Three different patterns of National sleeve insignia were introduced for wear on the right upper sleeve.
(1) The first pattern was introduced in autumn 1942.
(2) The second pattern was issued in September 1943.
(3) The third pattern was issued in mid-1944.
My question:
When it comes to analyzing period photographs, it appears that primarily men in the Turkestan Legion wear the first pattern shield, while the 2nd pattern shield (white arrow on red-blue background) seems to have be mainly worn by men belonging to the 162. Turkistan Division. Is this mere coincidence, just due to the many variations and mixing-up so common within the Eastern Legions? Or is there perhaps indeed a difference to whom it was issued; could therefore indeed the 2nd design have been the official emblem of the Turkistan division?
If that is the case, could it than also be that the Mosque shields (the 1st and 3rd pattern) were actually only intended to be worn by the Turkman battalions, which were moved from Central-Asia to France in 1943? Period photos seem to show that indeed only the 1st design shield is worn in that area (France) and in that particular period (1943-1944).
I would be very happy to learn about other opnions and when possible, even more so backed up with photos to subscribe or disagree with the above speculations.
Thank you.
F.
(1) The first pattern was introduced in autumn 1942.
(2) The second pattern was issued in September 1943.
(3) The third pattern was issued in mid-1944.
My question:
When it comes to analyzing period photographs, it appears that primarily men in the Turkestan Legion wear the first pattern shield, while the 2nd pattern shield (white arrow on red-blue background) seems to have be mainly worn by men belonging to the 162. Turkistan Division. Is this mere coincidence, just due to the many variations and mixing-up so common within the Eastern Legions? Or is there perhaps indeed a difference to whom it was issued; could therefore indeed the 2nd design have been the official emblem of the Turkistan division?
If that is the case, could it than also be that the Mosque shields (the 1st and 3rd pattern) were actually only intended to be worn by the Turkman battalions, which were moved from Central-Asia to France in 1943? Period photos seem to show that indeed only the 1st design shield is worn in that area (France) and in that particular period (1943-1944).
I would be very happy to learn about other opnions and when possible, even more so backed up with photos to subscribe or disagree with the above speculations.
Thank you.
F.
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