BACKGROUND: The first HBT, (Herring Bone Twill), garments introduced for use by Luftwaffe EM/NCO personnel were the blue/grey drill and black work uniforms introduced in April 1936 and July 1937 respectively in order to conserve wear and tear on the wool and wool blend uniforms. Although the drill and work uniforms were designed for different functions both garments were almost identical in cut and construction. The HBT garments were favored by the troops and began to be worn in the field as a summer uniform. Generally the HBT garments utilized as the summer combat blouse followed the basic modifications of the standard issue wool garments. Regulations of September 27TH 1943 abolished the blue/grey and black HBT uniforms replacing them with a reed green HBT uniform as utilized by army personnel. The alteration to the reed green HBT uniforms was a time and cost saving measure eliminating the need for different colored uniforms for Luftwaffe and Army personnel. Officers and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the Luftwaffe’s Verkaufsabteilung, (Air-Force Sales Department), system. The Officers and certain senior NCO’s could choose to purchase their uniforms from the armed forces clothing depots or to privately purchase uniform items of higher quality. Although enlisted personnel were issued their uniforms from government supplies they were also permitted to purchase privately tailored uniforms although the price may have been restrictive.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Mid-war, (circa 1943), reed green, cotton/rayon blend construction field blouse with an HBT weave, features a vertical, six button, front closure with a single metal hook and eye positioned at the forward neckline. The field blouse has four, non-pleated front pockets with scalloped edged button down flaps. Breast eagle has been restored to the tunic. All original "S-ring" removable buttons are present. Slip on loops for the shoulder straps have been removed. Excellent size, Rbnr# and 1943 depot marking. The field blouse is roughly size 34" chest. Near mint and nice!