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. 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 majority of cuff titles worn by Luftwaffe personnel were instituted prior to the beginning of the Second World War. The cuff titles that were instituted prior to, and during, the Second World War fall into four general categories: Campaign Cuff Titles, Commemorative Honour Cuff Titles, Formation Cuff Titles, and Great War Honour Cuff Titles.

The “Afrika" cuff title is categorized as a formation cuff title. It was conferred upon Luftwaffe personnel who were stationed in North Africa, wounded while serving in Africa, or on leave from Africa within Europe. The title was worn on the right forearm of the regular Luftwaffe service tunic, and the Luftwaffe tropical uniform shirt.

This cuff title features the obverse inscription “AFRIKA” in a silver-coloured thread. For Officer ranks, and officials with an equivalent rank, the inscription is composed of silver wire. For NCO/EMs (Non-Commissioned Officers and Enlisted Men), and officials with an equivalent rank, the inscription is composed of a silver-coloured cotton thread.