WW II British Battle Blouse Converted for Kriegsmarine U Boat Use

When the British forces retreated from France the Germans captured much British equipment. Included were battle blouses that members of the army wore. The Germans liked the smartness of these blouses and converted them for their use, namely for crew members of u boats, who had to work within the confined space of a submarine. Kriegsmarine buttons were added, as well as German insignia such as shoulder boards, collar litzen, etc. This is a prime example of such a conversion. The Kriegsmarine buttons are removeable, and gold litzen was added to the corners of the collar to show the rank of a non commissioned officer. This person was awarded an Iron Cross 2nd class, and a portion of the ribbon was stitched through the second buttonhole as prescribed by regulations. Loops were also added in order to wear the badges. Having loops meant that the pin of the award went through the loop and not the material of the uniform. The awards are the U Boat war badge, awarded after two patrols, and the bronze U Boat combat clasp for exceptional bravery while on patrol. It was up to the commander of the u boat to decide whether a crew member earned the badge. The gold eagle was also for NCO use as well as officers.