FJ Tropical tunic with bandoleers

[Bruce Simcox]

Would not.....

.....the answer seems rather simple in a way. After all, if this were worn by a paratrooper, it seems to me, that one would have an ideal way of carrying with one during a drop, sufficient ammunition (that wouldn't be getting fouled up) readily available, easy to get to, whilst waiting for the accompanying supply cans to be opened and the contents distributed? Hoping that they made it down closely enough.

Such an arrangement in the air would seem fine to me, thereby giving a lmg a much quicker degree of readiness, to be brought into a state of availability for providing much needed support to freshly landed troopers.

Just an idea.....I find this to be a fascinating thread.

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"I would like to add that Mr. Francois and his 'ami' Marc have done a fine job of demonstrating the use of this tunic with some very nice photos that should be able to convince even the most hardened of sceptics."

Also that after re-reading this thread I have seen that quite a few of you guys had already come to the same conclusion as I arrived at, but earlier.

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Bruce

[Willi Z.]

I must admit, this thread is turning out to be rather interesting. Thanks Francois for all the photos. It sure does make one think! After seeing what has been presented I must admit it sure does look like it was designed to hold 50-round belts. And, certainly the Germans overdesigned many items (and still so) to the point where they are not practical. As someone correctly pointed out, many features on the jump smock were seldom, if ever, used. We can look at the wind cuffs for example.

Clearly this tunic was made in limited numbers. Like the tan step-in jump smocks (also in extremely limited numbers) we may never know what happened to these tunics and for what reason (or campaign) they were designed for. Most definitely, early in 1942 plans were made for an airborne (by both German and Italian FJs) assault of Malta. The operation was only called off for sure once Tobruk fell in June of 1942. The FJs were then sent to El Alemein as the Ramcke Brigade. One possible conclusion is that both this tunic and tan smock were designed after an analysis of Kreta, but more as a desire to have tropical clothing. This is only an opinion........

Willi

[Tony Farrell]

This is an excellent thread. The solution to this is as follows: Run around the block a few times - hitting the deck every so often - wearing a para smock with a load of link around your neck. Then do the same wearing the rather sexy (and brilliantly simple) LW tunic. I can tell you now what will be more comfortable.

I initially though of bandoliers, but then dismissed it as being a complicated (and expensive) way of doing things. What's wrong with hanging it around your neck under your smock? See above. And hey, were talking airborne here.

It's obvious (to me) that these jackets were modified tunics that a few 'old' hand' paras got doctored by some local tailor - just as there was a cobbler outside Brize Norton who used to stich leather 'tops' on to British DMS boots, before hi-legs became issue. Squaddies will find a way - especially if they can get away with it. And if it looks good? Even better!

I doubt they would've been permitted to be worn walking out, but for field wear? The photo speaks for itself. After the balls up at Crete, never having enough ammunition was a situation that, for some, was not going to be an issue again.

[Gene]

I dunno Tony, based on what I've seen they were absolutely made this way. Maybe at the specific request from someone, but these look completely factory done.

[Tony Farrell]

Aye, and I've seen suits made in Singapore that look like Armani! My modified boots looked 'factory'. Some of these 'local' tailors are/were very adept indeed - especially where troops concentrated - and had access to the right materials to produce quality modifications. I think it really is quite that simple - as solutions usually are.

[Ralph Heinz]

Photo of tunic

Tony,

Here is another photo showing the arrangement at the top of the right side panel holding a 50 rd. belt of ammunition. Having been an American paratrooper during the Viet Nam war and having jumped with heavy combat loads in the US including a Browning M1919 A6 machine gun and extra ammunition -- yes, modifiying existing equipment to make it more practical makes a lot of sense. In Viet Nam, we modified things to suit our own ends and used one particular piece of captured enemy equipment since it worked better than what we had issued to us.

American paratroopers in WWII were known for modifying their equipment and jump suits and -- though there was probably less freedom in the Wehrmacht to do so -- still some of this was done by them as well. The rear echelon personnel who design things don't have to put them to use in the field and their survival doesn't depend on how well they've done their jobs.

[Ralph Heinz]

Another view

Here are photos showing the modification to the existing tunic in the shoulder seam downward on the left side of the tunic (closeup photo) and a photo of the right side bandoleer snapped shut over the loaded 50 rd. belt of ammunition. This wouldn't slap around like hanging 100rds loose around your neck and it would be kept clean and ready to be used at a moment's notice.

[Willi Z.]

Nice photos Ralph. A friend of mine bought the tunic that GP had for a long time. Without a doubt they were factory made. How many were made and for what reason, along with what happened to them is all guess work. Certainly looks like it was for ammo belts though.

Willi

[Mike C]

Hello All,

Not my area of interest/expertise however Kai Winkler has listed one of these tunics for 12,500 Euros in his latest update. Good luck,

Mike

[Willi Z.]

Absurd price...be lucky to get half that much. Possibly, another example of coverting DM straight to Euros.

Willi

[Tommy]

Right Willi.

But i think it is not so high priced worth...

[C.O.Sargent]

AFRIKAKORPS RAMCK JACKET

Gentlemen :Thankyou for shedding some light on this most
interesting tunic!