Sumpfmuster Pattern 43 was a camouflage pattern that was used with German uniforms during World War II. Sumpfmuster 43, otherwise known as 'marsh pattern 1943' was pattern that consisted largely of forest brown and medium green shapes on a tan background marked by green 'splinters'. Notably, Sumpfmuster 43 improved upon previous iterations of German camouflage patterns by blurring the edges of the shapes to distort unnatural angles.[1] In the end, Sumpfmuster would create a series of similar patterns used to help conceal German infantry.
Uses[]
Sumpfmuster 43 was used from late 1942 to 1945, albeit in less numbers towards the end as it was slowly replaced by its spin off camouflage patterns. However, the decrease in German production towards the end of the war required every spare resource to be used, thus keeping Sumpfmuster 43 in service. Typically, the pattern was used from everything to smocks, pants, etc. Meanwhile, the pattern itself was designed for use with the Heer and Fallshirmjäger[2], though as mentioned prior, towards the end of the war every material had to be used and thus some Waffen SS units came to be equipped with it.
History[]
Sumpfmuster 43 was first issued to frontline troops in late 1942, though made its large scale debut throughout 1943. By this time, it was clear the evolution of German uniforms from the standard Feldgrau (Field Grey) to actual camouflage patterns and a more defensive style of equipment. Eventually, the pattern became adopted as one of the standard camouflage patterns of the Heer and Fallshirmjäger towards the end of the war. As such, the various items of clothing or equipment it was used with were produced in the thousands.
References[]
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