All eyes towards the front! The view from inside SS-Sturmbannführer Paul Kümmel's command halftrack, and Sd.Kfz.251/3 Ausf.D mittlerer Funkpanzerwagen (communications vehicle). The radio equipped vehicle was produced in a number of variants depending on the role used, such as tank communication or air to ground co-operation. Kümmel (Kommandeur I.Abteilung / SS-Panzer-Regiment 5 / 5.SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking"), on the right, has stripped down to his service shirt in the summer heat, a much cooler option when compared to wearing his woolen tunic. On the left is SS-Hauptsturmführer Paul Scholven from SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 9 "Germania", and wearing the headphones is the radio operator. Hanging around his neck is the rare SS face veil, an item produced in relatively small numbers for extra camouflage and generally reserved for use by ground infantry and snipers. The picture was taken by SS-Kriegsberichter Ernst Baumann in Vilanovo, Poland, 22 July 1944.
Source :
Book "Kampfgruppe Mühlenkamp: 5. SS-Panzer-Division Wiking, Eastern Poland, July 1944" by Douglas E. Nash and Remy Spezzano
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