Another askari mystery photo

Chris Dale · Post by **Chris Dale** » 16 Mar 2006 13:43

Here's another strange photo (from the Frankfurt University Archive). It shows some Schutztruppe askaris in a village in East Africa. What's curious is the askari on the far right wearing a Südwester slouch hat. I've never seen East African askaris doing this before ad as far as I know it was not regulation for them. Senior NCOs in Cam,eroo wore Südwesters, but this askari has no rank insignia. Curiously it also looks like he's not wearing the white edging for DOA either.
What do other people thik of this one?
Cheers
Chris

lettow4beck · Post by **lettow4beck** » 26 Mar 2006 05:21

I noticed that these are not Schutztruppe askari rather police askari. Note the size of the eagle on the tarbusch and what could be a "P" patch on the middle askari. Maybe the Polizeitruppe wore the Sudwester. Odd though that it isn't white rimmed. Also note what appears to be a markmanship strip on the lower left sleeve of the askari with the slouch hat.

Chris Dale · Post by **Chris Dale** » 26 Mar 2006 14:35

Well, spotted with the arm patch... but curious that they're not all wearing it, especially the gy with the Südwester... And I think you might be right about that large Polizeitruppe eagle.
Cheers
Chris

lettow4beck · Post by **lettow4beck** » 26 Mar 2006 15:20

Looking again, I also notice the one with the Sudwester has a standing collar. Very odd.

Peter H · Post by **Peter H** » 27 Mar 2006 13:18

He's also barefoot.