In the US military today, there is a personal item I find interesting. It is the Poncho used to protect the soldier from rain. When snapped together with another poncho, it forms a two man tent. Does this sound familiar? Now, was this produced as a result of the German zeltbann or was there an older version? The German version was more of a canvas material (I believe) and triangular in shape whereas the US is nylon and rectangular. Just some thoughts.
The poncho predates WWII. It probably traces it roots to the serape worn by vacheros and later cowboys.
The German shelter quarter (or zeltbahn) was made from a cotton duck twill which when wet swells slightely making it more waterproof. The WW2 version is triangular with buttons along each side, holes in the corners for tent pegs and a tent pole. The triangular zeltbahn is based on the square pattern of 1892 used up until the mid 30's, 4 could be buttoned together to make a four man tent (comfy to sleep in), more could be put together to form even bigger structures: It could also be worn as a poncho to keep dry: Early ones were field grey (I have a couple of these, check me) but wartime they were camoflaged so that every soldier had some basic pattern disruptive clothing. They were made in numerous patterns for both wehrmacht and SS, most of which were reversable. Wehrmacht splinter pattern: SS oakleaf pattern: The Zeltbahn could also be used to make basic flotation aids: Or a stretcher: Pretty cool eh? Sort of like an issue origami set. Similar equipment has been issued in most armies for years, probably decended from the watch cloaks used since medieval times. The Russians had the 'plash palatka' which was rectangular and was used as a rain cape or basic shelter. The British had a similar rain cape as did the US, post war the poncho was introduced in the British army but with the advent of gortex they have been withdrawn (due to being useless for keeping you dry and the hood being problematic for shelter making) and replaced with a PLCE basher, functional and one of the best items of kit we have at the moment. For more info on he Zeltbahn visit http://www.zeltbahn.net/
It looks like zeltbahn.net has hotlink protection Stefan. In any case I'm enjoying this thread, and zeltbahn is worth a visit anyways.
it's great to hear that you can solve the problem. I would be thankful, if you update how did you solve that,,,,
another site with good pics, and descriptions of use... www.ww2-camouflage.com - Telo mimetico - Italian pattern
Surely there must be some way a poncho coulsd be used as a weapon ... You could strangle your enemy with it. Or you could give him a heck of a towel-snap!
Aha! Apparently the test model mounting two 25pdrs to simulate the recoil of a 17pdr (didn't know that, looked up the tank) so it's "not exactly a weapon" either.
I like it because it looks interesting ... but you're right, definitely not a "weapon of war". No room for a gunner or loader in that turret!
