Old uniforms in new pictures

[Fritz]

Picture taken in early 1972 depicting a Leutnant of the cavalry. The uniform is original from head to foot, comprising of an officer's cap, breeches - stone grey, boots and an issue tunic same as other ranks, but with original sewn officer's effects in silver wire, flatwire eagle, yellow Waffenfarbe and iron cross ribbon in 2nd buttonhole. The repairs to left breastpocket and rear panel indicate that wearer was severely wounded at siome time. No loops for a wound badge.

 

1968

 

[Kenny Andrew]

Excellent pictures Paul, looks more like 1942 than 72 , did anybody see you ? were you not tempted to take a walk down the Strasser

[Fritz]

No, Kenny, that was in the back yard with a two metre wall and remains of barbed wire posts on top. No trouble at all!

Today, Sunday, 11th October we were in the Cemetery Chapel, from where we laid Birgitt to rest just 13 days ago. The was a Russian Orthodox Church Service in the tiny chapel, and it lasted over 2 hours. Very picturesque, very moving ceremny, one and a half hours. The Russian Priest stood just where her coffin had stood not quite two weeks ago, the interior of the chapel changed accordingly from the funeral service to the Russian Orthodox, with many Ikons, golden brocade cloths and candels. The Russian Orthodox Church has been represented in Germany for a very long time now, and the tradition goes back to the Russian singers accompanying the regimental band of the 1st Bataillon Garde, who were invited to settle in Potsdam-Aleksandrowka after the Napoleonic Wars in 1816 by King Friedrich Wilhelm III. of Prussia, and whose colony has remained in Potsdam since. Also in other parts of Germany, even in Hamburg, are Greek and Russian Orthodox parishes in the diaspora, these being one of the three great churches of Christianity.

[Kenny Andrew]

That sounds a very fitting and moving ceremony Paul.