Camouflaged shelter, improvised comfort — WW2 German zelt structures in the field.
During the Second World War, each German soldier was issued a single triangular shelter quarter, the Zeltbahn. Worn as a poncho, used as a ground sheet, or combined with those of other soldiers, it formed the basic field shelter. Four panels created the standard four-man pyramid tent, while larger constructions of eight, twelve, or sixteen panels could be assembled for bigger groups.
When units expected to remain in one place for some time, soldiers often improved their shelters for greater comfort, insulation, and protection from the elements. Some structures were built down, placing the zelt over a dug-out or foxhole; others were built up, using timber, boards, and other materials to create walls with the zelt serving as a roof. This gallery examines a wide variety of these WW2-era zelt structures: tents over holes, framed walls, log and board-lined shelters, and whole zelt camps evolving into semi-permanent hutments.
Click any image to view it larger with zoom and pan controls. Filenames are shown as captions for reference.