WEHRMACHT OFFIZIERSMANTEL M36
The Wehrmacht Offiziersmantel M36 was the standard officer’s greatcoat introduced in 1936 as part of the German Army’s uniform modernization program, replacing earlier models with a more refined and practical design suited for both field and formal wear. Tailored from high-quality feldgrau gabardine wool for superior durability and weather resistance, it featured a distinctive dark bottle-green collar, double-breasted front with two rows of silvered buttons, French cuffs, side pockets, and an internal rayon lining for comfort. Officers’ versions were typically custom-made or privately purchased, often including rank-specific shoulder boards, a rear vent with adjustable strap, and a more tailored fit compared to enlisted Feldmantel variants. Widely used throughout the early years of World War II, the M36 mantel provided essential protection against cold and rain on multiple fronts before later wartime simplifications altered production standards, remaining an iconic symbol of Wehrmacht officer attire.
Oberstleutnant Franz Pöschl (1917-2011). During the Battle of Crete in May 1941, Oberleutnant Franz Pöschl, as commander of the 3rd Company in Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 100 of the 5. Gebirgs-Division, played a notable role in the intense German airborne and mountain troop assault on the strategically vital Mediterranean island. Following the initial paratrooper drops of Operation Merkur, Pöschl’s unit was flown in to reinforce the hard-pressed German forces amid fierce Allied resistance and rugged terrain. His company contributed to securing key objectives in the face of determined counterattacks by British, Commonwealth, and Greek troops. For his demonstrated combat leadership and bravery under fire during the bitter fighting that ultimately led to the island’s capture, Pöschl was awarded the Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse on 24 June 1941. This early wartime action marked the beginning of a distinguished career for the young mountain infantry officer, who would go on to serve with distinction on multiple fronts throughout World War II.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEHRMACHT FELDGRAUERMANTEL M40
The Wehrmacht Feldgrauermantel M40, also known as the M40 greatcoat or Feldmantel, was the standard double-breasted overcoat issued to soldiers of the German Heer during the Second World War and served as essential winter outerwear particularly during campaigns on the Eastern Front where it offered protection from cold, wind, and precipitation. Evolving from the earlier M36 model as part of broader uniform simplifications introduced around 1940, the M40 version incorporated a field grey wool body with a matching feldgrau collar that replaced the previous dark green collar to conserve materials and speed production amid wartime shortages, while retaining the classic field grey color scheme synonymous with Wehrmacht forces. Constructed from heavy wool fabric often lined with cotton, the coat featured two rows of six metal buttons for the double-breasted front closure, two curved flap front pockets for storage, French or turn-back cuffs for adjustability, loops and buttons on the shoulders to accommodate rank shoulder straps or epaulettes, a raw edge hem, and a distinctive rear design consisting of a full-length pleat that opened into a long central vent secured by four small buttons along with a back belting arrangement and tabs that created the visual effect of a triple pleat for improved fit over tunics and equipment. It was worn by all ranks below general officers as standard issue, though generals and field marshals used distinguished variants with scarlet turnback lapels and gold buttons, and the garment could be adapted with additional insignia or modifications for specific branches or roles. Simplified further due to production demands and combat experience, the M40 Mantel remained in widespread use by Heer ground forces across all theaters until the war's end, providing both functional durability and the iconic silhouette associated with German Army personnel in the mid to late conflict period.
Generalleutnant Georg-Wilhelm Postel (1896-1953), born on 25 April 1896 in Zittau, rose through the ranks of the German Army from his service in World War I to become a Generalleutnant, commanding the Infanterie-Regiment 364 of the 161. Infanterie-Division, then the 320. Infanterie-Division, and finally the XXX. Armeekorps before his capture by Soviet forces on 30 August 1944 during the capitulation of Romania; he died in Soviet captivity on 20 September 1953. As Oberst and Kommandeur of the Infanterie-Regiment 364, Postel earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 9 August 1942 for his leadership on 4 February 1942, when he took overall command of German units around a Soviet penetration zone south of Wosszino and directed a successful attack that closed the resulting gap in the frontline, together with other defensive actions around Rzhev in early 1942. Promoted to Generalmajor and appointed Kommandeur of the 320. Infanterie-Division, he received the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 28 March 1943, the 215th such award, for his exemplary frontline leadership amid extremely bitter fighting between the Don and Donez rivers from mid-January 1943 onward; often fighting without contact to neighboring units, his division repulsed overwhelming Soviet assaults while contesting every kilometer of ground, withdrew from forward strongpoints on orders, and conducted a nine-day breakthrough battle that eliminated several strong enemy battlegroups, including a reinforced Soviet rifle regiment on 10 February 1943, before reaching friendly lines on 13 February, during which Postel personally led from the most dangerous positions and was wounded while carrying out reconnaissance. As Generalleutnant still in command of the 320. Infanterie-Division, Postel was awarded the Schwerter zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub on 26 March 1944 for his outstanding leadership throughout the summer of 1943 near Belgorod, the heavy defensive battles around Kharkov in the autumn of 1943, and the winter operations of 1943/44 near Krementschug as well as further successful defensive actions around Kirovohrad and south of Tscherkassy in early 1944.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LUFTWAFFE OFFIZIERSMANTEL M35
The Luftwaffe Offiziersmantel, also known as the officer’s greatcoat or Mantel, was the standard heavy outer garment issued to commissioned officers of the German Luftwaffe from its official establishment in 1935 through the end of World War II in 1945, serving as essential cold-weather protection and formal outerwear worn over the blue-grey service tunic (Fliegerbluse or Tuchrock) during parades, walking-out duties, guard duty, and operations on the Eastern Front, in Italy, North Africa, and Normandy. Constructed from durable, thick blue-grey wool fabric matching the quality of the Fliegerbluse, it featured a double-breasted cut with two rows of six metal buttons, a mid-calf length for full coverage, wide cuffs, metal hooks at the neckline, a cotton-twill lining, and practical details including two slanted or diagonal slash hip pockets with rounded flaps, an inner chest pocket, and a cloth half-belt with two rear buttons for adjustable fit; a central rear vent was concealed within an inverted pleat running from the hem to the waist. Unlike the Heer (Army), the Luftwaffe never produced a dedicated tropical greatcoat variant, so personnel in warmer theaters continued using the standard blue-grey model. The basic design remained largely unchanged throughout the war and was worn by all ranks, though officer versions were typically of superior tailoring and material, featuring sewn-on or looped officer-pattern shoulder boards displaying rank via gilt or silver pips, wreaths, and aluminum edging, along with branch-specific Waffenfarben (corps colors) on collar patches (until regulations changed around September 1942 for most units). Generals and senior officers often added luxurious fur collars or linings for prestige and warmth. Insignia integration included compatibility with the Luftwaffe’s distinctive embroidered eagle (often seen on associated garments) and aluminum piping details on related headgear and collars, setting the Offiziersmantel apart from the simpler enlisted versions and reinforcing the Luftwaffe’s professional, aviation-oriented identity distinct from other Wehrmacht branches. This garment underscored the emphasis on smart appearance and functionality in the Luftwaffe uniform system, completing ensembles that also included the Schirmmütze peaked cap with aluminum bullion embroidery and the characteristic blue-grey color scheme.
Oberst Günther Freiherr von Maltzahn (1910-1953) was a prominent German Luftwaffe fighter pilot and ace during the Second World War who ultimately attained the rank of Oberst and commanded Jagdgeschwader 53 as Geschwaderkommodore from 9 October 1940 until 4 October 1943, claiming a total of 68 aerial victories in roughly 500 combat missions, with roughly equal numbers achieved over the Western and Eastern Fronts. Having joined the Luftwaffe in 1935 after earlier cavalry service and rising to Hauptmann and Gruppenkommandeur of the II. Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 53 by the outbreak of war, he led his Gruppe through the Polish campaign, the Battle of France and the initial phases of the Battle of Britain, scoring his first victory on 30 September 1939 against a French Potez 630 bomber and accumulating further successes against RAF fighters over the English Channel; appointed Geschwaderkommodore in early October 1940, he received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 30 December 1940 as Major and former Gruppenkommandeur of the II. Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 53 in recognition of his personal tally of 13 aerial victories together with his effective leadership and organizational contributions during the intense air battles over Britain. During the opening weeks of Operation Barbarossa from late June 1941, Jagdgeschwader 53 operated with notable success against Soviet aircraft, and von Maltzahn himself achieved a rapid series of victories often claiming multiple aircraft in single missions, including several SB-3 bombers and other types in rapid succession across late June and July, bringing his personal score to 42 by mid-July and earning him the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 24 July 1941 as the 29th recipient overall, awarded specifically for both his outstanding command achievements as Kommodore of Jagdgeschwader 53 and his impressive personal combat record. The presentation of the Eichenlaub was made personally by Adolf Hitler at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PELZMANTEL (FUR MANTEL)
The Wehrmacht Pelzmantel (fur mantel) encompassed a range of fur and sheepskin coats employed by German Army personnel, especially on the Eastern Front, where the majority were improvised field modifications rather than standardized factory-produced items due to the severe shortages of proper winter equipment following the 1941 invasion of the Soviet Union. With regular wool greatcoats proving inadequate against sub-zero temperatures and deep snow, troops and rear-area units frequently adapted civilian fur coats donated by the German home front population or modified captured Soviet sheepskin garments and other animal pelts into functional outerwear, often reversing the hide to face outward for durability while keeping the insulating fleece inward against the body. These field-modified versions typically took the form of knee-length or three-quarter single-breasted coats featuring simple closures such as wooden toggles paired with leather loops in place of buttons, added white cotton collars or rudimentary hoods for extra warmth and rudimentary camouflage, and reinforced seams or extended lengths stitched together using whatever thread, leather scraps, or fabric was available in the field. Soldiers commonly layered these Pelzmantel over their standard uniforms or combined them with captured Russian felt boots and fur caps, while drivers, sentries, and guard personnel made further practical alterations like adding internal pockets, extending sleeves, or attaching rank insignia and unit markings to distinguish them from enemy garments and reduce friendly-fire risks. Such modifications varied widely by unit, location, and individual resourcefulness, resulting in highly non-uniform appearances that ranged from basic wrapped sheepskins to more elaborate adaptations with hoods or multiple layers, proving vital in reducing frostbite casualties until more official winter clothing such as reversible white parkas and specialized sheepskin coats began reaching the front lines in greater numbers during 1942 and later. Although some examples like the M1942 sheepskin Pelzmantel incorporated deliberate design elements including cotton hoods and toggles for better functionality in extreme cold, the bulk of those seen in contemporary photographs and surviving artifacts originated as these resourceful field improvisations born from necessity during the brutal Russian winters.
Oberstleutnant Wolf-Horst Hoppe (1909–1997) was a German Army officer
who became one of the Wehrmacht’s notable Panzerjäger commanders during
the Second World War and was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen
Kreuzes for his leadership of schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilung 519 on the
Eastern Front. After helping to form the unit from the Arbeitsstab Hoppe
in 1943, Major Hoppe led the battalion into combat in the Vitebsk
sector under Heeresgruppe Mitte, where its Nashorn tank destroyers
achieved remarkable success against Soviet armored formations. During
the fierce defensive battles around Vitebsk in late 1943 and early 1944,
schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilung 519 established a reputation as one of
the most effective heavy anti-tank formations in the German Army,
destroying large numbers of Soviet tanks while suffering comparatively
light losses. Contemporary German reports credited the battalion with
approximately 290 enemy armored vehicles destroyed during its first
months of combat operations around Vitebsk, a performance that
significantly contributed to stabilizing threatened sectors of the
front. As commander, Hoppe was responsible for the tactical deployment
of his long-range 8.8 cm armed Nashorn vehicles, whose crews repeatedly
engaged Soviet armor at distances that often prevented effective return
fire. In recognition of his outstanding leadership, organizational
skill, and the combat achievements of schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilung 519
during these critical defensive operations, Hoppe received the
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 15 July 1944. His award reflected
not a single isolated engagement but a sustained period of successful
command in which his battalion became one of the most highly regarded
Panzerjäger units on the Eastern Front.
Major
Walter Brüning (1915-1971), born on 2 April 1915 in Grabow in
Mecklenburg-Schwerin and deceased on 1 March 1971 in Munich in Bavaria,
was a highly decorated Major of the Wehrmacht who served with
distinction during the Second World War, entering military service in
1935 after earlier joining the SS in 1933 and the NSDAP in 1937,
initially serving as Adjutant and later Führer of III. Bataillon in
Infanterie-Regiment 308 before transferring to Infanterie-Regiment 508
within the 292. Infanterie-Division, where he rose through the ranks
from Leutnant d.R. in February 1940 to Oberleutnant d.R., Hauptmann, and
eventually Major while participating in the campaigns in Poland,
France, and the Soviet Union including Operation Barbarossa, the Battle
of Smolensk, the Yelnya Offensive, and the Battle of Moscow. It was
during the intense fighting east of Vyazma in October 1941 that Brüning
earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 12 January 1942 as
Leutnant d.R. and Kompaniechef in III. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment
508, when, after assuming effective command of the Bataillon following
the wounding of its commander on 5 October, he led his forward elements
to the western bank of the Tarussa river near Maurino only to face heavy
enemy fire from the opposite shore; demonstrating extraordinary
initiative and bravery, Leutnant Brüning placed himself at the head of a
strong patrol, fought his way into the village of Maurino, and by late
evening on 25 October 1941 reported the capture of the objective along
with the establishment of a vital bridgehead that proved decisive for
the division’s continued operations and subsequent combat successes
through 19 November 1941, as his independent resolve not only stabilized
a critical situation when the commander of 9. Kompanie fell and his
unit faltered under fire—prompting Brüning to personally lead 9.
Kompanie forward to secure the bridgehead before reorganizing the entire
Bataillon for defense—but also created the foundation for the
regiment’s renewed attacks amid the broader offensive toward Moscow.
This action, highlighted in contemporary regimental reports for its
skillful leadership through numerous engagements and its far-reaching
impact on divisional operations, complemented his earlier awards
including the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse, the Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in
silver, the Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in black, and the Eisernes Kreuz
1. Klasse, paving the way for later honors such as the Medaille
Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42, the Verwundetenabzeichen in silver, and
the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold while he continued serving in command roles
through the Battle of Kursk, the East Prussian Offensive, and the
Heiligenbeil Pocket until the war’s end.
Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
"Brandenburger: Wartime Photographs of Wilhelm Walther" by Anthony Rogers
https://www.weitze.net/wassuchensie/Wehrmacht-Mantel.html#s=alle,
No comments:
Post a Comment