The formation of German society during the reign of Adolf Hitler made it an elite part of the military. Top officials, officers, soldiers had special privileges. But in order for ordinary people to be able to distinguish between different military units among themselves, it was decided to develop a military uniform worthy of a Wehrmacht soldier.
First steps
Different types of troops could be recognized by the color of their uniforms:
- black - tankers;
- green - infantry;
- light green - mountain arrows.
Headwear also played an important role, which varied both in form and in distinctive stripes. The first uniform prototype was created during the November Revolution. Then the rebel units were equipped with what remained in the "bins" from the First World War. By standardizing the uniform, the government provided employees with hats, which were based on caps that were used in the army of the Austrian Empire.
The first updated prototype was released in 1925. After that, with a difference of 3-4 years, the developers released new samples of both uniforms and hats.
In total, the high command endorsed five types of caps until the end of 1943. The caps of SS officers practically did not differ from the hats of soldiers of lower rank. Only an experienced person could tell at a glance which military man and in what rank he was in front of him.
Mountain shooters
The mountain cap, which became part of the routine of the SS troops, was the beginning of the evolution of the headgear of the Fuhrer army. Initially, it was green, and in the front of it there were signs distinguishing the German army (skull, eagle and, a little later, a swastika).
Subsequently, for a clearer distinction in different types of troops, patches of different designs began to be introduced. The first to receive such honor were mountain shooters from the regiments of Prince Eugene and Edelweiss. These SS caps became black, and together with an eagle and a skull, an edelweiss image was placed on their left side.
Each military branch also had a different form of headgear. They could be round, conical with a tulle of different heights. Initially, the caps had a band fixed with buttons or buttons that could be turned away in inclement weather. With the advent of new species, this part of the SS cap has become purely symbolic.
When the size of the tulle did not allow to place all the insignia on its front, soldiers were allowed to sew patches in the form of an eagle, edelweiss or swastika on the left side of the cap. But there was always an eagle and a skull sign in front. They were fastened with silver thread on a triangular patch.
SS officers' caps
Headgear for officers was a special sign of distinction. The caps used by soldiers were used by officers for field trips. Since 1929, a black cap has become the standard in soldier uniform, adjusted for rank. The band was hemmed with white or silver edging depending on the rank of officer. White used the junior composition, and silver - the highest ranks.
The SS officer cap, known today, was born in 1936. She had a high tulle, a solid band, a visor and a welt (leather strap or filigree cord). This wardrobe item was part of the full officer uniform.
For convenience in daily use, the filigree cord was replaced with a leather strap. It not only served for beauty, but was also used to secure the cap under the chin. To distinguish the officers on the top and above the band, the edging of the desired color was sewn.
Pilot
Interesting is the appearance of caps as part of the everyday costume of German soldiers. It was developed for Luftwaffe pilots who were unable to carry caps or caps with them all the time.
A small triangular-shaped hat was conveniently folded and could be in the breast pocket during departure. On the cockade of the pilots a skull with a swastika and an eagle was depicted, and on the left side - wings.
A comfortable and stylish headgear has become a good replacement for the SS cap. He easily settled down in the wardrobe of non-commissioned officers and the high command.
Marks of Excellence
With the advent of caps, the question arose of the insignia that were applied to caps and caps: skull, eagle, swastika, color piping. All of them helped determine membership in infantry, tank, assault, or special squads.
The skull emblem was present on any headdress: somewhere in the form of a stripe, somewhere in the form of metal buttons. If other signs could be transferred to the left side of the headgear, then the skull was always on the cockade.
So why were there skulls on the SS caps?
The skull, or “Adam’s head”, has been used in army insignia since the Middle Ages. Thus, the military designated special units that were of high value to the command as combat units.
The skull in the German army appeared from the time of the volunteer corps, formed to fight the German Communists. A little later, already during the spread of the doctrine of fascism throughout Europe, the skull became a hallmark of the SS troops subordinate to Hitler. The sign itself symbolized the victory over death.
The German SS cap became the standard for many uniforms thereafter. The headgear of the police of France, Italy, as well as various military units are sewn on the basis of German-style caps of the Second World War.