BACKGROUND: In late 1940, with the impending German entrance into the North African campaign, tropical uniforms and equipment were quickly developed and issued in time for DAK, Deutsches Afrika Korps, (German Africa Corps), personnel’s arrival in Tripoli in February 1941. Eventually these tropical uniforms would be issued to personnel serving in southern areas of continental Europe. The design of the tropical issued uniforms essentially adhered to the pattern of the field-grey continental uniforms and also followed the same basic war time modifications. The tropical straight legged long pants were basically the same as the continental long pants but were outfitted with an integral belt and corresponding belt buckle. Officers and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the army’s Kleiderkasse, (Clothing Account), system. The Officers and certain senior NCO’s could choose to purchase their uniforms from the armed forces clothing depots or to privately purchase garments of higher quality. Although enlisted personnel were issued their uniforms from government supplies they were also permitted to purchase privately tailored uniforms although the price may have been restrictive.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Ribbed, khaki/olive, cotton twill construction pants feature a four button French fly, with an additional two buttons positioned on the interior waistband. The waistband has a, built-in, tunnel looped, olive green, cotton/rayon blend web belt with an HBT, (Herring Bone Twill), weave to the right side of the fly with a corresponding, rectangular, open, triple claw sheet metal buckle to the left side of the fly. The left side of the waistband also has a single vertical belt loop to secure the belt tail. The pants have two diagonally angled, slash front pockets and a small horizontal slash watch pocket situated beneath the right side waistband. The right side of the waistband has a small, stitched on metal "S" ring to secure a watch chain. The right seat has a single horizontal slash pocket with a single button closure. The pants have a dual-ply reinforced crotch and straight cut, non-adjustable, dual-ply, hemmed cuffs. Nicely maker and size markings. Depot marked for 1941. All original buttons and stitching. The pants are roughly size 32" waist. Superb condition, nice!