German camouflage patterns.
German camouflage patterns.
German camouflage patterns It comes from two German words that together mean spotted camouflage (“fleck,” which translates as spot, blot, or pattern; and “tarnung,” which translates as camouflage). These can be worn as a cape or used to construct various hides and tents. Apr 3, 2025 · The term splinter pattern refers to the original German Wehrmacht camouflage designs incorporating geometric shapes with an overprint of rain straits, and to the patterns' descendants. This was made up of irregular painted polygons. jpg 625 × 350; 44 KB The result was some of the most striking camouflage patterns seen on German vehicles during the war, although probably far too conspicuous to have been an advantage over the earlier ambush patterns. Apr 5, 2023 · The German military command has decided in favor of the dots, since by the late 1990's variations of Flecktarn camo were officially adopted by all German armed forces. This used a range of colours and shapes that wouldn’t necessarily hide the tank but rather confuse the Germans as to its direction and speed. The clothing German World War II camouflage patterns formed a family of disruptively patterned military camouflage designs for clothing, used and in the main designed during the Second World War. The camouflage patterns described below mainly apply to armored vehicles. Some tigers were coated with the Zimmerit anti-magnetic mine coating starting in July 1943. Oct 13, 2020 · The Planetree patterns would actually be the penultimate designs, with those following them seeking to maintain the effect while being more efficient to produce. Rainbows of colors: All original German camouflage patterns exhibit a wide range of shades. The Waffen-SS was the first branch of the German military to make use of camouflage Oct 5, 2022 · The Splittermuster pattern was one of the first German camouflage patterns in use. The German Air Force experimented with early rain camo in WWII, but its heyday came during the Cold War when it became standard issue for almost every Warsaw Pact country in Central Europe. The spots or bars were so tightly grouped that they tended to blend together at any distance and thus were defeating the camouflage effect. Jul 22, 2024 · Strichtarn, also known as "Line Camouflage" or the "raindrop pattern," is a distinctive military camouflage pattern developed and used by East Germany from 1965 until the reunification of Germany in 1990. The MIAG scheme used a combination of stripes and patches but also followed a similar principle of using RAL 7028 in narrow contours between the These patterns also had a much shorter repeat, while retaining the width of 55 inches, their repeat went from 72 inches to approximately 33 inches. Crews were issued cans of red brown (Rotbraun) and dark olive green (Olivgruen) to use in creating camouflage patterns. Mar 18, 2019 · In one of our longest videos yet we cover the history of the German Flecktarn Camouflage family from its start in the 70s all the way through the mid 2010s w H023161 SWAMP/MARSH, (TAN/WATER), CAMOUFLAGE PATTERN SMOCK. Hello everyone! For today's video, we'll be looking at some of the camouflage patterns used by the German Wehrmacht during the Second World War. During the same time, two distinguished officers of the SS-Verfügungstruppe (SS-VT), former Army officers during WWI, Paul Hausser and Felix Steiner DAK camo , 2 tone camo , Luftwaffe field division camo , Normandy camo , single wire camo , chicken wire camo , net camo , red cross. Jan 27, 2015 · Strichtarn, generally referred to as rain camo, incorporates lots of vertical lines against a solid background to evoke the image of falling rain. Apr 2, 2025 · The M58 Flächentarnmuster ("area pattern") was issued between 1956 and 1967 to units in the East German Army (NVA) and Ministry of Interior (MDI). Size: Nearly all camouflage patterns are designed for rotary printing, and their size is thus restricted by the circumference of the available rollers- typically 18″-24″. Because this painting was very time consuming, and the paint added considerably to the weight of the aircraft, it was decided to printRead more › only used a sand pattern, khaki, without any patterned camouflage. These techniques showed both the innovation and adaptation driven by wartime necessities. This unique fabric has a so-called universal camouflage pattern, allowing the soldiers to merge with the surrounding nature in barren areas such as Mali, Iraq, or Afghanistan. This resulted in the so called Lozenge pattern. German 5FT Flecktarn is one of those camouflage patterns you immediately associate with a national army. Feb 11, 2025 · The work leading up to these trials produced a number of camouflage patterns, including the Sägezahnmuster ("saw tooth" pattern), Punktmuster ("dot pattern") and three variations of a pattern called Flecktarn (from the German Fleck, or spot, and Tarnung, or camouflage). Also nicknamed Kartoffelmuster (potato camouflage) or Blumentarn (flower camouflage), the pattern generally consists of blue-green, olive green & brown ragged blotches on a field grey background May 10, 2024 · Media in category "World War II German vehicles camouflage schemes" The following 45 files are in this category, out of 45 total. Available paint and camouflage paste of the earlier pattern was to be used up, resulting in a mixture of patterns in the interim period. Between 1931 and 1945, the Germans created at least 14 different patterns and produced many of them in two or more colour variants. On most vehicles, all tank markings were left unpainted. Starting from 1932, all units received some camouflaged items. However, the dyes were likely hand mixed, and even a slight deviation from the color formulas can cause notable variations. The scheme become known as Hinterhalt-Tarnung or Ambush camouflage and was designed to aid in the concealment of combat vehicles under trees and other such foliage . Mar 27, 2015 · Previously, I discussed the camouflage schemes and patterns the Wehrmacht utilized with its ground vehicles, and provided imagery to support the information I provided. German World War II camouflage patterns formed a family of disruptively patterned military camouflage designs for clothing, used and in the main designed during the Second World War. The first pattern, Splittertarnmuster ("splinter camouflage pattern"), was designed in 1931 and was initially intended for Zeltbahn shelter halves. Leibermuster is a German military camouflage pattern first used in 1945. Note: This African theatre camouflage was also used in Crete / Greece and possibly in the Balkan region. Jan 2, 2015 · A new pattern for Africa was introduced in March of 1942. com/stores/warhistoryThe Oct 26, 2013 · The German Army experimented with camouflage clothing in the mid-1930s centering primarily on the zeltbahn (shelter quarter), however, the camouflaged patterns themselves were highly ineffective. Early War Camouflage In the early years of the war, German vehicles typically Apr 2, 2025 · The M58 Flächentarnmuster ("area pattern") was issued between 1956 and 1967 to units in the East German Army (NVA) and Ministry of Interior (MDI). This paste was applied in recognizable grooved patterns and the paint was applied over the top of the coating. green or light brown) or with small splotches of a variety of colors is superior to a standard single color helmet, although it still allows the recognition of the characteristic form and silhouette. Yes, there were surely color standards. German World War II camouflage patterns formed a family of disruptively patterned military camouflage designs for clothing, used and in the main designed during the Second World War. The Erbsenmuster or pea pattern was one of a family of German World War II camouflage patterns, said to have been designed by Johann Georg Otto Schick, and first issued to the Waffen-SS in 1944. May 8, 2022 · The earliest known camouflage pattern developed for mass-production to German military forces was the Buntfarbendruck 31, introduced circa 1931. Camouflage patterns of the Wehrmacht were regulated by Army Communiqués (Heeresmitteilung) issued throughout the war. From September 44, there seems to have been at least three official camo patterns, of which two were most widely used. The first pattern, however, Splittertarnmuster ("splinter camouflage pattern"), was designed in 1931 and was initially intended for Zeltbahn shelter halves. Textile patterns for uniforms have multiple functions, including camouflage, identifying friend from foe, and esprit de corps. Uniforms made in this fabric are for service in warmer, tropical regions. Flecktarn (German pronunciation: [ˈflɛktaʁn]; "mottled camouflage"; also known as Flecktarnmuster or Fleckentarn) is a family of three-, four-, five- or six-color disruptive camouflage patterns, the most common being the five-color pattern, consisting of dark green, grey-green, red brown, and black over a light green or tan base depending on Feb 15, 2024 · A brief history of the development and advancement of German camouflage during the Second World War. Although the "rain" overprint was a feature of the original German designs, the term "splinter" encompasses all designs that have geometric shapes which resemble Mar 9, 2015 · Regardless of what the shade was, it was applied liberally throughout the Wehrmacht panzers and served as the basis for perhaps the most famous German camouflage pattern, Hinterhalt-Tarnung or ‘Ambush’ pattern camouflage. In East German service, the new pattern was known as "Kampfanzug 64". The NVA decided to adopt a new camouflage pattern in order to address problems with East German forces appearing too similar to those of the Soviet Army. The pattern was later re-named Heeres-Splittermuster 31 (Army splinter pattern) circa 1935. It was the last of a family of German World War II camouflage patterns. Because of that white washable paint or calcium were used. A three color camouflage design consisting of dark russet and green blobs on a dark ochre background seems emerged for use on German tanks circa 1934. US WWII Apr 3, 2025 · The term splinter pattern refers to the original German Wehrmacht camouflage designs incorporating geometric shapes with an overprint of rain straits, and to the patterns' descendants. Around 4,000 German soldier Rainbows of colors: All original German camouflage patterns exhibit a wide range of shades. Lot number 13103; 1938 dated liner band; This is a typical Afrika / Southern Italy camouflage color , collectors refer to this camouflage as DAK camo. German Soldier Early 1939; German Palm Autumn 1940; German Palm Spring 1940; German Splittermuster B 1941; German Oak Leaf Autumn 1943; German Oak Leaf Spring 1943; German Sumpfmuster 1943; 1944 Italian Camo 1929; German Erbsenmuster 1944; German Soldier Late 1944; German Sumpfmuster 1944; German Leibermuster 1945; German Colour Guides. The pattern is also known as Flecktarnmuster or Fleckentarn. After the Normandy landings, the Allied air superiority in the air was perceived as a serious problem and despite the amount of kills reported by pilots was usually overblown, there have been some cases where It was during this time that the German tank factories were instructed to apply a new type camouflage scheme as part of the manufacturing process. G. g. You can also see modified Flecktarn in use by Belgian, Indian, Japanese, Polish forces and more. Developed in 1931 and issued between 1932 and 1945, the Splittermuster pattern is the classic WW2 German Heer (Army) camouflage pattern, although it was also used by the Luftwaffe and Fallschirmjäger. It remains a pattern which is rarely seen today by collectors, although there were very many pieces in circulation between 1938 and 1946. May 8, 2022 · The pattern would also be utilized on for a number of uniform items during WW2 and was the basis of the Luftwaffe-Splittermuster camouflage pattern. In the spring of 1917 the artist Ernest Tudor-Hart devised a scheme that used the ‘dazzle’ principle. The pattern (named after its designers, the Leiber brothers) was issued on a very limited basis to combat units before the war ended. Sep 28, 2023 · Note that when two RLM colours are used for an upper surface camouflage pattern, the dark and light colours are located in the same position as specified in the respective machine’s Os-Liste. Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-088-3734A-19A, Russland, Panzer IV (cropped). (Tarnjacke) BACKGROUND: The development of camouflage clothing and equipment had began in the German army in WWI, and continued through the Weimar Reichswehr, (National Defence Force, Circa 1919-1933), era. Splittertarnmuster, Splittertarn or Splittermuster (splinter-pattern) is a four-colour military camouflage pattern developed by Germany in the late 1920s, first issued to the Reichswehr in 1931. [1] Aug 16, 2024 · The TAZ 90 (TarnAnZug in German and TASS 90 in French) is the camouflage patterns for current standard issue battledress and service dress uniform of the Swiss Armed Forces. . Also nicknamed Kartoffelmuster (potato camouflage) or Blumentarn (flower camouflage), the pattern generally consists of blue-green, olive green & brown ragged blotches on a field grey background Jun 7, 2022 · The camouflage was approved in August 1944 primarily to conceal German armor hiding in forested areas from marauding Allied aircraft. Camouflage helped in concealing machines from enemy reconnaissance and attacks. Vehicle base colours were permanently applied at the factory, and factories were the first to implement any base colour changes. The clothing patterns developed from it combined a German Wehrmacht Camouflage Patterns of World War Two, 1938–1945. Jul 31, 2020 · Introduction. For the sake Apr 30, 2015 · As for camouflage, what's commonly called ambush pattern was first used in August 44, due to allied air supremacy on all fronts, and continual losses of German armour due to air strikes. ] Two patterns have been named by historians from the surviving World War I-era German fighter aircraft that have had relatively intact examples of these lozenge coverings on them, each as the "type aircraft" that inspired the modern names for both the four and five color lozenge camouflage designs: the four-color fabric is called Knowlton from Apr 3, 2025 · Several patterns were tested during the trials, but the one ultimately selected for general issue to the German Armed Forces was Flecktarnmuster (spot camouflage pattern), finally confirmed in 1989. Because of its long history, effectiveness, and popularity, you see it worn not only by German soldiers but also by a variety of people in everyday life who’ve embraced it as a fashion statement. Late war camo Tropentarn ("tropical camouflage") is the name of a lighter weight cotton-polyester fabric printed with the German 5-color Flecktarn camouflage pattern used by the Bundeswehr for their military uniforms. paypal. The four-colour pattern consists of tan, brown, green and black and is a development of the Taz 57 and Taz 83 (the "Alpenflage") patterns which it replaced in the early 1990s. Military camouflage is the use of camouflage by armed forces to protect personnel and equipment from observation by enemy forces. Covering patterns issued to the Wehrmacht, Luftwaffe and Waffen SS. Oct 20, 2020 · Towards the very end of the Second World War a German engineer named Helmut Leiber developed a unique camouflage design intended to replace all previously issued patterns in the SS, Army and Luftwaffe. Camouflage shelter quarters (Zeltbahn) were issued from 1932 to all units of the army (Heer). A few things to note is that this is a brightened image (and probably color touched up to make up for washed out colours) to help show off the desert camouflage (this was likely taken somewhere in Tunisia) and the possiblity it's a posed image for propoganda purposes. The use of the Wehrmacht’s splinter pattern zeltbahn predates those used by the SS, but I will go further into this pattern in another article. German Camouflage Uniforms, splinter pattern jacket, Waffen SS HBT Dot pattern wrap, tan and water, Oakleaf camouflage Oct 8, 2024 · German camouflage developed from the 1931 Splittertarnmuster (splinter camouflage pattern), which combined a pattern of interlocking irre German World War II camouflage patterns formed a family of disruptively patterned military camouflage designs used for clothing and for Zeltbahn shelter halves. It was common, that basic camouflage shined through the white paint. Introduction to German World War 2 Patterns By Michael Farnworth The German armed forces (Wehrmacht) were the first military to issue camouflage widely. [1] The pattern had five colours, pale brown, dark brown, green, olive green and black, arranged as small rounded areas dotted over large irregular areas. The efficiency of this pattern was never demonstrated, and it seems as if the design was quickly dropped. For example, if an Os-Liste calls for RLM 74/75, and the scheme is changed to RLM 75/77, the darker of the two colours (75) will replace the 74 and the Dec 9, 2024 · WW2 German Vehicle Camouflage Patterns During World War II, German military vehicles were often camouflaged to blend into their surroundings. Some evidence suggests that the original Flecktarn camouflage was developed by Marquardt and Schultz in cooperation with the French company Texunion. Dec 23, 2020 · The Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) recently received a new camouflage pattern for its operational combat clothing. Feb 24, 2015 · [Photo 5 - A Pz Kpfw III with German infantry and desert camouflage. Some consisted of small spots or bars in a very tight geometric pattern resembling "lozenge" camouflage patterns seen on German aircraft in WW I. me/WarHistoryDesigns: https://teespring. This directive is specific on what it recommends, and gives clear reasons of why certain camouflage patterns are desired over others, “A painted surface with one color (e. May 21, 2020 · These weren’t the only camouflage patterns applied to tanks. This reference is available as a free resource for historians, government Jul 7, 2021 · German Army uniform Camouflage Patterns (comprehensive guide)Support: https://www. Hetzer in typical three color camouflage and in winter camouflage. During World War I, the Germans were looking for a way to effectively camouflage their aircraft. Likewise, the far flung offensives of the German armed forces meant that the Luftwaffe was forced to fly and fight in a wide variety of climates, so locally-applied field camouflage was commonplace, and insured that enough variety existed in Luftwaffe coloration to keep model builders from repeating themselves for decades. ” This lead to the development and widespread use of camouflage zeltbahns (Tent/Poncho), smocks and helmet covers within the SS. German This is a list of military clothing camouflage patterns used for battledress. Use this as a reference guide for WWII militaria and reenacting! Feb 24, 2024 · Both before and during the Second World War, German armor camouflage went through a series of changes. In those conditions, yellow, green and brown camo was an easy target for the enemy. These patterns existed only in the hand screen style, and retained the 3 color interlocking screens. Emaillierwerke A. This time around, we'll be discussing the tactical markings (and some non-tactical ones) that could commonly be found on German armored vehicles throughout the war. Fulda (EF) size 64 M35. Some of the colors and patterns used, especially during the late-war years, are still subject to much discussion. Apr 4, 2025 · The Camopedia website is a living document, providing a comprehensive, accurate, and academically-supported database referencing all of the major military and paramilitary camouflage patterns that have been in use around the world since the beginning of the 20th century. [3] Mar 26, 2015 · Introduction Previously, I discussed the camouflage schemes and patterns the Wehrmacht utilized with its ground vehicles, and provided imagery to support the information I provided. (English: "Combat Suit 64"). Produced in Augsburg, the uniforms were only issued to a limited number of German troops beginning in February 1945. Although the "rain" overprint was a feature of the original German designs, the term "splinter" encompasses all designs that have geometric shapes which resemble Jul 22, 2024 · Strichtarn, also known as "Line Camouflage" or the "raindrop pattern," is a distinctive military camouflage pattern developed and used by East Germany from 1965 until the reunification of Germany in 1990. This time around, we’ll be discussing the tactical markings (and some non-tactical ones) that could commonly be found on German armored vehicles throughout the war. Development Date: 1936-1942 Production: Produced in factories throughout Germany, large numbers in Concentration Camps. zwazvbn ubavvp mjd mndqd xosu rpqw njkx hatgk cwcfbrgcq hvo fbddu slxjz mupuy zyak wtmwa