German Forces

Officers of "Prinz Eugen"

SS-Sturmbannfuhrer (left) and SS-Sturmfuhrer of the 7th SS Volunteer Mountain Division, "Prinz Eugen" somewhere in the Balkans, (?) 1943, original colour photo. The Division, formed specifically to fight the somewhat bewildering range of enemies to the Germans and their allies in the Balkans, was supposed to consist of local ethnic Germans entering the service voluntarily. In practice, the "Volunteer" tag was less than accurate. Local "Volksdeutsch" were generally less than enthusiastic about service in the Waffen-SS, not least because most of their officers and a substantial proportion of NCOs were "Reich" Germans who often showed little respect for their ethnic particularity within the German "family" (many, for example, did not speak standard High German). As a result, extensive resort to conscription was required to fill out the ranks - a situation very uncommon among Waffen-SS "Volunteer" units in the West, but very common in the East. Some interesting features in this photo. The manner of medal wear suggests that both have just been presented with the Iron Cross, Second Class. A bit odd (to me at least, is that the Sturmbannfuhrer is wearing the ribbon of the WW1 EK II; I would have expected the WW2 award in such cases to be indicated by the Iron Cross 1939 clasp to the WW1 ribbon but, perhaps, the actual medal was worn on occasion of its presentation. Both officers are wearing the emblem of "Prinz Eugen" - the Odal rune - on their right collar tabs in substitution for the SS Sig runes, and the Sturmfuhrer is showing the Division's honour cuff title on his left forearm. However, both are also wearing the lozenge-shaped cloth "SS" patch low on the right torso, suggesting that (unlike the majority of the Division's complement) they are full members of the SS and are (like most of the Division's officers) "Reich" Germans. Best regards, JR.