Have had requests for a WW2 German medical thread.

I’ve done a few before, so for new followers here is the personal equipment used by the Sanitäter (medic) & Krankenträger (stretcher bearer).

1)

Early War to c.1942, both Sanis & Krankenträger had medical equipment in x2 Koppeltaschen (belt pouches).

Pouches were marked ‘L’ or ‘R’ & ‘S’ or ‘K’, to denote left/right/Sani/Krankenträger.

The Sani’s are top, Krankenträger bottom.

Contents differed upon role/pouch.

2)

Interior lid labels detailed the items & their packing order.

As items were used or added, labels would often be annotated in pencil by their user to update their inventory.

Pics are Sani pouches L/R & Krankenträger pouches R/L.

3)

Detailed look at Sani pouch left.

Gauze bandage pack, tourniquet, safety pins in pouch, field dressings & waterproof dressing.

4)

Detailed look at Sani pouch right.

Iodine, ointments, soap, medication, bandage tape, large plaster.

5)

Detailed look at Krankenträger pouch left.

Gauze bandages, sling, field dressings, bandage tape, safety pins & basic instruments.

6)

Detailed look at Krankenträger pouch right.

Slings, field dressings, waterproof dressing & tourniquet.

7)

The Sanitäter carried his wider array of instruments in a 'Kleines feldbesteck, including thermometer.

8)

So now we are acquainted with the belt pouches frontline German medical personnel wore.

A Krankenträger was often armed, being a soldier as well as receiving basic medical training.

As such, they often carried rifles & Sanis with sidearms.

9)

So in 1942, the introduction of the Sanitätstasche zum Umhängen (shoulderbag) was introduced.

This enabled the transfer of the medical kit from belt to shoulder to allow ammo pouches to be worn on the belt.

See pic 2 & 3 for source/explanation.

10)

The Sanitätstasche zum Umhängen contained more kit, so was more practical in addition to facilitating ammunition pouches being worn.

It had 3 compartments. The lid, lower body & upper body.

This is a Sani example.

11)

Here is detail of the contents of the shoulder bag.

The ability to carry a greater volume & variety of kit, including Lobelin (used re traumatic wounds such as gunshot/explosion) also seems a logical response to the casualties faced by German frontline medical personnel.

12)

So, a basic look at the medical kit used by the men who were highly regarded by their comrades.

Tags @MENA_Conflict @ReassessHistory @hoyer_kat @sommecourt @adam_tooze

13/End)