The Feld Division Impression

The Feld Division (Luftwaffe) impression follows the standard Heer requirements, with the added bonus of mixing in Luftwaffe issued items. With the FD(L) coming under control of the Heer in late 1943, a new recruit would be issued gear that followed regular Army supply doctrine. However, if he was already part of a Luftwaffe FD prior to the command change, he would have kept most of his Lufwaffe issued uniform and gear. If an item needed to be replaced, the Heer equivalent would have been issued.

His uniform would probably consist of a fieldgray M43 tunic and a pair of M43 Kielhosen trousers. His headwear would most likely be a M42 helmet with a M43 wool cap, both in fieldgray. Standard issue low boots, canvas gaiters, and field gear would round out his uniform and kit. Some of these items may be in Luftwaffe fieldblue wool (such as the M43 cap) or blue canvas (such as the breadbag or gaiters) depending on the Soldaten's prior service. If he was lucky, he might have acquired a camouflaged Felddivision field jacket before the command switch.

Insignia could be all Heer, or a mixture of Heer and Luftwaffe. Again, this would depend on when he joined the Feld Divisions. Service awards would also follow suit.

Weapons used by the FD(L) were similar to those used by the Heer. The ubiquitous Mauser K98k rifle being the most common weapon issued to the troops. Hand grenades and anti-tank weapons were also distributed to the FD(L).

Feld Division (L) in Kampfgruppe 272

Uniform & Gear

Awards

Rank

A Short History of the Luftwaffe Feld Division

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.