Combat "Y" Straps (Koppeltraggestell für Kavallerie)
Black leather with "D" rings and auxiliary straps for attaching assault frame. (NO WEBBING "Y" STRAPS to be purchased by new recruits)
Must be either original or exact reproductions. No Austrian, Czech or East German converted "Y" straps permitted.
K98k Mauser
This is the standard weapon used by German Troops of WW2. It must be in its original 7.92mm Calibre and have the bayonet lug under the barrel.
The rifle must be safe to use and have an operational safety.
Uniform and Equipment -
Below are descriptions typical combat equipment items the German soldier was issued
with or acquired. Please note, any kit which is non-
T
Basic Equipment
Belt & Buckle
Black leather Enlisted Men's belt with correct "Gott Mit Uns" army buckle. Must be either original or exact reproduction (Pebbled Aluminium or Plain Steel).
Belt must be correct size for your waistline and not sag when worn with equipment.
Ammunition Pouches
If K98k rifle carried, black leather pouches (1 x matching pair) must be either original in good serviceable condition or the identical early 50's issue.
Bayonet (Seitengewehr)
Original mod.98 with wood or bakelite grips and leather frog, mounted or dismounted pattern.
Must be original or exact reproduction.
Bread-
M31 or M44 pattern. Must be either original, an exact reproduction or the identical early 50's issue. No 1960's Bundeswehr, East German, Police or Luftwaffe breadbags permitted.
Should have D-
Water Bottle & Cup
M31 pattern with either aluminium or bakelite cup. Must be either original or the identical early 50's issue.
No tropical or ‘Medics’ water bottles allowed.
Entrenchment Tool & Carrier
Can be either the "straight" type or "folding" type with appropriate leather carrier.
Straight type can be either original or post war Swiss and folding type can be either original or post war Dutch. Entrenching tool blades to be painted black. Exact reproduction leather carriers for both types are available.
Messtins
Must be original or exact copy. Secured with leather or webbing strap.
Gas Mask & Cannister
Correct pattern (Not Luftschutz) canister with webbing straps; can be either original or the identical early 50's issue.
Pictured on the left of the soldiers back.
Gas Cape Bag
Original bag, cloth or rubberised type, padded out and worn attached to canister by leather straps. This was the most common method of wear later in the war. Early war, it was attached to the front of the gas mask sling.
Paybook (Soldbuch)
Paybook showing soldier's service record including promotions etc.
You supply a reproduction Soldbuch and the unit commander will arrange to have it filled out with your chosen German name and history.
Assault Frame (A-
Webbing and leather or all webbing model frame with or without the small battle pack. Must be either original or exact reproductions.
Blankets
Grey wool army surplus, not essential but if stencilled, should have either Army ( Heer ) or DRK ( Red Cross) markings.
If using modern sleeping bags etc, these must be hidden from view if on the authentic camp.
Esbit Cooker
Folding solid fuel cooker, still made by same company in Germany today. Reproduction boxes for cooker and fuel available.
Cutlery
Either the folding Fork & Spoon original or exact reproduction, or the clip-
Field Torch
Original or early post war with or without coloured filters.
Reproduction labels for the battery are available.
The following is some recommended equipment and items for members with the basic equipment already complete.
ID Disc
A copy of an original aluminium disc worn around neck on white cord or inside small leather pouch (these were actually children's money purses, not an issue item). We can arrange for your ID number to be engraved.
Zeltbahn Poles & Pegs
Each Grenadier carried one pole section and two pegs (four pole sections, eight pegs and four Zeltbahnen required to make one tent), the poles are either original, identical post war issue or exact reproductions, pegs are either original or exact reproductions.
Butter Dish
Bakelite in either tan, black or orange.
Sundry Items
There are numerous original and reproduction items available to add to your kit such as sewing kits, towels, smoking and eating items, cartridge boxes, handkerchiefs, brushes etc.
These will add greatly to your general impression.
They are not essential, though any modern equivalent items on camp must be hidden.
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