"Panzer Grey" Topic

"This is a colour photograph taken by Hitler's personal photographer, Hugo Jaeger, of German troops standing around waiting to parade. It's early in the war; the panzer troops are still in their big black berets, and all the equipment is still painted grey. Interestingly, there are no balkenkreuz or tactical numbers showing on any of the vehicles, but they may very well have been freshly painted specifically for the parade…"

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Amicalement
Armand

Well maybe its early in the war and maybe its not. I Googled Pz II on parade and pulled up the exact same picture but the caption indicated it was for Hitler's 50th Birthday parade which would have been in April 1939 or 5 months before the war started. Which might explain both the new paint and lack of markings. Interestingly the trucks are also towing a trailer with an additional Pz II and behind that are Pz Is.

Still a very interesting photo. Keep in mind that Panzer Gray was very dark but subject to quickly weathering to lighter tones. Campaigning would also quickly add mud, dried mud and dust further altering the deep gray colour. Happy painting!

Looks like the trucks are painted in the gray/brown camo scheme looking at the side panels. The lack of national markings/crosses make me believe it is a prewar picture, they were only added when preparing for the invasion of Poland. The closest Pz II front plate looks to have different colours or could it be shadowing? The brown and gray were close colours, I believe this was the reason the brown was eventually discontinued.

There are no leaves on the trees: late autumn/ winter 1938/9? I don't see many medals/ribbons/badges on the soldiers/officers chests,so i'd bet before the war.

Thanks.

Amicalement
Armand