THE GERMAN COLONIAL & SCHUTZTRUPPEN 1889-1918: UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT
Author: Kraus, J. & T. Müller

This is a superbly researched and illustrated record of Germany's colonial troops. It begins with the first colonisation project of Emperor Charles V in the 16th Century but focuses on the major years between 1889 and 1919. The majority of the book describes and illustrates in wonderful detail the clothing and equipment of the Schutztruppen. Created in German East and Southwest Africa in 1889 in 1896 a single uniform was prescribed for all such units. Despite the official regulations the reality was that the troops fighting in Germany's colonial territories were clothed and equipped in a variety of ways. The book illustrates uniforms tropical helmets caps equipment and much more besides in great detail. The book also includes much information about the German troops that served in East Asia from 1900. Uniform-wise there are many interesting details covered for instance the field grey winter and summer uniforms issued only to the East Asian troops between 1901 and 1909. This is an absolute must for uniform enthusiasts.