HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR IMPRESSION

11. Ko. (Gepanzert), 4. Reg., 2. SS Div.

by D. Knight & T. Schneider

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Here is a list of suggestions to improve your impression:

Appearance

Hair - Should be worn 2 to 6 inches in length on top of the head, with the ears and collar cropped very close. A #1 blade on the shears is recommended. No facial hair should be worn.

Blouse - If you have one of the SPR blouses, you should have the belt hook hangers and holes added. According to veterans, during extreme heat the top buttons were permitted to be undone. However, under all other circumstances the top button was to be closed. If your neck is irritated by the wool collar, collar binds can be used, or in their absence the collar of the undershirt can be pulled out over the wool collar. All uniforms (cotton & wool) should not be washed, but hung up to air out as washing them will reduce the life and proper look of an expensive uniform. However, extremely muddy conditions may require an occasional cleaning in cold water and underclothing should always be washed .

Trousers - Proper M37 or Keilhosen reproductions are preferred for the field, and look good in camp.

Caps - The fashion of the day was to wear your cap at a tilt or “jaunty angle”, although this may look silly today it was considered cool and cocky at the time.

Socks - Excellent repro socks can be had from At The Front, albeit pricey. A cheaper alternative is to use grey East German or Swedish socks.

Overcoats - While good repros are expensive, these (or a padded coat) are an excellent addition to your impression and are generally under-represented in our unit, due to the obvious climate constraints.

Glasses - Order a pair of frames from a period supplier rather than getting similar modern frames. Contact lenses are a better alternative.

Boots- Low boots are cooler and more appropriate for the late war soldiers we typically portray, although jack boots are also appropriate in limited numbers. It must be noted that leather soles with heel irons and hobnails are required.

Belts - Belts with a side arm should be worn in camp. The proper height to wear the belt is directly over the belly button. Side arms consist of a pistol for officers, NCO’s, and some crew served weapons, and bayonets for grenadier riflemen.

Equipment - German equipment can be difficult to master, if you are unsure ask an NCO. Camp Tents - Proper zelt tents are encouraged and will add greatly to an impression. Although they are not the most efficient and water proof shelters in the world, it is what was available at the time. In most cases it is unlikely that they will even be needed for tentage.

Lanterns - If you need a lantern, most sporting goods stores have good kerosene lanterns for a minimal price. There are some period propane type lanterns out there which are acceptable, however, they were rare and are expensive. Best to stick with kerosene.

Coolers - If you need a cooler, the East German food containers can be had cheaply and are very close to originals. Insulation can be added inside to improve their performance and filler (bondo, etc.) will smooth out the ribbing.

Bedding - Sleeping in straw, pine needles, grass, etc. is encouraged.

Blankets - Wool blankets should be used, as modern sleeping bags were not available at the time.

Foodstuffs

Bread - Most deli type breads are period correct. The harder, whole grain breads tend to hold up better in the field. The heavy whole grain imported German health bread loaves are also great, but are very filling. Bread should be removed from its plastic packaging and wrapped in paper, wax paper or a kerchief.

Meat - The best type of meat to carry in the field is dried or cured sausage or liverwurst. Dried sausage is available from delis, cured summer sausage is available at most grocery stores, as is liverwurst or brauschweiger. The sausage should be wrapped in the same manner as the bread. Liverwurst or Braunschweiger can be put in the lard dish with some butter for an excellent spread. Potted and canned meats are also correct to carry, but tend to be a little more bulky and less appetizing.

Cheese - Most grocery stores have a deli section which will have wax encased cheese in a variety of flavors.

Fruit - Canned or fresh fruit make a great snack. Apples are the most practical fresh fruit. Peaches, pears and fruit cocktail are all available in the small snack cans from the grocery store. All the modern labels should be taken off the cans, German labels are available. However, the best evidence currently points to leaving them gray/silver or painting them gray or black.

Candy - German, Dutch and Swiss chocolate is available at most grocery stores. Favored brands include Lindt, Scho-Ka-Kola and Drost, although there are many other brands out there. Period wrappers are available from Clay Chambers. Pastillines La Vosgienne French hard candy is available in most grocery stores in many flavors. It comes in a nice period looking tin, but can be loud in the field.

Coffee - This should be placed in some sort of paper or cotton bag.

Beverages - Period looking beer, wine and liquor is available. Any wire bale bottled beers are great, also Beck’s Bier labels have changed little and are good. The full and half-liter bottles are generally correct. Most other beers should probably be poured into a canteen cup for consumption, this holds true for all beverages on post. Wine is better than beer for the field, German white wine is perfect, the labels with modern dates need only be removed. Liquor and Schnapps are also better for the field than beer, in some cases the labels do not need to be removed from these (Bad Apfel & Schoenauer for example). Soft drinks should not be brought into the field. Sports drinks should be kept out of sight and consumed out of a cup or period correct bottle. Almost any wire bale bottles (including empty wire bale beer bottles) are period correct and will do very well for holding sports drinks. If these were used no concealment would be needed.