Helmet - (Der Stahlhelm)
Model 35 or the Model 43 are both suitable for Kompanie 1 members. During 1940 the tricolur shield displayed on the right was dropped, followed by the Wehrmacht Eagle and Swastika. 1943 steel helmets were being made in plain field grey. The helmet was now stamped out without having the helmet edge crimped in.
Bread bag - (Brotbeutel 31)
The bread bag is of simple construction, its function was the storage of general daily food rations, including bread - that gave it its name. Cutlery was stored in one of the two compartments. However, in practice the soldier carried anything that was needed quickly; including weapon cleaning equipment. This was made official in 1944 with the introduction of an outer pocket. Bread bags came a vast range of colours
Canteen and cup - (Feldflaschen und Trinkbecher)
The canteen evloved from the first World War with the inclusion of a bakerlite or metal cup. The design was simplfied as the war progressed. The aluminium cup gave way to enameled steel, the leather parts gave way to canvas. The felt covering designed to keep the water cool when wet and not freeze when cold, was replaced with a piece of pressed wool laminated with resin.
Y straps - (Tragegestell)
New frames for hanging equipment were adopted in 1939, together with the assualt pack. These straps are the central point of all the marching equipment. Their design did not much evolve as the war progressed, good quality straps were being produced right till the end of the war.
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Poncho - (Zeltbahn 31)
Developed in 1931, made of cotton cloth and printed on both sides with different camouflage motifs, this was a completly new piece of kit. It served as both protection against rain for the soldier and as a tent. Four soldiers would button each of thier section together, add the poles in the middle, each tent could sleep 3 men, with one on guard duty. Zeltbahns could be made into stretchers, larger tents and wind shields.
Gasmask - (gasmasken)
The German army had perhaps the most efficient gasmask of the time. The mask was carried in a corrugated, cylindrical metal container. The container or Tragebusche was made from good quality sheet steel lined with aluminium as a kind of sound proofing. It could be painted in a range of colours. Early models were 25cm whilst later models were 27.7cm high.
Entrenching tool - (Schanzzeug)
Assault Frame - (Sturmgepack)
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