WIN A COPY OF UNIFORMS OF THE GERMAN SOLDIER

If you’re looking for a solid general reference on the appearance and equipment of the German soldier during the Second World War, this is an excellent place to start. Rather than focusing solely on elite formations or rare camouflage patterns, Alejandro M. de Quesada provides a broad overview of the Wehrmacht, covering uniforms, field gear, insignia, helmets, headgear, weapons and personal equipment used throughout the war.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. The text is clearly written and avoids becoming bogged down in obscure collector terminology, making it suitable for newcomers while still offering enough detail to interest experienced enthusiasts. The hundreds of colour photographs, period images and detailed illustrations help readers distinguish between early-, mid- and late-war uniforms and equipment.

The coverage includes:

• Field-grey uniforms and their wartime evolution.
• Helmets, caps and specialist headgear.
• Rank insignia and branch colours.
• Personal equipment, webbing and packs.
• Weapons commonly carried by German infantry.
• Cold-weather clothing and camouflage garments.
• Variations caused by wartime shortages and simplified production.

The book isn’t intended to be an exhaustive collector’s guide, so specialists seeking minute manufacturing variations or every insignia pattern may want more detailed reference works. However, as an introduction or all-round reference, it strikes an excellent balance between historical background and visual reference.

The photography is particularly useful for modellers, re-enactors and military historians, allowing readers to identify equipment combinations that were actually worn in service rather than idealised museum displays.

Uniforms of the German Soldier
Author: Alejandro M. de Quesada
Publisher: Pen & Sword Military
ISBN: 9781848326934

An informative, well-illustrated reference that belongs on the shelf of anyone interested in the German Army of the Second World War. Whether you’re a historian, modeller, collector or re-enactor, this is one of the better single-volume introductions to the uniforms and equipment of the Wehrmacht.