wwii axis reenactment forum

Hello all,

I was wondering if anyone has information on when you start seeing units of the German army start to wear Y-straps in combat. My unit is doing a mid-war impression (1941-1942) and I'd like to see if it would be correct not to have an Y-straps.

Sam

It was introduced in April 1939 (Source mp44.nl)

So if you display a infantry or motorcycle (bicycle) unit, the Koppeltragegestell would be common.

Horrido,
Marco

Appreciate it Marco!

Sam

Also, its more comfortable in battle .

Horrido,
Marco

I like no Y-straps, but I guess that is just me.

What are you doing a mid war impression of ? If its Panzergrenadier , you could maybe get away without wearing the Y straps .

They were started being issued in 39 but were not seen widespread till 1941.

If you are doing a Early/Mid-War impression the "M39" Y-straps with the Hidden Front Stitches are the best to use if you can find them.They are tough to get a hold of.At the Front used to sell them (Which is what I have).And Hikishop sells them too.

They were also really common till the end of the war.There are pics of them in 1944-1945 too.

This is my pair of M39 straps.

Halle wrote:What are you doing a mid war impression of ? If its Panzergrenadier , you could maybe get away without wearing the Y straps .

Just a plain jane Grenadier Regiment. We do not have a specific unit that we are portraying, just a generic Infanterie soldat of the time period. From many of the Invasion of Russia pictures I have seen they are not wearing any straps.. but then into the campaign I see them show up. I guess I will have to find a supply of straps like POA has suggested.

POA, I used to have a pair of the ATF straps, but sold them a while back without thinking. :/ The only ones I can find are these, but I don't know how they are.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321082920267?ss ... 1423.l2649

SchutzeHagemann wrote:POA, I used to have a pair of the ATF straps, but sold them a while back without thinking. :/ The only ones I can find are these, but I don't know how they are.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321082920267?ss ... 1423.l2649

ATF's are the best ones around when they had them..They are long gone now.I got mine on sale for $35 USD.And a lot of people want them..If you can find a pair get them..The ones in the link don't look bad..But I don't know whats up with the buckle on the strap that hooks onto the A-Frame.All Original's I seen don't have that.

POA1944 wrote:

SchutzeHagemann wrote:POA, I used to have a pair of the ATF straps, but sold them a while back without thinking. :/ The only ones I can find are these, but I don't know how they are.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321082920267?ss ... 1423.l2649

ATF's are the best ones around when they had them..They are long gone now.I got mine on sale for $35 USD.And a lot of people want them..If you can find a pair get them..The ones in the link don't look bad..But I don't know whats up with the buckle on the strap that hooks onto the A-Frame.All Original's I seen don't have that.

It's an early war thing. Here is an original 1939 dated pair from a knowledgeable collector on waf. Top of the page.

http://mp44.nl/equipment/y_belt.htm

Wow.I haven't seen that before.Thanks for sharing that with me!..But I have seen other early war style Y-Straps with the "Hidden Stitches" without them before too.I have seen them dated as late as 1943.

The only Y straps at ATF currently are the webstyle ones..and they are expensive. ($124.00usd.) I got a set and they are impressive. After 41 these were seen on all fronts. Not just southern front. Cheaper alternative to the leather ones.

They start showing up mid 1941. Until then, stick to belt hooks. Afterwards, Y-straps all the way.