West Berlin Polizei Y-strap Question

[Gordon Craig]

Klaus,

Here is the first of the two photos. The first one appears to be Schutzpolizei rather than BEPO. Their arms shields are for the Schupo. Interesting to see them carrying US Garand rifles.

Regards,

Gordon

I've removed these photos while we seek permission to post them here.

[Gordon Craig]

Here is a picture of a Schupo arm shield from a uniform in my collection.

[Gordon Craig]

A picture of Berlin Schupo schako from my collection.

[Gordon Craig]

Now on to the second photo. These are really useful photos you have posted Martin. They help a lot in my research of the PP Brln GB.

I've removed these two photos while we seek permission to post them on this forum.

Gordon

[Gordon Craig]

As a substitute for the pictures I removed here is a picture of a Berlin Schupo officer from my collection.

[Gordon Craig]

Another view of the Berlin Schupo.

[Collectinsteve]

I found another picture of the mysterious Y-straps. These were in use with one of the very early quietly armed German formations (i.e. before formal arming was sanctioned). This one was obviously in the British sector somewhere since it is almost exclusively armed (and even clothed?) in British gear:



Steve

[Gordon Craig]

Steve,

This is a very interesting picture. The pouches worn for SMG mags. will drive me crazy for some time! What appears to be an American bazooka flanked by guys carrying French rifles might indicate use in the French zone as well. But since they seem to be armed with a variety of weapons from different countries they could have come from anywhere.

Regards,

Gordon

[Collectinsteve]

The hat badges look like they could be Berlin, which makes sense since so far we think the Y-straps are linked to Berlin Polizei. It also makes sense that is the reason for the mix of equipment because Berlin had all three Allied forces in a fairly small place.

Unfortunately there was very little information that came with this photo. It was up on eBay and the seller wasn't exactly sure what the story was. However, from my memory it was either late 1940s or early 1950s. There was some mention of these being border guards, which also makes sense if they were positioned in Berlin.

The SMG pouches appear to be locally made. At least they don't look like anything I've ever seen before! The coveralls also don't look familiar.

Steve

[Gordon Craig]

Steve,

I agree with all of your comments. What we need know is a very knowledgable polizei collector!


Cheers,

Gordon

[Guardian 5]

Gents - There's an excellent website on the BEPO located at

http://www.bavarianm1carbines.com/Berlin.html

This site provides very detailed information on the BEPO order of battle down to the squad level as well as detailed notes on BEPO weaponry. I grabbed the picture of the c.1961 officer from this site.

I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in this subject area.

Steve - Awesome pic of the policemen with STEN guns and MAS 36 rifles!

All the best - TJ

[Gene T]

For those of us who like to shop at Sportsman's Guide:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=884917


This is the web version of these Y-straps that Nico mentioned in an earlier post. The ones I received are all P.P. Berlin marked and dated 1968. They also appear unused.

I actually had my doubts when I first saw this listing, because the proportions of the straps in the illustration just don't look right to me. However, instead of the midget sized straps I was half expecting, the actual straps turned out to be about the same size as wartime Y-straps - still quite short by modern standards, but serviceable when the straps are fully extended (as pictured in the listing). The reason the proportions look weird in the illustration is that the center ring is huge.


Gene T

[Gordon Craig]

Gene T,

Are the Y straps you are referring to those listed as Blue Air Force ones?

Regards,

Gordon

[Gene T]

Yes, Gordon. As with any Sportsman's Guide listing, one must be prepared to ignore the descriptions, and occasionally the illustrations, and, in some rare instances, both the descriptions AND the illustrations!

Fortunately in this case, the illustrations turn out to be accurate.


Gene T

[uscob]

Steve,

I agree with all of your comments. What we need know is a very knowledgable polizei collector!


Cheers,

Gordon

Gordon,
I know one, but I think he doesn't come to the Net.
Maybe we can visit his collection when you come to Berlin. He has hundreds of Uniforms WW and served hisself in the Berlin Police for about 100 Years (or something like this)