Romania: Romanian military serving in Greece during WW2?

[MichaelK]

The attached is a portrait photograph of an individual known to have served with Axis occupation forces on a Greek island during WW2. It was part of a collection of locally taken portraits, all of German soldiers and NCOs. This individual, however, apart from wearing a distinctly non-military tie, does not seem to be wearing a German uniform at all. The roundel-and-cross decoration he is wearing reads, as far as I can determine "II ARMATA"; on the basis of that, and the cut of his uniform lapels, I judge him to have probably been a member of the Romanian armed forces. This is puzzling, as I am not aware of Romanian units serving in Greece. Could he have been detached on an individual basis? Perhaps as an interpreter with Italian forces?

Any confirmation, or any further information, gratefully received.

[paul wood]

Michael

I think you will find he is Italian Forces, Armata is Italian for Army and Italy occupied the Aegean Islands from 1912-1943 and many Italians settled there.

Paul

[Carol I]

The lapel stars are not Romanian. Also, in Romanian it would have been "Armata a II-a" not "II Armata".

[MichaelK]

Thanks to both, that makes a lot more sense!

[Hugh]

The lapel insignia certainly look Italian to me - but that necktie !  Yikes !

[paul wood]

Perhaps no good Italian tailors got out the Aegean Islands, looks like a grotty type of tie frequently encountered in 1960s discos.

Paul

 

[Gordon Craig]

Gentlemen,

The medal suspended from the pocket button is the cross for the 11th Italian Army.  The ribbon is missing.  Many of this type of "unofficial" awards were issued by Italian units during WWII.

Regards,

Gordon

[MichaelK]

Gordon Craig - thanks for the medal identification!