History

During the Second World War, German troops stationed in northern Africa are generally referred to as the Afrikakorps. Technically, this is not entirely correct, since some German units operating in Africa were not actually part of the DAK (Deutsches Afrikakorps), and some units of it were, in fact, Italian ones. However, for the purpose of collecting so-called “tropical” uniforms and insignia, collectors have simplified the meaning of the term.

The first German troops were sent to northern Africa in February of 1941, to support their Italian allies against the British. The climate of the African continent made it necessary to wear specialised uniforms and gear that not only supported the soldiers in serving in a hot and arid environment, but also helped them in blending in with the landscape, which, in general, presented itself as brown, olive, khaki, or sand/tan in colour. Worn over long periods of time under the blistering desert sun, some uniforms were eventually bleached to white or off-white. Uniforms and insignia in these colours are often referred to as “tropical”, and it is worth noting that they weren’t just worn by members of units stationed in Africa, but in the entire Mediterranean theatre of war, including southern France, Italy, the Balkans, and Greece, as well as in southern Russia during the summer months. Tropical uniforms were worn by members of all three branches of the Wehrmacht: the Heer (army), the Kriegsmarine (navy), and the Luftwaffe (air force). Members of the Waffen-SS stationed in southerly regions also wore tropical-style uniforms, and even though they technically have no connection to the DAK, all tropical uniforms and insignia of all branches of the German military are listed here.

The Visor Cap was permitted for wear by all Luftwaffe personnel, but due to its limited production numbers and unpopularity it was mostly worn by Officers; the NCO/EM ranks caps are rarer.

All of these caps feature a Luftwaffe pattern national emblem eagle and a national-colours cockade surround by a wreath with spread wings. On Officer caps, these insignia may be machine-woven with flat aluminum wire, while on NCO/EM ranks caps the insignia are composed of off-white and coloured thread. These caps also feature detachable neck flaps.

The chin cord for Officers is composed of aluminum cords, and the chin strap for NCO/EM ranks is composed of black material (leather).

The inside lining of the caps is generally composed of red cloth.

The manufacturer mark, when present, was stamped on the inside of the cap. The inside lining may also be stamped with the RB numbers, size, and place and date of manufacture.

These Visor Caps were also nicknamed "Hermann Meyer", referencing commander of the Luftwaffe Hermann Göring boasting that no enemy bomb would ever be dropped on Germany, or else his name wouldn't be Göring, but Meyer.