SOS Visors

[Duff]

So I think I jacked up my reply.

One is a Lufthansa cap and the other is the Sea rescue like noted above. Confirmed with a very reputable collector sitting next to me right now.

You boys are correct.

[wiki]

Thought I would add more---Am I a visor guy or what?

[Wilhelm Saris]

The white topped visored cap for the Deutsche Lufthansa as shown with the first post, is not just wartime.



With the insignia as shown, it was already in use at least since spring 1935. It is described in the dress-regulation
from April 1935 (Bekleidungsordnung der Deutschen Lufthansa Aktiengesellschaft). The white top was allowed
to be worn between May 1 and September 30.

The cap was not only worn by pilots, but technicians also. Shown is pilot (Flugkapitän) Robert Untucht. He was a
well-known Heinkel-pilot; the second photo shows the radio-officer (Oberfunkermachinist) Heinrich Papenhagen
when he did reach his honorary insignia for 2 million flight-kilometers.



The use of the white cap already came into being in at least 1930.

All of this and more you can read about in my in 1999 released book:
Deutsche Lufthansa, 1926-1945 (Geschichte-Bekleidung-Abzeichen).



In fact the shown symbol is the 3rd form of insignia for the headgear. The versions one and two are shown here for a
better understanding:

[HPL2008]

I would have thought that an air-sea rescue organization would just wear regular luft uniforms.

No, as these weren't airmen, but seafaring civilian employees of the Luftwaffe.

[Wilhelm Saris]

No, as these weren't airmen, but seafaring civilian employees of the Luftwaffe.

Maybe a photograph helps:


Photo: courtesy Bernd Wedeking

The crew did wear a navy-like dress. They served at the Seenotdienst, which were connected to the
Seefiegerhorstflugsicherung at the special Flugsicherungs-ships