I’m not sure you’re correct about this photo being the last of Wittmann, since this is the 3rd Kompanie, he probably isn’t there! In fact it was taken in May 1944 during an exercise run by SS sPzAbt 101. In the photo, Blase is third from the right and is actually turning away from the briefing by SS-Obersturmfuhrer Raasch, to look directly at the camera. The briefing is supervised by Sturmbannfuhrer von Westerhagen, the unit commander (these two officers are the other two figures in the set). Another member of the unit, similarly dressed to Blase, stands two to the left, with back to us viewing the photo. The amount of latitude allowed in the style of dress, even to NCOs like Blase, illustrates not only the elite nature of the unit, but also the large variety of issue clothing available, not withstanding the additional private purchase items. Here’s the photo:
Raasch and von westerhagen - Bing images
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