Feld Division (Luftwaffe)

A Short History of the FD(L)

The Luftwaffe Feld Divisions began in 1942 in an attempt to provide more ground troops for the various fronts that Germany was fighting on, especially the Eastern Front. By July 1, 1943, twenty two divisions were created from Luftwaffe personnel. Unfortunately, their training and equipment were totally inadequate, and the FD troops suffered catastrophic losses in the field. In November of 1943, the Heer took command of all the FD divisions and renamed them Feld Divisions (Luftwaffe). Now under Army control, the FD(L) were reorganized as Army divisions following the new 1944 infantry division model. The chain of command was also reshuffled by replacing Luftwaffe officers with Heer ones. However, even with these significant changes, the FD(L) were still plagued by obsolete equipment and a lack of motorized vehicles. Many of the divisions were destroyed in combat, with survivors being transferred to neighboring Heer and SS units. By May 1945, only four divisions were still in viable shape. Approximately 200,000 men joined the Feld Divisions during the war.

Uniform and Equipment for the FD(L) Impression

Uniform
1. A woolen Heer feldgraü Feldbuse or a Luftwaffe feldblaü Fliegerbluse. Although all models of the Heer Feldbluse may be worn, wear of the M36 and M40 models are discouraged among all members except NCOs.
2. Trousers may be either the woolen straight leg M36 pattern in feldblaü or the M43 Kielhosen in feldgraü.
3. A grey or feldgraü undershirt.
4. Grey woolen socks.
5. Jackboots or low boots with Gemaschen may be worn. If canvas Gemaschen are to be used, they may be either Heer green or Luftwaffe blue.

Headgear
1. The steel helmet may be in any pattern - M35, M40 or M42. It may be either Luftwaffe blue or Heer green, decaled or not. The helmet may be properly camouflaged with a splinter helmet cover, camo paint, chickenwire, netting, bailing wire, breadbag strap, or other appropriate means of affixing foliage to the crown.
2. The Luftwaffe overseas cap in feldblaü or M43 cap in either feldblaü or feldgraü are authorized for wear. Heer insignia may be worn on the feldgraü M43 cap.

Insignia
Under the guidelines established by the Luftwaffe in 1942 for its forming divisions, Jäger regiments wore Jäger green collartabs and piped shoulderstraps. By late 1943, with the incorporation of the Luftwaffe FD into the Heer command structure, the color of shoulderstrap piping was changed to white in order to conform with existing Heer standards for infantry. The following guidelines should be used when adding insignia to your uniform:
1. Shoulderstraps may be piped in either white or jäger green. When wearing the Fliegerbluse, preference should be given to the wear of Jäger green as it will reflect that the tunic was issued to you prior to the incorporation of the Luftwaffe FD into the Heer. Either white or green piped shoulderstraps may be worn with the Heer tunics.
2. Luftwaffe collartabs are to be worn only with the Fliegerbluse.
3. The Luftwaffe breasteagle backed in feldblaü may only be worn on the Fliegerbluse. Heer insignia may be worn on the feldgraü Feldbluse.

Camouflage
In most instances, camouflage was provided by the standard splinter pattern Zeltbahn. However, the Luftwaffe field jacket in splinter pattern was also uniquely identified with these units. Heer splinter smocks should be avoided since only a very limited number were issued to FD troops.

Field Gear
1. Breadbag in either Luftwaffe blue or Heer green.
2. Canteen in brown wool.
3. Load bearing equipment including Y straps and belt with Luftwaffe or Heer buckle. The belt and Y straps may be in black leather, brown leather or webbing. The Y straps may be either heavy or light weights. The wear of an A frame is optional.
3. Bayonet, scabbard and frog in either brown leather, black leather or webbing.
4. Entrenching tool (straight or folding) in either brown or black leather carrier.
5. Ammo pouches appropriate for your weapon. K98k pouches may be in either brown or black leather. G43 pouches may be in either leather or canvas. Otherwise, pouches should be in canvas.
6. Messtin in Heer issue green or unpainted aluminum.
7. Gasmask canister in either Heer green or Luftwaffe blue.
8. Splinter pattern Zeltbahn for use as shelter and camouflage.

Note: The mixing of Luftwaffe blue canvas and brown leather equipment with Heer green canvas and black leather equipment is encouraged.

Weapons
1. Standard K98k rifle.
2. Rifle grenade launcher for the above.
3. MP38 or MP40 submachinegun.
4. G41 or G43 semi-automatic rifle.
5. MG15, MG34 or MG42 machinegun.
6. M24, M39 egg, or M43 hand grenades.
7. Panzerfaust or Panzerschreck.

Note: Pistols may be carried by squad leaders, machinegunners, and medics. No captured weapons are permitted at anytime unless authorized by the unit leader.