This fragmentary, silent German training film from WWII shows members of the Heer being issued winter kit from a supply depot, and ski troops showing off some of their winter fighting gear. The film is of interest because the Wehrmacht famously lacked winter clothing during the opening stages of the invasion of Russia in 1941 and through 1942. This situation was the result of supply delays, and Hitler’s strategy of attempting to win the war quickly which de-prioritized winter combat preparations. Although German divisions hastily organized sewing workrooms in captured Russian cities to make flannel waistbands, ear muffs, waistcoats, socks, and mittens, frostbite was a constant problem. German troops also tanned sheepskins into coats and made felt boots in small workshops; and German civilians donated coats and winter clothes as part of civil supply drives. Other winter clothes were seized from captives or persons placed in concentration camps. The Russian winter is considered to have been a contributing factor to the military failures of both Napoleon’s invasion of Russia and Hitler’s invasion of the Soviet Union.
The film starts with shots of a supply depot stocked with blankets and flannel underwear (:56). Underwear is given to a soldier as well as a sweater and (1:12) either a neck gaiter or socks. At (1:25) a heavier uniform jacket goes on top. At (2:29) a backpack or rucksack is shown off to the camera. At (5:23) a soldier puts on a neck gaiter, and troops are shown wearing heavy, long length winter coats or trench coats. At (6:38) heavy woolen socks are shown to the camera. The troops pull out white winter covers to camouflage them in the snow, before moving out on skis.
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