranks who have successfully completed a potential N.C.O:s course (Unwrfuhreranwar!erlehrgang) are entitled to wear thiS badge. or If. because of their conduct In the ranks. they have been recommended for appointment to a potential N C.O. by llleir company or battalion commander. If a year nlter their attendance at the course a potential N.C.D. has not become a section commander (Gruppenfuhrer). he must remove the badge. Kdo.d.W.·SS lib Kragenspiegel Collar patches In February 1938 the introduction of army badges of rank rendered the SS collar patches. which denoted both the rank and formation of the wearer. superfluous. In the Waffen-SS. badges of rank. branch of serVice, and formation insignia (Cyphers. numerals. and leners) could all appear on the shoulder strap. In addition. the formation name or deSignation already appeared on the cuff·band. An order of 10 May 1940 concerning the field-grey uniform of the Waffen·SS (issued on day Germany Invaded western Europe) rendered obsolete. for secunty reasons. all the pre·war SS·VT and SS· TV collar patches With the SS runes or death·s head With numerals and letters. From that date on. the SS Notes: 1. SS·Betehls·Blatt.. Nl.lO. 15 October 1934. Nr.5. 2. Ibid .. N1.3. 25 March 1935, Nr.16. 3 V Bl.d .......... -SS .. Nr.12. 1 November 1940. Zlff.297. 4. IbId.. Nr.23. 15 December 1941. ZifI.487. 5 lb,d" Nr.4.15 February 1944.Ziff.86. 6. !bld.. Nr.24. 15 December 1941. Zilf.78.
94
runes and the death's head became the standard collar patches of the Wallen55. 1 The change-over from the old paltern 10 the new could not take place ovor night. and as an interim measure units selvlng In the front-line with old collar patches removed them. Since one collar patch could hardly be worn on Its own. they removed b01h.· To complicate maners even further, othel units. mainly those in the Totenkopf DIVision. were stili wearing the double death's head. Allgemeine.55 badges of rank. as warn in the Waffen-55. remained unchanged unTil AprIl 1942. when The Fuhrer approved the introduction of a new rank - SS-ObersT-GruppenfCihrer - and corresponding badges of rank. ThIS, however. entailed the alTerallon of the deSign of the eXisting collar patches for the ranks SS-STaL - SS·Ogruf. There were no further changes TO the deSign of SS collar patches for the rest of the war. Manufacture 55 collar patches were made In the shape of a parallelogram (60 x 40 mm) consisting of a piece of buckram (or metal for the removable ones). covered In black badge cloth or felt for all ranks up to and including SS·OberSlUrmbannfCihrel and black velvet for all rankS from 5S-5Tandanenfuhrer to 5S-0OOrstGruppenlUhrer. The collar paTch was usually sewn to the collar of the tunic. fletd blouse. or greatcoat. unless It was the removable pallern With metal base and a screw fllting at each corner. in which case It was screwed TO the collar. Before the war and unTil August 1940 the collar patch for oTher lanks was edged in 1t mm black and alUminIUm twisted COld.' Olllcers' collar patches were edged In 1t mm aluminrum twisted cord. although during the war thiS was ohen omitted flom the collar patches on the field unlfOlm. All ranks from S5-UnterscharfCihrer up to and includIng SS·Obersturmbannfuhrer were Identified by 12 mm aluminium stars (maximum 4): inTermediary ranks had in addition 6 mm wide aluminium lace with a black Slripe (maximum 2). Oak leaves for the ranks SS-StandanenfUhrer up to and including SSOberst·Gruppenfuhrer were hand-embrOidered In aluminium wire. as were the 1 cm sq. Slars. Metal stars were never wom on collar patches by general olllcers.
~
sa
Notes: 1 V.BI.d.W.-SS., Nf,23. 15 December 41. llff.482. 2. See photographs in Waffen-SS Im Westen. 3 Der Relchsfuhrer-SS, Tgb.N.RFjV.Betr. Dlenstgradabzelchen der 55 und Polizel. FLihrer-Hauptquartler. 7 April 1942. 4 V Bl.dW.-SS .• Nr.18. 15 August 1940. lif!. 155,
Development 01 the SS ,,,,,es and death's head colla, palches, L-R 1sr partern hand embroidered SS runes arld death's head fOI othcels. Th,. panem was worn on both collar patches. 2nd panern hand embrOlde.ed death's head 101 ollrce's. also worn in pelfS. F,nal panem fOI offIcers. woven ,n alummlum thread. ht panem mechlrle emb.oidered SS runes end death's head I(lr OIller r.nks. The death's head was worn on both collar patche,. t 940 partern machIne emb,o.de,ed de.,II'·' head whIch was also worn on pa"s. F,nal machme woven pallern fo' other ranks.
95
._a TOpl-R 51,ndard RZM vl!r~lon of Ihe 0011·1942 hand·embroldered eQUal patch for SS·Ol>etgruppen/uhrer and SS·Obe,fUhrer. Collal Pllch far SS·OberSlUrmh,tll",r Wllh rogull"an 'lars and Intermed,ary rank lat". 60tlllm L·R Standard RZM vemOn of Ihl! p,•. 1942 hillld ambrQ,de,ed colla' palch lor SS·B""adelutl,••• "cl SS·Slandanen!uhfe,. Collar palch for SS·UntelSlurmfutlfe, WIlh 000"8';IUI8Iion stars.
5chult.rstucke (Flihrer) Shoulder sl/aps (CommISSiOned ranks) In July 1935 officers 'of the SS.Verfugungs!tuppe were ordered to weal Allgemelfle·SS shoulder cords on both shouldets (see Vat 3. pp. 48-50) of then earrh.grev. aod later fleld-grev lunlCS. blouses and greatcoats. They were worn until Match 1938. when the army pattern was Inlloduced. Alllfst. SS officers purchased a'mv offlce(s shoulder sllaps with ellhe1 mall or !lfloht aluminium braid on a while underlay. Wllh 0111 melal Slars. The December 1939 order slaled thal the army pattern shoulder SlrapS were 10 be In mall aluminium braid (brlghl aluminium was forbidden). and Ihal the underlay was to be In lhe baSIC colour of the SS (black) for all offIcers In all
96
unllS In addItiOn. army Waffenlarbe piping was 10 be worn between lhe braid and lhe black underlay General off,cers were 10 have general's paltern braiding {IWO gill and one alumlntum) on a light Silver orev underlay onl,. Company and !leld officers were 10 have 20 mm bronzed and general offlcets 26 mm stars In silvered metal.' InlrodUCllon of army shoulder straps was lhe most radical depal1ule from the predominantly politIcal traditIon 01 the SS uniform· No sooner had Ihe'" been IntJOduced than the queshon Immediately arose as 10 whICh SS office,s (partICularly those In the SS Hauptamt) were to considel tl'lemselves merT1bers of (he Waffen-SS. and thus ehglble to wear them On 14 May 1939. SS-Oberf frank. chief of the Verwaltungsamt-SS. was Informed Ihal 'u e Relchsfuhrer -SS does not want. apart from the I nspector of the SS -Verlugung- _ truppe. SS- Bflgaf. Hausser. olher SS general officers In the SS·vr and SS-TV. to wear army shoulder Slraps The weallng of army shoulder straps by office's up 10 the rank 01 SS-Sta! In lhe SS·VT and SS-TV IS permitted bv the Relchsluhrer-SS t -AlIer the war Hlmmler was In favour 01 reintrodUCing the pre-war blatk service uniform complete with ItS Single shoulder cord. but real!sed Ihalthls might not be very popular wllh an oUlcer of the W
On 13 December 1939 Hlmmler sent the following directive to aJl his MalO Office Chiefs:" '1 refer to my order concerning the IntrodUCllon ef Reserve Waffen-SS officers. and request that Main Office Chiefs ensure, With all powers at thelf disposal. thal no SS leader under their command wears Walfen-SS shoulder straps on his servlCC dress unless entrtled 10 do so The followrng are so enlltled: (1)
Waffen·SS oUrcers
(2)
Reserve Waflen-SS ollrcers
(3)
Securrty Polrce and SO leaders on active duly. regardrng those people who are to be rncluded rn Ihrs calegory. please ,"qurre la the ChIef of the SO· Hauptamt
(4)
Cena," of your Marn Offrce Chiefs. as proposed by the SS·Personal· hauptaml. and With my personal approval.
\11
On 10 May 1940 Himmler amended hiS December 1939 order as follows. Offrcers' shOulder straps were to remain the same wrlh black underlay and army Wallenfarbe prplng. but the metal inSignia was to be rn bronzed mlllal for all company and freld offICers. and silvered metal for general oUlcers wnh the rank: of SS·Blrgaf. and above. The old gIlt rnsrgnra could be worn unlll 31 December 1940 al the latest. I In filct rt was worn until the end of the war.
Notes: Sec Appendrx I. 2
Der Chel des SS·Hauptamtes. SS·Gruf Helssmeyer an SS·Obed Frank. Chc! des Verwaltungsamt·SS. und SS·FUhrungsaml. Inspekteul der SS·VerlUgungslruppe und F0hrer der SS·Totenkopfverbande. Berlin. den 14 May 1939.
3
Ocr Relchsf0hrer-SS. Ober das SS-Hauplamt zur Veltellung an ane Hauptamter. Berlin. den' 3 December 1939.
4
Sec AppendiX 11.
5
Undated draft report With penCilled amendments. possibly by Berger. on suggested development ot the SS uniform. from 1he files of the AdJutantur des SS-Hauptamles.
lOp 'ow. L·A Oetachable shoulde' strap tOI SS·Dg,ul. U. GCIl. d. W -SS. Sew'''' panern to' SS·SrU'mb"llnfuh'"r alld SS·HauPISlwmfumer alld derachable panern for SS· Un!eISlu,",fuhrel. BOl1o", row. L-A Pre·1939 SS·V! and Walfen·SS palleln shouldc. snap rOt SS· HauPlsehalluhrer Ind orher ranks (MannsehaI15dltm51{l.ade). POS! 1939 WaUen·SS pallem for SS·Scharriil""r and orher ranh.
97
Schulterklappen Shoulde, SlrapS (Olhe, ,anks) In July 1935 all members 01 lhe SS-VT we,e ordered 10 replace lheu Allgemeinc·SS shoulde, cord by a,my patte.n shoulder slraps (measuring 11! x 4.1 cm) on bOlh shoulders of the earth-grey field tunic I AII,rst these we,e made 01 eanh·glcy. and later black cloth With rounded ends. edged In 2 mm black and white or 1.5mm black and aluminium tWisted cord: they did not however idenllfy lhe wearer"s rank. In March 1938 N.C.O.s began to wear aluminium lace and 20 mm white metal stars on their shoulder snaps. which by thiS dale eXisted in lwO distlnCI patterns. The lirst was made 01 black cloth With rounded ends and black and alUminiUm lWlsled cord piping, The second was made 01 a coarser quality black. ClOth Wllh pOlnled ends and no PiPing. ThiS pattern was Intended for wear with the lield blouse. and had a tongue which passed through a loop on the blouse or glcatcoat and lastened With a bUllon. In December 1939 new black cloth shoulder straps wllh rounded ends and piping In a'my Walfenfarben were Introduced,' During the ensuing change· over a Iimlled number 01 shoulder straps With pomted ends and piping were manufactured and Issued. J In May 1940 It was announced that as soon as field units had been Issued with the new shoulder slJaps. replacement Units wcrc to receive them.' Also in 1940 lace began to be manufaclUred In mouse g,ey or flcld-g,ey alllf,clal silk
Notes: 1. Oer Chef des SS-Hauptamles an SS-Obe'abschnltte und Verfugungstruppen, Berlin. 27 July 1935. Beu.; E'dgraue Rocke. 2 See Appendix I. 3. See WaHen-SS Im Westen, one from last page. With Illustrallon. 4 V.Bl.lnsp.(E) .. Nr.3_ 1 May 1940
SS-
Dienstgradabzeichen fur Mannschaftendienstgrade
P,ototype SS shoulde, boa,ds for wea' on black unlfo,m 10 dlst,ngUlsh ex·membe.s 01 the Watfen·SS.
Badges of rank for other ranks Army badges of rank for lhe lowesl SS ranks are believed 10 have been Introduced In March 1938. at the same lime as the army paltern shoulder slraps.' They wele worn on lhe upper left sleeve 1" cm under the na\lonal emblem on all but camouflage uniforms.' In February t943 the weal 109 01 these badges on camouflage umform was offiCially permllled. J
Manufacture SS-Mann{SS·Oberschutze U,S.W. Machine-embroidered 2 cm·sq Slal In Silver grey artlf'clal silk lhread on a circular black cloth ground, SS-Sturmmanll. One 9 mm Wide lace chevron on a triangular black cloth SS·Rottenfijhrer. Two 9 mm Wide lace chevlons on a lflangular black cloth.
9B
The 9 mm lace was at first woven in aluminium Wire, but from 1940 onwards I1 was also manufactured in either mouse grey or field-grey artifiCial silk thread for wear on the field uniform. or sand colouled thread for tropical ulllform. The two chevrons for SS·Rollenfuhrel were also woven rn one piece. Notes: 1. The exact date of rntroductlon has denied confirmatiOn 10 date. h was certainly earlier than 1940 (see Taylor/Bender. Vol 1. p. 110) srnce a photo of the Lerbstandarte rn the market place at Eger rn October 1938 shows an SS·Sturmmann wearrng the Single chevron. It seems logical that once it had been agreed to adopt army badges 01 rank the SS would have adopted them all. and not In stages as hlthello generally accepted. FM·Zeltschrllt . Folge 11. Berlrn 1 November 1938. 2. ThiS conllicted with the wearrng 01 the national shield (Landesschlld) and so rn April 1944. the regulation was amended. so th,lI the shield should be worn under the national emblem. and the rank badge under the shield. V_BLd.W.·SS.. Nf.8. 15 April 1944. Zill.164. 3 Ibid. Nr.4. 15 February 1944. Zlll,63.
-+
Oien5tgradab~eichen an
Bekleidungsstucken ohne Schulterstucke Schulterklappen. Badges of lank on c10lhrng without shoulder s\faps No sooner had camouflage uniform been generally adopted than difficulty In identifyrng rank was soon encountered In tt,e field. As early as May 1940 the use of strips of lace or cloth on the sleeve. already In use In the air-force was advocated. l At the begrnnmg of It,e RUSSian campaign officers of the SS·Aufkl.Abl. (and pOSSibly other units) Identified their rank group by strips of white tape or aluminium lace on the upper sleeves of their camouflage smock. 1 Thrs system IS believed to have been that Oflglnally rntroduced In 1936 for motoflsed units of the SS·vr fOI wear 011 overalls and greatcoats.~ It conSisted of stripS of aluminium braid for overalls. and whde rubber for the rubberised motor-cyclists coat Each stripe was 1 cm Wide by 8 cm long and the distance between each s\fipe was 0.3 cm. In September 1937 the original order was amended. so that the StripeS went right round the arm.• SS-Unterfuhrer N C.O.s One Stflpe SS· Fi.ihrer Company officers Two stripes Three stripes SS-Stabsfuhrer Field officers The German army was faced with a Similar ploblem. and designed and Introduced a completely new syStem 01 badges of lank in August 1942. In February 1943 Ihese same badges (wilh mlllor differences) wele introduced In lhe Wallen-SS.• b~w.
Top 'OW. L-R. Slee¥e sta, 10' SS·Oberschune eIC.• and ehe¥/ons.n mou~e·grev 311+"e.ol1<11<.. reglllal.on paue'n. lace IQ< SS· Rouenliih,er. aadges ot lank lor lInrlorm~ w,thOlll sholllder straps. L·R SS·GIlI!. wllh oak lea¥es machIne embroIdered In YOllow arlll,elal Silk lhread. lInd yelrow celloph.line lace bars. SS·Unrersru.mlllh'et ,n g,een anol",al s,lk thread and g,een cellophane b.rs. Bonom rOw: Pflllled panem ,n black on bf",hl green .11,1",.1 s,lk ground for SS·Slulmb.nn. fuh'er and SS·Obe'scharlllhrer.
99
Ofl,ce!~
01 Ihe SS·Aulkl.Abt onte"O{jale a captu,ed Sov,et ofhcer du"ng the openmll of Ihe ,nvas,on 01 AUSS"I. The SS·Hauplsturmluh,er on Ihe "ghl 's Identified l)y two bB" on borh sleeves 01 htS camouflage smock. ~Iage~
100
63. Badges of rank for clothing without shoulder straps. 1. To Idenuly the lank of officers and N.C.O.s ollhe Waffen·SS on lhe Snow and fur anorak Sheepskin Winter comblnallon lor P,JOzer hOOPS Drill uniform. black and reed green Camouflilge Jacket Camouflaged combinatIOn for Panzer troops Doll Jackel Troprcal Shlll Trallllng costume (SPOilS). and working dress Specral mach,ne·embro'dered badges on an oblong black. ground (a~, Illustrated in Appendrx 11) are Introduced. and are for: (a) Gene'als of the Waflen·SS. rn golden yellow (b) Offrcers, IIlcludlng SS·Ober!.. III bright g'cen (c) N.C.O.s. rn bright gleen. 2. POSitiOn of the badges Upper left sleeve - top of the badge 10 cm from tile shoulder seam. On cJOthlng without shouldel seams the badge IS 10 be worn at the same height as on clothing Wilt, the se
thal II had a sIngle 2 cm-wide golden yellow lace bar. on which was machine-embrOidered In sil ....er grey SIlk, three 20 mm stars A cheaper versIon for all ranks up to and mcludlng SS-Obelfuhrer were screen pllnled In black on bllghl green artifICIal SIlk. Although hitherto thiS pallem was presumed to have been made smce the war, those In the author's collection came from a huge stock found In Paris, and tholr orlgmality can be confnmed by compaflson with that shown In the IllustratIon opposIte In
Notes: 1. Undaled draft report wl1h penCIlled amendments on suggested Impro ....ements to SS unIform from the f,les of Ihe AdJutantur des 55Hauptamtes. May 1940. 2 See IllustratIon on p. 100, and DIe Deutsche Wehrmacht, Heft 12. wIth an i1lustraJlon which In fact shows SS off,cel (With two whIte bars, on IllS camouflage combination) and nOt an SS-Oberschaduh,or as stated. 3. SS-Befehls-Blatt. NrA. 25 June 1936. Nr.2, 4. Ibld.. Nr,9. 25 August 1937, Nr 2. 5 V Bl.d.W -SS .. NrA. 15 February 1943. ZIff63 6. Ibld.. Nr.14, 15 July 1944. Z,ff.381. 7 See IllustratIon on p. 102 which shows the special pattern for working o.... eralls,
,In
WAFfENFARBEN Branch of ser .... ,ce cOlours Unlll the Introduction of army shoulder straps, the question of Walfenfarbe had nOt aflsen In the SS-Verfugungstruppe. All piping on SS uniform (peaked cap and long trousers) was while, irrespective of tI~e wearer's branch of ser .... ,ce Wllh the adoption of army shoulder straps With underlay In Watlenfa rile. officers began to equip themsel ....es Wllh peaked caps and long trouselS Wlttl coloured plpmg. The attached amendments 10 lhe flrSl SS order concernIng the field-grey unlfo!m of the Waffen-SS, dated 12 December 1939. clearly state, hOW(!VOf, thut tho piping on peuked caps and trousers was to ((I maIn wh,te,' The next order dated 10 May 1940. states thal the trousers
SS·Hauptsturmluhrel Joseph Krimer commandam at Bergen·Belsen concentralion camp alle! hIS capture by Br'lLsh troops, He wears an Issue shin wnh loop lor shoulder SHaps and Ihe primed panern 01 badge 01 rank for wear on clOlh,ng w,thoul shoulder straps.
'01
An SS-H~upl.ch~rfuhrer (Iefl) and all SS·Obe'Slu""fuhrer ollhe In.!arldsellungsstaflol des H. SS-Panze,ko,ps nea, Cha,koll, Spring 1943. TIIflV bo1h wear Ih" special versIOn or badges of rank 10, wO'k"'lI overalls.
102
1. The piping on the SS peaked cap fOr officerS, N.C.O.s and men is white. Officers With the rank of SS·Oberflihrer and above are to have silver (aluminium) piping. Watlenfarbe is to appear only on lhe shoulder straps and field cap. 2. The aluminium piping on the officer's field cap is in future to be worn only SS-OberfUhrer and above, All other oHlcers are to wear white piping .• 3. On the long grey trouselS the piping is to be white. * 4. Items rendered obsolete by thIS order may be worn until 31 December 1940." Paragraph 2 appears to have been ignored. and there IS no eVidence or survllllng examples of olllcers' field caps piped In white. As the end of 1940 drew to a close. SS officers. who by this time must have been In some doubt as to what exactly they were supposed to wear, were reminded that: 439. Application of Waffenfarbe I The RF·SS has ordered. that all officers of the Waffen-SS, must In accordance With flW order of tIle 10.5.1940, halle the sllOulder straps with the conect piping of their unl!. by the 1 January 1941. (See In this respect the order of the RF·SS Hauptamt fUr Haushalt und Bauten - 1/3 1501 ~ of the 19.6.40). The continued wearing of non· regulation shoulder straps, or those With the Incorrect Walfenfarbe beyond the 31,12.1940 IS hereby forbidden. This equally applies to the field equipment for N.C.O.s and men. With regards to the wearing of white piping on the peaked cap and long trousers, see the order of the RF·SS of the 5 Nov, 1940. according to which the wearing of those of a different manufacture also terminates on the 31.12.1940. Kdo.der W,-SS/IVa *Although permission to wear piping in Wallenfarbe on the peaked cap (and long trousers) had only been offiCially permitted for a matter of seven months, a large number of officers and men continued to wear It until the cnd of the war. Notes: 1. See Appendix I, 2. See AppendiX 11. 3, Ocr RF-SS u, ChdOtPol. SS-Befehl (Abschrrh) Betr,: Feldgraue Uniform der Walfen-SS. Sipo. und des SO.SeW9.: Meln Befeh! lIom 10 May 1940, Berlin. den 5 November 1940. 4. V.Bl.d.W.-SS., Nr.15. 15 December 1940.Zill.439.
Explanatory guide to the Waffenfarben listing The listmg is compiled chronologically by lhe date of Introduction of eilch colour. The original listings have nOI been altered or corrected In anV Way despite known omissions. The final listing has been compiled fron a number of different SOUfces including Dich rult die SS. p. 92. and the 1943 edition of Oer Soldatenfreund (Ausgabe D:Walfen·SS). Tafel17. Notes: 1. Appendix 1 to the amendments to the RF·SS-Befehlvom \ 2 December 1939, HHB 1/3009. Betr.: Feldgraue Uniform der Waffen·SS.
2. Appendix 1 to the RF-SS-Befehl (Abschrlft) vom 10 May 19-)0. Beu.· Feldgraue Unlfolm der Waffen-SS. Sichcrhcnspolizcl (me! des SO. 3.
SS-Fuhrungshauptamt Abt.la.Betr.: Waflenlarben der Wallcn SS (Abschoh). BCllrn·Wilmersdorl. 30 May 1942, and supplement ddted 19 June 1942.
4.
Officefs retained the Waffenfarbll oltheu former unit. V.Bl.d.W.·SS. Nr.17, 1 September 1943.ZIIf.322.
5.
Ibid.. Nr.17. 1 September 1943. Zlff.307.
6. Ibid.. Nr.13. 1 July 1944. llff.368. 7. Ibld .. Nr.3. 1 February t 943, Zlff.37. Pleviously lemon yellow was w- m. 8.
Until the intfoduction of orange. staff retained the Walfenlarb<' of their former unn. Der Chef des 55- Hauptamtes SS-Ogruf. HeISSfT1C' er. Betr.: Abzeichen lur die Angehorigen der SS-Standort-Kommandar tur Prag. Bellin. den 7 March 1940.
9.
Pilar to the mtroductlon of led and gley twisted cord plpmg tOI Fachfuhrer In June 1942. oUlcers and N.C.O.s in special sor",ce (Fuhrcr und Unterfuhref Im Sonderdlenst) wOle dark green Waif, n· larbe. RF-SS-FGhrungshauplaml. IIb/(l) Az.64: B 16 h Nr.221111. 1941 vom 6 November 1941.
10. SS-Fuhfungshauplamt Kdo.W-SS. Abt. la. gel. JUlIner. SS_GlUT u. Gen.Ll.d.W.-SS. Bell.: Waflenfarben der Waffen-SS. Belug.: SS· FHA. Abt_la, vom 30 May 1942_ Berlin-Wllmersdod. den 3 July 19-12. 11. V,BI.dW.-SS.. Nr.18. 15 September 1943. ZI1I.334. WaHen·SS adJutanfs eords.
12. Ibid.. NI.16. 15 August 1944. Zilf,482. 13. Since 1 July 1942. members of the Kraftfahrtechnische lehranstalt also wore orange. Ibid.. Nr.13. 1 July 1942. Zllf.232.
'06
,AUSROSTUNG EQulprnent For the purpose of this book. pefsonal cQUlpmenl has been defined as swndard equipment rssued to a soldrer on enterrng tile Walfen-SS. and kept on charge by hrm throughout hiS service. To avord unnecessary repetrtton the following descriptiOns generally apply to materials used ,n the manufacture of standard German Issue personal eqUipment. leattler, Normally black. bUI brown was also used for small fll1rngs. straps, relnforCUlg and hnrngs. Webbrng: Erther freld-grey. olive green. or !rgtl[ khakr (sand colour) In v"rlous Widths Towards the end of the war many dltlerelll kmds of nonstandard webbrng were used. Canvas Usually olive green or f,eld·g,ey, but the old pre·war black and gllly canvases contrnued to be used throughoutttle war. Durrng the last 1'.... 0 ye
Duty N.C.O. (Unter/uhrer vom D,ensl) was d,slonguised by weallng an ~Iuminium cord lanyard on the righT shoulder. ThiS practise which was nOl common In lhe SS.
107
Top 10 bQllom 11'132 mootl SS othC&<$ bell bul:Ue 1932 model SS Olher ,,/nU belt
Prototype olher rankl Dell buckle made b~ Auman & Sohoeilnd p
buc~tl.
108
(to surt the tilfrilln) to a Ilght glound than vIce versa After thiS date ~I eqUIpment left the factory finished In the Slandald colour Feldeusrustung Field equipment Koppel Waist belt The waiST bell was ISSUed to all othe' ranks and was worn With all 0ld9rs l' dress Since II conSlllUted a degradation to have the belt laken away whol~t under arreSl those serving In penal un,ts were rssued With a strap for lho! bread bag rt lhey drd nOl alreadv have one • The Onl'l soldrers alioNed 0'" wrthout a bell were those rn m,lolary hosprlals 01 convalesCing It was USUdl practrce lor lumOI offlcels to eqUIp them5CtVCS wrth belts of other ranks Irom !hell U01t"S stocks 101 wear rn the held bUI thiS was drscontlnued In Jul .. 1943 because 01 shollages $ The leathet belt was 4";' cm wrde With a melal hook at one end and a leathf'1 longue wrth two lOWS of holes on Ii'll.' reverse of lhe other Cfld. to whch U e buckle was attached and adlusted Belts wl\h a lacquered Irorsh were m t ofltClallyallowed Webbrng belts do not appe,lllo have been genelally ISSlK'J to Walfen-SS personnel Koppelschloss Bell buckle The standard rOClangulal SS bell buckle .... as or,g,nally rnlreduced In 1932 • Before the wal the blIckle was usually made of n el Dhlled steet, and later In an alloy wllh iI m.iI1 srTVCI" (alumrnrum) fmlsh Dunng the wal the rssue belt buckle .....as painted lteld-gley Seitengewehr Bayonet DurIng the Second World Wal the frnal pallorn of 84/98 bayonet wa standard rssue 11 had wooden gllps and had Ollgrnally been ISSued to mounted troops In 191!i JUSt befole the war baketne grrps began 10 replace the wood ones. but rn 1944.4!i W en grrps began 10 be used agarn. Durrng the wal onlV those rssued wrth a flUe lecelved a bayonet. and when Gefman bayonet' wale nOl avartable foreIgn ones were rssued When no bayonet was avallabt. the frog was worn empty Seitengewehrtasche Bayonet frog The bayonet was carrred rn a black lealher frog (20 x !i cm) worn on the left hrp suspended from the waist belt The standa,d frog was produced In twO palternS - the cavalry versron. as opposed 10 the rnfantry one. had a narrow leather sl,ap whIch held the grrp of the bayonet!O prevenllt swrnglng
\lIolentlv_ With the introduction of Ihe folding entrenching 1001. a new bayonet Irog (19 II 3 cm) was Introduced In November 1942 leslrlChClnS were Imposed on the wearing 01 bayonets and Ir s by p~rsonnel employed .n olflces 01 El5atz units on Re'ch telfltory • patronentaschen Ammunl\lon pouches 98K. These ammunlllOn pouches wele made 01 Ieathel (9i II 19 x 3 cm) and were des,gned to lake 30 fOunds In SIX chps (IWO clips 10 a comparlment) Most pelsonnel In held units were ISsued with two pouches. but Ihose w.th a small ammun'tlon requuemcnl. such as alullelymen. received one ThiS pouch panem had 1llS0 been ISSUed to mounted pelsonnelln 1915. rema.nlng v.rtUlllly unchanged unt.1 the end 01 the Second Wodd War, altl10u911 .n· (leasing use was made 01 flvets to replace Stitch 109. In June 1942 llOOPS wele adVIsed 10 modllv thet! pouches by addlO\J a small strrp ollcalher ID Ihe tOP to prevent clips trom tailing out when 11 was le!t open.' MP 28. Those eqUipped With Ihls sub machine-gun were .ssued With a black leather pouch lor Ihree magazlIles. whICh had a large Ilap covellng lhe f,ont MP 38 &: 40. ThiS was a canvas pouch (23 x 15 cm) designed to take three magazines. and was nOlmal1y ISSUed .n pailS The left pouch was fltled With a small pocket at the base of the leh magazme conlalnel. whICh was designed to hold the loading tool G41. 641 (W) &: G43. Thts pouch with twO compartments was deSigned 10 lake two magazines ollhe 1"51 Gelman aUlOrnallc 'IUe which was ISSUed In limIted quanttlles. The pouch was made 01 a synthellc lubbellsed labllc with leathel and metalll\lIngs.; MP43. MP43/1. MP44 &: StG44. New pouches wele deSigned 10 take the long slighlly curved magazine of the aulomatlc assault rllle. The canvas pouch (25 II 20 II 3; cm) held three magazines. and were made and Issued In pairs. which were JOined together by a narrow webbing strap 10 prevent heaVily laden pouches !lom failing forwards, Both pouches had small pockels for SlllPPlllg tools and accessolles. These pouches were manufaClUred Irom Ihe poorest mateflals. canvas. odd bits 01 rubber. and other synthetic fabllcs. Gasmaske und Trallbuchse Gas mask and container The standard Gelman almy gas mask was call1ed In a 250 mm-long cylrndflcal metal COntalnel whICh was canted as follows: I Unmounted personnel wore It suspended Irom the light hip from a strap over the left shouldel. When th,s was not practIcal. lor Instance by hght machine· gunners 01 by complete unllS. then It could be worn on lhe left hip WIth the Wap over the light shoulder.
•
l-R 84198 twyoner due WI1h lne folding eflllenchong 1001. F,n.1 Panern frog 1o, mounted personnel.
109
Waflen-SS man ca,rymg the 1st W",ld Wa' long-barrelled Mause' ,n 'IS bull· holster .lId [,cid glasses ,n th'M ClIse. Th" he1me!s have been daubed With mud lor camouUage, F'ance 1940.
110
Mounted personnel, as above, but more to the Iront with the waist belt ove! the container cally,ng straps to p,event ,t flapping Violently. Drivers 01 motor veh'cles Includ'ng motor-cyclists wore It on the breast at elhow level. With the lId towards the flghl In 1939 the container dimenSions were slightly altered The length was Increased to 275 mm. and the diameter reduced irom 120t-120 mm, Field units wele unlfOlmly eQuipped With lhe new pallern. Those ,ssued WIth a gas maSk were expecled to carrl' It al all tunes when being posted. translerred. 0' when travellmg Gasplana Gas cape The anti-gas cape was carried In a canvas !louch (17 le 23 cm), and was elthel ~ltached to the gas mas~ contalnc, strap and worn on the chest. or strapped to the contamer Itseli, Late, In the war the cape was ra'ely worn. Kleines Schanzzeug [nt,enchlng tool The entrenchu\g tool conSisted 01 a 15 cm-wide flal or pOinted steel blade on,1 straight wooder, handle (overall length 55 cm) It was carried In a leather 0' call1l,,s case (Taschel suspended from rhe waist belt on tl1e left hip. The shovel was kept In place by Il strap which encompassed both handle and bayonet Sheath when wOln together In 1942 a folding entrenching tool (Zusammen~lappbares Schanzzeug) measuJlng 69 cm-long extended and 49 cm folded, was rntroduced. By means of a Bakelite nut the pOinted steel blade could be locked In anyone of three posItions - In line With the handle as a Sllovel. at r,gtll angles 10 the handle as a pIck. or folded against the handle for carrying. A specral leather and metal case With Single bell loop (and one for bayonet sheath) was Issued w'th It TtllS new case made It necessary to re-deSign the bayonet frog: It also prOVided a useful means of carrYing thl:! stick g,enade. Zeltbahn und Zubahor Groundsheet and acceSSOfles At the beginning of the war there were four types of groundsheet used by the Walfcn·SS'" These were the square grey 1931 model, the grey army_ and camouflaged triangular army and SS pallerns. 81' the 27 January 1939 8.400 triangular SS camouflage oncs had been Issued. The triangular groundsheet mcasured 203 x 203 x 203 cm. and apart from 'IS prlmalY purpose as a portable shelter could also be worn as a cape or poncho In wet weather. The,c were three different methods of wearing It - for those on foot or mounted on horseback. motor-cycle, or b,cycle. Normally four groundsheets could be buttoned together to form a four· man tent. altllOugh any number from one upwards could bl:! used, In addition to the groundsheet, each soldier carried
rolled InSide the sheet. three 26 cm-long metal pegs. three 36~ cm long poles .....hlCh Imed together. and a length 01 cord The groundsheet was wom m a numbel 01 dltlerent ways 1 Rolled and tied wIth two 54)( l) cm-long Ieathel or webbing sllaps suspended from the .....alst belt at the back 2. Rolled Iength.....ays and placed on top of the blanket and/of gleatcoat. and sllapped to the pack bV three straps 3 Rolled length.....ays and strapped around the mess-un to tOlm an assault p~'
Rolled and strapped on lOP 01 the canvas pouch of the assault pack With the lWO slfaps provIded. 5 Rolled and strapped 10 the twO D-rlngs on the back of the SUpportUlg straps. In December 1943 1\ was decided not to Issue groundsheet and accessory replacements to the eastern Iront for economy reasons. agalll III Seplember 1944 IheH~ were no replacements 10 supply troops and crews (excepl to medical companies). Mounted units were eqUiPped With only 25% 0' those requuoo by supply troops and clews. n Brotbeutel Haversack The 1934 model bread bag (22)( 26" 9 cm) was made 01 canvas w,th e.tOcl Ieathel or webbing and met.l IllIlogs. The !lap was fastened by Sll.ps and buttons. on later models straps were dispensed With and the Ilap provided wrth twO button-holes. It could be worn on lhe fight h,p suspended lrom the waist belt. 01 OVef the shoulder from a 3 cm-wide detachable and adjustable canvas sllap. The haversack was supposed to contain washing kit. ea\lng Implements. field cap and "lie cleaning kit. Feldflasche (Labe-flaacha) und Trinkbecher Waler-bQttle and drinking cup The water-bollle was camed on the right hip. suspended by a sprlllg·loaded clip from 1I D-flng on the haversack. Its capaclly was 1 hue. and was at fllSl made 01 alumllllum With screw cap. then plasllc Impregnated wood. and fln.lly enamelled sleel. With a cover 01 grey lelt. The cup was IIlltlal1y made of aluminIum. pillnted black. then field·glev enamelled steel. black plasllc cups wa,e also Issued. The cup IlIled over the top 01 the screw cap. held In place by a lealher Slrap. The I litre bottle measure
W,f1en·SS man wuh tile I.,'thel pOUCh 101' MP 28 fTIa08l'lWS.
111
SS glenad,e,s equ,p~d w'lh the nsaull rifle wea""G the sPlIc,al can~aS pOuches del'gned
to carry Ihe long cur~ed magazine. France December 1944,
Havtll'MCl< (81olbeulel) wlh 5(1 die dea... ""l 101. sewln'l k·t. 10;
112
OI'IS lVPtUI OOflle. la1 conl'f'1'II' 1Q
' ••
tile wal enamelled steel. It conSisted 01 a shallow lid with handle. which when Inverted could be used as a plate Of cup The pot was deep and Illted with a wile handle. Tile meSlHln measured 15 x 16 x 9 cm. it could be carned In a number of different ways' 1 InSide the pael:: 2 Strapped to the flap of the 1934 model pacl:: 3 Strapped to the assault pacl:: Irame 11 Inside the flap of the engineer's assault pacl:: 5 Suspended by a leather SHap and spring· loaded clip horn the lelt D-nng on the haversacl::. alongside the water bOltle. 6 In 01 on the left saddle-bag. Koppeltraggestell Slr~PS supporting The slfaps supporting wcro designed to suppon both the welgln of the W1l,st belt ammUnition pouches. etc.. i1nd C
EstonIan volunteers wailing lush g,een dllll uniforms. webbing ~uaps suPpofllnll. The 10 hold camourlage maumal os made f,om a haversack suap_
harnes~ usoo
113
Sturmgepick Assault pack The assault pack was made of 4 cm-wide webb,ng and measured 28 )( 26 cm Attached to it were TWO 35 cm-long stlaps designed TO hold Ihe groundsheet Detachable from the frame was a canvas bag (13)( 28 )( 8,· cm) des,gned 10 hold the rille cleaning kll In the flap. and a tent line. pullover, and reduced lion ration (tinned meat and ZWleback) In the bag The rolled groundsheet was strapped on top.'" Bekleidungssack Clolhlng bag ThIS canvas saTchel WIth leaTher and metal fIttIngs was Issued to both mountel' and unmounTed troops on addItIon to the M 39 pack. so that each ma, receIved one pack Of rucksack and clothIng bag Those unots who accordln~ to the KAN were Issued Wilt, two cloth,ng bags dId not rece,ve a pack 0' rucksack, t I It camed drill Uniform. underpants, pan of socks. colla' Imer. an~ other miscellaneous reQunements Mounted personnel carried In addItIon" pan of ankle boots. ,awr. cleaning and sewing kll. and a pan 01 bathing trunks I In 1944 the whole QuestIon of packs was revIewed and sImplIfied as follOWS
Thll usault pack wllh foiled blanket. mess·t,n and g,oundshOOl snapped to the "on 'at,on bag. whIch wu one 01 lhe many ways on which 'I was used In the "eld. July 1944.
114
662. The equipping of officers. N.C.O.s and men with packs. 1. In vIew of previous expellence. ofl,eels N.C.O.s and men WIll be Issuec woth packs as follows' (a) SS offIcers up to and includIng SS-Stal large rucksack (standard rucksack) Art No 10151 With carrying straps for unmounted personnet A,t. No.l0131 (b) SS N.C.O.s and men Art. No, 10152 Battle rucksack Wllh carrying straps for unmounted Art No.l0131 personnel (c) Members of mountain UnitS eQuIpped With speCIal mountain clothing Rucksack for mountain troops. small Art No. 10155 Art No. 10156 Rucksack for mountain troops. large In any case It IS not permITted to take ot!ler artIcles 01 luggage. such as trunks. SUIt-cases. clothing bags. packs. etc.. other than the packs mentioned under a. b. and c above. 2, The following are rendered obsolete by this new regulation: Pack M.39 Art. No, 10132 Art. No. 10133 and assaulT pack to pack M.39 Art. No. 101311 AssaulT pack bag
Assault pack for engineers AI! No 10137 Side pouches 101 engllleers Ar1.NO.10138 Rucksack la. arullery Aft No. 10159 Clolhlng bag Arl No. 10160 Saddle-bags for mounled personnel These Ilems are la be worn OUl Flut special attention IS to be paid to the facllhallhese Ilems of equipment da not romaln Wllh the men as addnlonal luggage _ (See llf!.1. 1.Abs.). 3 The qlJan\lty and type 01 lIems rendered obsolelC. and surplus are to be lepotted al once 10 Ihe SS-\rVVHA-Aml BII-(Feldelllhellen) 01 SS-FHA - Ami VI-(Ers-Ernhenen) and offices In Relch leflllory. saddle bags to SS-FHA.Ab Ib J Regarding the cancellahon 01 saddle bags lor mounted lroops. special allel11!0n IS drawn la the order rl1 Ihe HeereSlechnlsches Verordl1ungs· blClIl. 2.Jahr 14 Ausgabe of 15 July 1944. Zlff413. which where applk:able 's relevant 10 the Waffen-SS. SS-FHA la-IVa Mannschaftsdacke Blal1kel The Issue blankel was gley Wllh IWO Wide and s,x nallow stripes "I both ends_ It was nmmally carrred eHher rnsrde lhe pack or rolled and strapped on lhe oUl~lde. sometrmes rolted and calrled over lhe shoulder_In November 1944 It was ordered Ihal between 15 November 1944 and 15 Malch 1945 all SS membelS posled 10 field units ,n the eaSl should be Issued WIth a second blanket. 111 addillon 10 lhe blankel rncluded In tho Issue schedule(1<) of the Watlen-SS. Meldekartentasche Map 01 dlspalch case Made ollealhel (27 x 19 cm) Jl was Issued to aboul 50% ollhe complete SllMgth of a unit as laid down 111 Ihe KAN. I ' 11 was m'llnly wOln suspended by IWO adlustable snaps from the walSI bell by dlSpalCh-liders and secllon and 1.00p leaders. Bener quallly privately pUlchased map cases In black or brown lealhel were used by slall and ar\lllery officers, Dienstfernglas SerYlce binoculars Binoculars (6 x 30 01 10 x 50) were Issued 10 oil1C6rS and N.C.O.s. and ahhough supplied w,th either a leather or Bak.ellte case. they were usually .....orll exposed found Ihe neck.. and the lenses plotected by a cover_The case .....as deSigned 10 be worn horn eIther lhe belt 01 callYlng strap. Large numbers of more powerful pllvate or ·booly· binoculars wele also used.
NOfWeg,an voluntoo's WeBlInll IlIe pack W,lh foiled blanket ana ground.heet and empty Dayonet 'fog Th" Sold,er On tile "ghr ha. a clOlllln9 bag.
115
Handgranatensack Hand-grenade bag Introduced m 1939 for ;Jssauh troop u~e. and based on Ihe type used In Ihe Flfsl World War. l\ conSI~tcd 01 !wo b
Tvp.cal Watle...·SS me'" dUll"''' a pause ,... t"e bal1le tpr Fra...ce. 1940 Th .. dellrlv shOWS lhe giS cape pO
MG-Werkzeugtasche Machine·gun tool and accessory case Call1ed by machine-gunners Instead of Ihe "ghl ;Jmmunitlon pouch. (lhe left pouch was replaced by a pistol holster) It measured 19 X 16 x 16 cm and contained tools. cleaning kit spare boil. length of ammUnition bell. and an anti-aifCla" sight. Anached to Ihe front of the pouch was a p,ece of heat fesistant cloth for use when chang,ng a hot ballel.
2
AHM 1943. Nr 591
3
Ib'd. Nr.630
4. V.Bl.d.OSAF. Nr.6. 26 January 1932. Z,ff 22 5
V.Bt.d.W.-SS. Nr .21. 1 November 1942. Z,lf.380.
6
H.V.BI.Tell B. 61al1 12. Zilt.505 vom 27 June 1942. V.Bl.d.W.·SS. Nr, 16. 16 August 1942. liff.285
7.
M,litalla. Vol. 1, No. 1. p. 14 w,th ,llustratlons.
8
Oer D,enstunterricht Im He-crc (Ausg. f. den Nachr.-Soldaten) pp. 135· 7.
9. AHM. 1942. Nr,414. 10. V.Bt.d.W.-SS Nr.14. 1 December 1940. Z,ff.420. 11. IbId. N1.18. 15 September 1944. Zllf.530 12. Ocr Olcnstunterr,Cht im Heere. pp. 73-5 With 11Iustr,uion. 13, lbld
MG-Laufbehiilter MG barrel container A 65 cm-long cylindr,cal metal container fOf carrying a spare banel for the MG 42. Two velsions existed - for single Of twin ballels. The strap was adjustable and made of webbing w,th met
116
14. V.Bl.dW.-SS Nr .16. 15 August 1942. Z,ff.284. 15. Oer Dienstuntcrrichl im Hee/e. pp_ 73-5 With Illustration. 16. V.BldW.·SS Nr.21.1 November 1944.Ziff.660. 17. Ib'd. Nr.16. 15 August 1944. lif1.286.
pistolentaschen pIstol holsters Holsters were usually purchased or Issued wl\h the pistol, and as such they come under the category of weapons and theIr accessolles. They have been II1cluded !1ere because tt,ey contrlbuled 10 the external appearance of the SS sold le] The service pIstols of the Waflen-SS were the 9 mm Parabellum (P,S tale 08) and the Walther (P,stole 38), although at the begll1nlng of the war large numbers 01 obsolete pIstols suct, as the long barrelled Mauser With bUllhO!Slel and captured Czech and Polish seT vIce pIstols were stili In use. TIle plslOls were usually camed on the left hiP, barrel lacing to the back, rn a black lepther holster. The P,08 and early P 38 holsters were made of blocked leather, but the later P.38 was of unblocked deSign Issue holst"rswere usually marked as follows P.38 Jhg 1944 In thIS case P.38 stood 'or the type of pIstol. Jhg was the rnanufacturer"s code. and 1944 the year of manufacture. OffIcers were expected to purchase lhelr own pIstols (Elgentumswaffe) tram the SS Clothing Counter against presentatIon of a voucher. Details of Ihe prstol were Ihen to be entered In the owner's pay book (Soldbuch) 55StandaTlenoberJunker. who had to kll themselves. were to get pIstols from then school, wh,ch was to 'ndent on Ihe SS-FHA. Ib 'or the reqUired number N.C.O.s were not allowed 10 buy pistols later In Ihe war because of shortages The slandard offICer's pistol was the Walther 7.65 mm auloma\lC,'
1. Methods of wearing the pistot." The Aelchsluhrer·SS has ordered that: 1 On home lcmtory the pIstol WIll be worn on the rIght, facrng to the back, 2. In Ihe operational zone. With the exceptIon 01 I above. on manoeuvres on home territory, the pistol IS to be worn according 10 army regulatIons If these are not obtainable then tl,e most practICal method must be adopted SS-FHA./Ia In Octobef 1944 offIcers were oldefed to carry loaded pIstols In public. but remInded not to leave them In cloakrooms and be careful that Ihey were not slolen when frequenting crowded places (slallons, dance· halls. elc.) or when USll1g publIC transport? Notes: 1. V.BI.d,W.·SS.. Nr.13, 1 July 1944.ZIIf.351 2 IbId. Nr, 1. 1 January 1943, Zill.1. 3. Ibid. Nr.19, 1 October 1944, ZIU.577.
SS grenadleT with grenade bags.
117
•
Sl
118
(Iehl 1Inc1 Pfld of 11,. WiN
Fii hrer- Leibriemen Officer's belt A 4; cm-wide black leathel belt Wllh a white metal ~e alone end and a leather IOngue on the revOfH 01 the Olher. Wllh tWO rows of holes 10 allow 101 adlUstmefll 01 the buckle The cllcular buckle was 01 white metal alloy with either a mill1sJlver (atumlrllUm). or mall gley finish.· and on ellher side was a black leather shde Beller quality bellS wele usually Imed on lhe Ins!de wllh clOth, a lacquered f,n,sh was not pelmmed Allhough the offlcel's bett wllh crfcutal buckle conhnued to be worn unlllthe end 01 the war 11 was found 10 be Impractical. In aclton the bell buckle tended 10 come undone. SO many officers adopted the belt and buckle (or cell With rectangular twO j)l'onged buckle) as worn byothel ranks Schutterriemen Cross strap A 2* cm-wide black leathor adlustable cross strap w,th wh,te melal reclangulal stide buckte and two spring-loaded while metal clips. one at each end It was worn clipped to a D·rmg shde on the lelt tront 01 the wa!st belt. passed over the fight shoulder (undel the shoulder strap) and allached to a 0 ling on the reverse oflhe bell althe back The Mav 1940 Ofdel' concerning the !leld-grey uniform abohshed the W8aung 01 Ihe CIOSS Stlap by membe,S 01 the Walfen-SS WIth the fteld grey urulOlm ' Feldbinde Full-dless belt In 1938 a tull-dress belt (see Vol 3, p 7901 thiS selles) was ,ntroduced 10' SS ofl,cels\o wear With parade dless (Pilrildeanzug) It conlmued to be worn 101 Ihe I,rstthree yeals of the war, ,ts use was then res{r.cted at i1boutthe same lime as the SS sword VARIATIONS ON STANDARD EQUIPMENT ,. Cavalry.
Koppeltraggestell fur Berittana Straps supPOflmg 10' mounted personnel Mounted personnel did nOt carry a pack, and 50 needed d,lIefent Slraps sUPoolI,ng 10 calry Ihe weight of the waist belt With ,tS heavy load They • fhlS buckle and the verSIOn worn bv Other ,anks was Introdoced In 1932, In January 1937. ,n leply 10 a proposal to mlfoduce a new palletn. Hlmmlel WTOte. 'thallhe questIon 01 the altelallon oflhe SS buckle desIgned by lhe Fuhre, hrmsell and made from hiS own sketcnes, has never allsen' I Notes: 1 See AppendiX 11 2 Del RF-SS Tgb,Nr A/44/H/37 Bell Neue Entwurfe IUI SS,Fuhre,· Le'bnemenschlossel, Bellln, den 3 January 1937 119
therefore were Issued with a Simple thlee-ple<:e adjustable straps SuPPOfl'no which was clipped 10 the pouches ,n front and IQ the WillS! belt at the back
The pIe-war RZM pallern Allqemelne-SS cavalry pattern was also Issued at the beginning 01 Ihe war
Packtasehe 34' Saddle-bags. model 1934 The marching pack 101 mounted pelsonnel (IncludIng mounted drivelS) con$ISled 01 a blown leather cavalryman and horse pack. which togethi!r made up the saddle-bag 34 The Ilghl pack (Rel1ergepack) contamed a pa'r 01 shoes. cleamng brush, shll1 and socks. ZWleback In bag. tin of meat. sewIng bag. cleaning krl wash.ng Ihlngs. and rifle cleamng kIt The left pack (Plerdegc pack) contaIned grooming blush, mess-tIn. curry comb and 5urClflgle Allached to the hOlse pack was a pocket 101 two horse-shoes, 16 nellls. stud
spanner and 8 studs. and a tetnellng ring. In addlllon there was a baggage case (Hlntergepack) anached to the back of the saddle containing groundsheet. cam sack vmh cords. canvas bucket. hOlse gas mask. and a greatcoat for winter The fight saddle·bag was sa designed that It could also be wom on the back as a pack. to whICh lhe greatcoat could be slfapped Saddle·bags were also used on the easte," Iront by motor-cyclists who altached them to the IronllOlk 0lthe11 machines and used them as addltlonal (and very ne<;essarvl stowage space In November 19'14 th8 saddle·bags 'h'eIe rendered obsolete but were to be worn QUI. 2. Artillery Members 01 horse drawn alltllery banallons wore the person
120
Pack M.39 Arl No 302 Back pack for engineers. Art. No, 331 2 side pouches for engrneers Art No 332 The back pack and side pouches were Issued to every filth assault engineer The back pack was suspended from lhe standard strap supporting. and con· talned at the bottom a 3 Kg demolition charge. and above. two smoke pots, In tne Ilap there was a special pouch for the mess·trn The Side pouches were worn In place 01 the ammunrtron pouches and came rn DiIllS. left and rrglll Both pouches I,eld egg shaped grenades, but the fight pouch had a specral pocket 10f the gas mask Without contamer. R,fle ammunItion rn clips was held In IndiVIdual pouches' 4. Mountain troops. FOllrsl of standard equipment for mounlilln troops. see IiSl1n section dealrng With mountain troop uniform The baSIC difference between mountain troOps and othellnlantry unrts was Ihat they were ISSUed wlrh a fucksack Instead of a pa~k and a larger capacity water-bailie. With carrYing suap. ClimbIng equipment conSisted of Manila fope rn lOO-foot lengths. Ice axe. Clampons. ~lI1ons. snaplrnks. steel·edged mountain skiS. and small oval snow-shoes Additional speCialised eqUipment was Issued as and when requllOO for rescue work. I 5. Bicycle squadrons. Personnel in bicycle squadrons (Radfatnschwadronen) were Imually issued With the Infantry Slraps supporting. assault pack.. and clothing bag, but rn JanUilry 1943 the Wallen-SS followed the army lead and Issued them WIth the arllllery rucksaCk and a clothing bag 6. Medical personnel.' Unlnounted medical orderlies carried two 17 x 10 x 8 cm black leather POuches (Sanltatstaschen) instead 01 ammunition pouches. They carried varIOUS first-aid eqUipment. field dreSSings. etc. Mounted orderlies carried a poUch which could be al1ached 10 the saddle. but during the war they also Wale the pouches for unmounted orderlieS. A larger 2 litre water-bottle (Labellasche) and callying strap was used by bOlh orderlies and stretcherbealers Larger Quantities of urgently needed dressrngs. etc.. could also be earlled In the medical pack. (SanIHitstornISter). which was baSically the same as the standard pack. but had a while Circle With red cross on the Ilap. Doctors. dentists. and chemIsts carlled speCial eqUipment In a black. leather case With carrYing strap' Doctors Arzttascne (Heeres-Modell) (SS-Model! 34) Dentists Zahnarztlasche Chllmlsts Apothekertasehe,
121
Notes: 1 Del Drenstumerrrcht rm Heere. pp, 73·5 with illustrations 2. V 81 d W -SS NI.2, 15 Janua'y 1943, lrll 28. H,V.BI.16. Ausgabe. Bellln den 7 July 1942. llll 1000 3 V.BI.d,W-SS Nr.20,1 November 1941.ll11 446 4 Himdbook. on German MIIIl
SS-Ooe,sr\lrmiuhrer Hempel. lsr Company SS-Wach·8ala,lIon splfng 1941. wearmIJ the old pal1em SS sab'e with ol!lce"s knot.
122
Bohmen-Mat"en
·On 16 September 1941 SS·Grul, Pohl submtlled a prototype dagger. With hanger. portepee. and case. together wllh a further three deSigns fOI an SS dagger tor the Waflen-SS, The,e is no record of any wrl1ten reaction horn Hlmmlel, although the accompanYing letter bears a note Irt pencil 'alter the war'.' In reply to a plOlotype submllted by SS.OgruL Weltzel, Himmler postponed any deCISiOn until after Ihe war.'
64. Wearing of the SS Service Dagger 36 with portepee. ~ The Reichsluhrer-SS has. lor the duration ot the war. authorised lhe wearing of the SS Service Dagger 36 Wllh the army portepee by Waflen-SS officers. The dagger may be worn with all ordors 01 dress nOlreQUlring a waist bell. SS-FHA /Amlll/la
Kampfmesser Fighting knife The personal knIfe has always been an essential Ilem of a soldler's equipment. nOt only lor IlghtlOg. but lor the more mundane activities 01 hfe In the lieId. DUring Ihe First World War vanous seml·offlclal pallerns 01 knlle were manu· laclured m lalge quanlltleS and Issued 10 troops IlghtlOg al lhe IIont. Ourmg lhe laller slages 01 the Second World War. lIghting knives. based on those used In the Fust World War. were again Issued 10 !font-hne personnel fOI close-quarter lighting. Although many Issue and pllvale tvpcs co·exlsted. the Issue pallern p,edomlnated. The knjle was made 01 sleel (overall length 30 cm. blade 17 cm) wnh beech wood gnp and stamped metal scabbard wl1h black enamel Ilnlsh. On the reverse 01 the scabbard was a spring steel clip. The kmle could be worn in a number 01 dillerenl ways. bUl In action the most typical was InSide the bOOl or chpped to the IrOnl 01 lhe field blouse 01 camouflage smock al chest level. Notes: 1. Der RF·SS (LV. SS-Dglu!. HelssmeVill) SS·Betehl. Berhn den 18 December 1939. 2. V.B Insp (E) SS·VT. Ne1 .. 1 April 1940. 3. V.Bld.W.-SS. Nr. 6. 15 Augus11940. 4. Ibid. NI.16. \ 5 August 1943. ZI1l.280. 5.
Ibid.. NI.4. 15 FebrualY 1943. ZIII.64 and NI.1 O. 15 May 1943. ZlfI.182 With IlIustrallon shOWing correCt melhod 01 3uachlng lhe knot.
6.
Der Chel des Hauplamtes Haushall u.Baulcn. SS-GlUt. Pohll/3 1751 Ri/Gu. Betr.: SS·Oolch fur dIe Waflen'SS, Anlg.: 1 SS-Dolch mit Gehange und POllepee In Etm. 1 SS-Oolch neue AusfUhrung. 3 Entwurle (Zeichnungen). Berlin Lichterlelde·West. den 16 Seplember 1941
7.
Olllce, In walklnp om d'e$5 w,lh rhe 1936 Model SS S
~pg ..
Wllh knor.
RF-SS (Ru/GI.) an HSSPF Nord SS-Ogrul. Weilzel. June 1940.
123
-
SS Il'emdle' du",'9 !he Alaennes OffensIVe a
124
Oneo! the mo»t common p'll"nt. olth, «ltFlbal1u\lfe. showong b(:lh ._se olth ~lh.
IMotnr~•• nd
SS CAMOUFlAGE PAnERNS
1y~lItal summer alld aUlumn p,allerns lound On watelptoo! COllon dut~
'\ulumn palle,n 'ounll on lM w"'18, comt>.l "n'!lI,m anti f.n'l Colle,n p"nlell on 0,,11 mate".!
