Stan Halliwell in SS issue trousers

The picture of the three men is one of those taken with the camera that Stan found in an abandoned civilian house after being liberated by the Russians from Stalag IIA, obviously after their capture at Arnhem. The man on the right is Norman Swift, man in middle unknown. There is a somewhat amusing but harrowing story behind this picture which reflects the persona of both Stan and Norman. This was taken in late April or early May 1945 and you can see that Stan has taken the opportunity to give himself a change of clothing. Apparently when searching the house where the camera was found Stan found his new uniform. Unfortunately for Stan he’d only chosen some S.S. issue trousers, shirt and belt. They were later challenged, on their journey to the American lines, by some Russian troops, who noticing Stan’s new attire were about to shoot him on the spot. It took all the powers and calmness of Norman Swift to persuade them otherwise.