Nazi Beer Steins

History of the World War II German military stein of the Garrison Church in Potsdam, dated March,21, 1933

Many people who collect militaria never take into consideration the history behind their pieces. One such item is the Potsdam Beer Stein which was made and sold in 1933 as a propaganda item to unite the people of Germany behind Adolf Hitler and his causes, eventually making him dictator of Germany.

This particular stein is a pot belly stein, 4" tall to the top of the stein and 5" tall to the top of the lid handle. The stein is made of grey stoneware with a blue glazed background and handle. The lid was plain and came in three styles.Trhe stein could also be purchased without a lid cover.

Adorning the stein is a swastika surrounded by a wreath, the Garrison Church in Potsdam, and

"The next time you pick up a military relic or artifact, look beyond the piece - you might be surprised about the history you will find"

the German monument to the Battle of the Nations, surrounded by oak leaves and acorns. Also, there is a ribbon going around the stein with the inscription, "Nimmer Wird das Reich Zerstoret Wenn ihr Einig Seidund Treu!" The translation reads "Never will the Reich be destroyed when you are united and loyal!" The outside rim of the stein's lid is stamped 0.5L which means it will hold 0.5 liters of fluid. The base or the bottom of the stein is stamped with the numbers "15" which could be above and below the numbers "5448."

The stein is engraved with the following:

"Dem Vorstand der landwirtsch. Abteilg.Richard Geiger als Abschiedsgruss , v.s. Kameraden 9.12.33"

The translation reads "To The Head of the Agricultural Department, Richard Geiger, a fond farewell from his comrades, 9.12.33."

Its Place in History

Now that we have the details of the Potsdam Beer Stein out of the way, we can go into the history behind the piece. The stein is dated March 21, 1933; this is engraved under the Garrison Church on the piece. This date has a very important place in the German history because on that day Hitler, von Hindenburg, and many high-ranking officials were in Potsdam for the opening of the new Reichstag. The old Reichstag had been burned to the ground under unusual circumstances. This date was also to be Adolf Hitler's first official speech since being elected Reichs chancellor on January 30, 1933. Propaganda Minister Goebbels purposely used Potsdam and the Garrison Church for this important occasion because of its great German history.

This ancient town was founded by Frederick Wilhelm I. The barracks square was dominated by the steeple of the Garrison Church in which the body of Frederick the Great and Frederick Wilhelm I were laid to rest in a crypt in the basement of the old church. The town was also steeped in Prussian military tradition. For the occasion, bells rang out as official motor caravans headed down the road. The streets were decorated with Nazi flags and banners and gun fire rang out as people were very joyous for the occasion.

Hindenburg appeared in his field grey uniform of a Prussian Field Marshall with one hand on his cane and the other on his Field Marshal's baton. Standing along side him, small in size compared to Hindenburg, was Adolf Hitler.Hitler was introduced by Hindenburg to the crowds of people and dignitaries, With Hitler gaining a majority of the seats in the Reichstag on March 5, 1933, this was the perfect stage to start his new Third Reich.

The speech Hitler gave on March 21, 1933 was broadcasted by radio, but was directed more to those in the crowded Garrison Church. Hitler called for a National Awakening, blaming the economic depression and unemployment on the foreign governments who forced their rule on them after World War I. He outlined programs that would help Germany prosper in the future. After that portion of his speech, Hitler turned to Hindenburg and said "We consider it a blessing to have your consent to work for the German Rising." Hitler then walked over to Hindenburg's chair, and bent down and grasped his hand, paying homage to him. Hindenburg was very moved and teary-eyed as he slowly descended into the crypt, followed by his son and two soldiers who laid wreaths on both tombs. Cannon salutes followed. Many people started to believe that Hitler had become subservient to Hindenburg - which was not true.

While the elaborate ceremonies were going on at the Garrison Church in Potsdam on March 21, 1;933, the Nazis began taking German citizens, mainly Communist and Socialists, into protective custody in the German state of Prussia. Fifteen thousand Prussian people were arrested by March 31. Many of the political prisoners, deported to the Dachau Concentration Camp, were never heard from again.

Right after the Potsdam Ceremony on March 21, 1933, Hitler started to negotiate with the right wing German National Peoples Party (also known as the DNVP) and with the Catholic Centrists to obtain support for the Enabling Act which essentially would grant Hitler dictatorial powers.

Potsdam and the Garrison Church became the setting for nurnerous military ceremonies over the next 12 years with recruits taking an oath of allegiance to the swastika flag and swore to fight to the death for Fuhrer and Fatherland. Toward the end of World War II, Potsdam and the Garrison Church once again made history.

The Declaration

On July 26, 1945, President Truman met with Churchill and Stalin for the Potsdam Declaration. An order was issued with the ultimatum demanding that Japan surrender unconditionally or face complete destruction. The declaration was ignored by Japan. This was also the first time Stalin was told about the atomic bomb at which he replied "I hope the United States makes good use of it." This set the way for the first atomic bornb to be dropped on Hiroshima and eventually led to the end of World War II and the start of the Cold War with Russia.

So, where Hitler gave his first official speech as Reichs Chancellor on March 21, 1933, starting off his Third Reich and 12-year destruction of Europe, in Potsdam at the Garrison Church, was also the same place where the Big Three, Truman, Churchill and Stalin collaborated together to put an end to World War II.

As you can see from this information, the German military beer stein dated March 21, 1933, with the Garrison. Church in Potsdam and the engraved lid to Richard Geiger, head of the Agricultural Department, has much history behind it. This stein was used as a propaganda tool to unite the people of Germany for Adolf Hitler's cause.

Remember, the next time you pick up a military relic or artifact, look beyond the piece - you might be surprised about the history you will find.

For more information on steins, there was a book published in 1989 by Gary Kirsner, titled "German Military Steins, 1914 to 1945". This book makes for interesting and informative reading.

Don Boyle, "The Story Behind the Stein", Military Trader, 1995

Edged Weapons Maintenance and Storage

As we are all well aware, serious collectors of most items invest much time, effort and money in their area of interest. Often the pursuit of an item and the actual acquisition are considered the biggest challenges but this is just the beginning of a constant progression of problems that must be addressed in a timely manner in order to protect their investment.

With the investment of time and money, the collector must assume the responsibility to protect his investment as well as the preservation of the particular item for future collectors and historians. Nothing is more exasperating than to observe the deterioration of a higilly desirable piece or collection over a period of time due to lack of attention to preservation.

Rust or metal corrosion is the main culprit that me must overcome to insure the preservation of edged weapons. Rust forms on an iron containing metal surface under a common set of occurrences. The moisture content of the atmosphere, optimally at a percentage range above 65%, coupled with the presence of salts or acids on the metal surface leads to rust formation. Salts and acids are usually present due to touch contamination via the hand or are present in dust or dirt particles that are allowed to accumulate on the surface of the metal.

The best manner in which to retard rust formation is to eliminate the elements required by keeping the metal free of dust and salt contaminants and holding the humidity of the air below 60%. Attention to removing finger prints (a salt and acid containing contaminant) and storage in a closed display case to reduce dust and girt contamination should retard rust formation.

Attention to condition and the manner in which the item is stored is also necessary to preserve and edged weapons. A closed case can be both an advantage or a disadvantage unless certain steps are taken to insure optimal conditions. A silicon polish can be useful by forming a barrier to dust and dirt contaminates. However, the surface should be inspected periodically to insure that protection is maintained. The more often an item is examined, the more often it is necessary to re-coat (not repolish) the item with silicon polish. Humidity must be routinely checked in a closed area.

Storage in a closed area without some air exchange will allow humidity to reach an unacceptable level. Humidity should be monitored routinely and kept well within the acceptable limits. Any type of cloth material, especially a felt based will hold humidity, This is especially suspect if the natural unplated blade remains in direct contact for any long period of time.

Any closed and sealed area is not suitable for edged weapon storage. Sudden changes in temperature can lead to moisture accumulation by condensation. This cannot escape from a sealed area and will cause rust to form. Also paper or cardboard left in the storage area, a packing or wrapping material, will hold moisture at an unacceptable level. Newspaper is especially high in sulfur content and when coupled with moisture will form sulfuric acid which will attack the metal. This is why older newspapers yellow over a period of time. Coin dealers cite sulfur content as the reason coins darken when left in manila envelopes.

Location of the storage case also can be a problem, especially if the basement of a house or building is used. Humidity in these locations are usually higher than the acceptable level and monitoring is a must if this area is used. Also, a peg board can be used to allow full air exchange around the item with the most flexibility for display.

Items with leather present in the form of scabbards or hangers will require much more attention. The natural tanning salts in leather lead to problems over a period of time, so the removal of leather is optimal if at all possible. Storage of blades outside of the scabbard is very desirable in this situation.

If blades are displayed in the closed case to limit dirt and dust, storage of blades outside of the scabbard is advantageous, This allows for routine inspection, reduction of runner marks" and the preservation of leather contact where applicable.

Brass fittings are especially susceptible to leather problems, A green film forms with brass and nickel containing fittings when leather is in contact with the metal surface over a long period of time. This "green film", especially if remaining for several years, can actually attack the surface and leave a dull pitted area. I have noticed this periodically on M33 SS daggers with the vertical suspension device.

Blades can be routinely protected by silicon polish. Oil, even when lightly applied tends to hold moisture in contact with the surface causing rusting and darkening of the blade. Even Vaseline, often used as a protectant, under optimal condition is of some question for it's protective value. It is however, less of a darkening agent due to it's purity. Again; if this agent is used, routine inspection is required.

Blued or anodized scabbards can best be protected with a light coat of oil. These must be thoroughly cleaned prior to the application as a routine safeguard. Again, the removal of leather hangers is a must for long term storage, Often very light rust can be easily removed with triple ought steel wool prior to oil application without any damage to the scabbard. A light pressure is required and no buffing can be tolerated.

Leather scabbards can be best preserved by the application of polish after a good cleaning. Leather scabbards with a metal liner can also be polished and the seams can be re-sealed prior to polishing if required. Elmer's glue appears to be an excellent agent for sealing and any excess can be removed wi th a damp clean terry cloth prior to polishing. An excellent brand of polish that is available in various shades is Meltonian from Great Britian.

Silver anti-tarnish cloth makes an ideal container for daggers and the storage of daggers outside their scabbards in a bank's safe deposit box can be a very safe method, I have stored my Himmler SS presentation dagger in this type of bag for over four years with no noticeable change from the choice mint condition the dagger was in when obtained from the veteran. Also, I have monitored the humidity in the bank and have found it to be below 60% the year around, A humidity gauge left in the bank box and checked weekly for a few months should be your best guide.

Improper handling and storage can leave telltale marks on an edged weapon. One only has to observe an SA or SS dagger with darkened finger print stains to see what poor attention and storage can do to a prime collectible, Although these can be modified with polishing, they will never be remove totally unless the entire blade is repolished which is abhorrent to the true collector. The collector must preserve and maintain the items in his care.

Ron Weinand, EDGED WEAPON'S MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE, Der Gauleiter, 1989

Personal Equipment of the Waffe-SS Mountain Troops

Mountain Rifle Regiments and all other Mountain support troops wore an oval black badge bearing a white embroidered Edelweiss with yellow stamen on the right upper sleeve of the field blouse and overcoat. An Edelweiss badge was also worn on the left side of the field cap and the mountain cap, the latter becoming the universal field service cap later in the war and known as the 'Einheitsmiltze'.

As part of the development of the specialist 55-Mountain Divisions crack alpine guides from the mountainous districts of Bavaria and Austria were recruited and given distinctive badges.

Trained in advanced mountain warfare techniques at the Mountain Warfare Schools they wore regulation mountain troop uniform and waffenfarbe but with the addition of a special breast badge. This comprised an oval 55mm high and 43mm wide black cloth badge embroidered with a 2mm wide aluminium cord edge. In the centre was a 33mm (42mm with stalk) aluminium embroidered Edelweiss with gold wire stamen and the lettering "BERGFOHRER" (mountain leader) in aluminium wire in a half circle beneath the flower. In winter guides wore climbing socks and mountain pattern boots and, in summer, shirt sleeves with short pumphosen (leather shorts).

Boots

The original footwear of the Bereitschaften and the SS-VT was the calf length heavy leather boot also worn by the Army and Luftwaffe. These boots were worn in specially tapered trousers. Later ankle boots made without toe caps were also taken into use.

Mountain rifle regiments wore proper climbing boots with specially designed cleated soles with mountaineering studs. Calf length webbing gaiters were also used by these soles with mountaineering studs. Ankle-length webbing gaiters were also used by these specialist divisions. SS Officers usually wore knee length black boots. Mounted units and senior officers wore these boots with nickel plated spurs worn on straps buckled across the instep.

Personal Equipment

The SS-VT and Waffen-SS wore a black leather waistbelt with a special buckle. The officers' buckle was the locket and clasp type and the buckle for the NCOs and other ranks was rectangular. The original pouches were the M1909 pattern. In the various orders of combat dress, two pouches were carried on either side of the buckle. Each pouch was split into three, each section containing ten rounds of rifle ammunition. The waistbelt was 4.5cm wide and was made to slide through loops at the rear of each pouch the centre one of which was fitted with a steel '0' ring through which the braces were looped. The bayonet and the entrenching tool were suspended from frogs on the waistbelt and on the left side. In 1939 the bayonet was being carried over the entrenching tool and suspended by a loop to the entrenching tool's frog. Later it was worn in its own frog in front of the entrenching tool. The M1934 haversack was hung from two loops at the right hip and on it, suspended from a steel '0' ring, and retained by a strap which passed through a loop on the haversack flap was the M1931 water bottle with its oval cup secured over the mouthpiece.

The anti-gas respirator in its cylindrical fluted lightweight metal container was carried on a web strap over the right shoulder the cylinder lying at an angle on the left hip. The bottom attachment to the container was usually hooked to the rear of the belt.

The new pattern braces issued in 1939 consisted of two 4cm wide tapered black straps which passed over the shoulders from the '0' rings on the central pouches and were joined with a steel ring to the 2.5cm wide back strap which descended to fasten to the waistbelt at centre back. There were two large steel 'D' rings fitted to the shoulder straps from which the assault pack or the rucksack could be fitted. A lightweight web yoke could be fitted to the braces from which the assault pack; worn in light field order, could be worn. Full marching order consisted of the M1939 pack mentioned above complete with tent quarter, greatcoat, blankets and clothing bag.

Special pouches were issued concurrently with new weapons, including the MP 43 and MP 44 and the SG 44. These pouches were usually webbing and were carried on the waist belt, diagonally to make withdrawal easier.

Mountain rifle Gager) regiments were issued with special mountaineering rucksacks and carried larger capacity waterbottles. They also carried various specialised climbing gear including ropes, ice axes, crampons, and in some cases skis, and wore special climbing boots.

The cavalry wore their equipment mainly suspended from the waist belt and were provided with braces which had no yoke fitting. Engineers and Artillery were provided with special rucksacks to provide facilities for their unique functions. The former wore large pouches attached to the fronts of their waistbelts to carry detonators, oval grenades and fuses. These pouches had pouches for rifle ammunition fitted to their sides. The Engineers knapsack carried specialised detonating and smoke equipment. Medical Orderlies carried special pouches on their waistbelts for dressings and other medical supplies.

Personal Weapons The M 98 and M 43 pattern rifles were carried and later the MP 38, 40, MP 43 and its 43/1, the MP 44 and the St. G. 44. Officers and NCOs carried either the P 08 or the P36 pistol in a black leather holster, officers carrying these weapons or smaller automatic pistols such as the Walther PPK.

The Tent Quarter This ingenious piece of equipment known in German as the 'Zeltbahn' was a piece of camouflaged (Waffen-SS pattern) waterproof material cut in a triangle with a slit in the material through which the head could pass. It served as a windbreak and could be joined to the three other quarters carried by comrades to form a good tent. On other occasions it served as a poncho and was worn in a variety of ways, the material acting as half-sleeves, or could be rolled to leave the arms free.

Walther-Karl Holzmann, "Waffen-SS Badges, Uniforms, Equipment", Bellona Publications, 1976

Collecting the Edged Weapons of the Third Reich

PREFACE

The Third Reich, as Adolf Hitler viewed it, was to be an Organic Society, that is, a society in which all parts were to be in harmony with the whole, subject to the supreme will of the Fuhrer. No part would be permitted to function independently outside the whole, with a life of its own. Thus all institutions the schools, churches, businesses, industries, the arts, the sciences and the military - were to be injected with heavy doses of National Socialist ideology and subject to firm Party control, with coercion being used wherever necessary. The purpose was not to oppress but to unify: all in harmony with one another. With a common goal and a Great National Purpose visualized for them by the Fuhrer, a better life for all Germans would be achieved. The Nazis had a word for this concept: EINHEIT, meaning one-ness or unity. For Adolf Hitler, Einheit was a mystical concept.

The visual realization of Einheit was in those colorful, spectacular ceremonials and mass-meetings that were endemic throughout the life of the Third Reich and were its most glamorous feature. Through the mass meeting the symbolic unity between the lone Fuhrer on the high tribunal and the vast anonymous masses before him was achieved; each in spiritual harmony with the other, the vertical lines of the standing men echoed in the vertical architectural effects surrounding them. People, Fuhrer, and architecture all formed a single harmonious unit in visual as well as symbolical form.

But ceremonials are not very exciting without all the paraphernalia that goes with them. Colorful banners in profusion, snappy uniforms a-glitter with decorations, insignia of rank, dress swords and daggers, and plenty of stirring music; these were the necessary ingredients for any successful Nazi ceremonial.

With his intuitive gift for the nature of crowd psychology, Adolf Hitler shrewdly exploited the potential power of the visual arts to make and sway opinion. Thus, under his direction, the political ceremonial was raised to a fine art conducted with a professional finesse seldom found in similar events in other countries.

The ceremonial was designed to give the ordinary citizen a chance to "dress up," to escape the mundane world of his personal problems. Through the ceremonial the citizen could solidify his sense of belonging to a group, which would present itself along with other groups before the Fuhrer and thereby join one another in the spirit of Einheit.

A uniformed group, with its standards and accouterments, formed an impressive visual unit when it was massed together. All parts of a standard were designed to fit harmoniously with one another and with the men who would carry them; Hitler's own design, the ubiquitous Swastika banner, was a masterpiece of visual harmony. Each insignia, each decoration, each sword and dagger was also designed to be part of the visual whole, to not only be harmonious within itself but also to "fit" with the uniform, which, when seen with other uniforms massed together in one group, would form a single impressive unit ready to join with others to form still larger units. From the smallest dagger to the large blocks of massed uniforms and standards, the psychological purpose was the same: to inspire the citizen (both as a participant and as spectator) with the power and glory of the Reich, to confirm his chauvanistic pride in all things German, and to give humble thanks to the Fuhrer who made it all possible.

Thus a dress sword or dagger was not a mere potentially useful object; like all other ceremonial objects which the Third Reich produced in such profusion, it had a symbolic significance which bordered on the mystic. Its design was conceived in the spirit of Einheit, with all its parts in harmony with the whole object.

There is something about swords and daggers that arouses deep primitive feelings in people, especially in men. They figure in song and story as ancient symbols of courage, honor, and authority; indeed, skill with one often meant the difference between life and death. Daggers in particular figure quite prominently in ancient Germanic mythology; even women of the Germanic tribes wore them and were adept at using them.

Design of Third Reich dress daggers was primarily ancient Germanic or medieval in flavor; some had classical overtones and others were quite baroque.Here the purpose was to form a visual link between the present and the past, to show that the Third Reich was a continuation of the hallowed old Germanic virtues and traditions into the present. The Art Deco style of the 1930's, so fashionable among the advant-garde in other countries, was nowhere to be seen in the design of Nazi edged weapons and only very rarely in other Third Reich artifacts. Since this style derived from French Cubism it was therefore condemned by the Fuhrer as "degenerate" and "un-German." Dagger designs ranged from the ugly chunkiness of the Labor Corps hewing-knife to the graceful stiletto of the Hitler Youth leader. All were adorned with the appropriate symbols of the various organizations for which they were issued.

Although Adolf Hitler himself designed all of the basic iconography of the Third Reich, he is not known to have ever designed a dagger. Nor did Frau Gerdy Troost, who designed so many of the silver objects of the Nazi Regime, ever design a dagger or sword. The majority of the artists who did design them were anonymous, and probably designed other types of regalia as well (the Third Reich, under the aegis of its art-minded Fuhrer, was a paradise for political designers who were both talented and ideologically reliable.)

History has shown that as a nation becomes an empire its designs develop from simple forms to more complex ones. This certainly happened during the Third Reich. A good example of this among the edged weapons is a comparison between the elegant medieval-style of the early Luftwaffe dagger and the later ornate baroque design which replaced it. Heavy, complex designs have always been symbols of power, wealth, and authority; but whether the Nazi designers were conscious of this is not known. Designs of major significance in daggers as well as the other regalia were usually shown to the Fuhrer for his approval; his suggestions were always religiously obeyed. In time, Hitler's own taste became more baroque as he succumbed to megalomania.

Daggers and swords were accorded the same status in the Third Reich as were the standards and decorations, no more, no less. They were all integral parts of the whole. There was no cult of the dagger in Germany as there was a cult of the sword in Japan.

The presentation of a dagger, especially of a dagger with an engraved inscription on its blade, like the presentation of a new standard or decoration, was an occasion for a solemn ritual which affirmed faith and loyalty between the giver and the receiver, and between both to Fuhrer and Reich. All parts of the dagger's design, at least in theory, were to be in harmony with the form and spirit of the whole object, which in turn was to be in harmony with the use and setting to which it was put. All parts of the ritual in which it was presented, and the ceremonials in which it was worn, were segments of the larger whole symbolized by the slogan "One Reich, One People, One Leader." The Nazis consciously and deliberately practiced a concept unique in the 20th Century and not seen in Europe since the 17th - Total Art. Thus each dress dagger that one sees out of context in a collector's drawer or on his wall was far more than just a useful object or a pretty adornment. It represented Einheit, the spirit of Adolf Hitler's Organic Society in a microcosm.

Major Johnson, for fifteen years a collector and internationally-recognized authority on the subject of German edged weapons, has produced a wellresearched book which should prove to be invaluable to the beginner as well as the advanced collector and/or researcher of Third Reich edged weapons. Though only a small part of the regime's vast array of accouterments, Nazi blades have proven to be among its most popular collector's items.

Karen Kuykendall (professional artist, author, and collector of Third Reich relics since 1947) Casa Grande, Arizona.

Thomas M. Johnson, "Collecting the Edged Weapons of the Third Reich Vol. 1", Author Published, 1975

johnsonreferencebooks.com

Fakes, Repros and Such...

I still get e-mails from members asking me why I don't allow repros of our web site. Often they suggest that we set up a special section for the fakes, frauds, re-enactment supplies, or what ever they want to call them.

Believe me I considered it. I'm sure we could get more members and have a lot more ads. But then again, I would hate to take that business away from ebay...

I created this site for serious collectors, not for a bunch of bikers and screwballs who buy Nazi junk to stick of their jackets or like to "play" at collecting. And that's the way it's going to stay.

If you want fakes, you're on the wrong site. If you're a re-enactor, I wish you well, but you'll have to find your repro stuff elsewhere. If you want original Thrid Relics just click here.

We do everything we can to keep the fakes off the site. Unfortunately, some do pop up from time to time and we remove them as soon as we're sure they're bogus. The down side to this is we have made some people mad. Usually they thought the piece was original and they don't like to have someone tell them it's fake. They know they are probably going to loose money on it, and no one likes to hear that. That's the price we pay for trying the keep the site "clean". It's a real damned if you do and damned if you don't situation. We just have to live with it.

If you see something bad posted for sale let us know. I don't guarantee we'll remove it, but it will be brought to the attention of guys who have volunteered to help us police the site. They all know the hobby very well and the decision will rest with them. The buck has to stop somewhere.

Bob Treend

p.s. If you get the impression I'm fond of cartoons... you're right!

Organization of the SS Totenkopf Standarten

25,000 men would have provided the personnel for at least a dozen infantry regiments, but by combining concentration camp guards and Allgemeine-SS men with Volksdeutsche, SA and NSKK men, and youths too young for military service, sufficient manpower was produced by 1939 for a complete infantry division (SS-Totenkopf-Division) and fifteen regiments together with their replacement units.

After the conclusion of the Polish campaign the SS-Totenkopf-Standarten were used to secure occupied Poland, thus freeing army units for the planned campaigns of 1940. Thereafter they served in Norway, Holland and the Protectorate as garrison troops.

Prior to the invasion of Russia the primary role of the Totenkopf-Standarten was changed from that of police troops to providing additional units for the field formations of the Waffen-SS.

1 SS-Totenkopf-Standarte, later Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 1, formed in autumn 1939 with H.Q. and three battalions as part of SS- Totenkopf- Division.

2 SS-Totenkopf-Standarte, later Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 2, formed in autumn 1939 with H.Q. and three battalions as part of SS- Totenkopf- Division.

3 SS-Totenkopf-Standarte, later Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 3, formed in autumn 1939 with H.O. and three battalions (personnel for which came in part from former 3 SS-Totenkopf-Standarte 'Thuringen') as part of the SS- Totenkopf- Division. It also absorbed the infantry from the former SS-Heimwehr-Danzig.

4 SS- Totenkopf-Standarte/4. SS- Standarte/SS-I nfanterie- Regiment 4 (mot) with H.Q. and two battalions derived from former 4. SS- Totenkopf-Standarte 'Ostmark' together with a new III.battalion. The regiment was motorised on 12 September 1940, and in summer 1941 became part of SS-Brigade (mot) 2, until December 1941 when it was transferred to SS-Division 'Reich'. On 20 April 1942 it provided H.Q. and II.battalion for schnelles SS-SchutzenRegiment 'Langemarck'. Remainder of regiment was disbanded in autumn 1942.

5 SS- Totenkopf-Standarte/5. SS-Standarte / SS-Infanterie - Regiment 5 (mot) with H.Q., I.battalion and cadre of II.battalion from former 2. SS- Totenkopf-Standarte 'Brandenburg' and new II. and III.battalions. Served in SS-Brigade (mot) 2 in summer 1941 and was disbanded in September 1941 with personnel transferring to SS-Infanterie-Regiment 9, SS-Division 'Nord', SS-Division 'Reich', and SS- Kavallerie- Brigade.

6 SS- Totenkopf-Standarte/6. SS-Standarte / SS -Infanterie- Regiment 6 (mot), with I.battalion drawn from 1.;3. SS-Totenkopf Standarte 'Thuringen'. The II. and III.battalions incorporated personnel from 1. SS- Totenkopf-Standarte 'Oberbayern'. When the I.battalion was transferred to SS-Totenkopf Division it was replaced by 11./7. SS-Totenkopf-Standarte, and when the II.battalion absorbed the III.. and new III.battalion was formed only to be transferred to 13.SS- Totenkopf-Standarte. The replacement III.battalion was transferred to the new 14.SS- Totenkopf-Standarte, instead of accompanying the rest of the regiment to Norway in spring 1940. Its place was then taken by II./Totenkopf- Rekruten-Standarte. The regiment was motorised in February 1941 and dissolved on 4 June 1942, providing a basis for SS-Gebirgs-Jager-Regiment 6 (later 11) 'Reinhard Heydrich' in SS- Division 'Nord'.

7 SS- Totenkopf-Standarte/7. SS-Standarte/ SS-I nfanterie- Regiment 7 (mot) formed late 1939 with H.Q. and three battalions (II.battalion was formerly I./Totenkopf-Rekruten-Standarte). 15 January 1941 became part of SS- Kampfgruppe 'Nord', and in February 1941 it was motorised. Later the regiment became SS Gebirgs-Jager- Regiment 7 (later 12 'Michael Gaissmair)'.

8 SS- Totenkopf-Standarte/8. SS-Standarte / SS-I nfanterie- Regiment 8 (mot) formed early in 1940 with H.O. and three battalions It was motorised on 12 September 1940 and on 1 May 1941 formed part of SS-Brigade (mot) 1. In January 1944 it became PanzerGrenadier- Regiment 39.

9 SS- Totenkopf-Standarte/9. SS- Standarte / SS-I nfanterie- Regiment 9 (mot) formed winter 1939 with H.Q. and three battalions.In April 1940 the original lI.battalion became 1./14. SS-Totenkopf Standarte and was replaced by 11./7. SS-Totenkopf-Standarte. It was motorised on 12 September 1940 and disbanded on 15 November 3, 1940 with exception of one battalion stationed in Prague which became SS- Totenkopf-Wachbataillon Prag. HQ. and remaining elements transferred to SS-Totenkopf-Standarte K (Kirkenes) which then assumed number 9.

10 SS- Totenkopf-Standarte/1 O. SS- Standarte/SS-I nfanterie- Regiment 10 (mot) formed in 1940 with H.Q. and two battalions derived from 3. SS-Totenkopf-Standarte 'Thuringen' and later a new III.battalion. It was motorised on 12 September 1940 and in May 1941 formed part of SS-Infanterie-Brigade (mot) 1. In January 1944 it became SS- Panzer-Grenadier- Regiment 40.

11 SS-Totenkopf-Standarte/11. SS-Standarte/SS-I nfanterie- Regiment 11 (mot) formed in early 1940 with HO and three battalions.It was motorised on 12 September 1940 and in November 1940 placed under command of SS-V- Division as a motorised infantry regiment. On 1 November 1941 it was disbanded with personnel going to SS-Infanterie-Regiment 3 'Deutschland' and 4 'Der Fuhrer'.

12 SS-Totenkopf-Standarte formed early in 1940 with H.Q. and three battalions and disbanded on 15 August 1940 with personnel going to SS-Totenkopf-Standarten 6 and 7 and II./SS- TotenkopfStandarte 'K'.

13 SS-Totenkopf-Standarte formed in late 1939 with H.Q. and two battalions derived from 5. SS-Totenkopf-Standarte 'Dietrich Eckhardt' and IIl.battalion formerly 111./6. SS-Totenkopf-Standarte it was disbanded on 15 August 1940 with III.batallion and band passing to 9. SS- Totenkopf-Standarte and other personnel to SS-Totenkopf-Standarten 4, 6,7, 8, and 11.

14 SS-Totenkopf-Standarte/14. SS- Standarte/SS-I nfanterie- Regiment 14 (mot) formed 24 April 1940 with H.Q. and three battalions.I. (formerly 11./9. SS-Totenkopf-Standarte), II. (formerly 111./6. SSTotenkopf-Standarte), and III. (formerly IV./SS- Totenkopf-Rekruten Standarte'. It was motorised on 12 September 1940 and in April 1941 became part of SS- Brigade (mot) 2. On 30 June 1941 it was disbanded with its I.battalion becoming Sonderbataillon Kommandostab RFSS: while other elements were transferred to SS-Infanterie-Regiment 9, Begleit-Bataillon RFSS and NachrichtenKompanie Kommando Stab RFSS.

15 SS-Totenkopf-Standarte/15. SS-Standarte/SS-I nfanterie- Regiment 15 (mot) formed early in 1940 with H.O. and three battalions.It was moto.rised on 12 September 1940, and in April 1941 formed part of SS-Brigade (mot) 2. It was disbanded on 2 November 1940 with its I.battalion continuing as Totenkopf-Wachbataillon Oranienburg.

16 SS-Totenkopf-Standarte was formed on 24 April 1940 with H.O.and three battalions from III. and remnants of I. and IV./SS- TotenkopfRekruten-Standarte. It was disbanded on 15 August 1940, with its Volksdeutsche and other personnel going to 10. SS- Totenkopf Standarte, others to 8 and rest to 15. SS-Totenkopf-Standarte.

17 SS- Totenkopf-Standarte was planned but not raised. SS. Totenkopf-Standarte K (Kirkenes) was formed in winter 1940-1 (1).batallion was formed in August 1940, and III. in February 1941), by the expansion of SS-Sonderbataillon Reitz by two more battalions and regimental elements. On 18 February 1941 it became the second SS-Infanterie-Regiment 9 (mot) (the first was disbanded on 15 November 1940), and in April 1941 became part of SS-Kampfgruppe 'Nord'. In July 1942 it was transferred to the SS-Totenkopf-Division as schnelles SS-Infanterie-Regiment 9 'Thule'.

1 SS-Totenkopf-Reiterstandarte was formed early in 1940 and expanded into two regiments which in the summer of 1941 became parts of SS-Kavallerie-Brigade as SS-Kavallerie-Regimenter 1 and 2.

2 SS- Totenkopf-Reiterstandarte formed by the expansion of 1. SS- Totenkopf- Reiterstandarte.

SS. Totenkopf-RekrutenStandarte ('Oberbayern') was formed late in 1939 with H.Q. and four battalions drawn from the pre-war 1. SS-Totenkopf-Standarte 'Oberbayern'. In early 1940 it was broken up with elements going to form other units as follows:part of SS-Brigade (mot) 2. It was disbanded on 2 November 1940 with its I.battalion continuing as Totenkopf-Wachbataillon Oranienburg.

16 SS-Totenkopf-Standarte was formed on 24 April 1940 with H.Q.and three battalionsfrom III. and remnants of I. and IV./SS- Totenkopf Rekruten-Standarte. It was disbanded on 15 August 1940, with its Volksdeutsche and other personnel going to 10. SS- Totenkopf Standarte, others to 8 and rest to 15. SS-Totenkopf-Standarte.

17 SS- Totenkopf-Standarte was planned but not raised.55. Totenkopf-Standarte K (Kirkenes) was formed in winter 1940-1 (1).batallion was formed in August 1940, and III. in February 1941), by the expansion of SS-Sonderbataillon Reitz by two more battalions and regimental elements. On 18 February 1941 it became the second SS-Infanterie-Regiment 9 (mot) (the first was disbanded on 15 November 1940), and in April 1941 became part of SS-Kampfgruppe 'Nord'. In July 1942 it was transferred to the SS-Totenkopf-Division as schnelles SS-Infanterie-Regiment 9 'Thule'.

1 SS-Totenkopf-Reiterstandarte was formed early in 1940 and expanded into two regiments which in the summer of 1941 became parts of SS-Kavallerie-Brigade as SS-Kavallerie-Regimenter 1 and 2.

2 SS- Totenkopf-Reiterstandarte formed by the expansion of 1. SS- Totenkopf- Reiterstandarte.

SS. Totenkopf-RekrutenStandarte ('Oberbayern') was formed late in 1939 with H.Q. and four battalions drawn from the pre-war 1. SS-Totenkopf-Standarte 'Oberbayern'. In early 1940 it was broken up with elements going to form other units as follows:Remnants of I.battalion went to 16. SS-Totenkopf-Standarte.lI.battalion became 111./6. SS-Totenkopf-Standarte.111.battalion became part of 16. SS-Totenkopf-Standarte.IV.battalion became 111./14. SS-Totenkopf-Standarte, with remnants going to 16. SS- Totenkopf-Standarte.V.battalion of pre-war Standarte was disbanded in 1939.

SS-Totenkopf-Unterfuhrerschule Lublinitz was formed In 1939 and broken up in June 1940.

SS-HauptreitschuleMunchen was transferred to SS-Totenkopfverbande on 14 September 1939, and was placed at the disposal of the SS-Totenkopf-Rekruten-Standarte as part of its 9. (Ersatz) Schwadron.

Remnants of I.battalion went to 16. SS-Totenkopf-Standarte.lI.battalion became 111./6. SS-Totenkopf-Standarte.111.battalion became part of 16. SS-Totenkopf-Standarte.IV.battalion became 111./14. SS-Totenkopf-Standarte, with remnants going to 16. SS- Totenkopf-Standarte.V.battalion of pre-war Standarte was disbanded in 1939.

SS-Totenkopf-Unterfuhrerschule Lublinitz was formed In 1939 and broken up in June 1940.

SS-HauptreitschuleMunchen was transferred to SS-Totenkopfverbande on 14 September 1939, and was placed at the disposal of the SS-Totenkopf-Rekruten-Standarte as part of its 9. (Ersatz) Schwadron.

Andrew Mollo, "Uniforms of the SS" Vol.7, Historical Research Unit, 1976

Flyer's Badges of the Luftwaffe

AIRCREW BADGE(FLIEGERSCHAFTSABZEICHEN)

This badge was initiated on January 19, 1935 and initially worn by members ofthe Deutscher Luftsport-Verband who held a flying license. When the new Luftwaffe adopted it in early 1935, it was worn on the left breast pocket by pilots and observers. The horizontal oval wreath was in silver with a black eagle holding a silver swastika.

PILOTS' BADGE I (FLUGZEUGFUHRERABZEICHEN

On March 26, 1936, this newly designed badge was introduced and replaced the Aircrew Badge. The oval wreath was in silver with the raised portions of the design being polished. The eagle and swastika were either in a tarnished silver or a black finish. An embroidered version of this badge existed with the wreath in silver wire, the eagle in a dark-grey thread and the swastika in a matt-aluminum embroidery (officers').

The Pilot's Badge was worn in the middle of the left breast pocket of the tunic or in the approximate area of the Flying Blouse and Evening Full-Dress jacket. If the individual had been awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class, the badge was worn below it.

LUFTWAFFE PILOTS' BADGE (CIVILIAN) (ZIVILE'S FLUGZEUGFUHRERABiEICHEN DER LUFTWAFFE)

Civilian pilots in the Luftwaffe were also permitted a pilot's badge . . . . it was a pair of enameled blue wings with a slanted swastika in the middle. The wings were approximately 8cm wide and 1. 6cm high. The detail of the wings and feathers, the outline of the insignia and the swastika were in gold. It was also available in an embroidered form.

OBSERVERS' BADGE (BEOBACHTERABZEICHEN)

The Observer's Badge, also introduced on March 26, 1936, was for observers, assistant observers, navigators and bombardiers. The oval wreath was in silver with the raised portions of the design being polished. The eagle, in an observing position, was either in a tarnished silver or black finish. An embroidered version of this badge existed with the wreath in silver wire, the eagle in a dark-grey thread and the swastika in a matt-aluminum wire, on a blue-grey base (officers').

COMBINED PILOT/OBSERVER BADGE (GEMEINSAMES FLUGZEUGFUHRER- UND BEOBACHTERABZEICHEN)

This badge was initiated on March 26, 1936, and was for those who held the pilot's and observer's certificates for a minimum of one year. The design of the badge is identical to that of the pilot's but with a gilt wreath, with the raised portions being polished, and a silver eagle and swastika. The embroidered version had the wreath in gold thread, the eagle in aluminum wire and the swastika in silver wire (officers').

AIR-GUNNER'S BADGE WIRELESS/OPERATOR (FLIEGERSCHUTZEN-(BORDFUNKER) ABZEICHEN)

This badge for Air-Gunner/Wireless-Operators was also instituted on March 26, 1936. The wreath was in silver with the raised portions of the design plus the swastika being polished. The eagle, holding the lightning flashes (symbolic of wireless), was in tarnished silver or black. The embroidered version had the wreath in aluminum wire and the eagle and lightning flashes in a grey thread (officers).

AIR GUNNER'S AND FLIGHT ENGINEER'S BADGE (FLIEGERSCHUTZEN- (BORDSCHlhzEN- UND BORDMECHANIKER) ABZEICHEN)

The Air Gunner's and Flight Engineer's Badge was instituted on June 22, 1942 and was identical in design to the Air-Gunner/Wireless-Operator' s Badge with the exception of the lightning flashes being omitted. It was worn by all air gunners (except combination wirelessoperator/air gunners) and flight engineers and flight meteorologists.

On April 25, 1944, a variation of the Air Gunners and Flight Engineer's Badge was introduced for unqualified air gunners without certificate. It was identical in design but with a black wreath and silver eagle (no lightning flashes). It was awarded for a minimum of ten combat flights. This number could be reduced if the unqualified air gunner was wounded during one of the flights.

FLYER'S COMMEMORATIVE BADGE '(FLIEGERERINNERUNGS ABZEICHEN) This badge was awarded to all flying personel (including parachute troops) who had been relieved of all air crew duties, World War I pilots with at least four years service, plus other personnel with at least fifteen years service time. This commemorative badge was also extended to those crippled by an air-associated accident and to the next-of-kin in case of a flying accident resulting in death. The oakleave wreath was in silver with a polished swastika and the eagle sitting on a boulder was in tarnished silver.

An embroidered version of the commemorative badge was also available, but only for officers. The wreath and swastika was in aluminum wire and the eagle and boulder was in a grey thread.The metal version of this badge could be worn with civilian dress. A stickpin form was also permitted on the left collar. Disabled veterans were also allowed to wear a miniature air crew badge with their civilian dress.

PARACHUTIST BADGE (FALLSCHRIMSCHVTZEN ABZEICHEN)

The Parachutist Badge was initiated on November 5, 1936, for qualified parachutist in the Luftwaffe. The wreath was black with a gold diving eagle and swastika (the highlights of the eagle and swastika were polished). The embroidered version has the wreath in white thread for NCOs and men and in aluminum wire for officers. The eagle and swastika was in gold colored thread for NCOs and men and in gold wire for officers.

GLIDER PILOTS' BADGE (LW-SEGELFLUGZEUGFUHRERABZEICHEN)

The Glider Pilot's Badge was instituted on December 16, 1940, and awarded to those having obtained the military glider pilot's certificate. The wreath and swastika were in silver and the eagle was black or in tarnished silver. It could be worn only on a Wehrmacht or NSFK uniform. The embroidered version has the wreath in aluminum wire, the swastika in bright (silver) wire, and the eagle in grey for officers.

Roger James Bender: "Air Organizations of the Third Reich-The Luftwaffe", 1972.

R. James Bender Publishing

Illustration by R. Kahl