Introduction of the Y-straps to the Heer

[SchutzeHagemann]

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

[Oberschnaepser]

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

[SchutzeHagemann]

Appreciate it Marco!

Sam

[Oberschnaepser]

Also, its more comfortable in battle .

Horrido,
Marco

[SchutzeHagemann]

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

[Halle]

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

[POA1944]

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.

[SchutzeHagemann]

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.

[SchutzeHagemann]

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]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WW2-GERMAN-Earl ... 27b77eb1f7

[POA1944]

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.

[SchutzeHagemann]

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

[POA1944]

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.

[RZM]

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.

[Sheikh Al Stranghi]

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