Brown KG.355 Marked Equipment Strap (1936)

The strap shows overall normal signs of wear. The leather is supple and solid. It's nicely marked by the maker 'Hochburg' from Dresden and dated 1936. It's also marked 'L.B.A.B.36' which means Luftwaffe Bekleidungsamt Berlin 1936. And last but not least its stamped twice! with 'St.II.K.G.355' which stands for Stab.II.Gruppe Kampfgeschwader 355. This unit was formed in April 1937. In May 1939 it was used to form the II.Gruppe Kampfgeschwader 53 'Legion Condor'. This Gruppe was equipment with 36 Heinkel He 111 planes. The II.Gruppe saw its first action during the invasion of France by bombing the area of Lille. It then participated in the Battle of Britain with night missions, bombing English airfields. After England KG.53 was put into action during the invasion of Russia. Supporting ground troops during large battles such as Stalingrad, Leningrad and Kursk. In August 1944 KG.53 moved back to France and started flying missions again over Britain. It was equipped with the Heinkel He 111H-22 which was outfitted to air launch V1-rockets!