Women in Feldgendarmerie uniform???

[Von Thronstahl]

This photo was found in Croatia. Is it possible there were women in the Feldegedarmerie units(Polizei Freiwilligen-Regiment Kroatien) or this is one of these photos when women take pictures in boyfriends/husbands uniforms.

There is an inscription on the backe and it says "For the long memory, to Ana Vojnic, from Agica(her name), Lombar´s sister ´44" .

Definitely uniform looks like it was tailored for her.

[Gary Symonds]

Are you sure that's a girl?

[Dave C.]

A good question. Also what makes you think this is Feld-Gendarmerie related? I don't see a cuff band and or a eagle above the right pocket and B&W leaves a person guessing at the actual pol branch. Unterwachtmeister of ??? No name above the eagle fitting for the later date.

[W.Unland]

I have a suspicion that this is another girlfriend/wife wearing the man's uniform. We have seen numerous photos of such, although not as convincing as this one. It seems that was popular during the war. Have no idea why.

As Dave said the uniform and cap are post 1941, probably civil Schutzpolizei. Nothing to do with the army.

Regards,
Bill U

[Von Thronstahl]

Thank you for your answers. My knowledge about these units is almost equal to none and I forgot to mention it earlier. I assumed that it is Feldgendarmerie uniform cause I know they were active in Croatia during ww2. My mistake.

[Dave C.]

It still is an interesting picture. Can any more detail be seen with a close-up of the sleeve insignia? Another interesting point is the shoulder straps with the base in what would be a branch denoting color.

[Von Thronstahl]

I will make better scans and post them later.

[Von Thronstahl]

Here they are. I(my scanner) can´t do better than this.

[Dave C.]

Thanks for the detail photos. I was hoping the pattern would present better on the sleeve eagle for identification purposes but it's still a bit fuzzy. Oh well, that's the way it goes. Thanks again.

[MarcoPennisi]

.... Is it possible there were women in the .... (Polizei Freiwilligen-Regiment Kroatien) or this is one of these photos when women take pictures in boyfriends/husbands uniforms.

There is an inscription on the backe and it says "For the long memory, to Ana Vojnic, from Agica(her name), Lombar´s sister ´44" .

Definitely uniform looks like it was tailored for her.

I'm not aware of women having served in the Feldgendarmerie , a possible exception being those in the capacity of civilian hired help.
"Agica" and "sestra" are female nouns, so no doubt the picture is related to a woman, in spite of her masculine look (nowadays' Croatian girls are much prettier, thankfully).
Feldgendarmerie and Polizei Freiwilligen-Regiment Kroatien were two different corps , differing also as to uniforms and insignia. It might also relate to a Motorisierte Gendarmerie Zug (Motorized Gendarmerie Platoon), many of which served in Croatia. The uniform is no doubt Polizei- or Gendarmerie- related.
Yes, the tunic seems to be fitting but the reverse front button closure would have been a more proper option for women's garments. I'm too inclined to believe it's another case of a woman donning the uniform of her better half.
Pozdravi.
MP

[JoeW]

I think the Wachtmeister's name is Pat?

No, von Thronstahl has used the generic term Feldgendarmerie to indicate the "Field Police" units that fought in the nasty conflict in the Balkans. I too doubt that Pat was in the front lines. And she isn't wearing regulation Helferin uniform if she is in signals.

So perhaps she was the local squeeze for a police battalion or maybe a member of the local partisan unit wearing a trophy? The inscription is in Croat or Serb I think.