Hitlerjugend
Part 1: Uniform
A) HEADWEAR
Helmet
Stahlhelm
Any model of WW2 German helmet may be worn, but the M42 model is preferred. These helmets may be painted in plain field grey or camo (sprayed sand/green or mud mixed in paint). One of our members can camo paint your helmet for you, at a low price. If you have an interest in this, please contact Zac. When painted field grey, then single SS decals may be worn on the right side of the helmet. The helmets may be worn with or without any type of SS Camouflage Helmet Cover.

Caps
Feldmütze
The 12 th had during the Normandy campaign only M40 side caps at their disposal. The M43 caps weren't issued until the Ardennes offensive. We therefore prefer the M40 over the M43. However, in the summer a M43 may be more comfortable. Obtaining an M43 or a camo cap, is therefore acceptable.
All Waffen SS members were issued one M40 side cap in field grey. Once you've got that you can consider M43 caps and/or camo caps in any SS Camo, but bear in mind that they were very scarce by 1944. Therefore Italian caps are by far the best choice. Do not buy 'Dot' camo caps. They never existed and are just an excuse for unscrupulous dealers to make more money out of you!


B) FIELD GREY UNIFORM
Tunics
Rock
M40 or M43 Tunics are to be worn in the 12th.

Trousers
Feldhosen
You may either wear the M37 or the M43 trousers, but we strongly recommend the M43 one. This is because they are handier, more comfy and more commonly worn in the time that we represent.
Braces
Hosenträger 		M37 Trousers M43 Trousers

Shirts
Hemd
Purpose-made repro shirts are available from all the main suppliers. West German pullover shirts are also suitable. Shoulder boards may be worn on shirts.

Shoulder Board / Epaulette
Black with white piping (Paspielierung/Waffenfarbe).


C) CAMOUFLAGE AND WINTERWEAR
Camouflage Smocks
Tarnjacke
The 25th Regiment of the 12th were possibly only issued with smocks. The Burred Edge model was the most common and we highly recommend that one. The Palm Tree model was however also worn, and nowadays easier to come by. Oakleaf models aren't allowed in the 12th.
M40 Palm Tree Smock M40 Burred Edge Smock

Italian Trousers
We recommend and prefer that you obtain them instead of dot trousers. Italian camo is only to be worn by members of the 12th, and it sets us apart from any other group. They are also handier is use. The can be obtained here: http://www.richardaunderwood.com , http://militaria-net.co.uk . Please ensure you buy square-legged 'baggy' ones with no pocket flaps over the top pockets and just one (or no) pocket on the thigh. The others are 'Panzer' trousers and are not to be worn with Infantry Uniforms.

Oakleaf smocks are forbidden within the 12th !
Oakleaf A M42 Smock Oakleaf A M40 Smock

Dot tunics and trousers were only initially issued to the 26th regiment of the 12th. Since we portray the 25th regiment, we shouldn't possibly wear them. There is however enough evidence that members of the 25th regiment did wear dot so it is therefore not forbidden within our group, but we do not promote it. We prefer smocks and Italian trousers.
M43 Dot Jacket M43 Dot Trousers

Note: Only high ranking Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO's) are allowed to wear the Italian tunic. Enlisted Men (EM) are to wear smocks. In the photo below you see three high ranking NCO's at the back and three EM and low ranking NCO's in the front.

Parkas
Any SS camo pattern or mouse grey two piece winter suits or mouse grey parkas may be worn.

Greatcoat
Mantel
M36 or M40 Field grey greatcoats. Shoulder boards and SS sleeve eagles must be worn on greatcoats. No collar patches or cuff titles are allowed on the greatcoat.


D) FOOTWEAR
Ankle Boots with Gaiters
Stiefel mit Gemaschen
Swedish ankle boots are ideal, but modern British DMS boots are ok when you start. We however prefer reproduction German ankle boots or the early Bundeswehr ankle boots. The best ones are obtained here: www.zeugmeisterei.com . Mountain boots would be ideal, but not a necessity. Do not wear boots with stitched 'toecaps'.
Low Ankle Boots Mountain Boots
Gaiters

Jackboots
Marschstiefel
Do not wear 'jackboots' . Jackboots were seldom seen in the HJ and we portray 'the rule' rather than 'the exception'. Jackboots are only worn by senior NCO's (Unterscharfuhrer and above).
Also, be sure to check out these websites:

www.epicmilitaria.co.uk Kompanie 1 members get a 10% discount here, good insignia.
www.sofmilitary.co.uk Kompanie 1 members get a 10% discount here.
www.nicholasmorigi.com Good stuff.

Kompanie 1 © 1997-2008 All photographs on this site were taken by and are copyright of Kompanie 1 members.
Due to the nature of the photographs, some of the people and vehicles involved may be from other groups.