Original Item: Only One Available. Just acquired from a large military show, this is an fantastic service used rare World War II Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) Luftwaffe Enlisted Man's Field Shirt, made from medium weight cotton with standard squared weave. Originally intended mainly as work shirts, the hot climate of North Africa, such as in Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt, would lead to them being worn almost constantly, so they started making them able to take rank insignia. It is the correct Dunkelgelb (dark yellow) tan color used by other branches in the Tropical campaigns, and like other field shirts it is a pull over design, with a partial front closure. It has long sleeves but does not have any pockets, which we have heard indicates flight use, but have not been able to verify.

There are no Luftwaffe issue markings on the shirt, but the inside of the collar is marked GEYER 41, which we believe is a maker marking and collar size. The front closure features four buttons, which do not match, so one or more may have been replaced. The ends of the sleeves each have a single button, and while there are no rank buttons on the shoulders, there are slots so that some could be added.

The right chest has a lovely machine embroidered Luftwaffe eagle made from silver gray thread on a triangular tan background, which matches the color of the shirt well, though it is a bit darker. It is machine stitched to the shirt with the correct tan thread, and is 100% correct. The stitching does look to have pulled out on the bottom, which was repaired with lighter tan thread.

The shirt is in very good condition, but definitely does show wear from service, especially around the collar and the ends of the cuffs, where the fabric has worn through in areas. There are also some tears on the sleeves, so this is definitely a shirt that saw some real use during the war.

A great service used example of a rare Luftwaffe Afrikakorps Field Shirt, ready to add to your collection and display!

Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 9.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 23.5”
Shoulder to shoulder: 16.5”
Chest width: 23"
Waist width: 23"
Hip width: 25"
Front length: 35.5"

The Afrika Korps or German Africa Corps (Deutsches Afrikakorps or DAK) was the German expeditionary force in Africa during the North African Campaign of World War II. First sent as a holding force to shore up the Italian defense of their African colonies, the formation fought on in Africa, under various appellations, from March 1941 until its surrender in May 1943. The term "Afrika Korps" is pseudo-German (so-called "cod-German"), deriving from an incomplete German title. The German term referred solely to the initial formation, the Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK), which formed part of the Axis command of the German and Italian forces in North Africa. The name stuck, with both news media and Allied soldiers, as the name for all subsequent German units in North Africa. The unit is known for having been commanded by Field Marshal Erwin Rommel.

The Luftwaffe, the air force of the German military during the Third Reich, was established in 1935. Over the next 10 years, Luftwaffe troops wore a huge variety of uniforms. Enlisted men generally wore uniforms issued from military depots. Most enlisted soldiers had wool trousers and a short jacket with two internal lower pockets, called a Fliegerbluse, as well as a dressier 4-pocket tunic, the Tuchrock. Officers wore the same general uniform styles, but as officers had to supply their own uniforms, they usually wore tailor made versions. There were also myriad varieties of specialized uniforms worn by certain units or in specific situations, from the tuxedo-style “gala” formal wear uniform of the pre-war period, to the plain coveralls worn by crews of anti-aircraft cannons. There were work uniforms, tropical and summer uniforms, and camouflage clothing for airborne troops and other Luftwaffe soldiers in ground combat. Flight crews had their own specialized gear, including leather jackets and warm, electrically heated suits. Most but not all Luftwaffe uniform jackets bore the Luftwaffe emblem of a flying eagle holding a swas.