Medical Pouch assistance.

[panzeriv]

Gentlemen, I could use a little assistance sorting out the medical pouches that were worn on the belt as a matched pair. Researching online and through my refence books, it seems that by far the most common set measured 4" tall x 7" wide x 3" deep. These were light brown leather.
Now here is where my confusion begins. I've seen examples of a smaller version that could also be black leather. According to "The Collectors Guild" site these would be used by stretcher bearers. Can someone shed some more light on who would use these smaller ones and if possible there approximate size?
According to a couple of my reference books there was an even larger pouch that looked the same but had no metal hook for attaching to the y-straps. I've not seen any real examples of these.
And my final question. I've seen many photos of soldiers wearing the medical pouches that didn't appear to be wearing the medical trade badge on the left forearm. I know qualified NCO's would wear the badge with the silver trim but what were the standards for EM wearing the trade badge?

Thanks for your patience.

Scott B

[JPhilip]

Hello,
Pouches used by the Sanitäter and the Krankenträger in the army had the same size and were made of light brown leather. This is stamped on the pouch lid : S for Sanitäter & K for Krankenträger (same for the position on the belt : L or R)
I know these kind of pouches were issued in different sizes and color (according to my poor knowledge in this field black ones were intented for the DRK). I'm sure some medical equipment expert will answer to your questions soon...

[panzeriv]

Thanks Mr. Philip. That helps abit.
Anyone else???

[Jan B]

Originally Posted by panzeriv

Gentlemen, I could use a little assistance sorting out the medical pouches that were worn on the belt as a matched pair. Researching online and through my refence books, it seems that by far the most common set measured 4" tall x 7" wide x 3" deep. These were light brown leather.
Now here is where my confusion begins. I've seen examples of a smaller version that could also be black leather. According to "The Collectors Guild" site these would be used by stretcher bearers. Can someone shed some more light on who would use these smaller ones and if possible there approximate size?
According to a couple of my reference books there was an even larger pouch that looked the same but had no metal hook for attaching to the y-straps. I've not seen any real examples of these.

Scott B

Scott

The larger versions are LS pouches (Luftschutz). IMHO less desirable then the WH, military ('S' & 'K' marked) brown belt-pouches.

Like JP stated, black is mostly linked to DRK. The most common colour for WH pouches is indeed brown.

BUT apparently some very early dated pouches as well as certain late-war ones (mostly blackened pebbled ersatz material) came in black too.


To sum it up:

Black : Deutsches Rotes Kreuz, HJ/DJ, certain early (pre-35?) and very late-war (ersatz) WH pouches.
Brown : most WH pouches, NSDAP/SA, Luftschutz.

This rule can be applied to all other types of medical pouches for all ranks in both para- and strictly military forces throughout the war. There are several threads in which all a/m pouches are posted, including their contents, just use the search-option and I'm sure you'll find them.

Concerning the trade/specialist badge and the presence of the silver cord, here is what officially was prescribed (Angolia Vol2, p32)

"An insigne having a backing without the band was worn by NCO's who had completed their training but were not yet assigned to an authorized position. This counts as well for EM's who had completed their training and were assigned to authorized positions.

Order HV 44B however prescribed that medical privates who had completed their training and were holding authorized positions were allowed to wear the badge with band."


Hope this helps a bit more!

Cheers

Jan

Here's a selection of both WH Sanitäter and Krankenträger pouches from my humble collection.

[panzeriv]

Thank you very much Jan, excellent infromation.
You have quite an impressive collection of pouches.

Scott