soldier of which nationality??

[StefanK.]

the right one of course. is it an officer??


regards,

stefan

[Gesetz]

I think it's a French officer..

[Michael Miller]

I'm going to guess that he's a Belgian Army officer, possibly a Major. See http://www2.powercom.net/~rokats/wwiibelg.html for Belgian Army rank insignia.

Best,
~ Mike

[DocumentsGuy]

For what it's worth, Belgian was the first thing that popped into my head.

[blinky]

His helmet looks like French artillery......that doesn't look like a Belgian lion on it.

[StefanK.]

were those belgian uniforms that similar to french ones?

the picture was taken by members of GJR 143 in 1940. this regiment only fought in france but maybe some belgian units supportet the french at the front??

[StefanK.]

here's a closeup of the officer

[-Michael]

The Belgian Army used a Lion, the French Army used a fleming grenade. I see two cannons and a fleming grenade, conclusion: French artillerie.

[StefanK.]

thanks for your help.

here's a further photo found in the family album that was taken at the same battle. it shows oberst ferdinand schörner and three other officers (the left one is my greatgrandfather) at a briefing during the battle of St.Dié.

in the background there's a street sighn: La Vacherie 2km
St. Dié 5km

consequently it is quite plausible that the foreign officer is french....

[Bernard]

100% sure it's a french officier.