Die Luftwaffe

A susbtantial part of the history is the history of the german Luftwaffe. Below is a section regarding luftwaffe wich will be updated on a regular basis.

Luftwaffe "Schwarze Männer"

The luftwaffe mechanics was called "die Schwarze Männer" due to their black denim coveralls. Each luftwaffe "gruppe" had a flughafenbetriebskompanie led by an ingenur officer. Each staffel had appx 150 mechanics i a socalled betriebszug. They were responsible for maintenance, repair and re armament. Many of them educated themselves further to becoming flieger. 

The suits was initially black giving the crew their nickname. Before the outbreak of the war the colour change to a dark blue. The coveralls was heavy in weight, They were inner lined for warmth and constucted from a denim like Hbt material. They are double buttoned and closeable at the neck giving the wearer proper insulation. On the waits left picture one can see the Tie in string. On the right the insulating liner of the coveralls.The dark colour is to conceal stains of oil and dirt. Ground crew can also be seen with white coveralls, but these are often radio mechanics. Comparing to period photos, insignia useage is rare. It is probable that insigna on items are postwar additions.

Picture right showing the HBT denim like material. Also showing the black string for tie in. Coveralls was often marked with ink and as their useage required often cleaning, they are mostly washed away. Left picture showing the leg and tie in. These suits became popular and were also later in the war issued to troops manning flak artillerie.

In addition to the coveralls the mechanics was issued an overseas cap. It is black in colour. Notice the size marking.

Luftwaffe mechanics is not a collectors prime choice, but i deserves its place with any luftwaffe flight collection.