Großdeutschland - Panzer 631

[giorgio]

Hi to everyone...
I'm pleased to share with the community these two Großdeutschland pics just entered the collection...
Unfortunately on the back is written only "631 crew 0842".....
IMHO the officer pictured in full (wearing a "cut-out" PKA in silver) is se same that you can see on the panzer....and the pics have been taken in the same village....
If some of you is able to give me some more infos......thanks so much....
All my best
Giorgio

[giorgio]

3,4

[giorgio]

5,6

[garykostka]

gd panzer pictures

my friend let me congratulate you on a wonderful group of images!
to say i am jealous is a understatement, you did very well!

[ballista]

Was Großdeutschland the ss division?

[Bern]

Was Großdeutschland the ss division?

Hello ballista,
Großdeutschland was not an SS Division, but the premiere Division in the Heer (regular German army). You may be confused by the wearing of the arm band on his Panzer wrap (uniform). Most SS Divisions wore their arm band on the left arm. Großdeutschland wore it on the right arm. If you do an internet search, you will be able to see the differences between SS and Heer Panzer uniforms. Mainly between the different styles of insignia and their positions on the uniform.
Regards
Bern

[Normandy]

Nice photos, it looks like a Panzer IV G.

[PanzerElite]

5,6

agreed.
rare foto. nice.

[Gerdan]

The photo was taken in August 1942 ("8.42")

Gerdan

[ballista]

Hello ballista,
Großdeutschland was not an SS Division, but the premiere Division in the Heer (regular German army). You may be confused by the wearing of the arm band on his Panzer wrap (uniform). Most SS Divisions wore their arm band on the left arm. Großdeutschland wore it on the right arm. If you do an internet search, you will be able to see the differences between SS and Heer Panzer uniforms. Mainly between the different styles of insignia and their positions on the uniform.
Regards
Bern

the tankman in the photo wore skulls in buttonholes - sign of totenkopf division.

[Bern]

the tankman in the photo wore skulls in buttonholes - sign of totenkopf division.

Hello again ballista,
Soldiers of the 3rd SS Panzer Division "Totenkopf", wore 1 totenkopf on the right collar and a rank badge on the left collar, usually incorporating stripes and pips. Heer Panzer troops wore 2 totenkopf, one on the left and one on the right. SS troops also wore the uniform eagle on the left shoulder, while Heer troops wore it on the right breast. Another distinct way of telling SS from Heer is the visor cap badges. SS troops wore a totenkopf on the hat band and Heer troops wore a national colour roundel surrounded by laurel leaves on the hat band. There is also a marked difference between SS and Heer eagle badges, with SS eagles wing's having rounded ends, while Heer eagles have pointed wing tips.
Note: There are a few exceptions to the above regarding the wearing of totenkopf.
For example, Max Seela, Commander of the SS Pioneer Battalion "Totenkopf", wore 2 totenkopf, one on each side.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Bern

[giorgio]

Thanks to everyone for your opinions......
I really appreciate....
About GD/Totenkopf everything has been explained....
All my best
Giorgio

[Chet Sowersby]

Giorgio,
The pic of the officer has it all. Crusher, wrap and a cut out PAB. There really isn't anything more to ask for.

Chet

[jacquesf]

the tankman in the photo wore skulls in buttonholes - sign of totenkopf division.

Man, you sound like my teenage son. He also argues from a position of total ignorance. J

[Norman Hamilton]

That is one sharp looking soldier, I love photos like this..thanks....