GERMAN UNIFORM CRAZE

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 4432, 5 September 1939, Page 4

GERMAN UNIFORM CRAZE

“ SOMSEtHiNG ABOUT A SOLDIER " To-day there is scarcely a German who hasn’t some kind of uniform. Alter Adolf Hitler’s fighting columns, the SA and the SS, had their uniforms, the National Socialist Party organisers were given their distinctive brown uniforms. Then the National Socialist Motor Corps was organised—a - d again a uniform was born. The Air Protection League Workers, the Labour Front, the “ Werckschaaren ” or skilled apprentices, National Socialist bield Police, the students, the news photographers, the journalists—all were granted uniforms by Herr Hitler. With the remilitarisation of Germany the streets began to acquire a variegated picture of field grey Army, blue Navy, and grey Air Force uniforms added to those of the Party formations, the. police, the Customs inspectors, the mail carriers, the constabulary, and the Government foresters. But the diplomats of the Reich on State occasions walked about in dress suits and toppers. When Herr Hitler went to Italy on May 2, 1938, to pay a State visit to King Victor Emanuel and Premier Benito Mussolini, all members of his entomage suddenly appeared in dark blue uniforms with gorgeous gold or silver trappings. Meanwhile a continuous shower of decorations has begun. There are orders for distinguished service to the State in the realm of the natural sciences or learning, not to speak of military achievements There are decorations given to civil servants after certain stated periods of continuous public service. The Olympic Games of 1936 afforded an opportunity to confer a special Olympic decoration in various categories. Musicians, painters, and sculptors are awarded the title of professor. Singers at the opera are granted the title of “ Kammersanger.” Actors of the legitimate stage and the screen are rewarded for excellence of performance by the title of “ Staatsschanspieler ” (State actor).