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Splittertarnmuster
Splittertarnmuster
Splittertarnmuster
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Splittertarn 31 pattern.

Splittertarnmuster, Splittertarn or Splittermuster (splinter-pattern) is a four-colour military camouflage pattern developed by Germany in the late 1920s, first issued to the Reichswehr in 1931.

Development

[edit]
Further information: German World War II camouflage patterns

Splittertarnmuster was first printed on the newly designed and issued triangular tent/poncho called the dreiecks zeltbahn (triangle tarpaulin), just as the Italian 1929 telo mimetico began as a tent pattern.[1] Known in German as Buntfarbenaufdruck 31 (colourful print 31), for its year of introduction, splittertarn was later issued to practically all regular military (Wehrmacht) units.[a] The pattern consists of a disruptive, zig-zag pattern of hard-edged wood-brown and medium green polygons printed on a light field-grey or tan background. A random pattern of green dashes, called raindrops, was applied in places to improve the camouflage effect.

Proposed in 1931 and introduced in 1932, the four-colour camouflage patterns incorporated "splinters" on top of the 1918 colour pattern. The pattern included ochre, rust and brown overlaid on a green foundation, with sharp corners between coloured patches. This new pattern was printed on zeltbahn (triangular tent) material and could also be used as a camouflage rain poncho in the field. Both sides of the material showed the same pattern but the printing was brighter on one side.

A subdued grey-beige tint replaced the yellow-ochre colour. On top of this background, green and brown irregular patterns were screen-printed. A final innovation applied to this camouflage colour printing were the "splinters" irregularly printed on the fabric. Directional, dark-green dashed lines ("grass" or "rain") were printed in selected areas to help break up the silhouette. Many similar rain pattern designs inspired by splittermuster were made after the war by Warsaw Pact countries.[citation needed] During the war, cost-saving measures required textiles to be printed with changed colours and many of the lower-cost two-colour options were abandoned. These cost-saving measures caused significant deviations from the original colour patterns. In 1941 splitter pattern jump smocks were issued to German paratroops for the invasion of Crete.[1]

Heeres-Splittermuster 31

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In 1942, a Tarnhemd (smock) and Tarnhelmüberzug (helmet cover), both of a lightweight herringbone twill linen, were issued. Only one side of each was printed in splitter pattern; the other side was left white for snow camouflage.[2]

In April 1942, a Wintertarnanzug suit consisted of a padded jacket, trousers, separate hood and mittens. These were also printed only on one side and were left white on the other side. Only a small amount of this was produced; a similar set made in mouse grey or field grey were more common.

Many unofficial garments and helmet covers were produced as field expedients or were tailor-made, mostly from zeltbahn material. These included versions of the service dress uniform, parachute-jump smocks, field jackets, rucksacks and panzer jackets. Later materials included rayon.[3]

Luftwaffen-Splittermuster 41

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Fallschirmjäger wearing Splittermuster41

Luftwaffen-Splittermuster 41 (also: Buntfarbenaufdruck) is a Luftwaffe version with a smaller splinter and a more-complicated pattern, from probably not earlier than 1941. The Luftwaffe's variant of splittermuster 31 is known in the literature as "splinter camouflage B". The pattern was used for the Fallschirmjäger's parachute Knochensack jump smock and Luftwaffe Field Division field jacket to be manufactured. Other material produced with this equipment included camouflage helmet covers, ammunition bandoliers and grenade bags. The production of the splinter camouflage B ended in 1944.[4][5]

Foreign variants

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Bulgaria

[edit]
Bulgarian splittertarnmuster (two soldiers on left)

During World War II, Bulgarian paratroopers were equipped with Luftwaffe-Splittermuster 41. Its typical square look with the dashed lines has been the national camouflage of Bulgaria and has continually evolved. It was worn as a one-piece boilersuit[6] and as a two-piece suit for paratroops, border troops and mountain troops. The mountain version had large patches of reinforcing materials on the knees, elbows, wrists and shoulders and black patches under the arms, around the collar and in the crotch. A Soviet-style large beret, pulled down to the left, was worn.[7]

For the paratroopers in 1953, a three-colour pattern was introduced, which had been derived directly from the bright colours printed in 1941 for the German paratroopers. The dashed lines here were not aligned uniformly in one direction but could vary within a limited framework. The colours were based on the model but used other tones. The Bulgarian splinter 53 was later issued to special forces and worn until 1991.

The Bulgarian Splittertarnmuster was developed in the 1960s and 1970s, with varied shapes and colors. In 1979, the army released another version of the Bulgarian paratroopers colored imprint of 1941, with wavy dotted lines, which was again closer to the German model. In 1991, the production of the pattern was started. In 1997, the current three-color printing for bright colors was launched for the entire Bulgarian army, with the dashed lines appearing again in a spidery waveform.

Sweden

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See also: Swedish military uniforms
Swedish M90K desert camouflage
Swedish soldier wearing M90

From 1990, the Swedish armed forces carried a four-color M90 Splittertarnmuster, which is close to the bright colors printed 31 through the resumption of sharp linear triangular patches. The differences are in the schematic, because the spots are not distributed freely but directly abut and are not crossed by the dashed lines. Blue, khaki, and light green patches are distributed on a dark green background. This camouflage pattern was exported to Latvia for wear as part of SFOR forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Notes

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References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Splittertarnmuster

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Splittertarnmuster, also known as the splinter camouflage pattern, is a disruptive design featuring jagged, angular polygons in earthy tones overlaid with thin diagonal "rain" lines on a light background, intended to break up outlines and blend into varied terrains. Developed in 1931 by the German , it was initially printed on Zeltbahn shelter halves to provide concealment for soldiers and equipment. During , Splittertarnmuster became a standard pattern for the and , applied to smocks, helmet covers, tunics, and other gear across , , mountain, and engineer units. The design typically incorporated colors such as olive green, reddish-brown, beige, and field grey, with variants including the darker Heer "Splinter A" and the lighter Luftwaffe "Splinter B" to suit different branch needs and environments in . Its geometric disruption proved effective in forests, fields, and urban settings, marking an early advancement in patterned over solid colors. Production was primarily on fabric for durability, though later wartime shortages led to variations in quality and materials. In the post-war era, the pattern influenced several national adaptations, including the West German Bundeswehr's modified splinter pattern from 1956 to the early 1960s for border guards and airborne troops, as well as East Germany's , adaptations in and , and Sweden's M90 splinter pattern. Though largely replaced by more advanced digital designs, Splittertarnmuster remains notable for its pioneering role in modern evolution and continues to appear in military reenactments, surplus markets, and contemporary tactical apparel.

History and Development

Origins and Introduction

Splittertarnmuster emerged in the late in as a response to evolving needs within the , reflecting advances in disruptive patterning to break up soldier and equipment silhouettes against varied terrains. The triangular Dreiecks-Zeltbahn, patented by Walter Reichert in 1929, served as the foundational item for this pattern, transitioning from earlier square tent designs to a more versatile shelter quarter. Standardized in 1931, it represented the 's first official adoption of a multi-color print, initially termed Buntfarbenmuster 31. The core design employed a four-color splinter pattern featuring irregular polygons in wood-brown and medium arrayed over a field-grey or tan background, further disrupted by overlaid "raindrop" or dash streaks to mimic natural fragmentation and enhance concealment in forested or open environments. This geometric approach prioritized outline disruption over , drawing on principles of visual interruption to reduce detectability at . The initial palette comprised yellow-ochre (subsequently adjusted to a more practical grey-beige), rust red, dark brown, and grass , printed on water-repellent or fabric known as Makostoff for durability in field conditions. Primarily applied to the Dreiecks-Zeltbahn as a reversible and , the pattern allowed for dual-sided use with lighter and darker variants to suit different lighting and seasonal needs. Issuance remained restricted in the , allocated mainly to elite formations such as mountain troops and units to test effectiveness in specialized operations. By January 1939, only approximately 8,400 Zeltbahns had been produced, limited by initial hand-printing methods. During , Splittertarnmuster underwent adaptations for broader wartime application, including shifts in production techniques and color tones driven by resource constraints.

Wartime Adaptations and Production Changes

Following the outbreak of in 1939, the application of Splittertarnmuster expanded beyond its original Zeltbahn focus to encompass a wider array of equipment, including halves, covers, and tarpaulins, enabling standardized issuance for concealment across ground forces. This shift facilitated versatile use in field operations, where the pattern's angular polygons and rain-like streaks disrupted silhouettes for both positions and emplacements. Production underwent notable adaptations due to escalating material shortages, with Zeltbahn hardware transitioning from aluminum to and buttons and grommets starting in 1941, and the number of grommets per edge reduced from two to one around 1943 to conserve resources. By mid-1944, declines led to the incorporation of captured Italian fabrics in some Zeltbahns, constructed in four pieces rather than the traditional seamless , while experimental open-weave variants and carbon overprints for resistance appeared in limited quantities. Printing methods also evolved from labor-intensive hand application on water-resistant to faster processes on cheaper cotton drill, reflecting broader wartime efficiency drives. Color variations arose from cost-saving dye substitutions, resulting in faded or inconsistent tones and a frequent shift to a tan or base replacing earlier hues, with some late-war examples simplifying the four-color scheme to three dominant shades—, , and tan—for reduced production complexity. These alterations, implemented from 1941, prioritized affordability over uniformity, leading to deviations in the pattern's sharpness and saturation. In response to the severe winters on the Eastern Front from , reversible configurations were introduced, featuring Splittertarnmuster printing on one side of fabrics like smocks and parkas, with the plain reverse serving as to provide dual-season utility without additional items. This design was particularly vital for operations in snow-covered environments, though output remained constrained by ongoing supply issues.

German Variants and Applications

Heeres-Splittermuster 31

The Heeres-Splittermuster 31 camouflage pattern was expanded in 1942 for use by (Heer) units, extending the original Zeltbahn shelter quarter design to provide dedicated individual concealment for ground troops beyond tentage applications. This adaptation marked the first official army-issued personal garments, focusing on lightweight, reversible items to enhance tactical mobility in varied terrains. Key production items included the Tarnhemd (camouflage smock) and Tarnhelmüberzug (helmet cover), both constructed from lightweight herringbone twill linen fabric and printed with the pattern on one side only, leaving the reverse plain for versatility. The smock was hoodless and designed for wear over standard uniforms, while the helmet cover featured a simple drawstring closure and seven foliage loops for additional natural cover. Additionally, the Wintertarnanzug—a reversible padded winter uniform set comprising a jacket, trousers, separate hood, and mittens—was manufactured in this pattern specifically for Eastern Front operations, though only a small proportion of the overall winter suits incorporated the camouflage printing due to resource constraints. The design emphasized larger, irregular splinter-shaped polygons compared to the smaller-scale Luftwaffe counterpart, making it more suitable for ground-level concealment among and vehicle crews. Dominant colors included rust brown and medium-to-dark greens on a tan or base, optimized for blending into and environments prevalent in European theaters. These elements broke up silhouettes effectively at close range, prioritizing disruption over long-distance . Issuance targeted conventional Heer formations, including divisions, units, and Panzer personnel, where the gear supported individual and small-unit concealment during advances and defensive positions on the Eastern Front. The winter variant addressed harsh conditions in prolonged campaigns, with padded construction providing insulation when reversed to white for snow cover. Despite its tactical value, the padded materials caused overheating during milder weather, limiting year-round utility. By , production ceased in favor of simpler, less resource-intensive patterns amid wartime shortages of dyes and fabrics.

Luftwaffen-Splittermuster 41

The Luftwaffen-Splittermuster 41 was developed in 1941 specifically for the Luftwaffe's , featuring a smaller and more intricate pattern than the Heeres-Splittermuster 31 to provide superior visual disruption at close ranges during elite operations. The design incorporated geometric shapes overlaid with fine lines and dashes, creating a complex, brittle appearance intended to break up outlines in varied terrains. This variant was tailored for the high-mobility needs of units, emphasizing concealment for paratroopers and glider troops in dynamic combat environments. Production of Luftwaffen-Splittermuster 41 items ran from 1941 to 1944, focusing on specialized gear such as the Knochensack jump smocks, field jackets, and covers, often printed on durable fabrics suitable for airborne drops. These smocks, designed as protective overalls with reinforced pockets and zippers, were essential for equipment carriage during descents. The pattern's application was limited to needs, reflecting the elite status of units and the logistical challenges of supplying specialized . The pattern made its combat debut during Operation Mercury, the 1941 invasion of , where paratroopers, including some equipped with the new smocks, fought amid intense fighting. It continued in service through subsequent campaigns, including airborne assaults in and defensive actions in , where glider-borne troops relied on it for rapid deployment and terrain blending. By 1944, production ceased amid broader wartime material constraints, with surplus items reassigned to conventional ground units.

Foreign Adoptions

Bulgaria

Following its alliance with the in 1941, the Bulgarian Army adopted a variation of the German Splittertarnmuster, specifically drawing from the Luftwaffe-Splittermuster 41, for use in uniforms, tents, and equipment by paratroopers and other units during . This direct copy featured angular geometric shapes in green and russet tones over a base, providing disruption suited to Balkan environments. After , as a member, evolved the pattern for communist-era gear, beginning with a three-color variation in 1951–1952 that incorporated Soviet influences with varying and . By 1953, a crudely printed version in green and brown on a light olive background, overlaid with wavy streaks for added disruption, was issued to airborne troops and paratroopers. Subsequent refinements included well-defined splinter edges in green and brown from 1959 to 1968, primarily for reconnaissance and special units. In 1979, a denser alignment of dark green and brown splinters on a grey-green field with prominent rain streaks was introduced, enhancing concealment for airborne, intelligence, and during Cold War exercises; this variant was also exported, including to . The pattern continued to adapt into the , with a 1991–2002 version featuring dark green and brown splinters on an olive base and thinner rain streaks, distributed universally across and support roles until succeeded by other designs. Colors emphasized olive tones to match Balkan forests and terrain, improving effectiveness in regional operations. The pattern was applied to smocks, helmet nets, vehicle covers, and coveralls, issued to , airborne, and reconnaissance personnel for training and border security throughout the . Production occurred locally in Sofia-area factories using screen-printing techniques, transitioning from high-quality pre-communist methods to more rudimentary processes post-war.

Sweden

Stridsmönster 90, commonly known as M90, was introduced in as a four-color camouflage pattern derived from the splinter style of the German , specifically developed for the to enhance concealment in temperate environments. This pattern marked a significant update to Sweden's , transitioning from earlier solid-color uniforms to a more disruptive design suited to the country's forested terrain. The M90 features a khaki background overlaid with angular patches in dark green, dark olive green, and moss green, incorporating smaller splinter elements compared to the original German patterns for better adaptation to the dense, coniferous Nordic forests. These reduced-scale splinters, scaled down from camouflage prototypes developed in the 1970s by the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOA), provide effective visual breakup at distances up to 1 kilometer in woodland settings. In the , the M90 pattern equips uniforms, backpacks, and tents primarily for the conscript army, supporting a range of field operations. It underwent testing during Swedish UN peacekeeping missions in the before full standardization in the post-Cold War era, remaining the standard woodland camouflage into the 21st century. The pattern has seen limited exports, including licensing to for use in Stabilization Force (SFOR) missions during the 1990s, and production by Swedish firms such as Barracuda Technologies.

Poland

The wz.56 (wzór 56) camouflage pattern was adopted by the in the mid-1950s, drawing direct inspiration from captured German Splittertarnmuster designs encountered during and after , with some variations suggesting copied or reversed splinter elements. This three- to four-color splinter scheme utilized a yellow-tan base layer overlaid with violet-brown and olive-green angular polygons, accented by dark green rain-like streaks for added disruption; it was screen-printed on fabric primarily for two-piece oversmocks in Soviet-style configurations, as well as helmet covers suited to temperate environments. The pattern saw service with airborne and reconnaissance units throughout the era, providing lightweight concealment for field operations in Eastern European terrain. Production remained modest and variable in quality across runs, with documented examples dating to the early 1950s and continued issuance into the 1960s; the non-reversible design was eventually supplanted in the late period by more advanced patterns such as the wz.93 Pantera.

West Germany

Following the rearmament of in 1955, the adopted a modified version of the Splittertarnmuster known as the Splinter B pattern in the late . This subdued iteration revived the classic splinter design for use in the newly formed armed forces, emphasizing compatibility and a less conspicuous appearance suitable for operations in European terrain. The pattern equipped , airborne, and units, as well as support elements, during initial training and deployment phases. The Splinter B featured muted colors—grass green, brown, and tan—printed over a base, distinguishing it from wartime predecessors through the omission of prominent streaks for a more restrained, less bold profile. This design was applied to early uniforms such as smocks and covers, as well as like Zeltbahns ( quarters) and sleeping bags, providing versatile for field exercises and construction. Production was limited and occurred primarily between 1956 and 1957 by specialized firms, reflecting the transitional nature of West Germany's military buildup. During the , the pattern saw extensive use in joint maneuvers, where forces integrated Splinter B-equipped gear for concealment in mixed woodland and open environments, enhancing operational effectiveness against potential threats. By the early 1960s, it had largely been withdrawn from frontline uniform service due to evolving tactical needs and cost considerations, though helmet covers and select equipment persisted into the . The full replacement came with the introduction of the pattern in 1990, but remnants of Splinter B items, including tentage and bags, remained in limited reserve and training stocks until around 2000.

Legacy and Influence

Post-War Military Uses

Following , elements of Splittertarnmuster, particularly the distinctive "rain straits" or drop lines, influenced designs across nations in the 1950s and 1960s. These linear overlays were adapted into rain patterns for uniforms and equipment, enhancing disruption in varied terrains for armies. For instance, developed an early version circa 1958 with thin brown straits on a field grey background, while introduced a 1963 pattern featuring prominent straits over a water-stain underprint. issued its Strichmuster (line pattern) starting in 1965, which remained in service until reunification in 1990, and produced similar rain-based designs, including variants derived from Polish models. The pattern's geometric disruption also saw limited revivals during the , with U.S. forces employing captured or surplus German splinter camouflage for covers in the late 1950s, particularly among airborne units like the 187th Infantry Regiment during early exercises. This usage acknowledged the effectiveness of the original design in breaking up outlines against European and Asian landscapes tested in Korea and Vietnam-era simulations. Residual applications persisted in reserve forces of former Axis-aligned states, such as East German border guards and Bulgarian units, where splinter-derived patterns equipped militia and auxiliary troops into the 1990s. General camouflage assessments in the 1970s highlighted patterns' strengths in forests, where angular elements provided superior disruption compared to solid uniforms. The pattern's influence extended to other European militaries, such as 's Alpenflage in the 1970s, which incorporated geometric disruptions for alpine environments, and 's M59 pattern with line elements for woodland concealment.

Modern and Civilian Interpretations

In the , Splittertarnmuster has seen revivals in non-military contexts, particularly among enthusiasts and historical reenactors who seek high-fidelity reproductions for immersive simulations. Companies such as Epic Militaria and Americana Pipe Dream produce lightweight cotton smocks and anoraks that adhere closely to original specifications, including the distinctive four-color splinter pattern on field-gray fabric, facilitating accurate portrayals in recreational scenarios. The pattern has also permeated civilian fashion and tactical gear, appearing in and apparel due to its geometric aesthetic and disruptive design. Retailers like Military 1st and Army and Outdoors offer Splinter camouflage jackets, pants, and accessories tailored for outdoor activities, blending historical appeal with modern functionality for hunters and tactical hobbyists. In , digital scans of the pattern enable applications, such as custom stencils and scale models, allowing enthusiasts to replicate it on personal gear or miniatures via platforms like Cults3D. Splittertarnmuster features prominently in video games and media for historical authenticity, influencing depictions of German forces in titles like and , where it appears as selectable camouflage on uniforms and equipment. Mods for games such as further extend its use, reskinning assets with the splinter pattern to enhance realism. Original Splittertarnmuster items command significant collectible value, with reversible helmet covers and smocks often selling for several hundred to thousands of dollars at specialized auctions and militaria dealers, reflecting demand among preservationists. The pattern's legacy extends to modern , inspiring pixelated designs like Sweden's M90, which incorporates splinter-like disruptions for improved concealment in varied terrains post-1990.

References

  1. https://camohq.com/blogs/news/splinter-camouflage-the-geometric-legacy-of-military-concealment
  2. https://wildtacticalfield.com/en/splinter-splittertarnmuster-rannii-nimetskyi-kamufliazh-shcho-zalyshyv-svii-slid-v-istorii/
  3. https://hawkrigger.com/blogs/news/the-history-and-principles-of-disruptive-camouflage
  4. https://www.mp44.nl/equipment/zelt_new.htm
  5. https://books.google.com/books/about/Wehrmacht_Camouflage_Uniforms.html?id=ZVAEAAAACAAJ
  6. https://www.camopedia.org/index.php/Splinter
  7. https://camohq.com/blogs/news/german-world-war-ii-camouflage-innovation-on-the-battlefield
  8. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/splittertarnmuster.html
  9. https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Splittertarnmuster
  10. https://thegarrisonmilitaria.com/militaria-info/german-camouflage-of-wwii
  11. https://camouflage.fandom.com/wiki/Splittertarnmuster
  12. https://www.themilitarymark.com/wwii-wehrmacht-heer/blog-post-title-one-2xjjf-7semt-ae55s-573a9-wl6k8-sb5g2-zdyzm
  13. https://www.camopedia.org/index.php/Germany_-_pre-1945
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  15. https://cuttersguide.com/pdf/ww2/uploads/april2025/pdf/Wehrmacht_Camouflage_Uniforms.pdf
  16. https://www.rockislandauction.com/riac-blog/camouflage-101-splinter-camo
  17. https://www.facebook.com/qilotactical/posts/eastbloc-collection-spotlight-bulgarian-splinter-patternsadopted-by-bulgarian-fo/1107583821502509/
  18. https://www.ebay.com/itm/127014720294
  19. https://www.camopedia.org/index.php/Bulgaria
  20. https://www.scribd.com/document/118020163/bulgarian-communist-era-camo
  21. https://www.deviantart.com/tounushi/art/Bulgarian-1979-Splinter-328378985
  22. https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/eastern-bloc-excluding-brd-ddr/bulgarian-splinter-pattern-coverall-1953-a-838678/
  23. https://synergy-simulation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/national-catalogue-2019.pdf
  24. https://www.camopedia.org/index.php/Sweden
  25. https://www.camopedia.org/index.php/M90
  26. https://www.camopedia.org/index.php/Poland
  27. https://kommandopost.com/2018/08/25/polish-splinter-camo-1950s-1960s/
  28. http://www.camopedia.org/index.php/Germany
  29. https://kommandopost.com/2020/12/25/west-german-bundeswehr-splinter-camouflage-1956/
  30. https://www.camopedia.org/index.php/Rain
  31. https://www.camopedia.org/index.php/East_Germany
  32. https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/174262-1950s-german-camo-for-us-forces/
  33. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA076648.pdf
  34. https://www.camopedia.org/index.php/Switzerland
  35. https://www.camopedia.org/index.php/Norway
  36. https://www.epicmilitaria.com/german-ww2-militaria/uniforms/german-camouflage.html
  37. https://www.americanapipedream.com/products/german-wwii-reproduction-splittertarnmuster-anorak
  38. https://www.military1st.com/colors/splinter
  39. https://www.armyandoutdoors.com/collections/splinter-camouflage-pattern
  40. https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/art/splittertarnmuster-camo-stencil
  41. https://www.reddit.com/r/BattlefieldV/comments/a94syq/german_expansion_pack/
  42. https://steamcommunity.com/app/686810/discussions/0/1607148447830764380/
  43. https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/39779
  44. https://www.emedals.com/products/germany-heer-a-splinter-pattern-reversible-camouflage-helmet-cover-g49291
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