Very young LW soldier

[erichcraciun]

Here is a foto from my collection. This has got to be the youngest soldier I have ever seen. He is not a Flakhelfer, I believe, since he is wearing a LW uniform - is already a Gefreiter and has the Wound badge. Any thoughts?

Erich Craciun

[F L Clemens]

Erich, as I see it, he is not so remarkably young for a soldier. It is a subjective judgement but having his eyes closed may be what is fooling you.
A better tip-off to a truly young or boy soldier is a uniform that looks too big for him. I have a group photo of a probable Heimat Flak unit which shows old man and young boys (not in Flakhelfer uniforms) in a more obvious way than your example. There are also famous endwar shots which show boys in uniform.
Now, the german shepherd in the photo, there is definitely something strange about him!

[Mark S.]

he looks like he is 14-17. Not that young. The dog is a Pomeranian..I think.