Other Forces

Origins of the Third Reich "Death's Head(s)".

The usual 'photo to illustrate the origin of the use of the "Totenkopf" in the Third Reich period would, I suppose, be of WW1 Generalfeldmarschall von Mackensen, but I thought that the guys In Here (probably most of you) would prefer this one - of Princess Victoria Louise of Hohenzollern etc. in the black dress uniform of honorary Colonel of the "Death's Head Hussars". The large "without lower jaw" Totenkopf on the headgear can clearly be seen. Before anybody tells me - I know that the caption suggests association with the Second, rather than the First Lieb-Husaren Regiment. I am not sure why - perhaps someone can enlighten me. I tentatively suggest that, notwithstanding the contemporary status of the 'photo, this may be an error. On the other hand, it may indicate that the "Death's Head status extended to the Second Regiment; von Mackensen, in his time, served in both, although he only commanded the First. Best regards, JR.