WWII GERMAN CHAPLAIN'S ARMBAND

Excellent example in the bevo weave with ink stamp indicating, “only for use within the Wehrmacht.” This is a rare armband. In 1942 there were roughly 480 Protestant chaplains, and a roughly similar number of Catholic chaplains. The total number of chaplains in the Army in the Second War was only roughly one fourth of that in the First War. In spite of the massive number of applicants, no new chaplains were appointed after 1942. Prerequisites for applicants were: they had to be born before 1909, though there were exceptions, they needed the approval of the Base Commander, the Military Bishop, and the Ministry of Church Affairs. They also had to pass a background check by the Gestapo.