Basic Kit - Post 1943
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Helmet:
Called a Stahlhelm in German, acceptable models are the M35, M40, and M42 with the M35 and M40 being preferred. Jacket: The most common uniform jacket for Luftwaffe Field Division troops would be the Fliegerbluse from early war through to late war. Post 1943 saw the takeover of the LwFDs by the Wehrmacht and as/ if supplies of Luftwaffe uniforms became unavailable, Heer uniforms would be issued. Thus, an M42 tunic is also acceptable. Y straps: Issued in either Luftwaffe brown or Heer black. Both are acceptable with preference toward Luftwaffe brown. Luftwaffe Field Division Camouflage Smock: Issue of this item began in 1943 and would be common for our unit as we were stationed as occupation troops in France at that time allowing for ease of supplies access. Leather Ammo Pouches: Luftwaffe brown or Heer black is acceptable with preference toward brown. Belt and Buckle: Luftwaffe brown or Heer black with Luftwaffe belt buckle. As always, preference towards Luftwaffe. Trousers: Luftwaffe Tuchhose 35 are the first choice with Heer M43 Kielhosen as an option. Like with the Fliegerbluse, LwFDs were issues with Luftwaffe equipment first and replaced with Heer if no more Luftwaffe equipment could be gotten at that time. Leggings: Gamaschen in German, these were issued alongside low boots to begin phasing out tall boots (jack boots) in 1943, however it never really did fully and tall boots could be seen commonly throughout the war. Acceptable in blue or green. Boots: Either low boots (brown or black) with gamaschen as shown or standard Heer jack boots. |
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Gas Mask Canister:
Can be either Luftwaffe blue or Heer green. Gas Cape and carrier: Not explicitly needed but reproductions can be had from at least one vendor. Mess Tin: In Heer green or unpainted only. No blue mess tins! Canteen and Cup: Original or reproduction only. No post-war. Cover should be in Heer brown not blue. Bread Bag: In Luftwaffe blue or Heer green. Bayonet and Frog: Correct bayonet and leather Frog for your weapon. Black or brown leather acceptable. |
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To the left we have a typical LwFD Jäger without their camouflage smock. This is the standard uniform. |
Additional Uniform Parts
Addition pieces of kit which are required for members to own but not displayed above are as follows:
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Soft Cover:
The Luftwaffe fliegermutze (overseas cap) in feldblaü or M43 cap in either feldblaü or feldgraü are authorized for wear. Heer insignia may be worn on the feldgraü M43 cap. |
Rank and Insignia
Luftwaffe Field Division rank and insignia is something which is equally as confusing as their uniform at times due to the same factors which are described below. For our purposes, we are most often portraying fighting men during 1944 and mostly on the Western Front during the Invasion of the Western Allies into France.
Understanding your impression is vital in determining what insignia is proper for your tunic and headgear. Our unit is representing a rifle squad in a Luftwaffe Field Division. Under the guidelines established by the Luftwaffe in 1942 for its forming divisions, jäger regiments wore jäger green collar tabs and piped shoulder straps. By late 1943, with the incorporation of the Luftwaffe field divisions into the Heer command structure, the color of shoulder strap piping was changed to white in order to conform with existing Heer standards for infantry.
Thusly the following Insignia "standards" apply:
1. Shoulder straps may be piped in either white or jäger green. When wearing the fliegerbluse, preference should be given to the wear of jäger green as it will reflect that the tunic was issued to you prior to the incorporation of the Luftwaffe field divisions into the Heer. Either white or green piped shoulder straps may be worn with the Heer tunic styles.
2. Luftwaffe collar tabs are to be worn only with the fliegerbluse. In lieu of collar tabs, gulls may be pinned directly to the collar of either the fliegerbluse or the feldbluse. Heer collar Litzen may be worn on either the fliegerbluse or the feldbluse
3. The Luftwaffe breast eagle backed in feldblaü may be worn on either the fliegerbluse or feldbluse. Heer insignia may be worn on the feldgraü feldbluse. By wearing a feldbluse with Heer insignia, your impression will be of a Luftwaffe jäger joining the division after its incorporation in the Heer command structure or of an original soldier reissued uniform components from the Heer stocks during the same time period.
Understanding your impression is vital in determining what insignia is proper for your tunic and headgear. Our unit is representing a rifle squad in a Luftwaffe Field Division. Under the guidelines established by the Luftwaffe in 1942 for its forming divisions, jäger regiments wore jäger green collar tabs and piped shoulder straps. By late 1943, with the incorporation of the Luftwaffe field divisions into the Heer command structure, the color of shoulder strap piping was changed to white in order to conform with existing Heer standards for infantry.
Thusly the following Insignia "standards" apply:
1. Shoulder straps may be piped in either white or jäger green. When wearing the fliegerbluse, preference should be given to the wear of jäger green as it will reflect that the tunic was issued to you prior to the incorporation of the Luftwaffe field divisions into the Heer. Either white or green piped shoulder straps may be worn with the Heer tunic styles.
2. Luftwaffe collar tabs are to be worn only with the fliegerbluse. In lieu of collar tabs, gulls may be pinned directly to the collar of either the fliegerbluse or the feldbluse. Heer collar Litzen may be worn on either the fliegerbluse or the feldbluse
3. The Luftwaffe breast eagle backed in feldblaü may be worn on either the fliegerbluse or feldbluse. Heer insignia may be worn on the feldgraü feldbluse. By wearing a feldbluse with Heer insignia, your impression will be of a Luftwaffe jäger joining the division after its incorporation in the Heer command structure or of an original soldier reissued uniform components from the Heer stocks during the same time period.
Uniform Variations and Abnormalities
Due to the nature of supply of uniforms and equipment among several other factors, there are numerous abnormalities with the LwFDs that are generally not present in most other branches of the German WWII Military.
Most important to note is the previously touched upon situation regarding the use of Wehrmacht tunics and trousers to supplement and/ or replace Luftwaffe uniform pieces.
Very frequently we can see, especially as the war progressed into 1944-45, the use of Heer uniforms and insignia within the ranks of the LwFD. Not only was supply of uniforms and equipment transitioned to Heer supply, but also the replacements of men. It is for these reasons that we find such variance in equipment and uniforms through to the end of the war.
Most important to note is the previously touched upon situation regarding the use of Wehrmacht tunics and trousers to supplement and/ or replace Luftwaffe uniform pieces.
Very frequently we can see, especially as the war progressed into 1944-45, the use of Heer uniforms and insignia within the ranks of the LwFD. Not only was supply of uniforms and equipment transitioned to Heer supply, but also the replacements of men. It is for these reasons that we find such variance in equipment and uniforms through to the end of the war.
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