Pilot
Well-Known Member
I own 6 ( six) so called “ Hartmann” jackets, all from ex WW2 owners families or granted/certified provenance. Its got its name "Hartmann" jacket because when possible, he, “Erich” wore it and was very popular in it and without it anyway... worldwide ...even after 1945....same happens with the “Ike” jacket....It was as named after... because etc...
Most of these jackets ( originals) are pre 1945- French made...Privately purchased in occupied France...in France they are called “blouson cycliste”, used by the French resistance and FFI milices and others...
I have hundreds of photos showing “my jackets “ or precicely the same make with the LW pilot sitting in the cockpit or wearing it when just climbing out after his mission or just prior a mission.
Doubt strongly the “staging” above mentioned....Surely the propaganda of every country did some staging here and there but with jackets on and off.. as mentioned here... I doubt it... sorry.
I have no photos showing Luftwaffe pilots wearing “Hartmann” jackets “in town”, since it was prohibited by LW regulations ("Kleiderordnung Dienstvorschrift der Luftwaffe") to wear none issued flying ( adorned with boards, awards.. eagle etc...) guear when in public or when in contact with civilians...Only official issued attires were permitted when going out of base ....especially during leisure time...In-flight wearing was a different story, wearing none issued guear during service was only tolerated...but largely accepted due to lack of issued alternatives.
Ref. “Luftwaffes vs RAF flying gear “ literature...two great books..but there are many others mentioning the same.
“Bubi Erich” possessed at least two “Hartmann” jackets one with rounded pocket flaps ,one with more angular pocket flaps, one with shoulder boards added, one without.
All his gear incl. his awards and issued Hanhart chrono. have been taken from him ( by GI’i) when he surendered on May 8, 1945 to the 90th US-ARMY Infantery division ....(his saying in his Bio and interviews).
A few days later, he and his group were handed over to the Soviet Army for a very long st ay ( 10 yeas +) in a russian prison/working camp. All his gear must still be in some US collectors hands or ....trashed..
He relates this plus others in his bio and interviews ( some to be seen on youtube).
I had the honor and privilege to meet Mr. Hartmann plus a few other Aces from all Nations in Fürstenfeldbruck (GAF Academy) during a reunion in 1989.
Most of these jackets ( originals) are pre 1945- French made...Privately purchased in occupied France...in France they are called “blouson cycliste”, used by the French resistance and FFI milices and others...
I have hundreds of photos showing “my jackets “ or precicely the same make with the LW pilot sitting in the cockpit or wearing it when just climbing out after his mission or just prior a mission.
Doubt strongly the “staging” above mentioned....Surely the propaganda of every country did some staging here and there but with jackets on and off.. as mentioned here... I doubt it... sorry.
I have no photos showing Luftwaffe pilots wearing “Hartmann” jackets “in town”, since it was prohibited by LW regulations ("Kleiderordnung Dienstvorschrift der Luftwaffe") to wear none issued flying ( adorned with boards, awards.. eagle etc...) guear when in public or when in contact with civilians...Only official issued attires were permitted when going out of base ....especially during leisure time...In-flight wearing was a different story, wearing none issued guear during service was only tolerated...but largely accepted due to lack of issued alternatives.
Ref. “Luftwaffes vs RAF flying gear “ literature...two great books..but there are many others mentioning the same.
“Bubi Erich” possessed at least two “Hartmann” jackets one with rounded pocket flaps ,one with more angular pocket flaps, one with shoulder boards added, one without.
All his gear incl. his awards and issued Hanhart chrono. have been taken from him ( by GI’i) when he surendered on May 8, 1945 to the 90th US-ARMY Infantery division ....(his saying in his Bio and interviews).
A few days later, he and his group were handed over to the Soviet Army for a very long st ay ( 10 yeas +) in a russian prison/working camp. All his gear must still be in some US collectors hands or ....trashed..
He relates this plus others in his bio and interviews ( some to be seen on youtube).
I had the honor and privilege to meet Mr. Hartmann plus a few other Aces from all Nations in Fürstenfeldbruck (GAF Academy) during a reunion in 1989.
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