What is this insignia ?

[jwh44]

Hello

Could you help me to identify this soldier ?
I don't know this insignia.
Thanks
Alain from Paris

[juoneen]

It appears to be early, reminds me of the sportflying association udet wore except it has an anchor ..and so it may be navy air flying association or relative thereof, but definitely connected to the navy in some regard . Nice early photo.

[HPL2008]

A rare photograph: He is with the Wasserstraßenluftschutz (WSL), the Waterways Air Defense Service.

[Gerdan]

in addition:

https://www.weitze.net/detail/04/Was...r__138604.html


Gerdan

[jwh44]

Hello
Thanks for this fast identification. I didn't know this unit !!!
Thanks
Alain from Paris

[DocumentsGuy]

I've not heard of this organization before and I don't remember it mentioned in Littlejohn's book. Does anyone have any further information about the WSL?

[HPL2008]

I've not heard of this organization before and I don't remember it mentioned in Littlejohn's book. Does anyone have any further information about the WSL?

Actually, the WSL is included in Littlejohn's "Defending the Reich" (pages 449 - 453); it is also mentioned in the Luftwaffe volume of Angolia/Schlicht's "Uniforms and Traditions" series, in Brian L. Davis' "Badges and Insignia of the Third Reich" and Vol. 2 of the "Headgear of Hitler's Germany" series by Jill Halcomb Smith and Wilhelm P.B.R. Saris.

Unfortunately, these references have only very little data on the organization itself. What I have is this:

The existence of the WSL was officially announced on 1 June 1942. It originated form the SHD's Hafenluftschutz (Harbor Air Defense) and Bergungskräfte (Salvage Elements) which were linked with the Wasserstraßenschutz (Waterways Protection) to form the new Wasserstraßenluftschutz.
Depending on the significance of the guarded objects, the WSL's units where organized into either full-time, garrisoned units, or into Alarmeinheiten (Alarm Units). It is assumed that the latter did not receive uniforms, but only brassards, while the former were initially kitted out with captured former French Army uniforms that had been repaired, cleaned and altered; apparently they later received uniforms of SHD origin.

[jwh44]

Thanks for this information.
Alain from Paris

[stonemint]

I was aware of the organisation, but that is the first (and only) pic of a member I have ever seen. Great pic, thanks for posting!

[HPL2008]

I was aware of the organisation, but that is the first (and only) pic of a member I have ever seen.

It's only the second pic that I know of; the other one is here:

http://wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/s....php?p=2831141

[stonemint]

It's only the second pic that I know of; the other one is here:

http://wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/s....php?p=2831141

Somehow I missed that post, thanks for the tip.

[Luftschutz]

http://70.87.163.50/forums/showthrea...ght=SHD&page=6

Post 88

Regards

Luftschutz