Erich Hasse was an Obergefreiter of Luftgaukommando IV in Tunis and was captured by an Irish Guards unit and sent to a prisoner of war camp in McAlester, Oklahoma. After his capture, he was awarded the 'Afrika' sleeveband, which was sent to his wife in Sachsen (Saxony), Germany. This is a super little grouping! First, an unissued 'Afrika' sleeveband in the so-called camelhair soft cotton fabric. It's in mint condition, as Erich didn't ever sew it onto his uniform! The award document is also included, dated 1. May 1943, and is the fancier type with palm tree and awarded under the auspices of Kesselring and signed by a Major. The cover letter to Herta Hasse notes the sleeveband award and that both the sleeveband and the document are to be presented to Erich upon his return! The set also includes his prisoner of war processing paperwork with his front and side view photos, which allow you to put a face to the award--not usually possible--and his discharge papers. Note his particulars: 40 years old and he was 5 foot 3 inches tall. No wonder so many of the uniforms of the 1930s and 40s seem so small!

 < Back | Top