The Basic Uniform, Weapon, and Equipment No. 1

As a living history organization, we have several "looks" or impressions that we use to portray the 3 Eskadron (squadron) of the 2 Chevauleger Regiment. Our primary impression is that of the regiment during the 1917-18 time frame which conforms with the Great War Historical Society's primary emphasis. Uniforms and equipment changed throughout the war for all the combatants and the Germany Army was no exception. Below are two illustrations made by Randall Chapman for us of the basic uniform and most of the equipment:

 Above is the basic duty uniform. The boots are the 1915 pattern Universal Bavarian Cavalry Boot. There were originally made in brown and then later blacked per official directive by the Bavarian War Ministry in March 1916.

Above is the uniform and basic weapons and equipment. The primary weapon was the Kar 98AZ which was a carbine that was a lot more easy for a cavalry soldat to carry. Also, the ammunition pouches carried half the ammunition that the infantry version carried and the basic design was adopted for army-wide use in the Second World War. Leather Y-straps were also issued, something that the infantry lacked (they used the strap from their bread bag).

The above is just a broad overview but it should identify what a unit member should have.