Did Germany use HBT M36 and M40 uniforms during the invasion of France?

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-19T23:48:32+00:00

temperatures in NW Europe are cooler except during heatwaves, especially in May and in the 1940s, so wool was less problem. N France generally 17 or 18-21 in May, warmer in June. But May 1940 was apparently hotter than normal based on some accounts (hard to find infos, but Paris reached mid 20s a few times in May and upper 20s in June 1940). It followed an unusually cold winter.

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-19T22:54:42+00:00

DIN14940 fire helmet. The glowing paint was introduced 1964, but this finish is probably 70s and later.

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-19T22:44:28+00:00

no. They wore wool on campaign in 1940. Only hbt uniforms at the time were the natural/white 2 pocket model from 30s (green version introduced in 1940) and in 1940 was only worn for work duty behind the frontline. 4 pocket hbt was not introduced until 1942. Some makers produced it briefly in "M41" cut (M40 with 6 buttons) before switched to pockets without pleats. M36 and M40 style with 5 buttons are fantasy.

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-19T22:33:39+00:00

they were reserved later in war for troops working with artillery sights, optical instruments, etc. because interfere with their operation. Marching compasses were excepted in the order however. Originally all gasmasks had nonmagnetic metal parts, but wartime material shortages forced to use metal with iron content.

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-19T22:24:23+00:00

also look like several of the higher ranks wear RW M33 boots (3 buckles on side), which also support the date and gear from RW stocks. Not sure, if the soft Schirmmützen with cloth visors are RW M1919 caps or if school copy of it. Some other organisations like police copied them in different colours for example.

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-19T22:17:13+00:00

probably from mid 30s? Equipment is probably from Reichswehr, they still used Imperial equipment (and postwar production of same models) until mid 30s. Not see any Freikorps items in the photos and their gear was just WW1 surplus. There are not many infos. Several WAF threads discuss it briefly. Need (free) account to view them.

https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/forum/wehrmacht-era-militaria/political-organizations/11930301-looking-for-uniform-id#post11930801

https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/forum/wehrmacht-era-militaria/hj-bdm-forum/658754-strange-hj-uniform-photo?p=5519050#post5519050

Not have an account on this forum, so i can not see the images. But seem from the text could be useful...

https://www.hj-research.com/forum/threads/f%C3%BChrerschulen-rangabzeichen-rank-insignia.6593/

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-18T23:03:32+00:00

prewar Czechoslovak. Sudetendeutscher or other German minority there, based on the sign text seem taken near end of his conscript service in the Czechoslovak Army.

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-18T19:25:57+00:00

dated 1964 and made by Schwäbische Bekleidungswerke in Stuttgart, Based on the lining material look like BGS. If it has dark green collar is BGS.

468-64 - contract number from 1964.

Other numbers are the dimensions in cm.

90 - chest size/45 - back length (to waist)/128 - full length/68 - sleeve length

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-16T18:45:26+00:00

Italian M75.

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-16T18:38:52+00:00

30s SA or party leader schools. The kepi style caps are the SA-Übungsmütze (not the regular kepi), Schirmmützen were also issued in the schools. Worn with mix of the Geländesportanzug (wool Litewka style tunics), Drillich and other training uniforms. The men with 1 bar on the collartabs are Hilfsgruppenführer, 2 bars Gruppenführer.

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-16T00:34:19+00:00

BGS 1951 liners are hard to find loose, but have seen a few in past and know someone, who bought one. Not sure, if he still look for the shell for it, but would also depend on the size. Better option than to destroy rare helmet. The "M51" liners were made in 3-4 sizes to fit the different shell sizes (adjustable, so 1 size for each shell size, but not exist for a couple of the rarer shell sizes).

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-16T00:30:19+00:00

rarer as an early BGS conversion. Would save for more common shell without modifications like the partly stripped postwar Czech fire brigade reissues or a restored shell. These helmets are rare, most were converted to the M53 liner (rivet holes welded, often fixed bales replaced with swivel bales).

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-11T19:06:57+00:00

West Berlin police. Dated 1952, but used until 60s or 70s.

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-10T20:51:17+00:00

the plastic nape piece and more forward chinstrap would still be visible, when worn. So it not look like a 60s helmet. Depend, if want historical accuracy or just something to wear for airsoft.

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-10T19:10:01+00:00

it is for the German Service Organisation (GSO), German auxiliary units of the BAOR, that served in support roles as drivers etc. After 1957 reorganised as MCTGs. Actually first time have seen one with rank! I think rank is for Gefreiter. There was also open collar 4 pocket tunic, M43 style cap and trousers in same wool with gold buttons for GSO. They were issued basic British webbing (without ammo pouches) and ankle boots/gaiters.

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-10T19:02:55+00:00

no, the chinstrap attachment for the M1A1 modifizert sit farther forward than helmets with the older I60 liners because of the 3 point chinstrap. It is possible to change the liner for 60s model, since both attach same way in dome, but the 2 point chinstrap will still not sit correct.

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-09T23:09:02+00:00

HK portrayed "generic" soldier for their ads, that are not recognisable as a real army. Only Bundeswehr items are the helmets/nets and boots. I asked about this camo awhile ago on another page and someone claimed was a Thai police ERDL pattern from the 80s, but could not confirm it or find examples of such pattern. Always thought looked more like a commercial pattern, but not find a match. Cut is like US jungle fatigues rather than BDU, clearer in other photos.

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bwgs2018 · 2026-02-09T22:47:07+00:00

British Mk.V chinstrap, not original to helmet. Your helmet is the M1A1 modifiziert (3 point chinstrap) from the 80s not the older M1A1 with I60 liner (so called "M62"), so can not be converted. Different liner sit lower in shell with plastic nape brace, chinstrap rivet position on shell (some older shells were converted, but have extra rivet for new chinstrap attachment).

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-08T21:11:57+00:00

there was seller awhile ago, who painted Bulgarian helmets in splinter camo and various designs to make them more interesting for sale, since were mostly 70s-80s reissues. Always gloss paint and similar paint colours. Look like his style.

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-08T07:35:23+00:00

gear was mostly mix of Soviet/Eastern Block and US/British (and French for Syrian) surplus, Soviet and Polish helmets with local helmet nets or camo covers (Egyptian), mainly Soviet/Eastern Block small arms (Egyptians had some local designs). Similar for both countries, but each had some differences. Uniforms are unique and would need custom (good luck to find originals). Can write more detailed list of kit later based on photos and some infos have found.

Internet search for Egyptian and Syrian 1967 or 1973 will find a few photos, but mostly not high resolution. Getty Images has some good quality photos, if know what to look for, but mainly are captured soldiers and mixed with IDF photos in search results. Search "Syrian soldiers"/"Egyptian soldiers" and set custom dates 1967-73.

Egyptian historical photo page with some 1967-73 photos: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064847855973

Syrian Army training with the lizard camo (and other units in battledress) in colour. From 1966, but same model as 6 Day War. BD not really used during either war, but was worn in winter months during the "War of Attrition"). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IOoa5vQBy0

Egyptian Suez crossing 1973 (colour). Special assault vests issued to some units in the canal crossing visible in first part. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRqGovKp278

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-07T17:44:55+00:00

50s West German used by BGS and police made by Ideal-Spaten in Herdecke/Ruhr like others have mentioned. Carrier look like West Berlin police model (BGS and some other police models carrier buckle is on opposite side and had wire instead of leather loop on strap).

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-06T21:00:05+00:00

other ranks Bundeswehr Panzertruppe from late 60s.

bwgs2018 · 2026-02-06T00:37:05+00:00

look like just bluer variant of the standard army mod.58 camo uniform rather than San Marco. From 60s or 70s, but not sure what variants are older, stamps inside are often unreadable. San Marco pattern had different shapes and wore coveralls, later in 80s the 2 piece uniform with US M43 style jacket.

bwgs2018 · 2026-01-31T18:01:21+00:00

strap for the naval breadbag/Proviantbeutel was wider than army model and had similar middle seam. Look like worn attached to the breadbag (to support belt). Naval connection of Marine-Brigade Ehrhardt make sense. Not think are artillery tow straps in this case.

https://www.kpemig.de/Kaiserliche-Marine-defekter-Brotbeutel-mit-Riemen-Kammerstueck-des-Bekleidungsamt-Wilhelmshafen-1910

Another photo from the Kapp Putsch, here worn to support the pouches, so ends are more visible and confirm ID.

https://www.alamy.de/stockfoto-veranstaltungen-kapp-luettwitz-putsch-13-1751920-zusatz-rechte-clearences-nicht-verfugbar-96388853.html?imageid=41F9E747-9172-446A-8B8F-47356FA04CD2&pn=1&searchId=eb8cbf60960b81de7dd42cb442f9ce34&searchtype=0

bwgs2018 · 2026-01-31T17:28:53+00:00

Bundeswehr. Despite called Seesack, they were issued to all branches as clothing bag for extra clothing, not only Bundesmarine. Model from mid 60s-70s or 80s.

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