Italian Campaign

[Ron V]

Are there any members here with knowledge of Heer uniforms worn during the campaign in Italy? I'm aware that there was wide usage of tropical uniforms during the summer months along with a mix of useful Italian made items but was curious if the reed green HBT's were a oart of the mix. Somehow, this campaign has received minimal coverage in the form of published books and articles unless I've missed some.

Thanks in advance.

Ron Volstad

[Johnny R]

Italian Campaign

Ron-

Almost everything was worn there including green HBTs, you had people coming in from Afrika, Sicily and in and out from the Western and Eastern Fronts bringing all types of uniforms. In addition, as you mentioned a wide variety of Italian items, field made pants, shorts and use of even captured Allied clothing.

I am not sure what you have seen already but here is a list of books in English on Italy.

http://members.aol.com/Custermen85/R...e/WW2Books.htm

There are many more in German, French (Militaria Mag.) and Italian, even if you can't read them there are excellent photos. Tropical Uniform books usually cover Italy as well.

[NZMark]

Hi Ron,
I think a case can be made for nearly every form of uniform being used in Italy. Field Division, Fallschirmjaeger, SS, Heer varieties etc etc. Certainly HBT, tropical, custom camouflage items for all arms of service, wool...
I also believe Italy has been a theatre of ops' that has been neglected, (I'm sure this will change) especially the variety of modified uniforms along with the units involved.
Are you researching anything specific?
Regards,
Mark.

[afrika]

I agree with NZ Mark totally....Go the Kiwi's!!!!!!

Italy is a much neglected theatre. Particularly for the reasons mentioned already! Where else do you find such a brilliant selection of uniform items from ALL countries photographed in perhaps near perfect conditions resulting in crisp, clear photos?
As far as battles go, the ferocity was equal to anything on the Ostfront and Normandy. It was both an open battelfield and a war of attrition in different areas fought in as many varied conditions and extremes. And the range of participants is huge, so why for so long has everyone focussed on Europe in 44 and 45? Maybe because the victories won there were far more important to those involved than a slog up Italys spine? D Day Dodgers! I am not taking anything away from NW Europe, just saying that the Med campaign is sorely underrated.

Bring on the Mediterranean subjects, they are such great avenues of study in all aspects, whether you're interested in Armour, uniforms, politics, strategy, whatever you are into, the Italian and Med campaigns can provide it.

Steve

[NZMark]

Steve,
You said it far better than I did.
Regards!
Mark.

[Ron V]

Thanks for the responses fellas; it is as I suspected. I do have a substantial library of my own but still lacking is anything with a large photographic content of the Wehrmacht participants (with the exception of Fallschirmjager and possibly HG Div).

I'm about to embark on a project that will feature four Heer types, either in the warm months of 1943 or 44. I had hoped to show a wide mix of uniform items including tropical and reed green clothing.

In the mean time, I'll keep looking!

Cheers,
Ron V