History

The German Wehrmacht was composed of three main branches, the Heer (Army), the Kriegsmarine (Navy), and the Luftwaffe (Air Force). The Heer and Kriegsmarine uniforms were based upon the designs utilized by their predecessor organizations, the Reichsheer and the Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial Navy). Conversely, the Luftwaffe uniforms were based upon the uniforms worn in the sports and paramilitary organizations that were the forerunners of the Luftwaffe. The Luftwaffe uniforms were specifically designed to deviate from the designs of the other Wehrmacht service branches. It was also necessary that the uniforms differentiate between military and civilian pilots.

The Luftwaffe had a naval branch, the so-called Seefliegerhorstsicherung, which was tasked with securing German coasts, going on reconnaissance flights, and escorting ships. Members of this branch were either stationed ashore or on Luftwaffe-operated ships.

Those serving on ships wore a special visor cap, which was either dark blue or had a white top. The insignia shows a swastika situated between two wings and above two crossed anchors. It was gold-coloured for deck personnel and silver for technical personnel, wireless officers, and administrative officials.

The cap cords were gold-coloured, alternating in black for ships captains, black and interwoven with gold for helmsmen and boatswains, and silver and interwoven with black for machinists and radio operator. Everybody else wore a black leather chin strap.