Brian L. DavisThe first edition of this now classic work truly broke new ground. It was the first reference work supported by full photo- graphic evidence to cover in detail every aspect of the military uniforms, insignia, and accoutrements of the German Army during the Third Reich. Twenty years on, it remains the standard work on the subject, now with extra notes and corrections to errors that have come to light since its first, publication. With the inauguration of the Wehrmacht- Heer in 1935, the new Reich was careful to incorporate much of the tradition — in- cluding the uniforms and insignia ~ of the earlier Imperial German Armies that had won glory and renown at Sadowa, Sedan and Tannenberg. The military costume adapted during the ensuing years by sophisticated designers was instrumental in fashioning a fighting force that at its height held Europe from the gates of Moscow to the English Channel. ‘The 460 individual photographs and draw- ings illustrating this volume are unique — most have never before been published — and show both the issue uniforms and the non- standard variations set against a back- ground of authentic service conditions. The search for the photographs led the author into formerly untouched archives where the value of the illustrations, often showing equipment in use in circumstances some- times not previously known or proven, was not hitherto appreciated. This work is acclaimed as providing the first serious basis, founded on original research, for the study of an essential aspect of uniform history. The uniforms detailed and illustrated are those of the regular German Army, the Wehrmacht-Heer; the various National Socialist para-military formations and political organizations that were not part of the regular army are not directly included. ‘The book comprises three main sections: Ranks and Rank Insignia lays a basis for the succeeding parts of the book by explain- ing the rank hierarchy of the German Army, and extensive tables are provided by which a comparison may be drawn between the German ranks and their Allied equivalents. ‘The roles of administration officials, the Wehrmachtbeamten, are also explained CONTINUED ON BACK FLAP £17.99thoroughly. A detailed explanation of the Waffenfarben — the ‘arm of service colour’ — and the secondary Neberfarben by which various service branches could be distin- guished {s also provided, together with a list of the various insignia worn by units on their shoulder straps. Badges and Insignia covers all the dis- tinctive badges issued to the German troops, including trade and specialist badges. pro- ficiency badges, ‘traditional’ unit emblems and cufftitles. ‘The multi-hued sidearm knots, the troddel and faustriemen, are also explained in detail and so too are the various armbands. Uniform discusses all the more basic items of the equipment, including head-dress, tunies, trousers, shirts, greatcoats, cloaks, camouflage material, footwear and sports equipment. The reference appendices include a summary of the soldier's personal equipment and weapons, and extensive English-German and German-English glossaries. The work is completed by a comprehensive bibliography. Many years of research went into the preparation of this book. The author is well known through his many publications and articles as the world’s foremost authority on. ‘Third Reich military costume. For German Army Uniforms and Insignia he had access to official papers, army orders and clothing regulations; the result is a volume that remains the most complete and authorita- tive work on the subject ever published. BROCKHAMPTON PRESS 20 Bloomsbury Street London WCIB 3QA Printed at Oriental Press, Dubai, U.A.E.