Official Numbers of German Naval Personnel

Official Numbers of German Naval Personnel. A simplified system of official numbers (Stammrollennummern) was introduced in December, 1941, to take effect from 1st January, 1942. It only applies, however, to entries after that date, and the old system remains in force for previous entries.

Old System. Typical numbers which may be taken as examples are: N 1329/37 S and O 151/41 T.

1. All entries into the Kriegsmarine are divided between depôts (Stamm-marineteile) of the Admiral Commanding the Baltic and the Admiral Commanding the North Sea, and bear a distinguishing letter either ( (Ostsee) or N (Nordsee), accordingly.

2. 1329 and 151 are the serial numbers of the individuals (Jahrgangsnummer).

3. 37 and 41 are the years of entry (Einstellungsjahrgang), viz.: 1937 and 1941.

4. The letters after the numbers refer to the branch of the service to which the man belongs (Ausbildungszeichen). The following are known:
S stands for Seemännische (Seaman branch)
T stands for Technische (Technical)
KS stands for Küstenschule (Coastal school)
KT stands for (not known, possibly Kustentechnische - Coastal Technical).
ES stands for Ersatzseemännische (Reserve Seaman branch)
ET stands for Ersatztechnische (Reserve Technical branch)
E stands for Ersatz (Reserve)

U-Boat personnel are understood to have the letter U prefixed to the O or N.
New System:
1. O and N are retained as before.
2. The letters after the name disappear as a general rule. Conscripts (Dienstpflichtige), however, bear the letter D.
3. Naval recruits, continuous service volunteers (Flottenrekruten), (Ungedienende Freiwillige) and all members of the shore establishments (Küstendienst) are given uneven numbers by the Baltic Station and even numbers by the North Sea Station, e.g.: O 101/42, N 102/42, O 103/42 D.

4. Recruits in Laufbahnen (see Appendix I) XIV, XV and XVIII, (Marienartillerie, Kraftfahrer and Flugmelde), receive their numbers similarly with the letter K added, e.g.: N 52/42 K.

5. The Marinestammregiment Beveloo (Belgium) (believed to be Marinestosstruppen) keep their previous system, numbers and suffixed letters, but the letters M St. R are substituted for O and N., e.g.: M St. R 30100 S.

6. On being moved from one depôt to the other the letter of the new station is prefixed to the letter of the old. On return to the original depôt the new letter is once more dropped. This applies to pre-1942 numbers as well, e.g.: ON 951/41 S.

7. Identification discs (Erkennungsmarken) are in future to bear the word "Kriegsmarine" for all members of the Navy, with the official number and the letter for the blood group of the man, e.g.:
B
Kriegsmarine
202/42 K
-------------
B
Kriegsmarine
202/42 K

The owner's name will apparently not be shown.

A comprehensive listing of Job/training specialities and positions and what they represent in English. This resource can make it simpler to research and title items accurately.

Abteilungsarzt Battalion Physician
Abteilungschef im Reichskriegs-Ministerium Departmental Head in the War Office
Abteilungskommandeur Battalion Commander
Abteilungsschreiber Battalion Headquarters Clerk
Abteilungsveterinär Battalion Veterinary Doctor
Adjutant Adjutant
Amtsgehilfe Administration Clerical Official in a Department
Amtsobergehilfe Senior Administration Clerical Official in a Department
Amtsrat Senior Administration Official
Arbeiter Labourer
Arzt Physician
Auswerter Plotter / Evaluator
Autoschlosser Motor Vehicle Mechanic
Bäckermeister Master Baker
Bataillonsarzt Battalion Physician
Bataillonskommandeur Battalion Commander
Bataillonsveterinär Battalion Veterinary Doctor
Batterieführer Battery Commander
Batterieoffizier Firing Battery Commander
Batterieschreiber Battery Headquarters Clerk
Beamter Armed Forces Civil Servant / Government Service Official / Civilian Employee in Military Service
Beobachter Observer
Beobachtungsoffizier Observation Officer
Beschlagschmied Farrier / Horse(shoe) Smith
Betreuungsoffizier Entertainment Officer
Betriebmeister Managerial Works Supervisor
Betriebsleiter Managerial Works Leader
Bibliothekar Librarian
Blechschuster Tin Smith
Bootsmann Boat Operator
Botenmeister Messenger
Chef des Stabes Chief of Staff
Direktor Director
Direktor bei der Heeresfeuerwerker und Panzertruppenschule Director of the Army Ordnance and Panzer Troop Schools
Direktor bei der Heeres-Plankammer Director of the Army Chamber of Planning
Direktor beim Heeresarchiv Wien Director of the Army Archives at Vienna
Direktor beim Heeresmuseum Berlin-Zeughaus Director of the Army Museum at Berlin-Zeughaus
Direktor des Heerestechnischen Buros Director of the Army Technical Bureau
Divisionionsarzt Division Physician
Divisonskommandeur Division Commander
Dolmetscher Interpreter
Dreher Lathe Operator
Drucker Printer
Elektriker Electrician
Elektromechaniker Electro Mechanic
Entfernungsmesser Rangefinder / Distance Measurer
Erkunder Scout
Erkundungsoffizier Observation Officer
Facharbeiter Specialist
Fachschulrektor Headmaster of a Technical School
Fachstudiendirektor Deputy Director of Technical Studies
Fachstudienrat Instructor in Technical Studies
Fahnenschmied Farrier NCO
Fahrer Driver
Fahrer vom Bock Wagoner (the driver of a horse-drawn vehicle sitting on the driver's seat [the box])
Fahrer vom Sattel Horse Team Leader (the driver of a horse-drawn vehicle sitting on one of the horses)
Feinmechaniker Optics Technician
Feldbischof Chaplain-General to the Forces
Feldfunksprecher Field Radio Operator
Feldgendarm Military Policeman
Feldkoch Cook
Feldkochunteroffizier Cook NCO
Feldwebel Sergeant
Fernsprecher Telephonist
Festungsoberwerkmeister Fortifications NCO in Charge of a Workshop
Festungswerkmeister Fortifications NCO in a Workshop
Feuerwerker Ordnance NCO / Pyrotechnician / Military Artificer
Flakwaffenwart Antiaircraft Weapon Armorer
Flugmeldeauswerter Air Observation Evaluator
Flugmelder Air Observer
Führer Leader
Führer der Gefechtsfahrzeuge Leader of the Company / Battery Vehicles
Funker Radio Operator
Funkmeister Senior Radio Operator
Funkwart Radio Repairman
Futtermeister Fodder NCO
Gaschützunteroffizier Chemical Warfare NCO
Gefechtsschreiber Headquarters Clerk
Generalintendant General Commisariat Commander
Generalstabintendant General Staff Commisariat Commander
Gerätverwalter Equipment Administrator
Gerätwart Equipment Repairman
Geschützbedienung Gun Crew
Geschützführer Gun Layer / Gun Captain / Gun Commander
Getreibeschlosser Drive Train Mechanic
Gewerbeoberlehrer Senior Teacher in Trade Subjects
Gruppenführer Section Leader Also a General Rank for the SS and other political/paramilitary formations
Gruppenintendant Army Group Commisariat Commander
Handelsoberlehrer Senior Teacher in Commercial Subjects
Handwerker Craftsman
Haptfeldwebel Senior Company NCO / Company First Sergeant
Hauptwachmeister Senior Battery NCO / Battery First Sergeant
Hauswart Caretaker
Heeresarchivdirektor Army Archive Director
Heeresarchivrat Army Archival Advisor
Heeresbaudirektor Director of Army Building or Construction
Heeresforstamtsmann Administration Official in the Army Forestry Commission
Heeresforstmeister Army Forestry Commissioner
Heereshauptwerkmeister Army Workshop Superintendent
Heeresintendant Army Commisary
Heeresjustizamtmann Army Judicial Service
Heeresjustizwachtmeister Army Court Martial Orderly NCO
Heereslandwirtschaftrat Councillor in the Army Agricultural Department
Heeresmachinenmeister Army Master Machinist / Mechanic
Heeresmaschinenbaudirektor Director of Army Construction Machinery
Heeresmusikinspizient Director of Army Music
Heeresoberförster Army Forester
Heeresoberforstmeister Senior Army Forestry Commissioner
Heeresoberpfarrer Senior Army Chaplain
Heeresoberwerkmeister Army Workshop Superintendent
Heerespfarrer Army Chaplain
Heeresrevierförster Army Forestry Official
Heeressattlermeister Army Master Saddler
Heeresschneidermeister Army Master Tailor
Heeresschuhmachermeister Army Master Shoemaker / Cobbler
Heeressportlehrer Army Sports Instructor
Heeresunterförster Army Forester
Heereswerkmeister NCO in Charge of an Army Workshop
Heizer Fireman
Hilfsbeobachter Assistant Observer
Hilfsprüfer Assistant Controller
Hiwi (Hilfswilliger) Foreign Volunteer for Military Service
Holzarbeiter Wood Worker
Inspektor (technische and nichttechnische) Official in Technical or Non-Technical Trade
Intendant Administrative Services Official [ranking as Colonel]
Intendanturamtmann Member of an Army Administrative Services Department [ranking as an enlisted man]
Intendanturassessor Administrative Services Official [ranking as Captain]
Intendanturasinspektor Administrative Services Official [ranking as Lieutenant Colonel]
Intendanturrat Administrative Services Official [ranking as Major]
Kanonier Gunner
Kanzleivorsteher Orderly Room - Head Clerk
Kartenzeichner Cartographer
Kartograph Cartographer
Kettenkraftradfahrer Kettenkrad Driver
Klempner Plumber
Koch Cook
Kommandant Commandant
Kommandeur Commander
Kompanieführer Company Commander
Kompanietrossführer Company Train Leader
Kompanietruppführer Company Headquarters Section Leader
Korpsintendant Army Corps Supply Services Official
Korpssattlermeister Army Corps Master Saddler
Kradmelder Motorcycle Messenger
Kraftfahrzeugelektriker Motor Vehicle Electrician
Kraftfahrzeugmotorenschlosser Motor Vehicle Motor Mechanic
Kraftfahrzeugschlosser Motor Vehicle Mechanic
Kraftwagenbeifahrer Motor Vehicle Co-Driver
Kraftwagenfahrer Motor Vehicle Driver
Krankenträger Stretcher Bearer
Kriegsgerichter Judge Advocate General Branch
Kriegsgerichtsrat Member of Court Martial Committee
Laborant Laboratory Technician
Ladeschütze Loader
Lagermeister NCO in a Depot
Lagerwart Depotman
Laufwerkschlosser Running Gear Mechanic
Lehrer Teacher
Leiter Chief Leader
Lichtpauser Photographer
Lithograph Lithographer
Magazinmeister NCO in Charge of a Depot
Maler Painter
Mann Enlisted Man
Mannschaft Enlisted Man / Other Rank
Maschinengewehrschütze Machine Gunner
Meldefahrer Motor Vehicle Messenger
Meldefahrer Messenger (Motor Vehicle)
Melder Messenger / Runner
Meldereiter Messenger (Horse-Mounted)
Ministerial Direktor Minister and Head of a Government Ministry
Ministerialamtsgehilfe Administration Clerical Official in a Ministry
Ministerialbürodirektor Administration Official in a Ministry
Ministerialdirigent Administrative Official in a Ministry (Usually of Generalleutnant Rank)
Ministerialkanzleivorsteher Administration Official - Head Clerk in a Ministry
Ministerialoberamtsgehilfe Senior Administration Clerical Official in a Ministry
Ministerialrat Advisor to the Minister
Ministerialrat (mit den Dienstgradabzeichen des Generales) Advisor to the Minister with the Rank of General
Ministerialregistrator Registrar in a Ministry
Mitarbeiter Assistant Clerk
Motorschlosser Motor Mechanic
Mühlenmeister Master Miller
Munitionskanonier Ammunition Handler (Artillery)
Munitionsschütze Ammunition Handler
Musiker Bandsman
Musikmeister Band Leader
Nachrichtenmechaniker Signals Technician
Nachrichtenoffizier Signal Officer
Nachrichtenunteroffizier Signal NCO
Oberbotenmeister Senior Messenger
Oberfachschullehrer Teacher in an Advanced Technical School
Oberfachschulrat Principal in a Technical School
Oberfachstudiendirektor Director of Technical Studies
Oberfeldapotheker Apothecary
Oberfeldzahlmeister Senor Paymaster
Oberfuttermeister Senior Fodder NCO
Oberheeresarchivrat Army Archival Advisor
Oberinspektor (technisch and nichttechnisch) Senior Official in Tecnhical Trade or Non-Technical Trade
Oberintendanturrat Commisariat
Oberkartograph Senior Cartographer
Oberkriegsgerichtsrat Member of Court Martial Committee
Oberlagermeister Senior NCO in a Depot
Oberlandwirtschaftsrat Agricultural Advisor
Obermaschinist Senior Fitter
Obermusikinspizient Director of Army Music
Oberregierungsbaurat Construction or Building Administration Official
Oberregierungschemiker Chemistry Administration Official
Oberregierungsrat Senior Administration Official
Oberreichskriegsanwalt Judge Advocate General
Oberreichskriegsanwalt Senior Attorney in the War Office
Obersekretär (technisch und nichttechnisch) Senior Secretary in Technical and Non-Technical Trade
Oberstabsapotheker Apothecary
Oberstabzahlmeister Senior Paymaster
Oberstabzahlmeister Senior Administration Official
Oberstapotheker Apothecary
Oberstkriegsgerichtsrat Member of Court Martial Committee
Oberstudiendirektor Army Education Official
Obertrigonometer Trigonometric Official
Oberwaffenmeister Armourer
Oberwerkmeister Senior Workshop Supervisor
Oberzahlmeister Paymaster
Offizier Officer
Ordnanzoffizier Aide (-de-Camp) (Officer)
Ordonnanz Aid (Enlisted)
Panzerbüchsenschütze Antitank Rifleman
Panzerelektromechaniker Armored Vehicle Electrician
Panzerelektroschweisser Armored Vehicle Arc Welder
Panzerführer Armored Vehicle Commander
Panzerfunkwart Armored Vehicle Radio Repairman
Panzergetriebenschlosser Armored Vehicle Drive Train Mechanic
Panzerjägerführer Antitank Vehicle Commander
Panzermotorenschlosser Armored Vehicle Motor Mechanic
Panzerschlosser Armored Vehicle Mechanic
Panzerschützen Infantryman in an Armored Vehicle
Panzerwart Armored Vehicle Mechanic
Peiler Direction Finder
Pferdeführer Horse Leader (driver on foot guiding the horse(s) of a horse-drawn vehicle)
Pferdehalter Horse Holder (Groom)
Pferdewärter Groom (Horse Holder)
Photograph Photographer
Pionier Pioneer / Engineer / Sapper
Planoffizier Triangulation Officer
Postfachkraft Postal Worker
Präparator Candidate
Präsident President
Präsident des Heeresarchives Wien President of the Army Archives at Vienna
Prüfer Accounts Controller
Quartiermeister Quartermaster
Rechner Calculator
Rechnungsführer Accountant
Regierungsbaurat Construction or Building Administration Official
Regierungschemiker Chemistry Administration Official
Regierungsdirektor (Museum Wien) Administration Director of the Vienna Museum
Regierungsrat Administration Official
Regimentsadjutant Regiment Adjutant
Regimentsarzt Regiment Physician
Regimentskommandeur Regiment Commander
Regimentskraftfahroffizier Regiment Motor Officer
Regimentssattlermeister Regimental Master Saddler
Regimentsschreiber Regiment Headquarters Clerk
Regmentsveterinär Regiment Veterinary Doctor
Reichskreigsgerichtswachtmeister State Judicial Service Orderly NCO
Reichskriegsgerichtsrat Army Court Martial Councillor
Richter Judge
Richtkreisunteroffizier Gun Layer NCO / Gun Director NCO
Richtschütze Gunner
Sachbearbeiter Clerk
Sanitätsoffizier Medical Officer
Sanitätsunteroffizier Medical NCO
Sattelpferd Near Horse
Sattler Saddler / Harness Maker
Scherenfernrohrunteroffizier Scissors Telescope NCO
Schirrmeister Foreman / Harness Keeper / Depotkeeper NCO / Maintenance Technical Sergeant
Schleifer Polisher
Schlosser Mechanic
Schmied Smith
Schneider Tailor
Schreiber Recorder
Schumacher / Schuster Shoemaker / Cobbler
Schwadronführer Company Commander (Cavalry Arm)
Schwadrontruppführer Company Headquarters Section Leader (Cavalry Arm)
Schweisser Welder
Sekretär (technisches und nichttechnisches) Secretary in Technical and Non-Technical Trade
Senatspräsident beim Reichskriegsgericht President of a Court Martial
Spähtruppführer Scout Section Leader
Stabsapotheker Chemist
Stabzahlmeister Paymaster
Staffelführer Detachment Leader
Stellmacher Cartwright / Wheelwright
Stellungsunteroffizier Gun Position NCO
Steuermann Helmsman (driver of a boat)
Studiendirektor Army Senior Education Official
Studienrat Army Education Official
Tankwart Fuel Handler
Technischer Oberamtsmann Technical Administration Official
Tischler Joiner / Cabinet Maker
Trigonometer Trigonometric Official
Trossführer Train Leader
Truppenarzt Troop Doctor
Truppführer Team Leader
Unteroffizier NCO
Urkundsbeamter Document Clerk
Verbindungsoffizier Liaison Officer
Vermessungsamtmann Survey Official
Vermessungsdienst Measuring Service
Verpflegungsmann Rations Handler
Verpflegungsunteroffizier Rations NCO
Verwaltungsamtmann Administration Official
Veterinäroffizier Veterinary Officer
Vorgeschobener Beobachter Forward Observer
Vorhandwerker Leading Craftsman
Vorreiter Outrider (Escort on horseback of a horse-drawn vehicle)
Vorstand der Heeres-Plankammer Head of the Army Chamber of Planning
Vorwarner Advance Warning Man
Wächter Watchman / Guard
Waffenmeister Armorer
Waffenmeistergehilfe Assistant Armorer
Waffenmeisterunteroffizier Master Armorer NCO
Waffenoberrevisor Senior Armament Official
Waffenrevisor Armament Official
Waffenunteroffizier Armorer NCO
Wagenbegleiter Escort on foot for a horse-drawn vehicle
Wagenführer Leader of the horse-drawn vehicles in the Train
Wallmeister Fortification Official
Wehrmachtkriegspfarrer Chaplain
Wehrmachtoberpfarrer Senior Chaplain to the Forces
Wehrmachtpfarrer Chaplain to the Forces
Werferführer Launcher or Mortar Gunner
Werkführer Foreman
Werkmeister Foreman / Chief Technician (master at arms in charge of weapon repair)
Werkstättenvorsteher Official in Charge of Workshop
Wermachtdekan Senior Chaplain to the Forces, Army Dean
Zahlmeister Paymaster / Finance Officer
Zeichner Draftsman
Zimmermann Carpenter
Zugführer Platoon Leader
Zugtruppführer Platoon Headquarters Section Leader

Charles Warriner, "Official Numbers of German Naval Personnel", 2010

Collecting Basics - Fake Nazi Cloth Items

The Nazi Regime in Germany, found that more manpower was needed, to prosecute their war of aggression.

The amount of forces they opposed as well as controlling the vast area of conquered territories, was simply too much for their own German teutonic supermen to handle unassisted.

Policies were enacted, which brought foreign legions into existence, composed of volunteers from other nations. These Legions often received insignias to identify them and give a sense of community as well.

In this article, we will look at some examples of the sleeve shields of various freiwilligen (Volunteer) Foreign Legions, of the German Army and the Waffen SS.

First up is a collection of various authentic, original shields. Every item pictured in this one photo is the genuine article. Some are fairly easy to locate and affordable. Other shields are extremely rare. Their availability compared to the demand for them, has caused their true value to reveal itself.

Many are approximately $250, but scarcer patterns can sell from $750 to $1250.

All Third Reich insignias, have been reproduced in counterfeits by forgers for decades, and sleeve shields are no exception. For instance here are 2 originals, under different lighting conditions and having seen different use and wear. Still it is obvious that the two insignias are the same pattern.

And here is a printed Fake. Many of the printed sleeve shields have been reproduced..

Original printed variations did exist of many shields, but Screen printed repros have been widely distributed throughout the hobby. They are inexpensive and if you do not know what real ones look like you may get stuck with fakes.

An original Bevo Don Kossack, and a fake "Local made side by side.
The one on the right was made to fool a collector, and it did.
Someone bought a humped up tunic with this shield upon its sleeve.

Local Variants abound, and that reality is used to sell fakes, which are made up to seem local made.

Cloth Freiwillige Abzeichen came in several accepted forms. 1st is the machine woven or gewebt production type commonly know as Bevo.

Here is an original BEVO pattern Turkistan ( a unit that was involved in Normandy). Next to it is one of the new high quality woven fakes made specifically to fool a collector.. So Bevo is not foolproof and safe.

As far as I can determine the bevo models are safe to buy, if they compare favorably with a known original. The replica bevo patterns make several types of errors. Be sure and compare not only the design and stitching, but the rear details and also the base colors.

Charles Warriner, "Collecting Basics - Fake Nazi Cloth Items", Militaria Blog, 2009

The Waffen-SS Indian Legion

Collecting items from the era of the Third Reich is interesting. Research on these events reveals much about the nature of the individuals and formations who participated in the war. Many examples can be found, of men in desperate situations who earn respect with their actions, even from the enemies they fought against. Other formations earn shame, notoriety, and eternal disgust for their despicable and inhuman behavior.

In the closing stages of World War II, as Allied and French resistance forces were driving Hitler's now demoralised forces from France, three senior German officers defected. The information they gave British intelligence was considered so sensitive that in 1945 it was locked away, not due to be released until the year 2021. Thousands of Indian soldiers, who had joined Britain in the fight against fascism, betrayed the oath to the King of England. They then swore to serve Adolf Hitler. This betrayal threatened to rock British rule in India, known as the Raj. The story the German officers told their interrogators began in Berlin on 3 April 1941. This was the date that the left-wing Indian revolutionary leader, Subhas Chandra Bose, arrived in the German capital. Bose, who had been arrested 11 times by the British in India, had fled the Raj with one mission in mind. That was to seek Hitler's help in pushing the British out of India. Bose hoped to raise a force of about 100,000 men which, when armed and kitted out by the Germans, could be used to invade British India. He decided to raise them by going on recruiting visits to Prisoner-of-War camps in Germany which, at that time, confined tens of thousands of Indian soldiers captured by Rommel in North Africa.

This photo shows a battle equipped unit of the legion. Various uniforms, overseas caps, trousers are in uses. Of particular note are the supposedly "Luftwaffe" or "SS" or Heer Tropical boots, and the use of grenade bags. None of them seem to be wearing the sleeve shield.

The Legion Freies Indien / Indisches Infanterie Regiment 950 was organized as a standard German army infantry regiment of three battalions each of four companies. They were issued Standard German Army tropical uniforms and weapons. Many wore the traditional Indian turban , others chose the Hats, caps, and helmets of the German army.

The Indian Legion Flag

All commissioned officers of I.R. 950 (ind) were German, but after a brief course some Indian NCO's were commissioned, in October 1943.

The unit was partially Motorised, being equipped with 81 motor vehicles and 700 horses, and was later referred to as Panzergrenadier Regiment 950 (indische) presumably to reflect its semi-Motorized status.

Members of the Free India Legion during training for duties on the Atlantic Wall, circa 1943.

The German High Command despatched them first to Holland and then south-west France, where they were told to help fortify the coast for an expected allied landing. The Legion Freies Indien was deployed in France on coastal defense duties in the area of Lacanau near Bordeaux where they were inspected by Generalfeldmarschall Rommel. Rommel was responsible for their original capture in North Afrika.

On 8th August 1944 the Free Indian Legion (now comprising about 2,300 men), like all the national legions of the German Army, was transferred to the control of the Waffen-SS as the Indische Freiwilligen Legion der Waffen-SS. A new commanding officer, SS Oberführer Heinz Bertling, was installed.

Despite the change in authority from Army to Waffen SS, the Indian Legion continued to use Army ranks and uniforms. The notorious SS map of February 1945 does show SS collar tabs featuring a tiger's head for the Free Indian Legion but it is unlikely that it was even manufactured and almost certainly it was never actually worn. However the Sleeve Shield for the legion was widely worn, though not universally.

Legion members wearing the shield on their greatcoats .

After D-Day, the Free India Legion, were in headlong retreat through France. They suffered their first and only combat casualties during this retreat while being engaged by French resistance fighters. They lost one man dead and a few wounded.

It was during this time that they gained a loathsome reputation amongst the civilian population. The former French Resistance fighter, Henri Gendreaux, remembers the Legion passing through his home town of Ruffec: "I do remember several cases of rape. A lady and her two daughters were raped, and in another case they even shot dead a two-year-old little girl."

Here are genuine original examples of the special sleeve insignias manufactured and issued to the members of the Indian Legion. Any other varieties should be considered reproductions.

The Printed Version on Linen

Three legion members wearing various tunics, with the legion shield on their right upper sleeves.

The "BEVO" Woven Version made with Rayon

Legion members in the Westwall Dunes.

Sandar e Jang (War Lord) Breast Badge, for "great personal bravery against the enemy". Obviously Manufactured, but likely never presented considering their battle history.

The 2nd class medal . A version without swords, Vir i Hind (Hero of India) was to be awarded for "distinguished service"

Charles Warriner, "The Waffen-SS Indian Legion", Militaria Blog, 2009

A Museum Visit

The Royal Museum of the Army and Military History of Belgium, was created in 1910 at the Abbaye de la Cambre. The museum moved into the Palais du Cinquantenaire in 1923. It is potentially the richest in the world, extending far beyond National military history. A library with a total of 450,000 volumes is open to the public.

Hall of Arms and Armor: A splendid display of 11C- 18C weapons and late 15C-17C amour of the Archduke Albert (1599) Also an astonishing child’s suit of armor (16C) which belonged to Joseph-Ferdinand of Bavaria, the son of the Governor of the Netherlands.

General Antique Era Collections: Housed under the quadriga of the archways in a long room resembling a vaulted cellar, this varied collection consists of some 300 items of military headgear (pre-Revolutionary France. England, Germany, Russia, Belgium, French First Empire, Second Empire and Restoration), 600 sabers and swords, as well as First Empire uniforms and musical instruments.

The Age of Empires (1750-1815): Various souvenirs evoke the French period, particularly the Battle of Waterloo. A portrait of Napoleon is attributed to Jacques-Louis David.

1831-1914: This room contains the essence of the museum’s collections; the disparate display shows the development of the Belgian army’s uniform, the Civil Guard, the Belgian Royal Navy, long-distance expeditions, and the Belgian voluntary overseas service, from Congo to Pekin, Mexico, headgear and equipment from the war of 1870, Personal effects (clothing and decorations) of Belgium’s first two kings, Leopold I and Leopold II.

The Great War 1914-18: This new room displays various uniforms, weapons, helmets and military relics from everyday life, from all the armed forces that at fought in the First World War.

Tanks and Artillery are displayed in abundance, and range from the earliest examples to modern equipment.

Second World War: WW2 is barely mentioned in their promotions, however it is very well represented. The displays include many rare items from Germany's Third Reich Wehrmacht.

The Air and Space section: It includes some 150 aircraft, dominated by a Sabena Caravelle; the collection consists principally of fighter aircraft, of which 70 are on display. On the ground floor are fighter-bombers, and propeller and supersonic aircraft including the following: a British Spitfire (1943 – the most famous), a 1945 Havilland Mosquito and a 1951 Meteor; an American Douglas DC3 “Dakota” , a Fairchild C119, a 1950 Sabre, and a 1958 Phantom; a Soviet Mig, and a Fouga Magister. The gallery mainly features a par­ticularly fine collection of First World War aircraft; a copy of Baron Manfred von Richthofen’s German Fokker, a British Bristol, a Caudron, a Maurane-Saulnier, a Schreck, a Span, a French Voisin and many more rare aircraft.

Charles Warriner, "A Museum Visit", Militaria Blog, 2009

General Assault Badges - A Second Look

There has been a lot of speculation and debate over the existence of Genuine Heer (German Army) General Assault badges with a bronzed finish.

It has been claimed the award was never authorized, manufactured, distributed, awarded or worn during the Third Reich.

It may make some collectors feel important, passing these opinions out as absolute fact. However, because a collector might not locate one of these rare badges in his searching, that does not make these claims true.

The pronouncements of self-proclaimed "experts", have tended to state these things as actual facts too. Where they get this insider information, (since NONE of them was ever there, in any Third Reich situation to verify these claims) is a mystery to me. Still sheep will follow a ram without question, and apparently the louder the bleating, the more the sheep feel comforted by their new found knowledge.

The problem with stating absolutes as empirical truths, and as facts, is that often there is no way to actually prove them. It is also a bit disconcerting to the expert when original examples inconveniently exist despite their claims. Over the years from 1965 until now I have personally examined a couple of dozen examples of this "Never authorized, manufactured, distributed, awarded or worn badge".

I know these pieces to be original to the war era. Out of all the Bronze General Assault Badges I ever saw, I managed to acquire these 5 beautiful examples.

Note that all of these are in near perfect condition with great finishes that are all variants of bronze colors.

Note also that all 5 are totally different from one another, in many respects. So several companies did produce the badge in bronze finish.

It is interesting that, as is typical with the majority of General Assault badges in the basic grade, there are no markings on 4 of the 5 which I own.

I speculate, they may have been considered as the model for Panzer Grenadiers. Obviously, they were manufactured, and some were located and found as war souvenirs. Perhaps they were not distributed, or were not sold or awarded once distributed. They could have all been still in displays at the German Uniform accoutrement stores, at war's end. They may well have still been in the factory storerooms. Once made, no German manufacturer would destroy items that cost him, unless there was no choice in the matter. That could be why most are found in great condition.

The General Assault badge is actually fairly tough to find exceptional examples of. Most are in zinc and often without any finish. Many have missing pins or catches or are corroded. I feel lucky to own the examples pictured below.

I am just a collector who worked hard to find what I have. I know the five bronze finished badges, are genuine items, and made during the war years in Germany. The rest is just guessing and speculation.

For some strange reason we Americans feel we are entitled to perfection, and somehow things are not right if we do not know the bottom line. Apparently even misinformation is better than none or doubt! Sometimes we do not have all the answers, unless we are one of those famous and important experts, who seem to know everything!

Charles Warriner, "General Assault Badges - A Second Look", Militaria Blog, 2009

The RZM SS Wool Armband

In Nazi Germany, there existed a quixotic mixture of manufacturing firms. The textile industry was a large factor in Hitler's plan to re-vitalize his Third Reich. These consisted of industrial corporations, small regional companies and "Mom and Pop" shops. Even tailoring shops did a certain amount of manufacturing. Not only did they make uniforms, they often made shoulder straps, collar patches, and other cloth insignia as well.

The RZM mark found on Nazi State contracted goods, was the signet of quality control, proof of license, and an ominous warning for would be counterfeitors. It was a crime to have manufactured an unapproved state controlled item under Nazi law. To qualify for the license to produce a single RZM regulated item, a "Probe", or a proof item was required to be submitted to the RZM for inspection. This cap, badge, flag or other sample would then be approved if it met the standards of the RZM.



In Hitler's Germany, counterfeiting an RZM item, was dealt with in Criminal Court. Stealing from the state would be dealt with harshly. Controlled goods were not costly. Going into competition with government contracted industrial factories would not have been a profitable criminal enterprise when any company could try for an RZM approval.

This armband is an official government uniform accessory. It is manufactured to strict government design, and materials regulations. These are standardized official pieces of insignia. There are no significant variations of the wool black edged band in this grade. This is the "patented" model, inspected rigorously by the RZM and rejected immediately if not up to the standard defined by the design specifications.

This photo clearly illustrates the rayon grosgrain edge ribbon on 9 absolutely 100% original, Allgemeine SS RZM



Fine quality red melton, or doeskin wool badgecloth comprises the body of the armband. Note that the color is very consistent. An indication of strict uniformity control in a nation where there are dozens of variations of "Field Grey".

A 10 MM band of black artificial silk grosgrain rayon ribbon, is mounted on each edge of the face in the prescribed position. Unlike many armbands, the raw cut wool edge, is folded over and sewn over onto the front face of the body of the wool. The application of the black ribbon edge band, covers the raw edge of the wool and leaves a clean appearance on the interior.



The old saying "Exception to the rule", applies even in the rigid confines of the RZM regulations. Here is a veteran acquired example, which is up to spec in every respect save one. The border area is sewn over on the rear face of the wool, and the raw edge is exposed. It was worn, removed from a uniform, and is known to be original. I speculate that it was tailor made as part of an officer's uniforms order, and was applied during the assembly of the uniform. The lazy RZM approved tailor, apparently never applied the RZM tag either!



There is also an armband specifically said, to be for the Black Algemeine SS overcoat or mantel. It should closely resemble the black edged model but without the ribbon stripes themselves. In fact it will likely appear to be a wool Nazi Party or S.A. armband except for carrying a black cloth or black printed on white SS RZM tag, instead of the blue printed on white N.S.D.A.P. or S.A. tag.
The armbands are often found with either their cloth or paper inspection tag. The paper tags are often missing as they were applied with a simple adhesive glue. Use and cleaning, are the likely reason for those losses.



The color displays differently on computers. The best true example of the actual red used seems to be the red leaf of the Christmas flower, the poinsetta. Here is a picture of the leaf laying on the armband. I would classify it as blood red.

Note how the color is so similar despite different use, condition and soiling.


The Nazis were not playing around. Anybody, including an ss man, could get in a world of trouble, for not towing the official line at all times. It is unlikely an RZM item would either be non-standard, or counterfeit during that regime. Any anomaly would be noticed immediately on parade by a sharp eyed NCO during inspection and there would have been a terrific row and hell to pay. The pressure to conform, and the many levels of domination and submission, were unlike anything that collectors understand today.

There are some other patterns of SS armbands. Early ones were made before the standardization took place. Cotton examples exist. But as far as the black edged wool armband for Allgemeine SS formations, this article should supply you with a good working knowledge of what features should be present in a genuine article.

Charles Warriner, "The RZM Wool SS Armband", germanmilitariacollectibles.com, militaria blog, 2008

Instant Information, The Internet As Your Tool

I believe that one of the biggest issues regarding collecting, is having accurate knowledge. This allows collecting to be a satisfying and rewarding enterprise.

Before the internet existed, accurate specialized knowledge of German collectible items, was a very difficult thing to acquire.

In decades past, your data access, was limited to what you could manage to gather on any subject through the means available at that time. Searching library shelves for reference books, could not only be slow, but finding the exact photo, fact, or map might be nearly impossible.

Book stores had small amounts of general references on the subject of History and WW2. Used book stores had primarily softcover or "pocket editions" and the majority of information was text. What photos were found, were likely grainy black and white, and not very useful at all.

Films were often inaccurate (Hollywood!), or if original, were quick glimpses and flashes.

The massive number of lavishly illustrated specialized reference volumes, now coming to market almost daily, simply did not exist. Getting access to original materials in museums, archives, and libraries was always a costly and time consuming enterprise.

Locating and examining the actual objects, has always been a time consuming effort as well. Networking with other enthusiasts, supplied accumulated knowledge, however it also perpetrated many inaccuracies that survive to this very day! A base of accurate knowledge was hard to build up!

With the development of the new information technology however, information can be retrieved in an instant with a simple keyword query on search engines like Google or Yahoo. Multiple sources of very specific information, can quickly be compared in minutes. This gives a very good basis for reaching conclusions.

It can help a buyer discover the details about an item he finds interesting and intriguing. If he has little real knowledge, he can import a quick education, and insure he is not making a costly mistake. All it takes is doing those specialized searches, and reading through the resulting data. Of course one must still filter out the BS, but that is part of any work like this.

For a seller, it is a powerful tool. It helps him represent his item in the most accurate way. Text previously written expounding on the details of an object can be copied and edited to create a presentation that both informs and excites the buyer's interest. Even more importantly it gives both buyer and seller confidence the transaction is going to be a good experience.

I recently saw an ad for a WW2 M-1911 .45 Auto, Remington Rand Pistol, for sale. After examining the pictures and reading the text, I asked some specific questions. The answers I received by email, gave me no additional accurate information to aid in the decision making process. I felt from my own experience, the item was inaccurately described and priced. My impression was that the seller seemed to lack the inspiration, or perhaps a method to acquire and supply accurate data. This would not instill confidence for me, and would likely not in most thinking potential buyers.

Whether it is simple ignorance, assumption, or a determined attempt at deception, is NOT what I address here. I am definately not calling the motives of the seller into question.

My focus is on how simple it is to acquire accurate reference in a few moments. It is advice on how to create confidence, instead of doubt and possible mistrust. People often make assumptions about motives when money is involved, but not everybody has a level of expertise. It would make things more transparent, if all buyers and sellers make the effort to be more informed. I have handled and examined hundreds of these WW2 sidearms in the past 40 years. I decided to see what one single keyword image search on google would give me if I were a total novice. I typed this, "m-1911 remington .45 ww2" in the Data Box of Google, and then clicked for an image search. I find the old saying is true. A picture IS worth a thousand words. On the first page of Google search results, were these pictures of Government issued WW2 era manufactured .45 pistols.

So what did this 5 second effort accomplish? It gives an instant lesson.

Many other facts can readily be found in the search results, however a careful buyer would quickly note:

a. The WW2 issue .45 was finished in a matte Parkerized finish, not in a glossy bluing.

b. The WW2 grips are an injection molded resin compound with a distinctive pattern and color.

c. The edges and surfaces are sharply defined and very clean looking. This is clearly apparent even on the very worn example pictured.

The seller's pictures illustrated a pistol differing in many respects, from these very standard examples. Comparing these images, to the seller's photos would likely be enough to cause concern to potential buyer. This would hopefully motivate the buyer to expand his knowledge, by doing more research.

If the seller had made the same effort to acquire accurate data, relating to his $1500 item, he might have presented it differently. Information acquired by doing a search, would have allowed the seller to give more accurate and helpful service, when questions are asked by potential buyers.

You may wonder why I do not include photos of the pistol I refer to. The point of the article is not to indict some item or its owner. It is not to cause suspicion or drama. My mission here, is to add tools and creative thinking processes, to the skillset of all the involved buyers and sellers. If everyone operates more competently we all benefit from it.

Charles Warriner,"Instant Information, The Internet As Your Tool", germanmilitariacollectibles.com, militaria blog, 2008