HJ Oberkameradschaftsfuehrer rank patch & Gebietsdreieck

[ynot]

Hello,

I know nothing whatsoever about the HJ so apologies if my questions are simple.

After searching the site I believe the rank being worn in the photo is Marine HJ Oberkameradschaftsfuehrer and that these boys were given more a naval style training.

I couldn't find answers to the following questions, so if anyone can help me out I'd be grateful:

What were the responsibilities of an Oberkameradschaftsfuehrer?
Was it unusual for someone in the M-HJ not to end up in the Kriegsmarine or was it a case of sending them to where they’re most needed especially later in the war?
Would the small town of Bielefeld (not being near the coast) have been able to cater for Marine HJ or would those wishing to join the navy be sent somewhere central where the numbers may have been higher?
I’ve found a Bann and Gebietsdreieck list online showing Bielefeld came under West Westfalen, is that correct? Just wondering because Bielefeld is in north eastern Westphalia.

Thanks for any replies.

Tony

[Wilhelm Saris]

You're on the wrong track.
The insignia: pip and chevron is an indication for DJ-Oberjungenschaftsführer, as he is wearing
a Jungvolk shoulder-strap. In this case it has not to do with naval-HJ.

If I see well I see number 13, which is Münster from the HJ-district West-Westfalen. Bielefeld had
number 158. At WRF we have a naval-HJ specialist. He can tell you if they had a naval unit at Münster and/or
Bielefeld.

[ynot]

Wilhelm, thanks for the reply.

Would someone living in Bielefeld have been in a Muenster district DJ/HJ group? It was a long way to travel back then.

Thanks for letting me know the correct rank, his war time scrap books are full of KM newspaper clippings and what with me thinking the rank was M-HJ I thought he'd be a candidate for the Kriegsmarine.

As for the number, I just can't be sure as it isn't clear enough.

Tony

[Wilhelm Saris]

Was he actually living at Bielefeld or in the area?
For example when he was living closer to Münster (in the direction of
Warendorf) he would have been a member there.

I see a 3 and not a 5. Can you make a beter scan from the number
upon the shoulder-strap, please!

[ynot]

Yes, born in the centre of Bielefeld and lived in the same house in Bielefeld until he died.

Here's a larger scan but it doesn't help me with the number I'm afraid, it's too blurred.

The reverse is stamped by a photographer in H. Wessel Str. There were probably plenty of towns with streets named after him but I now Bielefeld had one too.

[Wilhelm Saris]

To me it seems it is not a 5 afer the 1. A 3 might also be doubtful!

See how the numbers should look like:

[ynot]

It would've been good if someone had written all the details on the back when the photo was taken

At least I now know the correct rank so thanks very much for that and being DJ I have a rough idea of when the photo was taken - 1940/41.

[Wilhelm Saris]

Is this the only photo where the DJ-uniform is being worn?

[ynot]

Unfortunately yes, the only other photos I have are either in civilian clothing or after being called up.