Soldaten

[Jim O]

Soldier? Bearded? Seems odd to me.

[McCoy]

Probably a Frontschwein that don't care...

[Jim O]

You can be sure this was an amateur snapshot as no official photographer would have sent this one home.

[McCoy]

That's for certain mate...

[cyberia]

Probably a Frontschwein that don't care...

Impressive Urban. That is one of those terms used almost exclusively by front line Wehrmacht and, least to my ears, not used much since. Mt father used it to describe those who would come up to the line just have a photo taken and then scurry back. If you don't mind my asking, where did you pick it up?

[McCoy]

I'm a man of many hidden stuff mate!

Truth to be told, I've read the excellent autobiography Blood Red Snow: The Memoirs of a German Soldier on the Eastern Front - Günther K Koschorrek maybee four years ago. When it later on was translated to Swedish 'bout two years ago they choose to call the Swedish edition "Frontschwein". I was initially exalted thinkin' that it was another book by the same author as the original title is "Vergiss die Zeit der Dornen nicht".

[cyberia]

I'm a man of many hidden stuff mate!

Truth to be told, I've read the excellent autobiography Blood Red Snow: The Memoirs of a German Soldier on the Eastern Front - Günther K Koschorrek maybee four years ago. When it later on was translated to Swedish 'bout two years ago they choose to call the Swedish edition "Frontschwein". I was initially exalted thinkin' that it was another book by the same author as the original title is "Vergiss die Zeit der Dornen nicht".

That you are my friend.

I was sure it had to have a first person reference due to how rare the term is. I've never heard it outside family until now. I recently gave it and a score of others to Tom H to use in his soon to be published glossary of German military terms.

Thanks for the book info also. I'll need to order that one.

[Jim O]

I had certainly never heard it before but the translation was rather obvious -- and not very "nice".

[cyberia]

I had certainly never heard it before but the translation was rather obvious -- and not very "nice".

Trust me, Jim. They never meant it to be nice.

Another term was "etappenhengste", rear-echelon stallions. Well groomed, pampered "Fotolandser" only good for propaganda photographs and parades.

[Wustenfuchs]

My first impression was he was way too clean and groomed, and a beard.
Then I noticed he doesn't really look Heer. Beards were common in the U Boat service. Maybe he's Kriegsmarine infantry.