Camouflage utilized by the Waffen-SS

The camouflage smock and helmet cover are the Waffen-SS symbols.   It separates the LAH from the Wehrmacht at a glance.  Over the years, the LAH has strived to maintain standardization over the wide selection of camouflage patterns now available.

The following are examples of Camouflage utilized by the Waffen-SS.  Not all of the examples below are approved for the LAH reenactment Unit.

Camouflage Smocks (Tarnjacken)

There are currently two types of smocks authorized in the LAH, 1st and 2nd pattern.  Both are constructed  of lightweight canvas or cotton duck material.  Some may be waterproofed. Both smocks will be of the reversible type with an approved Spring camo pattern on one side and an approved Fall pattern on the other.   Both types have elastic waist band, elastic cuffs, and a drawstring front closure and shoulder loops to attach foliage.  The 1st pattern has a shorter skirt than the 2nd pattern and also has the two vertical slash type openings on the left and right sides of the chest covered with a straight cut pocket flap.  The pocket flap is sometimes secured with dish pan type button.  The 2nd pattern smock has a slightly longer skirt with two reversible pockets.  These pockets are also covered by a straight cut pocket flap and secured by a dish pan type button.

M38 TYPE I SMOCKS

1st Pattern Smock Palm/Forest

       

1st Pattern Smock Oak A

         

1st Pattern Smock Oak B

   

1st Pattern Smock Overprint/Plane Tree Nr 1/2

          

1st Pattern Smock Overprint/Plane Tree Nr 5/6

         

1st Pattern Smock Blurred Edge

          

M42 TYPE II SMOCKS

2nd Pattern Smock Oak A

       

2nd Pattern Smock Oak B

        

2nd Pattern Smock Blurred Edge

   

2nd Pattern Smock Overprint/Plane Tree Nr.1/2

         

2nd Pattern Smock  Overprint/Plane Tree Nr. 5/6

           

Camouflage Helmet Cover (Stahlhelmbezuge)

Only one type of helmet cover is authorized in the LAH.  It is made from the same material as the smock and is also reversible.  The helmet cover is secured to the sides and rear of the helmet by means of rocker style clips.  The front edge of the cover is secured by a reinforced lip of material which overhangs the bill of the helmet.  The cover may have loops installed for attaching foliage.   Drawstring style helmet covers are not authorized.

1st Pattern Palm Helmet Cover

   

1st Pattern Blurred Edge Helmet Cover

     

1st Pattern Plane Tree 5/6 Helmet Cover

   

1st Pattern Oak Helmet Cover

2nd Pattern Plane Tree 1/2 Helmet Cover

 

2nd Pattern Oak A Helmet Cover

   

2nd Pattern Oak B Helmet Cover

   

2nd Pattern Blurred Edge Helmet Cover

   

Field Modified and Private Purchase Camouflage Tunics

Blurred Edge (top left) and Oak (top right) Palm Tunic (Fall) and (Spring) Officer's Quality made from a zeltbahn with bottle green collar. Camouflage uniforms are authorized for use in the LAH as they were authorized by the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS during the war.  All uniforms must be constructed of an approved camouflage pattern.  All uniforms must conform to the M-1941, or M-1943 patterns.   It is authorized for the rank of Oberscharführer and above in the field, but is not recommended for use as a dress uniform.

44 Dot and Italian Camouflage

44 DOT Camo Uniform (only at approved events)

First issued in March 1944, this new camouflage tunic and trousers were made out of an HBT material and was a radical new step for the Waffen SS to produce one uniform (with camo) so that members of the Waffen SS could be issued this uniform and not have to be issued a camouflage smock ( material shortage)  This two piece uniform was designed to be worn over the wool service uniform or by itself and was designated as both a combat and work uniform.

italcamo.jpg (27421 bytes)

Italian Camo Uniforms (Not authorized for wear in the LAH)

In 1943 while stationed in Italy, the LAH seized vast amounts of Italian camo from the disarmed Italian military, the LAH later used this camouflage material to reequip their new sister division the 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend to form the 1.SS Panzer Korps and to reequip their new members from the training battalions.

The Italian camo fur anorak is virtually the same garment cut as the regular type SS green fabric fur anorak. This camo anorak was first used in 1944 during the battle of the Bulge, and continued to be used until the end of the war. (Not authorized for wear in the LAH)

Italian camo and Dot 44 pics courtesy of GMAX.

Dot 44 pics courtesy of 1944 militaria

And numerous pics from Rollin and ATF.