The Division was formed in 1943 with remains of various other units, including Soldiers from the 10. Panzerdivision (Heer).
On June 6, best known as D-Day, the division fought alongside the Fallschirmjägerregiment 6 in the Carentan area. It was the only Waffen-SS division fighting US forces on D-Day.
Uniform and equipment wise it wasn't that different from any SS-Division during these months. Since it was not a Panzer-Division, they didn't receive any heavy or medium tanks, only StuG III and IVs.
According to photos and video footage most of the soldiers were issued the new camouflage drill uniform - known as "dot 44" or pea dot pattern - and "late" M42 Type I and II camouflage smocks and helmet covers. This was the look I was trying to recreate in my photos of a Grenadier in this unit.
Some original pictures show MP44 pouches, although this is not 100% confirmed. It might be possible that Götz von Berlichingen was one of the few lucky units to receive the brand new MP44s (or Sturmgewehr 44).
I wear the basic two piece camouflage uniform made by SM Wholesale USA and standard issue low boots with gaiters made by At The Front. The helmet is a late M42 model with a Type II camouflage cover in Oak Leaf "B" pattern.
Over the linen HBT uniform I wear a M42 Type I camouflage smock in blurred edge pattern as rain protection. This is a very common look for soldiers of the 17. SS-Panzergrenadier-Division.
Since this is a combat impression I wear minimal field gear. On my back I have my "tropical" model bread bag with an original 1943 dated canteen attached to it. For additional rain protection I attached the Oak Leaf A Zeltbahn to the Koppel directly.
During a break the soldiers usually would want to get rid of their heavy helmets and prefer to wear their field caps. I'm wearing an M43 field cap with SS insignia here.
Because it started to rain heavily, I put on my Zeltbahn to stay dry.
Besides the issued MP44 pouches on each side (which were actually very rare), I carry a 100 round 7,92x57IS belt for the squad machine gun. Every soldier would carry as much ammunition as possible.
The heavy fighting was very tough for the soldiers. Waffen-SS and Fallschirmjäger experienced even worse: Most surrendering soldiers of these units would be executed by US forces, hence the same was done on the German side.
