Africa Campaign The first chapter of this section describes the course of events that earned the Afrikakorps a place in history. In a microcosm of the grander continental war, the dessert conflict had a complement of sweeping offensives, sieges, and stubborn defenses. Africa Institution The cufftitle that distinguished the members of the Wehrmacht that fought in North Africa was created shortly before the capitulation of the forces. The institution process and presentation criteria are covered in this segment. Africa Description This section contains a thorough description of the ärmelbander, including technical details and standards as well as different variations the collector is likely to encounter. What is the tolerant threshold for variations? Read this section to find out.a Africa Documents In accordance with standard regulations, eligible members of the Africakorps received documentation along with their cuffititle. This portion of the site deals exclusively with the papers that accompanied the award. Wear Regulations The method of wear for insignia and decorations was naturally regulated by the Wehrmacht. This section illustrates these regulations, and catalogs the exceptions made in actual implementation. Fakes Since the end of the war a variety of fakes have been introduced to the collector's world. This last section presents the commonly encountered reproductions along with tips to tell them apart from originals. Afrika Index Cufftitles Index

by COL Scott Pritchett

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Several collectors and Forum members generously contributed items from their collections and photo archives, and provided information to close some of the gaps in my research. This kind of response is what makes this hobby so fun and the undertaking of a research effort like this so rewarding. I know I have learned a great deal more from these collectors throughout the research of this project than I believed I knew at the start. It's my expectation that our collective efforts will provide the same experience for other collectors who are interested in this campaign award. The following people deserve credit: Jaques Calero, Curtis Shattuck, Mike Heuer, Ralph Hinz, Andy Hopkins, Ian Jewison, Prosper Keating, Phillipe Leconteur, Jos Leconte, COL French MacLean, Frank Mundcik, "Polux", and Warren O. I should also note the superb reference works on the Afrikakorps by my acquaintances Roger James Bender and Dal McGuirk, the excellent book by Gordon Williamson on cuffbands, and Detlev Niemann's popular reference book and website, as important resources that assisted my research.