Hello all I came accross this photo in the procces of thinning out the collection and thought it interesting. Is he a partisan wearing wehrmacht equipment or just a rough and ready NCO?
Mike
Mike
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Yes, it is an interesting photo. I think the beard is a little too much for an NCO in the German Army - especially outside of the Gebirgsjager units and also considering the implied, relatively good condition of the other soldiers. I considered a soldier that has returned to friendly forces after being behind enemy lines, ie, escaped from an encirclement or survivor of an overrun unit, but his clothes are too clean and he does not look starved or too tired.
Perhaps he is a civilian paid or forced to help. Worker? Translator? Scout or Collaborator? Or any civilian in occupied territory - where the Soviet system is gone and the civilians were on their own - trading for the clothing - such as fresh food.
If he was a partisan, I would think that ANY German article of clothing/equipment would have been immediately removed and in many cases he may well have been immediately shot, especially if it was a weapon involved (indicated by the cartridge holders on the belt).
Just a couple of scenarios to think about! It could be anything and any guess is as good as the other!
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Mark, I agree could be any scenario. The thing that makes me wonder is; he is defintley an older person,looks like a fair bit of grey in the beard; that beard has been growing for good while. I wonder if he may a Russian who is fighting alongside of the wehrmacht. I have read though I can't remember exactly, that there were units made up of Russians who fought with the Germans.
MikeComment
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I think the above is the most likely scenario...but not necessarily forced or even paid...many helped Germany for other reasons...Cheers, Torsten.Originally posted by Mark Mac View PostComment
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