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 Kriegsmarine utilized a white variety of pants and breeches including the standard issue navy blue straight legged pants, white dress, topical and drill pants, brown tropical pants and reed green and field-grey field pants. Beginning in 1935 Kriegsmarine land based personnel, primarily Coastal Artillery units, were issued field-grey uniforms that followed the fundamental designs of the army uniforms with minor variations. 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. Generally speaking officers bought nice quality, private purchase, uniform items but they could also choose to buy their uniforms directly from the military clothing depots.