How do I distinguish a Wehrmacht officer from an SS officer? How were their uniforms different? Distinguishing between a Wehrmacht officer and an SS officer primarily involves examining the details of their uniforms, insignia, and other specific markers. Here are the key differences:
Wehrmacht Officer Uniforms:
- Eagle Insignia: Wehrmacht officers had an eagle clutching a swastika, typically worn on the right breast.
- Collar Tabs: These featured branch-specific colors and designs. For example, infantry had white piping, artillery had red, etc. The tabs generally displayed rank and sometimes unit information.
- Shoulder Boards: Indicated rank and often included branch-specific piping.
- Belt Buckle: Typically bore the Wehrmacht eagle with the phrase “Gott mit uns” (“God with us”).
- Headgear: The standard peaked cap had a silver braid (for officers) and the Wehrmacht eagle and cockade insignia. Field caps also featured the eagle and cockade.
- Uniform Color: Wehrmacht uniforms were usually field grey (Feldgrau).
SS Officer Uniforms:
- Eagle Insignia: SS officers had a similar eagle insignia, but it was worn on the left sleeve, just above the elbow, instead of on the chest.
- Collar Tabs: These were distinctively black with silver piping and featured the SS runes or rank insignia. The left collar tab typically had the SS runes, while the right tab displayed rank.
- Shoulder Boards: Also indicated rank but were often more elaborate with braided cords and sometimes had black underlay.
- Belt Buckle: Bore the SS motto “Meine Ehre heißt Treue” (“My Honor is Loyalty”).
- Headgear: The peaked caps had a distinctive skull (Totenkopf) emblem along with the SS eagle. SS officers also wore a variety of other headgear, including field caps with the SS insignia.
- Uniform Color: SS uniforms were primarily black for formal occasions and early-war uniforms. Field uniforms were similar to the Wehrmacht’s field grey but with distinct SS insignia.
Summary of Key Differences:
- Insignia Placement: Wehrmacht eagle on the right breast; SS eagle on the left sleeve.
- Collar Tabs: Wehrmacht collar tabs vary by branch; SS collar tabs are black with SS runes or rank.
- Belt Buckles: Different mottoes (“Gott mit uns” for Wehrmacht vs. “Meine Ehre heißt Treue” for SS).
- Headgear: SS headgear features the Totenkopf emblem; Wehrmacht does not.
- Uniform Color: SS had black uniforms for certain occasions and similar field grey for combat, with distinct insignia.
By examining these aspects, you can reliably distinguish between Wehrmacht and SS officers.
