Full kit

This photo is probably from an exercise in 1939 or 1940, as evidenced by the double decal helmets and lack of combat suspenders. The soldiers of a rifle company have placed their gear in neat rows, and stacked their Mauser rifles three and three. The equipment was pretty much similar to what other armies issued, the main difference being design and color. For an ordinary German rifleman, the basic equipment carried in 1940 was:

• M35 Steel helmet.
• Two leather belt pouches for ammunition, holding a total of 60 rifle rounds.
• Bread bag, holding rations, a round Bakelite dish for butter or margarine, the rifle cleaning kit, a towel, cutlery, and any spare ammunition.
• Field bottle, capacity 0.75 liters, with an aluminium cup, strapped to the bread bag.
• Mess kit, usually strapped to the bread bag, a small fuel tablet heater stored in it.
• Bayonet, with “frog” (carrying leather ), usually strapped to the spade.
• Spade (fixed or folding, with carrying leather).
• Gas mask, stored in a ribbed, cylindrical waterproof metal container.
• Gas protection sheet (Gasplane), kept in a flat pouch. Carried on the chest up to 1940, from 1941 usually strapped to the gas mask container.

All of that weighed in at about 10 kilos. Add to that the rifle at 4 kilos. Then there was the backpack (Tornister), which was carried or loaded on the platoon’s cart. It held underwear, socks, a woolen sweater, laced shoes, toiletries, sewing kit, and the boot cleaning kit. Strapped to the backpack was the rolled greatcoat. There was also a laundry bag that held the work uniform. Personal effects, like cigarettes, stationery, etc, were carried where there was space for it. A shelter quarter (Zeltbahn), with printed M31 Splittermuster camouflage pattern was strapped to the backpack.

The personal equipment provided the soldier with the means to function for at least 24-48 hours, but then new rations were needed and if in combat, the ammunition needed to be replenished, too. A troop without supply lost its combat value rapidly, making it vital that the supply lines were open. Wintertime made it harder to bring supplies forward, and the cold made access to good shelter extra important. Remember that when you enjoy food, a warm bed and clothes and peace now when we approach Christmas. It’s just a week away.