Ritterkreuzträger with Wickelgamaschen (Puttee)

During World War II, the Wehrmacht often use Wickelgamaschen, commonly known as puttees, as a standard part of the infantry uniform to provide support and protection for the lower legs. These long strips of wool or cotton fabric were wrapped tightly around the ankles and calves over the boots and under the trousers, helping to prevent dirt, sand, and insects from entering the footwear while offering additional ankle stability during long marches. Issued to nearly all branches of the Heer, Wickelgamaschen were particularly common among frontline infantry units such as the Infanterie-Regimenter and Gebirgsjäger divisions, where they proved practical in varied terrains from the Eastern Front to North Africa. Although later replaced in some units by more modern short gaiters or Schnürschuhe with integrated ankle protection, many soldiers continued wearing the traditional Wickelgamaschen throughout the war, often paired with the standard Feldgrau uniform, Eisernes Kreuz medals, and other decorations. Their simple, inexpensive design made them a reliable and iconic element of the Wehrmacht soldier’s appearance until the final days of the conflict.

General der Infanterie Joachim Witthöft (1887-1966) was a German general who served with distinction in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He commanded the 86. Infanterie-Division during the early years of the war on the Eastern Front, where his leadership in defensive and offensive operations earned him the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 14 December 1941 as Generalleutnant. Later in the conflict, Witthöft was assigned to the Italian front, serving as Military Commander Upper Italy with responsibilities in the Liguria region and Alto Adige, where he oversaw German occupation forces and defensive preparations along the Ligurian coast and Brenner Pass approaches following Italy’s 1943 armistice with the Allies. His steady command in these critical rear-area and coastal defense roles during the final phases of the Italian campaign further highlighted his experience, though the Ritterkreuz itself was awarded for his earlier achievements with the 86. Infanterie-Division.

Generalleutnant Ludwig Müller (center, Kommandeur 97. Jäger-Division), affectionately called “Wurselsepp” with genuine Bavarian humor by his soldiers, discuss details of the operations with his officers. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Beissel on 6 November 1943. Only two weeks previously - on 25 October 1943 - Divisionskommandeur Müller was awarded with the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes for his leadership of the 97. Jäger-Division during the campaign for the Kuban bridgehead, and in particular the fighting for Hill 114.1 (east of Moldawanskoje) in the time period 16 July - 14 September 1943. Here the Soviets tried many times, in vain, to seize this important hill from which all their movements in the area could be observed. It was only following the German evacuation of the Kuban bridgehead that this hill finally fell into their hands.

Source :
https://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2021/09/wickelgamaschen-puttee-bingkap-kain.html
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/1498/
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