UNSERE WAFFEN SS “ON WATCH FOR THE ENEMY”
$79.00
UNSERE WAFFEN SS “ON WATCH FOR THE ENEMY”
Description
WAR REPORTER : EGE
The postcard series Our Waffen SS was issued by permission of the SS – Fuhrungshauptamt (the SS Main Office for guidance, led by Heinrich Himmler) and was a part of the Nazi propaganda machine.
All the Waffen SS divisions had attached to them a Waffen SS Kreigsberichter ( war reporter ) company or platoon. All the postcards from this series are based on the images taken by these war reporters.
The postcards series Our Waffen SS consists of 60 different postcards, divided into two sets. The sets have either the number 373 or the number 374 printed on the top right of the card within the area where a stamp would placed.
All the postcards have on the reverse (address side), at the top left, two lines of text. The top line is Unsere Waffen SS and below that, a smaller format text describing the image on the front side. Furthermore, on the reverse of all postcards, at the bottom left, is text indicating the name of the war reporter who took the photograph and an authorization for publication which translates to “permission from the SS-Fuhrungshauptamt”.
The postcards are all a standard size of 4.2 x 5.9 inches (10.5 x 14.8 cm) and are printed by the Kunstverlag E.A. Schwerdtfeger & Co AG., Berlin. This information is printed on the reverse of all the postcards with vertical text in the center, dividing the card into two sections. All postcards are printed on a good quality cream base photographic stock with letter press printing on the reverse in black.
Our Waffen SS postcards were found to have several variations of the text on the reverse. This may be due to several printing editions, or printing at multiple facilities.
The earliest used postcard so far seen is from December 23, 1942. From this we surmise that the postcard images are all from Spring of 1941 through the Fall of 1942, starting with the attack on Greece and the Balkans and then the invasion of Russia on June 22, 1941 (attack named Operation Barbarossa after Emperor Frederick Barbarossa of the holy Roman Empire), where 129 German divisions, divided into three Army groups, implemented Adolf Hitler’s dream of Lebensraum (living space) for the population of Germany. Operation Barbarossa ended in December 1941.
At the beginning of Operation Barbarossa, the Waffen SS had only six divisions and approximately 160,000 men. By May of 1945 it contained 39 divisions and approximately 900,000 men. The Waffen SS units participating in Operation Barbarossa were the divisions Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler, Das Reich, Totenkoft, Polizei, Wiking (from July 1, 1941), Nord , 9th SS Standarte (SS Infantry Regiment 9) and SS Volunteer Battalion Nordost. There were also additional reserve and independent units from Administrative Department, Concentration Camp Inspectorate, SS Officer & NCO Schools, SS Guard Battalions, and SS Garrison Posts.
I believe the postcards are images from the battles on the Eastern Front ( June 1941 – May 1945 ) and from the Greece campaign ( Operation Marita, April 6, 1941), where 21 German divisions, including the Waffen SS Division Leibstandarte, attacked Greece and Yugoslavia due to the reverse suffered by the Italian forces and their weak performance in the region.
ALSO VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.MILITARYTOUR.COM FOR MUCH MORE MILITARIA
Additional information
Weight | 0.03 kg |
---|
Vendor Info
- Military Tour
- Vendor: Doug Johnston
-
Address:
210 Dufferin Avenue
Winnipeg MB R2W 2X5
-
GERMAN WWII WEHRMACHT M31 SPLINTER PATTERN SHELTER QUARTER ZELTBAHN – REVERSIBLE
Sold by Military TourAlso known as Splinter Pattern, Heeressplittermuster, Splinter A, Buntfarbenaufdruck 1931. This is a thick water repellant 100% cotton canvas. Comes with 2 leather straps. First Issue 1932 Used until 1945 This Zeltbahn was one of the most versatile pieces of…
-
GERMAN WW11 ORIGINAL M-38 GAS MASK WITH FILTER
Sold by Military TourOriginal German WW2 issue M-38 Gas Masks comes complete with it's correct filter can. The original German M1938 gas mask bears it's original German manufacturer's codes and markings and is complete with original head straps. Good used condition. The filter…
-
GERMAN WW2 COTTON TWILL CLOTH SEAM TAPE 1.5 CM WIDE LIGHT GREEN BY GMAX
Sold by Military TourThis high quality cotton twill tape was specifically manufactured by GMAX Militaria years a go at a great expense. The Seam tape was used in the construction of many different German WW2 uniforms, smocks and helmet covers etc. Some of…
-
ROSENTHAL PORCELAIN COFFEE CUP WW2 GERMAN ORIGINAL
Sold by Military TourGerman WW2 coffee cup made by Rosenthal porcelain company, with clear markings and 1944 date on the bottom of the cup. The cup is in near perfect condition with no nicks or chips. Original era manufacture. ALSO VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.MILITARYTOUR.COM…
-
POLIZEI- DIVISION SS BERLIN-012 INK STAMP
Sold by Military TourThis SS wooden hand stamp features the words POLIZEI- DIVISION SS BERLING-012. This document metal hand stamp was used by SS headquarters. ALSO VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.MILITARYTOUR.COM FOR MUCH MORE MILITARIA
-
GERMAN SS BRIGADEFUHRER OTTO KUMM MEDAL RIBBON BAR
Sold by Military TourThis is the reconstructed ribbon bar of Otto Kumm with pin. Ribbon bars are small ribbons mounted on small metal bars equipped with attaching devices, and are generally issued for wear in place of wearing the actual medals. ALSO…