wwii axis reenactment forum

as Arthur said, collar tresse on HBT uniforms was usually not applied. reason being that summer, as well as tropical uniforms, were only issued temporary and the following user would be unlikely to be an unteroffizier anyway. same reason that we don't see collar tabs on LW tropical uniforms.

Would that be the case for DAK uniforms as well? A trooper there would surely keep the same tunic throughout the year? (and I recall seeing DAK troops with tresse on their collars, somewhere)

On some DAK uniforms you see it, but mostly only for seniors who would maybe have the privilege of keeping their seasonal clothing, but even with the officers, you often see enlisted man's breast eagles with collar tabs and officers shoulder boards. Forces that served in Italy however had their tropical clothing on more of a permanent basis so you see more "proper" insignia in that theatre.

Epic has the late war tress...that I have yet to see on an original uniform.

Oberleutnant Ulrich wrote: Epic has the late war tress...that I have yet to see on an original uniform.

Oops. So much for that idea...

Oberleutnant Ulrich wrote:hat I have yet to see on an original uniform.

There is one on page 91 of 'Feldbluse'? Everyones fave book of cloth?
That is only one of many though, it is somewhat unusual.

I'll have a look, thanks for the references.

Back on topic: would the flak trade patch be worn by everyone from privates up to officers, or was it an EM-only thing?

Not entirely sure for army topical uniforms that were part of the DAK. However collar braid was more common on Heer uniforms than LW and KM ones.

askhati wrote:I'll have a look, thanks for the references.

Back on topic: would the flak trade patch be worn by everyone from privates up to officers, or was it an EM-only thing?

All trade badges were worn by enlisted men only. Officers did not wear them.

Oberleutnant Ulrich wrote: All trade badges were worn by enlisted men only. Officers did not wear them.

Thanks for clearing that up. Was looking at a Sanitäter impression recently, and the same question was raised about their patches (but not answered until now).

Update:

M40 Fliegerbluse arrived from LWS, and it looks beautiful. The insignia, however - chest eagle, Obergefreiter wimpel, flak trade patch - are stuck at the local PO, which is closed indefinitely due to an ongoing strike. Africa...

Also managed to source some RAL 7016 matt enamel from our local DIY store, looking at maybe doing up an M42 in that colour. Still need to research it first though, whether it would be appropriate for late-war use.

Question on the collar tabs: what is the best way to affix them to the collars? I'm struggling to find red cotton thread in the exact shade as the tabs, and getting a needle through them is tricky due to the stiff backing. Any ideas?

Hi,

I'm very glad that all went well and that you like the fliegerbluse. I've noted your email, but I will reply here, for the benefit of others as well.

The collar tabs can be machine-sewn or done by hand:

if you want to do it by hand, you have to attach it very close to the edges of the collar tab, with an almost invisible stitich. You shouldn't go through the fabric this way.

If you want to do it machine sewn you have to use one with a large needle, such as those use for leather. The collar tabs I supplied with the tunic is made of finer fabric and thinner backing than what's on the market, so it should be easier to do.

Does anyone have photos of flak crews wearing the Flak Proficiency Badge? I have only been able to find one to date, and that for an NCO - not an Obergefreiter like I am aiming for.

Finally have all the patches and insignia sewn on:



Blouse, boards and collar tabs from Luftwaffesupplies (cheers Christian), insignia from http://www.historical-militaria-shop.com/

Will try to get an in-kit pic soon. Also considered an FD camo jacket as an extra layer... *looks at wallet*

Looks good
Doing a flak impression is always something I want to do

Doing the impression is easier than finding the flak gun...