German soldiers, or Ost Bataillon

[Jean-Loup]

This photo was taken in southern France in a location held by Ost Battalion .

I always got the impression from this photo that the two Germans, particularly the right hand one, somehow dont look like Gemans. Is it the large smile? The belt worn very tightly. The tunic that seems short and tight? The pocket that is so stuffed that the button pulls the pocket flap into a V shape? The facial features? The angle the side cap is worn at? A mix of all this?

Or am I imagining things and is this a perfectly normal German soldier? What do you guys think when looking at this photo?

JL

[pauke]

lucky

From the blurry details I would say he's a normal German soldier cracking a big smile because the lovely gal in the middle has just said something funny to him. An excellent day for any soldier in an occupied country!

[Gran Sasso]

Yes, regular german soldier, after day of work, dirty face. Tunic might be tropical or HBT, their pockets tend to bend that way.

[Simon H]

Hi JL,
Interested in the location is the stonework behind them a building or a bridge support?

[Jean-Loup]

The photo was taken at Antheor bridge, that later became the most eastern landing beach of operation Dragoon.
Thanks for the opinions. The fact remains that the photo was taken in the occupation zone of Ost Btl 661.

J'

[Simon H]

It's a great photo Jean-Loup, another exciting piece of history.