Uniform and Equipment Guidelines
Philosophy: The first items of equipment and clothing acquired by new members should be those that have the maximum versatility for use in portraying a soldier of the Hoch-und Deutschmeister throughout the period 1939-1945. However, 90% of reenactments are for scenarios between 1943 and 1945. This is the reason for the requirement for mid-war model uniforms and equipment that would be most commonly found in the field between 1943-45. Reenacting is not an inexpensive hobby. It will cost you between $1000 and $1500 to complete you impression. If unsure, any purchase should be discussed with a veteran member or our Quartermaster before purchase. Study as many photographs as possible to see what the soldiers were wearing, what they were carrying, and how they wear and carry it!
Requirements: Items listed in the Required category are those minimum items necessary to pass authenticity requirements for our unit or our parent organization, NMHA. Our standards exceed those of the NMHA. To be a Soldat in good standing in the 134th, you must have all of the items in the required list before full membership in the unit is possible. Additionally, the equipment must pass the authenticity inspection of the Quartermaster. With prior coordination, loaner equipment can be made available on an event-by-event basis until Rekruts (Candidates) can put together a full kit. The rule is simple: follow the published uniform requirements and unit standards or don't come to the event. Members who fail to meet the standards will not be permitted to participate with the unit in the event.
Hair/Eyewear: Hair must conform to 1940s styles (off the ears and the collars). No beards or mustaches allowed at all. Shave it off for the event, it will grow back, I promise!. Facial "stubble" representing one or two days growth is okay for field events. If you MUST have a mustache or your wife or significant other will leave you, then let her leave, you'll be better off without her if that's the case. Glasses must be of a 1940s European style ( such as round lens wire frames) or soldiers should wear contact lenses. No modern-style glasses.
REQUIRED
Uniform:
Tunic: Original or quality reproduction M40, M42, or M43 Field Blouses are authorized. Swedish tunics, Swiss Tunics, and East German tunics are not authorized for unit members. Correctly tailored Swedish conversions may be worn by candidates. These tunics must have correctly tailored pockets, be dyed the correct color and have the required insignia. These tunics must be replaced with one of the required tunics prior to obtaining membership in the unit.
Trousers: M37 (straight leg) Trousers or the M42/43 (tapered leg, reinforced seat) Keilhosen.
Insignia: Every wool tunic must have a Heer breast eagle, collar tabs (Litzen) and white-piped shoulder boards for standard infantry.
Helmet: Only the M35/40 rolled edged (preferred) or M42 flair edged Helmet (Stahlhelm) are authorized. NO Spanish Helmets!! Helmets must be painted the correct shade of green or gray, no painted camouflage helmets are permitted. Only the Heer decal on the left side of the helmet is authorized. Camouflage covers, or camouflage bands are authorized*.
Boots: Marching Boots (Marschstiefel) West German or East German boots are acceptable with proper conversion.
Shirt: Gray Service Shirt.
Cap: M34 Field Cap (Feldmützen)
Socks: Gray Wool Socks (Post war okay or reproduction with size rings)
I.D. Disk (Erkennungsmarken)
Pay Book (Soldbuch) "Paper's, Please"
Equipment:
Waist Belt with steel Army Belt Buckle (Koppel und Koppelschloss)
Ammunition Pouches (2) (Patronentasche) appropriate for your weapon
Y-straps (Koppeltraggestell für Infantrie) Original or quality reproductions only. NO Austrian Y-Straps.
M31 Bread Bag (Brotbeutel)
M31 Mess Tin (Kochgeschirr)
M31 Canteen and Cup (Feldflasche und Trinkbecker)
M38 Gas Mask Cannister (Tragbruchse für Gasmaske)
K98k Bayonet and Frog (Seitengewehr und Seitengewehrtasche)
Entrenching Tool with Carrier (Kleines Schanzzeug mit tasche)
Weapons:
All members of the 134th must have a K98k rifle. The 98K was the "backbone" of the Wehrmacht and carried by most German soldiers. Weapons must have a turned-down bolt, German stock and sling. No VZ-24s or M48's are authorized. Additional weapons may be authorized at the commander's discretion (see optional weapons.)
These items are not required but are authorized. They are basic items carried by each soldier that will improve your impression and your quality of life in the field.
M36 Tunic (Bottle green collar. For early war events)
Collar Liner (Kragenbinde)
M43 Field Cap
Camouflage Parka or Smock(Tarnschneehemd, Tarnjacke)
Helmet Cover - Heer Splinter Pattern*
Low Boots with leather soles and hobnails and Gaiters (gemachen)
Field Grey Wool Toque
Greatcoat (Wintermantel) MOST Common!
Gloves Field-grey wool-rayon with white size rings
Wool Sweater: Field-gray wool roll, crew or V-neck.
Shelter Quarter (Zeltbahn) Original or quality reproduction ONLY. No post war stuff.
Leather Straps (Tornister Tragriemen) For attaching zeltbahn, mess tin to equipment
HBT Tunic and Trousers (Great for hot weather events. Use only when authorized by the unit commander).
HBT Field Cap (M43 style)
Blanket (Mammschaftsdecke)
Assault Pack with Bag (Gefechtsgepack für Infantrie Schutzenkompanien mit Beutel)
M34, M39 Pack (Tornister)
K98K Cleaning Kit
M38 Gas Mask w/ filter
Field Flashlight (Feldtaschen Lampe)
Butter/fat container (Fettdose)
Eating Utensils (Essbeschtek)
Compressed Fuel Stove (Esbit Kocher)
Towel (Handtuch)
Housewife (sewing kit) (Nahenzeug)
Shaving and Toiletry Articles (Rasierzeug)
Clothing/Overnight bag (Kleidertasche)
Period Photographs, Letters, Money, etc.
Period pocket or wristwatch
* Splinter pattern for the Heer is the only authorized camouflage pattern. No SS, Water "Swamp" or Italian pattern camouflage. (Camouflage will only be worn for specific events based on the time line for the scenario as directed by the unit commander. Camouflage clothing was not common for the standard Infantry Division, being mostly reserved for mechanized and elite formations.)
Optional Weapons: Optional weapons are subject to various restrictions. Date restrictions on weapons models are strictly enforced (No MG42 or MP43/44 for early war). Captured weapons are authorized for use only when portraying Eastern Front troops. Italian weapons are appropriate for Italian/Balkan Theater.
MP38u40
MP43/44/StG44
G43/K43
MG34/MG42
P-08
P-35 Radom
P-38
M38/M38-42/M38-44 Beretta SMGs
