26th May 1942
Eastern Front + Wound Badge

Wedding photograph taken of a bride with her soldier husband who appears to hold the ranks of Stabsgefreiter. This rank was first established in 1942 and is equivalent to a Lance corporal. This date ties in with the medal ribbon (black-white-red) above the left breast pocket. It denotes a recipient of the Winter Battle in the East 1941-1942 medal (aka the Eastern Medal), established on 26th May 1942. Also upon the left breast pocket is the Wound Badge (black, 3rd Class). This being awarded to soldiers wounded once or twice during hostile action. Ref: 26.05.1945