MichaelK Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 The attached is a portrait photograph of an individual known to have served with Axis occupation forces on a Greek island during WW2. It was part of a collection of locally taken portraits, all of German soldiers and NCOs. This individual, however, apart from wearing a distinctly non-military tie, does not seem to be wearing a German uniform at all. The roundel-and-cross decoration he is wearing reads, as far as I can determine "II ARMATA"; on the basis of that, and the cut of his uniform lapels, I judge him to have probably been a member of the Romanian armed forces. This is puzzling, as I am not aware of Romanian units serving in Greece. Could he have been detached on an individual basis? Perhaps as an interpreter with Italian forces? Any confirmation, or any further information, gratefully received. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul wood Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 Michael I think you will find he is Italian Forces, Armata is Italian for Army and Italy occupied the Aegean Islands from 1912-1943 and many Italians settled there. Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol I Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 The lapel stars are not Romanian. Also, in Romanian it would have been "Armata a II-a" not "II Armata". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelK Posted May 26, 2016 Author Share Posted May 26, 2016 Thanks to both, that makes a lot more sense! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 The lapel insignia certainly look Italian to me - but that necktie ! Yikes ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul wood Posted May 31, 2016 Share Posted May 31, 2016 Perhaps no good Italian tailors got out the Aegean Islands, looks like a grotty type of tie frequently encountered in 1960s discos. Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Craig Posted May 31, 2016 Share Posted May 31, 2016 Gentlemen, The medal suspended from the pocket button is the cross for the 11th Italian Army. The ribbon is missing. Many of this type of "unofficial" awards were issued by Italian units during WWII. Regards, Gordon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelK Posted June 19, 2016 Author Share Posted June 19, 2016 Gordon Craig - thanks for the medal identification! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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