For many years the man with Mussolini in the photo below has always been identified as Erwin Ettel, the Landesgruppenleiter of the AO in Italy. But in fact this is not Ettel at all. It is his successor Emil Ehrich. Ettel was awarded the Iron Cross First Class in WWI and was also a member of the fledgling Marine Submarine Service in WWI and had a service badge. Ettel wore both of these medals on his uniform. Note the medals on the photo of Ettel and absence of the medals on the man with Mussolini.
Mark Costa
Another ID Correction
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Re: Another ID Correction
Do we know the date of the photo with Mussolini?
Thanks,
Greg
Thanks,
Greg
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Re: Another ID Correction
The date was around the time that Ettel was replaced by Ehrich in 1939. My assumption is that the original press release listed that the man was head of the AO in Italy but did not list his name. As Ettel was the head of the AO for long period of time it was naturally assumed to be him and not his successor. The man resembles Ehrich and is definitely not Ettel. And in fact here is a photo taken at the same time that shows both Ettel on the far left, and the man in question, who I believe to Ehrich on the far right. Hence the man in the original photo is not Ettel.
Mark Costa
Mark Costa
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Re: Another ID Correction
Thank you.
Erwin Ettel participated in celebrations of 17th Anniversary of March on Rome, 28-30 Oct. 1939.
Press note about Emil Ehrich replacing Ettel appeared at the end of November.
Erwin Ettel participated in celebrations of 17th Anniversary of March on Rome, 28-30 Oct. 1939.
Press note about Emil Ehrich replacing Ettel appeared at the end of November.