German foto cards

[inimicus]

can anyone ID the mens' units? and maybe translate what's on the back of one of them please? and are these both german? thanks a lot.

[inimicus]

2

[inimicus]

3

[inimicus]

4

[inimicus]

5

[inimicus]

oh can someone translate what's on the back of the one with the dienst mantel fellow? (I'll post to the translation forum too.)

[MauserKar98k]

I am almost positive that the guy in the first photo is in the Landsturm (probably the 11th Bavarian Landsturm Brigade); part of Imperial Germany's last line of defense.

Here is another photo of guys in the 11th:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2900747...82482/sizes/l/
Credit goes to "drakegoodman"

The other guy is also a Bavarian, that's all I know.

[inimicus]

thanks Karibiner - so imperial germany's version of the volksturm then?

[MauserKar98k]

thanks Karibiner - so imperial germany's version of the volksturm then?

Yes and no. Whereas the Volkssturm was just scrambled together late in WWII and was barely trained and supplied, the Landsturm was an intregal part (albeit the least effective part) of Germany's defense system since about 1875 along with Active, Reserve (and Ersatz), and Landwehr units. By definition, the Landsturm "consisted of former reservists aged 40 to 47, and of all citizens between 18 and 47 who had not been called up for normal service."

They were similar in the fact that they were both basically home defense state militias.

If I am incorrect about any of this, someone please correct me.

[McCulloh]

If I read it correctly-basically "Dear Hans, Merry Christmas, I am on leave (have been released from duty since Dec. 11th) etc. but must later go back into the field etc.
Best wishes to all your buddy Heinrich."

[inimicus]

vielen dank!

david