History

Cuff titles could serve several different purposes. They were used as commemorative or traditions insignia, or identifying the wearer as part of an elite unit. They were also used as career/role insignia. Some cuff titles were awarded to soldiers taking part in certain campaigns, making them the equivalent of a campaign medal. These are more accurately known as sleeve bands.

Cuff titles were mostly worn on the right sleeve, however, there were many exceptions to this rule.

An unofficial Afrikakorps cuff title was likely introduced sometime in 1940, beyond its existence, not much is known about it. The cuff title is dark brown or black with silver lettering. It sometimes features silver-coloured top and bottom borders.

It was replaced by the official Afrikakorps cuff title, introduced on July 18, 1941.

The official Afrikakorps cuff title was introduced on July 18, 1941. It is a dark green band with silver-coloured Latin letters, with a silver-coloured top and bottom stripe. It has a tan-coloured edge on the top and bottom.

All personnel stationed in Northern Africa were eligible for being awarded the cuff title. It was worn on the lower right sleeve.

It was discontinued and replaced with the introduction of the Wehrmacht 'Afrika' cuff title on January 15, 1943.

The Wehrmacht 'Afrika' cuff title was introduced on January 15, 1943 and replaced the Afrikakorps cuff title that had been introduced in 1941. It is a tan-coloured band with the silver-grey word “Afrika” framed by a palm tree on each side in the same colour, with a silver-grey top and bottom stripe.

Contrary to the Afrikakorps cuff title, this one was worn on the lower left sleeve rather than the right one.

This cuff title was meant to be worn by eligible personnel with no regards to their organisational affiliation, including Heer, Kriegsmarine, Luftwaffe, and even SS or NSDAP. Consequently, with the introduction of this cuff title, all other organisation-specific versions, including those of Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe, were discontinued.

Higher quality hand-embroidered variants that could be privately purchased exist.