some Bereitschaftpolizei, KVP, & early NVA photos

[Guardian 5]

Genossen,

This one doesn't come close to Geoff's pictures, but I thought I'd post it here just the same.

Any thoughts on the color of the Waffenfarbe?

Thanks,
TJ

[Hank]

Could be red for artillery

[Guardian 5]

Genossen,

I thought everyone (except Genosse Viktor of course) would enjoy this candid snap shot of a 1950's era Luftstreiftkraefte airman caught in a humorous expression while fumbling for a match.

It's good to know that commies had a sense of humor too.

Hank,

Thanks for your thought on the Waffenfarbe.

All the best,
TJ

[friede]

Another nice NVA portrait with dark collar, shooting cord and badges. It might be the lighting, but his NCO cap also appears to have colored waffenfarbe piping rather than the standard white piping.

[ATTACH]2121706[/ATTACH]

it is Grenztruppen, for an colored piping hat, the colartabs are in a to late version, also the collor of the Mützenband are in a to light color for dark grey. it is around 1970 made

[friede]

A nice portrait with shooting cord and FDJ pin on pocket flap. There is no date on the back of the photo, but the cap appears to have early colored waffenfarbe piping, not the standard white piping.

[ATTACH]2121705[/ATTACH]

also Grenztruppen, view Schützenschnur is green and silver, also Mütznbund is not dark enogh picture around 1962 - 65

[torstenbel]

Never saw the close up pic until now. It is a Massenwaldlauf badge. Probably dated 1951. Cheers, Torsten.

Torsten, Here is the close-up of the upper badge you requested from the portrait of the KVP private

[ATTACH]2130026[/ATTACH]

[torstenbel]

TJ, we had fun, we had laughter, we played pranks on others and eachother, we had all sorts of frolicks ... while in the army or at work or at school or whatever. Life was totally normal in that respect ... life in the DDR was in colour, too, and was not just black & white with people being afraid to look over their shoulder or people being bundled into cars by the Stasi or arrested at gunpoint all of the time in the trams .... that is what is shown in Cold War western movies and that is probably what you guys were taught at school, but that was not reality, that was propaganda and none of it should be taken at face value. Open your ears and eyes and make up your own mind that is what I go by anyhow, after having grown up in the DDR and now living in the West and that is what I have been trying to convey a couple of times in other threads over the years, but not always successfully . Cheers, Torsten.

PS: Below is a picture set-up and taken by me in 1988 in our room at the OHS Zittau ... and I have many more like that.

It's good to know that commies had a sense of humor too.

All the best,
TJ

[Guardian 5]

Torsten,

Thanks for saying what needed to be said. Your candor is greatly appreciated.

I grew up on a steady stream of anti-communist propaganda. I'd go so far as to say I thrived on it.

Thanks for balancing the equation. People are people. Peace.

All the best,
TJ

[Guardian 5]

Genossen,

Here are a couple of photos of Unteroffizier "Karli" taken in Halle sometime in 1967.

One notation on the back of the photos says "IS Halle". Could this mean Infantrie Schule?

It would also appear that Karli has altered the appearance of his cap. Would anyone agree or am I just seeing things?

Thanks,
TJ

[Guardian 5]

Seen here is the back of the above photo.

[Guardian 5]

Genossen,

Another view of "Karli". Perhaps this knickname was given him by his sweatheart?

All the best,
TJ

[Guardian 5]

Finally, the hen scratching on back of the second photo.

[Mike G.]

TJ,

Your observation the Peaked Hat has been modified, is spot on.
Nice photo representation.

[Guardian 5]

Genossen,

I scored my first KVP portrait this week. From what I can make out, the young lad's name was Fritz Glanz. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Upon flipping the photo over, I was rather surprised by the inscription which commemorates his service in the "Wirtschaftsgehilfen."

I'd appreciate your thoughts on this choice of words.

Thanks,
TJ

[Guardian 5]

Here we see the rear of the photo with the inscription and signature.

TJ