Wehrmacht - Bundeswehr Photo Archive

[Guardian 5]

Gents,

I recently obtained this archive of high quality pictures depicting a German officer who served in both the Wehrmacht and Bundeswehr.

He sports some distinctive dueling scars.

Unfortunately, with only one exception, there is no writing on the backs of the photos. I am interested in gathering your observations.

We'll start with a photo of the subject and his wife to be.

What do you make of the signature at the bottom? Studio mark?

TJ

[Guardian 5]

Next up is the wedding day.

[Guardian 5]

Posing with his first born son?

This picture is dated 1940. I'll post the caption on the next post.

Note the award of the EK II.

[Guardian 5]

Here is the caption of the above photo.

Can anyone read what it says?

Thanks.

[Guardian 5]

Here is his Bundeswehr photo.

He would appear to be a Lieutenant Colonel, perhaps in the Maintenance branch.

I can see an EK I in addition to the EK II.

What else can we add?

[Guardian 5]

Another post-war photo, perhaps posing with the son he held as a baby during the war?

Are the sweaters traditional garb, perhaps from Bavaria or Austria?

[Guardian 5]

Does anyone recognize this venue?

[Guardian 5]

The final photo. Based on the apparel of the sitter, I am led to believe that it is the officer's mother.

In any event, she is a striking woman.

Thanks for viewing this thread. I look forward to reading your comments.

All the best,
TJ

[Gordon Craig]

Here is his Bundeswehr photo.

He would appear to be a Lieutenant Colonel, perhaps in the Maintenance branch.

I can see an EK I in addition to the EK II.

What else can we add?

TJ,

1-EK 1 1939, 2-?, 3-?, 4-WOUND BADGE, 5-WAR MERIT CROSS WITH SWORDS, 6-BW SPORTS BADGE.

Regards,

Gordon

[HPL2008]

Here is the caption of the above photo.

Can anyone read what it says?

Thanks.

It says "Ist er nicht goldig? Erich Juli 1940" ["Isn't he cute? Erich July 1940".]

I can see an EK I in addition to the EK II.

What else can we add?

The awards are: EK I, KVK I mS, EK II, a wound- or combat badge, KVK II mS, DSB Sports Badge.

[HPL2008]

He would appear to be a Lieutenant Colonel, perhaps in the Maintenance branch.

I think he's a medical officer. If you closely at the photograph with his son, his shoulder board device appears to be an Aesculapius Rod. None is visible in his BW portrait, but medical officers of the Bundeswehr (physicians, dentists, pharmacists and veterinarians) initially wore their trade badges as cloth patches on both lower sleeves of the tunic. (At least into the 1970s; I don't know when exactly the metal shoulder board devices were adopted.)

The Waffenfarbe for the medical service was dark blue both in the Wehrmacht and the Bundeswehr, which also fits the dark color seen in these photos.

[Proud Kraut]

Excellent pictures. Isn't the second word on the first picture "Dessau"? Bundeswehr branch could also be Engineers or NBC-Protection because of the dark collar insignia.

[Guardian 5]

Dear Friends,

Thanks very much for your comments.

While "PK" and Gordon are longtime correspondents, I don't believe I have had the pleasure of meeting HPL2008 before. Please excuse me if I am mistaken.

Thank you again one and all for your input.

All the best,
TJ

[HPL2008]

While "PK" and Gordon are longtime correspondents, I don't believe I have had the pleasure of meeting HPL2008 before. Please excuse me if I am mistaken.

I've been inactive on this forum for several years (although I never stopped following it), but have recently resumed my activities.

[Gordon Craig]

HPL2008,

Glad that you decided to become active again on the forum. Looking forward to more participation on your part.

Regards,

Gordon