Rui’s Renditions
Studio portrait of Willi Ermann (1897-1943). Late-war period
What initially called my attention to this particular photo was what seems to be a Model 1917 Einheits Schirmmütze with a light-colored chinstrap and a band that appears to be of the same color as the fabric.
The Model 1917 Einheits Schirmmütze/Krätzchen was introduced on 20 July 1917 to replace all the various colored caps in use and was to be worn by all arms. As usual, there was an exception to the rule as Bayern opted to have its own version made completely out of Feldgrau material, without a different color cloth for the band and piping. But it seems it was considered to be ugly, so Bavarian officers and NCOs tended to purchase caps with the contrasting colors such as the original Prussian model.*
Willi Ermann seems to be wearing a Bavarian model but, according to available information, he was born in Holz near Saarbrücken in the Prussian Rhine Province, so the light tone of the band might be due to overexposure.
The faustriemen and riding boots with spurs point to a field artillery unit but according to the ‘Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum’ Willi Ermann “fought in an infantry regiment on the western front for the entire duration of the war. He completed weapons, grenade, and mine exercises and received the rank of corporal. Towards the end of the war he was appointed to the post of division adjutant.” The source of such information is not mentioned.
*Adapted from Tony Schnurr’s “kaisersbunker.com”