Historical information
Ground sheets such as this were typically used as rain protection by German troops. Two or more zeltbahn (ground sheets) could be attached together via the button holes to form a tent for two or more people. Some models of ground sheets, particularly those which are triangular in shape, could also be fashioned into personal raincoats worn by soldiers. Grounds sheets have also been known to have been used to wrap deceased bodies in prioir to burial.
Significance
This groundsheet, despite a lack of clear provenance, is a representative example of the types of ground sheets used by the German forces during wartime. The zeltbahn (ground sheet) also has social significance in that they were known to have been used to wrap deceased bodies in prior to burial.
Physical description
Large square sheet constructed of biege/brown coloured water resistant material. 67mm hem folded over and sewn along all edges with brown stitching. Metal buttons are spaced at 200mm intervals along parallel edges, next to a button hole which can be used to attach to another ground sheet. Four corners bear a large round eyelet in silver-coloured metal in between three smaller eyelets; two of four corners have short lengths of brown cord attached to these eyelets. One corner has only two smaller eyelets surrounding the larger.
Inscriptions & markings
Printed in black ink in the centre of the sheet is the incriptions "OVS 1298."
Subjects
References
- German Model 1911, Australian War Memorial A similar item is held by the Australian War Memorial and can be found at this link.
