Unknown group in rail station, MP40, armbands

[stross]

Hi, who are these guys??? Armbands are typical Deutsche Wehrmacht.

Sorry for the terrible pics, yellowing a result of lighting, not the photo.

Thanks

[stross]

.

Reverse

[Simon O.]

As the rifles look like Gew.98 i'd say they're from a rear area or non frontline type unit.

[stross]

So whatunit do they belong to? I can't make out the insignia..

[Gerdan]

The text on the reverse as far I can identify tells us: .. Orel...Rückfahrt (way back)... Mai 43 .

If you could remove the brown paper eventually we could read the writing.


Gerdan

[Askold]

I think they are Hiwis.

[12thPanzer]

Hi Stross, I used to own this photo, but I sold it....and most likely to you. But I still have a scan of it and will post it if it will help.

Again, not my photo anymore, please excuse the watermark

[chrischa]

Hello.

It looks like a German nco (notice arm rank patch and MP40) with some eastern volunteers in extremely ill fitting uniforms.

Not sure why the nco would wear an arm band though ...

[stross]

Yes 12thpanzer I believe I got this from you, my photo collection has explode these past months, and things are getting confusing!!!

A little thumbnail and a lot of patience and the back is uncovered!

Thanks for all the input so far

[Trebes]

# 9

Bei Orel, der Zug ist übergeben
das Kdo. [Kommando] wartet auf Rückfahrt.
Mai 43.

Near Orel, the train has been transferred
the unit waiting for the return journey
May 43.

Trebes

[jmark]

I believe one soldier is sitting on a case that holds stick-grenades.

Use of the term "Kommando" is interesting. In this context, probably a small detachment separated from their main unit for a special task.

Jason

[jmark]

I think they are Hiwis.

Did Hiwis wear German rank insignia and carry fire-arms?

[Simon O.]

They're not hiwis.

I guess you can't make out any waffenfarbe on the caps?

[chrischa]

Is the equipment at the far right food carrying containers?