POW photo - a bit strange

[Robert Noss]

Got this photo that morning

Haven't seen this type of POW markings so far.

The photo was made at a photographer's studio ( painted background )

The number on the insignia is 1605 and the word " Kriegsgefangen.... (Lager ?) " is quite good to recognize.

It is no armband, it is sewn to the sleeve.

No other insignia being worn.

Any information about this one ?

Kind regards

Robert

Edited February 14, 2008 by Robert Noss

[Tony]

Could he be an Austrian captured by the Italians? His tunic doesn't look Austrian but something about his trousers and puttees do. Unfortunately I know little to nothing about Austrian and Italian uniforms so I'm really just having a guess.

Tony

[Guest Rick Research]

He is French-- the armband is sewn on because he is a "trusty" allowed out of the camp to work unsupervised (those were simpler, more honourable days).

If there was a photographer's stamp with the TOWN, I could confirm that there was a P.O.W. Camp there.

I have various photos of P.O.W.s wearing armbands out on work parties, but those were issued out and handed back in when they were finished working.

Removable armbands and permanent sleeve badges both indicate that they have authorization to leave the camp and are NOT escaping.

[Chip]

Rick,

I like that Karpathenkorps cap insignia in your first photo.

Chip