A german soldier with a G43, an STG44 and a Panzerfaust beside him

Well equipped german soldier

Soldier of the 4th SS Division, "Polizei", surveys the scene through a trench periscope, before Leningrad.  Prior to its full incorporation in the Waffen-SS early in 1942, the "Polizei" enjoyed a curious half-in, half-out relationship with that force.  This was reflected in the soldier's uniform, which was also Waffen-SS/Police hybrid.  The helmet on the right-hand side shows a Swastika escutcheon; on the other side would be the "Police Eagle", distinctive badge of the German Police in this period.  The soldier wears Waffen-SS camo; however, his right-hand sleeve cuff projects, showing the distinctive two-buttoned cuff of the pre-1943 Polizei "Waffenrock" tunic; the cuff is probably in the brown of the Schutzpolizei.  I tried, but failed, to identify the periscope.  I think it may, actually, be a Soviet binocular model; the bottom handle is, I think, the teardrop-shaped wooden structure just under the sight, which is in turn supported on what might be a length of pipe.  Any views ?  Best regards, JR.

4th (SS) Division, "Polizei", Winter 1941-'42.

Some gerbigsjagers (mountain troops ) enjoy a brief rest while advancing through the Ukraine.