attached is the photo from X-mas1955 in Hannover Does anyone recognise the soldier and the rank? The Germans, like my dad were all working for the British forces (usually craftsmen). I believe, it was taken in the British Military Hospital, or some other place in Hannover. Stefan.
A pre-war regular wearing his 'blues', I think. I can't see any rank badges but his collar dogs look Royal Artillery to me.
I agree with Richard as to the Dress Blues uniform and it could be a crown making him a Major, but cannot ID the Regimental collar Badge. Regards Tom
Stefan, Unless someone can ID the Regiment or the date and place of the photo to establish which Regiments were stationed there at that time, we will struggle. Regards Tom
Tom,elder brother what he remembers. He feels it could have been sometimes between 1949 and 1953 (not 1955). I have asked my The place was in Hannover, may be in Hannover-Kirchrode or Hannover- Kleefeld. Because this is were most better officers clubs were and an excellent address. Stefan.
Stefan, I am travelling to Gütersloh barracks on Saturday and will come into contact with many ex Military and hopefully get some ID for you. worth a try. Regards Tom
Tom, thanks for trying and I hope traffic is ok. I'l be in Stuttgart for a veterans competition. Stefan.
Stefan, I passed the photo on my pad around the group, but unfortunately it is a little too early for them to pin down the location. The rank of the officer most thought like me that it was a crown, so a Major. The Regimental collar badge could well be a Welsh unit as it looks like feathers used by the Price of Wales but can't be certain. King's Royal Hussar's would be my best guess with the uniform. Use of Feathers also. Sorry that I cannot be of more help. Regards Tom
Stefan, I have searched the Internet and found that the 10th Royal Hussar's were stationed in Germany post war. Perhaps this may help your research. Link attached. 10th Royal Hussars (PWO) Regards Tom
Tom, great news, I will try to contact someone following additional research. I have another picture of that Christmas Party with Santa Claus, an angel and me. Stefan.
Tom, I have now made contact with the Regiment. There are some doubts on their side about your suggestion of the Major being from this regiment. I will pass on their doubts as soon as I have the OK to post them on WW2 Talk. Stefan.
Following is the feedback from the regiment: I’m not even sure that he is from one of our Regiments. There are several things in the picture that make me think it is not ours: 1. The collar badge that he is wearing looks like Prince of Wales’s feathers. POW feather collar badge was worn by 10th Hussars in “Blues” dress. The badge was not worn by either the 11th Hussars or the 14th/20th King’s Hussars. 2. Although the badge is similar to that worn by the 10th Hussars, it seems to be worn in a different way. On the picture it looks to be on its side and not straight as worn by 10th Hussars (though of course, it could just be out of position at the party). 3. The uniform that he is wearing is not familiar. It looks like “Blues” or “No.1 Pattern Dress”. If so, it is a different style to that worn by the 10th Hussars. Hussar Regiments wear chain mail on the shoulder and the rank badge would be on top of the chain mail. 4. At Christmas 1955 the 10th Hussars were stationed in England and not Hannover, although an officer could have been on a detachment from his Regiment. I estimate the age of the man in the photograph to be between 35 – 45. That would make his age now between 98 and 108 today. Any new thoughts? Stefan.