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During World War 2, Bulgarian parachutists trained alongside German Fallschirmjäger and even used the same equipment, such as M37 helmets and jump smocks patterned in Luftwaffe-Splittermuster 41. [Image: Brad Turner collection.]

Luftwaffe-Splittermuster 41
Greater German Reich

Sometimes referred to as 'splinter B', Luftwaffe-Splittermuster ('Luftwaffe splinter pattern') was clearly inspired by Heeres-Splittermuster 31 ('1931 army splinter pattern'). Like its forerunner, it comprises a disruptive camouflage pattern of hard-edged wood brown and medium green polygons printed on a light field-grey or tan background, with a randomly-applied overprint of green dashes. The principle difference between the two patterns is that Luftwaffe-Splittermuster features smaller splinter elements. The pattern is also more complex, presumably to improve the camouflage effect.

Since the pattern was not seen during the campaigns of 1940 but is well documented during the invasion of Crete, it seems likely that this pattern was introduced in 1941. Camouflage clothing produced in this pattern seems to have been limited to the parachutists' jump smock, or Knochensack ('bone sack'), and the Luftwaffe Field Division jacket.

Two models of the Knochensack were produced in Luftwaffe-Splittermuster 41 camouflage cloth. The earliest — and rarest — was the 'step-through' model, with short pants legs sewn in. The second model jump smock resembled the first type, but opened all the way down the front and could be put on like a normal jacket.

The Luftwaffe Field Division jacket does not appear to have been used before 1942. Earlier examples of this jacket are made from the same high-quality, windproof material that was used to make jump smocks and use the same dot fasteners to close the cuffs. Later examples were produced from cheaper material, and the cuffs were closed with buttons.

Other items made in Luftwaffe-Splittermuster 41 include bandoliers for Mauser Kar 98K and Fallschirmjägergewehr 42 (FG42, FjG42), grenade bags, and covers for the M36, M37 and M38 Fallschirmjäger helmet. There seems to be no evidence for factory-production of camouflage covers for the M35 and M42 steel helmet, as worn by members of the Field Divisions.

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