Unknown cord on photo

[webr55]

Hello all,

this is a photo of one of my relatives, dated 10th September 1943. If I am not mistaken, it shows a Gefreiter-officer candidate from Inf. Reg. 398 with a HJ proficiency badge. But what is the cord under his right breast pocket? (And does anyone know more about this regiment?)

Regards
Chris

[Schulterklappen]

cord

It might be a cord for a whistle. Here is some info on Infanterie Rgt. 398:

http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/...nter/IR398.htm

[webr55]

Thanks!
What is strange, though, is that IR 398 was already dissolved in June 1942. The last cipher may also be a 3 (difficult to read), but according to that link, there was no IR 393. Anyone have an idea about this?

Thanks
Chris