Imperial German Collar Designations? Help

[39inf]

This is a photo of my wife's Grandfather and Grandmother. Can anyone identify his unit from the collar insignia? Thanks

[Naxos]

He is a member of 20th battalion of the Landsturm formation from the XVIII. Armee-Corps (Army-Corps-District).

The XVIII. Armee-Corps are troops from the Grand Duchy of Hesse. The 20th Battaillon of Landwehr was raised in and around the city of Worms.

Forum member Chip, one of the best when it comes to Imperial German Army uniforms and insignia, can probably add more info to this thread.

Regards, Hardy

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Edited December 26, 2009 by Naxos

[Guest Rick Research]

The Landsturm was normally made up of men in their mid to late 40s. This couple both look incredibly young. Perhaps he had some health issue that excluded him from service in a line unit.

[39inf]

You guys are awesome! Thanks for the information.

Terry

[Chip]

Regardless of the nice thing that Hardy said, there is not a lot I can add, except that the shoulder strap in the photo would have looked like this pair. It is a blue (infantry) woven material, called Gurtband in German.

Chip

Edited December 27, 2009 by Chip

[joerookery]

The Landsturm was normally made up of men in their mid to late 40s. This couple both look incredibly young. Perhaps he had some health issue that excluded him from service in a line unit.

This is quite correct however, pre-war most people between the ages of 17 and 20 were also part of the Landsturm and you could also get sent to that organization as part of Musterung.