Which country?

[Tapani K.]

I don't think they could be Latvians. Latvians would probable wear their collar-patches which are easily recognized: a rectangle with a white diagonal stripe. I think they would show in this picture. Also, I need to check this but I do not remember having seen Latvian troops with other that German M16 helmets from Latvian army stocks or standard German WWII types.

And I still think they are wearing Polish helmets.

Tapani K.

[Andy H]

When I finally get the scanner working I'll post the picture I have with members of a Latvian defence btn in Czech helmets.

One thing we all need to keep in mind was that with the large expansion of Axis auxillary forces both within Germany and outside it's natural borders that the unit's would be kitted out with what was at hand in many cases and though we may identify items of clothing and equipment coming from this country or that it doesn't always follow that this is also the nationality of the person wearing it.


Andy from the Shire

[Tapani K.]

Right, I was a bit hasty in my statement about the latvians wearing Czech helmets: I found a picture of a Latvian police battalion soldier standing guard wearing a Czech helmet. ( If the men in the picture are wearing Polish helmets like I believe, the matter of Latvians wearing Czech helmets would be irrelevant here

But, Andy, I still think that the Latvians would be wearing either Latvian or German collar patches and either of them would be visible in this kind of picture.


Regards,
Tapani K.

[Andy H]

Hi Tapani

You could well be right, I think our chance of getting to the bottom of this with any certaintity are limited.

Looking at the picture again could it be that the two Germans marching alongside them are escorting them after the group had surrendered with full military honours-thus allowing them to carry weapons to a dispersal point?

Also what were Ygoslavian soldiers dressed like in 1941?

Andy from the Shire