you might be able to get a unit ID from the shoulderboard on that new one Bryant. I dunno?
Could someone explain the rank of Oberschutze to me? Why was this rank even needed, and why wouldnt they just go straight to Gefreiter instead?? Was this rank something that was needed in larger sized units for more control or something?
Searching for anything relating to, Anton Boos, 934 Stamm. Kp. Pz. Erz. Abt. 7, 3 Kompanie, Panzer-Regiment 2, 16th Panzer-Division (My father)
A soldier could be promoted to the rank of Oberschütze [or Oberpionier, Oberfahrer, Oberfunker etc. etc.] after some six to twelve months of service.
However, an enlisted man did not have to pass through this rank; direct promotion to Gefreiter was possible and the norm. Those promoted to Oberschütze were usually men who had served for some time and had acquitted themselves well enough as basic-level privates, but who were considered not (or at least not yet) suitable for promotion to Gefreiter and who were not expected to rise any higher.
A similar situation existed with the junior NCO rank of Unterfeldwebel: A soldier could be directly promoted from Unteroffizier to Feldwebel without passing through the Unterfeldwebel rank. Those who held the rank of Unterfeldwebel were typically longer-serving Unteroffiziere who were competent for junior NCO rank, but not suitable for promotion to the senior NCO ranks.
Thus, Oberschütze and Unterfeldwebel were often dead-end ranks.
Schütze Herbert Rybarczyk killed in the East, July 28, 1942. 70 years ago today.
Last edited by Bryant; 07-29-2012 at 04:43 AM.
Adreas, Thank you for a thorough explanation. I had seen this rank used in Army photos/etc before , but I dont recall ever seeing it for Panzer personnel....and didnt know the point of the rank itself.
Thank you too Ralph, a good comparison for US rank equivalent.
A couple GJ pics......
* Portrait is a man from GJ- Pioneer Battalion 54
Good day! Help the photos with Joachim Piper.
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Interested in the period of the Battle for Kharkov February-March 1943
Interested in everything connected with the period of Kharkov 1943
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Sorry, if not in the section
Here are photos of Kharkiv in 1943: ИÑторичеÑкиРÑайт - Ð“Ð»Ð°Ð²Ð½Ð°Ñ Ñтраница
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