Uniform & Equipment Requirements

Feldmütze (Field Cap)

Pre-1916 cockades and red band

Also called a "Krätzchen" this is the standard EM Feldmütze with red band and red piping. Also allowed is the M.1917 Einheitsfeldmütze which is solid feldgrau but still retains the band and piping detail. The red-banded Feldmütze is what we prefer, but the Einheitsfeldmütze is allowed.

Each have both national (red, white, black) and Bavarian (blue and white) Kokarden (cockades). However in March 1916 the Bavarian cockade style changed for all EM/NCO ranks to a "prong-back" design vs. being sewn on.

M1917 with M1916 cockades,
made of all feldgrau wool

Kokarden

Pre-1916 Kokarden

1916-1918 Kokarden

Der Stahlhelm (Steel Helmet)

M.1916, M.1917 or M.1918

At the beginning of the Great War, the German Army wore the „Helm“ or Pickelhaube (as we call it today). Made of formed leather with metal trim, the Pickelhaube offered the wearer little or no protection against shrapnel, the by-product of the ever increasing use of artillery. Soon, the number of soldier’s with serious head wounds due to shrapnel mounted. These head wounds were found to be far worse than other types of wounds because even if they did heal, they often left the man incapacitated and unable to function. The rising numbers of serious head wounds caused the German High Command to search for a solution.

After much testing and study, the M.1916 Stahlhelm (steel helmet) was issued in limited numbers. With the Stahlhelm, a marked decrease in the shrapnel head wounds was quickly seen and soon, almost all the Frontline units were issued Stahlhelme, beginning at Verdun with its mass introduction to the units fighting there. With the Stahlhelm, the whole look of the German soldier changed—to a look we associate today as “the” German look.

No one knows how many lives were saved by the introduction of the Stahlhelm, but it can be assumed to be a very high number.

Our Requirements

All members must have a M.1916, M.1917 or a M.1918 Stahlhelm, which will be worn during all mid- and late-war scenarios. In Great War reenacting, we wear a Stahlhelm for a reason — WW1 reenacting has working mortars!

The chinstrap and liner must be of the correct pattern for the Stahlhelm worn (i.e. M.18 chinstrap with the M.18 Stahlhelm). Helmet covers, if worn, must be good reproductions of the original German issue. Repainted helmets will be feldgrau color and of the proper finish (no black painted Stahlhelme, etc.).

Waffenrock or Feldbluse

M.1907-10 Feldrock

The Waffenrock or Feldbluse (called a “tunic” by collectors and most reenactors) is one of the most important parts of your impression—it’s what people see first and it greatly influences their opinion of you and the unit. Your tunic should be acquired first and with the utmost care. Note: These uniform jackets do not fit anything like a civilian suit or any current service uniform of any nation we know of. The following are the key fitting elements of the WWI German uniform: The overall length is long, the arm holes are small and the back is narrow. This gives the wearer the overall feeling of smallness in the arm and shoulder area and a form fitting feeling in the body. This feeling is commonly mistaken by reenactors as the jacket size being too small. This is because modern garments (with the exception of fine Italian or European suits) are no longer made to the form fitting method and no one is used to this feeling.

Different Model Jackets

All tunics must have
the proper piping and
buttons and be complete
with our unit's Achselklappen
(shoulder boards)
one of which is shown above.

Bavarian M.1916 Bluse

M.1915 Tuchhosen (Trousers)

The trousers were made of the same field grey material as the tunic and cap. They were basically straight-legged, fairly narrow fitting, and were very slightly flared through the thighs. They had a fly front closed with horn buttons. Cut with a very high waist—they came almost to the bottom of the rib cage—there was a belt from side-seam to side-seam across the rear that permitted finer adjustment at the waist. On the front, inserted at an angle, there was an internal slash pocket on each side. Small horn buttons closed these. Additionally, there was a small slash watch pocket on the right waist. Beginning several inches below the top edge, a line of ponceau piping ran down the side seams of each leg. Trousers were lined at the waistband generally with materials similar to that used in tunics. Along the upper edge—which was usually unfinished (raw)—zinc dish buttons were spaced to provide attachment points for the suspenders; there were no belt loops. Bottoms were turned inward, and the hem was usually quite deep.

A Change

On 27 August 1914, the following changes to the field uniform were ordered: Trousers were in the future, to be made of steingrau (stone grey — a deeper gray shade) material vs. feldgrau (field grey) which is grener. This move had been in discussion before the war in that trousers and tunics presented a poor match since the trousers faded more rapidly from rougher wear and more frequent laundering. As such, a contrasting shade was chosen, removing the need to match existing garments. The pattern remained otherwise unaltered.

Hemd (Shirt)

The issue shirt is a white collarless pullover type that were issued to all troops. However, civilian shirts of period style are also worn and thus correct. Remember, it's the Germans and really, there is a wide latitude for uniformity.

Halsbinde (neck stock)

The Halsbinde is made of a grey or grey-green cloth, tied around the neck to protect the wool collar from sweat and wear — not the soldier's neck from the wool.

Schnürschuhe or Marschstiefeln (Shoes or Jackboots)

Schnürschuhe (L) or Marschstiefeln (R) (Shoes or Jackboots) assault troops were given ankle boots as standard issue and all troops later on were issued them. German, British, French, US, Swedish ankle boots are acceptable, but must be hobnailed and have heel irons. Jackboots are useable for early war events and as backup footwear at late war events.

[[Add Gebirgsschuhe]]

Gamaschen (Puttees)

Known as wrap leggings or puttees, they will be of feldgrau, steingrau, or black wool. The top end will have twill tape or woolen ties with a buckle. At the other end a small hook to attach to the shoe.

Koppel und Koppelschloss (Belt & Buckle)

Belts will be of brown or black leather with adjustment tongue. Buckles will be brass or brass and Tombac (early war) or steel (bare or painted feldgrau) for late-war) and all of the “Im Treue Fest” pattern.

Brotbeutel und Brotbeutelriemen (Breadbag and breadbag strap)

Brown ochre (early war) or grey in color. WWI examples a single “D” ring and leather loop. WWII bread bags are not acceptable.

[*Note: Unlike in WWII, WWI German troops were not issued “Y” straps for the equipment waistbelt. Instead the breadbag strap was used and hooked to each cartridge box and passed behind the neck. West German, WWII and originals are acceptable.]

Feldflasche (Canteen)

M.1907 Feldflasche

M.1896 Feldflasche

Seitengwewehr (Bayonet)

Though an enormous variety of bayonets were used. It is urged that members use the S.98/05na (butcher) pattern with sawteeth. The sawtooth bayonet was standard issue to Pionier troops. The smaller WWII looking sawtooth was more commonly used by NCO’s. Each bayonet must be complete with its appropriate scabbard and frog.

Kochgeschirr (Mess Tin)

Enameled steel or painted aluminum large WWI pattern. Post WWI and late 1930’s types are nearly identical and, as such, perfectly acceptable. WWII, East German (DDR) and Bundeswehr tins are not allowed.

Zeltbahn (Tent Half)

Ochre (early war) or field grey are allowed. Must have proper buttons and grommets. Repros are readily available

M.1909 Patronentaschen (cartridge pouches)

In pebbled-finish brown leather. Each of the six pouches, in two sets of three, holds three five-round clips of 7.92x57mm cartridges, giving a total of 90 rounds. The weight is distributed by means of a ring mounted behind each triple pouch, hooking to the front shoulder-strap of the Tornister pack.

Karabiner 98

Karabiner 98A (Kar98a carbine) The Kar98a carbine was standard issue to Pioniere as well as Stoßtruppen. We prefer, especially, for those in the frontlines, that they carry a Kar98a, but, as they are getting crazy-expensive, we allow the standard Gew.98 to be carried until a Kar98a is obtained.

Gewehr 98 mit Schulterriemen

Gewehr 98 Mauser with Sling (Rifle, M.1898) —The Gewehr 98 was the standard service weapon for the German Army during WWI and one which was familiar to all of Germany’s servicemen.

The Gew. 98 is an internal-magazine-fed, bolt-action rifle, with a capacity for five rounds of ammunition. The ammunition that the Gew. 98 is chambered for is the standard German 7.92 x 57mm round.

Each rifle will be complete with a sling, parade clip and cleaning rod. The Gew. 98 also must have the “Lange” type rear sight (called the “roller coaster” sight by collector dorks).

Grouping of German WWI weapons.

Erkennungsmarke (Identification Disc)

Each member should try to obtain the oval WWI I.D. disc. The M1915 & M1916 types are fine to use. We are now looking into making our own I.D. discs with neck cords.

<<<Original non-standard Leig Rgt. dog tag.

Original non-standard Leig Rgt. dog tag in carrying bag >>.

Troddel (Bayonet Knot)

Only those knots signifying the 1. Kompagnie (all-white) are allowed. [more]

Essbesteck (Fork/Spoon Combination)

An original WWI Essbesteck fork/spoon combos is encouraged for each member. If a WWI model cannot be found, a WWII model is allowed — although WWI types are harder to find, repro WWII ones are readily available.

Trinkbecher (Drinking Cup)

German troops were issued a small oval drinking cup with fixed wire handle. These were usually enameled steel. An aluminum cup with a folding wire handle was also issued (1910-1915). WWII cups are not allowed.

These WWI cups are rather tough to find. but keep looking!

Side Arms

The wearing of side arms are usually not encouraged, however, since we portray a Stosstrupp unit, it is not unlikely that members would have a variety of personal assault/defense weapons. It should be realized that this is a secondary weapon and should be used as such.

Grabenmesser (Trench Knives)

Many varieties were issued and purchased by troops. In the photo here is a small representationo f the knives used. Members should take care not to procure WWII knives, which are different and not allowed.