Early war 1940-1941
The Totenkopf division went into battle in France wearing the basic M36 or M40 tunic and trousers, with early war insignia. This comprised shoulder boards, arm eagle and collar tabs. Many troops at this time wore mirrored or double totenkopf collar tabs, either horizontal or vertical, although this was officially discontinued in May 1940, they continued to be worn long afterwards and were even seen in Russia. Cuff-titles were not widespread at this time. Many troops removed unique insignia to prevent identification of the unit by the enemy. Camouflage smocks and helmet covers were sometimes worn when in combat, but had not reached all troops at this stage. These were early pattern garments with slash pockets in the chest, and were usually seen in palmenmuster or plane tree camouflage. Y-straps were not common in the French Campaign and it is thought they were not widely issued (if at all) until after the French campaign was over.
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