Talk:German Uniforms During the Second Great War

Explanation

The uniform proposal is based on the premise that it evolved roughly like *here* save obviously for the nazi elements. The officers' shoulders boards are basicaly the same as *here* save for the states' distinctions in the early version (which are based on those used *here* during WW1). *Here*, the non-officers' ranks during WW1 were indicated on the colar by the presence of lace and buttons. Near the end of the war, the lace was shorten and only occupy the points. In the interwar period, the system was dropped and replaced by upper arms insignias like many other armies. *There* they might have simply continued to simplified them until they were only collar tabs at the begining of GW2.

The simplification of the uniform happened *here* too and for the same reasons.

Regarding the "multinational" aspect of some items, *here* the german army created a few forces composed of non-germans along national/ethnic lines. The reason for joining were varied and included things such as fascistic tendencies (the spanish's "blue legion"), anti-bolshevik sentiments (the "russian liberation army" & the french "legion of volunteers") & desire for emancipation (like the "indian liberation army")

Most were later transfered to the Waffen-SS. Some saw heavy fighting in the western front and were truly meant to be use as soldiers. Other such as the british free corps (on which the Oldenburg state army *there* might be based) were of little value save propaganda. They were often used in media release to project an image of the whole of europe fighting against bolshevism. This, it was felt, would give germany some legitimacy and might eventualy convince conservative elements abroad to try and find some sort of peace compromise (or even switch side).

*There*, Prussia would have probably try to do something similar: Germanic states would be presented as equals within the empire fighting together against outside influence (Communism, Scandinavia and later Russia). To other occupied countries, images of Older european empires (Roman, Merovingian & napoleonian) would also be used on the population as exemples of european unity. A message would have also been sent to local politicians along the lines of "prove that we can trust you by fighting with us and we'll give you more autonomy".

--Marc Pasquin 10:46, 17 March 2006 (PST)

Typos

4 minutes after I post it I get my typos corrected. Now *thats* good service Dan. --Marc Pasquin 10:55, 17 March 2006 (PST)

Always glad to be of service. ;) The Invoice is in the mail... BoArthur 13:25, 17 March 2006 (PST)

Proposal?

I don't think this needs to stay a proposal...there hasn't been any objection to it. Maybe post one last call for objections on Conculture for those who are interested, and otherwise, move it out of proposal status? BoArthur 13:09, 18 March 2008 (PDT)

The Grand Duchy of Luxemburg objects most wholeheartedly to the disinclusion of its war cross which, while a dark chapter in the land's history, is nevertheless an important part of its heritage. Der Reichsarchivar shall be notified at once! Benkarnell 13:50, 18 March 2008 (PDT)

Disinclusion solve, the HRGE's archival services wishes to offer his excuses for overlooking the colaborationist "Luxembourg National Regiment".--Marc Pasquin 09:39, 19 March 2008 (PDT)

Wow, that was fast! Benkarnell 05:32, 20 March 2008 (PDT)

Concern

I actually have a concern here-- I've forgotten to say anything about it for a while. I think that the German states as they exist now, post-GW2, are different from the ones that existed before the war. I know it's written somewhere that Pomerania, Rhineland, and Westfalia were part of Prussia, but were split off after the War. The map of modern-day Germany is modified from the Confederation of the Rhine's borders, and I would suppose that the 1940s states would represent some transitional phase between the two (Thuringia would not necessarily be consolidated, but Hessen might be, for instance.) Benkarnell 14:34, 14 May 2008 (UTC)

you might want to bring that to the attention of the list on conculture.--Marc Pasquin 16:50, 14 May 2008 (UTC)