A short guide to Luftwaffe flight jackets

[Metatron]

Hello folks, I thought it might be useful to compile some information on the various types of jacket used by the Luftwaffe in one post, along with some pictures. I won't get into trousers and one piece flying suits too much, as that's a subject more appropriate for reenactment forums. Most of this information had been covered in previous conversations on this forum, but the information is fragmented, so I hope this helps alleviate some of the confusion surrounding the bewildering number of designs the Luftwaffe used.

I suppose it needs to be said that this isn't about worshiping National Socialism (perhaps similar disclaimers should be made for Soviet memorabilia of the time), but is simply sharing historical information, and appreciating classic or simply interesting, vintage clothing design.


So, first off, the basic uniform jackets:

The Tuchrock or service dress tunic, made of a wool blend and often worn in flight. An equivalent of the Raf dress tunic:

http://www.luftwaffe-militaria.com/for-sale/uniforms/luftwaffe-service-tunic-leutnant-flight.htm


The fliegerbluse, an all purpose jacket used throughout the war. Made of a wool blend(officers often wore alternative tailored versions made of cabardine or fine wool). In it's use(but not design), an equivalent of the Raf battledress:

http://www.luftwaffe-militaria.com/...fficers-flight-blouse-oberfahnrich-flight.htm


Light windbreaker Very rare nowadays, but apparently popular during the first half of the war on the Eastern front.

A nice replica is made by these guys:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/WWII-German-Luftwaffe-Summer-Flieger-Jerkin-/110453645162


Privately purchased leather jackets. These are the famous 'Eastman' or 'Hartmann' jackets. Some were off the rack, some were specifically tailored. Photographs of several pilots wearing similar jackets may give the impression that these were issued-they were not, at least officially. They simply conformed to the same basic design principles, those of a civilian cycling, or flight jacket:

http://www.luftwaffe-militaria.com/for-sale/uniforms/luftwaffe-hartmann-jacket-feldwebel-flight.htm


A note to collectors: The only thing that makes a jacket similar to the above a 'Luftwaffe' piece, is the seller's own reliability. These were not made to an official Luftwaffe contract.

 

[Metatron]

Captured jackets: Self explanatory really, A2s, B3s, Irvins, they were all used. Apparently the A2 with the artwork was acquired after a simple peaceful 'swap' between the shot down American and the German.

Two piece flying suits or 'Channel' suits. Almost all flying jackets issued to flying personnel were part of a two piece set. Jacket, and multi-pocketed trousers for survival equipment. Channel suits were principally made as a more practical replacement for the one piece suits such as this one(kind of like a Sidcot) from the mid 30s:

As such, they show their lineage. Due to the variety of environments the Luftwaffe had to operate from, they came in many versions:

Basic cotton summer suit:

Mick J. Podger comments that the cut of the jacket is similar to that of the A2.

Tropical:

Winter version, fleece lined:

Shearling, for flight over water:

 

[Metatron]

White shearling:

The winter versions seem to have had been partially superseded by a more high tech version from late 1943 onwards, lined with velveteen artificial fur and electrically wired:

http://www.luftwaffe-militaria.com/for-sale/uniforms/luftwaffe-heated-flight-jacket.htm


Finally, in late 1943, a two piece electrically wired leather flying suit was also issued. It came in brown, grey, and probably green and black, featuring a velveteen collar. They fastened with buttons instead of zip, in an effort to save on metal.
Robert F Stedman in 'Luftwaffe air and ground crew' says that they were intended to provide protection from the highly corrosive synthetic fuel used at this stage in the war. Podger says that the grey version was specifically issued to jet pilots to help recreate morale and camaraderie, though this may be simple speculation.

http://www.luftwaffe-militaria.com/for-sale/uniforms/luftwaffe-issued-leather-flight-jacket.htm
http://www.luftwaffe-militaria.com/for-sale/uniforms/luftwaffe-issued-grey-leather-flight-set.htm

Also worn with fur collar removed:

 

[Metatron]

Note: All issued jackets were also made in 'cheapo' versions with plastic zips and buttons instead of snaps and metal zips.


Some photos of various jackets being worn in 1945:

Privately purchased leather jackets and issued leather jackets (hanging on the deck chair)

Fliegerbluse and late 'high tech' channel suit:

Note: All kinds of combinations of clothing were possible.
I really like this photo, it was taken in March 1945, yet these young pilots are so cheerful in spite of everything: Late war leather combination suit, fliegerbluse, white shearling channel jacket, late war channel suit with velveteen lining. Female auxilliary.

Sources:

Luftwaffe vs RAF Flying clothing of the air war, 1939-1945 by Mick J. Prodger
Luftwaffe Air and Ground Crew by Robert F Stedman and Mike Chappell
Messerschmitt Bf 109 F,G and K series An illustrated study by Jochen Prien and Peter Rodeike
Battles with the Luftwaffe The Bomber campaign against Germany by Theo Boiten and Martin Bowman
Lots of info from lurking in http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/index.php

On this subject I would particularly recommend this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/07...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

I have included some chopped up and resized photos from the above as a small taste. It really is an excellent, concise book on RAF and Luftwaffe flight clothing, and my post is largely a summary of this book.

Cheers! Hope this has been of some interest.

 

[ButteMT61]

Nicely done. Tough topic hit some, but hopefully the spirit of the thread prevails. Great info and pics.
Can't get enough of this stuff. Vintage WWII gear is amazing. Well, everything from that time interests me.

 

[Peacoat]

Now that took some work! Thanks. When I get a chance in the next day or so, I will give it the time it deserves.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Very interesting! Thanks Metatron.

HD

 

[Stearmen]

Thanks, nice and to the point. Excellent start for those of us that don't know much about the subject!

 

[oldcrow82]

Thanks metatron, I find particularly interesting those pictures of Generals Galland and Molders wearing allied flight jackets. I have poured over both of those images several times but the obvious had eluded me until you pointed that out, so again thank you.

 

[Spitfire]

Great job, Metatron!

 

[Flying Mariner]

Great stuff and thanks for sharing.
I have added a short cut to my desk top and will sit and read through it properly this evening.

 

[Tony B]

I cant send PM's yet metatron but if you can turn up a set of the "Uniforms and Traditions of the Luftwaffe by John R. Angolia, Adolf Schlicht" you would love it, but having just been online and seen what they are going for these days good luck finding them, if you do find a set at a good price grab them...particularly volume 2.

Also not flight gear but if you are also intrested in Fj " Soldat Volume 8 Fallschirmjager" by chris mason is an excellent book.

Dont worry not a nazi fan or that, I sculpt model soldiers for a living so I used to buy a lot of reference books .

Regards Tony

 

[Edward]

Interesting thread, the Luftwaffe had some great jackets. I've long wondered how much influence either side during the war had on the other in terms of flying jackets, via the medium of experience with captured jackets. If ever I thought I could keep it clean, I'd be tempted by a white shearling if I was in need of a ski jacket. Also love the one with the furry collar that has the look of a B15 with zipped sleeves. Real shame it's so much harder to get a repro of these, but then I suppose it's the same old thing that all German military gear from that particular point in history has acquired a taint of the Nazi thing in many people's eyes, thus limiting its market.

 

[Deleted member 16736]

Thank you for this thread. Lots of useful information. As a fan of vintage cycling jackets, I appreciate it very much. Pegasus has a cycling jacket that I am eyeing, and they will replace the label on request.

 

[Bix B.]

Thank you for your work, Metatron, great read. Will order the recommended book.

 

[Stearmen]

Bicycle Jackets

Pegasus has a cycling jacket that I am eyeing, and they will replace the label on request.

Thanks for the web sight. They finally answered my question! The Cycling jackets were for bicycles, hence, the non backed zippers.

 

[hpalapdog]

The late war leather jackets weren't just issued to experienced jet pilots

Not sure who owns this collection:

 

[hpalapdog]

Shearling jackets

 

[Worf]

Interesting thread, good information well worth knowing. I'll have mine in size "Goering" if you please.

Worf

 

[Metatron]

Thanks for the responses and thanks for those book suggestions Tony B.

Here is a nice photo of a Hungarian pilot in a shearling jacket (shame these things don't have proper maker/design names etc!)
This chap was unfortunately killed in a collision while trying to take a photo of his leaders' aircraft.