Army Service Uniform - Dienstanzug Heer

[Proud Kraut]

Let´s start a topic about the German Bundeswehr Army service uniform, called Dienstanzug.

 

When the new Bundeswehr was established in 1955 it was intended to discontinue Wehrmacht military tradition. So for several more reasons the first Western German uniforms looked more civilian than military.

 

Here´s a very early example of a short tunic, called "Dienstbluse" worn by NCO and enlisted mainly. It has early metal artillery branch insignia which looked very similar to U.S. ones. These were replaced by the Kragenspiegel in 1957. The only decorating element is an antique gold collar braid.

The rank is Oberstabsfeldwebel. The color of the uniform is "schiefergrau" (slate gray, RAL 7015). Trousers and headgear had exactly the same color. Officers wore a longer double-breasted tunic.

 

These uniforms (named by the soldiers "Affenjacke" / monkey jacket) were absolute disliked by the troops and replaced by the four pockets tunics in 1957/58.

 

[usmedalman]

Thanks for posting this. I have never heard of this jacket before. It must be a very rare item indeed.

[Proud Kraut]

Yes indeed, these have become harder to find the last years.

 

In the late 1950´s these uniforms were replaced by the new 4-pocket tunic. The color was a bit lighter while the trousers were darker, nearly black. From 1962 until the late 1960´s the trousers were made with branch colored "Biesen" (tucks?). In 1962 shoulder sleeve insignia were introduced for the service uniform only. The tunic received cuffs and dark silver buttons. Here´s a private purchased tunic of an artillery Oberstleutnant (LtCol.) assigned to III. Corps.

 

[Proud Kraut]

In 1962 a new uniform for officeres and Senior NCO was introduced, the white summer tunic (Sommerrock, weiss). These tunics weren´t issued by the Bw, Officers and NCOs had to buy them at the Kleiderkasse. Regulations allowed the wear from April, 1st until October, 31st within military installations. The summer tunic was worn with rank insignia only, no SSI or cuff titles etc. The so called "Eisverkaeufer" (iceman) or Kasino tunic was discontinued in the 1970´s for several reasons.

 

[Proud Kraut]

The Bw summer tunic without liner wasn´t a new idea at all. For comparison I´m adding a picture of the Wehrmacht summer tunic.

 

 

[SARGE]

And, here is a period photo of the white tunic in wear by a Heer Feldgendarm NCO during WWII.  

 

 

[Proud Kraut]

Thanks for adding this picture, Sarge!

[snake36bravo]

Ice Cream salesman tunic. That is hilarious! The WW2 variety is much more appealing and dapper in appearance. 

[Proud Kraut]

Yes, I think it´s the double number of buttons that makes it more look like a uniform. Here´s another tailored Bw one. Clearly visible the differences to the first one I posted.