Winter camouflage

The necessity of a camouflage colour for winter campaigns had been realised on German side in 1941. The A.H.M. 1941, Blatt 29 from 21st November 1941,No. 1128 (O.K.H. (Ch H Rüst u. BdE), 18th November 1941 - 72/88/16 - AHA/In 2 (VIII)) regulated the painting of the equipment during winter. White, washable colour according to the modified technical delivery conditions 6345 could be requested on the official routine. If this colour arrived at the front troops in sufficient quantities in the winter 1941/42, is doubtful. The troops had to improvise like so often. All available methods had to be used. The vehicles were camouflaged with white colour, whitewash, chalk and sometimes they were covered with white sheets or white curtains. According to the A.H.M. 1942, Blatt 10 from 7th April 1942, No. 315 subparagraph 2 (O.K.H. (Ch H Rüst u. BdE), 25th March 1942 - 72/88/16 - AHA/In 2 (VIII), the washable colour according to the A.H.M. 1941 No. 1128 should also be used for the coating of tarpaulins.
With A.H.M. No. 181 from 22nd February 1943, it was stated that the camouflage coating in snow covered areas should be made with white emulsion paint based on TL 6345 until further notice. A white Tarnpaste (camouflage paste) should be introduced at a later date. In the H.t.V.Bl. 1943 No. 376 and 399 was determined that the weiße Tarnpaste (white camouflage paste) in the colour hue RAL 9002 according to TL 6355 from 15th July 1943 had to be used. Older white camouflage paste had to be used up, first.

This Kabelmesskraftwagen (Kfz. 17) mit Einheitsfahrgestell für m. Pkw. was nearly completely covered with whitewash. The partly visible grey basis colour increased the camouflage effect.

Usually, the whit camouflage colour was applied with brushes, bristles and with many other methods. An application of the white water containing colour with the airbrush was usually impossible due to the cold temperatures.

This Kfz. 17 showed a winter camouflage finish consisting of larger patches painted over the dark-grey base colour. Note the unit emblem of a rabbit in a shield. Most probably, it belonged to a heavy army artillery battalion.

This photo makes clear under which condition winter camouflage finish had to be applied in most cases. Note the inadequate painting equipment in form of a broom.

This known propaganda photo of a 21 cm Mörser 18 clarifies the efficiency of a white winter camouflage on grey base in the open terrain.

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