Knochensack



Knochensack (bonesack) was the nickname for German parachute jump smocks designed to wear over a paratrooper's equipment made for the Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger during World War II. They were made in a variety of camouflage patterns and made from tough cotton material.

There were several models in use in 1936, when the German paratroops were still part of the German army. The first pattern used by the German air force (in 1938) was manufactured in a plain green pattern.The cotton fabric used was a mix of green fibres with a few orange fibres intermixed. It had a front zipper opening but did not open fully, and had to be stepped into much like overalls. The use of zippers in (military) dress was still something of a novelty.

The earlier models had no pockets. Over time first one, two, and then four pockets were added, with some having a flare pistol holster at the rear.

By 1943/1944 the Knochensack was modified to include a fully opening front and no longer had to be stepped into. After ca 1942 the fabric used was camouflaged. The German Knochensack formed the basis for the British paratroop jacket that was developed into the Denison smock and the jump smock used by the USMC Parachute Battalions in the Pacific Theater.