Luftwaffe Rare Africa Blue title...

[Chris Boonzaier]

This was from a paratrooper.

It does not have the endsfolded over, they are as you see them. I think it is the same way the old "Gibralter" ones were made as well.

[Chris Boonzaier]

So..... I guess noone has seen another one like it?

[J Temple-West]

It?s certainly a unique item, Chris.

Being so different from those issued to units serving on the North African front must surely indicate that it?s most likely a private purchase piece.

Unlike most cuff titles, being considered honour awards, this early title had some stringent regulations attached to it. It could only be worn by unit members when stationed in Africa or on leave in Germany. If an individual was transferred out of Africa, or the unit left Africa, the title could no longer be worn.

Now, I wonder if, after leaving Africa, the titles had to be returned to stores along with the tropical uniform. If so, perhaps the owner of the one you show decided to have one made as a remembrance of his Africa service. This would explain why it is so different from the standard type.