Flächentarn (patterned camouflage) uniform & equipment.

[Jack59]

Hi everyone, I'm happy to present you a version of a lightly equipped NVA soldier from the mid 60s. Flächentarn (patterned camouflage) was introduced into the NVA in 1958. It was the earliest camouflage pattern masse issued. Most of the equipment gear used the Flächentarn pattern as well, an innovation then, now a wide spread practice. Production stopped around 1971.

Jacket manufactured I/63, trousers I/64.


Equipment set up hasn't changed much since WW1.


Trousers knee reinforcement & nice view of the camo pattern.


The gas mask & it's accessories bag was carried on the left side. These trousers lower pockets are pleated, manufactured intermittently between 1962 to 1965.


Shovel style hardly changed since the original Modell 1874.


View of how the folded hood holds with a buttoned strap.
A smaller sewed brown button should hold it. Not a grey 20mm.
Shoulder boards: How to install NVA camo uniforms shoulder boards in 7 steps.


Unfolded hood.


Hood over the helmet with unfolded face veal.
Note: The last hooded jackets were issued in 1964.


The bayonet Modell 47 is an unique design being an improvisation, originally the AK 47 was not design to hold a bayonet until a change of mind at the last minute!
East Germany produced the Modell 47 bayonet from 1959–1965.
The example seen here is similar but not accurate for the time period, having been refurbished in the 70s or 80s.


3 mag AK 47 pouch.
Note that the hood drawstring is not original,
should be a round cotton type. To be replaced.


These WW 2 inspired ammo pouches could take the full combat set of first line ammo (150 rounds in 5 magazines + the 30 rounds fitted in the AK magazine).
The main problem for soldiers with this model of pouches was to open when new & to keep them closed when older.




Another innovation on the jacket was the sleeve pockets, easing getting small things usually buried under the equipment. Unfortunately somebody cut holes for the buttons on the sleeve pocket flaps! On this original I/63 model the buttons should not be seen. They should normally attach under the pocket flap, not trough them!


Original button holes.

[Anderson]

Great display Jack.

[cvrwdvr]

Excellent set-up.
Am I correct in believing that these trousers with the bellows pockets on the legs were exclusive to to the Grenztruppen ?

[Jack59]

Am I correct in believing that these trousers with the bellows pockets on the legs were exclusive to to the Grenztruppen ?

Hi cvrwdvr, thanks for your interest & comments. I figured the trousers bellow pockets were different & wasn't able to find info yet. You just provided me a good lead that could also explained the two mag ammo pouch being also used by the Grenztruppen. I doubt they always carried the gas mask on them or did they? Something to research, keep an eye on the thread for updates. Jack

[baerchen]

Excellent set-up.
Am I correct in believing that these trousers with the bellows pockets on the legs were exclusive to to the Grenztruppen ?

Hello,

the Flächentarn uniform patterns were not exclusive to Grenztruppen, but all armed forces in the GDR had them between 1957 and 1971. The uniform was worn above the normal uniform jacket and pants as camouflage. Every year and sometimes even within the year the uniforms changed slightly and it is easy to identify them.

IMHO , you got the pouches right, the gas mask bag went left and the ammo pouch went right.

[Jack59]

Hi baerchen, thanks for your comments, you are right many organisations sharred the Flächentarn uniforms.

Am I correct in believing that these trousers with the bellows pockets on the legs were exclusive to to the Grenztruppen ?

Now, for the pleated pockets trousers. Manufactured with proof: I/64, III/64 & I/65. The reason for their limited production is unknown to me.

[Eschborn]

Hello ,
be careful, it's a little more complex than that (like everything concerning the NVA) ... indeed, the pockets are more widespread during this transition period, but they already existed in I/64, I have a copy , I will try to take pictures.

[Jack59]

Hello , be careful, it's a little more complex than that (like everything concerning the NVA) ... indeed, the pockets are more widespread during this transition period, but they already existed in I/64, I have a copy , I will try to take pictures.

Hi Heschborn, thanks for your comment, indeed complex it is! You are right about the manufactured trousers I/64, I discovered it right under my nose! Will update the post .


For the curious: NVA Tarnuniformen - NVA-Tarnuniformen

[Sleepwalker]

Hello,

a nice set.

could you introduce the bayonet and the helmet cover in more detail.

I also have an unofficial cover made from uniform fabric.

A tip about the display: no separate helmet covers were issued for jackets with firmly sewn hoods. This only happened with the jackets without a firmly sewn hood... the jackets of the "collar series".

[Jack59]

I will now present the individual equipment seen earlier. This way we can see more details.

Lets start with the ammo pouches, inspired by the MP40 & STG44 ammo pouches.




Initially 2 different pouches were issued, one for three AK47 mags & the other one only two (because of the gas mask bag?) Eventually the 3 mags pouches seem to have been the more often one used.
The closing & opening of the pouches was often difficult, missing a strap to be efficient.


The attachments provided a support for the weight & an angle position of the pouches to help access.

More magazines pouches info: Flächentarn (patterned camouflage) uniform & equipment.



For the individual shovel, please see:NVA entrenching tools.

Here are the two different belt buckles I have.




Two different Y straps. The earlier
model of the two is on the left side.




Example of water canteens.
This one seems to be a late model, because of the spot
welded strap loop & handles bracket. The strap
is made of some kind of laminated grey vinyl. Grey painted cup.




The plastic canteen holds 0.65 liter. ID: Preta 2603 under it.




Strap lamination.








Two previous types:
Crossed stitching cover, a cup without handles
& the camo pattern are an indication of an early type.






This version as handles, thin black leather laminated with vinyl strap.
The bottom of the cover is crossed stitching.
Riveted strap loop & handles bracket, green-grey painted cup.






Don't forget, canteen parts could & have been interchanged over time.

The bayonet was the Modell 47, a copy of the soviet 6X2 AK 47 bayonet manufactured in DDR from 1959 to 1965.
The reason for the unusual grip and second partial muzzle ring was that the bayonet was an afterthought, the AK47 not being initially designed to accept a bayonet.


The uniqueness of this bayonet is that it clips itself on the front of the barrel.


On a closer look most Modell 47 bayonets have an electro pencil serial number on the crosspiece. Mine as not, eventually sold as surplus to the USA & etched MFG GERMANY on the blade in the process. Electro pencil example on bayonet:


The German manufactured bayonet could be easily identified with its plastic black grip. Before being manufactured in DDR, the NVA used the Russian AK47 bayonets, easely recognizable with its brown wooden grips.