GERMAN AUTHENTICITY REGULATIONS I/PZ.GRN.RGT.125./PZ.DIV.21
We would like to thank you for taking the time to review our event regulations. We know they are lengthy and in some ways very strict, however our goal is to teach our members and participants while concurrently advancing the hobby; toward greater authenticity. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them. The only stupid question is the one that is not asked. That being said, we ask you to read this in its entirety and in the event that you find any errors in this edition, please bring them to our attention with documented sources.
No Modern clothing, eye wear, watches, food/water containers are authorized at any time in the event area. You will have to carry everything with you. You will have a central area to securely store extra period gear, however if overrun by the other force, you may not have access to it. Once you enter the event site from the parking area you are live and in play.
PLEASE NOTE: for this event a photo of your impression will be required (you in your uniform). This is not a fashion show or an “elitist” thunder dome of destruction. They are simply to help our participants with their impressions prior to event and to maintain high standards. At no time will these photos be released to the public or posted on other forums etc. We want to work with participants in order to avoid someone showing up and being turned away, when it could have been avoided. So either through loaner gear or advice, the goal is to advance the hobby while maintaining a high standard of authenticity, and not belittle anyone. If unit commanders feel better collecting photos and presenting them to the event staff, that is ok as well.
Uniform Observations In order for you to better understand this events impression, we should first discuss a few things.
The 21st Div before D-Day was rebuilding during late 43 and early 44. In April of 44 they moved to Caen to prepare for an allied invasion, where the div became notorious for its various vehicle types seen in use. Through photos the uniforms and equipment seem to be pretty straight forward, and they fought rather “light” compared to the vision of what a Pz Grenadier carried.. In our regs you will see several options however we encourage you to be the norm rather than the exception. Items are listed in order of preference.
Sumpfmuster (Marsh Pattern) Smocks Understanding the different patterns can be confusing due to different post war terms used to identify the patterns. We will attempt to give a quick break down of each pattern to hopefully help participants understand what and how it was used. All Photos used are for education purposes only and may not be used without authors permission for any other purpose.
Splinter C, 1941 WH Half-burred edge, fluffy edge, Sumpf gray, Grüne Sumpfmuster 43 - The 1945 Richardson report classifies it as WH 1941 half-burred edge, which dates the pattern to 1941, however there are publications (see bibliography) that date this pattern from 42-44. We cannot place the pattern at one time, however we do see it in winter 43-44 and spring 44. This pattern was only used in the winter parka suit and "sniper" hooded reversible smock. It is thought to be the first pattern seen, basically using the color scheme and basic pattern of Splinter A, however softening the edges creating a new pattern. It can get even more confusing as it can also be referred to as tan and water in the US universally with the sumpfmuster 43/ 44. One big difference is that this pattern still retains sharper edges than the later sumpf 44 pattern. This pattern was introduced by the Wehrmacht
LW-Sumpfmuster, 1942 LW Pattern, LW Varient (sumpf 43) - This pattern is a variant of the Splinter B first seeing the Tan, red-brown, and green color scheme. It to retained the sharp edges of the splinter tarn but slightly softening the edges. It was seen on some jump and ground smocks.
Sumpfmuster 43 (Beige Sumpfmuster 43/ burred splinter) and 44- Introduced by the WH this pattern is broken up again by year or color. Sumpfmuster 43/Beige Sumpfmuster is almost identical to Splinter C/Grüne Sumpfmuster utilizing the Splinter A with sharper edges slightly softened, however now you have a tan background instead of a gray-green, and the brown turns more into a red brown. The Sumpfmuster 44 is almost identical to Beige Sumpfmuster 43, maintaining the same color scheme. The main difference is the "splinter" was not as discernible as the 43. This pattern appears in later garments and is typically grouped together with the beige Sumpfmuster 43 as the same thing. It is interesting as there is a example of a smock (shown above) made of Grune Sumpfmuster 43 with pieced Beige Sumpfmuster 43 on the sleeves. This example would suggest these two different color shades were produced at the same time.
Smock or not to Smock: Over half of the photos seen of 21st Div troops in Normandy are wearing a Sumpfmuster smock or Splinter zelt. It is debated which ones are actually in use, however when examining original photos there are some noticeable shade differences. For this event we encourage the use of either the Grüne Sumpfmust (Splinter C) or Beige Sumpfmuster (43 or 44) (Tan and water) smock. It is not a requirement to purchase/wear a smock to attend this event.
Additional Topics
LW ground smocks: Officers in the 21st are observed wearing these and will be authorized on a case by case basis. Enlisted personnel should not wear these.
Helmet covers: Splinter helmet covers are observed on over 50% of the photos. No Tan and Water covers will be authorized.
Chicken wire and nets: Correct European chicken wire, wire bail, or properly constructed net are authorized and seen in SMALL numbers..
Helmet decals: in all the photos observed all helmets did not show any decals being used. Now this being known we cannot say whether the ones with the covers on had any decals or not. For this event we push for either, no decals or single decal helmets only. If you only have a DD helmet or a not so great reproduction. We ask you to wear a helmet cover in Splinter.
Camouflage painted items: Though there are camouflage painted items, they account for less than 10% of items seen. Items seen are Helmets and a couple gas mask cans. We ask for units and individuals to contact the event staff before showing up with a bunch of painted items.
Splinter A clothing: Though the 21st saw a lot of camouflage items. We cannot find any other camouflage clothing outside of what has already been noted above in photos. So Splinter or sumpftarn - pants, shirts, tunics, face masks, etc.. will not be authorized. If you want to wear a splinter A thong with sumpftarn lace we will not stop you, as long as it is worn under one of the approved pants.
Awards and insignia: The 21st was reconstituted with only about 900 veterans from North Africa. The rest mainly came from different school houses. This being known, we need to remind everyone they are not Rambo. However wearing appropriate awards for your age and experience are ok. No Afrika, DAK cuff awards. Russian front awards should be almost non existent. Close combat , wound, IC, etc are ok.. Anti partisan badges were most likely not something seen. Use common sense when in doubt ask. Do not show up in your walking out / dress, Fort Indian Town Gap spiffy doos..
Boot color: We are not going to debate the order of 43, 44, 45 etc. We can tell you what we will not allow, untreated boots. If you come to the event with untreated boots, you will be asked to treat them or leave.
What does treated mean: it means you will treat them with some sort of boot grease at min, whether they are blackened or not! We have no preference but hubbards is a good start to darken and treat your boots. Go with what you want to pay for but do not show up with untreated light brown boots period, not up for discussion. It is encouraged for you to blacken them with polish, however you will not be turned away for brown treated boots.
Uniform Expectations Items in order of precedence unless stated
Helmet: Single decal (SD) No decal (ND) double decal (DD). Splinter helmet covers only.
M42 ND, SD with splinter cover
M42 ND, SD camo without cover
M35-40 SD, DD, ND with splinter cover
M35-40 ND, SD camo without cover
Cap: Proper construction.
M43
M42 conversion to 43
M42 or 34 limited numbers
NO camouflage caps
Tunic: Must have correct insignia. No bottle green shoulder boards. Correct - Pz Grn waffenfarbe.
M43
M42
M40
M36 should be kept to senior NCO or Officers. Very limited numbers
M40-43 Reed green drillich on approval only
Shirt:
Gray service shirt, knit, cotton, w/wo pockets
Pants:
M40
M43
M40 drillich on approval only
Boots: No preference
M37-42 Low boot treated with grease at minimum.
Pre war or M39 Jack boot blackened
Gamaschen (gaiters):
M42 gamaschen (gaiters), (should be proper construction, ATF texled, original preferred, no post war authorized.
Socks:
German issue
Period civilian
Underwear:
Period correct long or short
Smock: Note these are collector terms
Splinter C (sumpf gray, fluffy edge) sniper (Panther Store)
Sumpftarn 43 sniper (ATF)
Sumpftarn 44 sniper(Panther Store)
LW ground smock splinter B (Officers only)
Equipment Items in order of precedence unless stated
Cleaning Kit: Required
Period appropriate for your weapon
Y-Straps: Over 50% of photos show no use of Y-straps
No Y-strap
Hidden stitching/M40
Exposed stitching/M42
Belt:
Black with proper Heer buckle
Ammo pouches:
K98 sewn or riveted
MP 40 proper construction
G43
Bread bag: No police bags, there are plenty of quality reproductions out there.
M31
Canteen:
M31 canteen with bakalite or metal cup
M42/44 enameled with bakalite or metal cup
Mess Kit:
M31
Mid-war variant late war bales
Bayonet frog:
Mounted
Dismounted
Type II for use with folding shovel carriers
Bayonet:
K98 repro or original
Shovel carrier: Few shovels are seen in photos, however due to the nature of the event shovels are encouraged.
None
Leather
Prestoff
Folding type I/II limited
Shovel:
None
Straight
Folding limited
Pionier
Gas mask and can: Mask not required
Original
Reproduction (reworked preferred)
Zelt: Can be used as Camouflage as seen in photos. (SMW, ATF, Panther Store, IMA, Zib)
Splinter A
NO Swiss, French, Italian zelts, tents, halves, sheets etc.
A-Frame- Optional limited numbers
Rucksack: encouraged (due to event type)
Tropical
Artillery
M44
Heer/SS
Blanket:
Gray Army Issue with Red/Blue stripe
Gray generic
German white/cream issue with stripes
Gray with stripes
Italian (Limited numbers)
Weapons NO gas guns unless on a vehicle and approved NO GSG, 22 mock ups, MP44, or captured weapons from any country other than Germany minus pistols. Note: rubber bayonets, and knives are authorized if it is a correct reproduction.
Personal Weapon: - K98 - MP40 (no GSG) - NO MP44 (there is no evidence of use in the unit at this time) - G41/43 - MG42 - MG34 Limited - Walther P38 - Walther PP - Browning high power
Personal Items Optional but encouraged to build a personal item list and persona. NO modern eye wear or watches are authorized.
Identification:
Soldbuch Highly encouraged
ID Tags Highly encouraged
Personal ID bracelet
In pockets:
Wallet
Money
Letters
Training pamphlets
Matches
Lighter
Tobacco
Cards
Food
Fork spoon combo
Toilet paper (period)
Toiletry:
Towel
Tooth brush (period)
Toothpaste/powder
Soap
Soap dish
Food bag for bread or ration issues
Period tins to conceal medication
Bibliography: [1] 21 Panzer Normandy Photo Study By: Herman Wolf, Otto Weber, & Wilhelm Renner 21st Panzer Division (CHG) California Historical Group. [2] The Combat History of the 21st Panzer Division By: Werner Kortenhaus [3] Camouflage Uniforms of The Wehrmacht By: J. Barsarello and D. Lassus [4] Wehrmacht camouflage uniforms & post war derivativesBy: Daniel Peterson [5] S.S. & WEHRMACHT CAMOUFLAGE, U.S. Richardson Report 20 July 1945
RECOMMENDED READING
Scottish Lion on Patrol: 15th Scottish Reconnaissance Regiment by W. Kemsly
Operation Epsom (Over the Battlefield) by Ian Danglish
Surrender Invites Death: Fighting the Waffen SS in Normandy by John A. English
The 12th SS The History of the Hitler Youth Panzer Division: Volume 1 and 2 by Hubert Meyer
Blood and Honor: THE HISTORY OF THE 12TH SS PANZER DIVISION "HITLER YOUTH" 1943-45 by Craig W.H. Luther
21 Panzer Division (French) by Jean-Claude Perrigault
The Combat History of the 21st Panzer Division by Werner Kortenhaus
21st Panzer Division by Chris Ellis
Panzer Commander:The Memoirs of Hans Von Luck by Hans Von Luck