coldstream

This photo recently came into my possesion and purports to show a Foreign Volunteer fighting with the German forces however there are a number of things which trouble me about the image and I would appreciate any comments. The arm shield appears to be for Latvia but to my eye doesn't sit correctly on the sleeve, I've also never seen an arm shield on the camouflage jackets but that may just be my lack of knowledge. The infantry assault badge also appears to sit wrongly and the size compared to the arm shield also makes me wonder. The image is not clear enough to identify the shoulder straps or the two medal ribbons. The photo is a reprint of an original and sadly the printing paper gives no clues as to age or origin. I wonder if anyone has seen this photo before without the shield or badge and it has been retouched to add the Latvia connection. Your thoughts Gentlemen please.

Apologies, in my last post I put Guard Dragoons and I obviously meant Guard Hussar.

Hello there, I'm pretty sure that this is not a British Hussar uniform, the sword knot is a give away and also the headress which is just visible would not conform to that worn. His uniform is similar to that worn by the Danish Guard Dragoon regiments but that is by no means a definate identification. Hope this helps.

These two formation signs have come into my possesion amongst a World War 2 Royal Signals Majors effects. Other items include his Burma star group of minatures with MID, 12th army badges, 2nd Corps Headquarter badges, paperwork and metal insignia. I have been unable to identify these two badges although I assume they are British in origin. As can be seen from the photographs they are mismatched in their manufacture but appear to have been worn on a a uniform together. They measure 2.3 x 2 inches approx and are made of a stout but soft material. Any ideas as to their identification please?

Thanks for that, as I said this is a new area of collecting for me... Just searched on Maximillian and loads of biographical to work on. Thanks again.

And the other.

Closer image.

I am currently expanding my collecting interests and have started to accumulate and attempt to identify a number of Imperial photographs I have. I believe that this Officer is wearing a grade of the Military Karl Friedrich Merit Order at his collar and another Baden Order to his chest. Would anyone know if this chest Order is a higher grade in the MKFVO series or a different Order completely please?

Not sure if it was asked for or just sent as a matter of course, the folder contains more than one photo suggesting they could be distributed to other family members and the fact the folder states the nearest railway station makes you wonder if it was sent to next of kin so they could visit the grave if they wished. Probably an impossibility though for someone after the Great War. I have to say the Australian records website is great though, easy to use and no charge for digital access to any records they have. Interestingly it appears they still have his death plaque and his family are considering requesting this although I dont know if it would still be released.

Inside. And here's his service record from the Australian records office. Quite some service I think you'll agree.service record link

A family memorial card.

The rear.

The inside.

Just wanted to share a recent acquisition to a Surrey man who was killed in action at the Battle of Beersheba serving with the 12th Australian Light Horse. These pieces came directly from the Family of L/Cpl 316 Cecil Thomas Hills who died of his wounds on 3rd November 1917 and who is buried in the Beersheba Military Cemetry.

The sunburst and stars was apparently used by the Latvian SS but according to Littlejohns book on Foreign Volunteers of the Third Reich it was not available until after early 1945. Here is an illustration of the patch for your info. He also states that this was the traditional badge worn by the Latvian Police which ties in with your buttons. Regards Simon.

A diiferent shot of Willi Noller.

Johannes Wiese

Dr Ernst Eberling in his post war uniform.

Gerhard Thyben- a differnt view showing his German Cross.

Franz Woidich

Johan Boos

Glad to see you still look the same Glenn, slimmer and dare I say it a touch more grey hair than I remember.....

A Colour Sergeant from my collection.

3rd view

2nd view