Originally posted by Klaus1989
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By first pattern Y strap I believe you mean the one with a "heart" shaped leather centrepiece at the back. If that is the case, the best ammunition pouch to have is a curved AKM one with a D ring at the back so that you hook the Y strap on to it rather than to the belt. The correct entrenching tools is actually rather rare: I keep finding the Strichtarn covered one and the old "Wehrmachty" one probably used by the Kampfgruppen. The latter is documented in use by the NVA together with a Strichtarn uniform but probably an earlier one than yours (exposed buttons on the sleeves).
Be aware that there is an even earlier grey webbing pattern (samples of which I have seen at Nico's and which I am currently struggling with my conscience on whether they should be purchased or not ) where the hooks at the front are not adjusted with a buckle like yours and later ones, but with "beltholes" so to speak. It is to be worn with D rings loops at the belt and it has clips and not D rings to attach the backpack. This pattern would be incorrect with your uniform because it was used in the early 1960s mostly with Blumentarn equipment (and Drillich uniforms ). It might have occasionaly been used later on but it would have caused problems with the equipment, because later Teil 1 and 2 backpacks are hooked differently.
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