Swedish Volunteer Corps (Svenska Frivilligkåren) militaria

[dastier]

A Brief Background...

The Swedish Volunteer Corps (Svenska Frivilligkåren) comprised 8,402 Swedish volunteers. During the Winter War Armborst Grupp 1, numbering around 1,500 soldiers, began relieving five Finnish battalions at Märkäjärvi in mid-February, 1940. In the subsequent Battle of Salla against units of the Soviet 122nd and 88th Rifle Divisions, thirty-three men died in action, among them the commander of the first relieving unit, Lieutenant Colonel Magnus Dyrssen.




Some photos of the SFK soldiers:


NB. The SFK soldier inspecting the knocked out Soviet tank is armed with a Swedish m94 carbine.

Here are a few photos of Swedish insignia, medals and commemorative awards; plus other militaria that are associated with the Svenska Frivilligkåren.

Finnish Commemorative Winter War Medal. (variation for Swedish Volunteers)

my Finnish Commemmorative Medal of the Winter War for Swedish Volunteers with Lappi clasp front.jpg (click to view)

The Commemoration Cross. (Frivilligkorset - Svenska Finlandsfrivilligas minnesförening)


Commemorative Plaques for Swedish Volunteers in the Winter War: (Minnesplakett för SFK under Vinterkriget)


First type for SFK volunteers that fought at the Front during the Winter War.

Second type for Administrative Service during the Winter War.
(image coutesy Utmrkelser fr Svenska Frivilliga i Finland 1939-44 - Swedish Volunteers in Finland 1939-44 Decorations)

Insignia used by the Svenska Frivilligkåren:


Armborst Grupp 1. Collar Badge, Swedish Volunteer Corps

Not sure what the crossed rifles represent but I believe they were worn on the collars or shoulders. Comments?

10. Värjor Grupp 3
11. D Depåkompani (Depot)
12.Marsalkstavar Kårstab (Staff)
13. Älg Grupp 2
14. Lv Luftvärn
15. Pv Pansarvärnsförband (Armour?)
16. U Underhållskompani (unknown)



Swedish-Finnish Fundraising Friendship Pin. (I have one but borrowed this image)


Swedish m26 helmet. (m21 helmet variation) Such helmets were taken to Finland by SFK soldiers and left behind when the volunteers returned to Sweden.

Original German-style leather liner.


Swedish Fur Hat.


Weapons brought to Finland and used by the SFK: (from Wikipedia)


Rifles left to right: Swedish Kulsprutegevär m/21 (Swedish version of the Browning Automatic Rifle), Mauser m/96 rifle with m/96 bayonet, Mauser m/94 carbine with m/94 bayonet.

Pistols top to bottom: FN Browning High Power with shoulder stock, FN Browning m/1910, FN Browning m/1922, FN Browning m/1903, Husqvarna m/1907. (Note Wikipedia indicates that the SFK only used the Husqvarna m/1907 which the Svenska Frivilligkåren would have brought to Finland)

[meyle77]

Crosses rifles are for collar tabs - infantry.

Great info !

[Adrian Stevenson]

Interesting items: thanks for posting them.

Cheers, Ade.

[dastier]

Thanks guys, glad you like the post. I have a few more Swedish items but need to take photos. Anyone recognize that cover next to the Swedish fur hat? Its not Swedish.

BTW I put a few links to Finnish and Swedish insignia and awards in my Finnish Militaria thread.

[Alan M]

A really well put together and interesting post , thanks Mike .

[dastier]

Photographs of the grave marker and signage referencing the death of the commander officer of the Armborst Grupp 1 , Lieutenant Colonel Magnus Dyrssen.