BACKGROUND: In late 1940, with the impending German entrance into the North African campaign, tropical uniforms and equipment were quickly developed and issued in time for DAK, Deutsches Afrika Korps, (German Africa Corps), personnel’s arrival in Tripoli in February 1941. Eventually these tropical uniforms would be issued to personnel serving in southern areas of continental Europe. The design of the tropical issued uniforms essentially adhered to the pattern of the field-grey continental uniforms and also followed the same basic war time modifications. The first Third Reich era shirt was introduced with the newly developed field blouse on April 1ST 1933. Originally the army issue shirt was a white collar-less pattern which was worn as an undergarment with a separate button on collar. In 1941 a more practical, second pattern shirt with integral collar was produced in a reed green fabric and could be worn without the field blouse in warmer climates. On June 23RD 1943 a third and final pattern shirt in a grey/green fabric with an integral collar was introduced for wear. Originally these third pattern shirts were a pull-over design as with the earlier two patterns but later models were produced with a full button up front plaquet. The tropical shirt followed the same modifications as the continental shirt but was produced in a tan coloration.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Heer tropical long sleeved shirt in tan cotton fabric. All original buttons are present. Early version with provision for shoulder straps and is complete with original pebbled buttons to shoulders and breast pockets. Roughly a size 38" chest. Shows the expected usage, wear and some stains. Very hard to find these days with early shoulder strap provisions.