FJ with SS camo face veil.

[Willi Z.]

I NEVER thought I would see a photo like this! A few weeks back there was a thread which featured a website of some great FJ POW photos for sale. This one was grabbed rather quickly. A forum member has so graciously provided me with a copy. Many here will know why I wanted it so badly.

This FJ was captured on 19 Dec 44, in a forest near Sourbrodt by members of the 18th Infantry Regiment. Does anyone know what FJ unit (KG VdH, 3rd or 5th FJD) was operating in that area?

I hope the forum member does not mind me posting a small view of this photo.

[Óscar G]

Hi Willi and everyone:
IMHO, he might most probably belong to the "Kampfgruppe von der Heydte". Sourbrodt is close to the Eupen - Malmedy road and Baraque Michel, the area where the Fallschirmjäger were dropped. The date supports this issue: he was captured on 19 December. By that date they were not having a good day out... On the 21st December Von der Heydte broke the survivors up into small groups of 2-3 men aiming to reach the German lines.
The 3FJD (FJR 9) operated in the south of this area (Lanzerath, Honsfeld, Büllingen...)
Best regards. Óscar

[Maus]

Fantastic Foto .Did you notice the late chinstrap buckle!!

[J.von Canon]

Sniper Veil

Wish I had seen it first!
Outstanding photo!

[Willi Z.]

Yes John, a great photo! The photo is actually much larger and shows most of this FJ and about a dozen GIs glaring at him. Out of courtesy to the new onwer, I did not want to show the whole photo.

Looks like his helmet has camo on it. I wonder how he kept the veil tied to the top.

Yes Raoul, I noticed the late chinstrap. Just like this one below...... This helmet was brought home by a Bulge veteran and was discovered about 25 years ago, and has been in only 3 collections since then.

I have been waiting to see a photo like the one above since I picked up this helmet!
Óscar, that is very interesting information! I will dig out some maps and references and have a look at what you pointed out.

[Ben]

Awesome Willi

[WalterB]

Wow, if I was the buyer of that picture, I would give you that picture. What a helmet !