WWII GERMAN ARMY ARTILLERY OFFICER'S SHOULDER BOARDS -
The role of field artillery is to provide close support to other arms in combat or to attack targets. The latter role is typically achieved by delivering either high explosive munitions to inflict casualties on the enemy from casing fragments and other debris and blast, or by demolition of enemy positions, equipment and vehicles. The artillery fire may be directed by an artillery observer.

The gunners and their guns are usually grouped in teams called either 'crews' or 'detachments'. Several such crews and teams with other functions are combined into a unit of artillery usually called a battery, although sometimes called a company. Batteries are roughly equivalent to a company in the infantry, and are combined into larger military organizations for administrative and operational purpose.

the individuals who operate them are called gunners irrespective of their rank, however 'gunner' is the lowest rank in artillery arms.

The shoulder boards featured in this page were issued to officer's in the German Army. The design is more lavish than those issued to enlisted men. Consisting of three piece construction. The base is red, the color of artillery, followed by a wooven pattern ornament attached to the top.

The final touch is the addition of metal pips and metal crossed cannons.

Examining the back of the shoulder boards reveal metal prongs that have been bent in place. This is how the metal accessories are secured in place.

Cloth insignia is currently being reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this uniform. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the uniform.