Strange...........

[Boo Radley]

"We were neck deep in the Big Muddy, the big fool says to push on."

[Der Kuenstler]

It was obviously taken near the close of the war after the pants factory had been bombed.

[Michael Emrys]

One should perhaps not draw too many conclusions from the photo provided, but to me, that bridge does not look too healthy. My first guess was that it had been blown and was sagging in the middle. But as I say, the proof provided is inconclusive. I'd tend very much to agree though that there must not be any enemy around nearby, or the troops would be using a much more stealthy approach.

Michael

[Der Kuenstler]

It was obviously taken near the close of the war after the pants factory had been bombed.

[Michael Emrys]

One should perhaps not draw too many conclusions from the photo provided, but to me, that bridge does not look too healthy. My first guess was that it had been blown and was sagging in the middle. But as I say, the proof provided is inconclusive. I'd tend very much to agree though that there must not be any enemy around nearby, or the troops would be using a much more stealthy approach.

Michael

[Brent Pollock]

Of course they're nowhere near the enemy - there's a blinkin' photographer there! They rarely went near the danger zones - mostly just propaganda shoots in a safe zone.

[Brent Pollock]

Of course they're nowhere near the enemy - there's a blinkin' photographer there! They rarely went near the danger zones - mostly just propaganda shoots in a safe zone.

[MikeyD]

Note the bicycles strewn about. At what point did Germany try bicycle-mounted troops? And those big jackboots suggest prewar or early war. I suspect there's a small stream off to the right - as part of their pre-war training these guys are going wading (If it was wartime they'd either go in fully dressed or stark nekkid, depending on the circumstances).

[MikeyD]

Note the bicycles strewn about. At what point did Germany try bicycle-mounted troops? And those big jackboots suggest prewar or early war. I suspect there's a small stream off to the right - as part of their pre-war training these guys are going wading (If it was wartime they'd either go in fully dressed or stark nekkid, depending on the circumstances).

[Doodlebug]

" I just knew ersatz trousers was a bad idea" ?

[Doodlebug]

" I just knew ersatz trousers was a bad idea" ?

[Michael Dorosh]

Originally posted by MikeyD:

Note the bicycles strewn about. At what point did Germany try bicycle-mounted troops? And those big jackboots suggest prewar or early war. I suspect there's a small stream off to the right - as part of their pre-war training these guys are going wading (If it was wartime they'd either go in fully dressed or stark nekkid, depending on the circumstances).

From 1939 on - in 1944 they were still using them in Normandy; I believe Brian Reid mentions at least one bicycle mounted battalion in June 1944.

[Michael Dorosh]

Originally posted by MikeyD:

Note the bicycles strewn about. At what point did Germany try bicycle-mounted troops? And those big jackboots suggest prewar or early war. I suspect there's a small stream off to the right - as part of their pre-war training these guys are going wading (If it was wartime they'd either go in fully dressed or stark nekkid, depending on the circumstances).

From 1939 on - in 1944 they were still using them in Normandy; I believe Brian Reid mentions at least one bicycle mounted battalion in June 1944.

[jeffsmith]

How can you say there were German Bicycle Troops

They're not in CM

[jeffsmith]

How can you say there were German Bicycle Troops

They're not in CM

[Michael Dorosh]

ebay used to be full of German Army photos - lots of prewar training shots seem to be in existence; this photo does seem like one. The uniforms seem very early war or prewar - the Marching Boots are the best indication, but also the wearing of equipment is very "by the book".

It is odd that no one is wearing the white denim drill uniform, however; these seem to have been utilized a lot more prewar; I'd almost venture a guess that this is 1939 or 1940 based on that, but there is no way to no for sure. The absence of helmet decals provides another clue that it is after the start of the war - but not proof positive.

Ditto the field grey collar on one of the feldblusen - but, the dark green collar only existed from IIRC 1935 or so until 1940 when it was deleted - so it could possibly be a prewar shot of a soldier wearing the pre-1935 field blouse - not likely but possible. I would guess the photo is in Germany or France in the summer of 1940 at the earliest, at latest 1942 or so.

[Michael Dorosh]

ebay used to be full of German Army photos - lots of prewar training shots seem to be in existence; this photo does seem like one. The uniforms seem very early war or prewar - the Marching Boots are the best indication, but also the wearing of equipment is very "by the book".

It is odd that no one is wearing the white denim drill uniform, however; these seem to have been utilized a lot more prewar; I'd almost venture a guess that this is 1939 or 1940 based on that, but there is no way to no for sure. The absence of helmet decals provides another clue that it is after the start of the war - but not proof positive.

Ditto the field grey collar on one of the feldblusen - but, the dark green collar only existed from IIRC 1935 or so until 1940 when it was deleted - so it could possibly be a prewar shot of a soldier wearing the pre-1935 field blouse - not likely but possible. I would guess the photo is in Germany or France in the summer of 1940 at the earliest, at latest 1942 or so.

[John D Salt]

Originally posted by Earl Grey:

Then try and take those marching boots, wet them thoroughly and march a few dozen miles with them being wet. And the pants, too.

Maybe it was rather cold and the soldiers needed dry feet after fording... I just don´t know, but I think I´ll remember having read about similar incidents.

Many years ago, as a CCF Navy cadet, I forded a burn in Wester Ross (nr. Loch Ewe) with my No.8 trousers round my neck, and footwear held in one hand, the other being used to hold the guide-rope.

It was what was laughingly called "early spring", and our concerns about the freezing cold water were met with the cheerful assurance "Don't worry, you'll blow dry".

Our progress across the burn was watched with detached interest by a herd of nearby cows, prompting the remark from one of my fellow cadets "Ah! What it is to be Human!".

So I think that the river-fording explanation is the most likely one.

Alternatively, for those familiar with the relevant Papa Schimmelhorn story, I suppose it is just possible that the Gnurrs have come from the voodvork out.

All the best,

John.

[John D Salt]

Originally posted by Earl Grey:

Then try and take those marching boots, wet them thoroughly and march a few dozen miles with them being wet. And the pants, too.

Maybe it was rather cold and the soldiers needed dry feet after fording... I just don´t know, but I think I´ll remember having read about similar incidents.

Many years ago, as a CCF Navy cadet, I forded a burn in Wester Ross (nr. Loch Ewe) with my No.8 trousers round my neck, and footwear held in one hand, the other being used to hold the guide-rope.

It was what was laughingly called "early spring", and our concerns about the freezing cold water were met with the cheerful assurance "Don't worry, you'll blow dry".

Our progress across the burn was watched with detached interest by a herd of nearby cows, prompting the remark from one of my fellow cadets "Ah! What it is to be Human!".

So I think that the river-fording explanation is the most likely one.

Alternatively, for those familiar with the relevant Papa Schimmelhorn story, I suppose it is just possible that the Gnurrs have come from the voodvork out.

All the best,

John.

[Michael Emrys]

Originally posted by John D Salt:

...the Gnurrs have come from the voodvork out.

Well, one has and is still posting in the GF.

Michael

PS: I miss Papa Schimmelhorn.

[Michael Emrys]

Originally posted by John D Salt:

...the Gnurrs have come from the voodvork out.

Well, one has and is still posting in the GF.

Michael

PS: I miss Papa Schimmelhorn.

[Sivodsi]

Brent Pollack: "mostly just propaganda shoots in a safe zone"

Err, in this case, propaganda for what?

"Join ze German Army - ve ha za vitest legs"

[Sivodsi]

Brent Pollack: "mostly just propaganda shoots in a safe zone"

Err, in this case, propaganda for what?

"Join ze German Army - ve ha za vitest legs"

[Pvt. Ryan]

VD inspection?

[Pvt. Ryan]

VD inspection?