German sniper training film

[Oliver]

Hi all together,

there is a training film about German sniper training which is well known in the net.

It is called "Scharfschuetze in der Gelaendeausbildung (See the link!)

It was produced by the German Air Force High Command (which you can see in the credits at the beginning)

But, there must be one produced by the German Army High Command, the OKH, as well.

Does anybody know, where this film is available?

Thank you!


Oliver

 

[Philip]

I have a copy on VHS I purchased in the late 1980s. It is “produced” by the LW but virtually all of the soldiers in the film are army (Heer) troops. I recall it being in two parts and there are many very relevant bits of information that could be important to sniper rifle collectors. For example there are many things that could be found on a given sniper rifle that many collectors would tell you that the the Germans would have not done, however you will find these specifically stated in the film as recommendations or acceptable practices.

 

[Oliver]

I have a copy on VHS I purchased in the late 1980s. It is “produced” by the LW but virtually all of the soldiers in the film are army (Heer) troops. I recall it being in two parts and there are many very relevant bits of information that could be important to sniper rifle collectors. For example there are many things that could be found on a given sniper rifle that many collectors would tell you that the the Germans would have not done, however you will find these specifically stated in the film as recommendations or acceptable practices.

Hi Philip,

thank your for your answer. Do you have seen the link I have attached? The film you described, could that be that film? Because, in this film which is filmed by the Luftwaffe, and presented by the OKH, which means Oberkommando des Heeres (Army High Command). The soldiers wear normal M35 helmets, no special Paratrooper helmets. But, the regular Luftwaffe soldiers weared the same helmets than the Army forces did. It looks like, the Luftwaffe team filmed Army troops, because the Luftwaffe had other collar tabs as well as some of the medals of the NCO's were only handed to members of the Army. The Luftwaffe had other medals.

At time frame 00:38:32 another film starts, which was filmed of the OKH (Army)!

Could be, it is the same movie, you have on VHS.

Maybe, the second (missing) film, is just added to the Luftwaffe film. The easiest solution! But hard to say, if there is no other one, which is known.

 

[Muncher 1953]

I have a copy on VHS I purchased in the late 1980s. It is “produced” by the LW but virtually all of the soldiers in the film are army (Heer) troops. I recall it being in two parts and there are many very relevant bits of information that could be important to sniper rifle collectors. For example there are many things that could be found on a given sniper rifle that many collectors would tell you that the the Germans would have not done, however you will find these specifically stated in the film as recommendations or acceptable practices.

I don’t know the costs (or risks) of having a vhs converted to a digital format, but I urge you to investigate the possibility before it is too late. I’m sure many here would love to learn the secrets it holds! I have recently seen tv ads for the service here in the US, but can offer no recommendations, perhaps others may.

 

[Oliver]

I don’t know the costs (or risks) of having a vhs converted to a digital format, but I urge you to investigate the possibility before it is too late. I’m sure many here would love to learn the secrets it holds! I have recently seen tv ads for the service here in the US, but can offer no recommendations, perhaps others may.

If it is not the same movie, I have linked at youtube and the VHS copy is in a good condition. I can digitize for the community. I work in this branche.

I have to mention, that I live in Germany, but I would do it for free!

 

[Philip]

The vhs copy is excellent quality IMO. It was a master dub I suppose as it is not a copy that a made. I would be willing to get it to someone to copy. I have not looked at it in some years but I’m I guess what folks now call old school. I’ve always preferred records to CDs and film to Tape or digital both for movies and photos.

 

[Oliver]

Sounds good Philip. But, it is really another film, than the one the link shows at youtube? Do you have checked the link?

 

[Philip]

Sounds good Philip. But, it is really another film, than the one the link shows at youtube? Do you have checked the link?

Not yet but I will ASAP and yet you know. Keep in mind that I will have to go by memory as I have no practical way to compare to my vhs copy by watching it again right now.

 

[Philip]

Hi all together,

there is a training film about German sniper training which is well known in the net.

It is called "Scharfschuetze in der Gelaendeausbildung (See the link!)

It was produced by the German Air Force High Command (which you can see in the credits at the beginning)

But, there must be one produced by the German Army High Command, the OKH, as well.

Does anybody know, where this film is available?

Thank you!


Oliver

I just went through it quickly and I’m 100% sure this is exactly what I have on VHS. Also both parts were actually produced by the Army and are credited as OKH training films (my translation) in the last credit frames before each part begins. The Luftwaffe basically took them and re-branded them for their own use but all soldiers that I saw were 100% Heer. I have read a good many accounts (personal) and some doctrinal type literature on the specific programs of the German sniper schools….all of which evolved as time went on. Sometimes I get confused as to what I’ve seen and what I’ve read even if all was primary first sources. I’ve definitely seen that stocks for instance were encouraged to be darkened and that removal of blue from scope tubes was a “school solution”. I cite these two things because most who have not seen this information would scoff at these if encountered on German sniper rifles. I’ve seen examples for certain that had these done to them during the period of use.

 

[Oliver]

I just went through it quickly and I’m 100% sure this is exactly what I have on VHS. Also both parts were actually produced by the Army and are credited as OKH training films (my translation) in the last credit frames before each part begins. The Luftwaffe basically took them and re-branded them for their own use but all soldiers that I saw were 100% Heer. I have read a good many accounts (personal) and some doctrinal type literature on the specific programs of the German sniper schools….all of which evolved as time went on. Sometimes I get confused as to what I’ve seen and what I’ve read even if all was primary first sources. I’ve definitely seen that stocks for instance were encouraged to be darkened and that removal of blue from scope tubes was a “school solution”. I cite these two things because most who have not seen this information would scoff at these if encountered on German sniper rifles. I’ve seen examples for certain that had these done to them during the period of use.

Well, I have to check, if a friend has this movie in his collection, too. If so, there is no need to digitize it and I will put it here into the forum.

Of course, in Germany a real sniper program with a wide range of professional trained shooters started not until 1943. From that time on, a lot of things turned worst for the German army, on any fronts. Regulations often became outdated, since they were published. The use of special camouflage for snipers, as well as for the rifles itself has to be developed. Especially, on bright laminated wood stocks and even factory marks, like the blue + or a white triangle.
As we all know, what is learned at school, does not perfect in real life. So, I can imagine some snipers did changes on their personal rifles, to react on what they have learned to stay alive!