Luftwaffe Sometimes a relic is more than just a relic...

[Paul R]

The below pictured are a set of Sonderabteilung der Luftwaffe insignia that are in my collection. As you can see, there was a previous Roman numeral that was picked out and replaced with another signifying Luftgau XI.

After a closer look, the removed number looks like it was the Roman number 7 (VII).

After looking for a while on the net, I found that the Air War Districts(Luftgau) were not set in stone!

The roots of Luftgau XI are as follow:

Formed 1.4.36 in Hannover, initially known as Luftgau-Kommando Hannover.

In 1.9.36 it was renamed verst?rkter Luftgau-Kommando Braunschweig.

In 6.10.36, it was organized as Luftkreis-Kommando VII. (when the straps were first made).

The unit was reformed 1.4.37 and returned to Hannover. In 12.10.37 it was renamed Luftgau-Kommando IX

Finally, in 4.2.38 it was renamed Luftgau-Kommando XI(where the straps were updated).

http://www.ww2.dk/ground/hq/lg9.htm

I find little things like this fascinating. Please forgive my enthusiasm!

[peter monahan]

The below pictured are a set of Sonderabteilung der Luftwaffe insignia that are in my collection. As you can see, there was a previous Roman numeral that was picked out and replaced with another signifying Luftgau XI.

After a closer look, the removed number looks like it was the Roman number 7 (VII).

I find little things like this fascinating. Please forgive my enthusiasm!

I quite agree! To quote Arty Johnson, "Verrry Intersting". Especially that, even pre-war the Luftwaffe was re-using and re-cycling, either officially or otherwise, rather than simply issuing new straps. Would that have had to do with the way the straps were sewn into the tunic, or a way to save money?

Peter

[Ulsterman]

very cool Paul-and it dates the straps too!

[Paul R]

Thanks guys!

:jumping:

[Guest Rick Research]

Neato! Perhaps the tunic was private purchase and up to the soldier to deal with himself.

Well done! It would never have occurred to me that the numbers changed while the "place" remained the same! :cheers:

[Paul R]

Thanks Ricky!

These were never placed onto a tunic before. I think that they were from a stock pile that stayed with the unit as it went through it's reorganizations!