German Prisoner Bust 1/10th

About this Bust

The bust depicts a young German infantryman taken prisoner by Scottish and South African troops in an attack on Vampire Farm, near Potijze, in September 1917 during the Battle of Menin Road Ridge. He belongs to the German 60^th Infantry Regiment / Inf.-Regt. Markgraf Karl (7. Brandenburgisches) Nr. 60, which was part of the German 121^st Infantry Division in positions around the town of Zonnebeke. The 60^th IR was the northern unit of the 121^st ID and had their companies in defensive positions in depth facing Ypres, running back approx. 3 Km in a rough line towards Passchendaele. The 7^th RIR (Reserve Infantry Regiment) and 56^th RIR made up the rest of the Division positioned to the south of the 60^th IR. The place of capture at Vampire Farm was situated between the German defensive lines Wilhelm Stellung & Flandern 1 Stellung.

The original photograph shows the steel helmet sitting higher on the head than would normally be the case. One could assume that he is still wearing his field cap underneath, a not too uncommon situation practiced by German troops, particularly when being taken prisoner. If time allowed, then they would most certainly try and take a greatcoat, gas mask and water bottle with them. On a second photograph, taken at the same time, one can see the water bottle, attached to his opened field tunic (probably fixed to one of the button holes?). Also apparent on the photograph, is that his face, particularly around the mouth area is swollen, indicating a wound, or eventually some form of rough treatment during his capture.

German Prisoner Bust 1/10th

About this Bust

The bust depicts a young German infantryman taken prisoner by Scottish and South African troops in an attack on Vampire Farm, near Potijze, in September 1917 during the Battle of Menin Road Ridge. He belongs to the German 60^th Infantry Regiment / Inf.-Regt. Markgraf Karl (7. Brandenburgisches) Nr. 60, which was part of the German 121^st Infantry Division in positions around the town of Zonnebeke. The 60^th IR was the northern unit of the 121^st ID and had their companies in defensive positions in depth facing Ypres, running back approx. 3 Km in a rough line towards Passchendaele. The 7^th RIR (Reserve Infantry Regiment) and 56^th RIR made up the rest of the Division positioned to the south of the 60^th IR. The place of capture at Vampire Farm was situated between the German defensive lines Wilhelm Stellung & Flandern 1 Stellung.

The original photograph shows the steel helmet sitting higher on the head than would normally be the case. One could assume that he is still wearing his field cap underneath, a not too uncommon situation practiced by German troops, particularly when being taken prisoner. If time allowed, then they would most certainly try and take a greatcoat, gas mask and water bottle with them. On a second photograph, taken at the same time, one can see the water bottle, attached to his opened field tunic (probably fixed to one of the button holes?). Also apparent on the photograph, is that his face, particularly around the mouth area is swollen, indicating a wound, or eventually some form of rough treatment during his capture.