Uniforms and Equipment of 5. Sturm-Bataillon “Rohr”

Feldmütze (Field Cap): Also called a "Krätchen" this is the standard EM Feldmütze with black band & red piping as for Pionier Truppen. Both national (red, white, black) and Prussian (black and white) Kokarden (cockades). Hussar skull & crossbones to be worn between Kokarden.

Stahlhelm (Helmet): M16, M17 or M18 helmet with proper chinstrap. Original finish, repaint or camo is acceptable. Reproduction cover to be worn when research is completed.

Soldatenrock or Feldbluse (Tunic): Model 1910, 1910 transitional, M-1915 are allowed. All tunics must have the proper piping and buttons and be complete with our unit shoulder boards, black strap with red piping and red number five.

<<M.1915 Bluse

Hosen (Trousers): The trousers we require are steingrau (stone gray) with red piping and leather knee patches. A backup pair of wool trousers without knee patches would be advisable for bad weather and early war events.

Hemd (Shirt): white collarless pullover shirts were issued to all troops. However, civilian shirts of period style are also correct.

Halsbinde (neck stock): in grey or grey-green cloth, tied around the neck to protect the wool collar from sweat and wear.

Schnürschuhe (L) or Marschstiefeln (R) (Shoes or Jackboots): assault troops were given ankle boots as standard issue. German, British, French, US, Swedish ankle boots are acceptable, but must be hobnailed and have heel irons. Jackboots are useable for early war events and as backup footwear at late war events

Gamaschen (Puttees): Known as wrap leggings or puttees, they will be of feldgrau, steingrau, or black wool. The top end will have twill tape or woolen ties with a buckle. At the other end a small hook to attach to the shoe.

Koppel und Koppelschloss (Belt & Buckle): Belts will be of brown or black leather with adjustment tongue. Buckles will be brass or bras and Tombac (early war) or steel and all of the “Gott mit uns” pattern.

Brotbeutel und Brotbeutelriemen (Breadbag and breadbag strap): Brown ochre (early war) or grey in color. WWI examples a single “D” ring and leather loop. WWII bread bags are not acceptable.

[*Note: Unlike in WWII, WWI German troops were not issued “Y” straps for the equipment waistbelt. Instead the breadbag strap was used and hooked to each cartridge box and passed behind the neck. West German, WWII and originals are acceptable.]

Feldflasche (Canteen): standard WWI issue is the only acceptable type. WWII and medical canteens are not to be used.

Seitengwewehr (Bayonet): though an enormous variety of bayonets were used. It is urged that members use the S.98/05na (butcher) pattern with sawteeth. The sawtooth bayonet was standard issue to Pionier troops. The smaller WWII looking sawtooth was more commonly used by NCO’s. Each bayonet must be complete with its appropriate scabbard and frog.

Kochgeschirr (Mess Tin): enameled steel or painted aluminum large WWI pattern. Post WWI and late 1930’s types are identical. WWII, East German (DDR) and Bundeswehr tins are not allowed.

Pionier Schanzeug (Pionier entrenching tools): Each member will strive to acquire this type of tool. Although difficult to find, sources are being tracked down to locate more. Period axes with proper harness are also allowed. Long handle wire cutters were carried extensively. German, French, and British are fine.

Zeltbahn (Tent Half): ochre (early war) or field grey are allowed. Must have proper buttons and grommets. Repros are readily available

Gasmaske (Gas Mask): each member will carry a gas mask with proper canister or the 1915 Sacule. Since we portray assault troops, and utilize simulated gas. It is essential that we all have a mask.

Patronentaschen (Cartridge Pouches): Each member will wear two M1888 Pionier pouches of brown or blackened leather. Original and reproduction are both available. Infantry type M.1909 pouches may be used until Pionier pouches are obtained.

Karabiner 98A (Kar98a carbine) The Kar98a carbine was standard issue to Pionier as well as stormtroops. The standard GEW 98 can be used until a Kar98a is obtained.

Erkennungsmarke (Identification Disc): each member should try to obtain the oval WWI I.D. disc. The M1915 & M1916 types are fine to use. We are now looking into making our own I.D. discs with neck cords.

Troddel (Bayonet Knot): only those knots signifying the 2. Kompagnie (red-white-red) are allowed.

Essbesteck (Fork/Spoon Combination): WWI or WWII fork/spoon combos are encouraged for each member. Although WWI types are harder to find, repro WWII ones are readily available.

Trinkbecher (Drinking Cup): German troops were issued a small oval drinking cup with fixed wire handle. These were usually enameled steel. An aluminum cup with a folding wire handle was also issued (1910-1915). WWII cups are not encouraged. These are rather tough to find.

Side Arms: The wearing of side arms are usually not encouraged, however, since we portray a Stosstrupp unit, it is not unlikely that members would have a variety of personal assault/defense weapons. It should be realized that this is a secondary weapon and should be used as such.

Grabenmesser (Trench Knives): many varieties were issued and purchased by troops. In the photo here is a small representationo f the knives used. Members should take care not to procure WWII knives, which are not allowed.