History

The German Wehrmacht was composed of three main branches, the Heer (Army), the Kriegsmarine (Navy), and the Luftwaffe (Air Force). The Heer and Kriegsmarine uniforms were based upon the designs utilized by their predecessor organizations, the Reichsheer and the Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial Navy). Conversely, the Luftwaffe uniforms were based upon the uniforms worn in the sports and paramilitary organizations that were the forerunners of the Luftwaffe. The Luftwaffe uniforms were specifically designed to deviate from the designs of the other Wehrmacht service branches. It was also necessary that the uniforms differentiate between military and civilian pilots.

Luftwaffe Civilian Specialists were pilots or wireless operators on loan from Lufthansa to instruct and train Luftwaffe personnel. They wore a specific Visor Cap, which is dark blue with a black cap band. It features a unique insignia in the shape of a swastika situated between two wings, with two oakleaf sprigs underneath. This insignia was in gilt for higher ranks and in silver for lower ranks. The cords worn were gold cords, alternating in black for leaders, black cords, alternating in gold for pilots, silver cords, interwoven with black for radio operators, and blue cords for everybody else.