SS-Sonderkommando Dirlewanger

[Vespa 2]

Hi to all!

On what date did the SS-Sonderkommando Dirlewanger had their collar-insignia (right side on collar) instead of the normal ss-runes?



Thanks to all!

[Vespa 2]

I speak to you real experts of German uniforms..

I would like to make this figure (this I have not painted it and it's not mine)..
I wishing to do this Obersturmführer of SS-Sonderkommando Dirlewanger in Belarus between 1942 and 1944..
I ask you some questions..



In my opinion, to appear in the correct..There is a discrepancy..
To my knowledge..The collar insignia of Dirlewanger became "custom" in August of 1943..
While the first Bandenkampfabzeichen delivered came in the spring of 1944..

So ..
Or I change the collar insignia..
Or I take off Bandenkampfabzeichen..

What do you think?
Should I make other changes?

Thanks to all, Dan

[coburg22]

Hello,

If you read "Cruel Hunters" by French MacLean (Schiffer Pub), it will tell you all about Sonderkommando Dirlewanger and it has a nice photo section as well.

Best,

James

[Vespa 2]

Unfortunately I don't have that book..
Can you at least give me some suggestions on my questions?

Thanks to all!

[coburg22]

Hello Vespa 2,

When it comes to the Anti-Partisan War Badge, the Bronze grade is ok since the Gold was not even first awarded until February 1945 unless you are taking about a later period of time. In regards to the Collar Insignia, it's up to you. Just because a new unit collar insignia came out, it doesn't always mean it was used, at least on a large scale, especially towards the end of the war. The Dirlewanger Unit had whatever the soldier had at the time when assigned to the unit since it was more of a punishment than a permanent assignment. There are those that did belong to the Dirlewanger Brigade during its entire existence who were criminals and wore that insignia as you can see from some photos, but once again not very many. The two fellows along the wall during the Warsaw Uprising in that often published photo is the only photo I have seen with that insignia in wear.

Best,

James

[Vespa 2]

Thank you very very much James!

[Ian Hulley]

You're portraying an officer, they didn't have an officer's Dirlewanger tab, it's possible officers had other ranks ones piped (as happened in other foreign units).

As for the BKA I'd not get too anal about it, he's missing his entire lower half for God's sake.

Ian

[Vespa 2]

Sorry Ian..
I did not understand..

So..
In your opinion..
This figure, may appear to represent an official Dirlewanger or not?

Then the officers of Dirlewanger..They were not of the Dirlewanger?

Sorry but my English is poor.. :roll:

[Ian Hulley]

There was no such thing as a Dirlewanger officer's tab, if you wish to recreate a Dirlewanger officer then a normal runic tab would be correct. There may be examples of other ranks tabs being piped and worn by officers (this was seen in the foreign volunteer units)

[Vespa 2]

Ok!
Thanks a lot!