Hi, couldn't see a specific thread dedicated to this subject so thought I'd start one. Thought it might be useful for showing examples (I've started with one). More pictures here:-
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=822724
But also, discussing the history of the Luftwaffe Waffenrock, how much use they saw after their introduction etc. I'll start with what I know, but would be grateful if others would chime in with any research/ knowledge that they have.
As I understand it the Waffenrock (Uniform tunic) was introduced from November 1938 as an intended 'universal' replacement for both the 4 pocket Tuchrock, and the fliegerbluse. It differed from the Tuchrock in that it had a 5 button front (not 4), and could be fastened at the neck. However, partly as the task of replacing both seemed daunting with war approaching imminently, and also due to the huge popularity of the fliegerbluse, the Waffenrock merely replaced the Tuchrock instead. When the lapels are fully pressed open the Waffenrock looks very similar to the Tuchrock with just 4 buttons visible (the 5th can be hidden by the lapels). The button spacing might differ, but even that must change when taking into account different sized garments! I suspect that sometimes pictures of soldiers apprently wearing the Tuchrock are in reality sometimes wearing the Waffenrock?
An example of this (a Waffenrock looking quite similar to a Tuchrock with the lapels pressed open) can be seen here (not a sales pitch!):-
http://virtualgrenadier.com/sale_item.php?iid=4007
According to some sources the Waffenrock was phased out of production in 1940 (Robert Stedman, Luftwaffe Air & Ground crew, Osprey books), but other sources state that the Waffenrock was "issued until the end of the war" (Brian L Davis, Uniforms and insignia of the Luftwaffe). I suppose it is possible that if sufficient stocks existed then items could be issued that were out of production. Perhaps the Waffenrock was issued only to selected troops after the beginning of the war (Training establishments, Garrison troops in Germany etc) and less and less as the war went on?
I believe that some Tuchrocks were converted to 'Waffenrocks' after November 1938 by allowing them to be fastened at the neck, just to confuse things!
I realise that the 4 pocket tunic (Tuchrock or Waffenrock) was often privately tailored, especially for Officers and that they were used right up until the end of the war. However I was hoping that this thread could concentrate on the issued Waffenrock for EM/ NCO's if possible?
As a point of interest, in B L Davis's book mentioned above, there is a photograph of Luftwaffe Enlisted men wearing the the Waffenrock at Werner Molders funeral on 28th November 1941.
Grateful for any thoughts and feedback on the above.
Regards, Paul
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=822724
But also, discussing the history of the Luftwaffe Waffenrock, how much use they saw after their introduction etc. I'll start with what I know, but would be grateful if others would chime in with any research/ knowledge that they have.
As I understand it the Waffenrock (Uniform tunic) was introduced from November 1938 as an intended 'universal' replacement for both the 4 pocket Tuchrock, and the fliegerbluse. It differed from the Tuchrock in that it had a 5 button front (not 4), and could be fastened at the neck. However, partly as the task of replacing both seemed daunting with war approaching imminently, and also due to the huge popularity of the fliegerbluse, the Waffenrock merely replaced the Tuchrock instead. When the lapels are fully pressed open the Waffenrock looks very similar to the Tuchrock with just 4 buttons visible (the 5th can be hidden by the lapels). The button spacing might differ, but even that must change when taking into account different sized garments! I suspect that sometimes pictures of soldiers apprently wearing the Tuchrock are in reality sometimes wearing the Waffenrock?
An example of this (a Waffenrock looking quite similar to a Tuchrock with the lapels pressed open) can be seen here (not a sales pitch!):-
http://virtualgrenadier.com/sale_item.php?iid=4007
According to some sources the Waffenrock was phased out of production in 1940 (Robert Stedman, Luftwaffe Air & Ground crew, Osprey books), but other sources state that the Waffenrock was "issued until the end of the war" (Brian L Davis, Uniforms and insignia of the Luftwaffe). I suppose it is possible that if sufficient stocks existed then items could be issued that were out of production. Perhaps the Waffenrock was issued only to selected troops after the beginning of the war (Training establishments, Garrison troops in Germany etc) and less and less as the war went on?
I believe that some Tuchrocks were converted to 'Waffenrocks' after November 1938 by allowing them to be fastened at the neck, just to confuse things!
I realise that the 4 pocket tunic (Tuchrock or Waffenrock) was often privately tailored, especially for Officers and that they were used right up until the end of the war. However I was hoping that this thread could concentrate on the issued Waffenrock for EM/ NCO's if possible?
As a point of interest, in B L Davis's book mentioned above, there is a photograph of Luftwaffe Enlisted men wearing the the Waffenrock at Werner Molders funeral on 28th November 1941.
Grateful for any thoughts and feedback on the above.
Regards, Paul
Comment