Why Did German Officers Have Scars On Their Faces?
German officers often bore facial scars not from combat, but from a tradition of academic fencing known as Mensur. This practice, involving specialized swords (Schläger) and protective gear, was a test of character and endurance, where enduring strikes was paramount. The resulting 'Schmiss' became a symbol of courage and contributed to the iconic image of the 'scarface' German officer in WWI and WWII.









