Spanish Blue division question.

[pointman]

Hi guys...I'm trying to put my Spanish volunteer impression and I had two little questions..

1)With the different MP40 mag pouches out there...is there one that is more desirable? Are they all pretty much the same. I'll admit, i need a bit of an education when it comes to that...which is why I'm here.

2)In the photo below, the Spanish volunteers are wearing a satchel around their necks...can anyone identify it for me?



I'd love to find some books on the Blue legion, but I haven't had too much luck...I appreciate any help.

Thanks.

[Jager.Drü]

You would want Green ones. I know the Blue Divison was sent to the Ost Front and after they disbanded some joined the SS. The side bag could be of Spainish orgin, def. not German.

forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=38122&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
Lost of cool pictures.

[bbtoys333]

The satchels you are talking about are the cases for gas mask capes that were standard issue in early war.

[flectarn]

They were standard issue all war. As the war went on, they were ordered to wear them different ways. Some troops also decided to toss them

[pointman]

Thanks guys for all the answers...I've seen them with almost every illustration or picture of Blue Div. soldiers, but couldnt figure out what it was..

I can start searching for it online now..

So, the leather MP40 poucjes wouldnt be acurate for them, just the OD ones?

Again, thanks.

[Jager.Drü]

I thought you were talking about the side bag in the picture. Yes the pouch on front is the gas cape bag attached to the gas mask can strap.

I would go with the green MP40 pouches. Leather is very early war.

[pointman]

Thanks Jager...so I'll stay away from the leather. I know they fought in the eastern front so that would make it a bit too late for that. Possibly if I put together a Falangista impression instead of a volunteer since Hitler sent and tested Blitz tactics with the Spanish during their civil war.

so i'm off to find gas mask cape pouches

[CharleyNovember]

If they were available early war they would still be a few around late war. You take and use what you are give or what you steal in war.

[spitfire740]

Not sure if you have a helmet already, but just in case I thought I'd inform you:
www.ima-usa.com/product_info.php/cPath/134_136/products_id/1576
Good luck with your impression! It is indeed a unique one.

[gadge]

If you look carefully under the Spanish sash he also has an early war brown map case.

As they are not wearing y-straps you'll possibly want belt hooks too.