WW2 GERMAN AFRICA KORPS TUNIC CAPTURED POW TUNISIA
HISTORY
During World War II, roughly 125,000 to 150,000 German soldiers from General Erwin Rommel’s Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) were captured in North Africa—primarily following the Axis collapse and surrender in Tunisia in May 1943.
- The Surrender: After heavy fighting against British and American forces in the Western Desert and Tunisia, about 275,000 German and Italian troops laid down their arms when Army Group Africa capitulated under Colonel General Hans-Jürgen von Arnim.
- Free French forces and the French Army of Africa captured German and Italian personnel, including elements of the Africa Korps during the North Africa campaign, particularly around engagements like Bir Hakeim in 1942 and the final Tunisian campaign leading to the Axis surrender in 1943.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
This tunic was recently purchased by me on a buying trip. The person that sold it to me that it was taken from a German POW that surrendered in Tunisia to the French forces. He showed me some very faint marking on the back of the tunic that are the letters P and possibly G (see images). Whilst this does not have any impact on the tunic it is a part of its history.
The tunic is in very good condition and is complete except for the shoulder boards. The breast eagle is present and complete and a Corporals chevron has been stitched to the sleeve, obviously a field promotion. Collar tabs are original to the tunic. There are some holes in the breast pocket where the soldiers awards were once placed (Germans wore their awards in the field). The aluminium buttons are showing signs of wear from the sun and heat (common).
This is a good example of an AK tunic that has not been messed around with and presents exceptionally well.
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