Billy Kramer

Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Hauptfeldwebel Friede - A Career in Pictures

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    Hauptfeldwebel Friede - A Career in Pictures

    Gents,

    Sometime ago I purchased a picture collection that follows the career of a Hauptfeldwebel Friede.

    The pictures are interesting as they document the uniform and equipment changes of the early Bundeswehr from approximately 1956 to 1974.

    There is no writing on the back of the pictures and most of them are not date stamped. The only clue we get to the identity of the senior NCO featured throughout is a single picture inscribed with "HFW Friede".

    Judging by the pictures, Friede appears to be a jovial sort, well respected by his seniors and subordinates alike. He may have been a Wehrmacht veteran as he sports a single row of "1957er" ribbons in several pictures. It's hard to make out, but he appears to have been awarded the Iron Cross second class and a combat badge. His turnout is always impeccable.

    Based on uniform patches and tactical vehicle markings, Friede looks to have been assigned the Fernmeldetruppe of the Ulm based II German Korps. As best I can tell, he served on the signals maintenance contact team. As always, I would appreciate any feedback from the group based on your observations.

    We'll start with an early picture of our subject, a fine study indeed.

    All the best,
    TJ
    Attached Files

    #2
    An earlier and more contemplative shot.
    Attached Files

    Comment


      #3
      Blowing up balloons for the kid's picnic.
      Attached Files

      Comment


        #4
        A summer party.
        Attached Files

        Comment


          #5
          Running the sack race for the kids.
          Attached Files

          Comment


            #6
            Into the field. Note the U.S. made M-2 carbines.
            Attached Files

            Comment


              #7
              Another maneuver shot. Our subject mugs for the camera.
              Attached Files

              Comment


                #8
                In a later field problem, Friede provides training on the MG1/3.
                Attached Files

                Comment


                  #9
                  MG training continues in the barracks.

                  Note that in this photo, the transition to the "feldlaus" uniform has taken place with sewn on stripes having been replaced by shoulder boards for senior NCOs. Note too the appearance of the sewn-on German flags.
                  Attached Files

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Besides weapons training, Friede took an active role in training the unit's drivers.

                    Here a "NATO goat" (Ford 3 ton truck) is put through its paces.
                    Attached Files

                    Comment


                      #11
                      The next series feature the Borgward. I love saying that name...
                      Attached Files

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Into the mud...
                        Attached Files

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Don't stall out now...
                          Attached Files

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Just like the Eastern Front after the thaw.
                            Attached Files

                            Comment


                              #15
                              After an arduous field problem, it's always good to take a break.
                              Attached Files

                              Comment

                              Users Viewing this Thread

                              Collapse

                              There is currently 1 user online. 0 members and 1 guests.

                              Most users ever online was 10,032 at 08:13 PM on 09-28-2024.

                              Working...
                              X