RARE**NAMED BRITISH POW GUARD PTE J.E. SMITH BRING BACK WITH PROVENANCE**WW2 Nazi German DAK Deutsches Afrikakorps Panzer Grenadier's Unteroffizier (Corporal’s) Tropical Combat Tunic With Rank Insignia, Iron Cross With Ribbon, War Merit Cross & DRL Spor Clothing

**RARE**NAMED BRITISH POW GUARD PTE J.E. SMITH BRING BACK WITH PROVENANCE**WW2 Nazi German DAK Panzer Grenadier's Unteroffizier (Corporal’s) Tropical Combat Tunic With Rank Insignia, Iron Cross With Ribbon, War Merit Cross & DRL Sports Award. - 23068:5

A rare to find excellent original WW2 Nazi German DAK Deutsches Afrikakorps Panzer Grenadier's Unteroffizier (Corporal’s) Tropical Combat Tunic brought back by Private J.E. Smith from his overseas service guarding German POWs. The tunic has pleated pockets and 6 buttons to the front. The correct tropical green light cotton material is sun faded to be expected with Tropical service wear and has shading you would expect to find from webbing equipment being worn in the field. The green shoulder boards with gold piping are Heer (army) and it has cloth collar insignia of the Panzer Grenadiers. All material and stitching is clean and intact with no damage or mothing and it has the correct belt hooks at the waist. The breast bears the embroidered Nazi eagle with swastika. One button hole has the Iron Cross second class ribbon. One top pocket has loops for awards mounted with original Iron Cross 1939 2nd class with hinged pin to the rear and Deutsches Reichssportabzeichen, commonly referred to as the DRL Sports Badge (fitness award). The rear of the badge has maker marks and hinged pin (illustrated). The breast is also mounted with War merit ribbon and crossed swords for military merit in combat conditions. The arms have cloth patches one featuring Oak Leaves of the DAK and the other Oval patch with a green centre & single silver sunburst / star in the middle rank insignia of Unteroffizier (Corporal). The inside of the tunic has ink stamped numbers (illustrated). The tunic is small size, approx. 38” Chest size. The tunic is accompanied by original hand written notes made by private smith titled My Story of the War John Edwards Smith 605 Coy CMP (VP)1940–1942-19946 “ In the notes he outlines originally being was posted to Hyton Liverpool for training in the Pioneer Corps then being posted to London to assist with demolition of bombed homes and goes on to describe guarding Ammunition dumps and service in Nuremberg & Osnabrück performing police duties before being disbanded & serving in Antwerp also performing police duties. The notes are signed J.E. Smith dated 27/8/97. Inserted in the notes are original black and white photos, 1 described in his notes as ‘myself and 3 German POWs’ and the other ‘me outside of the small camps after I came home from Italy, yanks in the guard box, a Jerry to the right’ (photos illustrated). The tunic also comes with a typed letter from a family member which reads ‘Reference our telephone conversation of April 30th. My Father was at some point with the Military police on various guard duties at POW Camps in Germany and earlier in North Africa & Italy. He was a hoarder and brought home many souvenirs from the War. Being in close contact with German prisoners he was ideally placed. I have sold most of his items as it was a long time ago, but I wish to hold onto the Iron Cross as a keepsake (the author obviously decided to part with the medal as it is on the tunic). I know this was on the tropical tunic which he brought back together with some other badges, a steel helmet and a cap. I also came across part of a letter he wrote together with a photo of him late in the war in Germany. I enclose this and should I come across anything else I will contact you. I thank you for taking an interest into my Fathers service, he was quite a character and would have been amused’ (illustrated). Also with the tunic is Pte 276541 Smith’s 1946 WD Retention certificate which contains his ID photo. The price for this excellent rare DAK tunic with original provenance includes UK delivery. Sn 23068:5**NB. AS WITH ALL OF OUR STOCK THIS ITEM IS GUARANTEED 100% ORIGINAL**