Assistance with Heinz Guderian / Panzer Officer Photo...

[Hundestaffel]

What I am looking for here is if anyone can possibly positively identify where and when this Guderian photo was taken. One of the key elements here is the buildings architecture - is it typical of Western or Eastern Europe ?? If you look closely at the glass, the "^" design on the glass panels of the top row are clearly part of the structural design itself, but the "x"'s look like tape put on to limit the spread of glass should they be shattered by bombing (such taping predominantly done in the West).

Also, Guderian looks like he's been through hell - worn out and tired looking at best.

Any / all opinions are welcome...

[H.W Plainview]

very nice !

[Hundestaffel]

Anyone ???

[ZacharyB]

I'll take a stab at it. I don't know how frequently these guys upgraded their overcoats, but I have a pic of Guderian wearing what appears to be this same overcoat. However, he and the other officers around him are more bundled up and it is clearly a winter shot. I think the pic is dated 1943. So I'd take a guess that maybe your image is Spring/Summer 1943.

Assuming that time frame, I think Guderian was appointed Inspector General of Panzers in March 1943. From March onward until the Battle of Kursk, I believe he was in Germany helping prep German armored formations for Operation Citadel which he opposed.

Sorry I can't offer an better insight.

Regards,

Z