Thread by @BuddNicholas, Thread of pics I find of interest. Will hopefully provide insight to [...]

Thread of pics I find of interest. Will hopefully provide insight to you.

Here’s a Zug (Platoon) in ‘Schützenreihe’ (column) tactical formation.

A more open formation with ‘Abstand’ (spacing) of typically 5 paces unless specified.

The Gruppenführer & mg team normally lead.

1)

A schwere Mg42 team undertaking weapon maintenance, with one chap removing the stock (by depressing a button underneath & turning through 90 degrees). The spring & bolt can then be extracted.

Looks like the Lafette tripod has been whitewashed & the ZF optical sight removed.

2)

A well prepared home for the messengers of the Bataillon/Kompanie.

Note the PPSH41 & Transmitter/Receiver with straps.

Looks like a Torn.Fu d2, a standard piece of kit with estimated ranges of 4km telephony & 10km telegraphy with antenna.

3)

A great example of a Zug (Platoon) in their standard 3 column, close order march formation - Marschordnung.

114 paces per minute @ 80cm strides.

They would break from this to tactical formations, as in tweet #1 of this thread.

4)

http://s.Mg Stellung of IR1, Grossdeutschland in the Rzhev salient, 1942.

Lots of detail of a position that’s been well developed & lived in.

Note no optical sight on mg & plethora of empty 7.92mm cartridge cartons, from the 1500rnd wooden patronenkasten.

5)

Supply dump including 3 round metal boxes for 8cm Gr.W.34 being moved by HIWIs, metal boxes on left for Stielhandgranate M-24 or http://E.H.Gr .39 & what appears 1,500rnd 7.92 wooden patronenkasten 3rd stack from the camera.

The mortar rounds/grenades are not smoke.

6)

A group of possible Gebirgsjäger take a rest while a comrade has his feet attended to.

They wear a mix of early War uniforms with M36 tunics (bottle green collars) & M35 double decal helmets (note the national colours & tactically poor sheen of the paint) & ankle boots.

7)

So much going on here that we can tell.

Given the environment & these men being wounded, it could be a Verwundetennest, the first collection point of casualties.

Aside from the dressings, the NCO nearest the camera has been issued his wound tag label by the Kt/Sani

8a)

Both are heavily decorated, battle experienced NCOs, probably Uffzs.

A loss to their men & unit. Fags look well deserved.

Uniform items are early war (nearest) to mid-War (head wound).

The silver collar tresse indicates both were promoted prior to 1943.

8b)

Decorations (nearest first) - EKII, ISA in silver, VA in black & NKS in bronze.

= min 3 separate infantry assaults, 1-2 wounds already & 15 days close combat along with bravery award.

Then EKII, ISA in silver & possible NKS in bronze/silver? (25 days close combat).

8c)

Wonderful detail in a prepared coastal position.

We have the standard German field telephone (Feldfernsprecher 33) in a recess & M24 Stielhandgranatekasten.

Note fuses in right of box, packing cardboard indicating unused & phonetic alphabet plate on phone top cover.

9)

A boring pic for the many. Interesting to me.

A rare insight to the oft-closed world of the Landser’s Zeltbahn 4-man tent.

His ‘life’ is found amongst the accoutrements in the cramped environment.

Issue blanket & straw typical of his mattress & bedding.

10)

Here’s some added information on this excellent item of German kit.

10a)

https://twitter.com/pgdivgd/status/1134825900548141056?s=21 https://twitter.com/PGDivGD/status/1134825900548141056

https://twitter.com/pgdivgd/status/1134825900548141056?s=21

SdKfz 10 in what appears WSS service as a makeshift ambulance.

Can just see the driver crane his head next to a Feldgendarme, suggesting it’s comfortably from the front line.

We can estimate a date of autumn 1943 & beyond, based upon the 2nd or 3rd model WSS parkas.

11)

The first model ‘Kharkiv’ parka was pullover, issued to both LAH & TK WSS for the spring 1943 German re-taking of the city.

These are button fronted, hence the later date estimate.

11a)

I posted pic1 as the first tweet of this thread.

Pic2 is the prior tactical stage, showing a great view of a Kompanie (Coy) in ‘Schützenreihe’ (column) before Zug deployment.

Note the ‘Abstand’ (spacing) being tighter, reflecting that the unit is further from the enemy.

12)

A great view of a Gurtbandtragegerüst (A-frame assault pack) on this man.

Issued to infantrymen, it was to redistribute kit weight from the belt - typically Kochgeschirr & Zeltbahn. It had a small pack for other modest items.

Pic 2/3 http://mp44.nl

13)

It could also be used to attach a rolled greatcoat/blanket across the top, yet that is rarely seen in pics that are presumably nearer combat.

If you are trying to ID infantry from motorised/Panzergrenadiere, the latter would not typically be issued this equipment item.

13a)

Cleaning the K98.

The soldier is running his ‘pull-through chain’ down the barrel which will be attached to either a cleaning brush, oil brush or cleaning cloth, depending on the stage of maintenance he is at.

14)

On the table we see (right to left) the Reinigungsgerät 34 (cleaning kit), bolt, unidentified item & firing pin or cleaning rod.

We can see the K98 on the table has its cleaning rod removed.

14a)

I’m posting this pic as it’s potentially the largest amount of ammo carried that I’ve seen to date.

We can see x6 Patronenkasten = max of 1,800rnds & x2 spare barrels.

BUT! This could be a http://s.Mg Gruppe, being 6 men in pic.

If so, entirely normal.

15)

I’m posting this pic as it’s potentially the largest amount of ammo carried that I’ve seen to date. We can see x6 Patronenkasten = max of 1,800rnds & x2 spare barrels. BUT! This could be a http://s.Mg Gruppe, being 6 men in pic. If so, entirely normal. 15)

Training of WSS Soldaten in the ‘Sprung’ (leap/bound), a fundamental element of the movement of the Gruppe when advancing during combat.

Technically, there are errors here and will refer back to this with a thread on the prescribed process.

16)

Okay, this is a rare & confusing pic

By rare, it’s by far the most mg ammo boxes I’ve seen carried by a long distance.

I can see 11 carried between the 9 men excluding the Sani/Krankenträger on the right.

Possibly 3,300 rounds, easily double what I’ve seen previously.

17a)

My confusion is why?

No sign of heavy mg equipment, presumably mg is hidden.

They also carry 3 unidentified boxes (2 on backs, 1 on floor).

Tricky to ID but look WSS as 2 sleeve eagles (on the medic on right & Scharführer 5th from right).

In short I’m confused.

17b)

My confusion is why? No sign of heavy mg equipment, presumably mg is hidden. They also carry 3 unidentified boxes (2 on backs, 1 on floor). Tricky to ID but look WSS as 2 sleeve eagles (on the medic on right & Scharführer 5th from right).In short I’m confused.17b)

Another example of Panzertruppen digging an overnight ‘sleeping pit’ next to their vehicle.

They appear to have a liberal supply of issue blankets to line the bottom/use as pillows.

A common practice was to also line the floor with straw/leave branches for insulation.

18)

2 items of note.

Left - a clear view of the ‘March’ compass, key component of the map case, tactically used by ranks Uffz & up.

Right - arm rank insignia when wearing camouflage/over jackets that would not display collar/shoulder insignia. This example is a Leutnant.

19)

Nice close up of detail you may not know & which helps me estimate dates.

First, the feldgrau collar & scalloped/pleated pockets identifies a M40 tunic.

He wears silver collar tresse of a NCO, but then 1943 subdued grey/blue tresse on his shoulderboards, denoting Ufwl.

20a)

His awards were tricky to identify beyond the EKII ribbon.

I think I’ve narrowed his ribbon bar down to the Die Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 (Sudeten Medal), but not 100%.

His badge looked odd, until I realised it’s an upside down ISA.

20b)

His awards were tricky to identify beyond the EKII ribbon. I think I’ve narrowed his ribbon bar down to the Die Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 (Sudeten Medal), but not 100%. His badge looked odd, until I realised it’s an upside down ISA. 20b)

So, if I’m correct, we have a pre-War infantryman with early tunic, valour, & experience decorations, possibly promoted to Unterfeldwebel in 1943 earliest.

The rest is just fluff.

20c)

So, if I’m correct, we have a pre-War infantryman with early tunic, valour, & experience decorations, possibly promoted to Unterfeldwebel in 1943 earliest. The rest is just fluff. 20c)

Ok, some fluff.

The red is the Bakelite grip (intentioned area to be held with the supporting hand).

We often see the magazine housing (not mag) held to mitigate recoil, tho, a la the PPSH41.

As a result, accidental release of the yellow magazine button was possible.

20d)

On the face of it a standard picture of guys enjoying a meal in their (at least) 8 man zeltbahn. See the field made pole (2 in an 8 man).

A 4 man could not enable that ‘roomy’ pic.

The interesting detail is the use of both Heer/LW splinter & WSS camo in this instance.

21)

Training of the basic tactical combat move - the ‘Sprung’ - as per Heeres-Dienstvorschrift 130/2a, Ausbildungsvorschrift für die Infanterie.

‘An advance from cover to cover should be striven for and preparations for the Sprung should be made in cover where possible’

22a)

‘Upon the command, ‘Sprung!’, the soldier should prepare to move by ensuring that their ammunition pouches or boxes are secured and that weapons are made safe.’

22b)

‘Then the prone soldiers take their rifle in their left hand, support themselves with their right hand and move their right knee as close as possible to their body without raising their upper body’

22c)

‘On the command: ‘Auf! Marsch! Marsch!’, the soldiers rise up quickly and rush forwards. A Sprung can be halted on the command ‘Hinlegen!’, ‘Stellung!’ or ‘Volle Deckung!’, but typically occurs without instruction – the soldiers instead following the e.g. of their leader.’

22d)

‘The length of bound is dependent upon the situation (fire support; effect of enemy fire & form of terrain), but the further the advance, the better. Short, rapid bounds, especially near the enemy, are necessary as it hinders the enemy & makes seizing the objective easier.’

22e)

Nice clear look at the Schiessbecher (shooting cup) grenade launcher, clamped onto a K98.

He’s loading a standard HE Gewehrsprenggranate (rifle grenade), that could also be used as a hand grenade.

Range c.70-500 yards & was fired by means of a wooden bullet.

23)

Two nice observations of kit carried by this 8cm Gr.W.34 Gruppe.

First is the white painted line on the barrel, used as a guide for ‘rough laying’ of the weapon, when no sight is fitted.

The second is the cleaning brush in the foreground, next to the ammo boxes.

24)

Possibly the most meh of pics to date.

Men buddying up, typically when getting combat kit on.

I’d suggest he’s ensuring kit is distributed well, with tactical attention to securing items to mitigate noise.

When time is available to do this, you take advantage of it.

25)

Seeming Luftwaffen Feld Divisionen member, wearing a Splittertarn 3/4 Field jacket.

Their formation means we can date from autumn 1942+. A year later they were under Heer command.

Note the internal racking of a Stielhandgranate box fixed to the right of the embrasure.

26)

Some guesswork on this interesting pic.

The http://3.Kp Aufklärungs Abteilung of an unidentified WSS Division, digging through a Russian anti-tank ditch during the Zitadelle.

If so, I’d say after the Schwerpunkt has passed or a quieter area of the front.

27)

Some guesswork on this interesting pic. The http://3.Kp Aufklärungs Abteilung of an unidentified WSS Division, digging through a Russian anti-tank ditch during the Zitadelle.If so, I’d say after the Schwerpunkt has passed or a quieter area of the front. 27)

Tank crewman demonstrates the defensive use of an onboard Mp40 from a turret pistol port (MkIII/MkIV).

It was originally designed as a personal weapon for AFV crews, hence the folding stock & lug near the muzzle (to secure on the exterior to prevent recoil into the cabin).

28)

Cracking pic of Romanian soldiers in a seemingly ‘relaxed’ environment, despite being well-equipped & e-tools at the ready.

Note the rare Mp41s (Mp40 upper, Mp28 lower), that were exported to them by Germany.

And the Mg34s, that I don’t recall seeing before.

29)

A rare image of the Tragegestell 43.

A metal frame with webbing straps introduced to carry x2 Patronenkasten 34/41s on the back.

A welcome, yet not widely distributed item of kit.

The image dates from 1943+ & he carries a Patronenkasten 34 (300rnds max).

30a)

A related item is the Tragegestell 39, used to carry x1 5rnd ammunition box for the 5cm leichter Granatwerfer 36.

A Zug (Platoon) level weapon.

30b)

Tweet #30a was the only further development of kit to aid the support of the Machinengewehr Gruppe, re the individual carrying of mg ammo.

This link refers.

30c)

https://twitter.com/buddnicholas/status/1286583163251236864?s=21 https://twitter.com/BuddNicholas/status/1286583163251236864

https://twitter.com/buddnicholas/status/1286583163251236864?s=21

Finally, if you’d like a nice example of the Tragegestell 43, here’s what you can expect to pay.

30d)

Close-up detail of the Kragen binde (collar liner) to prevent chafing from his M40 tunic, attached by 3 buttons.

This was as German service shirts were collarless early to mid-War.

He’s holding an auxiliary strap (of his Y-straps) in his right hand.

31)

The auxiliary straps were to be used with items such as the A-frame (see link) & other frames I’ve posted earlier today.

31b)

https://twitter.com/buddnicholas/status/1290913795502637057?s=21 https://twitter.com/BuddNicholas/status/1290913795502637057

https://twitter.com/buddnicholas/status/1290913795502637057?s=21

Men of the I-Dienste Kp (work maintenance Coy) work on a PzKpfw IV.

Some lovely detail here, including the double laufschützer 34 (spare barrel container) for the turret Mg34, located to the right of the loaders seat.

This is a rare opportunity to see such kit.

32a)

In addition to the right, there appears to be a Kfz.100 of the I-Dienste Kp.

The Kfz.100’s crane could lift at a 3&2T capacity, extended from 3.85-4.75m.

On the left is a good example of the effective camouflage of a 4-man Zeltbahn. Indicating a temporary set-up.

32b)

In addition to the right, there appears to be a Kfz.100 of the I-Dienste Kp. The Kfz.100’s crane could lift at a 3&2T capacity, extended from 3.85-4.75m. On the left is a good example of the effective camouflage of a 4-man Zeltbahn. Indicating a temporary set-up.32b)

Fascinating pic of a Jeep being used as the foundation to a crossing over a possible ant-tank ditch.

Then a wooden platform to complete the task

1943+

33)

Fascinating pic of a Jeep being used as the foundation to a crossing over a possible ant-tank ditch.Then a wooden platform to complete the task1943+33)

A rare pic of a HIWI seemingly integrated within a Gruppe, performing the role of Mg3 at an educated guess.

The plants/flowers being held could indicate a welcome from Ukrainians

34)

A rare pic of a HIWI seemingly integrated within a Gruppe, performing the role of Mg3 at an educated guess. The plants/flowers being held could indicate a welcome from Ukrainians 34)

Great end illustration of the evolution ‘look’ of the German Landser from ‘39 to ‘44/45.

A mix of tunics, greatcoats, camouflage smocks & reversible winter suits.

All wear the Einheitsfeldmütze in a manner that suggests experience or a desire to look like an ‘alte Hase’.

35)

US soldiers examine a vacated/taken German Mg Stellung, possibly in the Hürtgenwald.

The centre earth semi-circle is the base for the mg in such a position, yet this seemingly had 2 Mg42s & at least 3 men.

The field of fire has been cleared of trees & used to hide spoil.

36a)

See the 3 discarded helmets - on the left a field applied painted camo I’ve not seen before & the right, a standard splinter patterned cover.

3 K98s lay to front left in the branches, with the atypical array of hand grenades at the ready.

There’s more to this pic tho.

36b)

See the 3 discarded helmets - on the left a field applied painted camo I’ve not seen before & the right, a standard splinter patterned cover.3 K98s lay to front left in the branches, with the atypical array of hand grenades at the ready.There’s more to this pic tho. 36b)

We have comms equipment that I’d not expect for this position.

Not the field telephone to the left, but the Torn.Fu d2 receiver/transmitter - a standard piece of kit with estimated ranges of 4km telephony & 10km telegraphy with antenna.

Why so?

All is not as it seems.

36c)

It’s a lot of kit for a standard Mg Stellung.

Looking to the right of the position we then see a timber structured shelter. Suggesting more tactical importance when you add all the evidence together.

There’s also a makeshift bolt hole on the left.

36d)

It’s a lot of kit for a standard Mg Stellung.Looking to the right of the position we then see a timber structured shelter. Suggesting more tactical importance when you add all the evidence together.There’s also a makeshift bolt hole on the left. 36d)

So, in summary, I believe this is a Beobachter (observer) cum Mg Stellung, an element of forward German positions in this area.

I looked at this pic c.30 times to establish the detail & logically work through the pieces to my best guess.

Look, look & look again!

36e)

Okay, I deleted my original post as this pic is deserving of greater attention....

A Richtschütze undertakes his daily maintenance of his Mg42, under the eye of his superiors.

It seems the conversation is light-hearted given his half-smile as he focuses on his task.

37a)

He’s laid a blanket on the parapet to prevent dirt contamination, with his RG34 cleaning kit & 2 of his 3 issued barrels on the right.

To the left are top cover, bolt, muzzle flash suppressor, spring & stock & presumably cocking handle & slide.

37b)

Now the Officer to his left has created interest, and rightly so.

A highly decorated & seemingly confident man.

He is ObLt der Reserve Helmuth Ott, Kompaniechef of 3 / GR97 /46ID, born 5 Dec, 1915.

This pic is not of great quality, so let’s look at another.

37c)

Here is a previous pic that shows Ott, behind him a Leutnant (presumably the Zugführer) & Unteroffizier (likely the section leader of the Richtschütze) arriving, with a wry smirk on the Uffz’s face.

The gunner looks ‘pleased’ his big boss has turned up.

37d)

Between the 2 pics we can see Ott is decorated with the Knights Cross, Iron Cross 1st/2nd class & further indication of his close combat experience via the Infantry Assault badge in Silver with 2 Tank Destruction badges.

37e)

In looking at these 2 pics, the first shows the typical one body wide nature of German trenches in WW2.

The second demonstrates the depth of the Mg Stellung protruding from the trench line, the start of which we see by Ott’s left hand in pic 1.

37f)

He wears a well-tailored M36 tunic & given the date is likely 1943+ flouts uniform regulations (of April 1942) by continuing to wear arm of service soutache on his ‘Schiffen’, along with his Leutnant.

Note the seemingly superficial wound on the Leutnant’s neck.

37g)

Ott died on 24 April, 1945 at Brno, Czechoslovakia.

37h)

Bicycle mounted (heavy) mg34 team, somewhere in Russia 1941.

The first 2 men wear Gerbirgsjäger badges. Bike front L with mg34, front R with mount for AA tripod. Middle an ammo bike, middle L a standard bicycle.

They seem interested in the Sdkfz253 as it rumbles past.

38)

Dynamic photo of a C/O of a Sdkfz253 observation vehicle shouting to gun E or F (of the Batterie) of 185 Sturmgeschütze Abteilung, 1941.

Note the mounted infantry on bicycles (Truppenfahrrad).

These roles included reconnaissance/messenger & HQ duties, too.

39)

A Sdkfz253 of Sturmgeschütz Abteilung 191 in a Greek town, 1941 as men of 6th Gerbirgs Division pass by in a somewhat ragged Marschordnung formation.

The Bergmütze (ski-cap) had a higher crown & shorter peak than the mid War general issue Einheitsfeldmütze.

40)

1942 Southern Russia c.Fall Blau.

Btl C/O (right) of 119 Art.Rgt. 11 Pz Div & 3 Batterie O/C (left) stand on a Sdkfz 253, watching for shell fall on the horizon.

Kradmeldern (despatch riders) are parked, ready to distribute orders.

41a)

Largely hidden behind the Sdkfz 253 is a Panzerbefehlswagen Sdkfz 265, presumably belonging to either of these officers.

The Batterie O/C (left) is stylish, dressed in cavalry boots & breeches.

41b)

Another view, this time with additional crew members, all in a relaxed mood given their proximity behind the main line of resistance (Hauptkampflinie).

We can see the width indicator of a previously unseen additional vehicle bottom left.

41c)

A superb, rare photo of ammunition maintenance by a Fallschirmjäger mg Gruppe member.

Mg34/42’s recyclable ammo belts also needed daily care in addition to the weapon.

Belts were to be checked for tightness, cleaned of debris & lightly oiled before reloading.

42)

Heer Tiger crew in typical laager setting, with sleeping pit/shelter under the vehicle.

Note the recycled box with the crew’s all important mess kit & eating utensils as the men read letters from home?

The smoker wears a civilian jumper.

Date estimate 42/43.

43)

A happy Tiger driver slicing through bread, part of his daily cold rations.

Typical example being;
750g bread
120g sausage, preserved fish, tube cheese
45g fat
200g jam or ersatz honey
7 cigarettes 2 cigars 1 roll of candy

His issued folding fork & spoon is bottom right.

44)

With regards the last tweet, here’s a great e.g. of the daily cold ration with bread, sausage, possible tinned fish & fat being stored by crewmen in their recycled storage box.

The crewman bottom left wears a ‘working’ denim panzer wrap, introduced to protect his ‘blacks’.

45)

This Tiger commander uses his sleep pit/shelter to speak to another unit or units via a standard feldfernsprecher 33 (telephone).

Connected to another phone or 10 line exchange, he’s clearly in a semi-permanent position to have such communication in place.

Who to though?

46)

Leading on from the last tweet, here’s how such communication was established by the Divisional Nachrichten Abteilung.

Here a wiring team are going to lay cable from a telegraph pole to their telephone, starting with putting on the backpack dispenser wheel.

47a)

The back pack cable reel could accommodate up to 5km of line.

The Kriegsberichter continues the pictorial story after the cable has been laid & is affixed to the field telephone.

47b)

Communication established, the team start to repack their vehicle to move on, as smoke trails to their right.

47c)

An Assistenzarzt & Sanitäter treat a serious arm injury in an area seemingly behind the HKL.

The Assistenzarzt has forceps as the Sanitäter provides support.

The Dr’s medical Tornister pack lies at the casualty’s feet & the soldier to the left has water at the ready.

48)

Nice illustrative demonstration of ‘Tiefenfeuerautomat’ (automatic searching fire) from a Schwere (heavy) 34/42 Gruppe.

This feature allowed the Richtschütze to set parameters on the Lafette mount to sweep pre-set distance & angles over an area of ground.

49)

Loading of ammunition boxes (Patronenkasten 88)

There were 2 types of wooden 7.92 box. Pic 2 zinc lined with metal fittings & a simplified version in pic 3 that had leather catches & cloth handles.

It contained 1.5k rounds in 5 300rnd cardboard boxes subdivided by 20x15.

50)

2 German Sanitäter at a Verwundetennest are treating mainly Russian wounded based on uniform items (Pilotka etc).

The casualty on the stretcher appears to suffer HE wounds, with dressings to legs, tourniquet to badly damaged left arm & splinting on right.

51a)

Pic 2 is the Asclepius trade badge of a Sanitäter, worn on the lower right sleeve.

Pic 3 is the additional larger 1.5L water canteen carried by a Sani (left rear on Sani in Pic 1), for use on his patients. This was in addition to his own 1L canteen.

51b)

Pic 2 showing leather/ersatz leather wallet with basic instruments/thermometer.

Pic 3 ‘Lobelin’ pouch. A drug used to stimulate the respiratory system and Cardiozol for heart complications.

51c)

Pic 2 & 3 - Left Sanitasche & contents. Worn on the belt in place of K98 ammo pouches. Typically a Sani wore a sidearm for protection of himself & his patients.

Note the tourniquet & dressings as used on the stretcher casualty.

51d)

Pics 2 & 3 - right hand Sanitasche & contents, the second of a pair worn on the belt.

In addition to the medication carried, there is iodine, soap & salves.

Note the zinc oxide tape (Elastoplast) which you can seen in the left foreground of Pic 1.

51e)

Powerful study of a Richtschütze & his team - the fatigue clearly showing from the hard fighting in Romania, May 1944 around Târgu Frumos.

Lots of detail indicating experienced men. The Richtschütze unusually wears a K98 pouch with additional ammo stripper clips.

52a)

See M39 egg grenades, 1 showing chipped paint from contact with ammo belts worn over the shoulder.

Also note his cufftitle not covering the entire sleeve & the man to the left seemingly wearing denim panzer overtrousers.

All indications are these men are ‘Alte Hasen’.

52b)

I said in the first tweet the additional ammo attached to the K98 pouch.

It may not have been clear what I was referring to.

Here’s a close up of the additional 5rnd stripper clip fastened to the exterior of the pouch, hence x30rnds becomes x45rnds per pouch.

52c)

Unusual pic of a German Officer with Mg34, utilising what appears a field fitted Russian PEM scope.

This would presumably be in relation to the single shot fire capability it possessed & formed part of the Richtschütze training.

Hence their being the best marksman.

53)

So much for the M24/43 stick grenades.

The M39 Eihandgranate ‘egg’ grenade was just as widely used.

Here’s a great view of the wooden box they came in, with fuses in a separate compartment.

These two are fusing them with the relaxed air of veterans.

54a)

Those that are fused have been placed back in the box (nearest 2 rows), ready for use.

The remaining 3 rows are upside down & to be fused.

Fuses came in the following colours/times;

Red cap = 1sec (smoke/booby trap)
Blue = 4.5s standard
Yellow = 7.5s
Grey = 10s

54b)

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