Allied vs German Camo in WW2

[@TheAmerican1963]

I am, myself, am former United States Marine. I remember speaking to a Veteran of the Pacific theater who told me that the "camo" Marines used would fade very quickly from the sun. He told me it would fade to a 'pinkish" color and if they could, they would exchange them for "sateen" blouses. Interestingly enough I once read of the problems with camo in general and producing a color-fast pattern that wouldn't fade. I went to boot camp at Parris Island in 1981 and 2 weeks in we exchanged our "sateens" for "jungle" pattered blouses and trousers. I never saw plain green sateens ever again. Great video !!!! Thank you for the hard work you do to produce these very interesting videos. 🙂

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Very cool you were able to speak to the Marine Corps veternas first hand who had the experience of those orignal wartime camofaluge uniforms!

[@simongee8928]

Another advantage of the Zeltban was it was a lot cooler than a rubberised coat and it was designed to be worn several different ways, depending on the duty of the respective soldier.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

That’s a good point! Definitely a more breathable fabric than a rubberised overcoat and far more versatile! Thanks for watching 😃

[@lmorandini]

⁠@@WW2WayfinderWasn’t the zeitban concept copied from the Regio Esercito Modello 1929 Telo Tenda (Italian army 1929 pattern tent cloth)?

[@loganstroganoff1284]

Interesting you commented this bc i was just thinking when he said rubberized holy hell that would get hot and damp from sweat so quickly bc it wouldn't breathe at all!

[@simongee8928]

B​@@lmorandini Quite possibly. The Bergmutz was copied from the Italian army mountain cap. 😄

[@lmorandini]

@@simongee8928 I beg to differ on the ski cap: the Italian Alpine troops wore a variant of the Tyrolean Hat.

[@afewminutesofhistory]

Brilliant as always buddy. Top notch historical work!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thanks mate, just trying to justify my years of hoarding militaria, and try to do a bit of education at the same time 🤣

[@afewminutesofhistory]

I don't blame you! I may have to do the same with mine soon before Mrs Jake throws it all out for taking up space! @@WW2Wayfinder

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Haha exactly mate! A series on your Jeep restoration would be spot on!

[@RickJZ1973]

Outstanding presentation of the camouflage patterns. Very informative and interesting! I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Your content is absolutely top notch.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! It’s something I’ve always been interested in given how varied it all was right the way through the war across the different nations

[@bettylaselli2048]

I agree! This content is top notch! I love it! ❤

[@91Redmist]

I appreciate you aggregating the history of these different uniforms into one video. The German Army camos were probably the coolest looking, but the US Army camo pulls tightest at my heartstrings, as they were the unis issued to my dad when he went to the Pacific in mid 1945.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thanks for watching! I’m always amazed at home far ahead the Germans were with their camouflage but the US camo, especially combined with either a tankers jacket or M41 jacket has an iconic look. I also really like the USMC helmet covers that were issued

[@eltonsalvador7620]

I actually love the frog skin jungle camo uniforms, they should have utilized this for today's standard camouflage for the army

[@invictus3598]

Great presentation of selected WW2 German and American camouflage uniforms. Thank you!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

You’re most welcome. Thanks for watching 😃

[@jamesross1799]

I love the denison smock I have a nice repro. And the gerry patterns are awesome. Great video again.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thanks for watching! I love the denison, it’s such an iconic piece of British kit. The German stuff to has always fascinated me as it was so effective. They were years ahead of the Allies in that sense, especially the SS

[@jamesross1799]

Yes . There's some really good effectiveness videos on you tube with a couple of yanks wearing pea dot in autumn woodland and they're invisible until they move. I've got splintermuster smocks in both patterns luftwaffe wehrmacht but as yet I've not got any ss pea dot . But I will as I'm a bit of a geek 😆

[@ericcollins7455]

There was an another British American camouflage uniform worn in ETO . The British made a reversible ETO sniper uniform for the American army. The colours mirrored the green side camouflage but the reverse side it had a fall side , the fall side was a mix of heavy brown / khaki and green shapes to make a dead leaf on the ground print. The jackets have 2 huge long box pockets each side of the jacket. I own one of these jackets which was made April 1944.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

I known the type you mean, exceptionally rare so you’re very lucky to have one!

[@stephenhill560]

Fascinating and very well presented

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 😃

[@wolvoman1]

As long as you keep making these interesting video's and educating i will keep watching, very interesting video's throughout.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Lots to come from the Ardennes and the Battle of the Bulge soon which I hope you’ll enjoy 😃

[@eamo106]

A young 65 following WWII for 55 years. A fantastic new post on an old topic. I love and follow MF and others, telling WWII stories using past films. But you are doing something different ! You make NEW videos and posts documentary style. Well done Wayfinder !

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Just trying to make the videos I’d like to watch, although still with a lot to learn about that side of it! Hopefully my Ardennes trip next month will be another step up from what I’ve done previously 😃

[@Blitz9H]

Good work! Excellent knowledge. I have experienced some of these camo patterns at historical events. They are effective. Even the Feldgrau wool uniform offers some blending into the background.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! It’s great to see them in action at events isn’t it as you really get a sense of how well they work, one reason why I wanted to film it outside to at least give some idea of it. Feldgrau and battledress are both really effective and while the early American uniforms were smart and comfortable the OD3 never really blended with any terrain

[@Blitz9H]

@@WW2Wayfinder Sure gives one a greater appreciation of what our forefathers went through. Keep up the good work.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Absolutely!

[@antoniovalentim1845]

Poderia falar dos uniformes e jaquetas do uniforme Alemão de inverno camuflado por fora e branco por dentro para usar em períodos de NEVE.

[@sonnysantana5454]

the WW-2' limey anorak worn by the SBS was and is a great piece of military issue they made a come back in the 80's with certain armies of the world

[@Andy-Gibb]

I find it interesting to see how thin the materials looked for the uniforms. In the South African Defence Force in the 1980 our beaver tail on the jump smock was made of canvas and had studs to clip it on the front. The pockets were also made of canvas with some having studs and others having buttons depending on which issue you got. The material on our uniforms even looked much thicker than what was shown even though we were working in a hot climate on our border and just had to endure the discomfort. The uniform did last except in the Caprevi where we were up to our necks in water most of the time and then the stitching always used to rot away and the cloths would fall apart. Most of us just used T-shirts and shorts with tennis shoes instead of boots and carry our ammo in our pattern83 battle jacket.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

They defiantly weren’t that durable in real terms although the HBT material is very similar to rip stop fabric now in its durability!

[@johns8771]

One of the war time jobs my mother had was sewing the cold weather gear for the German Army. She said it was reversible with camouflage and white on the inside.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Oh wow! And that’s right, the German winter parka was a camouflage pattern on one side and all white on the other so it could be used depending on the local environment. A really good but of kit and we’ll thought out!

[@johns8771]

The WW II museum in New Orleans has an example on display. The description doesn't say whether it is original or a reproduction. It was neat actually seeing something that my mother had described in detail.@@WW2Wayfinder

[@les3449]

Very nice presentation. I appreciate the fact that you went into the woods to display these uniforms. The backdrop shows which patterns blend in during the fall and winter. The Denison smock blends in quite well as does the German splinter pattern.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! The woods really came into their own showing just how effective each pattern could be!

[@les3449]

@@WW2Wayfinderwell done sir.

[@herefordshireregimentalmus8771]

Excellent video 💪🏻 you’ll need your Denison again when you deploy with “Les Parachutists”

[@WW2Wayfinder]

I can’t wait mate! Will be good to get back out there in kit again!

[@theleastsignificantbit4794]

My dad invaded Normandy in an M41, which was too light a shade to be practical for that part of Europe. He partook in the amphibious assault, so his uniform was battered rather quickly. He said replacements tended to stick out rather badly with their fresh uniforms. The interesting thing about American gear is that the dyes were not consistent between manufacturers, so the result was a patchwork of OD shades without the uniform having a camouflage pattern, Excellent video!

[@kevinclarkson7036]

Excellent presentation, great explanation and clear pictures!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Hope it was useful and I plan to do a few more like this about equipment and uniforms used in the ETO so keep an eye out for them!

[@Richard_Lush]

Excellent video. Lots of information and very well done. Great job!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 😃

[@VK6AB-]

Interesting review. Perhaps the most interesting pattern was one know as leibermuster as this was the prototype to both ERDL and DPM, it had some critical elements in its make up (1) use of two different black dyes, one of which had different IR spectral characteristics and (2) the vertical lines and feathering dropping from horizontal scalloped shapes which better break up the pattern and diffuse the edges. (3) Colouring to better conceal during urban combat.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

That’s a fantastic pattern and I recently saw some footage of Germans wearing it as they surrendered to the Americans. First time I’d actually seen it worn. Crazy to think how advanced their technology was in terms of camouflage and IR technology and understanding of it. The Vampire weapons site has always fascinated me!

[@VK6AB-]

@@WW2Wayfinder The Zielgerat 1229 was one of the first active IR and scope systems - used by German snipers late in WWII. Hence they were aware of IR signatures and I can only presume being aware, started ensuring camo was functional in NIR. All modern uniforms are "IR" compliant meaning they are not reflective and are still effective, certainly into NIR. Under IR anything made of synthetics/nylon "glows" white when viewed in NIR. The trick in the modern world is to be effective through to and inc. LWIR (thermal) - easier said than done.

[@troykauffman3963]

Great presentation Jon, lots of great information. Thank you 🫡.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thanks Troy, glad you enjoyed it. Makes you realise how far ahead the Germans were with camouflage but that the Brits and Americans had better equipment!

[@McInally.]

Underrated channel you know

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you!

[@clewis5917]

Excellent. Thank you for the time you put into your channel.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

My pleasure! Thanks for taking the time to watch 😃

[@davidbruns9263]

Great job and very interesting! I always wondered about camo patterns. Thanks

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Glad you enjoyed it! I’ve always been fascinated by the different uniforms that were issued during that period, especially the German camouflage uniforms and equipment as they just seemed to be way ahead of the Allied side for some reason. Thanks for watching 😃

[@ergot57]

Did you see the deer that ran across behind you as you walked along talking at the very end??

[@WW2Wayfinder]

I didn’t?! Must have been well camouflaged🤣

[@ergot57]

@@WW2Wayfinder came from the left and crossed behind you. gray n color it looked

[@WW2Wayfinder]

I’ll have to have a watch on a bigger screen as I couldn’t make it out on my phone 😃

[@ergot57]

@@WW2Wayfinder at 22:20, 22:21 you can just make out something crossing left to right in the green spot. It disappears into the trees and you get one more glimpse of it.

[@ergot57]

perhaps a fox as it is not huge but there.

[@JOHNYLAW100]

Great video, but…. 11th Airborne Division 511th pir used a one piece green hbt jumpsuit. I have pictures if you are interested . This was in combat during the New Guinea and Philippine campaigns.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

That would be interesting. I don’t collect PTO gear as I have to draw the line somewhere but would like to see it!

[@JOHNYLAW100]

Ok how do I get the pictures to you?

[@JasperJokerII]

Another informative and interesting video, thank you

[@WW2Wayfinder]

You’re most welcome! Thank you for watching 😃

[@JasperJokerII]

@@WW2Wayfinder I gots a weakness for WWII camo with quite a collection of my own

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Oh nice! I could definitely see myself investing in it too but have set my sights (and wallet) mostly on USAAF and RAF flying equipment so have to draw the line somewhere sadly!

[@JasperJokerII]

@@WW2Wayfinder and with Masters of the Air just around the corner.....

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Exactly! If it’s anything like the effect BoB had on 101st stuff I’ll be able to retire by summer 2024!🤣

[@greggriffin1]

Great vid as always never miss your content, thank you

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it😃

[@johnmanier9047]

Fantastic work. Very informative

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Glad you enjoyed it! I hope to do a few more episodes like this in the future

[@frankp.w.schindler3234]

Outstanding! Thank you for your efforts and sharing your knowledge. 👏

[@WW2Wayfinder]

You’re most welcome! Glad you enjoyed it 😃

[@clmccomas]

In regards to the uniforms wearing out, a great example of this was the instructions in the Permethrin kit that we use to treat our uniforms with said it was good for the life of the uniform. The same permetherin treatment in the civilian market, said it was only good for 6 washings.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Is that the anti-mosquito coating? I’ve seen that a few times on modern equipment and after the first wash it’s useless. If it ever worked at all!

[@michaeldbhawker3556]

Permetherin is an oil based chemical. It certainly was never effective for the life of the uniform. It was and still is effective to this day.

[@clmccomas]

@@WW2Wayfinder Yes it is, as well as ticks, fleas and chiggers. I have found it very effective when it is properly applied to the uniforms. The preventive medical guys said that the life of a combat uniform was measured in weeks, so the uniform would be unserviceable before it got washed in a Quartermaster laundry unit 4 or 5 times.

[@Halleran1963]

Well done. Very nice presentation, and very enjoyable. Thank you.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

You’re most welcome, thanks for watching!

[@CAG5205]

That was a great video with very good info 👌🏼always nice to watch 🤓

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Hopefully it helps to dispel the myth of the German vs. US camo issue and generally show what each side had during those years. Thanks again for watching 😃

[@CAG5205]

@@WW2Wayfinder The clarification about the " friendly fire" myth concerning the US - German camouniforms was a good point . The rest was as interesting 👍🏼I am watching and will watch 100% 😀🫡Great work 🙏🏼

[@tobyadams7206]

Fantastic presentation many thanks 👍🏻

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@ernestkatehis5779]

The U.S. PARAMARINE ALSO had a camosmock and used them until the parausmc until the paras were disbanded and became infantry.

[@salsheikh4508]

Hope you get 100k subscribers before the end of the year 🎉

[@barryolaith]

Very interesting and well-researched, as always. Some uncommon footage and photos also. At 7:38, the ultra-rare early model FG42 can be seen with the soldier on the right. At 17:48, the men in the US camouflage uniforms and caps are armed with the Lee Enfield SMLE. Any idea who they are and why the mix of US and Commonwealth kit?

[@WW2Wayfinder]

I’m not sure about the chaps with the SMLE’s, perhaps Chindits but my knowledge of the PTO is sadly wanting, so if anyone does know I’d love to find out!! Thanks for watching and I’ll see if I can do some digging on that unit and try and ID them!

[@faeembrugh]

Almost certainly New Zealand troops on Nissan Atoll. Not surprising they used US gear as equipment would quickly rot in a jungle environment so any available replacement kit would be used. Note the unique NZ headgear.@@WW2Wayfinder

[@dieterrahm4044]

Min.6:29 a german Fallschirmjäger with a sten smg.

[@HUTZELMUTZEL]

the pistole by Fallschirmjäger is worn on front left side for right handed soldiers - right hand with the MPi or 98k - empty or in Nahkampf take your right hand to the left front side to get your pistole very quick

[@kalbs89]

Very much simplified but Very well presented.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ww2recon]

Amazing episode this mate!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thanks mate! Really enjoyed making those one and sharing my obsession with ww2 kit!

[@ww2recon]

@@WW2Wayfinder amazing mate, great idea smashing the rumours out the park

[@HootOwl513]

When I was in the Marines, I was sent on deployment out of MCAS Iwakuni, Japan to ROKMCB PoHang, Korea in June/July of 1976, as part of Exercise Solid Shield. There I witnessed whole platoons of ROK Marine paratroopers double-timing around the base perimeter before embarking on C-119 Flying Boxcars and making low altitude mass jumps on the base. To a man, they were all wearing khaki M42 paratrooper utilities. Just like your movie wardrobe example [13:50] . These WWII khaki paratrooper utilities have been very rare on the US surplus market, and highly prized by collectors. Mainly because we gave them to the South Koreans.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Oh wow! Those would be worth a decent amount today!!! Sounds like a cool deployment too, certainly a part of the world I’d like to explore one day.

[@Nyllsor]

Great episode!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you 😃

[@Martinlegend]

the first model of the knochensack was only made in green and was a step-in model the second form was also made in swamp camouflage

[@WW2Wayfinder]

That’s right, the M38 model I believe? The M40 was the same with some adjustments/modifications then the M42 was the first jacket type smock with the full opening down the front

[@lynneowen8362]

So interesting. Loved the video.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 😃

[@alexanderjohansson2658]

I would really like to know where you bought the Pea Dot Tunic shown in the video?

[@thepicklegambit6226]

Good video, but just something to note: The 91st Luftlande wasn't actually part of the Luftwaffe, despite the name, and it didn't use Luftwaffe camouflage! It was an army division that was intended to be deployed by airlanding. However, it essentially operated like a regular army unit through its existence.

[@martinwhitaker5332]

Great presentation , very interesting subject.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you!

[@rm5902]

Informative. Very Good.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@billmmckelvie5188]

Thank you, for the video, great to see them together in a woodland scene. One thing that doesn't seem be discussed is whether the ghille suit was more extensively worn by other units other than the Lovat Scouts, possibly S.A.S. & the Commando Units or was it just used by snipers only of those units.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thanks for watching! I’ll b honest by knowledge of sniper equipment isn’t that hot. I know someone who could write volumes on it however!

[@badgerattoadhall]

16:57 my grandfathers brother was kia in France in the 30ID

[@aukula1062]

Excellent video! Thank you.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

You’re most welcome! Thank you for watching.

[@Painter75-z5l]

Dad was a Para from 43 to 57. I still remember his smock long after we’d come to Canada.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Oh nice! They were a hard wearing piece of kit as you’d expect. Nice that he’d been able to keep it. Thanks for watching 😃

[@ramimahka4636]

Outstanding as is the norm. Thank you!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

You’re most welcome! Thank you for watching 😃

[@keithdurose7057]

The British windproof jacket and trousers that you mentioned. I find interesting. Apparently they were general issue. Post war, the smock was referred to as an SAS smock. Reproduction smocks are available for purchase from Silvermans Military of London England. I havent seen any trousers being produced though. There is a book dedicated to Waffen SS camouflage uniforms which covers the mutitude of camouflage types used by them. The pictures are in colour too. Apparently the SOE used a type of smock with camouflage that could be washed out. So that it could be used as a civilian jacket after insertion behined the German lines.This was an excellent production. Thank you.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

I remember seeing the Silverman ones for years! Wish I’d have got one now. I think the SAS were still using them during Gulf War 1 when they were scud hunting!

[@BFOP15]

There are some pants with the denison smock camouflage. They weren't used during WW2 but they were of common use by french paratroopers during Indochina war until Algeria war. The M47 camouflage pattern of the French army is based on the denison camouflage, they took the same colours but made stripes instead of stains. Early M47 parachutist vest also had castor tails at the back. They were removed from production in models of the mid 50's.

[@Baskerville22]

My interest in military history doesn't really encompass soldiers' gear, but you made this subject quite absorbing with the detail you provided. I do wonder, though, about the longevity of the camouflage benefit, given the effects of dirt, mud, rain and sun exposure over a lengthy campaign.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Glad it brought you in to it! I think over time, wartime uniforms would suffer depending on how the design was applied to the material, although from what I’ve seen examples that still survive retain most of their colour although clearly hard to say how much actual use they saw.

[@RP-ks6ly]

Love the LFD groundjacket, Splinter B is the best Splinter.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

It’s an awesome jacket and we’ll thought out. I’ve seen variations of longer and shorter ones being worn as well so plenty of variety if the wearer could get hold of them! Thanks for watching.

[@TI4438]

I think it would be a good idea to use reenactors in your vids. Can't say I've seen anybody do that.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Funny you should say that as last week I was chatting with a friend about a project for next year!

[@TI4438]

@@WW2Wayfinder DUDE! That would be awesome. I can only imagine what you'd come up with!

[@sixgunsymphony7408]

British soldiers started wearing khaki in the 19th century due to long range accuracy of rifles.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

That’s right, during the Boer War in South Africa. Definitely makes far more sense than red tunics!

[@leedobson]

​@@WW2Wayfindereven before that, in India and Afghanistan

[@jamesross1799]

As an interesting afternote the picture you used of the glider pilots at arnhem with the ss prisoners wearing the pea dot has a guy the one on the right who one of those glider pilots shot as he tried to escape from the tenis Court compound at the heartenstein.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

That’s good to know, I wasn’t aware of that so thank you! I went to the tennis courts this September and other than the General shape of them they’ve changed a lot from the wartime photos.

[@jamesross1799]

I only know due to an episode of we have ways 😆

[@jamesross1799]

A "proper ss murdering bastard " I think James Holland describes him as ...... I know I shouldn't judge on appearance but...

[@stardust24-d2c]

Can I ask where do you source your original video footage from? Thanks.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

NARA

[@WAFFENAMT1]

My understanding is that the U.S. Army stopped using Camo uniforms in the ETO during WW2 because the enemy was using camo uniforms, but if only one batch was sent among many, yes they would have disappeared in the fog of war...

[@lhpl]

Indeed. I also have the impression that the decision to not use camo uniforms was to prevent friendly fire. So not having any cases of friendly fire seems to me more of an argument that the decision worked as intended, and not as an argument that such a reasoning is a myth?

[@LLiivveeeevviiLL]

Who's the general with the G.I @15:27 ?

[@mikeainsworth4504]

I enjoyed the video. Could I ask for the source of the contemporary footage of British paras at a USAAF airfield? I’m part of a research group focused on the airfields of the 52nd TCW of the IX TCC that supported the US 82 Airborne Division, British 1st Airborne Division, and Polish 1st Parachute Brigade based in the East Midlands of England. The aim is to create an ‘Airborne Trail’ in southern Lincolnshire to mark the 80th Anniversaries of Operations NEPTUNE and MARKET that were mounted from the area.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! If you drop me an email I’ll be in touch 😃

[@mikeainsworth4504]

@@WW2Wayfinder thanks. I will do. Where can I find your email address?

[@Hew.Jarsol]

Brilliant. I love the British Windproof smocks. You can see others now copying it.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

I think the SAS were still using wartime sand ones in Gulf War 1! Shows how prized they were by those who knew their worth! Thanks for watching

[@scottdunkirk8198]

You see used oil used on some HBTs for camou, also pathfinders would camou their 42s

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Very true, some GIs would also turn the M41 jacket inside out as the liner was a darker colour. The 82nd Pathfinders painted their uniforms and so did the 377th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion of the 101st Airborne, the uniform of a 377th trooper is in the excellent museum at Saint Come Du Mont

[@Vikenstein]

the pattern You show in 5:39 on the right side is not splt-A pattern it looks more like B version.

[@18ferris88]

Didn't the American HBT camouflage have a problem with the dyes fading? I read that was an issue in the Pacific. American clothing dyes weren't as resilient as German one back then.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Quite possibly. The USMC uniforms that remain for the most part look quite faded

[@DSS-jj2cw]

I was in the BDU uniform from its second year in '84 until tbe last year in 2006. I don't understand why the U.S army took so long to adopt a Camouflage uniform pattern.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Maybe it was the concept of it not looking smart? Just a guess but the Generals might have considered OD uniforms to be smarter in appearance over that of camo? Certainly fro the British Army barrack dress of green shirts and lightweight OG trousers was a big deal, with DPM (disruptive pattern material) being worn on exercises etc But it’s only a guess!

[@matthewaves255]

great round up

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you!

[@bougeac]

Intriguingly I’ve seen some images of allied troops wearing items of captured GERMAN camouflage uniform such as helmet covers and reversible winter jackets, a tad risky I’d say!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Very much so especially if captured! One reason why allied troops stopped using MG42’s soon after the invasion in Normandy as it attracted too much incoming fire!

[@blastbri1997]

Just to get that straight. So youre saying that the rest of the army camo HBT's went to the pacific? Do we have pictures of the army camo hbt in the PTO? Didnt they have their own model/type? Hope you/someone can clarify that for me.

[@terrywoodham8419]

This is very good info more please..

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thanks Terry, I've got a few plans to do more of this hopefully later in the year when I get the time to do it to a better standard.

[@andrewlerdard-dickson5201]

One of the most earliest wearing of a Camoflaged Uniform was During the Napoleonic War's. When the British 95th Brunswick Rgt wore the First known all Green jacket and pants Uniform.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

We’re they the Rgt that feature in the Sharpe series of novels? My knowledge of the Napoleonic era is very very poor sadly!

[@michaelsamuel9917]

Is it true that the Italian army in the 1920's (Libya)were the first modern army in the world to use camo smocks? @@WW2Wayfinder

[@b.schade]

So glad you dispelled the myth about the US camouflage uniform being replaced due to "friendly fire." I clicked on your video for exactly this, to see if you or the comment section mentioned the false narrative.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Hopefully it helps continue to break it down. I see a tiny amount of logic to the argument but ultimately it doesn’t hold water when it’s stacked up against all the other facts etc. Thanks for watching!

[@b.schade]

@@WW2Wayfinder as someone who has reenacted thr 41st Armored Infantry, there are far too many people who try to explain to me the camo myth. I just have to take a long breath in and start explaining.

[@jeffalan6339]

A very interesting video, maybe tge only one made on camouflage. Any chance of a model weaeing tge camo in the serting to compare the camo? I did after being in the Army tge woodland camo was nit that eff6. The MARPAT is effective the tiger strioe is good in thick vegatatiin. Leaf pattern is great in any green area. The Armies multi amo aaw couple guard wearing tge camo looked like white silhouette in the open area of fairgrounds. Any chance of more videos?

[@WW2Wayfinder]

I’ve got a few more ideas for some along with a few ideas that’ll expand on them so watch this space!😉

[@popnmeg]

Great , subscribed 👍

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Welcome to the channel 😃

[@loganstroganoff1284]

Seeing all this reminds me of a an old military surplus store near my childhood home. The old man that ran it had loads of this stuff. Mostly hunters as well as trades workers would buy it bc it was cheap and durable. Its a shame so much of it got used in that way given its historical value. Its also funny to think back on the fact that so many men in northwest florida were wearing not just old u.s. army issue but german, italian, etc wwii era gear as well for deer hunting or whatever.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Haha it’s crazy isn’t it what was once old army crap that no one wanted is now worth thousands! Especially the German uniforms and equipment given they were the loosing side!

[@stephenbarker5162]

I would be interested in the use of winter camouflage in WWII by the main armies.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

The Germans certainly had it in abundance from 1942 onwards I think and the British issued white oversmocks and trousers. The Americans had some but not a great deal and that became all too clear in the Ardennes with the need to use the locals bedsheets to make helmet covers and over smocks!

[@stephenbarker5162]

Thank you for your reply, you have confirmed what I thought was the case. Interestingly the Americans did not really use camouflage on their vehicles either.@@WW2Wayfinder

[@WW2Wayfinder]

It definitely seems to be a secondary concern to just fielding men and equipment. Most modifications done were all at unit level rather than Army led.

[@Sam21721]

My grandfather was part of the 517th. I remember him telling me as a kid about having to stand in line and all his new kit get covered in paint 😂

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Oh wow! He must have taken part in Operation Dragoon then! From what I’ve read they just out cardboard boxes over the mens heads then sprayed their uniforms while they were wearing them!

[@captainblackadder4990]

Very interesting video.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you!

[@lyleslaton3086]

Your comments on the 1942 jump uniform for US airborne might need an update. I have read that the original color was more green,but just before DDay troops were ordered turn in one uniform. It was treated for protection from gas,still a possible threat. The uniforms all came back in the tan looking colors from the gas repellent treatment. There have been several examples of teoop returned home after receiving the M42 jump uniform that was NOT treated with the gas repellent that are a very different color. Almost the same green as the M43 uniform.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

They were treated with CC2 as part of the anti gas treatment but they were never green. Not sure where you’ve heard that but the uniforms worn by the US airborne prior to the rollout of the M43 was very much OD3 in what most would describe as a tan shade of material. I’ve handled plenty of unissued, untreated M42’s and they are OD3 without a trace of green on them

[@senseofthecommonman]

Excellent thanks.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

You’re most welcome, thank you for watching 😃

[@griftinggamer]

I own quite a collection of ww2. The array of German camouflage is interesting. It's like they kept trying to create the ultimate camouflage when their first couple patterns were plenty fantastic enough to be honest. Dot44 was probably the best camouflage. The original multi terrain, universally issued pattern in a complete "bdu" type set...and extremely effective in 80% of the year and terrain

[@robertsolomielke5134]

Dot 44, sometimes peas 44 for all the damn dots, was a great pattern, yet the design and cut of the tailoring had utility issues, with tiny pockets. So a soldier would need to pack thing externally : things in pouches, sacks, gasmask cans, bandoliers,....negating the camo effect somewhat, hard to say without more testing. The SS had several patterns, most issued is the Oakleaf pattern..Eichentarn ? Like Denison it was a smock, Browns/Tans for fall, Greens for summer, also effective, but just a smock. I went on too long, sorry. TY-Luv your work, hope you keep on.

[@griftinggamer]

@robertsolomielke5134 Extra equipment was carried via rucksack or "A" Frame. The pockits were designed for soldbuch, first aid kit, and cigarettes...there wasn't much need for them to carry much else on their personal. They modernized and worked out their load bearing equipment in the 30s after the experience of ww1. They had a position and spit for everything and it was pretty well regulated and mandated a certain way. Those Germans and details...

[@WW2Wayfinder]

It’s a fascinating subject isn’t it. I’m a huge fan of the pea dot pattern

[@33rdusa]

Again, the Germans were very thorough in designing their camouflage as they were with their petrol cans. And seemingly the Americans were again slow to adopt the superior designs. Good thing we were able to get a lot of the big stuff right.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

That’s it, all a balance and technically American uniforms for the most part were some of the best, especially the M43 jacket and trousers!

[@a41166]

Los unofirmes de camuflaje se empezaron a utilizar en el siglo XIX cuando los ejércitos de varios paises comenzaron a dejar de utilizar uniformes de colores vistosos como el rojo para empezar a utilizar el color marrón, verde o kaki. Su función: confundirse con el color marrón, verde u ocre del terreno y ¿no es eso camuflarse? Evidentemente fue el primer paso y no eran un camuflaje tan elaborado como los actuales, pero ¿qué queremos en el siglo XIX?...

[@chrisabraham8793]

Funny enough the American high command Eisenhower Bradley etc hated the mix mash of US uniforms like the Mackinaws 41 42 jackets, tanker jackets and trousers, they thought that the British uniform was very smart and practical, hence the development of the Ike jacket and M43 uniform. The M43 uniform was meant to be ready for Normandy but due to design and contract delays only a few M43 uniforms were ready for the big day, hence the cammos making up the shortage when it came to R&R behind lines and a uniform change, they ended what they only had at the time or run naked.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

That’s it, the huge variety of US uniforms would definitely have caused supply issues and I can imagine from a senior commanders point of view that it would be frustrating seeing your men in a variety of kit (if that was a particular point for those senior commanders - like Patton and neck ties!)

[@toolthoughts]

well presented!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you!

[@DaniBantjes]

Great video

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you!

[@robertmorey4104]

Very cool. I remember my buddy in 5th grade his dad had a full pea dot suit (jacket and paints) and luger he captured. It was cool. The inside of the jacket was white...

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Oh wow!!!! I’d love to know the story behind that, and if it’s still in his family it’s worth 5 figures now and not at the low end!!!!

[@robertmorey4104]

@@WW2Wayfinder unfortunately that was in 1970's. It left an impression on 10 year old kid tho!

[@mabbrey]

great vid

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stewarthayhurst1079]

I would say the German ss blurred edge pattern is closer to the modern multi cam uniform

[@WW2Wayfinder]

There’s definitely parallels but I made the MC connection with pea dot as it was designed to work everywhere and to become a universal pattern (in the same way MC has for most western forces, or specialist units within). I definitely need to get more camo items to do a specific S S episode!

[@stewarthayhurst1079]

@@WW2Wayfinder I’d say the pea dot is more like the German flektarne camo than the multicam

[@WW2Wayfinder]

In design absolutely but I was talking from a conceptual perspective

[@troy242]

Great video! Thanks for disspelling the myth of friendly fire. Jealous of your Nixon stuff!!!

[@WW2Wayfinder]

You’re most welcome and thank you for watching! I was lucky to acquire Nixons kit. I’ve had other uniforms from the series but sold them on but couldn’t part with Nixon’s uniform and boots!

[@ronaldlucas5360]

Interesting video

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Thank you!

[@mikeg3764]

wait... Oakleaf A, Palms, Blurred Edge, etc etc etc? ;-)

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Sadly none of which I possess….yet! When I do I’ll have a follow up episode

[@mikeg3764]

@@WW2Wayfinder - Amazon has a Blurred Edge smock right now. By Epic Militaria. $120

[@luigiaqua2263]

It’s not true that pea dot was introduced in 1944. It was introduced in 1941, but only for manoeuvre use, so only for training. But in 1944 it was also issued for combat troops. Most on market in good condition are the manoevre models. Also recognised should be that the pea dot was issued in 1942 for SS Fallschirmjäger, they got total different uniforms as Heer or Luftwaffe got.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

I think you’re confused as all sources I’ve ever seen clearly state it was designed in 1943 and was issued from 1944 onwards. And that’s from a range of publications most notably Werner Palinckx new book so unless you can cite your sources I’m not inclined to believe you.

[@luigiaqua2263]

@@WW2Wayfinder My info is not from obscure books of authors which never had contact to these guys wearing it, my info is from my relatives and a bunch of guys using these uniforms in ww2. Think about „Leibermeister“ and you might know how some info is spread out, some authors even create narratives to sell their own fakes. In my life met a bunch of well known authors which in my opinion do not know much about ww2 German equipment, their main goal was to create and sell books. Wonder why you talk about ww2 camo and not mention it’s origins.

[@iatsd]

Nothing about the Australian or New Zealand camos?

[@WW2Wayfinder]

As I said at the start it’s items from my collection. I also don’t collect militaria from the PTO as my main interest (and budget!) lays firmly within the ETO. In an ideal world I’d own examples of all of them!

[@OMLT2010]

Vielen Dank, gutes Video ! Grüße aus Deutschland.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

Glad you enjoyed this one! I filmed it just outside of München when I lived near Freising in Bayern!

[@warrenstanford7240]

Watched the series Combat! On KZbin last year and one of the latter episodes featured reenforcement American troops wearing OG M1943 field jacket and wearing frogskin camouflage trousers. Ok this is Hollywood 1960’s where there are inaccuracy’s but this follows the fact troops would have ended up with a mish mash of kit by wars end.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

I’ll have to take a look at that series! Thank you!

[@gibraltersteamboatco888]

Very good. Thanks. Some US paras wore camo in North Africa and Sculy.

[@WW2Wayfinder]

I’ve always liked the photos of US Paras when they cut up their parachutes after landing and used the material as helmet covers, always thought that looked very cool! Thanks for watching 😃

[@gibraltersteamboatco888]

Seen the picture of FDR's wife speaking to a para wearing cano in England October 1942?@@WW2Wayfinder

[@WW2Wayfinder]

That’s the 503rd who became the 509th en route to North Africa! It’s a very cool set of photos