The Deutches Afrika Korps M1940 Tropical Uniform was a standard issue German uniform given to members of the DAK in North Africa during World War II.
Uniform[]
The uniform consisted of either an M1940 Tropical Pith Helmet, M1940 Tropical Field Cap, or M1935 Stahlhelm with a tropical variation of the standard M36 Field Tunic and accompanying trousers.[1] Also used with the uniform were a variety of other articles of clothing designed either to give further protection from the elements or to be more comfortable for the soldiers in the field. An example of this was the DAK Tropical Shirt, which was a four-buttoned, pullover-style shirt with two breast pockets and detachable shoulder straps. Like the majority of German clothing in North Africa, the DAK Tropical Shirt was initially olive colored but gradually turned into dark brown and tan colors.
For added comfort, tropical shorts were worn, though the times during which soldiers could do so was restricted to certain hours of the day and never on the front lines so as to avoid unnecessary injury.[2]
Greatcoats[]
In the form of protection came three different type of coat used with the uniform. The first of these is the standard Army Tropical Greatcoat which was identical to the type used by the traditional German army in Europe. It's main difference being its color. The second greatcoat, the leather 'General's Greatcoat' was simply a type of fine leather greatcoat that was typically used by high-ranking officers of the North African campaign. The final coat was the Motorcyclist's Schutzmantel or protective coat. It was made of cotton and had fittings for shoulder straps as insignia. Also for motorcyclists were special mittens designed to protect one's hands in the North African environment. Furthermore, it was not uncommon for infantry to use olive or tan colored scarves to protect themselves during sandstorms. In contrast to the Army uniform, the Luftwaffe uniforms used in North Africa were a far more yellow-khaki color and were generally far looser.
History[]
The DAK M1940 Tropical Uniform was designed by the Tropical Institute of the University of Hamburg in July of 1940. However, it would not be until December of that year that production of the new uniform would reach optimal levels. To avoid cracking and damage, leather was largely abandoned from the uniform, replaced by cotton fabrics. Notably, the clothing for officers and enlisted men in North Africa was generally the same, unlike the uniforms in Europe. After reaching the frontlines, the DAK M1940 became popular among troops was eventually accepted for use in Southern Europe. The DAK M1940 would serve with German troops for some time, almost until the end of the war.
References[]
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