The German military were the forefathers of contemporary camouflage; with the modern changes in warfare tactic, concealment became one of the guiding principles of tactical success. In the 1930's, the Splinter pattern was introduced as the first widespread camo pattern adopted for military use. From that point, the Germans worked throughout World War II to design, test, and implement ever more effective patterns for concealment. As such, there were many varieties of camo available to the soldat; based on 8 basic designs, almost 20 different individual patterns have been identified from the Third Reich.

For the sake of accuracy and uniformity, our unit authorizes the purchase and wear of three styles of camouflage: Oak A, Oak B, and Blurred Edge. These were the most widely used patterns, so our soldaten will have no problem locating the necessary equipment items in either reproduction or original. Information on a couple other period patterns is included here to clear up any questions about their use historically and in reenacting.

Unit Acceptable Patterns

Planetree (SS-Platanenmuster): Planetree is the first camouflage pattern developed for use in the Waffen-SS, being distributed from the mid-1930's to the mid 1940's. Planetree consists of the typical green Spring side and brown Autumn side. Planetree's Spring side is a tri-color mix of greens and brown, with a black disruptive overprinting. It is also characteristic for having numerals printed throughout the fabric for an undetermined reason.
Oak A (SS-Eichenlaubmuster): Oak A is a five color disruptive camo with a Spring/Summer color scheme based on olive drab, and an Autumn color scheme based on chocolate brown. Oak A is a derivative of the Planetree pattern, and was introduced for wear in the early 1940's. Oak A was utilized in the manufacture of reversible smocks, Type II helmet covers, zeltbahns and caps.

Oak B (SS-Beringt Eichenlaubmuster): Oak B is a six-color ringed version of the Oak A pattern, also based on Planetree. It has the two reversible color schemes: a brown and black Autumn variety and green and brown Spring type. Oak B was also introduced in the early 1940's, though it is debated which of the two Oak leaf patterns was indeed the earliest. In addition to smocks, helmet covers and zeltbahns, Oak B was also used for a late-war HBT drill uniform.

Blurred Edge (SS-Rauchtarnmuster): Blurred Edge is one of the most prevalent styles of camouflage used in the war, being authorized for wear from the late 1930's to nearly the end of the war. The colors used in Blurred Edge are identical to the Planetree design in both seasonal varieties; the only difference is the style of black overprint giving it the characteristic smokey appearance. Blurred Edge is used on both types of smocks, helmet covers and zeltbahns.
Other Period Camouflage Patterns
(Not approved for unit use!)

Splinter (Heeres-Splittes-Muster): Splinter pattern was the first major contemporary camouflage issued by the German military; it was introduced in the early 1930's and continued in use through the mid 1960's. This camo consists of green and brown hard-edged polygonal shapes printed on a tan or greyish background, with darker green "splinters" roller printed throughout the fabric. Splinter was a Heer pattern, and though utilized in some camo uniform items, its predominant use was in zeltbahns.

Dot 44 (SS-Erbsenmuster): Dot 44 was manufactured late in the war as the first functional year-round camouflage. It contains five colors speckled throughout: green, olive, brown, black, and tan. Dot 44 was used primarily for a new style drill uniform which replaced the typical camo smock, and was not known to have been authorized for helmet covers or caps.

Information for this page came from kamouflage.net and zeltbahn.com and is used here for solely educational purposes.