Germany - pre-1945 - Revision history

Admin1: /* Camouflage Patterns of the Waffen-SS */

2026-05-29T17:21:07Z

Camouflage Patterns of the Waffen-SS

Admin1: /* Camouflage Patterns of the Waffen-SS */

2026-05-29T17:07:58Z

Camouflage Patterns of the Waffen-SS

Admin1: /* Camouflage Patterns of the German Wehrmacht */

2026-05-27T23:51:55Z

Camouflage Patterns of the German Wehrmacht

Admin1: /* Camouflage Patterns of the German Wehrmacht */

2026-05-27T23:51:34Z

Camouflage Patterns of the German Wehrmacht

Admin1: /* Camouflage Patterns of the German Wehrmacht */

2026-05-27T23:49:41Z

Camouflage Patterns of the German Wehrmacht

Admin1: /* Camouflage Patterns of the German Wehrmacht */

2026-05-27T23:48:38Z

Camouflage Patterns of the German Wehrmacht

Admin1: /* The German Empire and the Weimar Republic */

2026-05-27T23:48:16Z

The German Empire and the Weimar Republic

Admin1: /* Camouflage Patterns of the German Wehrmacht */

2026-05-27T23:46:44Z

Camouflage Patterns of the German Wehrmacht

Admin1: /* The German Empire and the Weimar Republic */

2026-05-27T21:01:40Z

The German Empire and the Weimar Republic

Admin1 at 21:00, 27 May 2026

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-* The Waffen-SS ''Erbsenmuster'' or "pea pattern" was the first non-reversible wartime Waffen-SS pattern, introduced in 1944. The design incorporated five colors (dark green, mid-green, olive green, dark brown, and light brown), and was intended to be used in all seasons. Produced on a wide variety of fabric types, many color variations have been documented, but there is no evidence of different shades or hues being the result of anything other than production standards. This pattern saw use briefly after the Second World War by some armed forces such as the [[Hungary|Hungarian Army]] until original German stocks were depleted.
+* The Waffen-SS ''Erbsenmuster'' was the first non-reversible wartime Waffen-SS pattern, introduced in March 1944 and developed by Otto Schick. The design incorporated five colors (dark green, mid-green, olive green, dark brown, and light brown), and was intended to be used in all seasons. In English, this pattern has been nicknamed "pea pattern," and also "pea dot" or "dot 44." Printed on a wide variety of fabric types, many color variations have been documented, but there is no evidence of different shades or hues being the result of anything other than production standards. This pattern saw use briefly after the Second World War by some armed forces such as the [[Hungary|Hungarian Army]] until original German stocks were depleted. A wide number of uniform items were produced in ''erbsenmuster'' camouflage, including factory-produced two-piece M-1944 model two piece suits, pullover smocks (''tarnhemd''), helmet covers, winter parkas, and armored crew coveralls.
 [[File:ww2germany1.jpg|200px]]

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 * The Waffen-SS ''Erbsenmuster'' or "pea pattern" was the first non-reversible wartime Waffen-SS pattern, introduced in 1944. The design incorporated five colors (dark green, mid-green, olive green, dark brown, and light brown), and was intended to be used in all seasons. Produced on a wide variety of fabric types, many color variations have been documented, but there is no evidence of different shades or hues being the result of anything other than production standards. This pattern saw use briefly after the Second World War by some armed forces such as the [[Hungary|Hungarian Army]] until original German stocks were depleted.
 [[File:ww2germany1.jpg|200px]]
 == Experimental Camouflage Patterns of the German Reich ==

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 [[File:Germanytr5.jpg|200px]]
-* ''[[Leibermuster]]'' was the final camouflage pattern developed by the Germans during WW2, and was believed to deter infared technology of the period <ref>Camouflage Uniforms of the German Wehrmacht, by Werner Palinckx with Dr. J.F. Borsarello, Schiffer Military History, Atglen, PA, USA, 2002. ISBN: 0-7643-1623-0, p. 33</ref>. It was issued to both Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS soldiers, but it seems that it was mostly issued to Wehrmacht personnel serving in Czechoslovakia in the very end of the war. The pattern is different from the [[Czechoslovakia|Czechoslovak]] [[Leibermuster]] pattern, incorporating dark green, light green, red, black and khaki/ochre. This pattern was later considered for adoption by both postwar [[Germany]] and [[Belgium]], with a moderate number of uniforms being produced by each country, but it never universally adopted by either.
+* ''[[Leibermuster]]'' was the final camouflage pattern developed by the Germans during WW2, and was believed to deter infared technology of the period <ref>Camouflage Uniforms of the German Wehrmacht, by Werner Palinckx with Dr. J.F. Borsarello, Schiffer Military History, Atglen, PA, USA, 2002. ISBN: 0-7643-1623-0, p. 33</ref>. It was issued to both Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS soldiers, but it seems that it was mostly issued to Wehrmacht personnel serving in Czechoslovakia in the very end of the war. The pattern is different from the [[Czechoslovakia|Czechoslovak]] [[Leibermuster]] pattern, incorporating dark green, light green, red, black and khaki/ochre. This pattern was later considered for adoption by both postwar [[Germany]] and [[Belgium]], with a moderate number of uniforms being produced by each country, but it was never universally adopted by either.
 [[File:leibermuster1.png|200px]]

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 [[File:Germanytr5.jpg|200px]]
-* ''[[Leibermuster]]'' was the final camouflage pattern developed by the Germans during WW2, and was believed to deter infared technology of the period <ref>Camouflage Uniforms of the German Wehrmacht, by Werner Palinckx with Dr. J.F. Borsarello, Schiffer Military History, Atglen, PA, USA, 2002. ISBN: 0-7643-1623-0, p. 33</ref>. It was issued to both Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS soldiers, but it seems that it was mostly issued to Wehrmacht personnel serving in Czechoslovakia in the very end of the war. The pattern is different from the [[Czechoslovakia|Czechoslovak]] [[Leibermuster]] pattern, incorporating dark green, light green, red, black and khaki/ochre. The photo shows a [[reproduction]]. This pattern was later considered for adoption by both postwar [[Germany]] and [[Belgium]] with a moderate number of uniforms being produced, but never universally adopted.
+* ''[[Leibermuster]]'' was the final camouflage pattern developed by the Germans during WW2, and was believed to deter infared technology of the period <ref>Camouflage Uniforms of the German Wehrmacht, by Werner Palinckx with Dr. J.F. Borsarello, Schiffer Military History, Atglen, PA, USA, 2002. ISBN: 0-7643-1623-0, p. 33</ref>. It was issued to both Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS soldiers, but it seems that it was mostly issued to Wehrmacht personnel serving in Czechoslovakia in the very end of the war. The pattern is different from the [[Czechoslovakia|Czechoslovak]] [[Leibermuster]] pattern, incorporating dark green, light green, red, black and khaki/ochre. This pattern was later considered for adoption by both postwar [[Germany]] and [[Belgium]], with a moderate number of uniforms being produced by each country, but it never universally adopted by either.
 [[File:leibermuster1.png|200px]]

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 * ''[[Leibermuster]]'' was the final camouflage pattern developed by the Germans during WW2, and was believed to deter infared technology of the period <ref>Camouflage Uniforms of the German Wehrmacht, by Werner Palinckx with Dr. J.F. Borsarello, Schiffer Military History, Atglen, PA, USA, 2002. ISBN: 0-7643-1623-0, p. 33</ref>. It was issued to both Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS soldiers, but it seems that it was mostly issued to Wehrmacht personnel serving in Czechoslovakia in the very end of the war. The pattern is different from the [[Czechoslovakia|Czechoslovak]] [[Leibermuster]] pattern, incorporating dark green, light green, red, black and khaki/ochre. The photo shows a [[reproduction]]. This pattern was later considered for adoption by both postwar [[Germany]] and [[Belgium]] with a moderate number of uniforms being produced, but never universally adopted.
-[[File:Germanytr6.jpg|200px]]
+[[File:leibermuster1.png|200px]]
 == Camouflage Patterns of the Waffen-SS ==

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 == Camouflage Patterns of the German Wehrmacht ==
-* In use with the German Army since 1931, the ''Heeres-Splittermuster 31'' (Army [[splinter]] pattern) was already well distributed within the armed forces at the beginning of WW2, and would continue so until Germany capitulated in May 1945. The Army splinter pattern was the only camouflage design to see near universal distribution during the war, as each German military combatant (even Naval Artillery and some Police formations) was issued one for his personal use. <ref>Wehrmacht Camouflage Uniforms & Post-War Derivatives, by Daniel Peterson. Windrow & Greene, London, 1995. ISBN 1 85915 005 5, p. 5</ref> Although the ''zeltbahn'' retained a double sided printing throughout the war, in 1941 there was a brief attempt at creating a brown-dominant side for use in autumn or less verdant conditions; that idea was never pursued to any great degree, and extant samples of these experimental shelters are rare. Nevertheless, over the course of the war the coloration of individual ''zeltbahnen'' would vary depending on the time and the factory that produced it, owing to changes in availability of raw materials as well as other factors. In addition to the zeltbahn, beginning in spring of 1942 <ref>Wehrmacht Camouflage Uniforms & Post-War Derivatives, by Daniel Peterson. Windrow & Greene, London, 1995. ISBN 1 85915 005 5, p. 5</ref> the German Army began to produce and issue a pullover smock and matching helmet cover to some personnel (both reversible to white for snow conditions). Also released in April 1942 was the ''Wintertarnanzug'' (winter camouflage outfit) consisting of padded jacket and trousers, insulated hood, and mittens. Additional items produced in HS-31 were all non-regulation and either field-made or tailor made for the end user. Some unofficial literature refers to the Army version as "splinter pattern A."
+* In use with the German Army since 1931, the ''Heeres-Splittermuster 31'' (Army [[splinter]] pattern) was already well distributed within the armed forces at the beginning of WW2, and would continue so until Germany capitulated in May 1945. The Army splinter pattern was the only camouflage design to see near universal distribution during the war, as each German military combatant (even Naval Artillery and some Police formations) was issued one for his personal use. <ref>Wehrmacht Camouflage Uniforms & Post-War Derivatives, by Daniel Peterson. Windrow & Greene, London, 1995. ISBN 1 85915 005 5, p. 5</ref> Although the ''zeltbahn'' retained a double sided printing (light/dark) throughout the war, in 1941 there was a brief attempt at creating a brown-dominant side for use in autumn or less verdant conditions; that idea was never pursued to any great degree, and extant samples of these experimental shelters are rare. Nevertheless, over the course of the war the coloration of individual ''zeltbahnen'' would vary depending on the time and the factory that produced it, owing to changes in availability of raw materials as well as other factors. In addition to the zeltbahn, beginning in spring of 1942 <ref>Wehrmacht Camouflage Uniforms & Post-War Derivatives, by Daniel Peterson. Windrow & Greene, London, 1995. ISBN 1 85915 005 5, p. 5</ref> the German Army began to produce and issue a pullover smock and matching helmet cover to some personnel (both reversible to white for snow conditions). Also released in April 1942 was the ''Wintertarnanzug'' (winter camouflage outfit) consisting of padded jacket and trousers, insulated hood, and mittens. Additional items produced in HS-31 were all non-regulation and either field-made or tailor made for the end user. Some unofficial literature refers to the Army version as "splinter pattern A."
 [[File:splittertarn-light.png|200px]]

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-* The earliest known camouflage pattern developed for mass-production by the German military forces was the ''Buntfarbendruck 31'' (multi-colored print), created around 1929 and put into production in 1931.<ref>Camouflage Uniforms of the German Wehrmacht, by Werner Palinckx with Dr. J.F. Borsarello, Schiffer Military History, Atglen, PA, USA, 2002. ISBN: 0-7643-1623-0, p. 21</ref> The pattern was later re-named ''Heeres-Splittermuster 31'' (Army splinter pattern) circa 1935. This camouflage design was used on the ''Zeltbahn 31'' - a triangular [[zeltbahn|shelter quarter]] that would create a suitable four-man tent when buttoned together with three additional pieces. The colouration of the two sides was different but both printed in a [[splinter]] pattern. It should be noted that the German design was later copied on the [[Switzerland|Swiss]] ''Zelteinheiten 1901''. <ref>Despite the patterns being quite similar there are a number of differences between the Swiss and the German shelter halves/zeltbahns: the Swiss shelter is rectangular, the German triangular; the German zeltbahn does not have the yellow dots on one of the sides; there is green "lines" through the brown areas of the Swiss pattern - sometimes connecting the green areas. The German Zeltbahn does not have these lines. The Swiss shelter often has a stamped metal disk with the manufacturer etc.</ref> The pattern would also be utilized on a number of uniform items during WW2 and was the basis of the ''Luftwaffe-Splittermuster'' camouflage pattern.
+* The earliest known camouflage pattern developed for mass-production by the German military forces was the ''Buntfarbendruck 31'' (multi-colored print), created around 1929 and put into production in 1931.<ref>Camouflage Uniforms of the German Wehrmacht, by Werner Palinckx with Dr. J.F. Borsarello, Schiffer Military History, Atglen, PA, USA, 2002. ISBN: 0-7643-1623-0, p. 21</ref> The pattern was later re-named ''Heeres-Splittermuster 31'' (Army splinter pattern) circa 1935. This camouflage design was used on the ''Zeltbahn 31'' - a triangular [[zeltbahn|shelter quarter]] that would create a suitable four-man tent when buttoned together with three additional pieces. The colouration of the two sides was different (one light lighter, one darker) but both printed in a [[splinter]] pattern. It should be noted that the German design was later copied on the [[Switzerland|Swiss]] ''Zelteinheiten 1901''. <ref>Despite the patterns being quite similar there are a number of differences between the Swiss and the German shelter halves/zeltbahns: the Swiss shelter is rectangular, the German triangular; the German zeltbahn does not have the yellow dots on one of the sides; there is green "lines" through the brown areas of the Swiss pattern - sometimes connecting the green areas. The German Zeltbahn does not have these lines. The Swiss shelter often has a stamped metal disk with the manufacturer etc.</ref> The pattern would also be utilized on a number of uniform items during WW2 and was the basis of the ''Luftwaffe-Splittermuster'' camouflage pattern.
 [[File:Germanytr3.jpg|200px]]

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 * In use with the German Army since 1931, the ''Heeres-Splittermuster 31'' (Army [[splinter]] pattern) was already well distributed within the armed forces at the beginning of WW2, and would continue so until Germany capitulated in May 1945. The Army splinter pattern was the only camouflage design to see near universal distribution during the war, as each German military combatant (even Naval Artillery and some Police formations) was issued one for his personal use. <ref>Wehrmacht Camouflage Uniforms & Post-War Derivatives, by Daniel Peterson. Windrow & Greene, London, 1995. ISBN 1 85915 005 5, p. 5</ref> Although the ''zeltbahn'' retained a double sided printing throughout the war, in 1941 there was a brief attempt at creating a brown-dominant side for use in autumn or less verdant conditions; that idea was never pursued to any great degree, and extant samples of these experimental shelters are rare. Nevertheless, over the course of the war the coloration of individual ''zeltbahnen'' would vary depending on the time and the factory that produced it, owing to changes in availability of raw materials as well as other factors. In addition to the zeltbahn, beginning in spring of 1942 <ref>Wehrmacht Camouflage Uniforms & Post-War Derivatives, by Daniel Peterson. Windrow & Greene, London, 1995. ISBN 1 85915 005 5, p. 5</ref> the German Army began to produce and issue a pullover smock and matching helmet cover to some personnel (both reversible to white for snow conditions). Also released in April 1942 was the ''Wintertarnanzug'' (winter camouflage outfit) consisting of padded jacket and trousers, insulated hood, and mittens. Additional items produced in HS-31 were all non-regulation and either field-made or tailor made for the end user. Some unofficial literature refers to the Army version as "splinter pattern A."
-[[File:Germanytr3.jpg|200px]]
+[[File:splittertarn-light.png|200px]]
-[[File:Germanytr4.jpg|200px]]
+[[File:splittertarn-dark.png|200px]]
 * The ''Luftwaffe-Splittermuster 41'' was a scaled down version of the ''Heeres-Splittermuster 31'' printed for use by the German Air Force (''Luftwaffe'') from 1941 until 1944. The reduction of the pattern was believed to enhance its camouflaging ability. LW splinter pattern camouflage was used on a number of uniforms, most notably the ''knochensack'' (''Bone sack'') jump suit of the Air Force paratroopers (of which there were two types), and a special jacket worn by the Luftwaffe Field Division. It was also found on helmet covers, ammunition bandoliers, paratrooper knee pads, and on grenade bags. The pattern is also referred to in some unofficial references as "splinter camouflage B."

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 As a member of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Powers Central Powers], the German Empire fought alongside Austro-Hungarian, Bulgarian, and Ottoman Empire forces during the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I First World War]. This was the first large-scale conflict to incorporate camouflaging techniques for military purposes, at least to any great degree. Military camouflage was initially developed to disguise artillery emplacements from aerial observation; later, camouflage designs would be applied to aircraft, ships, and even tanks. Several nations, including [[France]], [[United Kingdom|Great Britain]], and the [[USA|United States]] engaged the expertise of artists to develop camouflage designs for battlefield purposes during the early part of the 20th century. German artist and printmaker Franz Marc, a key figure in the German Expressionist movement, was perhaps the greatest contributor to the development of early German military camouflage, having been employed to create more than a dozen different designs to be printed on huge tarpaulins that would be used for the concealment of artillery emplacements. As with most other countries, the implementation of personal camouflage for German forces came later, but was relatively commonplace during WW1 in the hand-painting of various designs on the new ''Stahlhelm,'' introduced in 1916. Other techniques, including the art of sniper camouflage, saw some development by German forces during this conflict as well. In the 1930s, the Germans were also instrumental in continuing work to develop personal camouflage for use by ground troops.
-* During the First World War, much of Western Europe was embroiled in a tedious campaign of trench warfare. The average infantry trench was deep enough to allow men to stand up or travel along its length completely unobserved by the enemy and protected from rifle and machine gun fire. Nevertheless, the most exposed part of a soldier under these conditions was usually his head. Introduced in 1916, the German Army ''M1916 Stahlhelm'' was a fairly advanced protective design (for the time) covering not only the crown of the head, but the sides and neck as well, with a visor to shade the eyes from the sun as well as protect them from small bits of flying debris. The first German examples of personal camouflage to emerge during the war were hand-painted helmets. Although each helmet was essentially unique as they were personally painted by their owners, the designs themselves were similar and tended to consist of geometric shapes in light colors divided by black or dark colored lines. This painting technique became known as ''Buntfarbenanstrich 1918'' (colorful painting), and in the postwar period it was eventually approved by the ''Heeresleitung'' (Supreme Army Command) for application to certain motor vehicles, artillery pieces, and even ammunition crates. For nearly twenty years the German Army would continue to apply ''buntfarbenanstrich'' camouflage to its equipment.
+* During the First World War, much of Western Europe was embroiled in a tedious campaign of trench warfare. The average infantry trench was deep enough to allow men to stand up or travel along its length completely unobserved by the enemy and protected from rifle and machine gun fire. Nevertheless, the most exposed part of a soldier under these conditions was usually his head. Introduced in 1916, the German Army ''M1916 Stahlhelm'' was a fairly advanced protective design (for the time) covering not only the crown of the head, but the sides and neck as well, with a visor to shade the eyes from the sun and protect the wearer from small bits of flying debris. The first German examples of personal camouflage to emerge during the war were hand-painted helmets. Although each helmet was essentially unique as they were personally painted by their owners, the designs themselves were similar and tended to consist of geometric shapes in light colors divided by black or dark colored lines. This painting technique became known as ''Buntfarbenanstrich 1918'' (colorful painting), and in the postwar period it was eventually approved by the ''Heeresleitung'' (Supreme Army Command) for application to certain motor vehicles, artillery pieces, and even ammunition crates. For nearly twenty years the German Army would continue to apply ''buntfarbenanstrich'' camouflage to its equipment.
 [[File:stahlhelm1.jpg|200px]]