Red Band Uberzugs
- Thread starter ussguppy
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CLOVIS 57
Well-known member
To be precise, these are not camouflage helmet covers (Überzug) (M92 and M96).They are peacetime manoeuvre helmet covers (Manöver-Kappe) (M1884). Reversible, the beige side was for the friend, the side with the red stripe was for the enemy.
At mobilisation, given the shortage of equipment for the new regiments, the Reserve and Landwehr, these Manöver-Kappe were used on the beige side as camouflage helmet covers, and red unit numbers were sewn onto the front.
The German peacetime design of the manoeuvre helmet covers with reversible red stripe/beige was a fortunate "accident" for the Kaiser's Army when the war began. I have seen these "reversibles" for sale at many shows but they were always "officer private purchase" as are yours from what I can see. I have never seen a government issued OR's RMK cover in all my years of collecting....perhaps the red stripe cloth was simply a separate piece placed over the issued uberzug?? As to tschapka covers, I have owned one and the construction is very complex with multiple "hooks and eyes", I guess the red stripe could be stitched around it?? The busby, obviously is a more cylindrical object which again would (?) make for easier red stripe application?? These must have existed for the war games but I have never seen period photos, other than pickelhauben.
CLOVIS 57
Well-known member
Manöver-Kappe M84 troops are available in France. They have double hooks in the shape of a naval anchor or a single hook that can be swivelled to either side.
These MK84s, which were in stock for manoeuvres, were all used for mobilisation, on the beige side (red stripe towards the helmet) with or without the regimental number in red, at the beginning of August, then in green at the beginning of September.
In the photos, taken from a distance, you can't tell an MK 84 from a Feld-Uberzug 96.
But on the photo below, taken close enough, the MK 84 can be identified, by the shadow of the red stripe that transpires, and by the central seam that no longer exists on the Überzug.
Photographs of German soldiers with the Manöver-Kappe M84 on their helmets are rare. Here is one, on the ‘friendly’ side, as the red stripe is underneath. To make it easier to use the chinstrap, the visor and headpiece parts are rolled up.
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ussguppy
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Very much appreciate the info. A thought; if they only exist for officers in war games, what did the enlisted wear to distinguish teams? You are very evidently correct as all mine are made for officers helmets and none of them really fit very well on my M15s.
When I was in the field playing war games for the military, we used to wear a green band around our helmet, but so did officers on our side. However, the administrators facilitating the training wore a red hat; imaging its that type of scenario...
Gabe
ussguppy
Well-known member
Great photo, thank you for sharing!
Pontiac9999
Well-known member
Here's a Pelzmütze with a red band...
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ussguppy
Well-known member
Rarer than hen's teeth, with or without a red stripe.
This is correct. Here is the helmet worn by Leutnant Albrecht when he was killed in action in Lorraine, on August 21st 1914.
Jeff R
Well-known member
That's extraordinary Bruno - are the other artifacts his as well? Is the sword blade Damascus?
Here is the regimental history of DR26, where what happened on that day is described. In summary:
On August 21st, a platoon led by Leutnant der Reserve Albrecht and Sergeant Wolsdorf was following a detachment of French cuirassiers in Rixinger Wald (nowadays, forêt de Réchicourt). They confronted an enemy squadron, which resulted in Leutnant Albrecht, Sergeant Wolsdorf, and Dragoner Schent being severely wounded. The three missing soldiers were found the same evening. Dragoner Schent was already dead. Leutnant Albrecht had lost consciousness; he was taken to field hospital St Johann in Basel where, despite being given the best care, he died shortly after. Sergeant Wolsdorf recovered from his injuries and returned to army service.
Leutnant d. R. Albrecht was the first DR26 officer killed in WW1.
On August 21st, a platoon led by Leutnant der Reserve Albrecht and Sergeant Wolsdorf was following a detachment of French cuirassiers in Rixinger Wald (nowadays, forêt de Réchicourt). They confronted an enemy squadron, which resulted in Leutnant Albrecht, Sergeant Wolsdorf, and Dragoner Schent being severely wounded. The three missing soldiers were found the same evening. Dragoner Schent was already dead. Leutnant Albrecht had lost consciousness; he was taken to field hospital St Johann in Basel where, despite being given the best care, he died shortly after. Sergeant Wolsdorf recovered from his injuries and returned to army service.
Leutnant d. R. Albrecht was the first DR26 officer killed in WW1.
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ww1czechlegion
Well-known member
What an absolutely beautiful, stunning grouping Bruno!
Best Wishes,
Alan
Best Wishes,
Alan
Dane Jensen
Well-known member
I wasn’t aware they made different types of these maneuver band covers! That’s spectacular and what an incredible group of photos.
I have one of these covers paired with my 1897 officer, however, I don’t know how to reverse the cover inside out without damaging the attachment points.
Photos of the actual cover, some may recognize it as the one from AOK,
All the best,
Dane Jensen
I have one of these covers paired with my 1897 officer, however, I don’t know how to reverse the cover inside out without damaging the attachment points.
Photos of the actual cover, some may recognize it as the one from AOK,
All the best,
Dane Jensen
