Showing posts with label 8 Wardrobe Black Glasses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 8 Wardrobe Black Glasses. Show all posts

Sunday, June 28, 2026

Ritterkreuzträger with Black Glasses


During World War II, German forces of the Wehrmacht, Luftwaffe, and Waffen-SS made extensive use of various types of protective eyewear collectively referred to in period imagery and collector circles as "black glasses," primarily dark-tinted sunglasses and specialized goggles designed to combat intense glare, dust, snow, and desert conditions across multiple theaters. Standard issue included the Dienstbrille, simple round wire-rimmed corrective or blank-lensed service spectacles supplied in metal cases stamped with optical prescription cards for soldiers requiring vision aids, while non-corrective sunglasses such as the Blendschutzbrille für Kraftfahrer featured imitation tortoise-shell frames and dark lenses issued especially to machine-gun crews, vehicle drivers, and Luftwaffe personnel to reduce eye strain from bright sunlight or instrument glare. In North Africa with the Afrikakorps, troops relied heavily on tinted sun-and-dust goggles (Augenschützer) with protective envelopes for sandstorms, often paired with cloth or leather masks, while mountain and ski units employed snow goggles with dark or orange-tinted lenses to prevent snow blindness on the Eastern Front and in Norway. Luftwaffe pilots and aircrews used all-purpose dust goggles, Ultrasin emergency sun-protection models from survival kits (frequently worn as everyday shades), and sophisticated flight goggles with anti-glare coatings, some featuring adjustable ventilation and leather padding for high-altitude comfort; these "black glasses" became iconic in color photographs of smiling Flak crews and fighter pilots, blending practical utility with a casual, stylish appearance that contrasted the rigors of combat. Private purchase options supplemented official issue, including captured French or civilian models, and elite units like panzer crews favored wraparound or flip-up designs for tank periscope use, all contributing to the preservation of vision in extreme environments where unprotected eyes could suffer rapid fatigue or permanent damage from UV exposure, particulate matter, or reflected light. Postwar, surviving examples remain prized militaria, illustrating the Wehrmacht's emphasis on functional personal equipment tailored to the demands of blitzkrieg mobility and prolonged defensive operations.

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HEER


Generalfeldmarschall Ferdinand Schörner (1892-1973), born on 12 June 1892 in Munich and one of the most controversial and ruthless commanders in the Wehrmacht, rose from Einjährig-Freiwilliger through the ranks to become the last German soldier promoted to this exalted position and the final Commander-in-Chief of the German Army in Hitler's testament. A dedicated Nazi known as Blutiger Ferdinand for his merciless discipline, including summary executions of perceived deserters, Schörner earned the full hierarchy of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes through successive feats of aggressive leadership and defensive tenacity on multiple fronts. He received the Ritterkreuz on 20 April 1941 as Generalmajor and commander of the 6. Gebirgs-Division in the Balkans campaign, where, before dawn on 6 April, his troops overran enemy outposts on the snow-covered Belaaica mountain in a surprise thrust, penetrating two bunker lines of the Metaxas Line; on 8 April he launched an independent surprise attack on the northern Krusa mountain, ejecting defenders and advancing toward Salonika in coordination with the 2. Panzer-Division, actions that significantly contributed to the rapid fall of Greece and Macedonia. The 398th Oak Leaves followed on 17 February 1944 as General der Gebirgstruppe commanding XXXX. Panzerkorps, awarded for his steadfast defense and skillful evacuation of the Nikopol bridgehead since late November 1943 amid relentless Soviet assaults, terrible roads, and harsh terrain; his personal presence at critical sectors enabled the successful withdrawal of his forces despite overwhelming odds during the Dnieper-Carpathian Offensive. The 93rd Swords were conferred on 28 August 1944 as Generaloberst and Oberbefehlshaber of Heeresgruppe Nord for his command in the Courland region, where, despite being cut off, his troops repelled massive Soviet surges for weeks, embodying resolute defense as a cornerstone of the Eastern Front through incessant battles. Finally, the 23rd Diamonds were awarded on 1 January 1945 as Generaloberst commanding Heeresgruppe Nord for orchestrating the orderly withdrawal from Estonia and northeastern Latvia under heavy Soviet assault beginning 14 September 1944 with minimal losses, followed by directing the first three Battles of the Courland Pocket, where Soviet advances were limited to minor gains only at enormous cost, showcasing his iron resolve, frontline leadership, and one of the last notable German defensive triumphs of the war. Schörner later commanded Heeresgruppe Mitte in the final desperate struggles, remaining a favorite of Hitler until the collapse, though he ultimately deserted his post before capture, facing postwar convictions for war crimes.



Source :
https://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2011/06/album-foto-kacamata-hitam-nazi-jerman.html

Sunday, June 21, 2026

Josef Priller Smoking Cigars


A rarely seen picture of Hauptmann Josef "Pips" Priller (Gruppenkommandeur III.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 26 "Schlageter" ). Picture taken by Rolf Schröder, III./ JG 26 Technical Officer, in the summer 1942. During this period Priller flew the Fw 190A, leading the Gruppe in operations over the English Channel and occupied France against the RAF. He scored his 70th victory on 5 May 1942 and reached 81 victories by the end of 1942.




Source :
JY Lorant photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10244438610928208&set=gm.1030128112920821&idorvanity=399005652699740

Monday, March 23, 2026

Paul Hausser Visited SS Totenkopf Division


From left to right: SS-Obergruppenführer und General der Waffen-SS Paul Hausser (Kommandierender General II. SS-Panzerkorps), SS-Oberführer Hermann Prieß (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Totenkopf"), and SS-Standartenführer Heinz Lammerding (Chef des Stabes II. SS-Panzerkorps). The photo was taken in early summer 1943 during Hausser's visit to the SS Totenkopf Division which were under his command.



SS-Standartenführer Heinz Lammerding (Chef des Stabes II. SS-Panzerkorps) and SS-Obergruppenführer und General der Waffen-SS Paul Hausser (Kommandierender General II. SS-Panzerkorps).


Source :
https://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2018/06/foto-paul-hausser.html

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Wilhelm Bach Visits Italian Positions in the Halfaya Pass


Hauptmann Wilhelm Bach, freshly awarded with the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 9 July 1941 and temporary commander of I.Bataillon / Schützen Regiment 104, visits Italian positions in Halfaya Pass on 22 August 1941. This picture shows Hauptmann Bach inspects an Italian battery adjacent to his own.



Hauptmann Wilhelm Bach, freshly awarded with the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 9 July 1941 and temporary commander of I.Bataillon / Schützen Regiment 104, visits Italian positions in Halfaya Pass on 22 August 1941. This picture shows Hauptmann Bach inspects an Italian battery adjacent to his own.



Hauptmann Wilhelm Bach, freshly awarded with the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 9 July 1941 and temporary commander of I.Bataillon / Schützen Regiment 104, visits Italian positions in Halfaya Pass on 22 August 1941. This picture shows Hauptmann Bach inspects an Italian battery adjacent to his own.

Source :
https://imagesdefense.gouv.fr/fr/le-capitaine-bach-commandant-d-une-batterie-du-schutzen-regiment-104-visite-des-positions-italiennes-halfayapass-2.html

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Helmuth Valtiner and Ferdinand Schörner


From left to right: Oberfeldwebel Helmuth Valtiner (Zugführer in 1.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Gebirgsjager-Regiment 143 / 6.Gebirgs-Division) and Generalmajor Ferdinand Schörner (Kommandeur 6. Gebirgs-Division). Valtiner received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 13 June 1941 for his bravery and decisiveness during the German invasion of Greece, two months previously. On 18 April 1941 the First Battalion of Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 143 was ordered to force a crossing over the river Pinios and capture the position Evangelismos. The Bataillon ordered its 1. Kompanie to lead the way, intending for it to have established a bridgehead on the south bank of the river by 14:00. But by the ordered time a large portion of the Kompanie had not even reached the river, only Valtiner and 6 men. After a brief examination of the situation he swam over the river in full combat gear with his comrades. In doing so he was able to determine the most favourable crossing point over the river, and despite strong enemy artillery, mortar and MG fire he was able to hang on to a small toehold on the opposite bank. This was later exploited when the rest of 1. Kompanie arrived, and it led to the successful creation of the first bridgehead over the Pinios.


Source :
Michal S. photo collection
"Oberfeldwebel Helmuth Valtiner" by Roland Kaltenegger
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/81893/Valtiner-Helmuth.htm

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Ferdinand Schörner and His Staff Officers


This image come from "Mit dem Reichskommissar nach Nordnorwegen und Finnland 10. bis 27. Juli 1942" (Photo Album from Terboven's journey to Nothern Norway and Finland 10–27 July 1942), which contains about 375 images, uploaded to www.flickr.com by Riksarkivet (National Archives of Norway) in 2012. This picture shows General der Gebirgstruppe Ferdinand Schörner (second from right, Kommandierender General XIX. Gebirgskorps) with his staff officers. Original caption: "General Schörner und sein Adjutant." At right is Oberst Hans Degen (Chef des Generalstabes XIX. Gebirgskorps).

Source :
https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/13188/2

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Ferdinand Schörner wearing Generalmantel


Generaloberst Ferdinand Schörner (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe Nord) in the autumn of 1944. He is wearing the Schwerter zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes which he received on 28 August 1944. The following press article (dated 1 September 1944) describes why Schörner would receive the Schwerter: “Generaloberst Ferdinand Schörner is the commander-in-chief of our troops fighting in the Courland region, against whom the surge of enemy forces from the east has failed to overcome for many weeks. Despite already having been cut off once completely, our troops in Courland have defied all the odds as the cornerstone of the Eastern front. They embodied the spirit of their commander-in-chief, and his skillful leadership has guided them to a victorious outcome over the course of incessant battle against the hordes of enemies.”

Source :
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/1054/Sch%C3%B6rner-Johann-Ferdinand.htm
https://twitter.com/T_T_0818/status/1426427117756055554/photo/1

Saturday, October 7, 2023

Erwin Rommel with His Italian Allies


General der Panzertruppe Erwin Rommel (center, Befehlshaber Panzergruppe "Afrika") with his Italian allies. At left with black glasses is his Operations Officer (Ia), Oberstleutnant im Generalstab Siegfried Westphal. There is no information about when and where this picture was taken, but possibly in 1941.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2025515#p2025515

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Waldemar Riefkogel, Fritz Biermeier and Erwin Meierdrees


Panzer officers of SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Totenkopf" in conversation. On the far left is SS-Obersturmführer Waldemar Riefkogel (Chef 1.Kompanie / I.Abteilung / SS-Panzer-Regiment 3 "Totenkopf"), then with the sunglasses is SS-Hauptsturmführer Fritz Biermeier (Führer II.Abteilung / SS-Panzer-Regiment 3 "Totenkopf"), and on the right is SS-Hauptsturmführer Erwin Meierdrees (Kommandeur I.Abteilung / SS-Panzer-Regiment 3 "Totenkopf"). The picture was taken in 1943.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=127010

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Erwin Meierdrees in Diensthemd


SS-Hauptsturmführer Erwin Meierdrees in a picture taken by SS-Kriegsberichter Tissen. No information about time and place of the picture. Some publication or website misidentified this Captain as Max Wünsche!



Source :
http://www.kriegsberichter-archive.com/index.php?/category/51
https://stabswache-de-euros.blogspot.com/2011/09/copyright-and-license-text-articles-on_14.html