Sixth Army Group

[Germanbilly1]

Does anyone know what color the Germans used for smoke when they were trying to hide their positions. Somewere I have heard it was purple. It is hard to see what color it is in the black and white film from the time.
GB

[Sixth Vanguard]

Hey Bill, glad to see you are back on your feet and feeling fine

I have been doing a little research on this topic myself. I can't say for sure, but I have found some articles that might lead to something. Some are in German, so perhaps you can figure them out a bit better than I.

I dont have the links with me, but I googled "NbK 39" or "Nebel Kerze 39" and found loads of links all indicating these were the rounds used in the 90mm launchers and close in defense system. I know at least one article mentioned the smoke was orange, but perhaps the candles came in differing colors?

If I find the specific links later I will post them. There has to be a Technical Manual or something out there with this info.

[Hoffner]

I am positive that Green and White are at least 2 of the colors used by the Germans. Ive talked to a few German Vets about this in the past for reenacting purposes.

Brad

[Heeresbergführer]

Grüß Gott Nebeltruppen

From my references, the Germans made extensive use of smoke from smoke canisters, smoke grenades, and smoke generators to artillery, mortars, and projectors (Nebelwerfers).

Most of these types of smoke generators would produce smoke by the combustion of smoke materials. Depending on what types were use, they would be different types of smoke.

Smoke is mainly used to blind the enemy from seeing your troop movements, either on the attack or on defense. Most smoke used was either dark grey or whitish gray. Artillery and mortars would sometimes use blue smoke to zero-in targets.

Here's an interesting article from a wartime US Intelligence bulletin:




Wenn Nebel in Ihren Augen erhält!

Patrick

[justin_g]

Nice link - I've spent many an hour reading articles on that website in the past! :)

[Hoffner]

Interesting read.

Brad