EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS
Reichsgrenadier-Regiment "Hoch- und Deutschmeister" prides itself on strict authenticity standards. That means adhering to the concept of the "Historical Mean" - the idea that impressions must be built upon recreating the average soldier. The German army was not made up of two-meter-tall blonde stereotypes clad head-to-toe in camouflage wielding a Sturmgewehr; and, our impressions must reflect that.
Here you will find our standards and rules regarding what is authorized to wear or use for our members.
ANATOMY OF THE GRENADIER 1943/44
UNIFORM:
M35/40/42 Helmet - Can be worn with bread bag strap, European chicken wire, or splinter camouflage helmet cover for camouflage. M40 helmets are preferred.
M40/42/43 Tunic - The M40 tunic was the most common tunic of the war, though by 1943/44 other tunics became common throughout the Heer. Many choose their tunic based on their enlistment date.
M40/43 Trousers -Soldaten have the choice of which wool trousers to wear: "M40" straight leg hosen or "M43" tapered leg hosen. Trouser variant does not need to match the tunic variant.
Boots - Jackboots were worn throughout the war. While low boots were worn early, they didn't become common until 1942. By 1944, low boots were more common. If wearing low boots, they must be accompanied by ankle gaiters (gamaschen).
Original or properly converted East German Felt boots are authorized for cold weather events.
WEAPONS:
Kar98k - The K98 was the "backbone" of the Wehrmacht and carried by most German soldiers. Weapons must have a turned-down bolt, German stock and sling. No VZ-24s or M48's are authorized.
Mp40- The Mp40 was common primarily among squad leaders, but could also be carried by assistant squad leaders and vehicle crews.
Stg44- The Stg44 was the first modern assault rifle and while it was destined to replace the Kar98k by the standard infantryman, it was not able to be produced in large enough number. The STG 44 is authorized for late war events only.
G41/43 - The semi-automatic weapons of the Heer designed to compete with the SVT and Garand. Can only be used at events in the appropriate time frame.
P08/P38 - Side arms are authorized for use by NCOs, MG teams, and medics. P08 Lugers were present, though the P38 was far more common.
Mg34/42 - The primary Machine Guns of the Wehrmacht. The Mg34 was used throughout the war while the 42 came into service somewhat later.
M34/38/43 Caps - All three caps are allowed. Only the "M43" field cap is required. Only the "M43" is authorized for field combat wear during silent ops. The "M34" and "M38" are to be worn in garrison, camp, Kaserne, or walk out only.
Undershirts/items - Service shirts exhibited numerous variations. The color varies widely from stone grey, to pea green to field grey. The cloth can be knit, aertex, or cotton poplin. Some shirts have pockets but the most common were pocketless. The sport shirt is only authorized for wear under the tunic for hot weather events, work events, and training events. Period civilian or issued grey sweater is allowed for cold weather events. These shirts are worn in tandem with standard suspenders.
FIELD EQUIPMENT:
Belt and Buckle - Equipment belt with Heer "Gott Mit Uns" Buckle.
Ammunition Pouches - Six ammunition pouches worn on both sides of the belt.
M31 Khaki/Olive Breadbag - A bread bag for food and other items in the field.
M31 Canteen and Cup - Canteen and cup for water only. Mounted to right D-ring of Breadbag. Must have a canteen cover.
M31 Mess Tin - Green mess tin mounted to left D-ring of Breadbag.
K98k Bayonet - Seitengewehr mounted to the left of the left ammo pouches
Entrenching tool - Folding spade allowed, straight handle spade preferred.
Gas Mask Canister - Green gas mask canister. Gas mask not required.
Y-Straps - Leather Y straps to aid in distributing the weight of the gear. Post War/Austrian straps are not allowed.
Zeltbahn Quarter - Quarter of splinter zeltbahn tent. Soldaten are furthermore permitted to wear the Zelt quarter as a poncho.
Assault Frame - The Assault Frame use used as an alternate method of carrying equipment in the field.
M34 Tornister/M39 Ruck - Tornisters were issued throughout the war, though became less common as the M39 phased it out.
HOT/COLD WEATHER GEAR:
M43 HBT - Herringbone twill (HBT) cotton uniforms are the unit standard hot weather combat uniform. Only the "M43" variant is allowed.
M36/40/42 Mantel -
Any variant of the greatcoat is authorized. The "M42" is authorized for events after 1942. Some members reserve the "M36" for walkout dress.
Scarf/Gloves -
Owning a scarf, toque, or both for cold weather events will be a life saver. Similarly, gloves or mittens will improve your way of living in the field during cold weather events. Issued wool gloves with size rings or mittens.
Parka Set - Parka sets are authorized, but a Mantel must be owned first. Parkas are only permitted in Splinter camouflage.