Late war 1943-1945
This period saw the greatest amount of variation in uniforms. The M43 tunic had straight pocket flaps and lacked the pocket pleating of previous models. The M43 keilhose trousers were of much better design and were intended to be worn with the ankle boots and gaiters introduced in early 1943 and therefore had a tapered ankle. The M42 helmet had a wide rim round the edge, rather than being curled under as on earlier types.
Camouflage smocks had also undergone a slight redesign and now had skirt pockets and foliage loops sewn into the shoulders, and into the helmet covers. By late 1943 herringbone twill garments were being issued, most famously the camouflage two piece suit, which replaced the various fatigue uniforms and the camouflage smocks. This was initially made in oakleaf, but more commonly found in the famous �erbsenmuster� or pea pattern camouflage.
In 1944, a new design of tunic modelled on the British battledress appeared. This lacked the long skirt and lower pockets of earlier tunics. Insignia had also been simplified and was by now usually machine-woven rather than hand-embroidered. Cuff-titles were very seldom seen on the M44 tunic.
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