Anti-tank Company Basic Training Pictures from 1967

[Guardian 5]

Ah yes, the happy campers.

The gent who appears second from the left is my favorite character of this bunch. Note his philosophical shrug and the comfort he takes from a good butt. I think this guy was the "class clown" or goof-off. Look for him in similar poses in other pictures.

Is that an amoebatarn zelt on the "door" of the pup-tent?

[Guardian 5]

Not to worry boys, sarge is cooking up some hot chow.

No cold "C-rats" here...

[Guardian 5]

Back in from the field, it's clean time up time.

PASSAUER8884 - As you indicated earlier, even in 1967 the trainees are sporting uniforms past their "wear-out" date. Seen here are the first model BW M43 style caps and the HBT Arbeitsanzug without flag.

My main man on the far right is also missing his name tag.

[Guardian 5]

More "goof -off" time in the barracks.

This picture and the following two photos depict a unique German tradition. I've seen Imperial troops, Wehrmacht and even NVA troops in similar poses.

[Guardian 5]

More fun.

I'd be willing to bet that Nico has a crate or two of these BW pajamas at his warehouse.

This picture also offers a favorable view of a c. 1967 "squared away" wall locker.

The dress uniform sports the 12 Panzer Division Patch from the company's parent unit. There is a new style "oliv" field flask attached to the combat pack and the fatigue shirt has a flag on the sleeve.

[Guardian 5]

Another goof-off picture.

[Guardian 5]

"Hip pocket" training in the barracks squad room.

[Guardian 5]

Guard duty and parade training.

[Guardian 5]

Another view.

[Guardian 5]

Guard mount.

[Guardian 5]

At long last, graduation!

Note that the training NCOs have opted not to wear the billed cap. The side cap has the twin advantage of being more comfortable and allows the cadre to distinguish themselves from the trainees. The cadre also wear their leather dress belts and bloused marching boots.

[Guardian 5]

Here we see the newly minted tank hunters posing in front of their unit sign in the company area.

It didn't take them long to ditch the billed cap....

[Guardian 5]

The photos in this thread appear to have once belonged in a scrap book owned by this unknown trooper.

The dates stamped on the rear of the photos are either December 5 or December 12, 1967. Some photos feature the address of a Heilbronn studio (Foto Kuss, Suelmer Str. 49).

Although some of the soldiers wear name tags, I can't read them even under magnification.

[Guardian 5]

Here again is our un-named trooper, this time in fatigue dress.

[Guardian 5]

A final shot of our hero, back in dress uniform.

Well team, I hope this thread gives you something to feast on. I again apologize for slacking off and promise to get back in the mix soon.

Happy New Year!


TJ