History

During the Second World War, German troops stationed in northern Africa are generally referred to as the Afrikakorps. Technically, this is not entirely correct, since some German units operating in Africa were not actually part of the DAK (Deutsches Afrikakorps), and some units of it were, in fact, Italian ones. However, for the purpose of collecting so-called “tropical” uniforms and insignia, collectors have simplified the meaning of the term.

The first German troops were sent to northern Africa in February of 1941, to support their Italian allies against the British. The climate of the African continent made it necessary to wear specialised uniforms and gear that not only supported the soldiers in serving in a hot and arid environment, but also helped them in blending in with the landscape, which, in general, presented itself as brown, olive, khaki, or sand/tan in colour. Worn over long periods of time under the blistering desert sun, some uniforms were eventually bleached to white or off-white. Uniforms and insignia in these colours are often referred to as “tropical”, and it is worth noting that they weren’t just worn by members of units stationed in Africa, but in the entire Mediterranean theatre of war, including southern France, Italy, the Balkans, and Greece, as well as in southern Russia during the summer months. Tropical uniforms were worn by members of all three branches of the Wehrmacht: the Heer (army), the Kriegsmarine (navy), and the Luftwaffe (air force). Members of the Waffen-SS stationed in southerly regions also wore tropical-style uniforms, and even though they technically have no connection to the DAK, all tropical uniforms and insignia of all branches of the German military are listed here.

The Waffen-SS tropical tan cotton shorts are cut just above the knee. They feature a flapless watch pocket and have inverted metal hooks along the waistline to help secure the wearer’s belt. Similar to Keilhosen, the shorts have a single back pocket, as well as adjustable side straps under the waistband.

In 1943, a second pattern Waffen-SS tropical uniform was introduced. Instead of short trousers, the second pattern uniform was issued with long trousers that are similar to Keilhosen. The trousers are composed of lightweight cotton twill and the interior is lined with cotton/rayon fabric. The trousers feature inverted metal belt hooks on the waistband and there are two flapped pockets on the rear. The end of each pant leg features a tie strap to assure a tight fit around the wearer’s ankles.

Overall, relatively few members of the Waffen-SS wore the SS tropical uniform, and it was primarily issued to the 1. SS-Panzer-Division ‘Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler’, the SS-Polizei Division, and the 16. SS-Panzergrenadier-Division ‘Reichsführer-SS’, who served in Italy in 1943.

A large number of these uniforms were found at the Dachau clothing depot following German capitulation.