Is it possible to tell anything from this uniform?

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josie
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Is it possible to tell anything from this uniform?

#1

Post by josie » 13 Sep 2017, 15:25

This is one of the only photos I have of my grandfather, who died in 1944/5 possibly in Yugoslavia. I know that he joined NSDAP in 1933 but know nothing else about him. Can his uniform tell me anything?

Thank you.
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Waleed Y. Majeed
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Re: Is it possible to tell anything from this uniform?

#2

Post by Waleed Y. Majeed » 13 Sep 2017, 17:45

Hello Josie
I'm not sure what he exactly belonged to regarding the uniform, but it's definitely not regular Wehrmacht Heer (army). I would say something political or maybe SS. This is based on the square, dark collar tabs. No breast eagle and what looks like a "brown shirt" and tie under his jacket. Hopefully someone will give you a more precise answer. A picture of a belt buckle, more uniform or from the other side might help too.

w


josie
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Re: Is it possible to tell anything from this uniform?

#3

Post by josie » 13 Sep 2017, 18:26

Hi Waleed

I don't know much about him, and sadly don't have any better photos, but have received some documents including a "Parteistatistische Erhebung 1939" which looks like it says which Ortsgruppe, Kreis and Gau he was in in 1939 (although I can't read it!). Would that help? I can post a copy if it would help (and someone can translate for me). It also says that he was in the SA and NS-Volkswohlfahrt.

Thanks for your help.

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Waleed Y. Majeed
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Re: Is it possible to tell anything from this uniform?

#4

Post by Waleed Y. Majeed » 13 Sep 2017, 19:02

Well, I might be able to translate some of it for you. Otherwise I'm sure someone else will be willing to help. For the Volkswohlfahrt, this might help if you don't already know of it https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nationa ... 7s_Welfare

W

josie
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Re: Is it possible to tell anything from this uniform?

#5

Post by josie » 13 Sep 2017, 19:43

Thanks again. Here's the first page. He was listed as a baker in the first document from when he joined in 1933, but was an office worker by 1939.
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Waleed Y. Majeed
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Re: Is it possible to tell anything from this uniform?

#6

Post by Waleed Y. Majeed » 13 Sep 2017, 20:34

Interesting although I don't see why he should be in an office. It just states his occupation is an employee. A shame it's mot in a higher resolution. Hard to read what it says.

w

josie
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Re: Is it possible to tell anything from this uniform?

#7

Post by josie » 13 Sep 2017, 20:40

How do I scan it so it's not too large to load but you can still read it?

GregSingh
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Re: Is it possible to tell anything from this uniform?

#8

Post by GregSingh » 14 Sep 2017, 01:05

Gau had to be Berlin, but first letter looks more like G.
Perhaps he tried to write Groß-Berlin.

Kreis II was Zehlendorf-Wilmersdorf
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von thoma
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Re: Is it possible to tell anything from this uniform?

#9

Post by von thoma » 14 Sep 2017, 01:29

Seems a SD/Sipo uniform, maybe SS-Unterscharführer rank *.

* Style police shoulder board.
" The right to believe is the right of those who don't know "

josie
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Re: Is it possible to tell anything from this uniform?

#10

Post by josie » 14 Sep 2017, 15:14

Is that part in his handwriting then Greg? Any idea what the "Block" & "Zelle" part refers to?
von thoma - that fits in with the family story that he was a policeman / detective. Are there any records existing for these organisations?

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Waleed Y. Majeed
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Re: Is it possible to tell anything from this uniform?

#11

Post by Waleed Y. Majeed » 14 Sep 2017, 16:17

For the understanding of the Block & Zelle part, have a look at these links:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blockleiter
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zellenleiter
Not suggesting he was a leader of any of these but it will give you an idea of the meaning.
On your earlier question about a better scan. Try saving in a higher resolution or a bigger size. You could also try take a picture with your phone. Not knowing what software you use, it's hard to say exactly what to do

w

Graublitz
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Re: Is it possible to tell anything from this uniform?

#12

Post by Graublitz » 05 Oct 2017, 21:56

The blank collar patch would indicate membership either in the security organisations of the SS such as the Sicherheitsdienst, or possibly in Allgemeine-SS.

josie
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Re: Is it possible to tell anything from this uniform?

#13

Post by josie » 05 Oct 2017, 22:20

Thanks Graublitz. Are any records available to see if he's listed?

A few years ago I contacted the National Archives in America and they checked their SS Officer file (National Archives Collection of Foreign Records Seized (Record Group 242) and he is not listed.

I have also contacted Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) but they don't have any record of his death.

Do you think I will ever find out?

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Re: Is it possible to tell anything from this uniform?

#14

Post by Peter » 07 Jan 2018, 17:38

I agree with von Thoma,
that appears to be the uniform of SS-Unterscharführer with a blank collar patch, possibly therefore SD or similar.

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