SS SdKfz 221 "Das Reich" photo + Panzerschutzmütze

[Oberbootsmann]

Hello. I'd like to get some opinions on that photo. According to the license plate number "SS 5944" the SdKfz 221 in the photo belong to "SS Das Reich".

The two drivers wear the rare and early Panzerschutzmütze. Imo a little late because the photo was taken after June 1940.

The painted name on the SdKfz reads "Emil Böß, 16.6.40, La Dendue". I couldn't find anything about this village. Does someone have an idea?

The photo was developed at the Dutch city of "Culemborg".

Regards

[Oberbootsmann]

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[Oberbootsmann]

Finally a better scan!

[Luft 76]

Hello

La Dandue seems to not exist in France. But La Vendue, yes. There are four or five possibilities. So, what is the road of the Das Reich in june 40 during France's invasion ?

[Oberbootsmann]

Hello

La Dendue seems to not exist in France. But La Vendue, yes. There are four or five possibilities. So, what is the road of the Das Reich in june 40 during France's invasion ?

You are right, it reads "La Vendue", which wasn't a town but a region near the city of Troyes.
SS Division "Das Reich" didn't exist yet at this time. It was built in December 1940 from the "SS Verfügungstruppe".

But the "SS Verfügungstruppe" fought at the time written on the Sd. Kfz. 221 (16.6.40) in the region of Troyes:

"Am 13. Juni marschierte die Division in den Raum Soissons und von dort nach Süden an die Seine zwischen Troyes und Romilly. Es folgte der Marsch über Cattilon nach Le Creusot an der Demarkationslinie."

Riddle solved!

Regards