Latvia Latvian volunteer photo ?

[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.

[coldstream]

Any comments gentlemen please?

[leigh kitchen]

Ribbons at the buttonhole too - perhaps the insignia & awards were temporarily added to uniform to add a bit of swank for the photographer?

[coldstream]

Definately a possibility Leigh, I don't like the way the IAB sits, as if its been added to the photo.

[leigh kitchen]

I know what you mean, but if it's a bright silver colour, pinned through & dragging on the fabric of the garment as there would be no purpose added stitching loops for the pin?

Could be added to the negative or photo by hand - but the ribbons don't look as if they're added.

Even if added it's something sometimes seen on British photos, the addition of rank chevrons, medal ribbons & the like that the wearer was presumably entitled to but not at the time the photo was taken.

[coldstream]

I have seen German photos with added on decorations come to think of it, especially RKT's when newly issued. I didn't think about the medal loops which of course wouldn't be on the camo jacket.

Thanks agains.

[CAS]

Hi,

The picture shown is that of a Latvian officer Sturmabnnfuhrer Fricis Mezgravis:

DOB- 21/3/1905

DOD- 1/10/1987

EK2- 27/6/1944

Served in the 3rd "Cesis" Police regt and later in the 34th Rgt 15th division.

I have seen this pictue in a book or two, but only the upper portion is shown so that you can see only the EK2 ribbon and his face of course. Is there any writing on the back?

Regards,

CAS

[coldstream]

Hey Cas thats great , thanks.

Unfortunately its a reprint and plain on the back.

Can you let me know the book titles this man appears in please.

[CAS]

Hi,

I thought it might be a copy.Anyway off hand the above picture features in "Par Zemi Ko Milam... Latviesu Dzelzskrustnieki " by Udo Sietins. The book is in Latvian, the title translates roughly as "For the Land we Love.. Latvian Iron Cross Winners". That's the only book I can think of at the moment, however it may also appear in a few other Latvian language titles I have in my possession.

All the best,

CAS

[coldstream]

Thats brilliant CAS thanks again.

[Tiger-pie]

He had a good innings.

http://www.frontkjemper.info/show_person.php?P_ID=1347

[coldstream]

Thanks Tiger Pie, an interesting character who, as you say lasted longer than I bet he thought he would.