Kriegsberichter der SS:
Rottenfuhrer, Kriegsberichter, SS/KB-Abteilung, Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler:
The SS-Kriegsberichter-Kompanie (SS-War Reporter Company) originated in January 1940 with an original formation of four Zug platoons of war correspondents and their support staff. The platoons were able to operate independently of each other, each equipped with still and movie cameras to enable units to document the actions of the Waffen-SS men in combat visually.
The company came under the command of former Allgemeine-SS Standartenfuhrer Gunter d’Alene and was given the rank of Waffen-SS Hauptsturmfuhrer der Reserve. d’Alquen would command the unit throughout its existence, ending the war as a Waffen-SS Stardartenfuhrer der Reserve.
Soon after its formation, one platoon was attached to each of the four Waffen-SS Combat Formations, These platoons would remain attached to their respective formations throughout the campaigns in France and the Low Countries, reporting on the actions of the SS combat formations during the campaign.
The platoons remained attached to the SS combat units during the campaigns in the Balkans, taking many famous photos, including that of SS-Standartenfuhrer Kurt Meyer at the battle for the Kleisoura Pass, like most of the Allied cameramen, few ever got recognition.
By August 1941, the number of Waffen-SS formations had increased, so the SS-Kreigsbreichter-Kompanie increased, becoming SS-Kriegsberichter Abteilung. As an Abteilung, the unit had several more war correspondent units attached to it, enabling it to cover the actions of all the Waffen-SS formations operating out in the field.
With the expansion of the Kompanie to Abteilung came the change of the Cufftitle, in late 1941 to SS~KB~Abt.
This SS-Kriegsberichter is among the first to receive the new cuff title, retaining the early shoulder boards with the large L A H cipher on VT piped collar tab insignias.
When assigned to a specific unit for duty the SS-Kriegsberichter attached that unit’s cuff title to his uniform in the superior (upper) position on the arm.
*On the right breast pocket is an SS Badge, but I have not identified what it was issued for. Foreign Volunteer, Proficiency, Sports Badge possibly but I do not know. I also know there is more to this story, because of the badge, unfortunately, I have lost the rest.
Additionally, with this uniform, he will wear standard service trousers, Feldmutz of Stahlhelm along with his sidearm, and black belt and boots.
SS-Unterscharfuhrer, Kriegsberichter Abteilung Innsbruck:
After years of covering the hottest action on all fronts, this NCO had gotten a dream posting, Innsbruck Austria! From here he has worked to edit and compile stories, films, and stills. He realizes the power and importance of the photograph and pen. He follows and compiles the information into a propaganda story as they move from SS field units in the southern command.
While slaving away during a four-day week assignment in Italy he had a tailor make him a custom cut, new pattern combat tunic from quality Italian wool material.
He has kept his old uniform signal insignia with yellow waffenfarbe, mostly because being out of Berlin he can, and it looks better with the uniform. But do not be fooled, this SS Mann is no dandy. His awards show he has been in it with both the Iron Cross II Class and Ost-Front Ribbons in the tunics buttonhole, he carries the Wound Badge and the General Assault Badge, and he is very clear with what’s going on at the front(s). All of these decorations were earned before his assignment to Innsbruck. He has also been awarded the War Merit Cross 1st and 2nd class for his non-battle work.
He wears standard pattern trousers cut from the same Italian wool, but his new M43 cap, used a different bit of Italian stock, getting issued. His Visor Cap was made yet again with a bit different material, but all nice none-the-less, the problem was all the confusion that happened when the revolt happened and Mussolini was taken to Prison, The next order given him by the clerk, grab a pen and film, as he’s ordered to meet with Skorzeny!
SS-Oberscharfüher, Kriegsbereichter Züge 5. ,,Wiking”:
The first Heer Propaganda-Kompanien was formed in September 1938, shortly followed by the same established in the Luftwaffe and the Kriegsmarine in 1939. These units were assigned the roles of Reporting on the war through text, photographs, drawings, radio, and films. They were entertaining the troops, creating propaganda against the enemy, and creating counter-propaganda against the enemy propaganda. Making misleading information to camouflage military operations.
Early war Kriegsberichters worked at the divisional or regimental level in three-man Propagandatrupp. A reporter supported by a cameraman plus an assigned driver. While the Trupp was part of a Korps or Armee organization they lived and worked through division command. Expansion brought training that combined the role if journalist or reporter with the cameraman. Compared to modern digital media where the correspondent can upload from device to media platform Kriegsberichter had to transmit his story to the headquarters of the Propaganda Züge via film and typewritten story. From there, the report was disseminated to Wehrmacht Propaganda at Oberkomandon der Wehrmacht or OKW where it was rigidly censored. Next elevated to the office of the Reichspressechef (Reich Press Chief). Here re-editing crafted the story to what was needed to sway the public at the time. Only then was the story submitted to the newspapers, which had the option of accepting or rejecting it. In January 1940 the Kommandoamt der Waffen-SS ordered the establishment of an SS-Kriegsberichter-Kompanie. The Kompanie’s three Züge were attached to SS-Division Adolf Hitler, Das Reich, Totenkopf). They reported on the Western Campaign and the Battle of France in 1940. August 1941 brought the expansion of the Waffen-SS and the SS-Kriegsberichter, from Kompanie to Abteilung (battalion) strength. Expansion continued and by Dezember 1943 the unit was regimental in size receiving Ärmelstreifen “Kurt Eggers". It is estimated that during the whole war, the Kriegsberichters produced over 80.000 written reports and more than 2 million photographs. The SS-Oberscharführer wears a custom-made Ost Bluse sewn from captured Russian cotton fabric. He is a Züge leader shown by Eiserne Kreuz II. Klasse ribbon is next to his Ost Front, Czech, and Austrian Occupation ribbons. His well-worn Feldmütz appears to be converted to SS from a Heer model. Perhaps something from an old journalistic Heeres Kameraden
