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FOREWORD
THIS HANDBOOK was prepared at the Military Intelligence

Training Center, Camp Ritchie, Maryland, and is designed

to provide a ready reference manual for intelligence personnel in combat operations. The need for such a manual was
so pressing that some errors and omissions are anticipated in
the current edition. Any suggestions as to additions, or
errors noted, should be reported directly to the Commandant, Military Intelligence Training Center, for correction
in later editions.

513748 -- 43---1

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Left to right: Soldier (noncommissioned officer candidate-note silver cord across outer edge of shoulder
strap), air force captain (belongs to staff, probably Air Ministry), SS Obergruppenfiihrer Josef Dietrich (commander SS Division Adolf Hitler and chief of SS Oberabschnitt Ost), Hitler, Reichsfihrer SS
Heinrich Himmler (head of the SS and German police).

WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, APRIL 9, 1943.

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

SECTION I. General.

Paragraph

Identification of German military and semimilitary organizations

---

______

II. German Order of Battle.

Definition--___------------------------_

2
-----

III. The German Army (Das Deutsche Heer).

Uniforms and equipment-------_-------

German Army identifications of specialists - -

Purpose and scope ---

__ ___----

Colors of arms of service (Waffenfarbe) ___- __

Enlisted men (Mannschaften)__ _____
Noncommissioned officers (Unteroffiziere) .-Officers (Offiziere)--------------.--------German identification tag (Erkennungsmarke)_
"Wehrmacht" officials (Wehrmachtbeamte) _
"Ersatz" system_------- ------------__---------Pay book (Soldbuch) ---IV. The German Air Force (Luftwaffe).
Uniform and insignia---------------------Colors of arm of service (Waffenfarben) _----- Special uniforms and insignia-------------Insignia of rank-flying uniform __---_ -- --Insignia of flying personnel of German Luftwaffe and Army-------------_-------Corps of Engineers-----------------------Corps of Navigational Experts_----------Medical Corps--------------------------Musicians----------------------- -----V. The German Navy (Die Deutsche Kriegsmarine).
General--------------------------------Insignia of rank of Navy (Dienstgradabzeichen
der Kriegsmarine)-----------------------

6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

HANDBOOK

ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Paragraph

SECTION

VI. Police, semimilitary and political organizations

(Deutsche Polizei, Halbmilitarische und Politische Verbinde).
German police (Deutsche Polizei) ---- ____
25
Semimilitary and political organizations___
26
Uniforms of armed SS (Waffen SS)___
_
27
Insignia of rank of the National Labor Service (Dienstgradabzeichen des Reichsarbeitsdienstes R. A. D.) --- __-----_
28
National Socialist Organizations (Nationalsozialistische Organisationen)__________
29
Insignia of rank of SA, SS, and of the NSKK
(Dienstgradabzeichen der SA, SS, und der
NSKK) _________-------------------30
Insignia on uniform of the German police (Uniform-Abzeichen der Deutschen Polizei) __
Command post flags (Kommandoflaggen) - -

Field insignia and flags of the National Socialist German Labor Party (Feldzeichen
und Fahnen der NSDAP)
____
Insignia of rank of Hitler Youth (Dienstgradabzeichen der Hitlerjugend) -____
_
Rank insignia of the political leaders (Dienstgradabzeichen der Politischen Leiter)___

31
32

33
34
35
Page

APPENDIX. Traffic signs (Verkehrszeichen)

_______

67

Pars.
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN

1-3

ARMY IDENTIFICATTON

SECTION I

GENERAL
Paragraph

Identification of German military and semimilitary organizations- -______

1. Identification of German military and semimilitary

organizations.-a. It is second nature to make comparisons. This
tendency may well be used in associating German insignia of rank
with our own; however, the student will find that direct equivalents,
while existing in some instances, are not the rule. It is well to approach the subject with this fact in mind. The outline presented
is as nearly accurate and complete as available sources permit (up
to January 1, 1943).
b. The student must possess sufficient adaptability to make corrections and adjustments if and when the need for them arises.
The German Army and German semimilitary organizations are very
flexible in their structure. Uniforms, equipment, and insignia are
often changed, for a multitude of reasons, without advance notice
to the enemy.
SECTION II

GERMAN ORDER OF BATTLE

Paragraph

Definition--______-----

____----------- -----------

Purpose and scope-------------------------------------------------

_-------------

2
3

2. Definition.-a. By the term "Order of Battle," is meant all

known information of the enemy army.
b. Order of Battle information is generally divided into two parts:
Order of Battle---Strength, and Order of Battle-Location.
(1) Order of Battle-Strength is a compilation of all of the units of
the enemy armies and of those organizations of the other services, such
as the Navy and Air Force, which operate with the army in the field.
(2) Order of Battle-Location gives the disposition of known enemy
army units and includes all information as to actual unit locations,
movements, and concentration areas, as well as changes in organization, equipment, and armament.
3. Purpose and scope.-a. Publications of data with respect to
Order of Battle information regarding the German Army, are generally based on the various German divisions. This is true because the
division is the unit in the German Army which ordinarily does not
change. In the case of a German infantry division, for example,

Par.

HANDBOOK

ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

once it has been composed of certain infantry and artillery regiments,

those regiments ordinarily do not leave the division. This means that
when a single regiment of a known German division is identified, the
presence of the other previously identified units of that division can be
inferred with reasonable assurance of accuracy.
b. It is this means of enemy unit identification which makes Order
of Battle information of such great practical value to intelligence officers. Publications based on collected Order of Battle data on the
German Army ordinarily show the composition of known German
divisions. They may be cross-indexed in such a way as to enable one
who has identified a particular German regiment to identify the division
of which it is a part and also the other units included in the same division. Naturally, information of this kind is subject to constant supplement, confirmation, and correction as individual units are identified. As a result, new editions of publications based on Order of
Battle information are issued frequently.
c. In addition to identifying information such as that indicated
above, publications based on Order of Battle information may contain data such as the following, which are of interest to intelligence
officers: engagements and campaigns in which enemy units have
taken part, their battle reputations, morale, and probable casualties;
enemy military symbols and abbreviations; methods of training and
mobilizing the enemy Army; lists of senior Army officers with their
commands; an outline of the high command and general bases of organization of the enemy Army; uniform identifications; and descriptions of identification tags and pay books.
d. Publications based on Order of Battle information contain data
which identify the home stations or areas in Germany from which the
soldiers in particular units originate. Germany is divided into territorial administrative commands called Wehrkreise, which correspond
to our service commands. The mobilization of the German armed
forces was accomplished within the administrative framework of the
Wehrkreise. It is important for intelligence officers to know from
what part of Germany particular units come, because individuals in
those units as a whole act according to local patterns of behavior.
SECTION III

THE GERMAN ARMY (DAS DEUTSCHE HEER)

Paragraph

--_----____________------Uniforms and equipment ____________

German Army identifications of specialists---__----------------------------------Colors of arms of service (Waffenfarbe)____----------

4
5
6

Par.
HANDBOOK

ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

4
Paragraph

Enlisted men (Mannschaften)

-------------------------------Noncommissioned officers (Unteroffiziere)----_--_------------------Officers (Offiziere)-----__--------------___---------------------German identification tag (Erkennungsmarke) ---------------------"Wehrmacht" officials (Wehrmachtbeamte) ------------___
--------"Ersatz" system-------------.
___ ---------------------------------Pay book (Soldbuch)___------------------------------------ _

7
8
9
10
11
12
13

4. Uniforms and equipment.-a. Field uniform (Feldanzug)(1) Blouse (Feldbluse).-Officers and enlisted men wear the same
blouse, which is made of greenish-gray cloth with a collar of a darker
shade. The collar is normally worn fastened up tightly around the
neck, but under field conditions the blouse is sometimes worn open
around the neck, with the collar folded back. No uniform shirt is
worn under the blouse.
(2) Trousers (Hosen).-Dismounted officers wear trousers of gray
cloth which are tucked into half length black boots. The same
equipment is worn by the enlisted men. Mounted officers and enlisted
men wear gray trousers with leather facings, and riding boots.
(3) Overcoat (Mantel).-The overcoat is double-breasted and made
of gray cloth. The same type of coat is worn by officers and enlisted
men.

(4) Field cap (Feldmiitze).-The field cap is made of greenish-gray

cloth, can be worn under helmet, and is worn by officers and enlisted
men of all troops except mountain units and some personnel of the
armored troops. The officer's field cap is of better quality and has
silver piping along the top seam and top edge of the turn-up. Two
insignia are embroidered on the front of the field cap: the Reichskokarde, which is just above the lower edge of the cap, and the national
insignia, which is just below the upper edge.
(5) Steel helmet (Stahlhelm).-The steel helmet is worn by officers
and men in the field. It is made of seamless sheet steel and is painted
inside and out with rust-resisting gray matt paint. Lugs are drilled
on either side of the helmet so that a face shield can be.worn. Painted
on the right side of the helmet is a shield with the national colors.
Painted on the left side of the helmet is a shield with the national
insignia (no national colors in some recent instances).
(6) Pack (Tornister).-The pack carried by the foot soldier looks
almost square when in position on a soldier's back. It is made of
heavy canvas with leather binding around the edges and is held in
position by leather straps. Blankets, shelter-half, and camouflage
sheet (if present) are rolled into a long roll which is buckled over the
top and sides of the pack. The pack (Tornister) is replaced by a

Par.

HANDBOOK

ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

haversack (Rucksack) in the case of mountain troops. The haversack

is also made of canvas, but is of nonrigid construction.
(7) Other equipment.-Other equipment includes canteen, gas
mask, gas cape, entrenching tool, and side arms. The gas cape is a
protection against poison gas. (Cover made of impregnated cloth.)
b. Field uniform of special units.-(1) Armored force (Panzertruppen).--Personnel of tank units wear a loose-fitting black uniform and
steel helmet. (Collar patch of black uniform has skull and two
crossed bones as insignia.) Panzerkraftwagen 38 T and medium
armored troop-carrier personnel wear the same uniform but with the
black beret. Beret shows national insignia and Reichskokarde with
oak leaves.
(2) Mountain troops and Mountain(Jager)Battalions. (Gebirgstruppen
und Gebirgsjagerbataillone).-Theseunits wear a mountain cap similar
to the overseas cap worn by other arms or services but with the addition
of a visor of the same material, the ordinary type of service blouse,
gray cloth trousers fastened around the ankles by puttees, and ankle
boots, with snowshoes attached for operation in snow. They may
also be equipped with long, white coveralls with hoods.
(3) Reconnaissance parties (Aufklarungstruppen).-These are also
equipped with white coveralls similar to those of mountain troops
when operating in snowy weather.
(4) Smoke units (Nebeltruppen).-These units are equipped with
leather suits consisting of jacket and breeches.
(5) Parachute troops (Fallschirmjager).-Parachutetroops have a
brimless steel helmet with a chin and neck strap. Loose gray trousers
and blouse are worn under a special coverall which has some 50
pockets. Also gauntlet gloves and boots with rubber soles are used.
A leather belt is supported by two front straps fastened through a
ring to a single strap in back.
c. Distinguishing features-(1) Collar patch (Kragenspiegel).-(a)
There are three types of collar patches on the field blouses consisting
of1. Two horizontal bars of an aluminum woven lace (Doppellitze), each bearing centrally a stripe of color indicating arm of service or two outer color lines with center
line of bluish dark green color. The color of arm of
service is the "Waffenfarbe."
2. Outer and center color line of bluish dark green color,
3.' Field gray woven. All three color lines of mouse gray
color (Einheitslitze).
NOTE.-The collar patch as described under 1 and 2 above is no longer issued
and will be rarely found on the front as the Einheitslitze as described under S
above is in general use today.

Par.

HANDBOOK

ON GERMAN

ARMY

IDENTIFICATION

(b)Collar patches of tank units are black with pink piping and
white skull and crossbones.
(2) Shoulder straps (Schulterklappen).-Strapsare of the same color
as uniform. Piping denotes color of arm of service. Company
number (from private up to and including highest ranking noncommissioned officer) is shown on field gray button near the collar. The
regimental number is shown in the color of the arm of service (Waffenfarbe) on enlisted men up to and including the Unterfeldwebel (staff
sergeant). The strap of all noncommissioned officers is also bordered
by a silver strip and certain noncommissioned officers have silver stars
and silver regimental numbers. For company officers it is flat, solid
silver laces or tape with golden regimental numbers, and gold stars
except for the second lieutenant (Leutnant). For field officers it is
heavy braided silver lace, golden regimental numbers, and gold stars
except for the major. For generals, the strap is two heavy gold strands
braided with one silver strand, and silver stars except for the Generalmajor, but showing no regimental number. There is no company
number on the buttons securing officers' shoulder straps. The
buttons on the shoulder straps of all officers excepting generals are
of silver and those of generals are of gold color.
d. Insignia (Abzeichen)-(1) National insignia (Hoheitsabzeichen).Spread eagle over a swastika (Hakenkreuz). It is found on the left
side of the steel helmet (but the wings are folded). On the field and
mountain cap, it is in silver thread on a gray background. On the
beret it is silver thread on black background. On the service blouse,
dull silver cloth above right breast pocket. (Generals in gold.)
(2) National Rosette (Reichskokarde).-Small circular insignia in
black, white, and red. Worn on all headgear below the national
insignia except on the steel helmet. It is flanked by oak leaves on all
visored caps except on the mountain cap and field cap.
(3) National colors (Nationalfarben).-Black, white, and red.
NOTE.-Since 1939 the undesirable display of regimental and company
numbers and numerical identification of other detachments was avoided, first
by temporary measures such as covering them up, and later by issuing plain
shoulder straps with piping.

513748 -43---2

Par.

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

e. National Insignia of the Armed Forces (Hoheitsabzeichen der

Wehrmacht).

Miitzen-Hoheitsabzeichen Luftwaffe (cap national

insignia of air force)

Hoheitsabzeichen fuir Rock u. Feldbluse

(national insignia for coat and field blouse of the
air force)

Mtitzen-Hoheitsabzeichen,
Heer silbern, Kriegsmarine
golden (cap national insignia, Army silver, Navy
gold)

Hoheitsabzeichen ffir Rock u. Feldbluse,

Heer silbern, Kriegsmarine golden
(national insignia for coat and field blouse; Army
silver, Navy gold)

Right side

Left side
Stahlhelm Luftwaffe
(steel helmet, air force)

Left side

Right side
Stahlhelm fir Heer und Kriegsmarine
(steel helmet for Army and Navy)

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

1. Field cap, enlisted

men
2. Field cap, officers,
turn-up, badge,
crown piped with
silver

3. Mountain cap, officers and enlisted men

4; Parachutists helmet
(air force); can also
show Hoheitsabzeichen (infantry)

Par.
4

Par.
4

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARIRMY IDENTIFICATION

pink piping

Badge silver grayEM silver thread-Off.

will always appear in

collarpatch of all Waffen SS.

Rank desiqnation like in

Political SS (not like Wehrmacht)

1. Beret

2. Collar patch, tank

personnel (black uniform only)

3. Militarized SS (Waf-

44.

fen SS)

Militarized SS, helmet

Par.

HANDBOOK

ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

German Rifleman
Deutscher Schijtze
Helmet, brim type, belt (Koppel),
leather, buckle showing (Koppelschloss). Ammunition pouches,
3 each side, bayonet, short,
sharp spade.

Gas mask over right hip, canteen (Feldflasche) and rations

bag (Brotbeutel). Long trousers
tucked into half-length boots.

BACK VIEW

RIGHT SIDE

Par.
4

HANDBOOK

ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

f. Flaggen (flags).

Handelsflagge m. d. Eisern. Kreuz

(flag of the Merchant Marine with Iron Cross)

Gisch der Kriegsschiffe

(Navy flag)

Reichsdienstflagge
("Reich" service flag)

Reichskriegsflagge
("Reich" war flag)

Standarte d. Fiihrers u. Obersten Befehlshabers der Wehrmacht

(standard of the leader and supreme commander of the armed forces)

Standarte des Oberbefehlshabers

des Heeres
(standard of the commander in
chief of the Army)

Kommandozeichen des Reichsministers d. Luftf. u. Oberbefehlsh. der Luftwaffe

(standard of the Air Minister
and commander in chief of
the air force)

des Oberbefehlshabers
der Kriegsmarine
(flag of the commander in chief
of the navy)

Flagge

HANDBOOK
ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Par.

Par.
4

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Armored fighting troops

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Par.
5

5. German Army identifications of specialists.-Specialists

(technicians) are mostly noncommissioned officers (from Unteroffizier
to Oberfeldwebel). Specialists' insignia are worn on the right lower
sleeve, except where otherwise noted. Worked in yellow wool on dark
blue-green cloth background.

Medical personnel
(Sanitatsunterpersonal)

Saddler candidate
(Truppensattlermeister-Anwsrter)

Paymaster candidate
(Anwarter fur die Heeres-Zahlmeisterlaufbahn)

Motor maintenance sergeant (harness

sergeant if horse outfit)
(Schirrmeister)

513478-43--

13

Par.
5

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

(Wallmeister)

Pigeoneer (sergeant)
(Brieftaubenmeister)

Pyrotechnician
(Feuerwerker)

Fortification construction sergeant

(Festungspionier-Feldwebel)

HANDBOOK

ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Horseshoeing instructor
(Hufbeschlaglehrmeister)

*Horseshoers (personnel)
(Hufbeschla:gpersonal)

Radio sergeant
(Funkmeister)

Ordnance sergeant
(Waffenmeister'

Par.
5

Par.
5

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Helmsman (Steuermann). This insignia is worn

on the left upper sleeve. (Anchor in silver embroidery)

Operator smoke troops (Bedienungspersonal Nebelabteilung). This insignia is worn on the left
lower arm. Worked in white rayon on dark green
background

Communication personnel (other than Signal Corps)

(Nachrichtenpersonal). This insignia is worn on
the left upper sleeve. (Flash in "Waffenfarben")

Army mountain guide (Heeresbergfiihrer).

insignia is worn on the left breast

This

Gunlayer artillery (Richtkanonier). This insignia

is worn on left lower arm

Par.

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

6. Colors of arms of service (Waffenfarbe).-To be found on

shoulder strap piping and field cap at all times and may be found on
the collar patch.
Arm of service

Generals (Generale)-_

Colors

_____-

General headquarters of armed forces

(Oberkommando der Wehrmacht).
General headquarters of army (Oberkommando des Heeres).
War Department and General Staff
(Reiehskriegsministerium und
Generalstab).
Army group headquarters (Heeresgruppenkommando).
Army corps headquarters (Generalkommando) .
Infantry division headquarters (Infanterie-Divisionsstab).
Armored
division
headquarters
(Panzer-Divisionsstab).
Antitank battalions of armored division
(Panzerjiger-Abteilungen
der Panzer-Division).
Armored train (Eisenbahn-Panzer-

Shoulder straps

Bright red (hochrot).

Carmine red
(karmesin rot).
Carmine red
(karmesin rot).
Carmine red
(karmesin rot).

No numbers.

White (weiss) _-

"G"
and Arabic
number.
Roman number of
corps.
"D" and number
of division.
"D" and number
of division.
"P" and number
of battalion.

White (weiss)-_-

White (weiss) __
Pink (rosa) ___
Pink (rosa) ----

Pink (rosa) ----

No numbers.
No numbers.
No numbers.

"E."

Zug).
Infantry regiments (Infanterie-Regimenter).
Mountain Jager Regiments and
Jager Battalions, Infantry (Gebirgsjigerregimenter und Jagerbataillone).
Infantry Regiment "Greater Germany"(Infanterieregiment "GrossDeutschland).
Guard Battalion "Vienna" (Wachbataillon "Wien").
(MaschiMachine-gun battalion
nengewehrbataillon).
Parachute units, infantry (Fallschirmjiger-Einheiten).
Reconnaissance regiments or battalions, Infantry (Aufklirungsregimenter und -abteilungen).
Cavalry
and
horse
regiments
(Kavallerie-und Reiterregimenter).
Bicycle battalions (Radfahrer-Abteilungen).

White (weiss) --

Light green (hellgrin).

Number
ment.
Number
ment.

of regiof regi-

White (weiss)_--

White (weiss) -_

"W."

(10)

White (weiss) -_

"M" and number

of battalion.
"FJ."

(11)

White (weiss)-_-

Golden yellow
(goldgelb).
Golden yellow
(goldgelb).
Golden yellow
(goldgelb).

(12)

"A" and number of regiment or battalion.

(13)
Number of regiment.
(14)
"R" and number of battalion.
(15)

Par.

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Arm of service

Colors

Artillery regiments (Artillerieregimenter) .

Horse-drawn artillery regiments
(Berittene Artillerieregimenter).
Observation battalions (Beobachtungsabteilungen).

Bright
red
(hochrot).
Bright
red
(hochrot).
Bright
red
(hochrot).
Smoke units (Nebelabteilungen)_ _ _- Violet (violet)___

Shoulder straps

Panzer reconnaissance units of Panzer or motorized division (PanzerAufklarungs-Abteilungen

d e r
motorisierten oder Panzerdivision).
Motorcycle battalion in armored
division (Kraftradschiitzenbataillone).
Engineer battalions (Pionierbataillone).
Fortress engineers (Festungspioniere).

Copper brown
(kupferbraun).

Number of regiment.
(16)
"R" and number of unit.
(17)
"B" and number of
unit.
(18)
"N" and number of battalion.
(19)
"A" and number of unit.
(20)

Grass
green
(grasgriin).

"K" and number of unit.

(21)

Black (schwarz)l

Fortress engineer commander (Festungspionierkommandeur). Rank

of regimental commander.
Fortress engineer headquarters (Festungspionierstab).

Black (schwarz)

Signal battalions (Nachrichtenabteilungen).

Transportation battalions (Kraftfahr-und Fahrabteilungen).
Medical battalions (Sanitatsabteilungen).

Lemon yellow
(zitronengelb).
Light blue (hellblau).
Cornflower blue
(kornblumenblau).
Carmine
red
(k a r m e s i n
rot).

Number of battalion.
(22)
Gothic "Fp" if unit existed in peacetime.
Latin "F" if formed
on or after mobilization.
(23)
Gothic "Fp." Roman
numeral in Wehrkreis.
Gothic "Fp" or Latin
"F" plus Arabic numbers 1-50.
Number of battalion.
(24)
Number of battalion.
(25)
Number of division.
(26)

Veterinary
lungen).

units

(Veterinarabtei-

Chaplains (Heeresgeistliche) ______

Field signal command (Feldnachrichtenkommandantur).
Antiaircraft battalions (Flak-Bataillone).

Black (schwarz)

Black (schwarz)

Violet (violet)__

Lemon yellow
(zitronengelb).
White (weiss)-__

Number of division.
(27)
No shoulder straps.
Latin "K."
Gothic "Fl."

(28)

HANDBOOK

ON GERMAN

Arm of service

ARMY

IDENTIFICATTON

Colors

Military police (Feldgendarmerie) -

Orange (orange) -

Local defense units (LandesschiitzenEinheiten).

White (weiss)__.

Light green (hellSome local defense units (Einige

griin).
Landesschitzen-Einheiten).
brown
Construction units (Bau-Einheiten) _ Light
(hellbraun).
Black (schwarz)_
Railway engineers (Eisenbahnpioniere).
Light blue (hellAdministration of ordnance storesblau).
enlistedmen(Feldzeugkommando).
green
Dark
Officials (Beamte) --------------(dunkelgriin).

Pars.
6-9

Shoulder straps
No number. Nazi eagle
Sand
swastika surrounded by oak wreath
on upper left arm;
brown
band
with
"Feldgendarmerie" in
silver inscribed on
lower left arm.
Latin "L" plus Arabic
number of regiment
or battalion.

Latin "E" and Arabic

numeral of unit.
Latin "Fz."
(29)
(30)

NOTE.-The numbers in parentheses on right-hand margin correspond to the numbers in the chart on

the following page.

7. Enlisted men (Mannschaften) .- Shoulder strap is plain;

dark green on a foundation in the color of the arm of service. Their
regimental number is also in the color of the arm of service. Collar
patch is plain; latest type consists of three lines in mouse gray
(Einheitslitze). Insignia of rank is worn on left sleeve in dull silver
chevrons.
NOTE.-Corporals in the German Army are classed as enlisted men.

8. Noncommissioned officers (Unteroffiziere).-Noncommissioned officers have a dull silver lacing all around the collar of the field
blouse. The dark green background of the shoulder strap is bordered
by a silver strip around which is a narrow braid in the distinctive
color of the wearer's arm of service.
9. Officers (Offiziere).-All officers have either the old style
officer's collar patch (as illustrated) or the new standard collar patch
(Einheitslitze) which is worn by officers and enlisted men. The
shoulder strap of company officers (lieutenants and captains) consists
of four flat silver laces with piping in the color of the arm of service.
Field officers (Stabsoffiziere) wear shoulder straps with two heavy
silver laces twisted, with piping. The number of an officer's battalion
or regiment is in gold metal. Company numbers do not appear.

Par.
9

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

21
11

13

15

16

17

18

19

20

C)'

Oc '

i-+C

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

cc

'0

513748'-43--4

Par.
9

Par.

HANDBOOK

ON

GERMAN

ARMY

IDENTIFICATION

NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS
Unteroffizier (sergeant). Only
noncommissioned officer with
silver strip open on arm end.
Embroidered number of regiment or battalion in color of
arm of service

k~X~p)

~F~n

~e,

~4~

~s~iraf~a~P~

~BB~

i~d~t~

~2~

(cavalry:
Unterfeldwebel
unterwachtmeister). Number
of regiment or battalion in
color of arm of service
Fahnrich (officer aspirant junior
grade). Same as Unteifeldwebel, only numbers of regiment or battalion in silver.
This grade has lately been
abolished
Feldwebel
cavalry)
Shoulder
with one

(or Wachtmeister,
(technical sergeant).
straps same as above
dull silver star

Oberfeldwebel or Oberwacht(battalion sergeant

meister
major, approximate American
equivalent). Same as Feldwebel, but with two silver
stars
Hauptfeldwebel or Hauptwachtmeister (first sergeant).
Shoulder strap same as Oberfeldwebel. Also has two silver stripes on both lower
sleeves
Oberfahnrich (officer aspirant
senior grade). Shoulder strap
same as Oberfeldwebel, but
he has officer's collar patch.
This grade has lately been
abolished
Stabsfeldwebel or Stabswacht=
meister (regimental sergeant
major). Same shoulder straps
as Feldwebel, but with three
silver stars

~ta~j~i c~

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Noncommissioned-officer candidate (Gefreiter)

Unteroffiziersanwar ter

Par.
9

Par.

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

The soldier on the left is an Obergefreiter (corporal with less than 6 years service). On the right is an
Unteroffizier (noncommissioned officer). The instrument is a German BC telescope

Par.

HANDBOOK

ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATTON

a. Company officers.
Leutnant (second lieutenant).
Lowest ranking officer. No
stars on shoulder straps

Oberleutnant (first lieutenant).

Shoulder strap has one gold
star

F~f~

Hauptmann (Rittmeister in the

cavalry) (captain). Two gold
stars on shoulder straps

b. Field officers.
Major (major). Shoulder strap
has no star

EIK '

Oberstleutnant (lieutenant colOne gold star on

onel).
shoulder strap

Oberst (colonel).
Two gold
stars on shoulder strap

c. Band masters.-Band masters rate a salute from all noncommissioned officers and enlisted men. However, they do not outrank any
commissioned officers even though they may hold a higher corresponding rank.

Par.
9

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Musikmeister, piped in Waffenfarbe, red and aluminum cords, lyre and numeral gold-colored metal.
Band master, junior. Rank of second lieutenant -

Obermusikmeister, same as Musikmeister, but one

gold-colored star, metal. Band master, senior.
Rank of first lieutenant

Stabsmusikmeister, same as Obermusikmeister, but

two gold-colored metal stars. Chief band master.
Rank of captain

E.
Generalmajor (major general).
No star on shoulder strap

GENERAL OFFICERS
,,

C rAr

eA+(

Generalleutnant (lieutenant
general). One silver star

General der Infanterie, etc.

(general). Two silver stars

Generaloberst (colonel general).

Three silver stars

Generalfeldmarschall (field marshal). Two crossed batons

AWIM~1

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Troops on maneuvers

Par.
9

Par.

HANDBOOK

ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Can you detect the ranks of these men?

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATTON

Pars.
9-10

d. Medical,Veterinary, and Reserve oficers.-All medical officers carry

on their shoulder straps in addition a caduceus. All veterinary officers
carry only winding snake (caduceus without a stick). Reserve officers
have their shoulder straps on a second mouse gray underlay.
e. Generals (Generale).-The collar patch consists of a gold leaf
on a red background. The shoulder strap is formed by the interweaving of two heavy gold laces with one silver lace. Generals have
neither regimental nor company numbers, and also no piping on
their straps, but have red strips on the seams of their trousers.
10. German identification tag (Erkennungsmarke).-a. It
is believed that every German officer and soldier carries an identification tag, which is usually worn around the neck. The tag is
made of zinc, is oval in shape, and measures about 2 by 2% inches.
It is divided into an upper and a lower part by perforations. Each
half bears identical markings.
b. When a man is killed, the lower half of the tag is broken off
and sent back to Germany and the upper half is buried with the body.
Identification tags captured up to the present bear only the unit,
subunit, and a number. This number is also inscribed on the first
page of the pay book (Soldbuch). The tag also bears a letter or two
letters indicating to which blood group he belongs (A, B, AB, or O).
The identification tag seldom shows the unit in which the man concerned is now serving unless he has lost the original disk issued to him
on being assigned to a depot unit and his present unit has issued a
replacement. The tag may record the existence of a previously unidentified unit.
c. A report should always be made of the entries on the tags.

A captured identification tag of the old type. 168 is the personal number.
Infantry Regiment. Blood group "A"

513748*--43--5

9th Company of the 61st

Par.
10

HANDBOOK

ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

8 is the personal number. Stb. means Staff. 7 Pz. Abw. means 7th Division Antitank Battalion.
Blood group "0"

83 is the personal number.

1st Company of 111th Infantry Regiment (formerly

Regiment). Blood group "O"

of 87th Infantry

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATTON

The new type identification tag, five-digit serial

Pars.
11-12

number indicates field post number which is that

of the messing unit. 36 is the personal number

11. "Wehrmacht" officials (Wehrmachtbeamte).-a. Definition.-"Wehrmacht" is a German word having no exact American
translation but including the Army, Navy, and Air Corps. These
officials hold administrative positions and are often referred to as
"civilian officials in the Army."
b. Basic colors (Waffenfarbe).-Dark green.
c. Classification. Indicated by secondary color (Nebenfarbe).
(1) War Ministry officials (Wehrmachtbeamte des Reichskriegsministeriums)-carmine red.
(2) Officials for education, libraries, topography, and sports
(Wehrmachtbeamte des Bildungs-, Bibliothek- und Vermessungswesen, Heeressportlehrer) -dark green.
(3) Court-martial officials (trained lawyers) (Reichskriegsgerichtsbeamte)-wine red.
(4) Engineers (Truppeningenieure), other construction personnel,
technical instructors, etc.-black.
(5) Service command administration officials (Wehrmachtbeamte
der Wehrkreisverwaltungen)-bright red.
(6) Judge Advocate Department (lower grades) (Heeresjustizbeamte)-light blue.
(7) Pharmacists (Apotheker)-light green.
(8) Officials at remount stations (Wehrmachtbeamte der Remonteverwaltungen) -gold yellow.
(9) Paymasters (Heereszahlmeister)-white.
12. "Ersatz" system.-a. Field army (Feldheer) and replacement
army (Ersatzheer).-Unitsin the German Army are allocated to the
field army (Feldheer) or to the replacement army (Ersatzheer).

Par.

12

HANDBOOK

ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

The field army contains all units participating in operations or which

are specifically assigned to task forces. The replacement army has
charge of all units in training except those preparing for a specific task
force assignment, all those in rest areas, all those being refitted, and
generally all units not assigned to the field army. The replacement
army has charge of all mobilization, basic training, and initial unit
training. The replacement army turns over to the field army trained
and equipped combat units as well as trained replacements for existing combat organizations. Every unit in the field army has a replacement unit in the replacement army. This replacement unit contains a
reserve of trained personnel to replace losses in the combat unit. In
some cases, replacement units are sent into the theater of war in order
to have personnel replacements more readily available.
b. Organization of Ersatzheer.-(1) Each infantry regiment has one
Ersatz battalion of the same number. The Ersatz battalion is permanently stationed in the Wehrkreis (administrative corps area) of the
infantry regiment. The three Ersatz battalions of the three infantry
regiments of the infantry division are then grouped into one Ersatz
infantry regiment which will bear the number of the division. Included
in this Ersatz regiment are the Ersatz PAK company (14), the Ersatz
infantry gun company (13), and the Ersatz Nachrichten (signal)
company, all bearing the number of the division. In the same way,
each artillery regiment has an Ersatz artillery Abteilung (battalion)
which bears the same number (regiment). Other divisional units also
have Ersatz units which bear the number of the division. The engineer
battalion, Nachrichten-Abteilung (signal battalion), and the PAKAbteilung have an Ersatz company. There is a possibility that active
infantry regiments (as in the last war) have two Ersatz battalions
(yet unconfirmed), and it is further possible that each active unit, to
make all infantry divisions equal in value, will have the same number
of Ersatz units.
(2) One infantry replacement training regiment may serve one or
two field army divisions. The three infantry regiments of a division
are usually served by two replacement training battalions. Similarly,
a replacement training unit is likely, in most cases, to provide personnel for two units of the field army instead of only one as in accordance with the original system. In general, it is intended that
replacement training units should be permanently affiliated with
specific field army units. For example, a proportion of the officers
of the replacement training unit will have seen service at the front
with the field army unit and convalescent soldiers are attached to a
convalescent company (Genesenden-Kompanie) of the replacement

HANDBOOK

ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICAT'IIO

Pars.
12-13

training unit before returning to the field. In times of stress,

however, the system becomes less rigid.
(3) It is not yet known definitely how the Ersatz units of GHQ,
corps, army, etc., troops are numbered and organized. It seems
probable that nondivisional units have Ersatz units bearing the same
numbers as the units themselves. This has, however, not been
definitely confirmed by the numbers of the Ersatz units so far identified.
It is, on the other hand, possible that GHQ, corps, army, etc., Ersatz
units are attached to divisional Ersatz units. Further evidence is
necessary before this point is definitely established.
(4) From the foregoing it will be clear that the identification of the
number and location of Ersatz infantry battalions gives the number
and Wehrkreis of origin of the infantry regiment of the same number
and the identification of other Ersatz units the number and Wehrkreis of origin of the corresponding division. The identification of
Ersatz units is thus of the greatest importance. Information about
Ersatz units is derived, at the moment, principally from reports from
inside Germany. The examination of captured prisoners and documents is, however, of very great importance in this respect. The
soldier's Soldbuch (pay book) is particularly valuable, as page 4
gives the Ersatz unit of the soldiers' units.
(5) In cases where the replacement training units are absent from
their home district, the recruits from that district report not at the
unit replacement training center, but at a central Wehrkreis-ErsatzDepot from which they are conducted in groups to their replacement
training commander.
(6) Trained recruits arriving in small groups from the home command are sent to a Frontsammelstelle (front assembly point), which
distributes them to the units where they are required.
13. Pay book (Soldbuch).-Although pay books are not to be
carried into battle, United Nations troops may capture them in the
course of offensive operations. The pay book (Soldbuch)a. Serves the intelligence officer as a check on name, rank, and other
information the prisoner may have given at interrogation.
b. Serves as a check on inscription and number of identification
disk carried by the prisoner.
c. Gives a description of the prisoner (as to build, height, color of
hair, eyes, etc.).
d. Shows the unit in which the holder is serving and, in addition,
the units of the field army (Feldheer) in which he has served previously, the depot unit (Ersatz unit) in which he was first trained,

Pars.
13-15

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

and the depot units which supply replacements for various field army
units.
e. Gives names and addresses of holder's relatives.
f. Gives a record of equipment issued.
g. Gives dates of inoculations, details of eyesight, hospital record,
and dental treatment.
h. Gives a complete record of all payments made by paymaster
and aids in identifying recent location of his unit or changes in the
official seals of the various paymasters.
i. Gives a record of furloughs, including dates and places visited.
SECTION IV

THE GERMAN AIR FORCE (LUFTWAFFE)

Paragraph

Uniform and insignia----------- _--.-------------------------------Colors of arm of service (Waffenfarben) _________------------___.

Special uniforms and insignia
________ ____
______
Insignia of rank-flying uniform __-__-_---____----_
.-----__________
Insignia of flying personnel of German Luftwaffe and Army ____-______
Corps of Engineers------------- ---------------------------Corps of Navigational Experts -------------------------------------Medical Corps--------------------------_-___
_
Musicians ------------- ------ _----------------------------__
-

14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22

14. Uniform and insignia.-a. Uniform.-Bluish green.

b. Shoulder straps.-Same shape and same insignia of Army rank
and grade, but in the color of the air force uniform. It also has piping in the color of arm of service.
c. Collar patches.-They are different from the Army in that the
background is in the color of the arm of service. Wings (a type of
rank insignia) are mounted on the collar patch.
d. Steel helmet.-Same shape as the Army only the national insignia
is a flying eagle.
e. National insignia.-A flying eagle is worn on the right breast of
the blouse. Enlisted men and noncommissioned officers wear gray
national insignia. Officers wear silver national insignia.
f. Cap insignia.-Consistsof the rosette (Kokarde), flanked by oak
leaves on spread wings.
15. Colors of arm of service (Waffenfarben).-a. Literally, in
the term "Waffenfarbe," "Waffen," short for "Waffengattung,"
means "arm of the service"; "farbe" means "color." "Waffenfarben"
is the generic name for the colors given to the different arms or services to distinguish them from each other. It is used as piping on
34

IANDBOOK

ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

the collar patch, underlay of shoulder straps, etc.

the colors are apportioned as follows:

Par.
15

In the air force

White (weiss)--Generals and members of the General Goering

Regiment.
Golden yellow (goldgelb)--Aviation units (Fliegerverbande).
Red (rot)-Antiaircraft artillery (Flakartillerie).
Carmine (karmesin)-General Staff officers (Generalstabsoffiziere).
Pink (rosa)-Engineer Corps (Pioniere).
Golden brown (goldbraun)- --Air Signal Corps (Luftnachrichtendienst).
Light green (hellgrin)--Air Raid Warning Service (Luftmeldedienst).
Black (schwarz)-Air Ministry (Reichsluftministerium).
Dark blue (dunkelblau)-Medical (Sanitatsdienst).
Dark green (dunkelgrun)-Officials (Wehrmachtbeamte).
Additional colors are worn by the following:
Bright red (hochrot)-Noncommissioned officers and men of
the General Goering Regiment wear this color as an edging
to the collar patches.
Yellow (gelb)-Corps of navigational experts as a. second
shoulder strap underlay ("Nebenfarbe").
b. The ranks of the air force correspond, on the whole, to those of
the Army with the exception that the lowest grade is known as Flieger,
Kanonier, or Funker. There is no Oberschiitze. The equivalents of
General-der Infanterie, etc., are General der Flieger and General der
Flakartillerie.
c. (1) Collar patchesfor enlisted men and noncommissioned oficers.Color of the arm of service with silver wings. Silver lace on lower
front edge from Unteroffizier up.
(2) Shoulder straps.-Blue-gray with piping colored according to
arm of service. Silver braid (like Army) from Unteroffizier up and
silver stars from Feldwebel up.

Pars.
15-16

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

(3) Badges of rank worn on left upper arm.

Gefreiter (lance corporal)

Obergefreiter (corporal)

Hauptgefreiter (corporal of longer service)

(4) Company officer's collar patch.-Silver lace all around with silver
leaf beneath wings.
(5) Field officer's collar patch.-Silver lace all around, wings surrounded by silver wreath.
(6) General's collar patch.-Gold lace all around and wings surrounded by gold wreath.
16. Special uniforms and insignia.-a. Flying uniforms worn
by flying officers and flying personnel show insignia of rank on both
upper sleeves. From sergeant to colonel, inclusive, shows insignia in
white; for generals, in gold. See figure in paragraph 17.
b. Special insignia of flying personnel of the German Luftwaffe and
Army are worn on the left-hand side, immediately above the belt.
See figure in paragraph 18.

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Shoulder straps (Achselklappe:

Collar patches (Kragenspiegel)

Ut ,

L; =J UJ

General-Oberst
(no equivalent)

General der
Flieger (no
equivalent)

General-Leut- General-Major
nant (lieuten- (major general)

Oberst
(colonel)

ant general)

Shoulder straps (Achselklappen)-Continued

Collar patches (Kragenspiegel)-Continued

if

Oberst-Leutnant (lieutenant colonel)

513748--43---6

Major
(major)

Hauptmann Ober-Leutnant Leutnant (sec(captain)

(first lieutenant) ond lieutenant)

Par.
16

Par.

16

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Shoulder straps (Schulterklappen)

Collar patches (Kragenspiegel)

Oberfeldwebel (master
sergeant)

Feldwebel (first
sergeant)

Unterfeldwebel
(staff sergeant)

Unteroffizer (sergeant)

Gefreiter (lance corporal)

Flieger (private)

Shoulder straps (Schulterklappen)-Continued

Collar patches (Kragenspiegel)-Continued

Hauptgefreiter (corporal with longer

service)

Obergefreiter (corporal)

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Par.
17

17. Insignia of rank-flying uniform.-Worn on upper arm,

both sleeves.
INSIGNIA OF RANK-FLYING UNIFORM
WORN ON UPPER ARM,

BOTH

Sergeant

SLEEVES

Staff sergeant

Technical sergeant

Master sergeant

Warrant officer

Second lieutenant

First lieutenant

Captain

Major

Lieutenant colonel

Colonel

Brigadier general

Major general

39

Lieutenant general

Pars.
18_21

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATTION

18. Insignia of flying personnel of German Luftwaffe and

Army.

1. Pilot-observer (eagle, aluminum; wreath, gold)

2. Pilot (eagle, oxidized silver; wreath, bright aluminum)
3. Observer (same as pilot)
4. Aviation service medal (same as pilot)
5. Radio operator or flight engineer (same as pilot)
6. Parachute troops, Luftwaffe (eagle, gold; wreath, oxidized silver)
7. Parachute troops, Army (eagle, aluminum; wreath, upper eagle, and swastika, gold)

19. Corps of Engineers.-Members of the Corps of Engineers

who are in the Reserve use, in addition to the ordinary pink Waffenfarbe of their arm of service, a second underlay of light blue on their
shoulder straps and a piping of the same color on their badges.
20. Corps of Navigational Experts.-The ranks and badges of
the Corps of Navigational Experts are the same as those of the Corps
of Engineers. Their Waffenfarbe is dark green; additional color,
yellow.
21. Medical Corps.-Again following the custom of the Army,
the medical personnel of the air force show the caduceus on their
shoulder straps. Officers up to the rank of colonel are distinguished

Pars.
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

by their Waffenfarbe of dark blue, with their badges in gilt.

serving in the reserve, however, they change to orange.

21-22

When

Ai

22. Musicians.-Officers and men wear the uniform of the unit

in which they are serving. The officers have their collar patches and
the underlay of their shoulder straps in the musicians' Waffenfarbe.
Their shoulder straps are in gilt.

Par.
22

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

PARACHUTIST
AIR FORCE

Members of antiaircraft artillery (88-mm dual purpose gun).

(Note air force insignia on steel helmets)

Pars.
23-24

HANDBOOK

ON

GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

SECTION V

THE GERMAN

NAVY (DIE DEUTSCHE KRIEGSMARINE)

Paragraph

General --------------------------------------_----------Insignia of rank of Navy (Dienstgradabzeichen der Kriegsmarine) -_-___--

--

23
24

23. General.-a. Basically the present German naval uniform,

both for commissioned and enlisted personnel, is very similar to that of
the former Imperial Navy.
b. With the exception that in the lower grades the equivalent
German rank is one-half stripe above our corresponding insignia,
the insignia of rank on the sleeves is similar to that of the U. S. Navy.
Shoulder straps on the navy blue uniform are worn more prevalently
than in our service and follow the system of the German Army, except
that piping and braid are gilt. The full dress and other uniforms
resemble ours, but the white uniform has a roll collar. (See figures in
par. 24.) The national insignia (Hoheitsabzeichen) is worn above the
right breast pocket and is in gold.
c. The German Navy headdress is similar to our own, with the exception that the chin strap for all ranks is in black leather. Officers
up to and including the rank of lieutenant commander have a gold rim
on the visor; higher grades wear gilt oak leaves as in the U. S. Navy.
The cap insignia is the black-white-red cockade, surrounded by gilt
oak leaves and surmounted by a gilded national emblem. Warrant
officers wear the same cap, but without any gilt on the visor. Since
the outbreak of the second World War, all ranks and ratings, from
flag officers on down, wear a blue "overseas" cap at sea. This cap is
similar to the German field service cap (with gilt insignia, but without
any piping).
d. German naval personnel serving ashore in coastal batteries or as
troops in the field (not as landing parties) wear the Army field gray.
They are distinguished from the Army by having gold buttons and
insignia.
24. Insignia of rank of Navy (Dienstgradabzeichen der
Kriegsmarine).

Par.

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY

Matrose
(seaman third

class)

Stabsmatrose
Obermatrose
(seaman second (seaman first
class)
class)

Bootsmannsmaat (petty
officer first

Oberbootsmannsmaat
(chief petty

class)

officer)

/^

Leutnant zur See

(ensign)

Oberleutnant zur See

(lieutenant junior
grade)

Obergefreiter
(petty officer
third class)

Oberstabsmatr
(no United
States equivalent)

Feldwebel (no
United States
equivalent)

Oberfeldwebel
(no United
States

equivalent)

Kapitanleutnant
(lieutenant)

24

IDENTIFICATION

Stabsgefreiter
(petty officer
second class)

Fghnrich zur Oberfahnrich

See (midship- zur See (midshipman
man junior
senior gra ide)
grade)

JS^

Korvetten-Kapitan
(lieutenant com-

^(S

Fregatten-Kapitan
(commander)

mander)

11111
~64~6
Kapitan zur See
(captain)

Konter-Admiral
(rear admiral)

Vize-Admiral
(vice admiral)

Admiral (admiral)

General-Admiral
(grand admiral
of the fleet)

Pars.
25-26

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

SECTION VI

POLICE, SEMIMILITARY AND POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS (DEUTSCHE POLIZEI, HALBMILITARISCHE UND

POLITISCHE VERBANDE)
Paragraph

German police (Deutsche Polizei) --------------------------------Semiinilitary and political organizations ______________________________

25
26

Uniforms of armed SS (Waffen SS)_ _ _____ ___________.

27

. _

-... -_-..

Insignia of rank of the National Labor Service (Dienstgradabzeichen des

Reichsarbeitsdienstes R. A. D.)

-___---__-_____

____

28

National Socialist Organizations (Nationalsozialistische Organisationen)__

Insignia of rank of SA, SS, and of the NSKK (Dienstgradabzeichen der
SA, SS, und der NSKK)--.____
___-__.
_..
___
Insignia on uniform of the German police (Uniform-Abzeichen der Deutschen Polizei) --- _------_ - ---_------- --------------..
__

29

Command post flags (Kommandoflaggen)

32

Field insignia and flags of the National Socialist German Labor Party
(Feldzeichen und Fahnen der NSDAP) ------------------_.._...-..__
Insignia of rank of Hitler Youth (Dienstgradabzeichen der Hitlerjugend)_
Rank insignia of the political leaders (Dienstgradabzeichen der Politischen
Leiter) ___

_--. _

30
31

33
34
35

25. German police (Deutsche Polizei).-The German police is

divided intoa. Constabulary (Ordnungspolizei).-(1) City police (Schutzpolizei).
(2) Rural constabulary (Gendarmerie).
b. Security police (Sicherheitspolizei).-(1) Secret state police (Geheime Staatspolizei or Gestapo).. The secret state police have as their
special task the liquidation and prevention of all activity hostile to the
regime.
(2) Criminal police (Kriminalpolizei).
26. Semimilitary and political organizations.-a. SS (Schutzstafeln).-This is the corps d'elite of the National Socialist Party.
Originally formed as protective squads for political meetings and bodyguards for the leaders of the party, it has been considerably expanded
and is now widely employed, both for internal security duties in Germany and German-occupied territories, and in permanent military
units. Hitler is the supreme head of the SS. Under him Himmler
is the executive chief of the organization with headquarters in Berlin.
(1) The units of the SS fall into two distinct categories(a) Ordinary SS (Allgemeine SS) consists of part time volunteers
employed for security purposes within Germany.
(b) Militarized SS (Waffen SS) is a fully militarized and perma-

HANDBOOK ON GEIRMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Par.
26

nently organized force, formed into divisions and a number of independent brigades and regiments.'
(2) Nondivisional SS units are normally employed for mopping-up
purposes along the line of communication. They may also be employed on occasions on the front line subordinated to the nearest
convenient army.
(3) The uniform is field gray as in the Army, with variances
mentioned in paragraph 27.
b. National Labor Service (Reichsarbeitsdienst) (R. A. D.).-(1) All
German men who are physically fit are normally required to perform

6 months' service in the R. A. D. before beginning their military

service. They are organized into companies under a cadre of permanent officers and noncommissioned officers, and such companies
are available in considerable numbers for service on the line of communication and in occupied countries, where they provide additional
manual labor for the Organisation Todt or the engineers.
(2) The uniform is brownish gray blouse with dark collar and slacks.
On the left sleeve is the R. A. D. emblem (a spade head containing
the Arabic number of the company) and, beneath it, a red arm band
with a black swastika set in a white circle.
c. Storm Trooper Detachments (Sturm-Abteilungen) (S. A.).-The
S. A. is responsible for the premilitary and postmilitary training of
German manpower in cooperation with the heads of the fighting services. The majority have been absorbed into the Army.
d. National Socialist Mounted Corps (Nationalsozialistisches Reiterkorps) (N. S. R. K.).-Its function is to train young men to the
standard of cavalry recruits of 6 months' service before they join the
Army. A man who wishes to join a mounted arm of the service now
has to be in possession of a certificate from this organization before
he is accepted.
e. National Socialist Motor Corps (National Sozialistisches Kraftfahrkorps). (N. S. K. K.).-(1) The functions of this organization
are to assist the police in traffic control duties on the line of communication and to provide motor transport units (Brigaden) to supplement
the transport services of the armed forces.
(2) Within Germany, the N. S. K. K. also trains men in its motor
1 Waffen SS composed of Verfiigungstruppen:
(1) Adolf Hitler's special bodyguard (Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler).

(2) SS regiment "Germania" (Standarte "Germania").

(3) SS regiment "Deutschland" (Standarte "Deutschland").

(4) SS regiment "Horst Wessel" (Standarte "Horst Wessel").

(5) SS regiment "Planetta" (Standarte "Planetta").
(6) SS regiment The Fiihrer (Standarte Der Fiihrer). Divisions:
(a) Viking.
(b) Reich.
(c) Prinz Eugen.
(7) Wachtregiment "Wien" (Guard regiment "Vienna").

47

Pars.
26-27

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

schools and training units for service with the army's mobile troops.
Its basic unit is the motor battalion (Motorstandarte), which carries
a number in the series 1-400.
(3) The uniform is brown shirt and black breeches. The national
emblem is mounted on a wheel enclosing a swastika, and is worn on
the cap or black crash helmet. White Arabic numerals preceded by
the letter "M" on the right-hand collar patch give the number of
the battalion.
f. National Socialist Flying Corps (National Sozialistisches .Fliegerkorps).--Its function is to organize the premilitary training of
personnel destined for the air force, in particular the members of the
flying section of the Hitler Youth. At the technical schools of the
N. S. F. K. courses are held which include theoretical and practical
instruction in. the construction of gliders, as well as in radiotelegraph,
radiotelephone, etc.
g. Hitler Youth and German Young Folk (Hitlerjugendund Deutsches
Jungvolk).-Compulsory for all boys except those whose blood is not
pure Aryan.
NOTE.-A soldier must have been a graduate member of one of the above
organizations (d, e, orf) in order to join panzer, air, or horse cavalry outfits.

27. Uniforms of armed SS (Waffen SS).-Waffen SS troops

wear the ordinary field gray uniforms of the German Army, with the
usual colored piping for the different arms and services. There are,
however, some points of difference. The most important of these
are-

a. Steel helmet.-(1) Right side-black SS on white shield.

(2) Left side-black swastika in white circle on red shield.
b. Field blouse.-(1) The shoulder straps are always black.
(2) The collar patches are always black. For commissioned ranks
they are edged with white cord.
(3) The special SS rank badge is worn on the left collar patch.
A white SS or a skull and crossbones insignia is worn on the right
collar patch.
(4) The national insignia is worn on the left upper arm and not on
the right breast.
(5) About 8 inches from the bottom of the left cuff a narrow black
band edged in white is worn, bearing the name of the regiment
(Standarte) in white lettering. In the figure on page 49 the
" Germania" is shown.
(6) A single chevron on the right upper arm denotes long service
(distinguish from single chevron on left arm indicating Sturmmann).
(7) A single chevron with a star on right upper arm denotes previous
service in the police or armed forces.

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN

Uniforms of the Waffen SS.

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

(See complete description in paragraph 27)

Par.
27

Par.
27

HANDBOOK

ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Deutsches Jungvolk (German Young Folk)

Hitlerjugend (Hitler Youth)

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

National Labor Service

Par.
27

Par.
28

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

28. Insignia of rank of the National Labor Service.

gradabzeichen des Reichsarbeitsdienstes R. A. D.)

(Dienst-

a...

Kragenspiegel (Collar t
patch)

Schulterklappen
(Shoulder straps)

Arbeitsmann
(no shoulder strap)

Arbeitsmann
b. Verpflichtung auf 1 Jahr

Obervormann

Vormann

Truppfthrer

Obertruppf

Unterfeldmeister

Feldmeister

Oberfeldmeister

Oberstfeldmeister

Arbeitsfiihrer

Oberarbeitsf

Oberstarbeitsf

Generalarbeitsf

Ober-Generalarbeitsf

Reichsarbeitsf

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Par.
29

29. National Socialist Organizations (Nationalsozialistische

Organisationen).

Hoheitsabzeichen
(national insignia)

Goldenes Parteiabzeichen
(golden party insignia)

Parteiabzeichen
(party insignia)

Ehrenzeichen der HJ
(insignia of Hitler Youth)

Ehrenzeichen am Band-em 9, -Nov. 1923 (Blutorden)

(special badge for participation in uprising on November 9, 1923, "Miinchener Putsch")

Par.

29

HANDBOOK

SA-Abzeichen
(Storm Troopers insignia)

ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

NSKK
(National Socialist Motor
Corps)

"SA" Formations

SS-Abzeichen
(National Socialist "SS"
Abzeichen)

I{AND)BOOI( ON GERMAN ARMY IDETITFCATON

Par.
29

Flans of the "SS"

HJ-Abzeichen
(Hitler Youth insignia)

DJt. Jungvolk
(German Young Folk)
NSD-Studentenbund
(Nazi Students' Organization)

Par.

29

HANDBOOK

ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Deutsche Arbeitsfront
(German Labor Front)

Reichsarbeitsdienst
(National Labor Service)

NSBO
(Nazi Farmers' Organization)

NS-Volkswohlfahrt
(Nazi National Welfare)
NS-Frauenschaft
(Nazi Womanhood Organization)

Handwerker Zeichen
(Craftsman insignia)

i..
Reichsbund d. Kinderreichen
S(Organization for those with many children)
NS-Gemeinschaft
("Kraft durch Freude")

NS-Schwesternschaft
(Nazi Sisterhood)

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

Par.
29

Q
SA-Sportabzeichen
(Storm Troopers sports insignia)

Nat.-Soz. Fliegerkorps
(Nazi Flying Corps)

NSKOV
(Federation of Disabled and Bereaved)

S(beutfesSauenroer)

NSKK Sportabzeichen
(Nazi Motor Corps sports insignia)

Reichsluftschutzbund
(German Air Defense League)

NS Frauenwerk-Abzeichen
(Nazi Women Workers' insignia)

Techn.-Nothilfe
(Technical Emergency Corps)

Nationalsozialistischer
Deutscher Rechtswahrer-Bund
(Nazi Legal Advisors'
Organization)

Reichsnahrstand
(Nazi Agricultural
Organizations)

NS-Hago
(Nazi Organization of
Commercial Employees)

NS-Lehrerbund
(Nazi Teacher Organization)

Reichsbund Deutscher Beamter

(Organization of German
Civilian Officials)

Par.
30

HANDBOOK

ON

GERMAN ARMY

IDENTIFICATION

30. Insignia of rank of SA, SS, and of the NSKK (Dienstgradabzeichen der SA, SS, und der NSKK) .- Worn on left collar patch.

SA-, SB-, NBKK-MANN

SA-, SS-, NSKKSturmmann

SA-, SB-, NSKKRottenfitihrer

SA-, NSKK-Bcharftihrer
S S-TUnterscharfiihrer

SA-, NSKK. Oberscharftthrer

SS-charffihrer

SA-, NSKK-Truppftihrer
SS-Oberscharfhhrer

SA-, NSKK Obertrnppfiihrer

SS-llauptscharfiihrer

BA-, NSKK. Sturmfiihrer

SS-Untersturmftihrer

SA-, SB-, NSKKObersturmfiihrer

SA-, NSKK. Sturmhauptffthrer

S S-Hauptsturmftihrer

SA-oder SBSturmbannfhhrer
NSKK-Staffelfuhrer

SA- oder SSObersturmbannftihrer

NSKK-Oberstaffelf

SA-, SB-, NSKKStandartenfiihrer

BA-, SB-, NBKKOberfUhrer

SA-, SB-, NSKKBrigadefUhirer

BA-, SB-, NSRKGruppenftihrer

BA- SB- NBKKObergruppenfUhrer

Stabschef SA
Reichsfuihrer SB
Korpsfuihrer NSKK

Par.
31

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

31. Insignia on uniform of the German police (UniformAbzeichen der Deutschen Polizei).
HOHEITS-ABZEICHEN
(National insignia)

S/o/
ffr Kartuschen
(for cartouche)

fiir Dienstmittze
(for service cap)

fiir Tschakos
(for Shako)

KRAGENSPIEGEL

Offiziere

Hauptwachtmeister u.
Meister

Wachtmeister u.
Oberwachtmeister

SCHULTERSTUCKE

Wachtmeister

Inspektor

Oberstleutnant

Oberwachtm

Hauptwachtm

Meister

Obermeister

Leutnant

Oberleutnant

Hauptmann

Major

Generalleutnant

General

Oberst

Generalmajor

59

Par.
32

HANDBOOK

ON GERMAN

ARMY

IDENTIFICATION

32. Command post flags (Kommandoflaggen).

Oberste Fihrung
SA, SS, NSKK

Standarte

Obergruppe

Gruppe

Sturmbann

Brigade

NSKKWagenwimpel

Wimpel fir
Angehorige der SA
FShnleinfahne des
Deutschen Jungvolks

60

Par.

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATTON

33

33. Field insignia and flags of the National Socialist German

Labor Party (Feldzeichen und Fahnen der NSDAP).

Kreisfahne
der NSDAP

ParteifahneSturmfahne

St

Standarte

DAF-Fahne

SHJ.-Bannfahne

NSD.-Studentenbundfahne

NSKK.-Sturmstander

NSBO-Fahne

HJ.-Gefolgschaftsfahne

Par.
34

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN

ARMY

IDENTIFICATION

34. Insignia of rank of Hitler Youth (Dienstgradabzeichen

der Hitlerjugend).-Shoulder straps are as follows:

Hitlerjugend.

Rottenftdhrer

Oberrottenftihrer

Kamerad- Oberkameradschaftsftihrer
schaftsfuhrer

Fudhrerschn ur:

Scharfidhrer

Oberscbarfixhrer

Gefolgschaftsfuihrer

Ftihrerschnur: grtin

rot-weiss

Obergefoigschaftsfuihrer

Hauptgefolg
schaftsfuihrer

Fuhrerschnur: gran-weiss

gt,

Stammffihrer

Oberstammftihrer

Fiibrerschnur: weiss

Bannffihrer

Fuhrerschnur: rot
-

Gebietsfflhrer dreibl. gold.

Eichenlaub Fuhrerschnur:
schwarz

Oberbannftihrer

Hauptbannfdhrer

Fuihrerschnur: rot-schwarz

Obergebietsfflhrer dreibi. gold.

Eichenlaub Fiihrerschnur:
schwarz-silber

Stabsfiihrer dreibi. gold.

Eichenlaub Ftihrerschnur:
schwarz-gold

HANDBOOK

ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATUON

Par.
35

35. Rank insignia of the political leaders (Dienstgradabzeichen der Politischen Leiter) .- a. Ortsgruppenleitung-Stiitzpunct
(Local headquarters).
PASPELIERUNG: HELLBLAU

SPIEGEL: HIELLBRAUJN.

Mitarbeiter

Amtsleiter

Blockleiter Stellenleiter:
1 slb. Winkel

Zellenleiter Hauptstellenleiter
2 slb. Winkel

Stiitzpunktleiter

Ortsgruppenleiter

b. Kreisleitung (county district headquarters).

SPIEGEL: DUNKELBRAIJN.

PASPELIERUNG: SCHWARZ

LAI
Mitarbeiter

Amtsleiter

Stellenleiter

IHauptstellenleiter

Hauptamtsleiter

Kreisleiter

c. Gauleitung (governmental district headquarters).

SPIEGEL: ROT.

PASPELIERUNG: ROT

GOLD SORRAFFIERT-SILBER WEISS

Mitarbeiter

Stellenleiter

63

Hauptstellenleiter

Par.
35

HANDBOOK

ON

GERMAN

mm'
Hlauptamtsleiter

Amtsleiter

d.

ARMY

IDENTIFICATION

Stellv. Gauleiter

Gauleiter

Reichsleitung (national headquarters).

SPIEGEL: KARMESINRtOT. PASPELIERUNG: GOLDGELB

schraffiert-Silber

Gold

Mitarbeiter

weiss

Hilfs-Stellenleiter

Amtsleiter

Haupt-Stellenleiter

Stellenleiter

Haupt-Amtsleiter

Reichsleiter

Haupt-Dienstliter

e. ,Parteigericht (party court).

SPIEGEL: BLAU. PASPELIERUNG: REICHSL. GOLD. GAUJR. ROT, KREISR. SCHWARZ

Kreiz-bzw.
Orts-Beisitzer

Kreis-bzw. O rtsrichter
Gau-Beisitzer:
zwei sulb Gardelitzen

Beisitzer bei~m Obersten Parteigericht

Gaurichter

Reichsleiter

Par.

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

War Department-The Military Intelligence Training Center-Camp Ritchie, Md.

35

APPENDIX

TRAFFIC SIGNS (VERKEHRSZEICHEN)

1. General.-a. The following pages contain some of the principal
means

employed by Germany

for the regulation of road traffic.

Included are(1)

An excerpt from the present German traffic law which regulates

traffic' throughout the Reich.

(2) Various German road and traffic signs.
(3) A road map showing the principal German highways.

(4) A list of symbols found on license tags of German automobiles.

Preceding individual registration numbers, these symbols designate
the district in which the vehicle has been registered.

b. The knowledge of these signs will be of great interest and value

whenever a district is entered which by occupation or otherwise has

previously been subjected to German administration.

2. New German traffic law.
DAS NEUE VERKEHRSRECHT
Die ReichsstraBenverkehrsordnung enthdlt die ausschlieflliche Regelung des
Strafenverkehrs, und wir geben nachstehend dieses neue Straflenverkehrsrecht
in Stichworten wieder:
I.

RECHTSGRUNDLAGEN:

Reichsstraflenverkehrsordnung
weisung vom 29.9. 1934.
II.

vom 28. 5.

1934 mit Ausfihrungsan-

AUSSER KRAFT GETRETEN:

Alle anderen wichtigen gesetzlichen Verkehrsvorschriften,

PreuB. Strallenverkehrsordnung vom 20. 3. 1934.

insbesondere

III. STRAFEN:

Geldstrafe bis zu 150,-RM oder Haft, auierdem bei Verstofi gegen St.
G. B. die des St. G. B.
IV.

A.
1.
2.
B.
1.
2.
3.

VERHALTEN DES KRAFTFAHRERS IM VERKEHR:

( 25-30 des Gesetzes und Erluterungen der Ausfuhrungsanweisung

dazu.)
Statt bisheriger Einzelvorschriften jetzt allgemeiner Grundsatz:
Jeder Teilnehmer am offentlichen Verkehr hat sich so zu verhalten, dafi er
keinen anderen schadigt oder
mehr, als nach den Umstanden unvermneidbar, behindert oder beldstigt.
Verkehrsregeln:
Ausreichende Sicht im Fahrzeug ffir den Fahrer;
Geschwindigkeit so, dafi notigenfalls rechtzeitig angehalten werden kann;
an Strallenbahnhaltestellenwahrend des Ein- und Aussteigens
a) langsam,
b) in angemessenem Abstand vorbeifahren,
c) notigenfalls anhalten;

App.

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATIO

4. Warnzeichen:
a) wenn andere Verkehrsteilnehmer gefahrdet werden konnen;
b) bei Absicht des Uberholens;
c) nicht, wenn Tiere beunruhigt werden;
d) Signale iberhaupt verboten, wenn anderer Zweck als Warnung.
5. Ein- und Ausfahrt nur so, dalf Gefahrdung des Strafenverkehrs ausgeschlossen ist.
6. Parken nicht zulassig
a) an engen Stralenstellen und in scharfen Stralenkriimmungen;
b) auf Geleisen;
c) weniger als 10 m vor oder hinter Kreuzungen und Einmundungen;
d) weniger als 5 m vor oder hinter Haltestellen;
e) an Verkehrsinseln;
f) vor Ein- und Ausfahrten;
g) auf der mittleren von 3 getrennten Fahrbahnen.
7. Anfahren und Halten nur rechts.
Ausnahme: bei Einbahnstrafien auch links.
8. Standiges Nebeneinanderfahrenverboten;
9. Scheinwerfer abblenden, wenn Sicherheit und Riicksicht es erfordert.
Ausnahme: keine Verpflichtung gegenliber Fufgingern;
10. Beim Verlassen des Kraftfahrzeuges:
a) zur Vermeidung von Unfallen und Verkehrsstorungen MalBnahmen
treffen;
b) zur Verhinderung unbefugter Benutzung ublicherweise hierfiir bestimmte Vorkehrungen in Wirksamkeit setzen.
11. Ausweichen und Uberholen:
a) rechts ausweichen, links iiberholen;
b) nicht vorgeschrieben, standig rechte Seite einzuhalten. Vorsorglich
rechte Seite einhalten, wenn Ausweichen oder tberholen bevorstehen
kann;
c) jeder nur fur eine Verkehrsart bestimmte Weg und Sommerweg gelten
als selbstandige StraBe;
d) bei uniibersichtlichen Strecken atuBerste rechte Seite der Fahrbahn
einhalten;
e) ist bei Begegnungen Ausweichen unmoglich, Pflicht der Umkehr fiir
den, dem dies nach den Umstanden am ehesten zuzumuten.
MaBgebend hierfiir zunichst fahrtechnische M6glichkeit, ferner Verkehrsbedeutung.
Bevorrechtigte Fahrzeuge mit mehreren Insassen und regelmafige Fahrzeuge im offentlichen Linienverkehr.
f) Schienenfahrzeugen gegeniiber
links ausweichen, wenn aus Raummangel nicht rechts ausgewichen
werden kann;
wenn rechts iiberholen aus Raummangel nicht m6glich, links fiberholen gestattet;
in Einbahnstralen rechts oder links iiberholen;
g) Verhalten des Eingeholten beim Uberholen:
Einhalten der aufersten rechten Seite,
erkennen geben, dali er zum Uberholenlassen bereit sei; hierzu genigt
deutliches Einhalten der dulersten rechten Seite.
Uberholender ist nicht verpflichtet, Zeichen des Eingeholten abzuwarten.

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATTON

App.

12. Vorfahrtrecht.
a) Grundsatzlich bevorrechtigt, wer von recht? kommt.
b) Kraftfahrzeuge und Schienenfahrzeuge untereinander gleichberechtigt,
aber bevorrechtigt vor anderen Verkehrsteilnehmern.
c) Vorfahrtrecht fur alle Verkehrsteilnehmer auf besonders gekennzeichneten Hauptverkehrsstralen.
Ausnahmen: andere Regelung durch amtliche Verkehrszeichen.
d) Will jemand die Richtung eines anderen ihm auf derselben Strafle
begegnenden kreuzen, ist der andere bevorrechtigt.
e) Vorfahrtrecht nicht, wenn sonst Bevorrechtigter an Kreuzung eintrifft,
wahrend langsam beweglicher Verkehrsteilnehmer sich dort befindet
und zur Gewihrung der Vorfahrt halten miiBte.
f) Richtungsinderung oder Anhalten ist anderen Verkehrsteilnehmern
anzuzeigen.
Gilt auch fur Radfahrer, aber nicht fur Fufiganger auf Fulwegen.
13. Weisungen und Zeichen der Polizei
haben grundsatzlich Vorrang vor
allgemeinen Verkehrsregeln,
ortlichen Sonderregeln, die durch amtliche Verkehrszeichen angezeigt
sind.
Zeichen der Polizeibeamten:
Winken in Verkehrsrichtung: ,,Strale frei".
Hochheben eines Armes:
Fiir Verkehrsteilnehmer
in vorher gesperrter Richtung: ,,Achtung",
in vorher freier Richtung: ,,Anhalten",
in der Kreuzung: ,,Kreuzung frei".
Seitliches Ausstrecken eines Armes oder beider Arme quer zur Verkehrsrichtung: ,,Halten",
in der Verkehrsrichtung: ,,Stralle frei".
Farbzeichen:
Grtin: ,,Strale frei",
gelb: ,,Achtung" oder ,,Anhalten" oder ,,Kreuzung frei",
rot: ,,Halt".
Anmerkung: Einbiegen bei ,,StraBe frei" und ,,Kreuzung frei" zulissig.
Ausnahme: Nach links auf ,,StraBe frei" nur, wenn Verkehr nicht gestort
wird.
14. Sonderrechte.
a) Wehrmacht, Polizei, Feuerwehr, soweit in Erfullung ihrer hoheitlichen
Aufgaben, von Einhaltung der Vorschriften befreit.
b) Geschlossene Verbinde der' Wehrmacht, Polizei, NSDAP. und ihrer
Untergliederungen, Leichenziige, Prozessionen diirfen weder unterbrochen noch sonst in ihrer Bewegung gehemmt werden.
c) Wegerechtsfahrzeuge, d. h. Fahrzeuge, die zur Erfiillung offentlicher
oder dem Gemeinwohl dienenden Aufgaben freie Bahn brauchen, z. B.
Mannschaftswagen der Polizei, Straflenreinigungsmaschinen, ist Platz
zu machen.
V.

WICHTIGSTE VORSCHRIFTEN FUR ANDERE VERKEHRSTEILNEHMER.

A. Radfahrer.
1. Ausriistung:
a) ausreichende Bremse,
b) helltonende Glocke,
69

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

App.

2.

B.
1.

2.

C.

-D.

c) Riickstrahler,
d) Lampen dirfen nicht blenden,
e) Lichtkegel der Lampe mul geneigt sein.
Verhalten:
a) Richtungsdnderung oder Anhalten ist anderen Verkehrsteilnehmern
anzuzeigen (27, Abs. 3),
b) Lenkstange nicht loslassen, FiiBe nicht von der Tretkurbel entfernen,
c) Anhangen verboten,
d) einzeln hintereinander fahren, wenn Verkehr sonst behindert werden
wiirde.
e) Anbinden von Handwagen an Fahrrader verboten,
f) Fiihren von Pferden und Vieh von fahrenden Fahrradern aus verboten,
g) Pflicht zur Benutzung der Radfahrwege.
Fuhrwerk.
Ausriistung:
a) leicht lenkbar, so gebaut und ausgerustet, dal verkehrstiblicher
Betrieb niemand schadigt oder mehr als unvermeidbar behindert oder
belistigt;
b) Bremse,
c) Riickstrahler,
d) Lampe darf nicht blenden.
Verhalten:
a) bespanntes Fuhrwerk darf nicht unbeaufsichtigt stehen,
b) unbespanntes Fuhrwerk darf bei Dunkelheit oder starkem Nebel nur
stehen, wenn Deichsel hochgeschlagen, abgenommen oder an Spitze
beleuchtet ist.
Personen.
a) Wer infolge korperlicher oder geistiger Mingel sich nicht sicher bewegen kann, darf am Verkehr nur teilnehmen, wenn in geeigneter
Weise Vorsorge getroffen.ist, daf1 er andere nicht gefahrdet;
b) Fahrbahnen und Radfahrwege auf kiirzestem Wege und ohne Aufenthalt iiberschreiten.
An Stralienkreuzungen mit bezeichneten Ubergangen ausschliellich
diese benutzen.
Strafenbahnwagen und Omnibusse nur an den Haltestellen betreten
und verlassen.
Tiere.
Miissen im Verkehr geeigneten Filhrer haben, der ausreichend auf sie
einwirken kann.
Erweist sich jemand als ungeeignet zum Fiihren von Tieren, so hat Verwaltungsbehorde ihm deren Fiihren zu untersagen oder Bedingungen zu
stellen.

VERHALTEN BEI ZUSAMMENSTOIIEN ODER ANDEREN

VERKEHRSUNFALLEN.

An Ort und Stelle feststellen und aufschreiben:

Genaue Zeit,
Name, Anschrift, Fahrzeugnummer aller Beteiligten,
Name, Anschrift, Fahrzeugnummer etwaiger Zeugen,
Bremsspuren,
Witterungsverhiltnisse, Sicht.(Regen, Nebel),
Beschaffenheit der Strafle (Schlaglocher, Art der Pflasterung), Witterungseinfliusse auf die Strale (Rogen, Glatteis).
7. Fahrgeschwindigkeit aller Beteiligten,

A.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

7O

COAl)

O D

CD

CDJ

CD

CD

CD

0:

'

co

CD

~CD
c
CD

CD~o

CD

CD

(CD

CD
CD
td

CD a

CD

P
CD

Map of the German Reich

CD

CD

App.

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

3. Signs for permanent blockings.

*Su"

mu. .

Closed for bicycles and

motorcycles

Closed for motor vehicles except

motorcycles

Closed for motor vehicles of all

kinds

urcClosed
forthr

werboten

Closed for motor vehicles over

5.5 tons total weight

Closed for vehicles of all kinds

Closed for through traffic

(In case the points are replaced by rings, it indicates a blocking for Sundays and holidays only.)

4. Warning signs on railway crossings in territory of German

"Reich" Railroad.

Railroad crossing with gates

One track railroad crossing

without gates

Multiple railroad crossing

without gates

HANDBOOK ON

GERMAN

ARMY

IDENTIFICATION

App.

5. Traffic signs.-a. General.

Closed for motorcars

Bicycle track

No stopping

.Closed for motorcycles

Maximum weight

No parking

Closed for vehicles over

6 feet 6 inches wide

Maximum speed

b. Traffic directions.

To the right

Turn to the right

One-way street

Turn to the right or straight on

Straight on

Sign to stop at customs stations

c. Indication signs.

Parking place

Caution

73

First-aid station

App.

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

d. Warning signs.

Cross gutter

Curve

Cross road

Caution, dangerous
point

Observe the right of

precedence in the
main streets

Level crossing without gates

Closed for vehicles of

all kinds

One-way street

Level crossing with gates

Closed for motorcars

Main road

Closed for motorcycles

HANDBOOK ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

A
App.

6. Kennzeichen fir Kraftfahrzeuge im Deutschen Reiche

(symbols for motor vehicles in the German Reich).
Wehrmacht: WH Heer, WM Marine, WL Luftwaffe Behorden:
SS-Verfiigungstruppe, SS-Wachtruppe, RP ReichsPol Polizei, I=
post, DR Reichsbahn
PREUIEN:
IA Landespolizeibezirk Berlin
IB Prov. Grenzmark (PosenWestpreul3en)
IC Prov. Ostpreul en
IE Prov. Brandenburg
IH Prov. Pommern
IK Prov. Nieder- und' Oberschlesien

IL
IM
IP
IS
IT
IX
IY
IZ

Reg.-Bez. Sigmaringen
Prov. Sachsen
Prov. Schlesw.-Holst.
Prov. Hannover
Prov. Hessen-Nassau
Prov. Westfalen
Reg.-Bez. Diisseldorf
Rheinprovinz

BAYERN:
IIA
IIB
IIC
IID
IIE

Stadtbezirk Miinchen
Oberbayern
Niederbayern
Pfalz
Oberpfalz

IIH
IIN
IIS
IIU
IIZ

Oberfranken
Stadtbezirk Niirnberg
Ubriges Mittelfranken
Unterfranken
Schwaben-Neuburg

OSTMARK:
E Tirol
A oder V Polizeidirektion Wien
F Karnten
K Polizeidirektion Graz
H1 Steiermark ohne Graz
L Polizeidirektion Linz
W Vorarlberg
B Niederdonau
M Burgenland
C Oberdonau ohne Linz
D Salzburg
SACHSEN:
I
II
III
IV
V

fiir
fiir
fir
fur
fur

die
die
die
die
die

Kreishauptmannschaft
Kreishauptmannschaft
Kreishauptmannschaft
Kreishauptmannschaft
Kreishauptmannschaft

Bautzen
Dresden
Leipzig
Chemnitz
Zwickau

WURTTEMBERG:
IIIA
IIIC,
IIIH,
IIIP,
IIIX,

Stuttgart
D, E fiir den fibrigen Neckarkreis
K, M fur den Schwarzwaldkreis
S, T fuir den Jagdkreis
Y, Z fiir den Donaukreis

App.

A
IVB
B
HB
HH
VH

HANDBOOK

ON GERMAN ARMY IDENTIFICATION

L
M
OI
SL
Saar
Th

Anhalt
Baden
Braunschweig
Bremen
Hamburg
Hessen

Lippe
MecKlenburg
Oldenburg
Schaumburg-Lippe
Saargebiet
Thiiringen

FAHRVORSCHRIFTEN EUROPAISCHER LANDER.

RECHTS FAHREN, RECHTS AUSWEICHEN, LINKS
UBERHOLEN:
Belgien
Bulgarien
Danemark
Danzig
Deutschland
Estland
Finnland
Frankreich
Griechenland
Italien

Jugoslavien
Lettland
Liechtenstein
Litauen
Luxemburg
Monaco

Niederlande
Norwegen
Polen
Portugal

Ruminien
Rulland
Schweiz
Die schweiz. Postautos (gelbe Farbe)
weichen auf Bergstral3en nach der
Bergseite hinaus.
Spanien
Tiirkei

LINKS FAHREN, LINKS AUSWEICHEN, RECHTS

UBERHOLEN:
Grolbritannien, Irland, Schweden, Tschechoslowakei, Ungarn.

.HANDBOOK

ON

GERMAN

ARMY IDENTIFICATION

App.

NATIONALITATSZEICHEN FUR KRAFTFAHRZEUGE.

B
BG
BR
C
CH
CO
CS
D
DA
DK
E
ET
EW
F
FL
GB

Belgien
Bulgarien
Brasilien
Cuba
Schweiz
Columbien

IR
L
LR
LT
MC
N
Tschechoslowakei
NL
Deutschland
P
PA
Danzig
Danemark
PE
PL
Spanien
R
Agypten
Estland
RC
Frankreich u. Kolonien
S
Liechtenstein
SE
Grol3britannien und Nord- SF
Irland
SL
GBY Malta
SU
GBZ Gibraltar
TR
Griechenland
US
GR
H
V
Ungarn
I
Italien
Y

Iran
Luxemburg
Lettland
Litauen
Monaco
Norwegen
Niederlande
Portugal
Panama
Peru
Polen
Ruminien
China
Schweden
Irischer Freistaat
Finnland
Syrien und Libanon
Rui3land (U. d. S. S. R.)
Tiirkei
Ver. St. v. Nordam.
Vatikan
Jugoslavien

[A. G. 062.11 (2-11-43).]

BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR:

G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staf.
OFFICIAL:

J. A. ULIO,
Major General,
The Adjutant General.

77
U. S. GOVERNMENT
PRINTINGOFFICE: 1943