The German Soldier is a fierce enemy, the reason for this is their militaristic society and their adaptation to the terrain around them.
The Waffen SS, were soldiers under the thumb of Der Fuhrer, They were equipped with cutting edge technology and garments, using camouflaged smocks or "Tarnjacken" and helmet covers or "Stahlhelmbezug". The patterns were designed by Johann Georg Otto Schick, who was appointed by Wim Brandt. The first official pattern introduced was "Tigertarnung" or commonly know by collectors as "Palm" attached below is a photo of "Palm/Tiger" camo in use.
Here is a group of soldiers embarking a truck, this makes it evident why the camo was called "Tiger Camo".
photo is from SS-KB Archive
The first troops were issued with the Camo Smocks in 1937, the testing was done by SS-VT Deutschland Regiment.
Here's some footage of Waffen SS troops during the "Battle of The Bulge." You can see their Dot 44 or "Erbsentarnmuster" uniform jackets as well as the smocks.
I hope you enjoyed this introduction to Waffen SS Camouflage! Hope to see you again soon!
