Wehrmacht Pair of Puttees

Wehrmacht wrap-around puttees represent a characteristic piece of equipment used by German armed forces during World War II. These particular tropical wrap-around puttees in olive color were part of the uniform for soldiers deployed in warm climate zones, particularly in North Africa, the Mediterranean region, and other tropical or subtropical theaters of operation.

Development and Purpose

Wrap-around puttees had a long tradition in European armies dating back to the 19th century. They served to protect the lower leg and prevented dirt, stones, insects, or other foreign objects from entering the boots. They also provided some support for the calf and ankle during long marches. The Wehrmacht adopted this proven concept and adapted it to the specific requirements of various deployment areas.

The tropical version differed from standard puttees in the material used and color. While regular wrap-around puttees for European deployment were field gray or dark green, tropical puttees were manufactured in a lighter olive tone that better matched the Wehrmacht's tropical uniform. This was increasingly produced from 1940/41 onwards as the German Reich prepared for operations in North Africa.

Material and Manufacturing

The puttees were made from durable cotton fabric or blended material suitable for tropical conditions. Unlike leather versions, which were impractical in extreme heat, the fabric material offered better breathability. The wrapping method allowed for individual adjustment to different leg shapes and boot sizes.

Manufacturing took place in various textile factories in the German Reich and occupied territories. The manufacturer markings, usually applied as stamps or woven labels, today enable attribution to specific production facilities and time periods. These markings typically contained abbreviations for the manufacturer, sometimes also including year dates or Wehrmacht acceptance stamps.

Wearing Method and Equipment Regulations

The wrap-around puttees were issued in pairs, with distinction made between left and right leg. This was necessary because the shape of the puttee followed the natural contour of the leg. The soldier wrapped the puttee from the ankle upward in a spiral fashion to just below the knee. Fastening was accomplished through sewn-in bands or cords.

The Army Clothing Regulations (Heeresbekleidungsvorschriften - HBV) and dress codes precisely specified when and how wrap-around puttees were to be worn. They were part of field equipment and were particularly prescribed for marches, in combat, and during outdoor work.

Areas of Deployment

The tropical puttees were primarily used by the German Afrika Korps (DAK) under Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, which operated in North Africa from 1941 to 1943. Other deployment areas included Italy after 1943, the Balkans, and the southern parts of the Eastern Front. Units transferred to the USSR also sometimes received tropical equipment when winter-appropriate clothing was unavailable.

Condition and Material Deterioration

The mentioned moth damage is a typical problem with historical textiles. Clothes moths (Tineola bisselliella) and their larvae feed on keratin fibers found in wool, but also attack cotton fabrics, especially when contaminated with organic residues such as sweat. This is common with military equipment items worn under extreme conditions.

Historical Significance

Wrap-around puttees were standard in many armies until the 1940s but were increasingly replaced by higher boots or more modern leg wear after World War II. They represent a transitional period in military equipment and are today important collector's items and study objects for military historians. The tropical versions are particularly interesting as they document the Wehrmacht's adaptation to different climate zones and theaters of war, providing insight into the logistical challenges faced by a globally operating army. These items serve as tangible evidence of the material culture of warfare and the practical considerations that influenced military clothing design during this period.