This is an interesting photo of Waffen-ss gear and uniform shot with modern photo-technique. It shows a Sergeant (Unterscharführer) of Panzergrenadier-troops. He's wearing the so-called &quot;Stoßtruppausrüstung&quot; (raiding-patrol-outfit) incl. peadot battle-suit, StG44, Stielhandgranaten 24(potatomashers) and short boots with gaiters.

Waffen-SS Panzergrenadier-NCO

The "Trondheimsfjord Skua" raised from the depths, following a complex recovery operation.  The wreck was poised on an underwater cliff at a depth of over 200 metres, with the possibility of tipping into a further depth of an additional 200 metres (that's fjords for you).  It is hoped that it will be possible to recover further lost parts, and to achieve a substantial reconstruction of the Skua, finance permitting.  This may involve the incorporation of fragmentary remains from other Skua wrecks, including some parts already recovered and preserved.  No Blackburn Skua is known to survive intact.  Best regards, JR.

Trondheimsfjord Blackburn Skua raised.

On the 31st day of August, 1939 at 20.00 hrs the German radio station in Gleiwitz / Gliwice was burst into by a couple of armed members of the SS-troops in civil clothes. They were commanded by SS-Sturmbannfilhrer Alfred Naujocks, appointed by SS-Gruppenfuhrer Reinhard Heydrich, the commanding officer of the Head Reich Safety Office, acting upon Hitler?s direct order. This operation was top-secret. Only a password was determined, which was to be given by Heydrich to Naujocks on telephone: "Grossmutter gestorben". The password constituted an order to commence the operation. The attackers terrorized the German staff and broadcast a statement in the Polish language: "Attention! This is Gliwice. The broadcasting station is in the Polish hands..." The remaining part of the appeal read then was not emitted due to technical errors.