History

The German Wehrmacht was composed of three main branches, the Heer (Army), the Kriegsmarine (Navy), and the Luftwaffe (Air Force). The Heer and Kriegsmarine uniforms were based upon the designs utilized by their predecessor organizations, the Reichsheer and the Kaiserliche Marine. Conversely, the Luftwaffe uniforms were based upon the uniforms worn in the sports and paramilitary organizations that were the forerunners of the Luftwaffe. The Luftwaffe uniforms were specifically designed to deviate from the designs of the other Wehrmacht service branches. It was also necessary that the uniforms differentiate between military and civilian pilots.

The majority of cuff titles worn by Luftwaffe personnel were instituted prior to the beginning of the Second World War. The cuff titles that were instituted prior to, and during, the Second World War fall into four general categories: Campaign Cuff Titles, Commemorative Honour Cuff Titles, Formation Cuff Titles, and Great War Honour Cuff Titles.

The “Afrika" (campaign) cuff title (also referred to as Afrika with palm cuff title) was founded by Generalboberst von Brauchitsch, to replace the previously instituted “Afrika” cuff title for Luftwaffe personnel. It is categorized as a campaign cuff title. It was conferred upon personnel within all branches of the Wehrmacht who were stationed in Africa, specifically, Luftwaffe personnel who had served in North Africa for a minimum of six months, or less if wounded, or who had served a minimum of three months in Africa prior to being invalidated as a result of illness. Requirements for wear of the title were lessened to any length of time served in North Africa after January 1944. The cuff title was worn on the left forearm of the service tunic, greatcoat, and other shirts without cuffs.

This cuff title features the obverse inscription “AFRIKA” and palm trees on either side of the inscription. These attributes are machine-embroidered in a silver-coloured thread, and the title features a silver-coloured border along the top and bottom which is often composed of cotton.

These cuff titles were awarded to all personnel, with no additional attributes that indicate the rank of the wearer.