Fritz Hubig: Landsturmmann to Infantryman

drakegoodman

drakegoodman

Member
Two postcards from Fritz Hubig sent to his brother in Burgörner Altdorf. The first authored on 20.10.1915 when it would appear he was a Landsturmmann with 2. Landsturm Infanterie Ersatz Bataillon 'Zerbst' and the second, dated 21.1.1918 when he was serving in 7 Komp. II Batl. 10. Rheinisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.161.


Fritz Hubig, Zerbst 20.10.15 by drakegoodman, on Flickr


Fritz Hubig, Zerbst 20.10.15 reverse by drakegoodman, on Flickr


Ace of Spades, symbol of the British 12th Division, "Chaperon II" knocked out south of Lateau Wood on 20th November 1917 by drakegoodman, on Flickr


Chaperon II reverse by drakegoodman, on Flickr
 
Looking at those Wachstuchmütze and have an example on another postcard. Can you determine if they are cloth, or straight leather? Certainly unusual. Great postcard!
 
My initial opinion was leather, but when you look at the cap bands, particularly the fellows on the left, there are creases running horizontally where you would expect to see none if they were leather.
 
Looking at the visors reflecting sunlight, I have to agree that these could be cloth. TThe shape is more kepi like, as the top is a narrower diameter than the part of the hats that the visor is attached to.

Even on the later "coffee can" hats of the brownshirts, the top of the hat was the same on both measurements I believe.

There was a finer line between Landsturm and regular Armee troops in 1918. They are hard to tell apart uniform/equipment wise in later photos, only the telltale collar dogs give them away. He could have ended up as an ersatz troop assigned to a regular regiment. Besides, who was really left by 1918?
 
The caps are quite unusual and are reminiscent of the kepi style caps worn by the student associations.

Chip
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top