The Hetzer fell under the umbrella of self-propelled artilley, within which was placed in the subcategory of SP anti-tank (Panzerjäger). They entered service in July 1944, a time when uniform regulaions were at the height of complexity, further complicated with the availability of summer and winter clothing.
Official uniform for Hetzer crews would be the same as that laid out back in February of 1942:
- fieldgrey version of the black panzer uniform
- pink piping on black collar patches (metal skulls)
- pink piping on shoulder boards along with a 'P' cypher
Distinctions were issued depending on the parent formation:
1.) Corps, Army, or Divisional (Infantry, Rifle, or Mountain) the uniform was as described above
2.) Regimental (Infantry, Rifle, or Mountain) uniform as above, but collar insignia was standard lizten on green backing, with piping white or green depending on parent regiment
3.) Panzer and Panzer Grenadier Divs., were suppose to revert back to the black panzer uniform
There is, of course, the question of clothing availability and how strictly all the above was followed through.
regards,
Jack