Uniforms of the Luftwaffe (1935–1945)
The Luftwaffe was the air force of Nazi Germany prior to and during World War II. Luftwaffe styles of uniform and rank insignia had many unique features between 1935 and 1945. By Hitler's decision on February 26, 1935, the Luftwaffe was to be officially the third branch of the Wehrmacht as of March 1, 1935. The new Luftwaffe was faced with the problem of uniforms, as they wanted a uniform distinct from those of the other two branches of the Wehrmacht and also wanted a clear differentiation in dress of military and civilian flyers.
Edgar Petersen wearing white tunic uniform
Fallschirmjäger Dr. Bruno Sassen wearing a Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger helmet
WW2 German air force uniforms officers and enlisted men Illustration: "Handbook On German Military Forces" (US War Department, 1943)
WW2 German Air force uniforms: miscellaneous Illustration: "Handbook On German Military Forces" (US War Department, 1943)
The Denison smock was a coverall jacket issued to Special Operations Executive (SOE) agents, the Parachute Regiment, the Glider Pilot Regiment, Air Landing Regiments, air observation post squadrons, Commando units, and other Commonwealth airborne units, to wear over their Battle Dress uniform during the Second World War. The garment was also issued as standard to the scout and sniper platoons of line infantry battalions.
Canadian Sniper Sgt Harold Marshall wearing a Denison smock.
British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery wearing a Windak smock
One of the WWII Denison patterns in a Norwegian museum
5/6 June 1944. Pathfinder officers synchronising their watches in front of an Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle before flying into battle in Normandy. They all wear 2nd Pattern Denison smocks
