BACKGROUND: German Naval uniforms and headgear were based on traditional designs that date back to the creation of the Prussian Navy in 1848, and although the uniforms and headgear did evolve during the interim years, many items used during the Third Reich would still have been quite recognizable to the Imperial sailor. The German navy also had a long tradition of brown and white tropical/landing dress that was worn in hot climates with the white uniform also serving as a walking out dress. The tradition was continued through the Weimar era and in 1929 the Reichsmarine introduced new brown and white tropical/landing dress uniforms with a stand-up collars. In 1937 the Kriegsmarine introduced new style brown and white tropical uniforms with lay down collars. With the impending entrance into the North African campaign in late 1940 the Kriegsmarine developed another new tropical brown uniform independently from the Heer and Luftwaffe, but retained the 1937 pattern white uniform. Officer and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and headgear and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the OKK, Offizier Kleiderkasse der Kriegsmarine, (Officer’s Clothing Account of the Navy). Although enlisted personnel were issued their uniforms and headgear from government supplies they were also permitted to purchase privately tailored items although the price may have been restrictive.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The 1940 pattern, mid-tan, ribbed cotton twill construction tunic features a vertical, five button front closure and a lay down collar. The tunic has four pleated, front, patch pockets with scalloped button down flaps. Breast eagle has been restored. The tunic has a single stitched eyelet positioned to each side at the waistline designed for the belt support hooks. The belt support hooks are present. The front of the tunic has two small vertical tapering darts and the reverse has a central, vertical, tail skirt vent. The straight cut, non-adjustable sleeves have simulated French cuffs. The armpits each have nine, stitched, ventilation eyelets. Nice slip on shoulder straps for a Radio Operator with the rank of Feldwebel. The collar has no collar tabs as per regulations. The interior upper back and breast panels are partially lined in light weight, off-white cotton. The interior of the tunic has a vertical slash pocket to each breast panel and a field dressing pocket to the lower right front tail skirt. The interior of the tunic also has a vertical, tan cotton, strap with dual stitched eyelets to each side panel, designed for the belt support hooks. The interior left breast panel is well marked with black size inkstamps and "B.A.W." 15. 2. 43", within a boxy, "T" shaped border indicating, Bekleidungs Amt Wilhelmshaven, (Clothing Depot Wilhelmshaven Feb 2^nd 1943). The buttons are all the tropical/tan painted alloy type and feature an embossed, fouled anchor on a subtly pebbled background field with raised, subtly pebbled outer rims. The front closure and pocket buttons are the removable type secured by steel "S", rings. The tunic is roughly 36" chest.