Original German Post WWII West German Rucksack – Bundeswehr Original Items

Original Items: Very Few Available. West German rearmament began in the decades after World War II. Fears of another rise of German militarism caused the new military to operate within an alliance framework, under NATO command. The events led to the establishment of the Bundeswehr, the West German military, in 1955. The name Bundeswehr was a compromise choice suggested by former general Hasso von Manteuffel to distinguish the new forces from the Wehrmacht term for the combined German forces of NSDAP Germany.

Neither East nor West Germany had any regular armed forces at the time, though they did have paramilitary police forces. The Bundeswehr was armed originally from Military Assistance Program funds from the US. Former Kriegsmarine ships, seized under the Tripartite Naval Commission, were returned by the US. Slowly, West German sailors were stationed on United States Navy ships and West Germany helped to supply the navy. This operation was intended to ensure that West Germany possessed an effective military force. The US supplied the potential sailors with intensive training to help build up the German Navy for the future. The German generals wanted a small air force, the Luftwaffe, focused on supporting ground operations. Chancellor Konrad Adenauer’s budget called for limited air power. However the United States Air Force leaders, coordinating with the small Luftwaffe staff, successfully promoted a much larger Luftwaffe along American lines.

The rucksacks are all in wonderful condition, various maker marks will either be present or not stamped at all, other country stamps may be present as a lot of the older equipment was sold and exported, the colors and shades of color varies but they are all of identical construction.

These are perfect for the reenactor, camping/hiking enthusiasts or to fill the void of a WWII display even!

Comes more than ready for display.