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 “Führerhauptquartier" cuff title was instituted before the beginning of the Second World War, and it is categorized as a formation cuff title. It was worn by all Wehrmacht personnel who were members of Hitler’s personal security unit, and the security units for his headquarters, which included Luftwaffe personnel.

There are two main patterns of the “Führerhauptquartier" cuff title.

The 1st pattern cuff titles are machine-woven on a black wool backing, and they feature yellow-coloured Russian-style braids along the top and bottom edges of the title, and gothic lettering for the obverse inscription “FÜHRERHAUPTQUARTIER” or "FÜHRER-HAUPTQUARTIER.”

The 2nd pattern cuff titles were introduced in January 1941, and they have a black wool backing with silver-coloured Russian-style braids along the top and bottom edges of the title, and the hand-embroidered inscription “FÜHRERHAUPTQUARTIER” or "FÜHRER-HAUPTQUARTIER” in Sütterlin lettering and silver/aluminum wire.

These cuff titles were worn on the left forearm, and feature no additional attributes to indicate the rank of the wearer.