Infanterie-Regiment "Léon Basin" with stove, By the early December 1941. Yet after months of campaigning, the German army was exhausted. Having expected a expected a rapid Soviet collapse, German planners had failed to equip their troops for winter warfare. Moreover, the speedy German advance had caused the forces to outrun their supply lines, which were vulnerable due to the great distances involved. Léon Basin, a member of an infantry section in the eastern front (the combat zone). In order for better cover-up, he was wearing a snow shirt and covered his helmet, which were all handmade of cut down of bed sheet due to the lack of supply. He also made himself a straw sandal to prevent slip during walking on the snow. |