Waffen SS troops

[STuG]

That particular photo is quite famous.

Various ethnicity has been attributed to the soldier in question (generally Japanese), but he was identified by a Korean publication called "Weekly Korea", which ran a story about him on the 6th december 2002.

The soldier in the photograph has a story that is stranger than fiction. He served in multiple uniforms, in multiple Armies,on multiple fronts.

His name is/was Kyoungjong Yang.
He was born in Shin Euijoo, which is found in Northwestern Korea on the 3rd of March 1920.
He was conscripted to the Japanese Kwantung army in 1938-Korea having been annexed by Japan in 1910-this Army was crushed by the Soviets in the years 1938-39 and he was captured by the Soviets in Nomonhan.

Serving now in Soviet uniform he was captured yet again, this time by the Germans in the Ukraine in the summer of 1943.

This turn of fate brought a new uniform and destination.

Europe, and in particular Normandy.Here he was captured for the last time(!) by American troops in the area of Utah beach, on the 6th June 1944.

From the beaches of Normandy he was sent across the channel to the UK to a POW camp.
Upon his release he elected to start his life again in the US settling in the state of Illinois where he lived until his death in December 2002.

[Douros81]

Where most of the man who joined up with the Waffen SS mainly anit-commie?

[CPL Trevoga]

Where most of the man who joined up with the Waffen SS mainly anit-commie?

No, Waffen SS was a military wing of National Socialist Party. Loyalty to the party was their main qualification, that's only for Germans. Ethnic SS had a different criteria.

[k98_man]

Where most of the man who joined up with the Waffen SS mainly anit-commie?

If you're talking about the German W-SS, then yes they were anti-commie, but they were USUALLY, not always, pro Nazi ideology. Many foreign volunteers were anti-soviet though, yes.

[Douros81]

If you're talking about the German W-SS, then yes they were anti-commie, but they were USUALLY, not always, pro Nazi ideology. Many foreign volunteers were anti-soviet though, yes.


Did the SS use the, "fight the commies", as a selling point to get men to enlist?

[k98_man]

Did the SS use the, "fight the commies", as a selling point to get men to enlist?

Yes it was an "anti-Bolshevik" movement that spread all across eastern and western Europe.

[Loki77]

Where most of the man who joined up with the Waffen SS mainly anit-commie?
...Unit such as Nordland, Wallonien Legion, and Langemarck contained many Europeans that volunteered for service in the "anti-commie" crusade against the Soviet Union...During the course of WWII, the Waffen-SS grew from an elite force of 4 divisions of ethnic Germans to a multinational polyglot force of 900,000 men in 41 divisions and other units, with over half of its troop’s either foreign volunteers or conscripts...

[PsychoMantis]

k98_man, take a look: http://www.geocities.com/alvinlee_81/WarPics1.html

(click on "Asian soldiers in German service")
Thanks for the link! That really...shooked my world.

[Canuck Farrier]

Yes it was an "anti-Bolshevik" movement that spread all across eastern and western Europe.

Yes from what ive understood reading alot about the SS it was almost said to be a crusade against the Bolsheviks to inspire men to join.

[xSloboxx]

Yes from what ive understood reading alot about the SS it was almost said to be a crusade against the Bolsheviks to inspire men to join.

Except totenkopf.
The division's original cadre was drawn from the SS-Totenkopfverbände (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS-Totenkopfverb%C3%A4nde) (concentration camp guards), as opposed to the other Germanic SS Divisions which were formed from the SS-Verfügungstruppe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS-Verf%C3%BCgungstruppe).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3rd_SS_Division_Totenkopf


Witch leaves bad mark on whole Waffen SS.

[Gluten]

No, Waffen SS was a military wing of National Socialist Party. Loyalty to the party was their main qualification, that's only for Germans. Ethnic SS had a different criteria.

I thought that all soldiers swore loyalty to the party..

[STuG]

Some may find the following interesting:

The soldiers of the Wehrmacht were ordered to take a new oath (in the original German a "fahneneid") following the death of President Von Hindenburg in 1934. The text follows.

"Ich schwöre bei Gott diesen heiligen Eid, daß ich dem Führer des Deutschen Reiches und Volkes Adolf Hitler, dem Oberbefehlshaber der Wehrmacht, unbedingten Gehorsam leisten und als tapferer Soldat bereit sein will, jederzeit für diesen Eid mein Leben einzusetzen."

("I swear by God this sacred oath that I shall render unconditional obedience to Adolf Hitler, the Führer of the German Reich, supreme commander of the armed forces, and that I shall at all times be prepared, as a brave soldier, to give my life for this oath.")

The soldiers of the Waffen-SS however, took a slightly different oath.

"Ich schwöre Dir, Adolf Hitler, als Führer und Kanzler des Reiches Treue und Tapferkeit. Ich gelobe Dir und den von Dir bestimmten Vorgesetzten Gehorsam bis in den Tod, so wahr mit Gott helfe."

("I swear to you, Adolf Hitler, as Führer and Chancellor of the German Nation, loyalty and bravery. I vow to you and to my superiors designated by you obedience to the death. So help me God.")

Interesting to note that the SS oath still contained a reference to "God".
Of course SS men were allowed to call themselves " a believer in God" when they came to delare any religious beliefs,but naturally any mention of the Judeo-Christian version was frowned upon for obvious reasons.



The pre-1934 Reichswehr oath was as follows and shows an oath to people and Country as opposed to a head of State:

"I swear by almighty God this sacred oath:
I will at all times loyally and honestly
serve my people and country
and, as a brave soldier,
I will be ready at any time
to stake my life for this oath".

[CPL Trevoga]

I thought that all soldiers swore loyalty to the party..

Not really, SS weren't part of regular German army. Read up on the history of that organization.

[Loki77]

French SS Division "Charlemagne"http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/1299/abdsizedal0ht5.jpg





SS-Wallonien posterhttp://img517.imageshack.us/img517/6384/ssbelgienea3pn8.jpg

[Karo]

http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/1299/abdsizedal0ht5.jpg


These are Frenchs of the Wehrmacht, not of the Waffen-SS.

[Loki77]

These are Frenchs of the Wehrmacht, not of the Waffen-SS.
Sorry...:oops:

[Sheikh Al Stranghi]

Sorry...:oops:

It's easy to tell: Wehrmacht troops have their eagle on the chest, and SS troops have their own special eagle on the upper arm. Basic rule.

[SturmPionier]

It's easy to tell: Wehrmacht troops have their eagle on the chest, and SS troops have their own special eagle on the upper arm. Basic rule.


Maybe they where from the "Charlemange" they were voluteers in the Waffen-SS

€dit: check out this link for ruther infos @ charlemagne and the arm patch etc.

http://www.uspoliticsonline.net/historical-discourse/12182-charlemagne-ss-division-8-freiwillgen-sturmbrigade-der-ss-frankreich.html


greetz :D

[Karo]

Here are some Frenchs of the Waffen-SS

http://img465.imageshack.us/img465/5898/mnzs65064frenchwssrn8.jpg

[k98_man]

Here are some photos of Indian troops in "Azad Hind" from a rescent lot on eBay. This lot of 20 photos went for approx. $850.00. I personally collect Third Reich WWII items, including pictures, so I was very pissed when I found out the buyer was one infamous "sudek13". A name most my friends know all too well!! Anyway here are these pictures. They are of a PAK gruppe.

http://i6.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/9f/7e/e4b9_1.JPG

http://i14.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/9f/7e/e506_1.JPG

http://i16.ebayimg.com/04/i/000/9f/7e/e562_1.JPG

http://i7.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/9f/7e/e5c6_1.JPG

http://i21.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/9f/7e/e635_1.JPG

http://i7.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/9f/7e/e6a1_1.JPG

http://i15.ebayimg.com/04/i/000/9f/7e/e73a_1.JPG

http://i22.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/9f/7e/e79d_1.JPG

http://i19.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/9f/7e/e7fe_1.JPG

http://i20.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/9f/7e/e85b_1.JPG

http://i10.ebayimg.com/04/i/000/9f/7e/e8b5_1.JPG

[k98_man]

It's easy to tell: Wehrmacht troops have their eagle on the chest, and SS troops have their own special eagle on the upper arm. Basic rule.

Yes Luftwaffe and Heer have breast eagles, but these too are different. The SS have the eagle on the upper arm, but if the uniform is not available you can look at the hat or helmet.

It is also not unheard of to see SS troops in a wehrmacht tunic/equipment towards the end of the war.

Loki: It's okay, you knew Charlamagne. Everyone makes mistakes.

[Sheikh Al Stranghi]

Heer breast eagle: http://www.warelics.com/images/Heer1939PanzWrapereagle.jpg

Luftwaffe Breast eagle: http://www.diggerhistory.info/images/uniforms4/germany-cloth-eagle.jpg



Kriegsmarine Breast eagle:

http://www.derdienst.com/images/germany/ga32na7.jpg

SS sleeve eagle:

http://www.derdienst.com/images/germany/ss32ss4.jpg

[STuG]

In the spirit of the thread, and with reference to an earlier question relating to sleeve eagles, here are two original examples i used to own of the most commonly encountered styles before i sold off my cloth collection.

First an embroidered type, and next sewn onto a piece of tunic wool the Bevo type.

[k98_man]

In the spirit of the thread, and with reference to an earlier question relating to sleeve eagles, here are two original examples i used to own of the most commonly encountered styles before i sold off my cloth collection.

First an embroidered type, and next sewn onto a piece of tunic wool the Bevo type.

Yes and these are faked often and quite expensive (sometimes into the $300-500 range).

[Sheikh Al Stranghi]

Don't get me started on styles of german insignia. Too many to post here.

Don't forget, ANYTHING german ww2 has been faked over the years.

[k98_man]

Don't get me started on styles of german insignia. Too many to post here.

Don't forget, ANYTHING german ww2 has been faked over the years.

Horribly so. It's driving tons of collectors out of the hobby.

[SturmPionier]

Waffen-SS Cavalry taking village

http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/r-c/images/ss_reiter.jpg



Handschar

http://www.leondegrelle.org/handschar.JPG

[Kilgor]

Don't get me started on styles of german insignia. Too many to post here.

Don't forget, ANYTHING german ww2 has been faked over the years.

They even sell U-boat badges, Flak medals etc, at my local toy shop...

[SturmPionier]

They even sell U-boat badges, Flak medals etc, at my local toy shop...


thats good for reenactment :)

[drakegoodman]

http://Castlemaine-Boy.smugmug.com/photos/13445035-O-1.jpg

[drakegoodman]

Don't forget, ANYTHING German ww2 has been faked over the years.

Wouldn't mind finding this in Grandad's attic...

http://Castlemaine-Boy.smugmug.com/photos/13445036-O-1.jpg

[Mablod]

Me either. What about this then?(not SS though)

http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/8/6/22/mablod/f_Bilde858m_08ba782.jpg

http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/8/6/22/mablod/f_Bilde855m_f1a0813.jpg

http://img27.picoodle.com/img/img27/8/6/22/mablod/f_Bilde856m_ff3b32e.jpg

http://img34.picoodle.com/img/img34/8/6/22/mablod/f_Bilde861m_336036f.jpg

[lightcav]

Wouldn't mind finding this in Grandad's attic...

http://Castlemaine-Boy.smugmug.com/photos/13445036-O-1.jpg
you would be proud of your grandfather being a nazi? Especially SS, they ran the concentration camps. Did you forget how many Aussies, Brits and other allies died fighting to stop the nazi war machine?

[Snoshi]

Wouldn't mind finding this in Grandad's attic...


Come again??

[Karo]

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/3210/74586996kgjiosphbz9.jpg

[drakegoodman]

Come again??

I was referring to the monetary value of original SS stuff. I could pay off my mortgage with a dagger and a couple of helmets.

you would be proud of your grandfather being a nazi? Especially SS, they ran the concentration camps. Did you forget how many Aussies, Brits and other allies died fighting to stop the nazi war machine?

Let's keep things in perspective chum. Faked German militaria was the topic - and the prices genuine articles can bring is astronomical. Hence I added a picture of a cupboard filled with potential sale items. Sort of a metaphor I guess.

http://Castlemaine-Boy.smugmug.com/photos/13445034-O-1.jpg

[spazzy]

you would be proud of your grandfather being a nazi? Especially SS, they ran the concentration camps. Did you forget how many Aussies, Brits and other allies died fighting to stop the nazi war machine?

SS or not he still would be your grandfather, and that is respectful enough.

[Nick063]

Just becuase he was in the ss, doesnt mean he was a nazi, this easlily could have been a waffen ss locker, a soldiers locker at a boot camp


you would be proud of your grandfather being a nazi? Especially SS, they ran the concentration camps. Did you forget how many Aussies, Brits and other allies died fighting to stop the nazi war machine?

[k98_man]

Not to mention the SS kidnapped many men for how they looked or they tricked kids into joining the SS (12th SS mostly).

Sometimes not joining meant execution as well. What would you have done if execution was facing you?

[k98_man]

http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=737919&stc=1&d=1182459818
Men being awarded their medals.

http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=737923&stc=1&d=1182460233

Personal favorite postcard of SS cavalry. It costs $28.00 right now so maybe I'll shel out that money for it.

[SturmPionier]

http://www.efour4ever.com/44thdivision/waffenssdead.JPG

http://www.efour4ever.com/44thdivision/waffenss_surrender_550.jpg

http://www.ushmm.org/photos/61/61138.jpg

[Ronguild]

http://Castlemaine-Boy.smugmug.com/photos/13445035-O-1.jpg

The SS NCO at the center is the "SPIESS" (compagny adjutant), can be seen by the white stripes on his arm.
The Spiess is responsible of the discipline and basic logistic in the company.

[Ronguild]

http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/1299/abdsizedal0ht5.jpg

Yes, Légion des Volontaires Français (contre le bolchévisme) LVF, disbanded in 1944 and melted to the sturmbrigade FRANKREICH to become 36-panzergrenadier division "CHARLEMAGNE".

[Kreigsberichter]

http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/8674/swedishfreiwillieg11ssfxb3.jpg
Who is this man? A member of the 3./SS-Pz.AA11? ("Pehrssons company") and what is the source? I have over 100 photos of swedish volounteers in my collection and this one is one I have havent seen before.

[Kreigsberichter]

My source is the author of the book "Ragnarök" written by Erik Wallin present at that day.....

Sorry but Erik "Jerka" Wallin was NOT present that day. He had been wounded several days earlier in the leg, also he was not a member of the 3. company any more, he had been transfered to the 5./SS-Pz.AA11

[oregongrunt]

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/6647/minaya6.jpg

[oregongrunt]

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/6647/minaya6.jpg
Mines make great pillows.

[CoRe]

http://i6.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/9f/7e/e4b9_1.JPG

Hey didnt no these dudes were hip hopaaaas... :D

[drakegoodman]

Indian-SS or "Indische-SS Legion". The Aryan fellow in the centre was probably a liaison officer or similar to the Legion.

http://Castlemaine-Boy.smugmug.com/photos/175236682-Th.jpg (http://Castlemaine-Boy.smugmug.com/photos/175236682-O.jpg) http://Castlemaine-Boy.smugmug.com/photos/175236713-Th.jpg (http://Castlemaine-Boy.smugmug.com/photos/175236713-O.jpg) http://Castlemaine-Boy.smugmug.com/photos/175236757-Th.jpg (http://Castlemaine-Boy.smugmug.com/photos/175236757-O.jpg)

[AirCommando]

Here the Brits:
John Amery and his British Free Corps (BFC) oft the SS.

[Ronguild]

Here the Brits:
John Amery and his British Free Corps (BFC) oft the SS.
Was that the St GEORGES légion ?

I have been told, by a german vet, that a british surgeon served with SS troops during the fall of Berlin, he was in a dressing post close to Standmitte U-bahn station.

Can someone confirm that ?

[AirCommando]

Was that the St GEORGES légion ?
Can someone confirm that ?
Yes, the St G. legion.
The british surgeon? Who knows? That´s definitely too complicated to put togther this particular story.

Here the Spanish, the Finns and the Italians:

[Canuck Farrier]

Is this a pledge of allegiance??
http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/8/6/22/mablod/f_Bilde855m_f1a0813.jpg

[venom]

it's a promotion

[Kingswat]

Some nice pics in this thread.

[Arik-Buka]

http://www.srpska-mreza.com/library/facts/muslimss.gif

The text under the picture is full of mistakes and not scientific. For example the word hanjhar/handschar. Hanjar is a traditionell weapon, shown for example here:
http://argentina.indymedia.org/uploads/2006/07/handschar-13th-ss-division-emblem_1_.pngmid.png

[SturmPionier]

keep em coming:

http://www.geocities.com/narwa44/document4.jpg

http://www.hermes-one.com/images/NaziSignalFrenchInside.jpg

http://www.gewehr43.com/g41mbay.jpg

http://www.wwiiguns.com/shop/images/mp44stg44_sniper.jpg

notice the Stg 44 ZF

[drakegoodman]

This fellow could have played "The Kurgan" in Highlander or Capt. Hadley in The Shawshank Redemption.

http://Castlemaine-Boy.smugmug.com/photos/175236884-O.jpg

[[DVDF]Merlin]

There were 38 Waffen SS Divisions. And by no means all were extraordinary fighting outfits. Because of the lack of homogenity one cannot say that the Waffen SS as a whole constituted an elite fighting force. Another myth is that they recieved weapons before other units. This is simply not true.

However, some of the Waffen SS outfits (some started out as Regiments and were later turned into Divisions), notably the 1st ("Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler"), the 2nd ("Das Reich"), the 3rd ("Totenkopf") and the 5th ("Wiking") can be rightfully regarded as elite formations. All of these have a battle-record that is simply amazing and outstrips that of any Allied Division. One has to give it to the Nazis that they did not pamper their dearest and send them where the fight was hottest. Especially these mentioned Waffen SS units showed a determination, fighting effectiveness and resilience that cannot be denied (and is by no means "mediocre").

As far as their gear is concerned all of the elite Waffen SS Divisions were well equipped. But once again it is not true that they, or even the 1st Waffen SS Division (who was wearing the Adolf's name in their banner and regarded itself as an elite within the elite) would get the newest stuff before any unit of the normal German military got it. Elite Wehrmacht formations like the Divisions "Grossdeutschland" or "Panzer Lehr" (especially that one) received the best and newest equipment BEFORE any Waffen SS Division.

All of the Waffen SS Divisions mentioned above have been charged with warcrimes, except for "Wiking". (However, since some historians could not believe that an SS outfit without warcrimes is possible, some digging was done. And finally a diary of a Wiking soldier was uncovered that suggessts that even the "Wiking" Division partook in warcrimes. There you have it.)
For example, the Leibstandarte was responsible for the so called Malmedy massacre. "Das Reich" for the destruction of Oradour. "Totenkopf" is especially doubtful since this unit kept contact with the SS "Totenkopf" units whose task was to guard the concentration camps. And so forth.

But once again any notion that these men were completely different in their behaviour than others, being on a constant killing spree and massacring every civilian they could find is simply not true. (And not even the Western Allies authorities on their de-nazification crusade have claimed that, although they weren't exactly timid or otherwise too much inhibited by truth or justice). It has to be admitted that the claim that they wold "have been soldiers just like any others" can be reasoned against. But there are also some things that speak for it.
How ever one may see it, in the end they were human beings, like it or not. Not even the accusation that they were selected for especially criminal or sadistic types of character is true (actually, on the contrary: if you had a criminal record you weren't allowed to serve in those mentioned outfits). They were chosen according to NS racial ideals however and meant to be an racial elite as the Nazi leadership understood that term (hence the demanded minimum size, Waffen SS soldiers, especially those of the LSAH had to be tall guys). It was also tried to motivate them along the sides of the pseudo Germanic mythos the Nazis liked to spread with an high emphazising of loyality.
But when it comes down ot it, their training was not completely unlike that of other units and the weaknesses and strengths they displayed were often all too human as well.


A few links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leibstandarte_SS_Adolf_Hitler
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Division_Totenkopf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Division_%28motorised%29_Wiking








It is true that for Germans the feeling of shame overshadows the (often amazing) accomplishments of their armed forces in WWII. This has been deliberatly furthered and enhanced by the victorious nations on all sides. It has become next to impossible to discuss their achievements on the battlefield without some a-hole popping up and demanding that the "astrocities and warcrimes have to be mentioned and discussed as well". An aspect that is usually left out altogether when the exploits of Allied troops are discussed. (Even western Allied troops weren't exactly timid and did commit their share of warcrimes, that goes for Americans, British, French and Polish troops as for many others. As far as the Soviets are concerned, their cruelty is often simply staggering. And none of these nations have ever made amends or have even tried to punish the guilty. With good reason. In the end someone could get the idea to term many Allied generals or even leaders of state like Roosevelt and Churchill as "warcriminals" and we don't want that to happen, do we?)

By and large, German graves are well tended. But through all this post-war conditioning Germans have somewhat lost this ability of selective thinking that the members of Allied nations have mastered so well and which allows them to see every soldier fighting for their side as a hero just because he was wearing a uniform at the time...and to just ignore the rest. We simply cannot see our soldiers the same way (although they were not worse humans than the others, this I do claim). This goes especially for the soldiers of the Waffen SS: too many people cannot help but to regard them as criminals and butchers without even knowing anything of that organisation. Myths abound, in which they appear as soulless monsters or supreme fighting machines that cause a shudder running down ones spine. The question how these ominous "Nazis" have managed such an extraordinary feat to turn whole divisions of men into combat androids devoid of any human feelings is not even posed. Its not even about the question wether the NS leadership would have liked that, it is simply that they could not have done it wether they wanted or not. Only if you study the matter en detail one starts to understand that.



Regards,

Kitsune

Very well put.

[mikcem]

Are you fking serious? That would be true if someone would have invaded Germany... But they went to fight to Soviet Union to get more Lebensraum for the glorious Aryan nation... They went to fight for the ideology they were brainwashed in. Also many of the SS soldiers were volunteers from other countries.. Surly they joined SS to fight for their countries and home?
I love these posts.. Noone in SS hated Jews.. They all loved them. They only joined SS to fight for their brothers and sisters and noone of them were nazis.. They liked everyone... I have nothing against Wehrmacht soldiers. But SS ****s should RIH.

You have obviously never seen combat ! Or for that matter done any military service ........... THIS IS A PHOTO THREAD !
GET OUTTA HERE !!!!!

[Bachelor]

The Dagger of the SS officer. The buckle from a belt of the SS officer. Iron croSS. All original.

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/9025/mai280wt2.jpg

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/3512/mai288he2.jpg

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/7945/juni988fz9.jpg

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/4410/ss5jj1.jpg

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/4958/august281mt6.jpg

[PsychoMantis]

http://www.tightrope.cc/gallery/albums/userpics/normal_1~3.jpg
http://www.tightrope.cc/gallery/albums/userpics/0001g6yh.jpg
http://www.tightrope.cc/gallery/albums/userpics/normal_2~4.jpg

Ok,I know this isent a Waffen SS but..wtf? Cossacks in the Wehrmacht?

http://www.tightrope.cc/gallery/albums/userpics/podobnik.jpg
http://www.tightrope.cc/gallery/albums/userpics/normal_CroatianInfRgtPic.jpg

[LEGEND]

http://www.tightrope.cc/gallery/albums/userpics/normal_1%7E3.jpg
Ok,I know this isent a Waffen SS but..wtf? Cossacks in the Wehrmacht?

Yes, they even fought against Soviet Cossacks, you can guess the prisoner policy at those engagements...

[PsychoMantis]

Yes, they even fought against Soviet Cossacks, you can guess the prisoner policy at those engagements...
Very Intresting,thanks for the info.

[PsychoMantis]

http://www.tightrope.cc/gallery/albums/userpics/normal_T043343A.jpg
http://www.tightrope.cc/gallery/albums/userpics/podobnik.jpg
http://www.tightrope.cc/gallery/albums/userpics/normal_domobran4bo.jpg

[Canuck Farrier]

Can anyone tell me what it says on the SS dagger?thanksp-)

[drakegoodman]

Can anyone tell me what it says on the SS dagger?thanksp-)

"Meine Ehre Heist Treue" - "My Honour is Loyalty"

[SturmPionier]

http://www.tightrope.cc/gallery/albums/userpics/normal_T043343A.jpg


This are no Soldiers from Waffen-SS, this Photos was taken in Poteau, Belgium in 1944, it shows soldiers from the "Kampfgruppe Hansen", they ambushed a U.S Convoi

here more infos and pics:

http://home.scarlet.be/poteau44/Poteau_historyEn.html

[baddy3]

Skanderbeg SS Division
The surrender of Italy on September 3, 1943 forced Germany to re-occupy Debar and Western Macedonia. The German forces wanted to recruit and enlist ethnic Albanians into proxy armies that would assist the German occupation. The Germans retained the Albanian “Ljuboten” battalion initially formed by the Italian occupation forces. The Waffen SS sought to incorporate the Albanian manpower of the region into Waffen SS formations, as a German proxy army to maintain the military occupation of the Macedonian and Serbian Orthodox Slavic populations.
In 1943, the German occupation authorities sponsored the formation of the Second League of Prizren, reviving the 1878 League. The Germans sought to use the racist, extremist, anti-democratic, anti-Orthodox, anti-Slavic agenda of the Greater Albania ideology to maintain and support their occupation of Kosovo and Western Macedonia.
In fact, Bedri Pejani, the president of the central committee of the Second League of Prizren, a militant and extremist Greater Albania ideologue, even wrote Himmler personally to request his assistance in establishing a Greater Albania and volunteering Albanian troops to work jointly with the Waffen SS and German Wehrmacht. Himmler read the Pejani letter and agreed to form two ethnic Albanian Waffen SS Divisions. Like Hitler and Mussolini, Himmler became an active sponsor of the Greater Albania ideology.
On April 17, 1944, Adolf Hitler approved the formation of the Albanian Skanderbeg SS Division after Reichsfuehrer SS Heinrich Himmler had requested it. The SS Main Office envisioned an Albanian division of 10,000 troops. The Balli Kombetar (National Front), the Albanian Committees, and the Second League of Prizren submitted the names of 11,398 recruits for the division. Of these, 9,275 were determined to be suitable for drafting into the Waffen SS. Of this number, 6,491 ethnic Albanians were actually drafted into the Waffen SS.
There was a battalion of Albanian Muslims from Debar which made up the Skanderbeg SS Division. A reinforced battalion of approximately 200-300 ethnic Albanians, the III/Waffen Gebirgsjaeger Regiment 50, serving in the Bosnian Muslim 13th Waffen Gebirgs Division der SS “Handzar” or “Handschar” were transferred to the newly formed division. To this Albanian core were added veteran German troops from Austria and Volksdeutsche officers, NCOS, and enlisted men. The total strength of the Albanian Waffen SS Division would be 8,500-9,000 men.




1 pic.-

http://63.247.68.77/%7Ecdeliso/wp-content/uploads/2006/06/hiddeneurope.jpg (http://www.hiddeneurope.co.uk/)

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Macedonia in World War II: Debar and the Skanderbeg Division (http://www.balkanalysis.com/2005/10/04/macedonia-in-world-war-ii-debar-and-the-skanderbeg-division/)

10/4/2005 (Balkanalysis.com) by Carl Savich
This brand new article from Serbian-American historian Carl Savich discusses little-known events in World War II-era Macedonia, and includes rare photos and details of the Albanian Skenderbeg Division and almost unknown Ljuboten Division. It is a must-read for all interested in the turbulent history of wartime Macedonia under fascist occupation, and includes interesting details regarding the history of Debar since Roman times.
Greater Albania and Illirida
Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini created a Greater Albania during World War II. Western Macedonia, or Illirida, as the Albanians called it, was annexed to Greater Albania. Debar, Tetovo, Gostivar, Struga, and Kicevo were the key Macedonian towns and cities that were annexed. From June 29, 1941 to October 1944, Debar remained part of Greater Albania.The Italian occupation authorities delegated the civil authority and administration to the Albanian population. In Debar, Halil Alia was a key collaborator with the Italian and German occupation forces. All Albanian-inhabited territories, Western Macedonia (Illirida), Kosovo-Metohija (Kosova) and southern Montenegro were integrated completely into Albania proper. Albanian language schools, an Albanian press, and an Albanian radio network were established. An Albanian proxy governmental and political administration was created. Vulnetara, an Albanian paramilitary formation, was organized. Albanian police units were established by the Italian occupation forces.
Albanian became the official language as ‘Illirida’ became a part of Albania. The Albanian national flag, the double-headed black eagle on a red background, was raised in Debar and other cities and towns in Western Macedonia. The Albanian Lek was introduced as the official currency. Meanwhile, eastern Macedonia was occupied by Bulgarian military forces.
The Italian military intelligence service, OVRA (Opera Volantario per la Regressione Dell’ Autifasismo), formed an independent battalion in occupied Tetovo. The battalion was named “Ljuboten” and was a special unit made up of ethnic Albanians in the Tetovo region. The Ljuboten Battalion was financed from Tetovo municipal funds made available by Dzafer Sulejmani, the president of the Tetovo district under Italian occupation.
Gajur Derala, who had been born in Tetovo, was instrumental in the formation of the fascist Albanian Ljuboten Battalion in Tetovo. Derala had studied at the Yugoslav military academy before the war but had maintained contacts with Italian intelligence, OVRA. He subsequently fled to Albania and enlisted as a regular soldier in the Albanian army under King Zog. After the Italian occupation of Albania in 1939, he became an officer in the fascist Italian occupation forces. He became a committed fascist and swore his allegiance to Benito Mussolini.
Derala returned to Tetovo in 1941 as part of the Italian occupation forces. He joined the Ljuboten Battalion as a captain second class. Redzep Jusufi was also a key member of the Ljuboten Battalion. Jusufi had studied at Rome and Padua before returning to Tetovo to join the Battalion. Derala sought to form a Ljuboten Division and instructed hodza or Muslim cleric Bajrem Iljaziju from Gostivar to mobilize Albanian Muslims for the proposed division. This plan was not approved from Tirana so it was not carried out.
The Albanian recruits in the Battalion had no formal military training. What bound the Albanian recruits together was nationalism and an ideological commitment to creating a Greater Albania.
The Italian-created Albanian Axis/fascist Ljuboten Battalion was given the task of uncovering, questioning and annihilating any resistance to the occupation. After the surrender of Italy in September 8, 1943, the German forces retained this Albanian formation, allowing the unit to keep their Italian-issued uniforms and weapons. Members of the Balli Kombetar later joined the Ljuboten battalion. At the end of 1943, the Ljuboten unit was engaged in the attack on Kicevo in Macedonia. The German occupation forces used the Ljuboten Battalion, augmented by additional troops from the Balli Kombetar, to attack and dislodge partisan units in Kicevo. Kicevo was held by Petar Brajovic who commanded the partisan First Kosovo-Macedonian Brigade. The partisan forces intercepted the Ljuboten Battalion at Bukovici and decimated it.
The Italian occupation of Western Macedonia allowed the Albanian population to create an ethnic Albanian-ruled region. Albanian police and paramilitary units were formed as a proxy army by the Italian forces. The civil administration was entrusted by the Italians to Albanian leaders, and Albanian became the official language. The civil and police administration was taken over by ethnic Albanians; Albanian schools, newspapers, and radio stations were established. Debar was transformed into Dibra, an Albanian city in Greater Albania.
The German occupation forces retained the Albanian civil, political, military, and police control and administration of Western Macedonia. The Albanian national flag was flown, the official language was Albanian, and the Albanian Lek remained the official currency in Illirida. Rejeb Bey Mitrovica, however, was replaced by Fikri Dine as the Prime Minister of the Greater Albanian state occupied by the German Wehrmacht. The Albanian Minister of the Interior was Dzafer Deva, an Albanian Muslim from Kosovo. Mustafa Kruja and Mehdi Bey Frasheri also held high positions in the Albanian regime. Ernst Kaltenbrunner, who had replaced Reinhard Heydrich as the leader of the SD, was instrumental in setting up the Albanian Nazi Party, which replaced the Albanian Fascist Party that the Italian authorities had set up previously. Much of the civilian and military administration was exercised by ethnic Albanians during both the Italian and German occupations.
One battalion of the Skanderbeg Nazi SS Division was formed in Debar. A pioneer or engineer battalion from the Skanderbeg Division was based in Gostivar. In Tetovo, there were a total of 1,500 ethnic Albanian Waffen SS troops, members of the 1st Regiment of the Skanderbeg SS Division. What motivated the Albanian troops in Skanderbeg from Macedonia was the ideology of Greater Albania, the annexation of Western Macedonia, which they called Illirida, into a Greater or Ethnic Albania. These units fought against Macedonian and Kosovo partisan forces.
In Debar, there were 900 Albanian SS troops, in Gostivar, there were 1,000 Albanian SS troops, while in Struga there were 100. In Kicevo, there were 1,500 Albanian SS troops. The total number of Albanian SS troops in Western Macedonia was 5,000.
The Albanians made up the police force in Western Macedonia: In Debar, there were 16 members of the police force, in Gostivar 10, in Struga 11, in Tetovo 16, and in Kicevo, 5.
There were a total of 5,500 members of the Balli Kombetar in Macedonia, 2,000 of which were based in Tetovo. There were a total of 250 Albanian gendarme units, or armed police units, in Tetovo. An Albanian Battalion for Security made up of 800 members was based in Tetovo. In addition, there were 80 Albanian troops and border guards. The total number of Albanian police and paramilitary units in Tetovo during the German occupation was 4,646.
There were 300 German occupation troops stationed in Debar during World War II. There were 500 members of the Balli Kombetar in Debar. There were 200 Albanian gendarmes or police in Debar along with seven German Gestapo agents. The German Army only had 450 German troops and three Gestapo agents in Tetovo and a total of 2,180 troops and 34 Gestapo agents in all of Western Macedonia. Instead, the German occupation forces created a proxy army and police staff made up of ethnic Albanians, collaborationists who acted as the proxies for the German military forces. Like the Italian occupation forces had done before them, the German military was able to use the Albanian police and paramilitary forces as a proxy force.
http://www.balkanalysis.com/photos/2ballikomb350.jpg
The leaders of the Nazi/fascist Balli Kombetar, from left to right: Ekrem Peshkopi, Vasil Andoni, Midhat Frasheri, Ali Klissura, and Koco Muca (Photo credit: Amery).
Debar: Some History
Debar, known also as Bebar, Dibre-i-Bala and Dibra, is a small town located in central-western Macedonia, near the border with Albania proper. Debar was a key area of conflict during World War II and saw the deployment of the Skanderbeg SS Division.
Debar was referred to for the first time in the mid-2nd century in a map by Ptolemy as Deborus. In the time of the Byzantine Empire in the 11th century, in a charter of Emperor Basil II, Debar is recorded as a settlement in the Archbishopric of Bitola. In 1107, Bohemond of Antioch captured Debar during the First Crusade. In the 13th and 14th centuries, Debar was at various times a part of Serbia, Bulgaria, and the Byzantine Empire. In 1449, Debar fell under the Ottoman Turkish Empire and was referred to as Dibri or Debra by the Turks. In 1502, Felix Petancic recorded the town as Dibri in his itinerary notes. In the 15th century, Gjergj Kastrioti, known as Skanderbeg, fought Ottoman Turkish forces in several major battles near Debar, which was an important frontline. Wealthy Turkish Agas and Beys lived in the town.
Economically speaking, Debar was an important urban center in the medieval era and was a key trading outpost which developed a crafts industry. Many merchants and travelers stopped in the town for lodging. There was a carsija or market bazaar in the town center, as was common in all Turkish towns. There were shops and stalls selling vegetables, fruit, and wares. It had narrow and curved streets and many inns, features which were also typical of Turkish towns. The houses built in Debar had dolapi (wardrobe cabinets), minderlaci (closets), and chardaci (enclosed porches on the second story of Turkish houses). The town was divided into a Lower and Upper Debar. It was noted for its craftsmen, builders, and especially its woodcarvers. In fact, the ‘Debar School’ of Macedonian woodcarving became noted for its artistic excellence, and an amazing example of Macedonian woodcarving can be seen today in the nearby Monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski.
http://www.balkanalysis.com/photos/LakeDebar.jpg
Beautiful Lake Debar stretches out southwards below the town and is a prime destination for fishermen (photo: Christopher Deliso).
In the 19th century, there were rebellions against the Turks in Macedonia. In March 1822, Atanas Karatase and Angel Gacho led the Negush Uprising in which the town of Negush was seized. The Ottoman Turks retook the town and took away the women and children, who were resettled in other parts of Macedonia. In the first half of the 19th century, Ami Boue (1794-1881), a noted German-born geologist who lived in France and was a naturalized Austrian citizen, traveled to the Balkans and sketched out detailed maps in his book La Turquie d’Europe, which was published in 1840 in Paris. Boue traveled to Debar and other parts of Macedonia and noted that Debar had a population of 4,200 in the early 19th century with 64 shops. By 1900, the population of Debar had increased to 15,500, which declined after World War I. In 1878, Albanian leaders from Debar participated in the Second League of Prizren in Kosovo, which enunciated a plan for the creation of an Ethnic or Greater Albania.
From June 29, 1941 to October, 1944, Debar and Struga were annexed to and made part of a Greater Albania created by Italy and Germany. From September 8, 1943 to November, 1944, German forces occupied the Italian areas once Italy surrendered. Debar thus came under German occupation at this time. The Italians integrated Debar into an Ethnic or Greater Albania in 1941 and placed the town under Italian and Albanian occupation and civil and military administration. The Macedonian Slavic population fled the Albanian and Italian occupation, especially due to the terror and intimidation by local Albanian and Italian occupation forces. Macedonian refugees from Debar fled to Skopje which was under Bulgarian occupation. A refugee area for Macedonians fleeing from Debar was established in Skopje called Debarsko Maalo, or the Debar Neighborhood. Relatively unaffected by the earthquake of 1963, this neighborhood contains some of the best examples of classic Macedonian architecture and is a relaxing, tree-lined area complete with restaurants and caf�s.�
Debar’s nearby towns and villages are Susica, Trnanic, Selokuki in the west, Krivci in the north, Vlasiki and Rajicki in the south, and Tatar Elevci in the east. The Radika and Crni Drim rivers flow near the town, which is surrounded by the Desat, Stogovo, and Jablanica mountains. There are nearby springs at Debarska Banja and gypsum crystal deposits.
Today, Debar has remained a volatile region of Albanian separatism and a base for Greater Albania ultra-nationalism. The KLA had bases around Debar in the late 1990s during the terrorist/separatist war in Kosovo-Metohija. The town’s proximity to the wild Albanian border has also made it a key place for cross-border arms smuggling since the early 1990’s.

1.pic-The Skanderbeg SS Division: SS Obersturmfuehrer Lindner and SS Hauptsturmfuehrer Schweissguth in 1944 (Photo Credit: Michaelis-Verlag).
2.pic-The Albanian Ljuboten Battalion: Redzep Jusufi with members of the Albanian battalion formed in Macedonia (photo credit: Nova Knjiga).

[Bachelor]

Hitler's photo with his autograph. The poster Waffen SS. Stripe SS division "Adolf Hitler". Stripe SS subdivision "Edelweiss". Field Uniform SS Rottenfurer. All original.

http://img354.imageshack.us/img354/6046/november940hs6.jpg


http://img354.imageshack.us/img354/2638/tp24jy9.jpg


http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/1900/december860hn7.jpg


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http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/268/juni961sl9.jpg


http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/9185/juni963ol8.jpg

[zvezdah]

The Dagger of the SS officer. The buckle from a belt of the SS officer. Iron croSS. All original.

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/9025/mai280wt2.jpg

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/3512/mai288he2.jpg







Very nice gear, I do believe that's an other ranks (enlisted man) dagger, as I recall the officers dagger had a chain in silver with the SS runes and skull on the links

[Bachelor]

Sword with SS runes of the SS officer. Ceremonial belt and aiguilette of the SS officer. All original.

http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/8302/mai1106vz9.jpg
http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/2369/mai1111rb4.jpg
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http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/8203/novemberaf0.jpg
http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/641/november866ph8.jpg
http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/5982/november697nz0.jpg

[somedude]

Yes, they even fought against Soviet Cossacks, you can guess the prisoner policy at those engagements...

Didn't Stalin purge the Cossacks in his army? Which might explain their desertion to the Wehrmacht side.

[Bachelor]

Very nice gear, I do believe that's an other ranks (enlisted man) dagger, as I recall the officers dagger had a chain in silver with the SS runes and skull on the links


History of dagger: " SS-dienstdolch ". The dagger of " protective groups"- SS the sample of 1933 has been entered on December, 15th, 1933 for carrying by all full members of the organisation irrespective of a rank. The traditional Swiss hunting dagger of XVI century has been put in a basis of its design"Holbein". Dagger SS has been intended for use by staff and had colouring distinct from dagger SА. Ceremony of delivery of daggers to new members was conducted annually in Munich in 10 mornings on November, 9th, in day of anniversary of unfortunate Beer putsch. Originally a sheath was anodized, and all metal device of a handle and a sheath was made of cupronickel prior to the beginning of 1937 then a sheath became painted, and the metal device - from cheaper nickelized alloy. Throughout history of the Third Reich existed five types of daggers SS: Dagger of the sample of 1933, with Ernest Rema's inscription, with Himmler's inscription, the Dagger of Honour of 1934 and a dagger the SS-leader confirmed in August, 1936. It is necessary to consider, that ceremonial daggers SS stood out to each member of the organisation, but it paid them at the expense of the personal means. Therefore there are daggers in various execution, on a miscellaneous decorated are depended on financial possibilities of the awarded. The standard was uniform, quality of execution varied from mass to very expensive, exclusive.
Sorry for my bad english...


http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/638/mai1328vr3.jpg
http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/8456/mai1321tw6.jpg http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/9439/mai1325ka6.jpg[/font]


http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/1305/mai1327bo8.jpg

[Bachelor]

All original...

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/694/januar282qv2.jpg

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[theholeinthedonut]

http://www.tightrope.cc/gallery/albums/userpics/normal_T043343A.jpg


This are no Soldiers from Waffen-SS, this Photos was taken in Poteau, Belgium in 1944, it shows soldiers from the "Kampfgruppe Hansen", they ambushed a U.S Convoi

here more infos and pics:

http://home.scarlet.be/poteau44/Poteau_historyEn.html

Kampfgruppe Hansen , commanded by SS-Standartenführer Max Hansen, was part of the 1st SS-Panzer Division Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler. It was composed by three battalions of the 1st SS Panzergrenadierregiment, the 1st SS Panzerjägerabteilung as well as Pionier- Flak and StuG- Companies.

[Bachelor]

Pistols of SS officers.

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/5364/juli07221lx3.jpg

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[Bachelor]

Sign runes SS. The award. It is found not far from Prague...
Carrying banner sign (gojet) on a breast SS and SА.
The letter with stamp Waffen SS from the front .
The poster.
Signs (shields) from East (Russian) front.
All original...

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/71/38201026qf1.png

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[gaijinsamurai]

Nice Krimea and Kuban shields, Bachelor.
Are they yours?
I've got both, plus "Demyansk". I'd really like to get the Cholm Shield.

[oregongrunt]

Kampfgruppe Hansen , commanded by SS-Standartenführer Max Hansen, was part of the 1st SS-Panzer Division Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler. It was composed by three battalions of the 1st SS Panzergrenadierregiment, the 1st SS Panzerjägerabteilung as well as Pionier- Flak and StuG- Companies.
http://www.tightrope.cc/gallery/albums/userpics/normal_T043343A.jpg
I have seen a few of the photos and very short video clips of this propaganda film before. Do you know where I can watch it or buy it in it's entirety?

[theholeinthedonut]

http://www.tightrope.cc/gallery/albums/userpics/normal_T043343A.jpg
I have seen a few of the photos and very short video clips of this propaganda film before. Do you know where I can watch it or buy it in it's entirety?

The Museum in L a Gleize shows quite some scenes from Poteau in its documentary, don't know where to buy it tough?

[Bachelor]

Helmet Waffen SS. Original...


http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/3292/marz07763wy9.jpg



http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/7062/marz07594lw9.jpg

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[T3ngu]

Reading this thread reminds me that there is a former SS solider living in the town in Queensland, Australia where I currently live.

What sparked the memory is that a friend of mines wife was a nurse (with the blue nurses) and used to go out and help him each week. Apparently he has a fair bit of SS memorabilia displayed around his house.

Good pictures guys.

[RECON DOC]

This fellow could have played "The Kurgan" in Highlander or Capt. Hadley in The Shawshank Redemption.

http://Castlemaine-Boy.smugmug.com/photos/175236884-O.jpg

This guy's been around a lot for only an Unterscharfuhrer. Iron Cross, Anti Aircraft arty combat badge, Infantry assault badge. I noticed he doesn't have a Panzer assault badge yet. He must have just been transfered with that brand new Spotless Panzer uniform and fresh haircut.

[gaijinsamurai]

That's the General Assault Badge, along with theAnti-Aircraft ("Flak") Gunner's Badge, and EK1.
The Infantry Assault Badge has a rifle.

Generally, the General Assault Badge was awarded for soldiers such as pioneers, assault gun crewmembers, and artillerymen, who saw combat but were not eligible for the Panzer Assault Badge or Infantry Assault Badge, respectively.

It was not very common for a soldier to have two different types of assault badges displayed on their uniforms.
Also, the Heer/SS variant of the Flak badge was not so common, as most anti-aircraft crews were Luftewaffe.

[RECON DOC]

That's the General Assault Badge, along with theAnti-Aircraft ("Flak") Gunner's Badge, and EK1.
The Infantry Assault Badge has a rifle.

Generally, the General Assault Badge was awarded for soldiers such as pioneers, assault gun crewmembers, and artillerymen, who saw combat but were not eligible for the Panzer Assault Badge or Infantry Assault Badge, respectively.

It was not very common for a soldier to have two different types of assault badges displayed on their uniforms.
Also, the Heer/SS variant of the Flak badge was not so common, as most anti-aircraft crews were Luftewaffe.

Nice catch gaigin thanks.
I wonder if he was prior Luftewaffe, transfered and was allowed to wear the Flack badge.

[gaijinsamurai]

Yeah, I was wondering about that too. I know that quite a few Luftewaffe personnel were forcibly transferred to the Waffen-SS in the final months of the war.
I find it interesting that he's wearing a black panzer wrap, but is wearing the General Assault Badge.
My guess is that he was formerly a STUG crewmember, then transferred to a panzer.
Still doesn't explain the flak badge, though.

I've got both the Luftewaffe and Heer versions of the Flak badge in my collection. The Heer badge was expensive. i bought it back in the days before 3rd Riech militaria skyrocketed. No way could I afford it now!

[Kreigsberichter]

No he dosent seam to have been in Luftwaffe, this based on the fact that its a Heer Flak.abz and not a Luftwaffe one. In other words, the Flak badge he is wearing is the one designed for Heer (The german army) and SS. Allthough I have seen a photo of a SS officer (SS-Ustuf. I belive) wearing a LW flak.abz.

This man dosent have to belong to a Panzer-unit either, the black wraper was sometimes used by other vehicle based troops to, such as Panzer-Aufkl. Abts.

[Ro@m]

They were the damn best army ever,pity Hitler was a lunatic.

[Snoshi]

They were the damn best army ever,pity Hitler was a lunatic.

What? Care to explain?

[Schizo]

They were the damn best army ever,pity Hitler was a lunatic.

Blind-clueless fanboy.

:cantbeli:

[Karo]

No he dosent seam to have been in Luftwaffe, this based on the fact that its a Heer Flak.abz and not a Luftwaffe one. In other words, the Flak badge he is wearing is the one designed for Heer (The german army) and SS. Allthough I have seen a photo of a SS officer (SS-Ustuf. I belive) wearing a LW flak.abz.

This man dosent have to belong to a Panzer-unit either, the black wraper was sometimes used by other vehicle based troops to, such as Panzer-Aufkl. Abts.


Couldnt he had been part of a Flakpanzer crew? This would explain the Flak badge and the tank uniform.

[gaijinsamurai]

Kreigsberichter may be right. My guess is that if he'd been in the Luftewaffe, he probably would have been wearing a Luftewaffe Flak Badge.

But you never really know. That's what I like about these types of photos, that show some non-conformance to regulations or something out of the norm. Good for discussion.

[Karo]

Did you read my comment?

[Bachelor]

Qualifying sign "Flak-Kampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe".
Qualifying sign "Luftwaffe Air defencer" . The sign on early release, is made in heavy metal, without brands. The original. History: "Flak-Kampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe" it is founded on January, 10th, 1940 by Herman Goering, the design of a sign belongs to Wilhelm Pikhauzu.
All serving air defences, and also radar-tracking units could receive a sign through difficult system of accumulation of points. Also the sign could be got for wound during battle. Besides, commanders of batteries of air defence could receive this sign if more than half of staff already had it. By the end of war the sign could be received for three brought down planes or for five combat battles.
The sign stood out in a case, in a paper package or at once was pinned on a uniform during decoration. The sign had the document.

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/4545/juni071142yx1.jpg

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/9923/juni071143zs4.jpg

Qualifying sign "Sturmabzeichen".
Qualifying sign "The General assault sign, 25 attacks". Original, sign zinc, on an underside costs firm JFS brand. The sign meets very seldom.
History: "Sturmabzeichen". The general assault sign has been founded on June, 1st, 1940 colonel general Walter Fon Brauhich for decoration of support personnel which could not apply for reception of the Infantry or Tank assault sign. Criteria for reception of the General assault sign were, basically, same, as well as for reception of the Infantry or Tank assault sign, participation in three attacks in an auxiliary role was one of the basic criteria. It is originally familiar soldiers of engineering armies were awarded, and the sign was called the Assault sign on the engineer. But soon by a sign it began to be awarded and other support personnel: artillerymen, infantry, anti-tank, anti-aircraft and medical personnel.

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/9537/0803200616352656xw7.jpg
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/5389/080320061635703zf4.jpg

Qualifying sign" Bandenkampf-Abzeichen " in bronze.
Qualifying sign "the Sign for struggle against guerrillas (partizanes)". Qualifying sign which military men of Waffen SS and military police for participation in antiguerilla operations on East (Russian) front were awarded basically. It is made of a zinc alloy. It is one of the most rare qualifying signs on the Third Reich. History: " Bandenkampf-Abzeichen ". The sign is confirmed on January, 30th, 1944, one of last confirmed German signs on the Second World War. The decoration statute was developed personally by Henry Himmler, under unchecked data, it has personally developed also design of a sign. It existed in four degrees: in bronze, in silver, in gold and in gold with brilliants. Originally bronze sign awarded military men of Waffen SS and police for 20 days of battles with guerrillas, silver - for 50 and gold - for 100 days of participation in antiguerilla operations. After a decoration condition have been changed: the bronze sign was handed over for 30 days of battles, silver for 75 and gold - for 150. Decorations by a gold sign affirmed personally Reichsfurer. The sign was handed over in a paper package and rushed on a breast left-hand side.

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/1355/260420061249482le9.jpg

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/4626/2604200612493402qn8.jpg


http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/8882/marz07996hc4.jpg

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/7069/marz07997nq9.jpg

[Bachelor]

And...

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/420/266fn7.jpg

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/4840/juni078db1.jpg

[gaijinsamurai]

Karo,
Sorry for the belated response.
You could, of course, be correct. That would explain the flak badge/panzer wrap combo.
My Luftewaffe flak badge is attached to a tropic tunic, for an 88 crewmember.

[Bachelor]

Marching satchel. The Waffen SS brand.

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/3969/mai415rf4.jpg

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/3088/mai416gz3.jpg

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/383/mai417gy8.jpg

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/3281/mai418qy4.jpg

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/2888/mai562tc0.jpg

[Bachelor]

Want eat? No problemo!

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/3540/juli067gf1.jpg

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/1916/juli071ad8.jpg

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/681/juli075kf5.jpg

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/634/juli072ni5.jpg

[Basillicus]

That mess kit is pratically identical to the one FDF uses even today. Good design. :)

[Bachelor]

MG-34
MP-40
Granate

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/9431/januar388yu5.jpg



http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/864/januar430su0.jpg



http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/7779/januar394hs2.jpg

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/6408/januar420bi2.jpg



http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/4282/januar424hc5.jpg

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/3408/januar426dk1.jpg

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/4963/januar428sh8.jpg

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/7368/januar821fp2.jpg

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/5647/januar822tr2.jpg

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/3528/januar823ef5.jpg

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/4884/januar825id2.jpg

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/840/januar827jf1.jpg

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/2354/januar829xl4.jpg

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/882/januar830wa3.jpg

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/6548/januar831mf9.jpg

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/7274/januar832wh7.jpg

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/8629/marz07343xp5.jpg

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/5594/marz07344ib1.jpg

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/5792/marz07345lw6.jpg

[Bachelor]

Helmet Waffen SS. Original...

[SturmPionier]

Beautiful weapon pics thx !! woot

[Oscar panzer]

Nice weapon pics
But do you got some pics with STG44 MG42??

[Bachelor]

1. Singh "For near battle" in bronze by which the military men who had 15-day experience of battles in near battle without support by tank units were marked. The hairpin brass is made from a zinc alloy.
History: "Nahkampfspange" it is founded on November, 25th, 1942 by the Fuhrer that "to mark courage of the German soldier in hand-to-hand to battle". The award had three classes: bronze, silver and gold. The award was handed over as a rule by commanders of batallions and regiments, since March, 26th, 1944 the Fuhrer handed over gold laths personally. The sign in a cardboard box or a package together with the document was handed over. Rushed on 1 sm over the left breast pocket.

2. Qualifying sigh "Combat tank sign" in silver.
Qualifying tank sign in silver. A sign in a massive zinc alloy.
History: "Panzer-Kampfabzeichen". The sign has been founded the colonel general background Brauhich on December, 20th, 1939. The sign has been created to mark personal courage, bravery and achievements in battle of tankmen. Ernest Pikhauza's firm was occupied with design working out. Originally the sign has been developed in silver covering – only for crews of tanks, but precisely same sign, but already in a bronze covering – for all who served in armoured armies, infantry armour vehicles, self-propelled instruments, tank destroyers and soldiers of auxiliary subdivisions (physicians, signalmen, scouts, etc.) on June, 6th, 1940 has been founded . Conditions for sign reception were uneasy, it was necessary to take part in three tank attacks, within different days, to get wound during battle or to be presented to any battle award for tank battle.
The tank sign stood out, as a rule, in a paper envelope with the name of the award or was pinned at once on a uniform. On a sign it was necessarily applied sheet. The sign on a left-hand side of a uniform about the bottom unit of a pocket rushed.

3. Sign "Infantry assault sign".
History: "Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen" the colonel general Fon Brauhich has been founded on December, 20th, 1939. It has been developed two types of a sign; for a usual infantry – silver, and for мотorinfantry - bronze. The known firm the Unker was occupied with design of a sign.
Decoration by this sign was accepted by the regiment commander. For sign reception it was necessary to take part in three and more attacks or counter-attacks, to take part in three prospecting operations, to be the wounded man or to take part in hand-to-hand to battle during attack. The sign was handed over in a paper package or at once was pinned on a uniform, the sign on a left-hand side rushed. On a sign it was necessarily applied sheet. A sign on infantry low-flying attacks - one of the most mass awards of the Second World War though early signs from precious metals meet extremely seldom.

[Bachelor]

Bayonet to the Mauser rifle. Two wariants.
Plate Waffen SS.

[Bachelor]

The field-glass Waffen SS "Der Tote Kopf".

[Bachelor]

Licence plate Waffen SS.

[Bachelor]

Some photos...
STG44 MG42....

[Bachelor]

and more...
The letter from front with Waffen SS stamp.

[nemowork]

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=31890&d=1186239046

Sorry, finding my feet with a first post but is this genuine or a 'mp44 beat the AK47 to everything' try?

Folding butt, extended barrel with bipod models, underslung grenade launcher? Very post Vietnam?

Sory, im trying to extend my ignorance?

[orange]

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=31890&d=1186239046
Lol! A revolver as a GL?

[He219]

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=31890&d=1186239046
Lol! A revolver as a GL?
Granatpistole; not far off from the current AG36.
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/933/ohyeahjx0.jpg
Who is going to tell me this didn't influence the development of the PKM ^?

[orange]

Granatpistole; not far off from the current AG36.
...
Did not know that..

Awesome!

[nemowork]

sorry, im expanding my ignorance by a percentage? the g42 flare pistol i know had a grenade round supplied but it basically looked like an egg on a stick stuffed down the barrel?

Why would they strap outdated and underpowered 1940 technology to a 1944 rifle when panzerfausts were not only cheap and plentiful but practically compulsory?

[He219]

sorry, im expanding my ignorance by a percentage? the g42 flare pistol i know had a grenade round supplied but it basically looked like an egg on a stick stuffed down the barrel?

exactly! I'm still looking for a picture to scale how it would clear the muzzle.
http://www.lonesentry.com/manuals/tme30/ch7sec8sub3.html
http://www.pkymasehist.fi/kivkranaatit.html
Why would they strap outdated and underpowered 1940 technology to a 1944 rifle when panzerfausts were not only cheap and plentiful but practically compulsory?
Same principle as applied for the single shot M203,GP25/30,HK79 & AG36
Small and in practical reach mounted on your primary weapon instead of getting out an RPG, LAW, Milan or AT4.

It's brilliant.
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/933/ohyeahjx0.jpg
First version of an underslung grenade launcher I've seen.

[venom]

cherman innovation harrr

[Basillicus]

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=31890&d=1186239046
Lol! A revolver as a GL?

Is this authentic? IMO looks like photoshop by some H&K enthusiast.

[He219]

Is this authentic? IMO looks like photoshop by some H&K enthusiast.
Interestingly posted by a Russian forum member. Thanks Bachelor.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/5448/krinkovri1.jpg
Nice flash hider. Can you say Krinkov?
p-)

Even the BS-1 "Tishina" 30mm suppressed grenade launcher (http://world.guns.ru/assault/as03-e.htm) looks like this:
http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/6154/kistgxe0.jpg

[nemowork]

Sorry, derailed a pix thread

http://content.imagesocket.com/images/565px_Men_of_theFinnish_Waffen_SS_have_returned_hfd5.jpg (http://imagesocket.com/view/565px_Men_of_theFinnish_Waffen_SS_have_returned_hfd5.jpg)


Finnish Waffen SS soldiers return.

http://content.imagesocket.com/images/waffen_ss_felix_steinerde9.jpg (http://imagesocket.com/view/waffen_ss_felix_steinerde9.jpg)

Felix Steiner, General of both Heer and Wehrmacht, commander and creator of 5th SS the Wiking division. Commander of the 11th ss panzer army in command of the vistula and subsequent retreat formations towards Berlin. Cleared of all warcrime charges and released 1948 (acccordingf to wiki)

*edit* sorry, no it isnt

[gaijinsamurai]

Actually, that's Sepp Dietrich, CO of the 1st SS, Liebstandarte Adolf Hitler, and later, the 1st SS Panzer Korps, which included the 1st SS and 12th SS Hitlerjugend.

[He219]

^ yep, even said so in the photo.

This is General Felix Martin Julius Steiner (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felix_Steiner):

[Bachelor]

I think that the SG is the first sample of the real automatic weapon. АК there is an advanced copy of the German weapon. If to esteem history we will see that simple illiterate sergeant of Sovet Army has thought up the AK-47. It is a deceit. For weapon creation it is necessary to have good education, experience, researches and many more... Did the simple rural sergeant could create the excellent automatic machine? No! Soviet Union simply improved the German weapon. Serious russian updating with new decisions and opening. I think Germans and Russian together have well worked. Kalashnikov has been appointed as the founder.

Copies and weapon improvements.
7.62 mm Selbstladegewehr 257 (r) Former russian AVS-36
7.62 mm Selbstladegewehr 258 (r) Former russian SVT-38
7.62 mm Selbstladegewehr 259 (r) Former russian SVT-40
7.62 mm Selbstladegewehr 251 (a) Former American Rifle, caliber.30, M1 (Garand)
7.62 mm Selbstladegewehr 310 (f) Former french Fusil Mitrailleur RSC Mle 1918
7.62 mm Selbstladekarabiner 455 (a) Former American Carbine, Caliber.30, M1 G-221/223 (Jugoslavians) War reparations after WWI
G-299 or 98 (Polish) idem
Gewehr 24 (Czech) build under licence
Gew 29/40 (Austrian)
Gew 262 (Belgian)
Gew 289 (Polish)
Gew 290/298 (Jugoslavian) build under licence
Gewehr 98/40 (original 8 mm Huzagol 35M from Hungary)
Gewehr 33/40 (manufactured in CZ Brno or Waffenfäbrik Brno)
Gewehr 98 (Austrian Repetier Gewehr 1895 in 8 mm)
Gewehr 306 (Greek, Italian or jugoslavian G-9
Gewehr 294 (ex G-98 recalibrated by the jugoslavians to 7.9)
Gewehr 33 (Musketon vz 16/33 the standard Czech Army carbine)
Gewehr 209 (Italian Fucille modelo 38 in 6.5 mm)
Gewehr 210 (Italian Fucille modelo 41 in 6.5 mm)
Gewehr 211 (Dutch Geweer M95 Manlicher in 6.5 mm)
Gewehr 214 (Italian Fucille modelo 91 in 6.5 mm)
Gewehr 215 (Greek mannlicher-Schönauer Model 03/14 in 6.5 mm)
Gewehr 231 (Italian Fucille modelo 38 in 7.35 mm)
Gewehr 241 (French model 07-15 M34 in 7.5 mm)
Gewehr 242 (French MAS-36 in 7.5 mm)
Gewehr 249 (American Springfield M 03 in 7.62)
Gewehr 252 (Russian Mosin M-91 in 7.62 and Jugoslavian Puska M91R)
Gewehr 254 (Russian Mosin M-91/30 in 7.62)
Gewehr 256 (Russian Mosin M-91/30 in 7.62 with 3.5 telescope)
Gewehr 261 (Belgian Fusil 1889 Mauser in 7.65 mm)
Gewehr 263 (Belgian Fusil 36 Mauser in 7.65 mm)
Gewehr 281 (British Rifle Nº 1 Mk III in 7.7 mm)
Gewehr 301 (French model 1886 transforme 1893 in 8 mm)
Gewehr 302 (French model 1907 transforme 1915 in 8 mm)
Gewehr 303 (French model 1886 racroche 1935 in 8 mm)
Gewehr 304 (French model 1916 in 8 mm)
Gewehr 305 (French model 1907 dit colonial in 8 mm)
Gewehr 307 (Jugoslavian Puska 8 mm M93)
Gewehr 311 (Danish Gevaer m/89-10 in 8 mm)
Karabiner 408 (Italian Moschetto modello 38 in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 409 (Italian Moschetto modello 91 for cavalry in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 410 (Italian Moschetto m 91 for technical troops in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 411 (Dutch Karabijn aantal 1 in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 412 (Dutch Karabijn aantal 1 OM en NM in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 413 (Dutch Karabijn aantal 3 OM en NM in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 414 (Dutch Karabijn aantal 4 OM en NM in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 411(n) (Norwegian Kavalerikarabin m/1894 in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 412(n) (Norwegian Kavalerikarabin m/1895 in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 413(n) (Norwegian Ingenieorkarabin m/1904 in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 414(n) (Norwegian Artillerikarabin m/1907 in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 415 (Norwegian Karabin m/1912 in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 416 (Italian moschetto modello 91/24 in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 430 (Italian moschetto modello 38 in 7.35 mm)
Karabiner 451 (Belgian Carabine 1889 in 7.65 mm)
Karabiner 453 (Belgian Carabine 1916 in 7.65 mm)
Karabiner 454 (Russian Karabin obr 1938 g in 7.62 mm)
Karabiner 457 (Russian Karabin obr 1944 g in 7.62 mm)
Karabiner 494 (Greek S-95)
Karabiner 497 (Polish Karabinek 91/98/25 in 7.92 mm [ex Mosin])
Karabiner 505 (Italian or jugoslavian S-95)
Karabiner 506/1 (Danish Fodfolkskarabin m/89-24 in 8 mm)
Karabiner 506/2 (Danish Artilleriekarabin m/89-24 in 8 mm)
Karabiner 506/3 (Danish Ingeniorkarabin m/89-24 in 8 mm)
Karabiner 506/1 (Danish Rytterkarabin m/89-24 in 8 mm)
Karabiner 551 (French model 1890 in 8 mm)
Karabiner 552 (French model 1892 in 8 mm)
Karabiner 553 (French model 1916 in 8 mm)
Stützen 95 (Austrian Repetier-Stützen-Gewehr m-1895 in 8 mm)
MP.704(f) (ex-Frence PM Vollmar Erma)
MP.715(r) (PPD 34/38)
MP.716(r) (PPD 40)
MP.717(r) (PPSh 41)
MP.719 (r) Captured Russian PPs-43 MP.722 (f) Captured French Mas-38
MP.738 (i) Beretta model 38/42
MP.739(i) (Beretta Mo.938)
MP.740(b) (ex-Belgian Mi.Schmeisser-Bayard Mle.34)
MP.741 (d) (The license built Bergman made in Denmark)
MP.746 (d) (Madsen M-42)
MP.749 (e) Captured British Sten Mk II
MP.751 (e) Captured British Sten Mk II with silencer
MP.760 (e)/(j)/(a)/(r) Captured Thompson M-28 from British, US, Yugoslavian or Soviet)
MP.761 (f) Captured Thompson M-1921 purchased by France in 1939

[Bachelor]

The interesting information about StGw-44:
http://www.wwiiguns.com/display_articles.php?id=12
Rare photos various updatings SG. Is it possible to shoot for a corner?

[Bachelor]

StGr-44 with a night sight.

Last photo. It isn't a police search. It is a home collection of the weapon with StGw and MP, AK...

[Fireglow]

МР-44 with a night sight.

Last photo. It not a police search. It is a home collection of the weapon with SG and MP...

Worlds first night sight?

[lukasss]

Worlds first night sight?

I think yes, active IR system

[nemowork]

Actually, that's Sepp Dietrich, CO of the 1st SS, Liebstandarte Adolf Hitler, and later, the 1st SS Panzer Korps, which included the 1st SS and 12th SS Hitlerjugend.

:oops: Your very right, posted the wrong picture.
Alchohol and attention to detail dont mix well :cantbeli:

[Bachelor]

Poster of division "Hermann Goring".
The poster Police and Waffen SS.
The award signed by the Fuhrer.

[Bachelor]

The award signed by the Fuhrer.

[Karo]

Granatpistole; not far off from the current AG36.
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/933/ohyeahjx0.jpg
Who is going to tell me this didn't influence the development of the PKM ^?

All of these creations are pure fantasy..

[DnA]

Some info on the ZG 1229 Vampir set for the STG44 and IR/Night Vision on tanks

http://www.geocities.com/desertfox1891/nightfightingpanthers/nightfightingpanthers.htm

http://www.achtungpanzer.com/articles/ir.htm

http://www.missing-lynx.com/articles/dio/rwpanth/rwpanth_solutions.htm

[Godspeed]

Ban me sue me but i´ll be damned!

I think that the SG is the first sample of the real automatic weapon. АК there is an advanced copy of the German weapon. If to esteem history we will see that simple illiterate sergeant of Sovet Army has thought up the AK-47. It is a deceit. For weapon creation it is necessary to have good education, experience, researches and many more... Did the simple rural sergeant could create the excellent automatic machine? No! Soviet Union simply improved the German weapon. Serious russian updating with new decisions and opening. I think Germans and Russian together have well worked. Kalashnikov has been appointed as the founder.

Copies and weapon improvements.
7.62 mm Selbstladegewehr 257 (r) Former russian AVS-36
7.62 mm Selbstladegewehr 258 (r) Former russian SVT-38
7.62 mm Selbstladegewehr 259 (r) Former russian SVT-40
7.62 mm Selbstladegewehr 251 (a) Former American Rifle, caliber.30, M1 (Garand)
7.62 mm Selbstladegewehr 310 (f) Former french Fusil Mitrailleur RSC Mle 1918
7.62 mm Selbstladekarabiner 455 (a) Former American Carbine, Caliber.30, M1 G-221/223 (Jugoslavians) War reparations after WWI
G-299 or 98 (Polish) idem
Gewehr 24 (Czech) build under licence
Gew 29/40 (Austrian)
Gew 262 (Belgian)
Gew 289 (Polish)
Gew 290/298 (Jugoslavian) build under licence
Gewehr 98/40 (original 8 mm Huzagol 35M from Hungary)
Gewehr 33/40 (manufactured in CZ Brno or Waffenfäbrik Brno)
Gewehr 98 (Austrian Repetier Gewehr 1895 in 8 mm)
Gewehr 306 (Greek, Italian or jugoslavian G-9
Gewehr 294 (ex G-98 recalibrated by the jugoslavians to 7.9)
Gewehr 33 (Musketon vz 16/33 the standard Czech Army carbine)
Gewehr 209 (Italian Fucille modelo 38 in 6.5 mm)
Gewehr 210 (Italian Fucille modelo 41 in 6.5 mm)
Gewehr 211 (Dutch Geweer M95 Manlicher in 6.5 mm)
Gewehr 214 (Italian Fucille modelo 91 in 6.5 mm)
Gewehr 215 (Greek mannlicher-Schönauer Model 03/14 in 6.5 mm)
Gewehr 231 (Italian Fucille modelo 38 in 7.35 mm)
Gewehr 241 (French model 07-15 M34 in 7.5 mm)
Gewehr 242 (French MAS-36 in 7.5 mm)
Gewehr 249 (American Springfield M 03 in 7.62)
Gewehr 252 (Russian Mosin M-91 in 7.62 and Jugoslavian Puska M91R)
Gewehr 254 (Russian Mosin M-91/30 in 7.62)
Gewehr 256 (Russian Mosin M-91/30 in 7.62 with 3.5 telescope)
Gewehr 261 (Belgian Fusil 1889 Mauser in 7.65 mm)
Gewehr 263 (Belgian Fusil 36 Mauser in 7.65 mm)
Gewehr 281 (British Rifle Nº 1 Mk III in 7.7 mm)
Gewehr 301 (French model 1886 transforme 1893 in 8 mm)
Gewehr 302 (French model 1907 transforme 1915 in 8 mm)
Gewehr 303 (French model 1886 racroche 1935 in 8 mm)
Gewehr 304 (French model 1916 in 8 mm)
Gewehr 305 (French model 1907 dit colonial in 8 mm)
Gewehr 307 (Jugoslavian Puska 8 mm M93)
Gewehr 311 (Danish Gevaer m/89-10 in 8 mm)
Karabiner 408 (Italian Moschetto modello 38 in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 409 (Italian Moschetto modello 91 for cavalry in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 410 (Italian Moschetto m 91 for technical troops in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 411 (Dutch Karabijn aantal 1 in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 412 (Dutch Karabijn aantal 1 OM en NM in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 413 (Dutch Karabijn aantal 3 OM en NM in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 414 (Dutch Karabijn aantal 4 OM en NM in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 411(n) (Norwegian Kavalerikarabin m/1894 in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 412(n) (Norwegian Kavalerikarabin m/1895 in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 413(n) (Norwegian Ingenieorkarabin m/1904 in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 414(n) (Norwegian Artillerikarabin m/1907 in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 415 (Norwegian Karabin m/1912 in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 416 (Italian moschetto modello 91/24 in 6.5 mm)
Karabiner 430 (Italian moschetto modello 38 in 7.35 mm)
Karabiner 451 (Belgian Carabine 1889 in 7.65 mm)
Karabiner 453 (Belgian Carabine 1916 in 7.65 mm)
Karabiner 454 (Russian Karabin obr 1938 g in 7.62 mm)
Karabiner 457 (Russian Karabin obr 1944 g in 7.62 mm)
Karabiner 494 (Greek S-95)
Karabiner 497 (Polish Karabinek 91/98/25 in 7.92 mm [ex Mosin])
Karabiner 505 (Italian or jugoslavian S-95)
Karabiner 506/1 (Danish Fodfolkskarabin m/89-24 in 8 mm)
Karabiner 506/2 (Danish Artilleriekarabin m/89-24 in 8 mm)
Karabiner 506/3 (Danish Ingeniorkarabin m/89-24 in 8 mm)
Karabiner 506/1 (Danish Rytterkarabin m/89-24 in 8 mm)
Karabiner 551 (French model 1890 in 8 mm)
Karabiner 552 (French model 1892 in 8 mm)
Karabiner 553 (French model 1916 in 8 mm)
Stützen 95 (Austrian Repetier-Stützen-Gewehr m-1895 in 8 mm)
MP.704(f) (ex-Frence PM Vollmar Erma)
MP.715(r) (PPD 34/38)
MP.716(r) (PPD 40)
MP.717(r) (PPSh 41)
MP.719 (r) Captured Russian PPs-43 MP.722 (f) Captured French Mas-38
MP.738 (i) Beretta model 38/42
MP.739(i) (Beretta Mo.938)
MP.740(b) (ex-Belgian Mi.Schmeisser-Bayard Mle.34)
MP.741 (d) (The license built Bergman made in Denmark)
MP.746 (d) (Madsen M-42)
MP.749 (e) Captured British Sten Mk II
MP.751 (e) Captured British Sten Mk II with silencer
MP.760 (e)/(j)/(a)/(r) Captured Thompson M-28 from British, US, Yugoslavian or Soviet)
MP.761 (f) Captured Thompson M-1921 purchased by France in 1939

[theholeinthedonut]

Division Herrmann Göring was a Luftwaffe Felddivision.

[Fireglow]

Some info on the ZG 1229 Vampir set for the STG44 and IR/Night Vision on tanks

http://www.geocities.com/desertfox1891/nightfightingpanthers/nightfightingpanthers.htm

http://www.achtungpanzer.com/articles/ir.htm

http://www.missing-lynx.com/articles/dio/rwpanth/rwpanth_solutions.htm

Thanks. Awesome information. IR was really an advantage thou it appeared too late in war.

[Bachelor]

Division Herrmann Göring was a Luftwaffe Felddivision.

Sorry..
But on the uniform of a division "Herman Goering" officers carried on a sleeve a tape as in units Waffen SS.

In February 1933, Hermann Goring as Minister of Interior created the Police Battalion Wecke. By 1935 it had become the "General Goring State Police Group" and began to adapt military training. This resulted in it being assigned to the Luftwaffe as the "General Goring Regiment". By 1938 the role of the regiment consisted primarily of flak batteries and searchlight battalions but still retained a motorcycle company and a guard battalion. These special guards were used at Goring's forrest estate at Karinhall and on special occasions such as Air Force day and Richtohofen's Memorial parades.
In 1936, General Goring selected 36 soliders to perform a parachute demonstration jump. From this, 600 recruits were selected to go through training and were the first German paratroopers. On 1 July 1938, General Kurt Student organized the "Fallshirmtruppe" into the "7th Aviation Division" in order to conceal their true purpose. The Hermann Goring Regiment was reorganized on 1 October 1939 to include a Parachute Rifle Battalion ("Fallschrimschutze"), which was later absorbed into the Luftwaffe's 1st Parachute Regiment and called "Fallschirmjager". That was the only time the Herman Goring troops were used as paratroopers, EVEN THOUGH they retained the term "Fallschrim" in their title.
One battalion formed from the flak units became the Fuhrer Flak Battalion. This battalion was first used as as a special train escort on the Fuhrer's trip to Poland and as flak protection at his "Wolf's Lair" in E. Prussia. Later, it was organized into a regiment and eventually became the Fuhrer Escort Division.
At the outbreak of war the HG Regiment fought in Poland. Reorganized into the HG Division, they were sent to Italy for about one year. On 6 January, 1944, the division was renamed "FallschirmPanzer Division Hermann Goring" that consisted of panzer, armor artillery and infantry battalions. They were sent back to Poland and fought in the battle of Warsaw in August 1944. They served in Russia with the XXXIX Panzer Corps and at Fortress Graudenz in February 1945. During the fighting in Russia, the Henrich Goring, the nephew of the Reichsmarshall, was killed in action. The statistics indicate that 60,000 soldiers served with the HG Division during its life-span. After the surrender in 1945, only 15,000 survivors remained. An estimated 90% of the soldiers who fought on the Eastern Front were casualties.

[Bachelor]

Faces of Waffen SS....

[Bachelor]

And more faces of Waffen SS....

[Bachelor]

More faces of Waffen SS....

[DnA]

Sorry..
But on the uniform of a division "Herman Goering" officers carried on a sleeve a tape as in units Waffen SS.



Um.. some non SS units had the cuff title... it isn't a Waffen-SS only thing, an also not all Waffen-SS units had the cuff title.

ex Großdeutschland was a regular Heer unit, but they wore a cuff title, same with the Afrika Corps, etc

The Herman Goering Divison was luftwaffe unit.


There were also cuff title awards.. like Ex Afrika Corp troops an troops who served in the invasion of Crete

[Bachelor]

Um.. some non SS units had the cuff title... it isn't a Waffen-SS only thing, an also not all Waffen-SS units had the cuff title.

ex Großdeutschland was a regular Heer unit, but they wore a cuff title, same with the Afrika Corps, etc

I think, that only Waffen SS had the cuff title... But I saw also the officer of Luftwaffe with the cuff title... It interesting photo... May be I'm mistaken about cuff title.

[Bachelor]

Organizational structure SS.

[gaijinsamurai]

Theholeinthe donut and DNA are correct. The Herman Goring Division was Luftewaffe. Normally, cufftitles signified "elite" units, such as Waffen SS, fallschirmjager, Grossdeuchland, Afrika Korps, certain Luftewaffe fighter units, etc., or were awards for campains, such as "Afrika" , "Kreta", and "Kurland".

[gaijinsamurai]

Double post. Sorry!

[gaijinsamurai]

Bachelor,
Interesting photo of the Luftewaffe officer with the Liebstandarte Adolf Hitler cufftitle. I've seen a similar photo, I believe of the same guy, in Brian Davis' "Uniforms and Insignia of the Luftewaffe" (an essential for militaria collectors!).
Thanks for posting all the great photos, most of which I'm seeing for the first time!

[Canuck Farrier]

Ober Peiper???
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=32017&d=1186427641

[gaijinsamurai]

Yeah. Joachim Pieper, reputed war criminal and unrepentant Nazi.
Later murdered by alleged Communists while living in self-imposed exile, in France.

[RECON DOC]

He sure was a snappy dresser though.

[wARLOCK]

Yeah. Joachim Pieper, reputed war criminal and unrepentant Nazi.
Later murdered by alleged Communists while living in self-imposed exile, in France.


his surname was Peiper,thats importent for me because my family name is Pieper.some of my relatives served in the W-SS to but they had nothing to do with him.

[Bachelor]

Bachelor,
Interesting photo of the Luftewaffe officer with the Liebstandarte Adolf Hitler cufftitle. I've seen a similar photo, I believe of the same guy, in Brian Davis' "Uniforms and Insignia of the Luftewaffe" (an essential for militaria collectors!).
Thanks for posting all the great photos, most of which I'm seeing for the first time!

About the officer of Luftwaffe with the cuff title "Adolf Hitler"...
On photo of page of German book:
... Links: Diese ungewbhnliche Aufnahme zeigt einen Hauptmann der Luftwaffe, der entgegen samtlicher Vorschriften am linken Unterarm einen Armelstreifen der Waffen-SS tragi und zwar den der Leibstandarte SS "Adolf Hitler". Bei dem Offizier, einem alten Spanienkampfer, handelt es sich vermutlich um den Fliegeг-Verbindungsoffizier, der der Leibstandarte ais Verbindungsoffizier zwischen Divisionsstab und Luftwaffe zugeteilt war...
If I have correctly understood German language... It is the uniform of times of operations in Spain. He is the officer of communication between an headquarters Waffen SS "Adolf Hitler" and aircraft units Luftwaffe. Aviation support of units Waffen SS "Adolf Hitler". Similarly now Marines planes units F-18 and Harrier in US.

[Bachelor]

Faces of Waffen SS...
In the second photo SS officers with daggers.

[Bachelor]

Waffen SS divisions... Not all...

[drakegoodman]

The Sicherheitsdienst (SD, Security Service) was the intelligence service of the SS created in 1932 by Reinhard Heydrich.

http://Castlemaine-Boy.smugmug.com/photos/14342327-O-1.jpg

[Bachelor]

1. Cuff titles...
2. Himmler's Dagger...
3. Memorable medallion Waffen SS from east (Russian) front.

[parabellum]

http://www.sitecenter.dk/dawm/nss-folder/waffenss1/Brorup_Erik.jpg

http://www.sitecenter.dk/dawm/nss-folder/waffenss1/Christensen_HolgerWinding01.jpg

http://www.sitecenter.dk/dawm/nss-folder/waffenss1/Efsen_Wilhelm.jpg

http://www.sitecenter.dk/dawm/nss-folder/waffenss1/Hansen_Robert.jpg

http://www.sitecenter.dk/dawm/nss-folder/waffenss1/Kryssing1%20Christian%20Peder01.jpg

http://www.sitecenter.dk/dawm/nss-folder/waffenss1/Poulsen_Egil3.jpg

http://www.sitecenter.dk/dawm/nss-folder/waffenss1/Schalburg1%20Christian%20Frederik%20von.jpg

http://www.sitecenter.dk/dawm/nss-folder/waffenss1/Soerensen1%20Per.jpg

http://www.sitecenter.dk/dawm/nss-folder/waffenss1/Christophersen1%20Egon01.jpg

http://www.sitecenter.dk/dawm/nss-folder/waffenss1/Kam_Soren.jpg

http://www.sitecenter.dk/dawm/nss-folder/waffenss1/Hellmers_Johannes.jpg

http://www.dhm.de/lemo/objekte/pict/mi007882/index.jpg

[Bachelor]

FG42 (Fallschirmjägergewehr 42)...


http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/4553/mg4017qo0.jpg

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/8536/mg4014ge0.jpg

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/116/mg4016wa6.jpg

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/7982/mg4006fb0.jpg

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/570/mg4008wc4.jpg

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/3290/mg4005mx5.jpg

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/9795/mg4004ep7.jpg

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/9528/mg4000cr4.jpg

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/2061/mg3996sa2.jpg

[Bachelor]

Medals of "Length of service" for 4 and 8 years in Waffen SS.

[lukasss]

That FG42 was really advanced weapon for WW2

[Bachelor]

Car's tag Waffen SS.


http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/8987/flag20bigjo2.jpg

[LAH_Faust]

What does the FG-42 have to do with the Waffen-SS? As the name states, it was a paratrooper's weapon.

Anyway... MY TURN!
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/prinz_eugen_800.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/ppsh41_with_ss__ebay_800.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/czechmgzb26gm0.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/wss_soldado_arma_checa_201.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/GAL13.jpg

[LAH_Faust]

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/SS_IN_TRAINING_2.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/SS_IN_TRAINING.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/TRAINING_2.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/KAMPF_020.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/KAMPF_021.jpg

[LAH_Faust]

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/totenkopfsoldierstrangearmatr8.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/svtuse.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/ssvikinglandingcraft0pu.jpg/img]

[img]http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/ssunterscharfhrerlssah4qs.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/ss5br.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/medium_sten_waffen_ss_gerat_postdam.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/germancarbine2.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/french_47_478.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/dorrkowel235444yg.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/capturedsvt402ip0.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/bscap000124as8.jpg

[LAH_Faust]

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Misc/7ss2020xk.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Waffen-SS/origwafflessmd42hell15.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Waffen-SS/origwafflessmd42hell11.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Waffen-SS/ringgotzvonberwaff11.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Waffen-SS/album.jpg[/quote]

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Waffen-SS/origssmounttroopedelpatch04.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Waffen-SS/origssmounttroopedelpatch02.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Waffen-SS/album_.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Waffen-SS/album_pi.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/LeibstandarteAH/Soldaten/Waffen-SS/three-ss-men-copyright.jpg

[BLUE THOR]

FG42 (Fallschirmjägergewehr 42)...




http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/8536/mg4014ge0.jpg


I have had the good fortune to handle one of these beauties. and have to say i was in awe of it. it could be employed as a sniper rifle or LSW- light support weapon (semi auto capability), adjustable butt stock, is fitted with bipod and socket bayonet. 20 rd mag, weight was similar to a modern LSW. For its time this was an awesome weapon.

[Bachelor]

Canister of Waffen SS.

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/576/6777799898982059ff7.jpg

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/5259/6777799898982060cw2.jpg

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/572/6777799898982061nd9.jpg

[Bachelor]

Waffen SS "Dog Tab".

http://img467.imageshack.us/img467/5271/001wv7.jpg

http://img467.imageshack.us/img467/7891/2cgi9.jpg

[Buckeye67]

What does the FG-42 have to do with the Waffen-SS? As the name states, it was a paratrooper's weapon.


There were two (if I remember correctly) battalions of SS Fallschirmjagers (not sure if any FG-42's were issued there). Also, some of Otto Skorzeny's men carried FG-42's on the mission to rescue Mussolini. So while it wasn't a common thing, there's at least a connection between the FG and the SS.

[Bachelor]

I agree. Waffen SS used this weapon. In particular during special operations (Mussolini's rescue. Otto Skorzeny's favourite weapon.). I presented two variants FG-42. The first variant for the snipers, the second variant usual. FG-42 had two models. Obvious visual difference - pistol handles and optic... and...
The fine weapon for special operations. The weapon easy and powerful. It is developed specially for paratroopers.

http://www.fg42.de/index2.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FG_42

And some photos...

http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/5007/fg42id8.jpg

http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/8186/001fi9.jpg

http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/9181/0011ou4.jpg

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/6671/post691183221160cv5.jpg

[Boina verde]

FG42 Model I (top); FG42 Model II (bottom)

Field reports were also requesting minor improvements, such as: relocating the bipod from the front of the handguard to the muzzle to reduce shot dispersion; changing the pistol grip angle to near vertical;...

[Bachelor]

Waffen SS Soldier's buckle of the belt.
Waffen SS post envelope.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/1701/sdfedcxedewde32039qw6.jpg

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/2007/sdfedcxedewde32041gp3.jpg

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/6900/dfrefsq3.jpg

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/6690/dsc06129resizehe9.jpg

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5029/23323223223xc1.jpg

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5426/fefefdefdedfcecxcdxxlj4.jpg

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/8366/anti19142058mv1.jpg

[Bachelor]

Propaganda posters.

[Bachelor]

And more Propaganda posters.