Image by Michael peach
3rd Panzergrenadier Division
A Living History Group


Equipment

Equipment: Required

Equipment: Personal (Optional)



REQUIRED KIT

(ONLY uniforms and equipment listed are allowed.
If it is not listed, it is NOT allowed.)

Tuchsachen (wool uniform items): All members must obtain a quality reproduction wool M43 Feldbluse (field blouse). The two sources available for these items are At the Front and Hessen Antique. Used tunics by Lost Battalions may also be available second-hand. Recruits who buy the Sturm or Ant-Z uniforms should buy one brand new rather than seeking out a used example as the quality of these reproductions when they were first introduced was not up to our standards and it is important to obtain one from the current production runs. These can sometimes be improved by having the buttons repainted or replaced and in some cases can also be improved by tailoring if needed. All members are allowed to use the M36 type of field blouse for walking-out dress purposes. Feldbluse must be complete with all necessary insignia including white-piped late-war shoulder straps, Bevo woven breast eagle and second pattern mouse gray generic collar tabs. The Feldbluse has to fit over a sweater in such a way that it is wide and blousy in the skirt, and the man is not hindered in his movements. The belt buckle sits between the two bottom buttons. The bottom edge of the sleeve should extend 3 cm below the wrist. The collar bind should extend 0.6-1cm above the edge of the collar.

Reproduction wool M42 or M43 Keilhosen (trousers): These are available from a number of vendors. Swedish conversions or other converted postwar Tuchsachen are not acceptable in any case. Tuchsachen are, if possible, not to be washed. They are to be cleaned by beating and brushing. It is forbidden to use wire brushes. The lining of the wool uniform items should be cleaned with soap and a soft brush, then the soap is to be removed with clear water. Cost: Feldbluse $90-$125 for Chinese made, $395-$495 for superior versions; Keilhosen $90-110 for Chinese, $195-$295 for At the Front product. Vendors: At the Front or Hessen Antique, eBay for Lost Battalions.

Diensthemd (service shirt): Quality reproduction only. Any type of reproduction Diensthemd is permitted as long as it has a collar. Should be gray or green. Knit type is preferred. A white tank top may also be worn in addition to the Diensthemd, or as a substitute for the Diensthemd in hot weather. Original undershirts were made of a smooth non-ribbed material. Cost: $40-50 Vendors: At the Front, 1944 Militaria, Kelley's Military

Feldmutze (field hat): The M43 Feldmutze is required for all recruits. This is the cap that all enlisted soldiers of 3PGD must wear during drill, when marching, and in all formations. The cap must be a quality reproduction with the Army trapezoid insignia sewn on. No camouflage gear is allowed. The Feldmutze should be worn tilted slightly to the right, so that the bottom edge is about 1 cm above the right ear and 3 cm above the left, and about 1 cm from the eyebrow in front. The cockade should be in line with the middle of the face and the cap has to cover the back of the head. Cost: $45-$68 Vendors: At the Front, Hessen Antique, 1944 Militaria, GD43

Koppel and Koppelschloss (leather belt and buckle): The Koppelschloss must be the Army "Gott mit Uns" style, painted green. Belt must be a quality reproduction. Unpainted silver aluminum buckles are encouraged for the walking-out uniform only. The belt rests on the hooks of the Feldbluse, and should be above the rear belt of the Mantel. The middle of the eagle of the Koppelschloss should be in line with the buttons on the front of the Feldbluse, or in the center of the lines of buttons on the Mantel. Cost: Belt $25-$50, Buckle $30-$32 Sources: At the Front, Kelley's Military, 1944 Militaria, Hessen Antique

Traegerriemen (Y-Straps): Quality reproductions of the leather straps. Must be the standard Infantry type with D-rings for attachment of the A-frame pack. Austrian Y-Straps or other postwar types are not acceptable. Cost: $65-$75 Sources: At the Front, 1944 Militaria, Hessen Antique

Patronentaschen (cartridge pouches): Original or reproduction blackened leather pouches for the K-98 rifle. Cost: $50-$85 Sources: 1944 Militaria, At the Front, Kelley's Military, Hessen Antique

Brotbeutel (bread bag): Original, postwar or reproduction. Original wartime bread bags were varying shades of brown, tan, or olive, while gray ones were manufactured before the war. All bread bags must have all the buttons and straps stitched on; riveted straps and buttons are found on inferior-quality postwar East German items that are not suitable for use. The M44 pattern Brotbeutel had a special pouch for the rifle cleaning kit and is acceptable. The Brotbeutel is to be cleaned with a soft brush, soap, and warm water. Drying the Brotbeutel close to an oven or stove is prohibited because the leather straps will become brittle. Cost: $33-$50 Sources: 1944 Militaria, Ostfront, Hessen Antique, Bill Bureau.

Feldflasche (canteen): Original, postwar or reproduction canteen complete with brown felt cover and metal or bakelite cup. Cost: $70-$95 Sources: Hessen Antique, Landser Outfitters, Bill Bureau

Kochgeschirr (mess tin): Original or postwar, painted green. Must be identical to the wartime Army type. Tall East German mess kits are not acceptable. Salty fluids and remains of food are not allowed to be kept in the Kochgeschirr for long periods of time. During cleaning abrasive materials such as wire brushes, sand etc. are not to be used. The simplest method is water and brush. After cleaning it should be rinsed with hot water and completely dried. Kochgeschirr and Feldflasche are not to be closed until completely dry. With use, a yellow-brown to gray-black layer forms on the metal which has no impact on the taste, look or form of the food. This is a protection against being worn out which should not be removed. Cost: $22-$35 Sources: Hessen Antique, At the Front

Zeltbahn: Original or reproduction triangular shelter quarter/poncho in Army splinter camouflage. Reproduction preferred. Should be in serviceable condition. Cost: $65-$125 Sources: 1944 Militaria, Kelley's Military, Hessen Antique, Landser Outfitters, Bill Bureau, At the Front

Gasmaske und Traeger (gas mask and carrier): Original, postwar or reproduction gas mask canister, painted green. We do not allow the use of Spanish or civilian-model canisters, which are commonly sold as German Army issue. Even German ink stamps should not be seen as proof of German manufacture, since these are often faked. To identify the correct type of can, look for a fluted metal canister, about 11 inches tall (Spanish/civil ones are shorter), with a spring catch holding the lid shut. This distinctive spring catch is opened by pulling downward on a short strap attached to the catch (though the strap may be missing). Avoid anything with a clasp or latch like what you would see on a tool box, these are wrong. The canister should be complete with all straps, though postwar and reproduction straps are available. Original straps are fragile and easily broken. You are not required to carry a gas mask in the can, though it is encouraged. Cost: $60-$100 Sources: At the Front, 1944 Militaria, Hessen Antique. Gas masks can be obtained at International Military Antiques.

Seitengewehr (bayonet): Original or reproduction Seitengewehr for the K-98 rifle, with reproduction leather frog. Frog may be either mounted or dismounted style. This is another common source of confusion, since there are dealers out there who will describe many bayonet styles as "WWII German" when in fact they are not. The bayonet should be a little less than 16 inches long when in the scabbard, with wooden or bakelite grips, and without any retaining ring that would fit over the barrel of the rifle. A three-digit manufacturer code or German factory name on the upper part of the blade, and/or a wartime date stamped on the spine of the blade (i.e."43") are good indicators of originality. Avoid anything stamped "CSZ", these are Czech. Cost: Bayonet about $50, Frog $20-$25 Sources: Hessen Antique, At the Front, Bill Bureau.

Spaten (entrenching tool): Original or postwar. Shovel must be complete with reproduction leather carrier. Either the straight shovel or the folding type are acceptable. Swiss straight shovels must be the round-handled type. Cost: Shovel $20-$50, Carrier $35-$50 Sources: Kelley's Military, 1944 Militaria, At the Front, Hessen Antique

Stahlhelm (helmet): M35, M40 or M42 model steel helmet. M42 preferred. Helmet shell must be either original, postwar or reproduction and must be fitted with a reproduction leather chinstrap and the correct style leather liner. Helmet must be painted green and without decals. The only thing allowed on the helmet is a rubber band for camouflage purposes. Spanish helmets are not allowed. Helmets come in different sizes and before you purchase one, you need to make sure it is the correct size for your head. Seen from the front, the Stahlhelm should be about 1 cm above the eyebrows, and from the side, it should cover half of the ear. Cost: Varies widely between about $100 and $350. Getting a reproduction helmet from Hong Kong on eBay is the most inexpensive way to get a complete and useable helmet. If you want to restore an original helmet you may need to buy the steel shell ($50-$110), liner components (about $70) and chinstrap ($20) separately. Sources: eBay, At the Front, 1944 Militaria, Hessen Antique, germanhelmetsinc.com

Stiefel (boots): All recruits must purchase reproduction lace-up low boots. These should be natural colored and be complete with hobnails. These are our unit standard and are to be worn at all tactical events. Hessen Antique sells Sturm-made boots which are not as durable as some reproductions but may be more cost-effective for recruits. Jackboots may also be worn but are limited to the walking-out uniform. Reproduction jackboots are strongly preferred and recommended. Converted surplus boots are discouraged. "Wachtbatallion"-style surplus smooth leather jackboots may also be worn for a walking-out impression. East German jackboots are usable if effort is made to remove the pebbled finish. West German jackboots must have the buckle and strap removed and the flap must be sewn shut. All boots must have leather soles. Correct heel irons and hobnails are required on low boots and issue-type jackboots intended for a field impression. Metal hardware is not required on walking-out jackboots. Note: Availability of boots changes frequently and quality varies widely. We can advise you of the best options for boots when you need them. Cost: $100-$200 (jackboots), $145-$220 (low boots). Sources: At the Front, H.G. Berger, Kelley's Military, army surplus dealers (surplus jack boots for conversion only)

Erkennungsmarke (ID disk): All members are required to obtain a correct ID disk for our unit.

Decke (blanket): Ostfront makes a great reproduction of the issue type Wehrmacht blanket that is ideal. WWII type Italian blankets (brownish gray with tan stripes at each end) or plain gray wool blankets are also acceptable. Cost: $35-$45 Sources: Ostfront, Kelley's Military, At the Front

Mantelriemen (equipment straps): All members must obtain three leather equipment straps, either blackened or natural leather. These straps are necessary for carrying your blanket into the field, securing your zeltbahn to your belt or Y-straps (when the A-frame pack is not used), or securing your overcoat to the A-frame. Straps should be reproductions or identical postwar types. Cost: $7-$10 each Sources: 1944 Militaria, At the Front, Kelly's Military, Bill Bureau.

Socken (socks): Gray knit wool socks are required at any event where your socks may be visible, such as barracks events or prolonged events of any type. Reproduction types with size rings are encouraged but not required. Any type of sock is sufficient as long as it is gray and appears to be knit from wool. Fusslappen (foot wraps) were very widely used by the Wehrmacht; postwar East German foot wraps are available and usable. All Wollsachen (knit wool items) should be washed in lukewarm water or soapy water. Boiling them, or treating them with hot water, as well as the use of brushes for cleaning, are forbidden. Cost: about $15 Sources: At the Front, Ostfront, Hessen Antique, army surplus dealers

Essbesteck (eating utensils): All members must carry eating utensils at all events, either original, reproduction or postwar. Reproductions of the issue folding spoon/fork set (the "spork") are widely available and are the preferred type in our unit. Postwar German nesting knife/fork/spoon sets, which are identical to one WWII private purchase type are also available and acceptable. Cost: $7-$25 Sources: Kelley's Military, At the Front, 1944 Militaria, Hessen Antique

Karabiner 98k (K-98 Rifle): Either an original rifle, or one that has been postwar arsenal reworked by another country (such as Yugoslavia). When possible, rifles should be complete with cleaning rod and sight hood. Similar weapons such as the Yugo M-48 or Czech VZ-24 are not allowed. Sling should be leather, either postwar or reproduction. Cost: about $300+ and up Sources: Gun dealers, gun shows

Mantel (greatcoat): If available, a quality reproduction of the M42 model wool greatcoat is preferred, though this type can be difficult to obtain. The M40 greatcoat is widely available and acceptable. The lower edge should extend to the middle of the calf. Sleeves should be 1-2cm longer than the sleeves of the Feldbluse. Cost: $150-$175 Sources: Kelley's Military, At the Front, Hessen Antique, 1944 Militaria

Soldbuch (pay book): This will be supplied by the unit and must be carried at all times.

Additional item required of all members for barracks events: Wood Schemel (barracks stool). This item should be obtained from the unit. We will supply a blue-and-white checkered bedroll for you at the event. You will also need two twin sized flat sheets and a pillow.