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**corporalSteiner** · 12-03-2010, 04:44 PM

Originally posted by dhunter93 View Post

I have always wondered why so many field tunics are found with the pockets or pocket flaps removed and other strange modifications I have seen lots of period photo's with the top pockets removed and some with the bottom pockets gone but why? Any good theories

not to get into a flap about it, but perhaps these parts of the tunic are very vulnerable to wear and tear...in coats often, generally, pockets are the first to go...corners, then the rest...stitching comes undone...you will see repaired tunics with whole new pockets added, by field tailors....sometimes a different shade of grey/green, as a match wasnt always possible.

**Johnny R** · 12-03-2010, 07:59 PM

Many tunics you may have seen were worn in POW camps and after the War and were modified for civilian wear. My family was there and clothes were difficult to find until the late 50s. One story I love is that they made underwear out of Camo because no one wanted outer garments of it.

**Tim O'Keefe** · 12-03-2010, 08:53 PM

On tropical tunics the lower pockets were sometimes removed or sewn down by the crewman of AFV's so that they would not get snagged when exiting a burning AFV. Have seen one tropical Pz tunic that had a repair on the inside seam of the lower left pocket, most likely from this reason.

**Bond** · 12-04-2010, 09:29 AM

I have a luft tropical tunic missing the flaps to the breast pockets, though when or why this was done I don't know.

If anyone has got some or the correct fabric, please let me know, as I would like to restore it if I can.

Thanks,

Jerry

Attached Files

#1lufty trop tunic full front.JPG (126.0 KB, 197 views)

**Soldat de Fer** · 12-04-2010, 12:07 PM

Originally posted by Johnny R View Post

Many tunics you may have seen were worn in POW camps and after the War and were modified for civilian wear. My family was there and clothes were difficult to find until the late 50s. One story I love is that they made underwear out of Camo because no one wanted outer garments of it.

Hello
I agree, often the real reason. In wartime years they would have been repaired and in post-war years, civilians tried to get rid of the "military" look of the tunic often dyeing them.
Regards
P-Y

**dhunter93** · 12-06-2010, 10:49 PM

I talked to a German vet who said some would pull the top pockets to clear the Y straps; He said the utility tunic was very popular in combat for that reason and because the bottom pockets had no flaps. Apparently a stick grenade was easier to carry with the head in the open lower pocket and the stick at an angle through the belt.. Can't say I have seen a photo of that kind of carry though..

**corporalSteiner** · 12-07-2010, 12:47 AM

Originally posted by dhunter93 View Post

I talked to a German vet who said some would pull the top pockets to clear the Y straps; He said the utility tunic was very popular in combat for that reason and because the bottom pockets had no flaps. Apparently a stick grenade was easier to carry with the head in the open lower pocket and the stick at an angle through the belt.. Can't say I have seen a photo of that kind of carry though..

yes, the drill tunic can often be seen in combat pictures-albeit the later war reed green model, rather than the oatmeal one.

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tunics with missing pockets?

tunics with missing pockets?

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