German Grenadier in Greatcoat

This is toy soldier 25274 - German Grenadier in Greatcoat and Zeltbahn Advancing Cautiously, Winter 1944-45.

This German Heer soldier is wearing a M40 greatcoat from the mid and late years of the war identifiable by the field grey collar, as opposed to the dark green collar of the M36 version. Over this he is covered in a water repellent shelter quarter called a Zeltbahn. Widely issued, it was used for more than just a sanctuary from the elements. The army splitter pattern design was developed in 1932 and was a very modern and effective form of camouflage. A modified version of that design was introduced in 1943. A red-brown shade was added and the clear-cut edges of the splinter shapes were diffused, although the basic structure of the pattern remained.