German soldiers passbook.

Discussion in 'WW2 Militaria' started by NLPalmer, May 9, 2020.

Tags:
  1. NLPalmer

    NLPalmer Member

    Rear
     

    Attached Files:

  2. NLPalmer

    NLPalmer Member

    Another piece of paper from inside the cover
     

    Attached Files:

  3. NLPalmer

    NLPalmer Member

    At this point can I also say a very heart felt thank you to all that have commented with your expert knowledge. Although not the story that we were lead to believe, it’s even better to have the full story, and some background to the action of the individual.

    On behalf of my family, thank you so very much.
     
  4. hucks216

    hucks216 Member

    The unit you can see on page 12 is the only one that he served with and it is an army training and replacement unit although in the last months of the war these would also of been used to stem the tide.

    The young lad on the memorial card was born on 31st October 1921 and died on Christmas Day 1943 at a place called Oserjany. His body has never been recovered and still lays in his original field grave. He served with 1.Batterie of Heeres-Flakartillerie-Abteilung (mot.) 286 and according to his 'Gefallen' card that has just been released by WASt, he was killed by artillery shrapnel to the liver. At the time of his death it looks like they were spread along the front near 8.Panzer-Division in the vicinity of Zhitomir and judging by the situation map for 1st December 1943 the next door neighbour to 8.Panzer was an SS unit which might be where the SS link has come from, but he was definitely Army but the map shows you the general area he died in and who the Russian forces were in that area.
    Heeres-Flak-Artillerie-Abteilung 286 - Lexikon der Wehrmacht

    49306_6907_0294-01115.jpg 49306_6907_0294-01116.jpg XIII1243.jpg
     
    Harry Ree, Dave55 and NLPalmer like this.
  5. NLPalmer

    NLPalmer Member

    Amazing, thank you.

    The card was tucked into the cover pocket on the book, so may have been some family connection?

    Thank you again for taking the time to research and share this with me.
     
  6. Lindele

    Lindele formerly HA96

    Wehrpass = Military ID card which every soldier has to carry wherever he/she is.. Then and nowadays.
    If you are Military today and go on holiday, you have to leave it with e.g. your parents. I still have mine, never had a uniform, but still.
    Stefan.
     
    Dave55 likes this.
  7. Lindele

    Lindele formerly HA96

    This translates:
    fought and died in action as a hero for the nation and fatherland.
    Stefan.
     
  8. Lindele

    Lindele formerly HA96

    Heinrich Knechten, lance Corporal, armored forces, born 31. October 1922
    professional ablack smith, killed in action in Russia
    Stefan.
     
  9. ltdan

    ltdan Nietenzähler

    Grenadier Ersatz und Ausbildungs Bataillon 57 is a curiosity:
    In March 1945 the training and replacement units were sent to frontline duties by the so called Leuthen order, at the garrisons just a small cadre and totaly untrained conscripts left behind (if any)
    Garrison was in Siegen, Wehrkreis IX/Kassel. In March 1945 the Bn. was near Friedberg/Hessen, the town capitulated already 29/3/45 against US-troops

    But in mid-April it was common practice sending soldiers to nearby collecting points where they were thrown into ad hoc „battlegroups“. In British IntSums these formations were called more realistic „hodge-podge of odds and ends“

    Would like to know where did your grandfather obtained these items?
     

Share This Page