The huge assault battalion ..

[Chris Boonzaier]

Thanks to CM I have the opportunity to present some scans that may really get the mind working....

Here are some men of Surmbataillon 5 (Rohr).......

I was surprised to see only a few had carbines, most had GW98

[Chris Boonzaier]

I am of the opinion that this is a small group of Rohr Pioniers who were training a group of Infanttrymen.

Most obvious in this photo?

Rohr man on the right, in the middle it seems to be a man with field grey shoulderboards ending with a "2"

[Chris Boonzaier]

The following from those I assume to be infantrymen....

[Chris Boonzaier]

Photo can be dated between mid November 1916- July1917,

Maybe 52 IR?

They were however Prussian... but the extra ribbons make me think non Prussian?

[Chris Boonzaier]

Better pics.....

[Chris Boonzaier]

could it be a "57" ??

[Chip]

Chris,

I think your first impression was right, this last number is a "2". Nice investigative work on the photo!

Chip

[Chris Boonzaier]

Well, the ribbons look almost Bavarian, but the "?2" makes it unlikely (as the "?" looks almost like a 5 or 3)

Anyone want to have a guess about the ribbons?

Thanks

Chris

[Chris Boonzaier]

Anyone want to guestimate what ribbons they are wearing?