writes:Definitely not the last word on uniform colours for this theater of battle, but I feel this pretty much covers the basics. Potentially a discussion starter piece, at least. I based this tutorial on about 12-18 different books and 4 documentaries, another 4 websites, 4 opinions from people in discussion groups, and finally, a few more TV shows and movies. So this could help you get started, or just as a point from which you make up your own mind. Hopefully, it helps.
Remember, the Germans fought the British and all their allies, including Australians, Indians, French, New Zealanders and USA in North Africa during WWII. Newer recruits would theoretically be in green, and veterans would be in lightest color. But there were many instances where this just wasn't the case. So it is not a rule set in stone at all.
Here is a simple uniform color breakdown in stages:
From darkest to lightest used were Vallejo's Russian Uniform Green 924, Green Ochre 914, and Iraqui Sand 819.
Germans started out with the Olive Green uniforms, which slowly but surely faded, and through time and wear lost their color and faded to almost white. Meanwhile, they captured British uniforms and appropriated borrowed Italian uniforms as well.
So you have as above Olive Green (think USA olives for this). Middle color above is Foundry Moss but you can use any khaki and get away with it. Finally, you have the light khaki.
Basically, Germans dressed in USA colors for the most part. In my opinion.
Then the Italian uniforms would consist of mostly mustard. The British, brownish-tan color.
You would then mix and match most colors shown. Fresh troops bleached their uniforms promptly upon arrival in North Africa (just didn't want to be known as "green").
You can always find more pictures of these uniforms on my site at Displaced Miniatures.