Help wanted identifying these chaps

[raich]

I am unfamiliar with most of the uniforms that appear in this photo of a pow work party - any assistance greatly appreciated.

[raich]

I am unfamiliar with most of the uniforms that appear in this photo of a pow work party - any assistance greatly appreciated.

and another

and another

[4thGordons]

and another

Looks to be a Royal Scots Fusilier in the middle - beyond that it is tough for me to say.

It looks like some of he men have civilian caps but with unit badges on them.

I will be interested to hear what others think.

Chris

[raich]

Looks to be a Royal Scots Fusilier in the middle - beyond that it is tough for me to say.

It looks like some of he men have civilian caps but with unit badges on them.

I will be interested to hear what others think.

Chris

The guy second from the right appears to have a german cross on his head, which surprised me.

[Andrew Upton]

The guy second from the right appears to have a german cross on his head, which surprised me.

Most of those surrounding the central group (which appears to be mixed British and French amongst others) appear to be German guards.

[tocemma]

The guy with the cross on his cap is a member of the Landsturm.

below is a brief description of the function of the Landsturm

'Landsturm, a uniformed reserve set up in the German Empire in time of war consisting of former reservists aged 40 to 44, and of all citizens between 18 and 44 who had not been called up for normal service. This Landsturm was established by a law passed in 1888 and ceased in 1919. The term had been used earlier (notably in the 17th c. and in Prussia 1808-14) for any call-up of the male population in time of national emergency.'

The cross was worn on the oilskin cap shown here. The design dates from the early part of the 19th Century, but was worn by members of the Landsturm throughout the Great war

Regards

Tocemma

[tocemma]

The cross is shown here. The holes for attaching the cross to the cap can be seen clearly.

Regards

Tocemma

[tocemma]

The two Germans at extreme left and right could well be members of an Eisenbahn(Railway troops)unit. These units wore black cloth bands on their caps edged in red piping as below. They are also wearing Litzen or collar lace on their tunics. Clearly laying a narrow gauge railway and the surveyor or engineer is likely the suited and booted chap second left, map or plan in hand.

I suspect that the oval tags seen attached to the caps worn by many of the prisoners are POW ID tags issued to them by the Germans, most likely with holes to allow them to be sewn on to clothing. The British prisoner seated left next to the theodolite stand seems to have a dark coloured jacket, possibly one of the blue ones sent to clothe POWs. It certainly seems to be darker than normal khaki colour.

Regards

Tocemma

[FROGSMILE]

They appear to be a mixture of British, French and possibly Belgian PoWs, supervised by various German support troops. As they seem to be carrying out surveying and some are holding carpenters tools (see saw at centre rear), I am wondering if they are engaged in constructing their own accommodation. There is a half completed hut in the background. This would have been a typical propaganda opportunity to take photos and show them to the International Red Cross.

[raich]

Thanks all most grateful to you