During World War II, German forces of the Wehrmacht, Luftwaffe, and Waffen-SS made extensive use of various types of protective eyewear collectively referred to in period imagery and collector circles as "black glasses," primarily dark-tinted sunglasses and specialized goggles designed to combat intense glare, dust, snow, and desert conditions across multiple theaters. Standard issue included the Dienstbrille, simple round wire-rimmed corrective or blank-lensed service spectacles supplied in metal cases stamped with optical prescription cards for soldiers requiring vision aids, while non-corrective sunglasses such as the Blendschutzbrille für Kraftfahrer featured imitation tortoise-shell frames and dark lenses issued especially to machine-gun crews, vehicle drivers, and Luftwaffe personnel to reduce eye strain from bright sunlight or instrument glare. In North Africa with the Afrikakorps, troops relied heavily on tinted sun-and-dust goggles (Augenschützer) with protective envelopes for sandstorms, often paired with cloth or leather masks, while mountain and ski units employed snow goggles with dark or orange-tinted lenses to prevent snow blindness on the Eastern Front and in Norway. Luftwaffe pilots and aircrews used all-purpose dust goggles, Ultrasin emergency sun-protection models from survival kits (frequently worn as everyday shades), and sophisticated flight goggles with anti-glare coatings, some featuring adjustable ventilation and leather padding for high-altitude comfort; these "black glasses" became iconic in color photographs of smiling Flak crews and fighter pilots, blending practical utility with a casual, stylish appearance that contrasted the rigors of combat. Private purchase options supplemented official issue, including captured French or civilian models, and elite units like panzer crews favored wraparound or flip-up designs for tank periscope use, all contributing to the preservation of vision in extreme environments where unprotected eyes could suffer rapid fatigue or permanent damage from UV exposure, particulate matter, or reflected light. Postwar, surviving examples remain prized militaria, illustrating the Wehrmacht's emphasis on functional personal equipment tailored to the demands of blitzkrieg mobility and prolonged defensive operations.
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HEER
Generalfeldmarschall Ferdinand Schörner (1892-1973), born on 12 June 1892 in Munich and one of the most controversial and ruthless commanders in the Wehrmacht, rose from Einjährig-Freiwilliger through the ranks to become the last German soldier promoted to this exalted position and the final Commander-in-Chief of the German Army in Hitler's testament. A dedicated Nazi known as Blutiger Ferdinand for his merciless discipline, including summary executions of perceived deserters, Schörner earned the full hierarchy of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes through successive feats of aggressive leadership and defensive tenacity on multiple fronts. He received the Ritterkreuz on 20 April 1941 as Generalmajor and commander of the 6. Gebirgs-Division in the Balkans campaign, where, before dawn on 6 April, his troops overran enemy outposts on the snow-covered Belaaica mountain in a surprise thrust, penetrating two bunker lines of the Metaxas Line; on 8 April he launched an independent surprise attack on the northern Krusa mountain, ejecting defenders and advancing toward Salonika in coordination with the 2. Panzer-Division, actions that significantly contributed to the rapid fall of Greece and Macedonia. The 398th Oak Leaves followed on 17 February 1944 as General der Gebirgstruppe commanding XXXX. Panzerkorps, awarded for his steadfast defense and skillful evacuation of the Nikopol bridgehead since late November 1943 amid relentless Soviet assaults, terrible roads, and harsh terrain; his personal presence at critical sectors enabled the successful withdrawal of his forces despite overwhelming odds during the Dnieper-Carpathian Offensive. The 93rd Swords were conferred on 28 August 1944 as Generaloberst and Oberbefehlshaber of Heeresgruppe Nord for his command in the Courland region, where, despite being cut off, his troops repelled massive Soviet surges for weeks, embodying resolute defense as a cornerstone of the Eastern Front through incessant battles. Finally, the 23rd Diamonds were awarded on 1 January 1945 as Generaloberst commanding Heeresgruppe Nord for orchestrating the orderly withdrawal from Estonia and northeastern Latvia under heavy Soviet assault beginning 14 September 1944 with minimal losses, followed by directing the first three Battles of the Courland Pocket, where Soviet advances were limited to minor gains only at enormous cost, showcasing his iron resolve, frontline leadership, and one of the last notable German defensive triumphs of the war. Schörner later commanded Heeresgruppe Mitte in the final desperate struggles, remaining a favorite of Hitler until the collapse, though he ultimately deserted his post before capture, facing postwar convictions for war crimes.
Source :
https://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2011/06/album-foto-kacamata-hitam-nazi-jerman.html
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