BACKGROUND: Although each division in the German army of WWII had divisional support units which included a medical unit that normally consisted of two companies, a field hospital and two ambulance platoons there was also an extensive organization of higher echelon army first-aid stations and hospitals. Wounded personnel would first be moved to the units first-aid station for immediate evaluation and care and if the wounds were of a severe nature the individual would then be transferred to the regimental or divisional first-aid stations. If the wounds were very serious the individual would then be sent to an army hospital in the rear area. Very severely wounded personnel that would require a long time for recuperation would be evacuated to a civilian hospital near his home if possible. Generally all levels of military units preferred to treat their own wounded as evacuation to a rear army or civilian hospital could result in the individual being assigned to a different unit when released. The success of the German military’s medical organization can be judged on the fact that those evacuated to a hospital had a 98.5% chance of recovery. When hospitalized, personnel would turn in all their equipment and clothing to the hospital administration who would issue a return chit and supply a hospital "uniform" that consisted of a jacket, pants and slippers.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Heavy weight, woven cotton/rayon blend construction convalescent’s issue hospital pants with an HBT, (Herring Bone Twill), weave. The pants have a distinctive vertical, striped, pattern consisting of a fine light and dark blue stripe alternating with a wider white stripe. The pants have a vertical, three button French fly with an additional button positioned on the waistband. Suspender buttons all complete. The pants have a dual-ply interior waistband and a small white cotton reinforcement panel to the crotch. Nicely marked "Krankenabteilung Korn westheim". The buttons are all the metal dish type and have their original stitching. The pants are roughly size 30" waist.