Normandy German Army HBT Uniform Use

[nd164th]

Were HBT Unifoms used much by the German Army in Normandy. When I see pics or film of German POWs its always wool tunics.

[lemalouin]

Hello

I studied a lot this question because it is my area

In normandie it seems the HBT tunic is never worn, or very rarely, the best source are the photos of period which never lie…


All the German units are in wool tunics

Regards

[nd164th]

thank you, perhaps the hbt used more in Southern France or Italy

[anmarlodz]

Were HBT Unifoms used much by the German Army in Normandy. When I see pics or film of German POWs its always wool tunics.

Question ; what sort of hbt jackets you asking about ? Infantry, assault guns, panzers , nebelwerfers ?

[hoover]

There are some pics of Georgians in HBT clothes in Normandy after capture, and at least one pic with German POWs who are digging graves.

But that are 4 or 5 soldiers out of thousands. So possible, but in no way the norm.

[Andy F-P]

Dear all,
I am starting to put together a Heer mannequin from the Normandy period in 1944. Would I be better waiting for a wool tunic and would a HBT tunic be incorrect as a representative of this theatre of war?

I have studied photos from the period but, to my inexperienced eye, it is sometimes difficult to tell wool from HBT.

I would be really grateful for further views from more experienced members.
Thanks and regards,
Andy

[derka]

"...would a HBT tunic be incorrect as a representative of this theatre of war ?"

Yes, 4 pockets HBT tunic were seldomly seen in Normandy during summer 1944 as it has already been pointed above.
But HBT special suits were commonly used in the Heer by crews of tanks, armored vehicles an in nebelwerfer units.
derka

[paintbrush]

I have seen comments regarding the 21st Pzg. Division and Von Luck's troops using the white training HBT's with camo in Normandy. I believe forum member PaulW has provided the info about it, IRRC. It stands out in my mind because how odd it is to picture.

[pauke]

I asked a few German vets about temperature during the invasion and one reply that stands out was that it was not particularly warm especially when it rained. This fellow spent the whole time in one uniform as on 7 June during his unit's advance his armored vehicle was knocked out and he didn't have a single personal possession left beyond what he was wearing. He was very angry with the pilot of the fighter that hit them and would have liked to settle accounts with him.