8.Kompagnie,
Infanterie - Regiment Nr. 459

I. The "Walking out" Impression

Fig.1

Fig. 2

In Figure 1 & 2, our young Gefreiter now wearing what we consider as the basic "walking out" kit. This kit is what you would wear on leave or visiting the flea market at the GWA site on friday afternoon.

Figure 1: Our Gefreiter is wearing an uniform that consists of the 1915 Bluse (tunic) and Stonegray trousers with red piping. On his head he has on the Feldmütze (fieldhat) trimmed in red which designates "infantry."

Around his waist is a "blackened" Belt with a "blackened" 98/05 Butcher bayonet frog. Inside the bayonet frog is a 98/05 Butcher Bayonet. Attached to the bayonet frog is our unit Troddel (bayonet knot), which signifies that we are the 8th Kompagnie.

Note: If you are attending a public party you may wish to leave your bayonet at home. Some local police departments frown on a 14 ½ inch bayonet...please use common sense.

** Please note: That our Gefreiter is not wearing his Gamaschen (leg wraps) with his Ankle boots. His trousers are not "bloused."

If our Gefreiter was wearing Marching boots his trousers would be on the outside of his boots.

II. Basic Combat Impression

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

In Figure 3 & 4, our Gefreiter is wearing what we consider as the "basic combat" kit. This is what is needed to attend a combat event with IR459 and become a member in good standing with IR459

** Note: All the items (except the extra canteen and the "Trench knife") are on the "required" items that you need to be accepted as a member of IR459.

Figure 3: Our Gefreiter is wearing a M1916 Stahlhelm, he has the Lederschutzmaske (Gas Mask) and canister around his neck. Note that the Lederschutzmaske is in the ready "alert position." He also has the standard "rough out" brown leather belt with a steel "Feldgrau" painted "Gott Mit Uns" buckle. His belt is being supporting by a pair of Patronentaschen (ammo pouches) and a breadbag strap around his neck to support the weight of the leather belt. On his belt is a trench knife which is used in close quarter fighting.

His uniform consists of: the 1915 Bluse, Stonegray trousers with red piping, British ankle boots with black wool Gamaschen (puttees or leg wraps).

His weapon is the standard Gewehr 98 Rifle with the "Lange (Roller Coater Site) made by Mauser.

Figure 4: Our Gefreiter has on the left his Shovel and carrier which supports his bayonet and frog. His bayonet is a M98/05 Butcher Bayonet.

On the right side he has a "Feldgrau" breadbag which supports two "screwtop" canteens (because water was scarce on the Westernfront). Also attached to his breadbag is his Lederschutzmaske (Gas Mask) and canister in the "Marching" position.

III. The "On Campaign" Impression

In Figure 5: Our Gefreiter is wearing a "1916 canvas style" Tornister. Please note the shoulder straps are attached to the "Dee" rings behind each of his ammo pouches. When you are purchasing original Patronentaschen (ammo pouches) make sure they have "Dee" rings on the back (of each one).

In Figure 6: The Tornister (back pack) is shown complete with a Mantle (overcoat), Zeltbahn (shelter half) rolled around the frame of the pack. On the outside of the pack there is a Kochgeshirr (messkit) is attached with two Kochgeshirr Reimen (messkit straps).

Inside the Tornister you will find a pole bag (complete with Zeltbahn poles, Zeltbahn pegs and a length of cord.), extra shirt, socks, drawers, meat can, small ration bags and 20 rounds of extra ammunition (4 strippers with 5 rounds each).

IV. Grenadier Impression
(A Speciality Impression)

In Figure 7 & 8, our Gefreiter is wearing what we consider as the one of our speciality impressions the "Grenadier" kit. This impression must be pre-approved by the NCO's. Not everyone gets to become a Grenadier.

Our Gefreiter is wearing the same "basic combat" kit except he is now wearing "grenade bags." The bags also known as "water wings" can contain both stick and egg grenades.

Our Gefreiter has his rifle slung across his back to make throwing grenades easier.