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 Marching
Compasses of the Wehrmacht
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A tool to master one
of the basic military skills!
The early years...  The Wehrmacht was good at publishing manuals, but few survived the war. When these finally surfaced, all the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. There are 3 specific manuals that cover the Marschkompasse. -H.Dv. 448. This series describes most types of instruments and optics used by the army. The Marschkompass is described in number 6. -H.Dv. 449. This series of 3 numbers covers "Use and treatment", "Inspection" and "Repair" of most of the instruments covered in the previous series. -H.Dv. 362. Marschkompasse. Instruction manual for the main model(s) in use at the time of issue.  The standard marching compass of the Reichswehr (the German Army pre-1936) and the Wehrmacht was the "Marschkompaß", abbreviated "MKo". To keep it simple we will use the term "Wehrmacht" from here on for both the Reichswehr and Wehrmacht. It is unclear exactly when it was introduced, but the earliest reference that can be found is in the manual H.Dv. 362. Marschkompasse from 1934. This manual is an "Unchanged reprint", and it is signed by the "Chef der Heeresleitung" in Berlin on 18. December 1928, so it seems likely that it was introduced as early as 1928. The picture above is from H.Dv. 448/6, dated 1932. We will return to the "Marschkompaß" in the next chapter, but first we need to see what other models were in use in at the time. The aforementioned manual H.Dv. 448/6, includes them in dedicated chapters: A. Marschkompaß (M.Ko.) B. Leuchtkompaß. (L. Ko.) C. Leuchtkompaß für Pionere. (L. Ko. f. Pi.) D. Bezardkompasse. (B. Ko.) Why this plethora of models in 1932? The standard model was the Marschkompaß, an invention owned by the company Emil Busch A.G. (and probably only manufactured by that company in 1932). They probably manufactured all they could, but the Wehrmacht demand had grown beyond their capacity to accommodate. In addition, the army stocks of older models were still considered "usable". And this continued beyond 1939, when the H.Dv. 448/6 was reprinted. As we will see later, it was not permitted to buy these (B/C/D) for use in service from 1937 and onwards.  The Leuchtkompaß. A very basic construction, and not very useable as anything more than a direction-finder. The name ("Illuminated compass") probably comes from the fact that the needle and celestial directions were painted with luminous radium. Sometimes also referred to as a "Taschenleuchtkompaß".  The Leuchtkompaß für Pionere. Also, a rather basic construction, but it has a movable arrow inlaid with a glowing substance (radium?) that can assist the user in holding his course. Note that the numbers appear rather strange; 0 at North and South, while they increase to 90 (degrees?) towards West and East, and then decrease again towards North and South...The manual offers no explanation to this, or the name. A theory that has been put forward is that the "quadrant" division were used for geology and surveying.  The Bezard-Kompaße. It came in two models, the Kleiner (small) Bezard-Kompaß and the Großer (large) Bezard-Kompaß. The above images are not to scale. The difference described is mainly the layout and the mirror on the large model.  (Photo courtesy of Allan Williams) The Kleiner Bezard-Kompaß (designated Modell I on the commercial market), flanked by two different examples of the Großer Bezard-Kompaß (Modell II).  This compass was designed by Oberst (colonel) von Bèzard prior to WW1, and was adopted by several armies in Europe. Prior to 1937 it was considered a "Handelsüblich" model by the Wehrmacht, which means that the units could buy them on the civilian market. This model was never manufactured on contract for the Wehrmacht as far as we know. It was ordered in quantity by some of the para-military units, and was even distributed through the Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM). Observed examples can be found with "SS 88/34 RZM" stamped to both the compass and the brown leather pouch of a sturdier construction than the one pictured above. Box ink marked in the upper right corner with "Dtsch. 6400 linksl." (German 6400 counter-clockwise).
The first printed announcement we have been able to find. The Reichsheer is building units for the anticipated war to come. It mentions "Taschenleuchtkompassen", which translates to "pocket compass with luminescent figures". According to the text, these are cheaper to buy than marching compasses. The "A.N." (Ausrüstungs Nachweisung / Authorized table of strength) allows for simpler & cheaper compasses to be used to fulfill unit requirements, who are permitted to procure these compasses from civilian sources. At this stage there are clearly no restrictions when it comes to equipping the units with the required equipment. Any compass will do. We have not been able to decipher the meaning of the smaller details concerning the A.N. (later renamed K.A.N.). The "S-funds" was the money allocated to the units to employ workers and purchase goods and services from the civilian suppliers, like car maintenance.
This announcement was directed towards newly established units, still under construction. It advises the units that if their initial "Authorized strength of war equipment" hasn't been filled with the allotted compasses, they can be ordered free of charge from the Army supply depot in Spandau. "A.N." has now been replaced with "K.A.N.", the abbreviation for Kriegs Austrüstungs Nachweisung. Sometime after this order and before mid-May 1937 the compasses for Wehrmacht use were standardized on the sole model "Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen". Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen  The prewar standard marching compass of the Heer (Army) was the "Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen", abbreviated "MKo m TrR". Most likely introduced in service in 1928, and still in use in 1945. This model was invented and patented by the company Emil Busch A.G. Rathenow. According to the outstanding book "The eye of the Flak, vol 1." by Dr. Peter De Laet and Francis Vermeire, the Special Committee for Compasses (Sonderausschutz Kompasse) under the Planungsamt Wehrwirtschaft und Rüstungsindustrie was headed by a certain Dipl. Ing. Fritz Upmann. He was at the same time a deputy board member for the company Emil Busch A.G. This likely helped the company ensure that their products would be selected by the Wehrmacht above competitor's products. Then allowing other companies to produce compasses for the Wehrmacht according to their patents against royalties. Meaning that, although several companies manufactured the Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen, they were not in competition on the civilian market. The only Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen a civilian could buy was the product manufactured by Emil Busch A.G. This means that the production by other manufacturers was limited to military contracts for the Wehrmacht.  On the catalogue page above for the civilian market (click for bigger picture) the Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen is (appropriately) named the "Marsch-Kompasse Nr.5343 Modell I (Armee-modell)". The extent of export contracts of this model is not known, but at least one production batch went to Persia. The military blueprint number for the Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen was "Zeichnung 27 C 17101". The blueprints were distributed by Emil Busch A.G. or the WaffenAmt to the companies contracted to manufacture these under license.  This drawing was lifted from a British intel report, describing the individual components well. The Marschkompaß is described both with and without its lanyard in printed material. In the user handbook (H. Dv. 362) it is simply called "Marschkompaß", probably as a generic description that could be used on all models of marching compasses. In the technical manual (H. Dv. 448/6) it is again simply called Marschkompaß. In the maintenance manuals (H. Dv. 449/1/2/3) it is also called Marschkompaß, but a footnote informs the reader that the "Marschkompaß mit lederriemen" will be substituted with a "Marschkompaß, vereinfacht" when damaged beyond repair. In the announcement from 1937 reprinted below, the full name is finally given as "Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen" for the first recorded time, and this name continues to be used in announcements. The graduation of the compass was 6400 mils /counterclockwise. We will return to that later.  The compass was manufactured in two main types. Although the OKH did not differentiate between these evolutions in design (as highlighted in the announcement included below from 13.5.37), they’re an important point of interest for the collector. Type 1. Made of brass, and correspondingly heavy, with a slim tongue to the lid and a full lanyard ring. Type 2. Made of a lightweight metal with an aluminum lid, with a broad tongue to the lid and a full lanyard ring. Some hybrid versions and compasses with manufacturers variations exists. We will describe these in the section about the manufacturers.  The foldable ruler underneath. This came in two varieties of 5 and 6 cm. See the section about the individual manufacturers for details. Breithaupt (clk) was the manufacturer that continued the production of the Marschkompaß the longest, and with most "improvements". A simplified construction of the lanyard ring was introduced towards the end of production. Instead of a full ring held in place by a set-screw a split ring was riveted to the compass body.  One of the last of the "clk" production of the Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen (serial numbers around 118000) the luminous white line painted inside the lid is replaced by an arrow. This is a product improvement, and not a new "type" as such. Of special interest; the unusual design of the arrow is identical to the arrow used on the prewar Bezard Compass.
The second half of this order regulates the purchasing of compasses by the units. This is the first and clear restriction on models. Civilian compasses of alternative types are no longer an option. The carrying strap will be replaced with a carrying cord (Tragegurt) of a simpler construction. This never happened though, for unknown reasons. The standard Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen. Photo from H.Dv.448/6 in 1939.  The only example ever seen of a Marschkompaß mit Tragegurt is in a photo printed in the same publication. . Makers & markings  Markings are always situated on the top cover. Most common is a full makers name and / or logo, and a serial number. This is a list of makers (in no particular order) and their respective markings observed on the "Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen". -Emil Busch, Rathenow -R. Fuess, Berlin-Steglitz -NEAG, Berlin / cjy -Fargel & Rossmanith, Wien / cah -MK / Max Kohl, Chemnitz / hap -Fritz Hofmann, Erlangen / erv -(Feinmechanik e. G.m.b.H. Kassel) / fzg -AFID -Breithaupt, Kassel / clk Apart from the few compasses that can be found with military unit engravings, there is no way to tell if a Busch manufactured Marschkompass mit Trageriemen was made under a military contract or if it was made for the civilian market (and again perhaps bought by a military unit). But all Marschkompaß made by other makers should be considered military contract. The only acceptance mark found on these is on the lanyard, as discussed later. It is unclear if any of the other companies made any for export, but there are indications that this might have been the case.  The company Emil Busch Aktiengesellschaft was based in Rathenow (note the "R" in the logo). The Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen was their design, and their production of this model must have started with its estimated introduction in 1928. They did date their compasses in 1932 to 1934. No specimen has been found with a 3-letter code, so it is tempting to state that the production of this model for the Wehrmacht by Busch was halted before March 1941. The main production was of the type 1; brass with slim tongue. With one exception, all observed rulers are the short version (5 cm), consistent with Type 1 production.  The standard markings consisted of the trade mark, a serial number and D.R.G.M. (Deutsches Reichsgebrauchsmuster). As mentioned, compasses manufactured in 1932-34 also had the year stamped on the lid. With one recognized exception, the marking is always perpendicular to the line of sight across the lid.  Busch also made slim tongue compasses in lightweight material (which is a hybrid-variety of an early feature mixed with a late feature). This one might be from an export order though. The factory engravings denote some kind of unit (Gruppe Westfalen, Granat Werfer, or something in Dutch.... a lot of possibilities) and the number belongs to the unit designation, it is not a standard serial number. Also worth noting, the D.R.G.M. marking has been moved all the way down to the edge of the lid.  An unusual Busch variety is a lightweight broad tongue. Until now only one example has been observed. It is also the first example observed with the text running along the line of sight, and not across the lid as is usual. The marking is also special, as it doesn't contain the trademark, only "Busch Rathenow" and a serial number. This is also the only observed example, among all makers, of a Type 2 compass with a short (5 cm) ruler.  (Photo courtesy of Allan Williams) Another very unusual Bush variety. This is the highest observed serial number by Busch until now. Note the hole in the ring. Production has now reverted to the Type 1 construction, but the ruler is the longer 6 cm version, never observed on any other Type 1 compass.  Above are examples of unit markings (added post manufacture). This practice was common up until the mid-1930'ies. Keeping in mind that Emil Busch manufactured several models in the 1930'ies, most with a Bakelite body. Some even with a fluid filled compass house. But the Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen was the only model adopted by the Wehrmacht until the introduction of the Marschkompass, vereinfacht. The company ended its production in 1945 and was reborn in the DDR as Volkseigenen Betriebes Rathenower Optische Werke (VEB ROW). This means that there is no postwar production from the company Emil Busch A.G. Rathenow. Although the company name is later reused by a new company in BDR called Busch "Göttingen".  The company Rudolf Fuess manufactured the Marschkompaß, based on the Busch patented design, for Wehrmacht contracts. The whole production seems to be of the type 1 variety; brass with a slim lid tongue. All observed examples had the short (5 cm) ruler, consistent with Type 1 production.  The marking appears to have remained unchanged. Their "pyramid" logo, without the outline, followed by a serial number.  NEAG. Norddeutsche Elektro-Akustik Gesellschaft, Kaufhold K. -G., Berlin SO 36, Oranienstr. 185. Code "cjy". Like R.Fuess NEAG manufactured the Marschkompaß under license for the Wehrmacht. The whole production appears to be of the Type 2; broad nose with lightweight materials. All observed examples have the long (6 cm) ruler.  The markings are always running in the line-of-sight and consists of the "NEAG, Berlin.SO." followed by a blank line and then the serial number. Examples marked "cjy" also exists within the serial number range from around 18.000, indicating that they continued production of this model beyond March 1941.  Like the manufacturers above they manufactured the Marschkompaß under license for the Wehrmacht. The whole production appears to be of the Type 2; broad nose with lightweight materials.  The markings have only been observed running in the line-of-sight and consists of "FARGEL & ROSSMANITH WIEN 62." followed by two blank lines and then the serial number. Examples marked with their code "cah" also exist. This transition occurred between serial numbers 26000 and 29000, indicating that they continued production of this model beyond March 1941. All observed examples had the long (6 cm) ruler, consistent with Type 2 production.  Max Kohl AG, Physikalische Apparate u. Laboratoriums Einrichtungen, Chemnitz, appears to have been one of the largest contractors that manufactured the Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen for the Wehrmacht.  The initial approximately 20.000 are of the type 1, brass with slim tongue. Production is then changed to type 2. The type 1 used the short (5 cm) ruler, the Type 2 used the longer ruler (6 cm). The markings consist of their entwined "MK" logo over a serial number written across the lid up until somewhere between 84000 and 93000. The direction of the text is then changed so that it runs with the line of sight. Somewhere between 130.000 and 139.000 the MK logo is replaced with the code "hap".  One unexplainable oddity is a Marschkompaß with no serial number, only the MK logo written across the lid in the first style (not along the line of sight). Maybe an unnumbered replacement lid.... In June 1938 the Luftwaffe placed an order with Max Kohl for 3200 Marschkompass mit Trageriemen. 
 This document clearly states that it is the type 2, "Leichtmetall", and that they are complete with the "Tragriemen u. Karabinerhaken" (the complete standard lanyard with a carbine hook). The manufactured compasses will be approved (functionality and quality) at the factory by a representative from the Heeres Abnahme Stelle, situated at another factory in Chemnitz. The factory is instructed to place their "Firmenzeichen" (company logo) "in the position you already know". Such specifications on orders like this may be an indication as to why the logo’s orientation changed.  Fritz Hofmann, Spezialfabrikation für Röntgenelektromediz. Apparate G.m.b.H., Erlangen, code "erv". All observed examples are of the type 2. All observed examples had the long (6 cm) ruler, consistent with Type 2 production. A small manufacturer with regards to the supply of the Marschkompaß, but managed to mark them in 3 different ways, always oriented along the line of sight. First variation was the text "FRIHO", followed by "ERLANGEN" on the next line, and finally a serial number on the third line. The second variation was their company logo, followed by a serial number underneath. The third variation was the code "erv", followed by a serial number on the next line. Judging from the observed serial numbers total production didn't exceed 10.000.     Feinmechanik e. G.m.b.H. Kassel was another of the smaller manufacturers. Only one example has been examined until now. It was a type 2. The markings on the lid are written along the line of sight and only consisted of the code "fzg", with a serial number on the next line. No information about the company is available. The observed example had the long (6 cm) ruler, consistent with Type 2 production.   This maker still hasn't been identified. Again, one of the smaller manufacturers. AFID has been linked with "Landeslieferungs‑Genossenschaft für das Feinmechaniker‑Handwerk Sachsen GmbH, Dresden" through a transport box from 1943 that was marked with both of these. All observed examples are of the type 2, and all are marked the same way; marking running in the line of sight, "AFID" in large letters with a few blank lines and then a serial number. Judging from the serial numbers total production never exceeded 10.000. All observed examples had the long (6 cm) ruler, consistent with Type 2 production.  (Picture courtesy of fjm44.com)  One of the larger manufacturers, and probably the one manufacturing the Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen the longest. The company manufactured both types over the years, and is the only manufacturer that used the split lanyard ring. Type 1, brass with slim tongue, was marked across the lid with the text "F.W. Breithaupt & Sohn" on the first line, then a serial number on the second line and finally "Kassel" on the third line, perpendicular to the line of sight. The type 1 used the short (5 cm) ruler, the Type 2 used the longer ruler (6 cm). The type 2 was marked "BREITHAUPT-KASSEL" on the first line and a serial number on the second line, but position was changed to go along the line of sight. After April 1940 the company name was replaced with their code "clk".  As previously mentioned production was simplified with a split lanyard ring. The lowest observed serial number with this modification is 98550. Around serial number 118.000 the white line in the lid gets replaced by a "Bezard-arrow". Trageriemen mit Karabinerhaken   (Photos courtesy of Thomas Dahl) The strap that was issued with the compass came in 3 different styles. -Leather with brass fittings -Leather with aluminum fittings -Rayon web strap with aluminum fittings The rayon web strap indicates manufacture of this model as late as 1943, when the leather shortage really began to have an impact on the manufacturing. Due to the delicate nature of instruments and optics they are seldom stamped to show that they have been accepted. No Marschkompaß has been found with a WaA acceptance stamp. But the leather sling is often WaA approved if it is marked with the manufacturer's details.    The straps can be unmarked, or well-marked. All depending on the maker. The upper one marked with full name "BREITHAUPT KASSEL" and 1940. The middle one is marked "M.K." for "Max Kohl A.G.". The lower one is marked clk 41 and came with a split lanyard compass.  (Photo courtesy of Thomas Dahl) Once lost, an improvised strap would do the trick. This one was obviously fashioned from an old binocular strap. All Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen came with a lanyard attached from the factory. Even though most are missing it today, loss was still a problem during the war.  The third battalion of infantry regiment 63 in the 17. Division. During the autumn exercise in 1936 someone lost the lanyard for their Marschkompaß.
-The requisition number for the "Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen" is A 61 861. The A classifies the compass as Artillery Equipment. If the number started with a "J" (I), it would have been Infantry equipment, an "N" would have been Nachrichten (communications) equipment and so on. Click here for a full list of the Geräteklassen! -The production of the "Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen" will be halted, as of 16th of January 1940. This announcement is clearly premature, as the 3-letter code system wasn't implemented until November 1940, suggesting that at least 6 different makers continued production well after this point in time. The clk aluminum example above came with a Trageriem marked clk 41. -It was replaced (in production) by the new model; "Marschkompaß, vereinfacht (o)", with the requisition number A 61 883. -Signed "Oberkommando des Heeres, Chef der Heeresrüstung und Befehlshaber des Ersatzheeres" (Army High Command, Chief of Army Armaments and Commander of the Reserve Army). "AHA/In 4". is an abbreviation for Allgemeines Heeresamt (General Army Directorate) / Inspektion 4 (Artillery), "III c" denoting the sub-office. "79" is believed to be a archive code of some sort. -The significance or meaning of the (o) at the end of the designation remains a mystery. This "descriptor" was omitted in later references published by the OKH. This announcement does not appear to have been implemented, and the Marschkompass mit Trageriemen remained in production until 1943-ish, when the access to aluminum became heavily restricted.  A German soldier in Tunis, ca 1942. The man to the left (outside of the picture) holds a Marschkompass mit Trageriemen. The Trageriemen (lanyard) appears to be fastened to his uniform or equipment. It runs from the compass, through his fingers and down to his belt. Marschkompaß, vereinfacht  Now, enter the "Marschkompass, Vereinfacht (o)." (Marching compass, simplified). From the information gathered, this design dates back to pre-1933, and was made by the Busch company as an inexpensive model for the precursor to the HJ, the Deutsche Jungendienst. The commercially available "Modell XI mit Spiegel" was almost identical in shape and function. So, the Marschkompass mit Trageriemen was actually replaced by a civilian model in 1940. How could this happen? The Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen was expensive to manufacture, and it was all-metal - in a time when metal was becoming a rarer commodity for the German war machine. As the Busch representative was still leading the Special Committee for Compasses (Sonderausschutz Kompasse), when a new "candidate" was needed, it appears that he just chose another one of his own products that met the requirements! This compass model can also be found in the Gebrüder Wichmann catalogue above for RM (Reichsmark) 5,95. In comparison, the Marschkompass mit Trageriemen cost RM 26,50. Four for the price of one...  (Photo courtesy of Thomas Dahl) The main body is made of Bakelite, with only the lid, two screws and the needle requiring metal. The square body meant that the foldable ruler (laying edge) could be replaced by incorporating it into the edge of the compass body. Further simplifying the design and production requirements. The complicated and costly Trageriemen (carrying strap) was discontinued, as with the Jungendienst-Kompaß it was replaced by a simple twisted neck-cord.  The graduated disc and the needle arrangement were also simplified. The mirror was originally incorporated into the lid, whilst the new Wehrmacht model utilized a metal mirror that was riveted inside the lid with 4 rivets.  The center of the glass could sport different designs, depending on the maker or if it was modified. The example above, center, has a simple black circle. The one on the right sports a "West-Ost" line (West- East). The one on the left is nude, with the paint removed (or never applied). These designs were applied to the underside of the protective glass. Depending on a lot of factors, the paint didn't always remain in place, and was removed if it started to fall into the mechanism. Also note that these compasses all have "half-needles", whilst both the prewar and postwar compasses of similar design have a full needle with two ends. The needle came in two varieties; thin and broad. The thinner one used more metal and was replaced with a broader needle with a Bakelite disc on later production.  It is easy to tell them apart, even when the glass is painted.
 (Thanks to Allan Williams for this document) The Marschkompass, vereinfacht (0) mentioned again, dated 17 May 1940. The above document has been heavily cropped; full text is available by clicking on it. The text describes a shortage of observation and measuring instruments due to new units being raised faster than the supply system can cope, and as a result the instruments "will be spread thinner" throughout the units. "Soll" = "allowed number", old and new. Once again, the "Taschenleuchtkompass (0)", ("pocket compass with luminescent figures") is listed. According to the earlier text, these are cheaper to buy than marching compasses, and are distributed among the lower ranks. Makers and markings of the Marschkompaß, vereinfacht  The first production examples came with full maker's name. This later changed to a code, and in parallel also to being unmarked. The "Marschkompaß, vereinfacht" was manufactured with a body made of Bakelite, which was used as the base for the compass needle, compass housing and lid. Most instrument manufacturers did not possess the in-house production capabilities for Bakelite molding, so the manufacture of the Bakelite bodies was often outsourced, making the identification of these compasses even more interesting. The (final) maker identification was located in a (normally) oblong capsule in the upper left corner, and was incorporated into the Bakelite mold leaving raised letters. The maker mark of the company that made the Bakelite body was always placed underneath the compass. This was normally a circular marking conforming to the standards of the Materialprüfungsamt. This marking identifies the company that manufactured the Bakelite, as well as the type of filler that was used in the Bakelite.   This is the Materialprüfungsamt stamp, standard on all Bakelite products.
Quite a few compasses have no (final) maker identification, with the upper left corner devoid of any markings, but the Bakelite body maker markings are in place underneath. These will be explored after the known manufacturers. Busch began producing these compasses for the Wehrmacht, but was joined by several other manufacturers. Once again, Busch owned the patents, but was unable (or not permitted by the Wehrmacht) to manufacture all the compasses required. Hence, the production license and the blueprints were distributed to other manufacturers that would also supply the Wehrmacht. All exports of this model were reserved for Busch. Most likely the multiple manufacturers were employed to minimize disruption to supply in lieu of Allied bombing. Compasses with full maker names were manufactured for the Wehrmacht before the code system was implemented in 1940, and are less common than those bearing a three-letter code. Below is a list of makers and markings observed on the "Marschkompaß vereinfacht". The number of (known) makers drops from 9 to 6. Some leaving, and some new ones arriving. cnx / Busch - Rathenow etl / Krieger u. Faudt, Berlin hap / MK (marking set in a circle) fxn / Schieck - Berlin clk / (Breithaupt, Kassel) cjy / (NEAG) The last two manufacturers have not been observed with a full name, only with codes. Busch used two different subcontractors for their Bakelite bodies, which can be discerned by the top corner marking. One manufacturer used a standard oblong area for the "Busch, Rathenow" or "cxn" marking, while the other used the "cxn" placed on a squarer depression/cut out. Busch received their code "cxn" in March 1941. All compasses made prior to this date would have been marked with "Busch, Rathenow", while all compasses made after this date should only carry their code. In order to sort these compasses according to a "time-line", we must consider the identifiable features. The use of a brass lid is an early feature, which was later replaced with a non-magnetic alloy. Full makers name was in use before the code, whilst the black disc-center came before the O-W line disc-center. All Busch-made compasses had the lid painted with a black wrinkle finish, except for one intermediate series with smooth painted brass lids. The glass should have the black circle. Only one example has been observed with the O-W line on it, most probably a replacement glass.  The first variety of the "Marschkompaß, vereinfacht" made by Busch had a brass lid with wrinkle paint and the oblong field with "Busch Rathenow".  The Bakelite body was marked with the MP #43 for "Venditor, Kunststoff-Verkaufsges. m.b.H, Troisdorf. The right-hand circle is a stock number / product number.  The second variation had the oblong field marked with "cxn". The brass lid has been painted smooth black, and the rivets holding the mirror are much larger.  The Bakelite body markings changed to an MP stamp with no number plus a new circle with the code "boa" for "Venditor" after March 1941.  The third variation also has the oblong field marked with "cxn". The lid is no longer brass, but is now made of a non-magnetic alloy. Wrinkle paint is back, and the rivets are smaller again. The Bakelite body markings remain unchanged from the second variation.  The fourth variation is identical to the third, apart from the Bakelite body, which comes from a different sub-contractor. This has a square depression with "cxn". The bottom marking is a simple MP #N7 for "Reicolit-preßwerk". It is impossible to tell if the third variation came before the fourth, as they hold the same "qualities". Reicolit does not follow the instructions to change from their civilian code N7 to their military assigned code (eha), and continued to manufacture compass bodies marked "N7".  Krieger u. Faudt, Berlin was one of the smaller manufacturers of the Marschkompaß, vereinfacht. The company was listed as a manufacturer of electrical equipment and fine mechanical equipment, castings and injections (Fabrik elektrischer Apparate und feinmechanischer Geräte, Kunststoffpresserei und Sprizerei). This meant that they could manufacture their own Bakelite bodies inhouse. They also supplied the Bakelite bodies to two other compass-manufacturers as a subcontractor.  The first variety was manufactured prior to May 1941, as it is marked with a full company name; "Krieger & Faudt, Berlin". Brass lid with black wrinkle paint.  The second variety is identical to the first in all aspects but the lid, which is now made of a non-magnetic alloy with black wrinkle paint.  Marked underneath with their "KFB" logo and MP #78 for "Krieger & Faudt, Berlin".  The third variety is manufactured after May 1941. The full name has been replaced with their new code "etl", and the lid has larger rivets.  The company logo has been removed from the underside, and the MP #78 has now been replaced by an MP stamp with no number over their 3-letter code "etl".  Max Kohl AG, Physikalische Apparate u. Laboratoriums Einrichtungen, Chemnitz, had facilities for woodwork and metalwork, according to this letterhead photo. But apparently no Bakelite Presswerk. Their whole compass production came from the same sub-contractor. The MP marking is "OW", which remains un-identified.  The first variety was manufactured prior to August 1941, as it is marked with the MK-Logo. Note the round depression under the marking. A "signature" of this subcontractor. Brass lid with smooth black paint.  Marked underneath with the subcontractor MP #OW. In addition, a single number ranging from 1 to 4 placed in the opposite depression underneath probably denotes the mold number.  The shape of the lid of the first variety of the Max Kohl "Marschkompass, vereinfacht" is unique. It is more circle-shaped than the later varieties (and all other makers) and probably weaker, since it is missing the shaped "lip".  The second variety is identical to the first in all aspects but the marking and the shape of the lid. The company logo has been replaced with their code, issued on August 1941. The markings on the underside remain unchanged.  The third variety is identical in all aspects but the lid. This has now been changed to a non-magnetic alloy painted black. The markings underneath remain unchanged.  The company of F. W. Schieck (Friedrich Wilhelm Schieck) in Berlin manufactured high-precision instruments, mostly microscopes, and was not a known compass manufacturer until they started up with the Bakelite model "Marschkompaß, vereinfacht". Their later code was "fxn".  The first variation had a brass lid with black wrinkle paint. The full name "Schrieck-Berlin" was placed on the upper left corner as usual in an oblong depression. The Bakelite bodies were made in-house by the company.  Schrieck is the only registered manufacturer of the compass body that did NOT use a MP stamp on parts of their production. The first variety simply had a round circle with "1E" on the underside, with no other markings.  The second variation had an alloy lid made of a non-magnetic metal. The marking had now changed to the code "fxn".  The marking underneath now changed to a MP stamp with their code underneath, since they manufactured their own Bakelite bodies. This meant that their compasses carried the code "fxn" on both top and bottom.  This is a "mystery stamp". The picture can be found on "compassmuseum.com", but it is sadly alone. No picture of the top marking that corresponds with it is shown. It has not been observed on any of the production varieties, and the location of the marking is strange for a fxn, as it is the only one seen until now. But it clearly shows that Schieck had another mold for compass bodies. Most probably issued to another manufacturer.  Breithaupt was the manufacturer that used the largest number of different Bakelite bodies. No Bakelite body made by Breithaupt (clk) with their marking on the underside has been observed, although one example with no topside marking at all and a MP stamp with "clk" has been observed, but remains a mystery. It is clear that their production schedule was dependent on supply of the Bakelite bodies from Krieger u. Faudt Berlin for their early production.  First variety of the Breithaupt "Marschkompaß, vereinfacht" is marked "Breithaupt Kassel" in the standard oblong, situated in the left corner. It has a brass lid with a smooth black painted surface. The Bakelite body is marked with the Material Prüfung stamp #78 for Krieger u. Faudt Berlin, as well as their K-F-B logo.  Second variety of the Breithaupt "Marschkompaß, vereinfacht" is marked "Breithaupt Kassel" in the standard oblong, situated in the left corner as usual. It has a brass lid with a smooth black painted surface. Bakelite body is now marked with the Material Prüfung stamp of "etl", Krieger u. Faudt, Berlin. This company was given the code "etl" in May 1941. This helps us date the first variety to pre-May 1941, and this one post-May 1941. But the Breithaupt logo should have been replaced already in March 1941 when they were issued their code "clk". Someone had not been following orders! This variety is unique, as it has a full name from one company and a code from another on the same product!  Third variety. Again, the compass has a brass lid with a smooth black painted surface. But the name is gone, and has been replaced with the correct code "clk". Bakelite body is again marked with the Material Prüfung stamp of "etl", Krieger u. Faudt Berlin.  Fourth variation. The lid has now changed from brass to a non-magnetic alloy painted smooth black.  A new sub-contractor for the Bakelite body. A local company from Kassel; "jne" was the code for Presswerk Mollberg & Co, Hofgeismar.  Fifth variation. Markings are identical to the previous variety. The lid is now no longer painted, but anodized. This method was only used by Breithaupt, and is rather rare for the "Marschkompaß, vereinfacht". It does appear to be the standard for the later production though. The lid color is not very stable, and fades to the point where it is all gone "white" on some compasses. NEAG, Norddeutsche Elektro-Akustik Gesellschaft, Kaufhold K. -G., Berlin SO 36, Oranienstr. 185. All observed examples from this manufacturer has the 3-letter code "cjy", no example with a full manufacturers name has been found. This indicates that the production of this model started after March 1941.  The first variation had a brass lid with black wrinkle paint. The code is placed on the upper left corner in an oblong depression as usual. The Bakelite body was made by a subcontractor, Krieger u. Faudt, Berlin, code "etl".  (Picture courtesy of fjm44.com) The second variation is identical in all aspects but the lid, which has now changed to a non-magnetic alloy.  Bottom marking remained unchanged. Unknown makers of the Marschkompaß, vereinfacht Welcome to the "minefield". There are a lot of varieties of this compass without the standard marking in the top left corner. As mentioned previously, some manufacturers production was dependent on Bakelite bodies from sub-contractors, whilst others manufactured them in-house for their own products. There are in fact also one or more unknown makers that received the Bakelite bodies and assembled their compasses without marking them topside. The main users name has been masked off in the mold, but their tell-tale signs on top and their MP numbers are present on the bottom. As a reference they have been classified with a letter to keep them apart. In addition, we use the name of the main user for the Bakelite bodies. This does not denote any place in a timeline, nor does it indicate the maker (assembler) of the compass. They are presented in the order of the manufacturers above. It is not known who assembled the compasses, but we do know who made the Bakelite bodies (in most cases...). One theory is that they represent smaller manufacturers (cottage-industry) that mostly assembled the products from parts supplied by the larger manufacturers. It will remain a mystery until further information can be found. Type A, "Busch".  Body manufactured by Venditor, Kunststoff-Verkaufsges. m.b.H, Troisdorf, and marked "boa". The main supplier of Bakelite bodies for Busch. Looks a lot like Busch variety #4, except for the missing topside marking. Type B, "Kohl".  Body manufactured by the unknown maker MP #OW, main supplier of "hap", Max Kohl. The mold is the same, even retaining their tell-tale circle depression. This is the only one of these Bakelite bodies that doesn't carry any clear WW2 marking since the code is still unknown, but still undoubtably is WW2 production. They can be found as dug-ups (80+ years in the ground), and they have also been found with proven provenience from WW2. Type C, "Breithaupt".  This one is quite a mystery. Unmarked topside, but Material Prüfung stamped "clk" underneath. Breithaupt didn't manufacture any compasses marked with their name or code topside based on their own Bakelite bodies, while this one is unmarked to the top and has their code underneath!  Type D, "NEAG"  Like the previous one, the Type c, NEAG based its whole production on sub-contractors for the Bakelite bodies. Yet, this specimen has an unmarked topside, with a bottom marked MP "cjy".  Problems, problems and more problems...
 The ring that held the cover glass. Note the beveled edge of the cover glass.
 168th Inf Division: I. 5.) Reliability of Compasses (AHM 42, No. 899). Any defects in compasses must be reported to Division Dept. Ib/WuG by November 22, 1942, stating the area in which the compass was used. And then, some "new information" about the first model of Marching compass (which according to plan should have been out of production for 3 years by now).
One basic difference between the old (Marschkompass mit Trageriemen) and the new (Marschkompass, vereinfacht) was that the mirror was attached differently. On the new model it was attached to the inside of the cover. Raising the cover would mean raising the mirror. Previously the mirror was a separate, foldable part with a diameter that matched the compass house exactly. This made it difficult to get hold of the mirror, using a nail or suchlike was necessary, and it covers the actual compass until lifted.  (Photo courtesy of Thomas Dahl) This Marschkompass mit Trageriemen was modified according to the order above. A "nose" has been added to the mirror to make it easier to lift. A slit has been cut to the sidewall of the compass cover in order to facilitate the "nose".  A simplified modification. Once someone comes up with a good idea; be sure someone else does it better. This Waffenmeister has simply "notched" the mirror with a chisel, and made a corresponding dent in the lid to facilitate it. This modification will work (almost) as well as the other.
Returning to the problem of the cover glass falling off. Worth noting; the German word for "cover glass" has now been replaced by the German word for "protective glass". The text is self-explanatory.  (Photo courtesy of Thomas Dahl) This "Compass, simplified" has been modified according to the order above. The thin ring securing the protective glass has been painted black, note the paint spill. But this would have had little effect in regards to securing the ring. The ring must be partially unscrewed to achieve this, with the threads painted and the ring screwed in place before the paint dried.  "New production models will have the threaded ring replaced by a snap ring". On this model the protective glass was held in place by the spring pressure of the snap ring. The last production model, Marschkompaß A  A page from the top secret Dienstvorschrift 97/1 Gerätliste, issued in July 1943. This page has all the official Marschkompass models in use by then. It is the first printed matter we have found that mentions the new model, the "Marschkompaß A".  And here they are. From left to right: -Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen. Requisition number A 61861 -Marschkompaß, vereinfacht. Requisition number A 61 883 -Marschkompaß A. Requisition number: 27 - 4177 A With the introduction of the Marschkompass A, the production of the Marschkompass vereinfacht was halted. Or to be more precise; the production was switched from the old to the new model. The two models are indeed the same compass, but with two small modifications!  On the outside the only difference between the old and the new is the addition of a white painted "A". This "A" was placed there as an identifier; to avoid a mix with the old model. Why an "A" was chosen has no clear answer, although "A" itself was probably short for "Artillerie". We already know that all compasses were classified as "Artillerie-Gerät" (Artillery equipment) in the supply system, so that was not the reason. The "A" was included to denote that the compass was compatible with Artillery instruments. "Für Artillerie zwecke". The only document we have found that gives an answer to this is very clearly misleading!  Major Limberger has been on a business trip to Jüterbog and Berlin, and reports back to the General der Artillerie. He uses the name "Marschkompaß A. Special edition for the Africa-Korps". This is the only instance observed that provides a possible reference to the "A", but we can be confident that the "A" has nothing to do with the Afrika-Korps. At this time in history the Afrika-Korps had ceased to exist! Some other interesting information in this report; -All manufacturers will have changed from manufacturing the "Marschkompaß, vereinfacht" to the "Marschkompaß A" by mid-May 1944. -A total of approximately 200,000 Marschkompaß A has been manufactured to date. -Uniform equipment for the divisions is to be ensured through supply control. This means that the goal is to change the compasses from one type to the next (Complete) unit by unit. -Total number of compasses in a Division is 1000 pieces. A document from a meeting on production and development, dated April 28, 1944.  "Wa Prüf has raised the demand to achieve uniformity with all (other) optical devices". The previous models of marching compasses did NOT use the same system as the rest of the instruments used by Wehrmacht, and it was time to make all instruments uniform.  Marschkompaß, vereinfacht ---------- Marschkompaß A The other difference is visible when looking inside (and the center design has nothing to do with it). The previous compass models have a graduated disc with the numbers running counter-clockwise. On the new "A" model the numbers now run clockwise. The implications of this will be clearer through the coming publications. Firstly, let us take a look at the numbers and what they tell us!
The definition of a mil:  At a distance of 1000 meters a mil is a meter in width (or height). So, what happened to the graduated discs of the "Marschkompass, vereinfacht" and the "Marschkompass A"? The prewar compasses all had counter-clockwise graduated discs, divided into 6400 mils. But most artillery instruments had clockwise discs, based on the cardinal directions. At one point someone must have decided that it was worth the hassle to bring all over on the same system. So, the "Marschkompass A", introduced some time prior to the summer of 1943, was standardized on the cardinal directions as shown above with West at 4800 mils and Ost (east) at 1600 mils.  An interesting variety. As mentioned, Breithaupt (clk) started to anodize their covers with the fifth variation of the "Marschkompaß, vereinfacht". The use of this method continued with the Marschkompaß A. On the above specimen the anodized metal has bleached to the point that it is all bare metal. The only coating remaining is the small spot in the lower right corner on the picture, and the "A" which has been covered by the white paint. The white paint is almost all gone as well, but due to mechanical wear, leaving a ghost-gray "A".
 A ferrous gas mask, unsuited for use with compasses, manufactured 15 January 1945. And now, a little side-step. The next publication is an administrative order that regulates the sale of pistols and compasses to officers of the Wehrmacht. The model of compass is specified as the "Marschkompass A".
Bad moon rising...... The introduction of a new compass that displayed different headings compared to the model already in use would of course spell trouble and confusion.
 This compass appears to have started life as a Marschkompass, vereinfacht, but later modified into a Marschkompass A. Note the glue distorting the view at 1000 mils, and again at 4200mils. The West-Ost line is well aligned.
A part of an order for the supply troops attached to the Generalkommando of the 55th Armeekorps. At the time of issue situated south of Bobruisk, Belarus. 14 days later, the Soviet summer offensive, Operation Bagration, would hit them hard.
Another interesting document, issued the following day in the 14. Galizische SS Freiwillige Division. The unit consisted of Ukrainian volunteers and was part of the Army Group North Ukraine, facing the Red Army's 1st Ukrainian Front. The problem with mixed compasses seems to have been avoided entirely, as they have been able to fully resupply the whole division with the Marschkompass A (the text does not use this designation, but the explanation tells us this is the new model).
A declination mark normally shows how much the needle deviates from the true North. By considering this when calculating a marching route, a higher degree of accuracy could be obtained. This order also has another very interesting piece of information, as it mentions a "Marschkompass 43". This model never made it beyond the development stage. It had a fluid-filled compass house, and was probably too complicated or delicate for field use.  The order dictates a new graduated disc for the Marschkompaß A where the declination mark has been removed. The declination mark is the single line that lies around 170 mills to the west of north, and was supposed to point towards true north. For all practical purposes it was unusable. The deviation would vary according to the geographical position of the user of the compass. Instead of the line on the disc the deviation for the actual area was supposed to be printed on the maps. The eagle-eyed reader will notice that both of the discs come from a Marschkompaß, vereinfacht (counter-clockwise numbers). This tells us that the order to the manufacturers to remove the declination line must have been effected when the Marschkompaß, vereinfacht was still in production. No Marschkompass A (clockwise numbers) has been observed with a declination mark.
 The old and the new standard. The declination mark has been removed, the numbers run clockwise, a white east-west line has been added to the glass and there is a new design to the light-emitting paint. Instead of the dot on either side of the "N" there is now a line running through it. The rest of the design has been changed. The numbers and letters are now on the inner circle, opposed to the outer circle on the old disc!  A variation of the new disc also exists. It is the old style with the numbers on the outer edge, with no declination mark (of course) and a special design to the light-emitting paint. North is marked with two dots, and that is it! This type of disc has been found with glue residue, so it might be the model that was distributed for the units to rebuild their old compasses according to the next announcement. 
Feldpostnummer 35 056 was assigned to Landesschützen-Bataillon 276, stationed in Parchim, Germany.  A surviving example of a "Marschkompaß, vereinfacht" that has been field-modified to a "Marschkompaß A", the new standard, according to the instructions in "Von der Front für die Front". 
Feldpost nummer 07212 was assigned to Stab Gebirgs-Pionier-Bataillon 54. In October 1944 they fought along the river Morava with the Soviet army in front and Yugoslavian Partisans in the rear. The ring that held the cover glass. Note the beveled edge of the cover glass and the fine thread on the side of the locking ring. Makers and markings of the Marschkompaß, A The number of (known) makers now drops from 6 to 4. cnx / (Busch - Rathenow) hap / (Max Kohl) fxn / (Schieck - Berlin clk / (Breithaupt) Emil Busch A.G. manufactured the Marschkompaß A with two different Bakelite bodies. The lid, painted with black wrinkle paint, has also received a white "A", and the paper disc got clockwise numbers. The template for the "A" has the cuts high.  First variety. Based on the Bakelite body made by Venditor, Kunststoff-Verkaufsges. m.b.H, Troisdorf. Materialprüfungsamt empty. 3-letter code "boa".  Second variety. Lid with black wrinkle paint and white "A". Based on the Bakelite body made by Reicolit-preßwerk, Cuno Heinzelmann-Hasberg, Kunstharzpresserei, Berlin. Materialprüfungsamt # N7. Only one version observed. Lid with smooth black paint and white "A". The template for the "A" has the cuts high.  Unchanged since the "hap, Marschkompass, vereinfacht" variety number 3, except for the clockwise numbers and the white painted "A". The still unknown Material Prüfung stamp "OW".  Only one version observed. Standard materials and markings. Lid with smooth black paint and white "A". The template for the "A" has no cuts at all.  Marked "fxn" topside. And the standard MP "fxn" underneath. Only one version observed. Dubbed "The grey ghost". The markings are identical to the latest model of the "Marschkompaß, Vereinfacht". The lid is now only anodized, and has received a white "A". This method was only used by Breithaupt. The template for the "A" has the cuts low.  The lid color is not very stable, and fades to the point where it is all gone "white" on some compasses, leaving just the "A" visible in white, gray or black, depending on the mechanical wear to the paint. The template for the "A" has the cuts low. The sub-contractor for the Bakelite body was "jne", Presswerk Mollberg & Co, Hofgeismar, Kassel.  Variations of the "Grey ghost", manufactured by Breithaupt, "clk".  Another example of a grey ghost, where the white "A" has preserved the anodizing, but later started to wear off leaving a black "A" behind. This compass also sports another interesting feature; a slit has been cut in the lower part of the lid and mirror to allow for better sight-alignment. Unknown makers of the Marschkompaß, A Welcome back to the "minefield". As mentioned previously, some manufacturers based their production of Bakelite bodies on sub-contractors, while others manufactured them in-house for their own assembly lines. But a certain "overspill" from the largest manufacturers of the Bakelite body must have ended up with unknown makers that assembled their compasses without marking them topside. We do not know who assembled the compasses, but we do know who made the Bakelite bodies (in most cases...), and use those as reference. Type A, "Busch-1".  No topside marking, apart from the empty oblong depression. The template for the "A" has the cuts high. Body manufactured by Venditor, Kunststoff-Verkaufsges. m.b.H, Troisdorf, and marked "boa". The main supplier of Bakelite bodies for Busch. Type A, "Busch-2".  No topside marking, except for the square depression. The template for the "A" has the cuts high. Body manufactured by Reicolit-preßwerk, Cuno Heinzelmann-Hasberg, Kunstharzpresserei, Berlin, and marked with a Materialprüfungsamt # N7. Type B, "Kohl".  Body manufactured by the unknown maker MP #OW, main supplier of "hap", Max Kohl. The mold is the same, even retaining their tell-tale circle depression. The template for the "A" has no cuts at all. (MK used a template for the "A" with high cuts). This is the only one of these Bakelite bodies that doesn't carry any clear WW2 marking, since the maker is unidentified, but still undoubtably is WW2.... Type C, "Breithaupt".  The Bakelite body is the one used in the late Breithaupt production of the "Marschkompaß, vereinfacht" and all Breithaupt production of the "Marschkompaß A". But the lid is not the typical Breithaupt with anodized finish. This lid is painted smooth black and has a no-cut template for the "A". The sub-contractor for the Bakelite body was "jne", Presswerk Mollberg & Co, Hofgeismar, Kassel. Type X, "Dunkelgelb". This enigma is still unsolved. Until now, 4 known examples of this Marschkompaß A have been observed. It deviates from the standard Marschkompaß A in several aspects:  (Picture courtesy of fjm44.com) -It is the only compass that has a dunkelgelb lid. -It is the only compass manufactured in light brown. -It is the only compass made of a Bakelite filler substance other than the "S", which is Carbolic Resin (Bakelite) with wood dust/sawdust (wood flour) filler. The filler of the Bakelite on this one is much "rougher". -It is the only compass that has absolutely no markings. What so ever.  (Picture courtesy of fjm44.com) Until further information surfaces it will remain a mystery where, when and why it was manufactured! The export versions of the Marschkompaße  (Picture courtesy of Martin Sørensen) This compass is another hybrid-variety, the early feature of the slim nose mixed with the late feature of an aluminum body, again made for export. The Persian text on the lid has not been fully translated, but the symbols inside the triangle is believed to be "Busch" (according to ChatGPT). Also visible are the new numbers on the short ruler. The story behind these compasses is not known, but by the evidence visible a plausible theory can be constructed. The German paper dial has been added post production, as visible by the glue residues beneath it. By looking closer the original Farsi symbols engraved directly on the dial beneath it is still visible. This compass has been rebuilt to the new standard as a Marschkompaß A, with the numbers running clockwise. The actual paper dial is in fact the very same printed version used on the Marschkompaß A. The export order for Persia must have been stopped and then modified for German use.  The compass pictured above deviates from the standard production by Busch in several aspects. First of all, it is a later production (post 1941 for sure) model with an alloy lid, that has received a full company marking. Unlike the prewar example earlier; the text also includes "Rathenow". Further on, it is based on a standard Bakelite body manufactured by "Venditor" (boa marking intact on the underside), but the 3-letter code "cxn" in the left corner topside has been removed mechanically. The contours of the ends of the raised letters (cxn) can still be seen. The code was removed to keep it secret.  The proof of export is on the disc (The smoking gun!). North and South is marked as normal, but East and West has changed. "Ost" (east) has now changed to "E" for "Este", and "West" has now changed to "O" for "Oeste". These compasses come from a delivery of 832 pieces to the Portuguese army in 1943. These are all of the Marschkompaß A type.  This is a list of some of the equipment that was exported to Portugal from Germany in 1943-44. Emil Busch A.G. contributed with 832 Marschkompasse. The Spanish army did also buy a lot of equipment from Germany, but no proof of a delivery to Spain of Marschkompasse has been found.  Also believed to be an export model, with the code removed and the lid fully engraved. But on this compass the disc is unchanged with N-O-S-W, and the graduated disc is of the earlier version, running anti-clockwise. Country unknown. This one is based on the Bakelite bodies supplied by MP #7, for "Reicolit-preßwerk", but there were also export models with the standard disc based on the MP #7 with no code on top and also "Venditor" Bakelite bodies. The Finnish connection  The Finnish Suunto armband-compass was widely used by German forces on the Northern part of the East Front. They were procured locally by the Wehrmacht in Finland, but it is also possible that they were bought by the individual soldier. It could be worn on the arm like a wristwatch, as it was manufactured with a long leather strap. A feature that was very popular with the long-range ski patrols. It gained so much appraisal by the users that the units started to demand they were made an official supply item. This ended with the Oberbefehlshaber der Oberkommando der 20. Gebirgsjäger Armee, Generaloberst Eduard Dietl, sending a letter to the OKH about it.  The complete letter can be accessed by clicking on the miniature above. The main text translated to English goes like this: Although the German marching compass is more accurate and has other advantages, in practical troop use, the Finnish marching compass is still preferred. The Finnish marching compass, with its simple strap, can be easily looped around the wrist or sleeve and can be constantly observed while marching by keeping the forearm horizontal. This is especially important for skiers, who thus always have both hands free for skis or weapons. With the German marching compass, the cord and cover hinder its use. A significant advantage of the Finnish marching compass is that the needle is stored in an oil bath. This means that metal parts of equipment, weapons, and ordnance have less impact on the needle; it oscillates more slowly and comes to rest and alignment sooner. This saves time during use, which is of great value for reconnaissance patrols, hunting parties, etc., as minutes are precious on such ventures. It has also been observed that in the presence of the northern lights, the sluggish needle of the Finnish marching compass is less sensitive than the needle of the German marching compass. The attached Finnish marching compass still has the 6000 division. However, the new Finnish version has the line division of the German compass. The side groove for holding the pencil... for roughly sighting directional points is deep and allows comfortable handling even with gloves and clammy fingers, which is not the case with the German marching compass. Even though the Finnish marching compass is somewhat heavier, this disadvantage is gladly accepted and its introduction seems appropriate. Dated 9th of March 1943. The official German name for it was "Suunto-Leicht-Kompass Modell 42 mit 6400 Einteilung". In a meeting in Berlin on the 10th of April the suggestion was on the table: 13.) Marschkompasse The Finnish compass demonstrated was built without consideration of the critical metals. "In 4" demands the introduction of the wrist compass. Wa A (Colonel d.G. Löhr) announces that 34000 German compasses are currently in production monthly. "Jn 2" will conduct tests with the Finnish compass and the Luftwaffe compass soon. "In 4" (The Artillery inspector), "In 2" (The Infantry inspector). What the conclusion around the table in Berlin eventually ended on is lost in time... But we do know that infantry units of the Luftwaffe (Luftwaffe Felddivisionen) used the Flieger Kompaß when issued.  Panzer-Division Hermann Göring. Resupply in southern Italy, 1943. This LW Panzer crew wears the Flieger Kompaß on his belt. British intel report We have managed to acquire a copy of a British intelligence report on basic German infantry equipment. Within this report are fragments of a study of the German marching compass. It contains a transcription & translation of a German manual, a drawing of a compass with names of the parts and two black & white photos of a captured specimen. Those parts of the report that we have managed to find have been reproduced in the pdf-file below. 
 British Intel report The translation is dated 21. January 1943, indicating that it must have been captured in North Africa. The manual it is referring to is the 1934 edition of the H.Dv. 362 "Anleitung zum gebrauch des Marschkompasses (M.Ko.)".  The drawing shows the compass with the "Trageriemen" attached. The compass in the drawing is of the first edition made of brass, with a slim lid-tongue. The pictures feature a different compass though, since this is the lightweight third version with a broad lid-tongue and a interrupted and riveted ring.  On a side note; the pictured compass from the report (above left) is only 179 numbers after the same model in my own collection (above right).  And the other way around. A Luftwaffe soldier in southern Italy with a British compass at his belt! Civilian models So, what about all the other models of compasses of clearly German prewar origin..... simple answer; they are not military issue!   Let us return to the 1937 catalogue from Gebrüder Wichmann. The first page is the assortment from Emil Busch A.G. And as we have seen, two of the three models of compasses were adopted by the Wehrmacht as "official models".   White background, double needle and Bakelite lid. All of these models by Busch were manufactured for the civilian market. Some of them ended up in the frontlines as "private purchase", but none of these were ever officially accepted or manufactured for the Wehrmacht.  (Photo courtesy of Allan Williams) The second page covers the compasses of Oberst (colonel) von Bèzard. The Bèzard compass had been around since before WW1, and was adopted by several armies in Europe, but never officially adopted by the Wehrmacht. We discussed this at the start of the article. The Bèzard compass was used in numbers by the Wehrmacht but never manufactured for the Wehrmacht. The model was available on the civilian market and was probably purchased by units as a stop gap measure until it was forbidden in 1937. It was manufactured in several countries, and can be found with different languages and divisions. In German the company "Lufft" was the sole maker.  Most of page 3 is devoted to the marching compass models of the company F. W. Breithaupt & Sohne, Kassel. Depending on the model, these compasses were "multi tools", incorporating ruler, distance measurer, water-level, inclinometer and a scale for range and height measurements. The deluxe model also had a glass bottom. This compass model was also bought in numbers by the para-military organizations.  The compass to the left was an export model, and has texts in Spanish. The right example was either private purchase (and privately engraved) or bought by a SA unit. Another large producer of compasses was Stockert & Sohn. They manufactured solely for the civilian market, and had models like the Touristenkompaß "Pfadfinder", Touristenkompaß "Jugend" and Touristenkompaß Marschkompaß "Kommit".  (Photo courtesy of Allan Williams)   Stockert never received a military contract for the production of marching compasses though. Gebrüder Wichmann did not have the sole rights to sell compasses; there were most certainly a large number of models of varying quality on the prewar market. And since any model of marching compass would be of help to the user, a wide variety of compasses saw frontline service in addition to the official models. Postwar And as always; it didn't fully stop when the war was over. Production of the "Marschkompaß" did continue.  The company "PASTO" (Paul Stockert) was founded in 1946, and continued production based on the Marschkompaß A. It did not include an "A" on the lid, but the numbers run clockwise in mils. Note the full needle, which differs from the Wehrmacht models which only had a half-needle. This model has no Materialprüfungsamt stamp underneath. It was also available with black numbers on a white disc.  Busch wasn't totally gone either. The company name turned up again in Western Germany, now as "Busch Göttingen" in the 1950ies. They manufactured a version of the Marschkompass in Plexiglas, that was accepted by the early Bundeswehr. The Eastern Bloc countries also made their versions postwar. Both Soviet and Polish models have been reported.  A Soviet replica pictured beside a standard "Marschkompaß, vereinfacht". Note the different shape of the lid.  But the inside really gives them away. They have different letters for the cardinal directions, and none of them are based on the H/6400 system. The first one is divided into 3500, while the second and third example is based on a 6000 system.  The East German army made a compass in plastic which looks a little like the original, its designation was "F52". This model sports a half-needle. There might be other manufacturers that continued production as well, but a complete list of these is not within the scope of this article. Conclusion of this compass study  Heinz Denckler Verlag printed and sold a wide variety of manuals on military disciplines and manuals on weapons. These were sold through mail order, both to individuals and units. The cover of the manual above features a picture of a HJ individual, while several of the illustrations inside the manual clearly show Wehrmacht soldiers. The drawing inside depicts the "Marschkompaß mit Trageriemen", but without the sling. The connection between the "civilian" use and military use seems clear. From 1934 to 1945 the German Wehrmacht (Heer) used 3 official models of marching compasses. Plenty of civilian models saw use together with these, but were clearly not of official issue, delivered through the supply system, and must be viewed as "private purchase" or "ersatz" examples.  Panzersoldaten in the south of France in 1942 with a Marschkompaß, vereinfacht. Note that the needle is visible, pointing to the left towards true north. The compass has been placed on the map in order to synchronize the map with the terrain. |
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