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 Regiment “General Göring" was expanded into a brigade in 1942, and the brigade was quickly renamed “Hermann Göring.” A new cuff title was designed to reflect the name change, and the “Hermann Göring” cuff title was founded. It is categorized as a formation cuff title, and it was worn by all personnel within the regiment beginning on May 22, 1942. The title was worn on the right forearm of the service tunic, greatcoat, tropical tunic, and flight blouse.

This cuff title features the obverse inscription “HERMANN GÖRING” in silver-coloured letters that were initially in the gothic style, but were altered to block letters within 1942. For Officers, the inscription is composed of silver/aluminum wire and the upper and lower edges of the title are bordered with a silver-coloured Russian-style braid. For Non-Commissioned Officers, the inscription and border braids are composed of matte-grey/silver cotton thread. For Enlisted Men, the inscription is composed of a matte-grey/silver cotton thread, and the title has no braids on the upper and lower edges.