History

Organisation Todt, abbreviated OT, was a paramilitary construction organisation named after its founder, Fritz Todt. It was founded in 1938 and became well-known for its construction projects in Germany and German-occupied areas during the war, including the Siegfried Line (Westwall) and the Atlantic Wall. Only a comparatively small number of OT labourers were uniformed and salaried German nationals, while large numbers during the war years were made up of forced labourers, including Jews and other “undesirables”, as well as prisoners of war.

Members of OT were to wear uniforms distinct from other Third Reich paramilitary organisations. However, due to problems with availability, they de facto often wore a mixture of different uniform patterns, including uniform parts from other organisations.

The headgear worn by members of OT is identical to the M43 caps and field caps of the German Army, except in brown colour.

The field cap is in overseas (Schiffchen) form. The cap was made from a mixture of field-grey wool and cellulose fibre. It has a turnup that could be lowered to cover the ears, as well as two grommet ventilation holes, one on each side.

OT Führer and OT Stabsführer had a silver cord on their headgear. Higher OT Leaders had gold cords. Enlisted Men (EMs) and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) wore no piping.