Evolution of the German Army Field Uniform 1933-1945

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  • Опубліковано 7 січ 2025

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  • @speckledjim5402
    @speckledjim5402 4 роки тому +952

    "Veteran soldiers clung to older kits since they knew replacements would be inferior in quality." Story of my military career.

    • @enzothebaker22
      @enzothebaker22 4 роки тому +60

      LOL, seriously. I carried a Vietnam era butt pack from 1983 to 2008, still serviceable today.

    • @moneysource2006
      @moneysource2006 4 роки тому +15

      enzothebaker22 Thank you for your service!

    • @moneysource2006
      @moneysource2006 4 роки тому +4

      Duke Opress 'em ok dude. Just trying to be respectful

    • @enzothebaker22
      @enzothebaker22 4 роки тому +10

      @@docpossum2460 Ha! We all heard it from the previous generation. The old "When I was in, we had to march barefoot in the snow, uphill both ways blah blah..." It's a right of passage.

    • @pianofry1138
      @pianofry1138 3 роки тому +5

      Yep, Military Grade doesn't mean what people think it means..

  • @saxoDK_1600
    @saxoDK_1600 5 років тому +3600

    What women think men want:
    What men really want: German army field uniforms timeline

  • @andro7862
    @andro7862 5 років тому +1305

    My grandfather was a partisan and he wore a German made uniform. Always praised it for how comfortable it was and well suited for Croatian climate and terrain. Much better than what the British gave them.

    • @AudieHolland
      @AudieHolland 5 років тому +163

      I read that Tito's Partisans simply used captured German field uniforms and common caps. All they did was remove the insignia and replace them with a red star.

    • @andro7862
      @andro7862 5 років тому +108

      @@AudieHolland Yes they used German uniforms for practical reasons, but they did have their own headgear called Triglavka (a cap with three peaks) and a Titovka (soviet style standard issue cap).

    • @vasakvasa2929
      @vasakvasa2929 5 років тому +22

      @@AudieHolland well they really didnt have a lot of options to choose from.

    • @AudieHolland
      @AudieHolland 5 років тому +12

      @@vasakvasa2929 I wasn't holding it against them.

    • @malesh99
      @malesh99 5 років тому +9

      He was ustasha then.

  • @nateweter4012
    @nateweter4012 5 років тому +850

    I can’t applaud this video enough. I’ve had the hardest time explaining to people, including gamers, movie goers, modelers, and new enthusiasts that the iconic uniform the Germans used in Poland in 1939 is entirely inappropriate for the ‘44-‘45 Western front that many movies and games focus. The biggest offender in the video game world is hands down Dice with Battlefield V but even Valve with their Day of Defeat Source managed to butcher it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to explain field blouse cuts, ankle gaiters, smocks, Zeltbahns and other things. Thank you for making this video. Everything you’ve put forward is spot on.

    • @tostie3110
      @tostie3110 5 років тому +19

      Now we can simply point them to this clear video!

    • @niccoraven4405
      @niccoraven4405 5 років тому +26

      Thing is, BVF mostly takes place in '40 to '41. But, i have seen what you are talking about in other games

    • @nateweter4012
      @nateweter4012 5 років тому +32

      TheVillageDefenders Yes, but unfortunately the problem goes so far beyond that in BFV. The issue is really at its core; BF games have always taken some liberties with uniforms and customizations but this was the biggest departure by far. Many of the battles are set during the early war but they butcher that by adding Sturmtigers, Sturmgewehrs, and an endless list of weapons, attachments and equipment completely fabricated all together. It was difficult to watch people defend the accuracy because you could tell many wouldn’t have known the difference anyway, and I suppose that was the target market. The uniform and gear selections they give you aren’t even items that existed. These include, cargo pocketed pants, putties, camouflages that never existed and completely omits the many incredible options of items that did exist. It was clearly made by people who wouldn’t have known a WW2 garment or equipment piece from a Cold War one etc. beyond that, there’s a general lack of understanding how the equipment was worn and used. This includes rifleman with submachine gun pouches, gas masks for no reason, and even wearing pouches along the chest Y straps where no German soldier would have been caught dead with one, besides the specialized Fallschirmjeager bandoliers. The list is so vast that it would take me hours to list here but the point is, the game is the biggest offender of any WW2 game in terms of accuracy not set in an alternate timeline or genre. Games like Medal of Honor Allied Assault from 2000 and the first Call of Duty and it’s expansion United Offensive got German gear damn near perfect back in 2003 and it was such a let down to see DICE do ww2 so dirty. Many WW2 games have taken a little liberty with a few guns and vehicles that may not have been around yet, but BFV looses control and context entirely.

    • @darraghgreaney2627
      @darraghgreaney2627 5 років тому +17

      Maybe you have the hardest time explaining this stuff, because it sounds like you are trying to give history lectures to people playing video ga,es or watching movies.......... Imagine someone trying to tell you how the waistline of these uniforms was unflattering and then proceeding to wax bleeding lyrical about body types, and tailored clothing.... if you don’t care, you don’t care.

    • @nateweter4012
      @nateweter4012 5 років тому +1

      @@darraghgreaney2627 I mean, If someone wanted to bloviate about unflattering waistlines while I was playing a game I'd definitely mute that and that's definitely not the take away here. Opinions of aesthetics for aesthetics sake aren't the concern.

  • @fullplasticjacket9305
    @fullplasticjacket9305 5 років тому +271

    Painting some Late War German miniatures, this video was great help in creating variety while staying historically accurate.

    • @kozmokramer7398
      @kozmokramer7398 4 роки тому +2

      Wtf......?

    • @TitusCastiglione1503
      @TitusCastiglione1503 2 роки тому +5

      @@man-gi8su I think he means miniatures for ww2 wargaming , like on a table. It’s kinda like Warhammer 40k but historical.

    • @dougearnest7590
      @dougearnest7590 Рік тому

      It hurts my soul to see someone explain historical miniature wargaming by referencing Warhamer 40K - but whatever works I guess. I'm considering trying to get opponants for a Napoleonic naval game by explaining that one flag was used by the Orks, and the side with the other flag is the Elves.@@TitusCastiglione1503

    • @SCHMALLZZZ
      @SCHMALLZZZ Рік тому

      ​@@kozmokramer7398imbecile

  • @roaldthamesen533
    @roaldthamesen533 5 років тому +586

    EHEEEEY!! I was so hyped when I saw the notification popped up. Nice video once again!
    Looking forward for your coverages on:
    1. DAK and Tropical uniforms of all branches.
    2. SS uniforms
    3. Luftwaffe uniforms
    4. Panzer, Panzergrenadier, and StuG uniforms.
    5. Captured foreign uniforms.
    6. Officer uniforms.
    7. Modifications on uniforms.

    • @SuomenJaakaripataljoona
      @SuomenJaakaripataljoona 5 років тому +14

      I’m interested to see more about the uniforms.

    • @plasmadrone3123
      @plasmadrone3123 5 років тому +3

      I'm upping this uniform idea. I"m curious on the HBT and cotton iterations of the German uniforms.
      Division

    • @user-wg9ul4ou6g
      @user-wg9ul4ou6g 5 років тому +2

      WOuld like to know more with Officers since they had many styles and designs

    • @acefromouterspace3681
      @acefromouterspace3681 5 років тому +2

      Captured foreign uniforms? I'm intrigued, do you have an abstract for something like that?

    • @plasmadrone3123
      @plasmadrone3123 5 років тому +4

      @@acefromouterspace3681 to make it short, the Germans utilized captured foreign uniforms to bolster their supplies. some of the examples are Dutch, Czech, and Austrian uniforms that were converted to match the looks of a German uniform.

  • @kaczynskis5721
    @kaczynskis5721 5 років тому +125

    I read that the ankle boots were nicknamed "retreat gaiters" because they became more common as the tide was turning against Germany.
    A photo I saw of a Wehrmacht cobbler's establishment taken in 1942 or 1943 showed a large number of boots awaiting repair. The majority are short-shaft marching boots but a number of ankle boots can also be seen.

    • @HandGrenadeDivision
      @HandGrenadeDivision  5 років тому +17

      Yes, that nickname for the anklets is my understanding as well. You raise a good point about salvage - I mention in the video about individual soldiers making older stuff last as long as possible, but as you point out here, the Army too had facilities to repair and recycle kit rather than throwing it away.

    • @Mygg_Jeager
      @Mygg_Jeager 3 роки тому +1

      @@HandGrenadeDivision Bruh your channel name and profile pic just earned you a subscriber lol.

    • @kleinweichkleinweich
      @kleinweichkleinweich Рік тому

      zis is a Rückzugswickelgamaschen
      it is ze Gamaschen zat rückzugs

  • @kingjoe3rd
    @kingjoe3rd 5 років тому +325

    I would imagine that veteran troops clung to older style uniforms in order to show that they had been in the army longer and stuff like that. Its a thing that happens in military's among the junior ranks. When I was in the Marines I came in right at the time when they were switching from Tri-color camo and black boots to the digital camo and tan boots. It really was that petty as the people that would keep wearing the old uniforms had only been in maybe 6 months longer than me but it seemed to be a way for them to show seniority. I'm sure the quality concern was valid but never underestimate how silly human beings can be about such things. My brother tells me that the same thing happened to him in the Army with the change from digital camo to the multi-cam pattern. Maybe this insight will be helpful in some way.

    • @nicholaswalsh4462
      @nicholaswalsh4462 5 років тому +26

      For my time it was different. The officers and NCOs were the first ones in the new OCP uniforms while we had one specialist in my unit who wore the old UCP uniform until the VERY LAST day it was authorized. I'm not kidding. He was the only guy in the unit wearing that uniform and there was even a ceremony to mark the end of the UCPs.

    • @BrailleScale
      @BrailleScale 5 років тому +9

      I think the explanation in the video makes a lot of sense. With supplies for the German military always depleted and delayed, I think the soldiers would have replaced worn out equipment if they could, but likely didn't have it available and if their earlier equipment was still serviceable, was probably far superior in quality as Germany dumped money, men, and equipment in to the Eastern Front and Hitler's final solution. I do understand the modern military perspective from my time in the US Army. But I would think it was more similar to the issues of supply and logistics problems when we went through a uniform change and surged in Iraq and Afghanistan. No one wanted inferior ACU uniforms, and some people never got a full issue of gear. So you'd see people with three tone, woodland, and ACU all mix matched because they took what they got, if they got it, while also wearing what they preferred (assuming they were combat soldiers farther away from the flagpole).

    • @garymckee8857
      @garymckee8857 5 років тому +5

      Spit shining the boots that was a lot of work but they made your uniform standout.

    • @BrailleScale
      @BrailleScale 5 років тому +4

      @@garymckee8857 haha I'm sure. Can't say I ever wanted to stand out. Always surprised though when the parade field mentality finds its way to a combat zone..

    • @garymckee8857
      @garymckee8857 5 років тому +3

      @@BrailleScale true no one wants to stand out it's like volunteering nothing good comes from it.
      But I always thought since I'm old now the black boots looked better.

  • @hagendasz719
    @hagendasz719 5 років тому +99

    I just want to tell you to keep up the good content. I am here since your first video and I am every time pleasently surprised about your quality

  • @justdave3685
    @justdave3685 5 років тому +34

    You're one of the best people talking about this theme. Good job. I look forward to other videos.

  • @comet3969
    @comet3969 5 років тому +1885

    I mean....the only war I see them winning is the fashion war

    • @praefectusvigilum6997
      @praefectusvigilum6997 5 років тому +99

      If your troops have to fight against a whole world, I am glad to see how they try to win.

    • @philippbock3444
      @philippbock3444 4 роки тому +38

      Then you don't have a clue about history

    • @skillshootrush7653
      @skillshootrush7653 4 роки тому +61

      @@Curly004 I always say that but no one agrees with me.the wehrmacht would also easily win against usa in a one o one.

    • @skillshootrush7653
      @skillshootrush7653 4 роки тому +12

      @@Curly004 Nope we had better technology but usa had more troops i think.It would be an Interesting battle.

    • @Adam-vq7fr
      @Adam-vq7fr 4 роки тому +9

      @@Curly004 I don't think so US joined very late in the war at the time Germany already was loosing UK and France could have won US kind of stole the fame US just made UK and France loose less man when they joined

  • @baronsass
    @baronsass 5 років тому +13

    Superb overview. This is the kind of basic material that should be fundamental to any reenactor's understanding of his/her uniform and its history. Looking forward to more.

  • @useitwice
    @useitwice 5 років тому +383

    They sure are some good looking uniforms after all

    • @cowboypfpsdeadchannel9724
      @cowboypfpsdeadchannel9724 3 роки тому +8

      Sure. Ignoring the fact they're nazis

    • @useitwice
      @useitwice 3 роки тому +8

      @@cowboypfpsdeadchannel9724 yea, except that part..

    • @ryman1933
      @ryman1933 3 роки тому +44

      @@cowboypfpsdeadchannel9724 That just makes them even better

    • @cowboypfpsdeadchannel9724
      @cowboypfpsdeadchannel9724 3 роки тому +7

      @@ryman1933 bruh imagine being antisemitic

    • @ryman1933
      @ryman1933 3 роки тому +50

      @@cowboypfpsdeadchannel9724 bruh imagine not being an anti semite in 2021

  • @kaczynskis5721
    @kaczynskis5721 5 років тому +49

    A great source on the subject is the late Brian L. Davis' "German Army Uniforms And Insignia", first published in the 1970s with a second edition coming out in 1998. A page from the book is visible at 7:06 .

  • @armybear2
    @armybear2 5 років тому +55

    An improvement for maybe future videos is to highlight visually or put an indicator what is being change in each of the pictures when transitioning. Cause while you were talking it was kind of hard to notice some of the subtle changes in the pictures.

    • @HandGrenadeDivision
      @HandGrenadeDivision  5 років тому +12

      Thanks for taking the time to comment on this, and I was genuinely worried that might be the case. My next video is in preparation and I will see if there is a subtle way to do this, as I agree it will make things easier to catch.

  • @unsuisseegare1291
    @unsuisseegare1291 6 місяців тому +2

    How is it possible that i stumble upon your channel only now, it's a goldmine of information to make historically accurate models and figures

  • @randycheow4268
    @randycheow4268 5 років тому +102

    A video that I can use as a reference when painting 1/35 German figures

    • @PiggyWiggyO
      @PiggyWiggyO 5 років тому +1

      The problem would be that the moulding would be showing large jack boots with other parts showing in the early stages of the war.

    • @KomradeDoge
      @KomradeDoge 4 роки тому

      @@PiggyWiggyO there is a chance you could color the boots in a way that makes them look like the shorter ankle boots. The right use of paint and you can even get the cloth folding look to them. That or just make that figure look like he's seen a lot and say he's a veteran who's taken good care of his boots. lol

    • @pihlak6950
      @pihlak6950 4 роки тому

      PiggyWiggyO jackboots can always be issued later in the war, just less common.

    • @arnewiththeboats7324
      @arnewiththeboats7324 4 роки тому

      I am here because I am 1/35 scale model builder also.

    • @nicke.2066
      @nicke.2066 4 роки тому

      Nice man, from with brand?

  • @SmittyMRE
    @SmittyMRE 5 років тому +26

    Appreciate this so much. Thank you, sir!

  • @GenMaj_Knight
    @GenMaj_Knight 4 роки тому +47

    0:52 i mean I'd be blushing too if I was sucked into the eggshell white void with only a large red *1933* to keep me company as I was slowly redressed

  • @randomfallschirmager1010
    @randomfallschirmager1010 5 років тому +98

    I hate how alot of people think the allgemeine SS uniforms were the only uniforms and i swear everytime i see someone say that i will just send them this video

    • @thepicklegambit6226
      @thepicklegambit6226 5 років тому +21

      Also super annoying when people need to put an armband on any other uniform than that of the Allgemeine SS. Media seems to portray any WWII German soldier wearing an armband. Armbands aren’t even correct for most SS uniforms for god’s sake!

    • @tacticalministries3508
      @tacticalministries3508 5 років тому +8

      My favorite is when people think the allgemeine uniform was even a combat uniform

    • @TheSexhaver2625
      @TheSexhaver2625 4 роки тому +1

      Tactical Ministries and the black was replaced by feldgrau and the armband was deleted in the mid 30’s

    • @anarchistcocktail3455
      @anarchistcocktail3455 3 роки тому

      Allgemeine ss wore a regular WSS feldbluse most the time too, black uniforms were too expensive and hitler using black uniforms for his power fetish put the party in extreme debt early in the war actually

    • @abbcc5996
      @abbcc5996 3 роки тому +1

      @@anarchistcocktail3455 i know that the first part, but the second part? i mean hitler famously wore army browns and greys throughout the war.

  • @kxd2591
    @kxd2591 5 років тому +3

    For those of us who have an interest in the history of WWII, this is very good info. I haven't looked yet, but I would hope that you would do other videos on all of the major powers that fought in the war. Thank you very much for taking the time to record and post.

  • @DanSpadafora
    @DanSpadafora 5 років тому +33

    The Kelly's Heros theme is a nice touch.

  • @rastas3742
    @rastas3742 5 років тому +24

    One correction I'd make is that they didn't use 'wood fibres' in their cloth. They used Rayon, which is a synthetic fibre that uses cellulose as a precurser in the same way that Nylon uses mineral oil as a precurser. It's not like the cloth has saw dust in it.

    • @Sasha-gd8xi
      @Sasha-gd8xi 5 років тому +1

      Thanks for correcting.

    • @kaczynskis5721
      @kaczynskis5721 5 років тому +4

      A synthetic wool called Zellenwolle became increasingly common. It was considered serviceable although many German troops felt it did not keep the cold out very well.

    • @ScottRuggels
      @ScottRuggels 3 роки тому

      @@kaczynskis5721 I've handled some original M1944 Uniforms that had a high Zellenwoll content, an they were a bit crinkly, like handling a box of Christmas tinsel (the Mylar kind), and because of this, fully lined in "artificial Silk". They did not seem to have worn well either. having fibers fraying a bit at the elbows and the knees. uniforms made just a year or two earlier have been seen to be much more durable.

  • @DexterBachman
    @DexterBachman 5 років тому +27

    Officers supplied their own tailor made uniforms yet enlisted men and NCOs were also allowed to purchase their own. Hence you may find two uniforms for the same unit, one a factory issue item, and the other tailor-made. The first will have comparatively plain decoration and cheaper materials when compared to the individually tailored uniform. The original orders allowed it and both comply with regulations.

  • @ethan5354
    @ethan5354 5 років тому +10

    as a scale modeler, this is really useful information, thanks for the video

  • @madmarvshighwaywarrior2870
    @madmarvshighwaywarrior2870 5 років тому +23

    Ive been bugged why Wehrmacht uniforms looked like this in one colored historical documentary and then looked differently in another. Your video just answered my question. Nice!

    • @Riceball01
      @Riceball01 5 років тому +1

      Don't forget service differences since the Wehrmacht consisted of more than just the Army (Heer), but the Navy (Kriegsmarine), and Air Force (Luftwaffe) as well. From what I've read, by war's end many Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine troops were being issued rifles and put on the front line. So, there would not only be differences because of design changes and war time shortages, but because (depending on when and where) non-Heer troops serving as infantry.

    • @KomradeDoge
      @KomradeDoge 4 роки тому

      @@Riceball01 then you also get the SS in there with another different kit, plus the dismounted tankers and mechanised with their different uniforms. lol

  • @wisemankugelmemicus1701
    @wisemankugelmemicus1701 5 років тому +4

    This video is beautiful! Your attention to detail and commitment to research is incredible!

  • @chrisofficialplw-member
    @chrisofficialplw-member 5 років тому +12

    Awesome video!
    Greetings from the ParalightWorX Team!

  • @tostie3110
    @tostie3110 5 років тому +26

    Things everyone should know! As a reenactor, I highly appreciate it!

  • @keddiels9843
    @keddiels9843 5 років тому +15

    This was really interesting and well thought out, I'd love to see you do the other major factions from ww2 like the British!

  • @rwcowell
    @rwcowell 2 роки тому +3

    Another great video and subject matter. I wasn't aware of that many uniform changes made throughout the German Heer field blouse, uniform, and gear. I know shortages played a role towards during the mid and late war, periods but had no idea of the numerous modifications made in pre and early war periods. As for soldiers retaining some of their original clothing and equipment, I can totally relate and agree. During my tenure serving in the US Army, there was things I would learn from the old timers items that worked better, over some of the newer issued items. Even Vietnam era equipment and gear, was sometimes favored over newer issued items. This was excellent information provided about Heer's uniform and field equipment changes. Very much appreciated. Keep up the great content and videos. Cheers!

  • @highjumpstudios2384
    @highjumpstudios2384 4 роки тому +2

    You know, you have the scratchiest voice I'v ever heard, and I still cant stop listening to it. Thanks.

    • @rokukou
      @rokukou 4 роки тому

      HighJumpStudios i like it, it makes him sound... honest, in a way. it also sounds like he needs a glass of water.

  • @darkmemes953
    @darkmemes953 5 років тому +286

    Why is this man sounds so depressed at the beginning of the vid???
    Nice vid keep it up!!

    • @darkmemes953
      @darkmemes953 4 роки тому

      @TrSolaretorX َ Bruh that comment was a year ago

    • @Solesz
      @Solesz 4 роки тому

      @@darkmemes953 he was thinking about it for a year

    • @darkmemes953
      @darkmemes953 4 роки тому

      @@Solesz He was researching and writing essays for a year, then concluded that "we may never know."

    • @WPTheRabbitHole
      @WPTheRabbitHole 3 роки тому +2

      it's because he knows how the war ended, and the liberal / commie nightmare we all have to live in today...

    • @darkmemes953
      @darkmemes953 3 роки тому

      @@WPTheRabbitHole lmao, idk if ur serious or joking.

  • @cancel1913
    @cancel1913 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you for your serious attempt at accuracy in making a historical video! You are very much welcomed and appreciated.

  • @jessicahowe1838
    @jessicahowe1838 5 років тому +4

    I just discovered your channel and subscribed right away! I'm American, German and a WW2 enthusiast! Danke for your videos!

  • @cptcalico2
    @cptcalico2 2 роки тому +1

    Great video. It is the handiest reference I have seen yet, so well done!

  • @ericcook5224
    @ericcook5224 4 роки тому +11

    Great video! Incidentally,the leather braces worn to help hold up the equipment belts were hardly never used until around 1941! Most photos of Operation Barbarossa, for example, the braces are almost nowhere to be seen. They surely existed, but didn't get issued out in any significant numbers till sometime in late 1941 and into 1942.
    Similarly, the high (Jack) boots are the most commonly used boots till 1943.

    • @HandGrenadeDivision
      @HandGrenadeDivision  4 роки тому +5

      Indeed, the field blouse in the early years had a robust set of internal cloth suspenders and metal belt hooks that helped bear the weight of the equipment.

  • @eliakachun9993
    @eliakachun9993 Рік тому +1

    This is still one of my favorite UA-cam videos

  • @johngrealey1894
    @johngrealey1894 5 років тому +6

    Good video I had no idea they had changed so much in so small a time scale .

  • @sintenal4078
    @sintenal4078 5 років тому +2

    Concise and abundantly informative. I cannot read/watch/learn enough on this topic, my sincere thanks.
    Subscribed.

  • @mountainman679
    @mountainman679 5 років тому +4

    Keep making more videos like this. I love how much effort and quality you put into these videos, keep it up!

  • @markaxworthy2508
    @markaxworthy2508 3 місяці тому +1

    Crisp, to the point and clear. Good presentation.

  • @brokenbritain9441
    @brokenbritain9441 5 років тому +24

    Nice video it wasn't just a uniform mismatch but the ranking system was up and down a mismatch as well

    • @princeofcupspoc9073
      @princeofcupspoc9073 5 років тому +4

      The SS in particular used their own style uniforms and ranking system. Just to make things even more confusing.

  • @joshuaosborne9203
    @joshuaosborne9203 4 роки тому +2

    This video is absolutely incredible! Great work sir.

  • @cameronmccreary4758
    @cameronmccreary4758 3 роки тому +7

    1916 style helmet is very valuable nowadays; I remember in the 1960s when the rebel motorcycle riders would wear those helmets.

  • @bloqk16
    @bloqk16 3 роки тому +10

    That style of field cap with the visor was still popular in Germany when I was there in the early 1970s. There were German road maintenance crews wearing those caps in the 1970s, where the only difference between the 1970s and 1940s versions of the caps was the missing eagle/swastika emblem.

    • @xisotopex
      @xisotopex 2 роки тому +2

      in hindsight, I remember almost all the older germans I would see wore that field cap sans emblems, at the time, I didnt know what they were. I just thought all germans liked to wear hats like that!

    • @TitusCastiglione1503
      @TitusCastiglione1503 Рік тому +3

      If it ain’t broke, why fix it? It’s a good looking, practical cap design.

    • @bloqk16
      @bloqk16 Рік тому +1

      @@TitusCastiglione1503 I've always been impressed with the _sense of style_ Germany has with their uniforms.

    • @TitusCastiglione1503
      @TitusCastiglione1503 Рік тому +1

      @@bloqk16 I know. It will never cease to confound and vex me that such great uniforms were worn by one of the most evil armies in history. A lot of potential, wasted by a vicious rat of a man and his sick ideology.

  • @LightFykki
    @LightFykki 5 років тому +3

    Really like this video. It destroys the perception that most people have about the German army being always stylish no matter what the situation, but like you mentioned yourself we can already see that from the start of the WW2 they were constantly further engineering the uniforms, making them more cost efficient, but less fashionable as a result of that.

  • @marcangeli69
    @marcangeli69 11 місяців тому +1

    Clear, crisp and correct, this is video heaven. Thank you!

  • @anthonycesena6300
    @anthonycesena6300 5 років тому +6

    All of your videos are very well made and packed with great info please make videos more often 👍

  • @giovannizorzolirossi9372
    @giovannizorzolirossi9372 5 років тому +3

    Very nice and useful video. The format is very clear and simple, moreover the study you made it's accurate. 👏

  • @YourGI0VI
    @YourGI0VI 5 років тому +3

    I appreciate this truthful and educational content. I have always wanted to learn about this kind of topic, as I have been researching about the World Wars and much more. I hope I get to see more of this coming from you. :)

  • @greghanson407
    @greghanson407 Рік тому +7

    You should do a video about the crazy German dog tag system. Dog tags were meant to be able to identify bodies, but the German WW2 dog tag didn't even have the man's name on it. Does anyone know the thinking that went on regarding the design of their dog tags?

    • @HandGrenadeDivision
      @HandGrenadeDivision  Рік тому +3

      I imagine it was for security, but the more I learn about how the Germans did things, the more I realize just about everything they did was very different from how say the US or British Commonwealth did things. ID tags are the classic example.

    • @keithalaird
      @keithalaird Рік тому +1

      I think the German dog tag system was implemented on the theory that the deceased individual would be identified from his Soldbuch. or possibly using the unit roster sheet as an alternate means. The problem with the Soldbuch is that there is entirely too much information in it including the current unit. So fairly frequently, soldiers going on a patrol or other duty where capture was possible woul t turn their Soldbuchs in to company or battalion HQ for safekeeping. Using the unit roster really only worked if the unit HQ was intact, and able to coordinate their roster with the people picking up the KIAs. If they left the battlefield in retreat or the HQ maintaining the rosters was destroyed, well all bets were off. Although apparently in Berlin, there is an archive of all the surviving rosters. And they occasionally have success in identifying dug up remains from the number.

  • @jonathanallard2128
    @jonathanallard2128 4 роки тому +7

    0:50 Omg I just noticed you made the guy blush and slightly smile when undressed! Nice detail!

  • @falloutcosplay8802
    @falloutcosplay8802 5 років тому +5

    Was thinking halfway through this video damn it I'm going to have to paint 150 soldiers on my diorama all over again 1940 rolled around thank god great video keep up the great work

  • @a.b7393
    @a.b7393 5 років тому +3

    Was very thrilled when I saw that you released a new video. Good stuff. Also, I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one bothered how films today represent soldiers in WWII or other conflicts of the time moving like modern day commandos. It's not just anachronic, it's ridiculous.

    • @HandGrenadeDivision
      @HandGrenadeDivision  5 років тому +4

      And once you've seen it and recognized it, you can't unsee it ever again...

  • @paoloviti6156
    @paoloviti6156 5 років тому +2

    Sorry if I saw only now this very informative video regarding the evolution of the German uniform and I have decided to subscribe hoping to see more of your videos on the German uniforms! Keep posting...

  • @MrNikolajN
    @MrNikolajN 2 роки тому +6

    Please do a version on the german camo patterns of both the Army, Luftwaffen and SS. Would be great !

  • @chrisidoo
    @chrisidoo Рік тому +1

    This video has such a charming early UA-cam feel to it.

  • @pfcparts7728
    @pfcparts7728 5 років тому +59

    I would actually like a video discussion about modern films using modern firearm retention and handling techniques and an explanation about why it's not practical in that time period.

    • @HandGrenadeDivision
      @HandGrenadeDivision  5 років тому +9

      So would I. :-)

    • @HandGrenadeDivision
      @HandGrenadeDivision  5 років тому +12

      Assault engineers used explosive charges and flamethrowers, I expect machine pistols were used to gain entry. German doctrine was for the bolt action rifles to support the machine guns, which did the heavy lifting of the German infantry squad. Don't forget that historically, armies tended to avoid urban combat, and the reason armies today practice FIBUA is because of battles like Ortona, Voronezh, Stalingrad, Berlin. History is linear.

    • @lowqualityshitposts8860
      @lowqualityshitposts8860 5 років тому +1

      First time the US army had urban combat was 1800s mexico, they breached with Pickaxes and chatged through doors with 2 revolvers ready

    • @hannibalkills1214
      @hannibalkills1214 5 років тому +2

      Have a look at these German examples of proper historical postures and firearm handling during WW2. Although I might warn quite *heavily* since the artist draws it in anime-style art so if you're allergic to that, you can spare yourself the trouble.
      twitter.com/Naze1940_Erica/status/1073677415375822848
      twitter.com/Naze1940_Erica/status/1071398631167520768
      twitter.com/Naze1940_Erica/status/1070744993109827584
      twitter.com/Naze1940_Erica/status/1070441283573841920

  • @redhausser7492
    @redhausser7492 2 роки тому +2

    I'm writing a story set in an alternate ww2 timeline and this helps a lot. Kudos for the excelent video!

    • @RasEli03
      @RasEli03 2 роки тому +1

      Hows that going for you

    • @redhausser7492
      @redhausser7492 2 роки тому

      @@RasEli03 well, "a story" was a nicer thing to say than "two fanfics, one of which is in fact set in the modern era but has to do with ww2 for reason", so there's that, but it's been going well (progress is slow but constant).

  • @rickmoreno6858
    @rickmoreno6858 5 років тому +3

    Really nice work man, keep it up!

  • @vriloperator
    @vriloperator 4 роки тому +2

    Now I know everything about wh uniforms before buying one for reconstruction! Thank you so much for this video!!!

  • @Kojak0
    @Kojak0 5 років тому +6

    Good video - an addendum though: at the start of the war, most changes had already taken place - however, there were numerous soldiers who still wore the old M18 helmet - it was very common, and even if the M35 was in full production, it hadn't yet reached all units. A more significant note is that the straps introduced (popular name 'the Y-strap') did not see wide use until basically after the French campaign - in the Polish campaign, they were mostly used by recon and horse units, and not even they had all gotten the straps, since there was a quite significant lack of leather.

    • @HandGrenadeDivision
      @HandGrenadeDivision  5 років тому +2

      Good points. The Gamaschen (gaiters) were also not really widely used in the field until long after they were adopted, but I went with the earliest dates possible for those things as it was easier to pin down than trying to figure out when they became 'common.'

  • @philippdase3626
    @philippdase3626 5 років тому +1

    Of all my subscriptions I feel like your videos excite me the most. Thank you for being so informative. 👍

  • @princeofcupspoc9073
    @princeofcupspoc9073 5 років тому +41

    Some call it nit-picking, but I disagree. It is important to correct systemic errors found in literature and more importantly, model kits. There are so many. The "Sherman" was simply the M4 Medium, unless you were British. There is no "Henschel" turret for the Konigstiger. Both designs were built by Krupp. And speaking of Konigstiger, the direct translation to "King Tiger" is wrong, since to a German the word denotes the Bengal Tiger, the largest of the species. The "Sherman" did not burn easily due to it using a gas engine. It burned because of the storage of the main gun rounds, corrected in later versions. American soldiers rarely encountered the "88" or the "Tiger." You can correct pretty much all war diaries to "75" or "105," and usually Panzer IV. The French and Italian soldiers were NOT cowards. They were both hampered by bad leadership, and the Italians with increasing inferior weapons. And speaking of the Italians, a large percentage of the Italian army did NOT quit fighting in 1943 when the government capitulated. They fought on for either the Allies or Axis, and were re-equipped with common equipment for whichever side. That's why there are few pictures of Italian uniforms at war after 43. The Japanese did NOT have inferior tanks at the time of their building. Up until 1941 or so, a Japanese tank could easily handle whatever America could field. The real issue was that most steal was redirected to the IJN, so the IJA could not modernize their armor. The same with Italy. Fiat had a monopoly on tank production, and were happily cranking out older models for maximum corporate profit. The Allied bomber offensive in the ETO was not worth the casualties suffered by the aircrews. Although there were a few instances of effectiveness, in general German war production increased steadily until early 1945, when the factories were overrun on both sides by ground troops. The Invasion of Normandy is not "D-Day." D-Day is a term used for the start of any campaign, including the invasion of southern France, the Invasion of Italy, and the Invasion of Okinawa. And speaking of "D-Day." The Americans did NOT defeat Germany. The Soviets were steadily moving west towards Berlin with more troops than both the Americans and British could muster. Approximately 75-80% of German troops fought on the Eastern front, which is why the Germans could move divisions from East to West for the Battle of the Bulge. The bulk of the German army used horses for transport. Armor was always in short supply. And the German army did not invent "Blitzkreig." That was a term invented by the press. To the Germans, they used combined arms, and moved quickly when possible. MacArthur was a terrible field commander, as was Mark Clark. Hardly worthy of praise. Churchill based many of his wartime decisions on maintaining the British colonies, all acquired with no less ferocity and murder than expected of the Germans or Japanese.
    Yeesh. These are just a few off the top of my head. Keep up the good work!

    • @pathchampion
      @pathchampion 5 років тому +6

      The Allied bombing campaign was not worth it? As far as I've heard, it had a significant effect on german POL production, which in turn had a very negative effect on their war effort. I agree that it did not have a very large effect on their production, since the Germans were very good a spredning out production and they we're using coal as their primary energy source. Victor Hanson is of the opinion that it was worth it, as far as I am informed.

    • @tavish4699
      @tavish4699 5 років тому +2

      I have to correct you blitzkrieg was already a term in the German army of ww1

    • @sirrathersplendid4825
      @sirrathersplendid4825 5 років тому +6

      I’d agree that Allied bombing achieved very little, at least prior to 1944 when something like 90% of all bombs missed their targets by a wide margin. It did however force the Germans to hold back vast amounts of very scarce materiel, experienced pilots and AA gunners to guard the home front. Would disagree on how the British colonies were acquired and maintained. Japanese colonialism left a deep scar on the spirits of all people it touched; British colonialism is still seen with a warm fondness by the local old timers who remember it.

    • @sirrathersplendid4825
      @sirrathersplendid4825 5 років тому +3

      What did the British ever do for us? Errmm, well there’s roads and railways. Yes, and universal education. And law courts. Etc, etc......

    • @tavish4699
      @tavish4699 5 років тому +1

      @@sirrathersplendid4825 if you ignore the Slavery genocides Destruction and Co your right

  • @tanayanandbhandari9492
    @tanayanandbhandari9492 5 років тому +1

    This video is very detailed and the way in which you explained everything is outstanding, please do make more videos like this

  • @davidbesant
    @davidbesant 5 років тому +4

    This is great. I've been to war museums in France where no attempt was made to get any of this right. You would find a manaquin dressed in a mismatch of uniform items, and in the same exhibit, photos which showed how wrong they had got it. For some this is trivial, but museums owe it to future generations to get things right.

  • @wollibar5263
    @wollibar5263 5 років тому +2

    Brilliant, unexspected high quality document - very well done !!!!!!!!!!

  • @ResidentWeevil
    @ResidentWeevil 4 роки тому +5

    That was highly informative - so much info in there I was hitherto unaware of, thanks.
    *Smashes every 1/35 diorama he's ever built with a hammer and curls up sobbing in a corner*

    • @HandGrenadeDivision
      @HandGrenadeDivision  4 роки тому +3

      Well, the public perception probably still matches all those Tamiya Military Miniatures boxtop lids - jackboots and dark green collars. Though even Tamiya has started to offer up later war looking guys.

  • @valhallajones3865
    @valhallajones3865 5 років тому +2

    Very detailed and informative video. Please do many more like this. Thank you.

  • @ronin47-ThorstenFrank
    @ronin47-ThorstenFrank 5 років тому +5

    Excellent video! Could be used in it's clear style as reference.
    A small note regarding the weapon handle. In fact, German soldiers did use the high handle occassionally. But it wasn't offically trained that way. But after the war it was officially introduced (at least my brothers 1969 and my 1990 version of the Reibert include it). We even had discussions during my time in the army considering the fact that in some movies like Platoon or Full Metal Jacket the actors didn't use high at ready handles. Even my father remarked this more than once (served eastern and western front in Panzeraufklaerung/armored reonaissance/cavalry) that movies didn't get those things correct. Do nit mistake me - that wasn't the standard. Standard doctrine if getting under fire was to get cover, at best prone, and then return if possible aimed fire.

  • @blueindigo1000
    @blueindigo1000 5 років тому +2

    Excellent analysis and research!

  • @easyalpha1
    @easyalpha1 4 роки тому +7

    All combat uniforms end up looking like Ninjas, and no shiny medals.

  • @leosypher9993
    @leosypher9993 5 років тому +3

    You may not be used to the way he says decal, but it is correct, most misspronunciations come from making a E in a word long where it doesn't belong, like when people say leever, instead of lever, or meelee instead of mele, if you disagree say left with a long E and see if that sounds correct

  • @drspaseebo410
    @drspaseebo410 5 років тому +1

    Highly competent video, brilliantly presented. An important historical item.
    Thank you !
    .

  • @bruno8126
    @bruno8126 5 років тому +4

    Wow impressive! very nice informative video, I feel like movies mess up the German uniforms many times, like Saints and soldiers, the year was late 1944 and the Germans wear a 1938-1940 uniforms. thanks for sharing

  • @что-ы1к
    @что-ы1к 5 років тому +2

    Great video man, keep up the good work! (this is the only YT channel where I can say I was here from the start! hope you keep growing my guy!)

  • @devioustea
    @devioustea 5 років тому +9

    Thank you UA-cam recommendations. This video is high quality.
    Will you be doing these on other countries besides Germany?

    • @HandGrenadeDivision
      @HandGrenadeDivision  5 років тому +3

      Not on this channel but it's possible I'll address some others elsewhere.

  • @h21lad13
    @h21lad13 5 років тому +1

    this is a very detailed history about ww2
    out of all the history video so far yours is the best because they are not as long hours also u r good at simplifying them

  • @bepis3966
    @bepis3966 5 років тому +3

    According to some sources such as AT THE FRONT website, the M40 tunics have been seen in photographs dated early as 1938. Maybe they mistook an old Reichswehr tunic as an "M40", I don't know. Probably the best way to figure out this mystery would be to look at dozens of original M40 tunics and trying to find a 1938 date from a liner.

    • @HandGrenadeDivision
      @HandGrenadeDivision  5 років тому

      The explanation you give is the same one given in the FELDBLUSE book by Jean-Phillippe Borg - very early tunics were likely worn well into the war and are probably mistaken for later patterns since most of the main differences were internal or hard to spot in contemporary photographs.

  • @davidprice7162
    @davidprice7162 3 роки тому +1

    Anyone else here in January 2022 after clicking the link in his latest video?
    The most interesting part for me is seeing the fairly dramatic difference in the M1916 and M1935 helmet shapes. I knew they were different, but don’t know the old one was so much squarer at the top. Great stuff.

  • @4Bobay
    @4Bobay 5 років тому +4

    The German Heer M-44 jacket was based on the British Battle Dress jacket more than the US Army Ike jacket.

    • @HandGrenadeDivision
      @HandGrenadeDivision  5 років тому +2

      Yes - I didn't mean to imply that the US jacket was the inspiration (indeed, I didn't intend to comment on what inspired Felduniform 44 at all), but rather wanted to describe the "M44" by comparing to an example of a similar garment that the intended audience might hopefully understand without needing to look it up. My feeling was "Ike-jacket" is probably better well known among general audiences than "battle dress blouse." Thanks for taking the time to comment.

    • @4Bobay
      @4Bobay 5 років тому +3

      @@HandGrenadeDivision, I see your point. Great video!!!!!

  • @ensleytan3627
    @ensleytan3627 3 роки тому +2

    Thank you for mentioning that last point about how weapons are carried! It's always immersion-breaking when movies wrongly portray weapons handling

  • @DJJAW11
    @DJJAW11 5 років тому +6

    Could you do a version 2.0 of this, or indeed a seperate video .... With the various camouflage field uniforms/gear of the Wehrmacht/Luftwaffe ,possible also covering the SS, but that could indeed be seperate!.

  • @monetaryvalue2303
    @monetaryvalue2303 5 років тому +1

    Amazing video!!! Please keep posting!!!

  • @jacobbuxton932
    @jacobbuxton932 5 років тому +3

    Great video! Absolutely loved the reference to the “navy seal high weapons carry”! Do you have a video on German camo uniforms?

  • @For-D-Dunedain-bx8ux
    @For-D-Dunedain-bx8ux 4 місяці тому +1

    Great video, respect man.

  • @CoreyBrass
    @CoreyBrass 5 років тому +8

    Please make a video on how the German infantry carried their rifles.

    • @russbooth6766
      @russbooth6766 3 роки тому

      in the right hand at trail arms most of the time. Go look at archive footage and see how they do it. Do some research yourself and build those skills to answer your own questions.

  • @thomascampbell4730
    @thomascampbell4730 5 років тому +1

    Very informative, great job!

  • @infinity4508
    @infinity4508 4 роки тому +3

    Why am I watching this at 2AM?

  • @rammmer9787
    @rammmer9787 5 років тому

    Wow such elegant design they had, awesome vídeo man

  • @Otaku155
    @Otaku155 4 роки тому +15

    8:25 OMG that stupid weapons carry pisses me off every time I see it! Directors should lose the OSCAR on general principle for that!

  • @inswedishmynameisdik
    @inswedishmynameisdik 5 років тому

    Nice vid man, keep em coming! Too few People make these types of vids in such detail

  • @steyn1775
    @steyn1775 5 років тому +24

    1:45 the soldier blinked!!!

  • @klausvonschmit4722
    @klausvonschmit4722 4 роки тому +1

    Awesome choice for the song at the end!

  • @egrikomrade
    @egrikomrade 5 років тому +16

    and what about that 1945 style frog pattern uniform?

  • @afetbinttuzani
    @afetbinttuzani 5 років тому +1

    This is a helpful video for those of us running German forces in various games. I´d like to see a similar video about the Fallschirmjäger uniform and kit.

  • @fegtcrewgtavofficial6217
    @fegtcrewgtavofficial6217 5 років тому +14

    Great video
    But i missed the schlupfhemnd
    Soldiers of the wehrmacht also Had these around 1942 with splittertarn camo

    • @HandGrenadeDivision
      @HandGrenadeDivision  5 років тому +5

      Thanks for taking the time to comment. The video focuses on the basic service uniform, so things like greatcoats, winteranzug, camouflage smocks etc. are unfortunately beyond the scope here, but you are of course correct that camouflage clothing gained in popularity as the war went on - and may have mitigated against some of the deteriorating quality of the service uniform.

    • @Hans_Holt
      @Hans_Holt 5 років тому +2

      The Schlupfhemd was never a gear, which was gave the soldier to his own, like the Blouse or trousers. It was given to the Company/Batallion and they hand them out to the soldiers for a period of time or for special missions.

  • @giovanninonloso9221
    @giovanninonloso9221 5 років тому +1

    Great job. I look forward to other videos.

  • @saint_ruth1691
    @saint_ruth1691 5 років тому +17

    As Charles De Gaulle said of the Germans: "no moral compass - but what a tailor!".
    By the way, I'd love to see a vid on the "stupid Navy Seal high ready weapons carry" in WWII!

    • @yosemite735
      @yosemite735 5 років тому

      Nothing like a sharp dresses German eh? Got to love them