waffen SS discarded equipment

[stefanuccio]

hallo all
In many photos of waffen ss soldiers some of the items generally part of the field equipment are missing
Generally speaking this vary also about the missions type and other reasons
Between modelers and collectors there is speculation that sometimes the
Gas mask canister would be discarded ,thowed away,or conveniently lost,
Some other seem to think that once the soldiers realized that gas would not be used they would rather use the gas mask canister to keep other things like chocolate,coffe,or cigarettes
Is this true?
is there any evidence that the gas mask canister was regarded as expendeble and tossed away?
would this have an effect in therms of disciplinary action faced by german soldiers for this reason?
thanks for your replay
stefano

[Mr.Jerry D]

I would think that it would depend on the circumstances. Front line assault troops would leave things behind and carry only extra ammo & grenades (with the intent of getting them again later) but defensive troops would be more likely to hold onto things.

There is a good narrative of this type of thing in the book "Forgotten soldier" where they are punished for the items that they left behind barely escaping alive in the face of a massive Russian offensive.

[chrischa]

I have also 'read' that gas masks were discarded or probably more realisticly stored with other kit.

Like all armies, kit inspection could be carried out and any lost equipment queried.

MP's could demand to see all equipment issued.

Gas was always a consideration throughout the war although not necessarily by everyone.

You may have more luck in the wehrmacht equipment section.

Chris.

[Ian Hulley]

Remembering that much of the Waffen-SS was motorised infantry (grenadiers) coats and unneccesary heavy equipment would be left in their vehicles and only what the needed at the particular time carried with them into battle. Much gear was lost later in the war when vehicles were easier targets as the air supremacy was lost.

Ian.

[groucho]

platoon

There is a scene in Platoon where Willem Dafoe removes from Charlie Sheen's backpack a lot of stuff he won't need on patrol. I think same thing appllies.

[Admiraal]

In the WH, and i would assume the W-SS as well, a soldiers Affe/backpack was held by the Zugtrupp (platoon supply/misc unit) or something like that.
The greatcoat was also with it when not needed, and so do other items. Because soldiers did get item checks.

According to Heeresmitteilung 1944, page 297 #543, the loss of a MG, pistol, rifle or gasmask, no matter what rank meant
penalty; No leave for one year, except family death. No rationed items of any kind, including tobacco, for next 6 months, plus:
MG=120 RM fine, MG42=80 RM fine, Rifle and MP=50 RM fine, pistols=30 RM fine and gas mask=20 RM fine.

[jotuntroll]

Gasmasks where personalised equipment wich where to be kept and maintained at all times! Inspections and exersizes where done often.
In the frontline some of the equipment was not worn all the time, but stored proper in bunkers, vehicles etc.

[stefanuccio]

jo rick groucho ian jerry chris
thanks very much for sharing your knowledge with me
appreciated
stefano

[David Fettes]

According to Heeresmitteilung 1944, page 297 #543, the loss of a MG, pistol, rifle or gasmask, no matter what rank meant
penalty

A Fallschirmjäger veteran once told me when they were in Normandy he and two other men found themselves behind enemy lines. So they fought their way back to their own troops. About 5 miles from their front line, the veteran dumped his MG42 so he could move quicker. When they got back to their own troops, his Feldwebel shouted at him for losing the gun and made him go back for it. 5 miles behind enemy lines again!

[stefanuccio]

hallo David
A very interesting story which proves that severe discipline was applied even in extreme cases
thanks for shring it with us
appreciated
stefano