German Forces

A Policeman's lot is not an 'appy one ...

Policemen pose with the results of their handiwork, rural Poland, German Occupation period (?1943). Of the nine (living) men in the 'photo, five appear to be members of the German Ordnungspolizei, presumably from a Special Reserve Police Battalion. The man first right clearly displays the dark cuff facing and large "Police Eagle" emblem on the upper left sleeve. Three of the Orpo men are armed with MP 28 submachine guns, a weapon commonly used by German police formations. Three, including the NCO second from right, appear to be SD Security Policemen. The man furthest left appears to be a member of the collaborationist "blue" Polish police force. Much of the "muscle" required for "special actions" in Poland and, indeed, in occupied Soviet territory was supplied by Orpo Special Police batallions; SD and local police formations were also commonly involved. Best regards, JR.