Thomas Wictor
Bavarian Flamethrower Pioneer
This Pionier of the Guard Reserve Pioneer Regiment wears the Bavarian M1915 simplified field jacket and an M1907 field cap with Bavarian state cockade.
Although the flamethrower regiment accepted volunteers from all over the German empire, regulations called for the members of the unit to wear Prussian uniforms.
This photo was taken May 19, 1918. It is unlikely that this pioneer wears a Bavarian outfit due to a shortage of Prussian uniforms.
The most likely explanation is that he was transferred into the regiment directly from a Bavarian unit and did not have to undergo training in the 2nd Guard Pioneer Replacement Battalion, which provided the personnel for the flamethrower regiment and which would have issued him a Prussian uniform.
Some Bavarian pioneer battalions were trained in the use of flamethrowers in 1914; this pioneer may have been a member of one such battalion.
Bavarian Flamethrower Pioneer
This Pionier of the Guard Reserve Pioneer Regiment wears the Bavarian M1915 simplified field jacket and an M1907 field cap with Bavarian state cockade.
Although the flamethrower regiment accepted volunteers from all over the German empire, regulations called for the members of the unit to wear Prussian uniforms.
This photo was taken May 19, 1918. It is unlikely that this pioneer wears a Bavarian outfit due to a shortage of Prussian uniforms.
The most likely explanation is that he was transferred into the regiment directly from a Bavarian unit and did not have to undergo training in the 2nd Guard Pioneer Replacement Battalion, which provided the personnel for the flamethrower regiment and which would have issued him a Prussian uniform.
Some Bavarian pioneer battalions were trained in the use of flamethrowers in 1914; this pioneer may have been a member of one such battalion.