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Helmet (Stahlhelm)The Stalhelm came in several variants during the Second World War, the M1935/1940 and the M1942.
M1935 Variant (above) - In 1934 tests began on an improved Stahlhelm, the design of which was a further development of the World War I models. The Eisenhuttenwerke company of Thale carried out prototype design and testing, with Dr. Friedrich Shwerd once again taking a hand. The Army's Supreme Command officially accepted the new helmet on June 25, 1935 and it was intended to replace all other helmets in service. Over 1 million M1935 helmets were manufactured in the first two years after its introduction and millions more were produced until 1940 when the basic design and production methods were changed.
M1942 Variant (above right) - The M1942 design was a result of wartime demands. The rolled edge on the shell was eliminated, creating an unfinished edge along the rim. This edge slightly flared out, along the base of the skirt. The elimination of the rolled edge expedited the manufacturing process and reduced the amount of metal used in each helmet. Shell paint colors towards the end of the war typically ran to matte gray-green, and the decals were gradually eliminated to speed up production and reduce the helmet's combat visibility. Greater manufacturing flaws were also observed in M42 helmets made late in the war.
Cartridge Belt (Koppel) & Buckle (Koppelschloss)
The leather belt had a clasp attached to it to allow it to be secured at the buckle which was constructed either of aluminum or steel and was either unfinished or painted green. The eagle on the buckle denoted that the wearer belonged to the Heer (Army) and the inscription displayed on it was "GOTT MITT UNS" (God with us). The belt was 1¾ inches wide and was used for walking out dress and also for field use by all ranks. Brown belts were optional for officers, although later on in the war these belts were also black. In addition to providing a smart appearance, the belt was also functional as it was used to support the soldiers field equipment. The belt was worn above the lower pocket flaps of the tunic skirt and could also be supported by belt hooks attached through the tunic waist with a treble row of holes in the tunic providing for this adjustment. Ammo Pouches (Patronentasche)
The K98 pouches contained three compartments that held two 5-round stripper clips each (30 rounds per pouch) with a rawhide dividers in each compartment. The MP38/40 Pouches displayed are constructed of canvas (although leather ones were also used) with leather attachments for them to be attached to the soldiers' belt and "Y" straps. They held 3 magazines per pouch, each magazine contained 32 rounds of 9mm ammunition. One of the pouches has an extra pocket to hold the reloading tool and they could be either mounted for right handed or left handed individuals. G-43 pouches held two 10-round magazines for the G-43, it is constructed of a canvas material, usually one of these pouches and one K-98 pouch was worn on the belt, it has the same leather attachments for the belt as the K-98 pouches, reproduction pouches are the most commonly used. P-44 pouches are constructed of canvas, and hold three magazines per pouch, each magazine contained 30 rounds of 7.92mm Kurz. They are attached to the belt and "Y" straps like the MP-40 pouches. Leather Combat Y-Straps (Koppeltraggestell mit Hilfstragereimen)
In 1939 testing began on externally worn cartridge belt suspenders. By taking the straps from the model 1934 field pack and replacing the sewn on leather pack attachment tabs with "D" rings, the external cartridge belt suspenders were created. By late 1940 the new suspenders were being placed in use with the foot soldier. By 1943 the transition from internal to external suspenders was complete. The suspenders were produced in two different styles: the dismounted and the mounted. The foot soldier was normally be issued the heavier, dismounted style. The dismounted is identified by the wider shoulder straps, heavier construction, D-ring attachments on the rear of the shoulder harness, and attached lower pack straps which were used for securing the bottom of any attached pack. Breadbag (Brotbeutel)
The breadbag was carried by every German foot soldier. This satchel was used for carrying a soldier's rations and small items: the butterdish, the fork-spoon, the tablet-fuel stove, the individual weapon cleaning kit, the field cap, dust goggles, extra matches, tobacco, playing cards or anything else that would not fit into the service tunic pockets. The outside of the bag flap could be used for securing the mess tin and canteen. Folding Shovel (Spaten) and Flat Shovel (Klapspaten) with Carrier (Tasche)
The entrenching tool was manufactured in two versions: folding and non-folding. The non folding version was from a WWI design and had a square blade. The folding entrenching tool was designed as a replacement for the older straight version and began to appear in early 1940. The folding blade was pointed and could be adjusted by means of a bakelite nut to open at a ninety or one hundred-eighty degree angle to facilitate the soldier's constant task, digging in. Both versions were stored in carriers which were suspended from the cartridge belt. The entrenching tool was used by experienced soldiers as a close combat weapon, having its edges honed down to a sharp edge for slashing their enemies. Bayonet, Scabbard & Frog
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The bayonet frog was used to carry the scabbard on the cartridge belt. It was constructed of leather and came in two styles: mounted and dismounted. The mounted version had a leather tab that would secure the grip of the bayonet to the frog. The bayonet is the final pattern 84/98 Mauser bayonet. The handle was constructed of either wood or bakelite plastic. The scabbard is made of stamped metal and has a ball on the tip to prevent the scabbard from getting caught on the trouser leg.
A mess kit was carried by every German foot soldier. the kit was constructed of two pieces of aluminium, which were designed to fit tightly together to form a single container. the lower "bail" portion was used for soups and stews, while the upper "plate" portion was used for more solid fare. the mess kit sections, when clamped together, could be used to transport rations for future consumption. Both pieces could be used for cooking, but this quickly destroyed the flat, field grey or olive drab painted finish. The subject of food is very close to the Model 1931 Canteen
The canteen model 1931 was carried by every German foot soldier. It was an oval shaped aluminum bottle with a capacity of about one quart. The bottle was carried in a brown felt cover which was snapped around it. The drinking cup was made of pressed aluminum (above left) which was painted black or green or in black bakelite (above right) and secured to the canteen by a leather strap. The whole canteen was then secured to the breadbag for carrying in the field. Splinter "A" Zeltbahns & accessories
The zeltbahn (shelter quarter) or rain poncho, was primarily used for inclement weather protection and/or camouflage (above left). Made into the shape of an isosceles triangle, it had 62 buttons. When four quarters were buttoned together, it produced a "four man tent" that was pyramidal in shape (above right), however only three could squeeze into it while the fourth man stood sentry duty. The intrepid German soldier found a variety of uses other than listed above, such as litter bearer, a lean to, or as a means of transporting a wounded comrade to the aid station. The camouflage pattern is known as "splinter" type. Container and Gasmask (Tragbüchse und Gasmaske) & Gas Cape Bag | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The German soldier was issued the model 1938 gasmask, or GM38. The GM38 was made of synthetic rubber and was fitted with either the FE37, FE41, or FE42 filter elements, which screwed into the snout of the mask. The GM38 had two vision ports. Besides the five elastic straps used to secure the mask to the face, there was a long canvas web strap used to suspend the GM38 around the neck in a ready position. The fluted metal canister, with a spring loaded lid catch, contained the mask when it was not in use. A small box, on the inside of the lid of the canister, contained two pairs of replacement eyelet covers. A cleaning cloth was also housed in the canister.
The gas cape bags were made out of cotton and dyed a gray/green color (early war examples are rubberized, above right). It was attached to the gasmask canister by one or two equipment straps.
"A" Frame Assault Pack (Gefechtsgepäck) and Assault Bag (Rahmentaschen or Beutel zum Gefechtsgepäck)
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The combat assault pack or "A" frame was constructed of a canvas web shaped like a capital "A". The "A" frame was designed to be used specifically with the leather Y-straps using the D-ring attachments on the rear of the shoulder harness, and the attached lower pack straps which were used for securing the bottom of the combat assault pack. When used, the pack provided places for carrying the shelter quarter, the mess kit, the greatcoat and/or blanket. These items were strapped to the "A" frame with black leather straps (above, middle). The assault bag (above, left) was made to hold personal items like socks, hygiene items and maybe a spare shirt. Both the "A" Frame and Assault Bag were not always issued to but if they were then they were usually written or stamped in the Soldbuch.
Backpacks
A rucksack or a tornister backpack would have been issued to every German soldier. This item can be found in the soldbuch and was used to carry clothing, personal items and equipment. The rucksacks were olive drab in colour and they had leather straps and came with 2 front pockets and a further one inside. Some came with leather shoulder straps, but others had the D-hooks to attach to the Y-Strap D-rings.
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