Luftwaffe Field Division Uniforms And Insignia

[John Hodgin]

Thought it would be good to have a dedicated thread for this topic.

To begin, Martin has kindly allowed me to repost his photo of HBT shoulder straps in splinter pattern. Now that Martin has decided to keep these straps I can be more frank about them. Authentic examples of these are incredibly rare, almost never seen, and among the rarest of combat shoulder straps.

[Jos L C]

I still don't understand their purpose...

Jos.

[John Hodgin]

I still don't understand their purpose...

Jos.

They hold combat belt supports (Y straps) in place.
John

[Michael N]

I still don't understand their purpose...

Cosmetic! On the other hand that was the original purpose but honestly how many soldiers used them for that? Almost all photos of combat troops dont show them being used in that way.

Yes, very rare and very expensive! Still looking for a pair myself

[John Hodgin]

Ever see one in grünmeliert!?

[Jos L C]

They hold combat belt supports (Y straps) in place.
John

It's not what I meant John,sorry..,I mean those "plain" straps...,as a soldier you can use these,but as a Unteroffizier,for example,they're worthless,never saw any of these upgraded,plus I can't imagine that any jacket came with these...,think many were thrown away and replaced by normal straps,so,those which survived are rare..,no ?

Jos.

[Glenn McInnes]

My understanding is that most of these straps were discarded in favour of straps that showed the wearers rank.


Glenn

[John Hodgin]

My understanding is that most of these straps were discarded in favour of straps that showed the wearers rank.
Glenn

But Jos and Glenn, like all other straps, these straps DO show rank. What they did not show was waffenfarbe.
Regards,
John

[John Huff]

Great idea, John. Pour it on, Boys!

[Glenn McInnes]

But Jos and Glenn, like all other straps, these straps DO show rank. What they did not show was waffenfarbe.
Regards,
John

Yes indeed John,up until NCO I suppose



Glenn

[John Hodgin]

Here is a breast eagle cut from a Field Division jacket. This is an unusual eagle for me, did not have one of this design, am already very fond of it.

[martin guerre]

Here is the jacket who match the straps ...well worn......with some accidents

[martin guerre]

eagle....

[John Hodgin]

Here is another eagle cut from an HBT jacket, this one is of a more common design.

[John Hodgin]

Yes indeed John,up until NCO I suppose
Glenn

Yes Glenn, just as with all Luftwaffe straps, through Stabsfeldwebel. At least one member has an HBT NCO strap, perhaps he will post a photo of it. I cannot remember if it is an Oberj******228;ger or Feldwebel; ultra rare!
John