The era of colonialism saw European powers extend their influence across the globe, and Germany, though a relatively late entrant, established its own colonial territories. For those fascinated by military history, family ancestry, or historical modeling, understanding the uniforms of these colonial forces is crucial. This website serves as a comprehensive resource dedicated to the uniforms, insignia, weapons, and equipment of the Imperial German colonial and overseas forces up to World War I.
Established after Germany’s unification in 1871, the German colonial empire began to take shape in 1884. By 1914, it encompassed German South West Africa, German East Africa, Cameroon, Togo, New Guinea, and Samoa, along with the leased port of Tsingtao in China. This online resource primarily focuses on the Colonial Armed Forces (Schutztruppe) and Colonial Police Forces (Polizeitruppe and Landespolizei). It also covers the Imperial Navy overseas, including Marine Infantry, and army expeditions such as the East Asian Expeditionary Corps in China and the Pascha Expeditions to Palestine.
Beyond the core military units, the website explores related areas of interest. These include German overseas volunteers, Austro-Hungarian overseas units, private armies within the African colonies, Kaiser Wilhelm II’s visit to the Holy Land, and the German-Afghan Mission of 1916. This extensive collection aims to provide a detailed insight into the personnel and material culture of the German colonial presence, specifically focusing on the details of the Colonial Uniform worn by these forces.
This website is continuously updated with new information and images concerning the colonial uniform and related military equipment. Contributions of photos or information to enhance the site’s accuracy and comprehensiveness are welcomed, especially regarding details of colonial uniform variations and regional adaptations. For those intending to use website information for publication or academic research, contacting the site owner to verify sources is recommended. The website also offers assistance with historical or genealogical research related to the Imperial German Overseas Forces and their distinctive colonial uniform.
