Anyone identify this unit?

Heres an intresting pic, first time I have seen a picture of waffen ss without collar tabs, also note the tunics are short in length unlike what re-enactors seem to wear, anyone know what unit they are?

Its in quite a few books/publications and remember seeing it many times-will have a look to see if i can find it for any info

Maybe one of the non-German SS units? I seem to remember seeing foreign units in the SS with a hotch-potch of uniforms, looking 'unfinished'.

Yes, I tried to decipher that cuff title last night, but the more I zoomed in, the less clear it became!

Probably a police battalion.
They wore ss sleeve eagles and army collar tabs

Thats a well known pic. It is Regt. Germania, who in the early part of the war were part of SS Division "Deutschland (which became 2nd SS Panzer Division "Das Reich" in October 43), before being transfered to form the kernel of the 5th SS Division "Wiking" in December 1940 (which eventually ended up as 5th SS Panzer Division "Wiking" in Feb '44)

the reason the tunics look too short is that we actually wear our tunics too long, and technically too big for us - the German uniform was cut deliberately to make the soldiers look taller and consequently has a more 'european' cut Tighter across shoulders and shorter sleeves. Also remember these guys have a much slimmer build than most of us there is an article about this on dererstezug.... the tunic was actually designed to be above the buttocks at the back with the belt just under the ribcage. Also interesting to note how high up the cuff title is - virtually under the elbow.

short-arse germans lol no wonder they tried non trench warfare for WW2

Great picture. Seen it in a number of publictaions but hadn't realised until now that none of them are wearing collar tabs. Wounder why Answers on a postcard please

The tunic's are the norm,.... appear to be the correct cut/fit for the period, as Neillblume has mentioned. All my tunics have been re tailored , pockets lifted, skirt shortened, darts altered, to give an hour glass look, the correct length , and final correct fit ,...for my build,... being of slim build makes the alterations easy .
It was common that even enlisted men, when on leave,.... had there tunics altered.
The lack of Insignia could be for several reasons,..... special operations,.... a volunteer unit,..... Late war,have not been issued with full compliment of insignia , due to shortages......transfer to another Division, awaiting new badge up.

i love pictures like that it mkes you wonder what were they doing what were they thinking what happened to them...

I think nelz that most of us are a little to (ahem) stocky to have our uniforms altered in this way. I know i bought mine a size larger for comfort and ease of movement. I made the point so that at least we can be aware of the facts before we ignore them

It's taken me a while to find the book where I first saw this picture about 30 years ago! I'll quote the sub text from the photo, according to my first edition of "German military combat dress" by Almark,

"Men of Standarte No2 ("Germania" Regiment) in France 1940, wearing Army pattern field grey service dress. Note plain collars devoid of the usual collar patches and national eagle emblem on arm. Unterscharfuhrer on right. Folded smocks carried in belts (IWM-STT1599)."

I like the battlefield look, heres 2 good ones...

the last one is a 12th ss hj recon unit and i think the first one is from russia

Well that narrows it down a bit...

Love that last pic. Is that of the 12th SS around Normandy????? Looks like others I've seen. Great one to recreate.