Help: German Soldier ID

[fraserdw]

Sure would be nice if we could get back to a German soldier kit discussion. This point-counter point on war crimes is not much fun.

 

[Rayleigh_Scattering]

That would explain a lot about the Russian "Guards" units in WWII and the Waffen SS, the Praetorian Guard of their respective regimes.

History does not repeat, but you do see people in similar situations adopting similar solutions to similar problems.

Back to topic:

Why did the FJ use a single point parachute harness instead of a two-point shoulder one? Was it a doctrine difference? I can't imagine there was a significant difference in the underlying technology.

 

[AP]

Meyer's conviction was not put aside. The conviction stood but based on a review of evidence related to the specific charges he faced (some evidence that was obviously quite creative) and consultation by Vokes with his staff (and their investigations/inquiries) his death penalty was COMMUTED to LIFE imprisonment (which was life at that time) Hess ... for example died at 93 in Spandau Prison. Meyer was sent to a maximum security prison in Canada (Dorchester Penitentiary) - after 5 years he was transferred to JVA in Werl Westphalia to enable his family to visit as others convicted of War Crimes were permitted. Eventually (after 10 years) he was granted clemency and returned to civilian life. If there was any 'conspiracy' to engage Meyer in post war anti-Red politics - it obviously backfired; he carefully avoided politics, and avoided endorsing any party, despite the fact that he was held in very high regard by a great number of German veterans because of the reputation he had for leading from the front with his troops... and accepting accountability for the results of his action - or inaction. In fact he accepted the punishment of the Court Martial decision that he was to be executed and initially refused to appeal. It was under pressure from his family and Von Galen that a subsequent appeal was heard and the sentence was COMMUTED. He became a beer salesman and was well regarded in that role.

As an aside I am not sure where the notion that Vokes was influenced by other 'Generals' in his decision comes from - that was most certainly not Vokes' style. He was 'regular' Army through and through and trusted a limited number of professionals around him that he had been with from Sicily through to Occupation. He also understood that he would 'wear' his decision later on. And I dont think he gave a 'fxxk'.