WWII Latvian volunteers cloth insignia

 In February 1943 the Germans began the formation of a new division to be manned by Latvian volunteers and conscripts. Originally designated, 15. Lettische Freiwilligen-Division, (15TH Latvian Volunteer Division), it would eventually evolve into the 15. Waffen-Grenadier-Division (lettische Nr.1). As with other foreign "volunteer" units an identifying, national, sleeve shield was designed and produced for wear by all divisional personnel with the design being based on the Latvian national flag which dates back to 1279. The Latvian "volunteer" sleeve shield was produced in no less then five, slightly different, variants and this example is the fifth and final, German manufactured, officially sanctioned, sleeve shield for Latvian volunteers serving in the Waffen Units./