FJ Officer with odd pin on M41 trop hat.

[Willi Z.]

Here is a photo taken in Italy in late 1943. Looks like an officer is drilling his troops. The officer is not jump qualfied, but appears to have been a pilot. Note the hat badge. What is it? Any thoughts?

Willi

[Willi Z.]

Closeup of officer in that press release photo.

[Willi Z.]

And one more.

[Eric Queen]

You know Willi, if I didn't know better, I would almost say that it resembles a totenkopf device. Odd....

Eric

[Ardennes]

I was thinking the same thing Eric - the basic shape matches up with the tin cap device....

[Willi Z.]

Yes, I agree.......isn't this odd??.....

[Neil Howes]

Ex member of KG54?

As the guy is still wearing his pilots badge, perhaps the most possible explanation for him wearing the Totenkopf badge is that he was a pilot in Kampfgeschwader 54 "Totenkopf". Maybe swopped a badge with a SS or Panzer soldier?

Just a thought for a logical pattern of events. I will post this on the other thread & see what reaction it gets.

Regards,

Neil

[SgtB]

Cool Picture!

There is no doubt that this is a final pattern SS cap skull.

[Neil Howes]

KG54 based in Italy in 1943

I have done a bit more digging & have come up with this.

Units of KG54 were based at the following locations during 1943:

21.12.41 - 21.5.43 Catania II. Fliegerkorps Ju 88A
21.5.43 - 1.8.43 Grottaglie II. Fliegerkorps Ju 88A
1.8.43 - 20.9.43 Foggia II. Fliegerkorps Ju 88A
20.9.43 - 10.43 Bergamo II. Fliegerkorps Ju 88A

A drawing of the unit symbol is below:

Perhaps this is the explanation for the badge in wear.
I have also added the same post to the other forum.

Regards,

Neil

[John Hodgin]

It is an SS skull. Who cares? I want the bandoleer from the guy on the left!

[Willi Z.]

I care John... ....

Thanks Neil, very interesting information you have provided. Perhaps the officer was just told to take these FJs on a march through the countryside. Note how many of the FJs are carrying MG ammo cans.

Willi

[John Hodgin]

Of course in reality I care too Willi. Neil "nailed" it, flying unit symbol. Good work Neil! Willi, what was your dad's unit and symbol?

In any case....... the detail.

[jacques]

Hi
I've observed such a death head on a tropical LW RKträger pic.If I remember it was in a book on the HG div in Italia.
jacques

[Steve in Florida]

That is a neat photo

and may have provided the inspiration for the colour plate H2 in Gordon Williamson's and Ron Volstad's Afrikakorps 1941-1943 book. Book says HG Div, but there could be some artistic license there. I was personally hoping it was this little jewel (brought back by a US Army North Africa vet), but my hopes were dashed on that last close up. I display it on my M41 anyway.

[ccmax]

Originally posted by John Hodgin
It is an SS skull. Who cares? I want the bandoleer from the guy on the left!

I'll see if I can find it here John...