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Soldbuch – Unteroffizier Wilhelm Wohlgemuth – Fighter Pilot – Bf109 G-6 “Blaue 8” Shot Down 1944 (SOLD)
Unteroffizier Wilhelm Wohlgemuth Wohlgemuth was born on the 4th of July 1922, and was trained as a salesman. Interestingly he was an NSFK member, learning how to fly various glider aircraft, the NSFK Flugbuch details many flights, and it displays a very clear picture of him in the Hitler Jugend. His Soldbuch was issued on the 19th of August 1941, after successful fighter pilot training with: Jagdgeschwader 105 & Jagdgeschwader 102 By August of 1944, Wohlgemuth was a trusted fighter pilot and was assigned for a very short time to: Jagdgruppe Süd The formation order for the Jagdgeschwader Süd goes back to the beginning of summer 1943. The squadron should not be a “normal” squadron association, but a special association to combat the British Mosquito aircraft flying in at high altitudes. The squadron should only have a strength of 20 machines, so only as strong as half a day-hunting group. The installation began on June 1, 1943 in Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, the group was equipped with the Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-5. On the 24th of August 1944, Wohlgemuth arrived at his final frontline unit. Jagdgeschwader 4 / 12 Staffel This was equipped with the Messerschmitt Bf 109 G and was then used in the Reich Air Defense. In September 1944, the group began to be converted to the Messerschmitt Bf 109 K. Wohlgemuth took to the skies on the 11th of September 1944 to intercept US Bombers, when they met the aircraft of the 55th Fighter Group. During the aerial combat Wohlgemuth was extremely lucky to have survived his aircraft getting shot down, although as he made an escape from the aircraft and was rescued, he lost his left arm due to the wounds. Seen below the pictures of the others from JG 4 that were not lucky to survive. Parts of his aircraft that came down over Craiwinkel on display in the JG Exhibition, of which some can be seen online. From the archive: Uffz. Wilhelm Wohlgemuth (12.) * 04.07.22 Verw. Bf 109 G-6 441 666 „Blaue 8” Oberhof/Thüringen, Luftkampf Some information can be found in the following book: “Courtesies of the Heart” – By Kenneth Breaux¨ Wohlgemuth gave interviews to the author and gave his recollections. Wohlgemuth was awarded the following medals/licenses: Glider Pilot License Pilots Badge Wounds Badge in Black Wounds Badge in Silver Interestingly, according to Wolhgemuths Pilot License he was allowed to fly the following aircraft. Bü131 & 181 Kl.35 AR66 & 96 FW58 Bü133 Fw56 He51 Bf108 Bf109 (D,E,G) MCC 202 – Italian Figher Potez 63 – French Bomber BL155 Fi156 Comments An interesting Grouping to a named pilot, who seems to have flown even as an old man up to 1993. Wohlgemuth is well recorded as are details of the day his plane was shot down. A very nice grouping to a very lucky fighter pilot.
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Soldbuch – Matrosenobergefreiter Felix Kämmerer – 22 Marine Bordflak Abt – Italy 1944 – Survived his boat sinking – Blockade Breaker / EK2 (Sold)
Felix Kämmerer Kämerer was born in Langfuhr, Danzig (today: Wrzeszcz, Gdańsk, Poland) on the 18th of November 1911 and worked as a gardener. He would enter the Kriegsmarine in 1941 although his Soldbuch was issued on the 9th of December 1943. Kämmerer served with the: 22. Marine-Bordflak-Abteilung / 2./ Marine-Bordflak-Abteilung Süd Stab / Stabszug in Castellammare Kompanie in Livorno Kompanie in Triest Kompanie in Forte dei Marmi Kompanie in Livorno Kompanie in Forte dei Marmi According to research it would seem that the 2. Kompanie, in which Kämmerer was a member of was onboard the Minesweeper “Mosor” – on the 31st of December, it is reported that Partisans captured 24 German sailors from the minesweeper “Mosor” which had run aground on the eastern shore of the Ist island (21 miles NW of Zadar). It would seem that Kämmerer was not captured and somehow was found around 12 days later, likely in a raft or at sea. He arrived at a hospital in Italy with breathing problems, likely due to exposure. He recovered in a Hospital in Naples, Italy. After a short while he was found fit again for service, he was awarded the Iron Cross Second Class and the Blockade Breaker Medal. More about the the badge for blockade breakers was awarded to crews of seagoing ships under the following conditions: a) Successful breakthrough of the ship through the enemy blockade. b) Destruction of the ship if it is threatened by enemy forces. c) The existence of particularly stored cases which have led to the maintenance or destruction of the ship and cargo in the interests of the people and the economy and which have demonstrated a high level of commitment. d) To survivors of a ship that was lost to enemy action. e) In special cases to the wounded. In addition, worthiness and good conduct were required for the award of the badge. There are two forum threads detailing some extra facts about the fate of the sailors who were captured. They were handed over to the British. According to the Red Cross, there are still many sailors missing from the 2. Kompanine in the Adriatic Sea. https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=127825 https://www.forum-marinearchiv.de/smf/index.php?topic=18586.0 Comments This is a fine example of a very lucky Kriegsmarine sailor who managed to evade capture, and his boat sinking. Kämmerer has a desirable award not often seen anymore.
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Soldbuch – Feldwebel Hans Probst – Feldjäger Regiment (mot) 2 – “Kettenhund” – EK1/ ISA / VWAS (SOLD)
Feldwebel Hans Probst Hans Probst was born on the 8th of April 1920 in Oberröbling, Germany. Probst had his Soldbuch issued on the 4th of October 1940, after an Infantry training, he was sent to the front with: Infanterie Regiment 53 / 14 Infanterie Division Probst joined the unit in early 1941, and from June 1941 the division took part in the Russian campaign and fought in the central section of the Eastern Front in the Smolensk and Rzhev area. Probst proved his skills as a soldier in a short time earning the following medals: August 1941 – Black Wounds Badge – wounded by shrapnel (31b) January 1942 – Iron Cross Second Class February 1942 – Infantry Assault Badge in Silver April 1942 – Iron Cross First Class October 1942 – Eastern Front Medal After Probst had recovered he joined a new unit, as an infamous “Kettenhund” Feldjäger Bataillon 2 (Later: Feldjäger Regiment 2) Formed 25 December 1943 from a mixture of Heer, Luftwaffe and Waffen-SS personnel organised into five fully motorised Kompanien. It operated exclusively on the Eastern Front. Use: Spring 1944 South Poland-Galicia; Summer 1944 Belarus – Baltic States (Grodno-Kovno); from October 1944 East Prussia (Lyck, Bischofsburg); from January 1945 west of the Vistula, then in Silesia (Schweidnitz); most recently at Heeregruppe Center. By August 1944, Probst was promoted to a Feldwebel and was wounded once again by shrapnel. Equipment Issued a Erfurt pistol and later a Singer pistol. In 1944 a small lamp. Feldjägerkorps During the second half of the war, as Germany’s military fortunes waned, morale and motivation of the German front line troops began to decline. Indiscipline and desertion rates increased to worrying proportions. In addition it rapidly became clear that huge levels of manpower and equipment was being effectively wasted in the occupied areas, especially in countries like France where occupation troops often lived in what seemed like luxurious circumstances compared to their comrades on the Eastern Front. One of the major factors leading to the creation of the Feldjägerkorps was a visit to occupied France by Generaloberst Jodl to inspect the preparations for the anticipated allied invasion. Jodl was shocked at the relative luxury in which senior command elements had housed themselves, clean luxury hotels or châteaux with carpeted floors, comfortably furnished and richly decorated. One unit which he reportedly went to visit were all absent on a hunt! In addition, as front line units were decimated in fighting on the eastern front, there resulted a large number of non-combatant elements which existed to supply these combat units, but had no units left to support. Clearly the situation of bloated rear area formations living in relative safety and luxury, consuming vast amounts of food, fuel and manpower whilst the front line combat units suffered could not be allowed to continue. In December 1943, a Führer decree was issued creating the Feldjägerkommandos. The Feldjägerkommandos and battalions are Wehrmacht troops and are directly subordinate to the OKW. The have the task of checking and combing out units of the army, navy air-force and Waffen-SS. These tasks will be carried out in close connection with the territorial commanders. The commanders of the Feldjägerkommandos are responsible solely to the Chief of the OKW. Enforcement measures, task forces, patrol services should be made available to the Feldjägerkommandos. So we can see that not only were the Feldjägerkommandos given supreme authority to carry out their tasks in relation to Wehrmacht forces, but Waffen-SS also, and that they had the power to call on whatever support they needed from the local commanders. The following definitions of the tasks of the Feldjäger were published by the OKH (Oberkommando des Heeres—High Command of the Army) in September 1944 (O.K.H. (Ch H Rüst u. BdE), 15 September 44—7378/44—Stab/.Ia2.) and also in a special supplement to army orders bulletin (Heeresmitteilungsblatt) as H.M. 1944, Issue Nr 24. Feldjäger have the task, as ordered by the Führer and under direct command of the Chief of the Oberkomando der Wehrmacht in the rear areas, to maintain temporary and complete authority, military discipline and order in all situations, if necessary by ruthless measures up to the immediate use of firearms. Feldjäger are special, proven front soldiers, whose activities have the sole aim of supporting the front line. They ensure the area behind the front is kept secure. They expect therefore and with good reason the greatest appreciation for their difficult task, primarily from frontline soldiers of all ranks. Feldjäger have received from the Führer, in order to accomplish their assigned tasks, particularly wide ranging power and authority over members of all parts of the armed forces, the Waffen-SS and organisations used in the support of the armed forces (OT, NSKK etc.) Feldjäger co-operate closely with all Order services in the area in which they are employed (Wehrmachtstreifendienst, Feldgendarmerie, Kommandanturen, Polizei, Guards, Patrols and Sentries of all kinds). They carry out their tasks as required by the prevailing situation at the front. Criticisms of, or resistance to, Feldjäger orders are unjustified and are also considered as proof of the lack of correct military attitude and insight due to indiscipline. Feldjäger eliminates all possibility of mismanagement in the area between fighting front and homeland front, which disparage the great sacrifices of every good German and the combatants of the armed forces. Feldjäger ensure the delivery of redundant and surplus personnel and material from rear agencies and units and the supply of personnel and material fit for the front, to the fighting troops. Feldjäger fight behind the front against disobedience, desertion, self-interest, neglect and sloppy work of any type. They are strictly monitored in the performance of their duties by their superiors, with any misdemeanours particularly severely punished and discharged from the Feldjägerkorps. Feldjäger on duty are recognizable by gorgets, red armbands and a special Ausweis. Their service is difficult, self sacrificing and highly responsible. All are required to help and to facilitate, by disciplined behaviour, the difficult task of the Feldjäger, because the military discipline of the German soldier…
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Soldbuch – Leutnant Gerhard Thiele – Volks Artillerie Korps 401 – Normandy / Ardennes / Rhein Battles – CCC & EK1 (HOLD)
Leutnant Gerhard Thiele Thiele was born in the Zwickau area of Germany on the 18th of January 1914. In His Civilian life he was a Technical drawer, married and living with his wife. Soldbuch is a second issue, issued to Thiele at the : Schwere Artillerie Ersatz und Ausbildungs Abteilung (mot) 38 in November 1944. Frontline Unit Served from 1939 till 1944 with: Artillerie Regiment 711 / 711 Infantry Division From Normandy to Belgium In June 1944 the division was in Normandy north of Liseux and thus exactly east of the Allied landing area. The division formed the westernmost division of the 15th Army. During June 6, 1944, Allied paratroopers jumped in the area of the division, which had the task of securing the area east of the landing heads. The division was able to use two companies against the Allied paratroopers. Since the division was not set for a fight with the Allies, the 346th Infantry Division was inserted between the division and the landing heads. The 711th Infantry Division then occupied the previously uncontested stretch of coast between Cabourg and Le Havre. From mid-August 1944, this stretch of coast came within reach of the Allied units and the division had to intervene in the fighting. The units that were arriving were involved in the fighting to varying degrees up to August 20, 1944. By early September 1944, the division was pushed back to the area south of Dunkirk and southeast of Boulogne. On the 5th September 1944, the not yet refreshed division had to withdraw to Courtrai. On September 10, 1944, the “Kampfgruppe 711 Infantry Division” was in the Oostsonbourg area, 3 km north of Vlissingen. On September 11th, the combat group marched off in the direction of Antwerp. It must have been here that Thiele was wounded for the 3rd time in his career. On November 5, 1944, the division held a 9 km deep bridgehead south of the Meuse, 12 km north-northwest of Breda. It would seem that the wounding was not so serious, and he was wounded once again now the fourth time on the 18th of November 1944. Thile was awarded the Iron Cross First Class for his actions in November 1944. Ardennes 1944 Thiele was with: Heeres Artillerie Batterie 1092 , armed with a rare 12.8cm K44 Pak. It is highly likely that Thiele was a Batterie Commander. 7th Army – Its role was to protect the southern flank of the Fifth Panzer Army and the entire Ardennes Offensive. Like the other two German armies in the offensive, the 7th Army took substantial losses. The 7th Army defended against the northward attack of the US 3rd Army, but ultimately failed to halt General George S. Patton‘s drive to Bastogne and Houffalize. The 7th Army, however, managed to avoid encirclement and retreated again to the Westwall. It seems that Thiele was then wounded by shrapnel on December 22nd, 1945. Thiele would on his release from hospital join the: Volks Artillerie Korps 401 / 1. Fallschirm-Armee – “Operation Plunder” Thiele was once again posted to an artillery unit, and was once again wounded by shrapnel. His unit was involved in actions between March 23 and 27, 1945, the army took part in the defense against the Allied Operation “Plunder” and was unable to prevent the Allied units from crossing the Rhine. Thiele was then sent to a hospital in Zwickau, and on the 15th of April 1945 he was on the way to his hometown, to check in at the hospital. According to his family a strange event took place, when he was mistaken for a war criminal due to his name, he was handed over by Soviets to the US Army. This story is also recorded in a book: “Gardelegen Holocaust – By Torsten Haarseim” – It was reported on the 16th of April in the New York Times that the war criminal was found, although they had the wrong man. They had arrested the wrong Thiele. His grandson wrote this on a German Forum: “My grandpa didn’t tell much about the war. My great aunt said that he suddenly cried out at night and got up drenched in sweat. But rather came from captivity. A few days before the surrender he was at home in full gear (Werdau near Plauen). I assume that his unit was wiped out or surrendered. There he then hid until he reported to a Russian commandant’s office, where he was first taken into Russian captivity. Now that’s a bit strange. This is what my grandpa told his sister-in-law shortly before he died (my great aunt). My grandpa was extradited to the Americans because they were looking for someone from the SS who had the same name as my grandpa. He came to Dachau, there it was probably to be interrogated (from which the nightmares came). He was probably only able to stay afloat because he repaired American shoes from old tires. It must have been around 1951 when he was released from captivity. When he arrived in Berlin he found his wife in Berlin Tempelhof, from there he went by plane to Frankfurt and by bus to Sachsenheim (near Bietigheim – Bissingen). There he got an apartment and worked. My father told me that my grandfather had a lot of pictures from the Eastern campaign, probably also interesting ones through the telescopic sight, inquiries with the relatives did not yield anything. I must have some at home and want to have no idea. But I think you know such problems, if not you can be happy. I was able to save something. As you can see, he was technically gifted, this beautiful box is now 40-50 years old. Alt. He died in 1997 at the age of 81. “ Awards 6.9.1941 – War Merit Cross with Swords 8.9.1942 – Eastern Front Medal 28.8.1942 – Iron Cross Second Class 30.6.1942 – Wounds Badge in Black 12.5.1944 – Close Combat Clasp in Bronze 22.10.1944 – Wounds…
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Wehrpass – Obergefreiter Rudolf Mauder – Panzergrenadier Regiment 382 / 164. Leicht Afrika Division – Killed at El Alamein, October 1942 (Sold)
Obergefreiter Rudolf Mauder Rudolf Mauder was born in Czechoslovakia, on the 18.6.1913 into a Roman Catholic family. Rudolf married during the war, and in his civilian life he was a salesman. His Wehrpass was issued in March 1939, and he was called up in January 1940 with an infantry replacement unit he was trained on the MG18, and K98 Rifle, as well as how to be an aimer/gunner. It would seem that he was the gunner on the Regiments infantry support weapon, likely a 7.5 cm leichtes Infanteriegeschütz 18. Frontline Units February 1940 – August 1942 Infanterie Regiment 382, 13 Kompanie, Infanterie Geschütz (164. Infanterie Division) After the Battle of France, Mauder was deployed in Greece, Romania, Yugoslavia and later Creta. 1.9.1942 – 24.10.1942 Panzergrenadier Regiment 382, 13 Kompanie, Infanterie Geschütz (164. Leichte Afrika-Division) Mauder was killed on the first day of the Second Battle of El Alamein that took place near the Egyptian railway halt of El Alamein. Wounds Malaria contracted in Greece Awards German Italian Campaign Medal Comments An interesting grouping, Mauder was killed at a very important battle in North Africa. He is buried in his own grave in El Alamein.
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Soldbuch – Unteroffizier Willi Zabel – Panzerjäger Lehr Abteilung 130 – Normandy 1944 / Ardennes 1945 – Jagdpanzer IV(Sold)
Unteroffizier Willi Zabel Zabel was born on the 13th of August 1918 into a protestant family in Kassel. Zables Soldbuch was issued in April 1940 with a Schützen Replacement unit. Frontline Units Schützen Regiment 6 Under the 7th Panzer Division, Zabel was wounded in Russia with the Regiment. Panzer Grenadier Regiment 59 Under the 20th Panzer Division in Russia, Zabel was shot this time with an infantry bullet. Panzer Jäger Lehr Abteilung 130 Zabel served with: – Stabs Kompanie (Later in Versorgungs Kompanie) Pz.Jg.Lehr-Abt. 130 was armed with31 Jagdpanzer Model IV distributed among Stab (3), 1. and 2. Kp. (14 each) but by 1.6.1944 4 were with the Stab while 1., 2. and 3. Kp. each had 9 plus 4 7,5 cm Pak 40 mot.Z. According to the Soldbuch, Zabel was with the Abteilung from April 1944 til his capture in 1945. On D-Day itself, the division was near Paris under the control of the I SS Panzer Corps as part of the OKW (Oberkommando der Wehrmacht – High Command of the German Armed Forces) armoured reserve. The division was immediately ordered forward but in doing so, suffered delays and equipment losses (mainly soft-skinned vehicles) due to the Allied air superiority over Normandy. Entering the line next to the 12th SS Panzer Division ‘Hitlerjugend’ near Caen, it fought several British and Canadian attacks to a standstill, even managing (with elements of the 2nd Panzer Division and 101st SS Heavy Panzer Battalion) to retake the village of Villiers-Bocage in a counterattack after it was captured by the British 22nd Armoured Brigade. This battle also saw the famous action by panzer ace SS Obersturmführer Michael Wittman. The division was then relieved by the 276th Infantry Division and on 7 July transferred to the LXXXIV Corps opposite US forces as they prepared to breakout as part of Operation Cobra, which was launched on 25 July. It was immediately preceded by an aerial bombardment from 1,500 Allied bombers and although this caused a lot of disruption and badly hit morale, there is still debate as to the actual number of casualties and equipment losses this caused. Nevertheless, despite suffering from both personnel and equipment attrition, the division managed to hold the advance of the entire US VII Corps to less than two miles on the 25 July. By the beginning of August, the division was down to around 11,018 personnel and thirty-three operational tanks and assault guns, with another forty-four under repair but following the encirclement of German forces at Falaise, the division was split into three Kampfgruppen (battlegroups) who fought their way out to re-join German forces retreating eastwards, eventually reuniting at Senlis. It then retreated into the West Wall covering Bitburg, took part in the early battles for the Siegfried Line in Luxembourg with the LXXXI Corps before withdrawing to the Saar region and then Paderborn to be rebuilt and refitted under Sixth Panzer Army. It was then transferred to the First Army and helped prevent the collapse of Army Group G in November 1944 by counter attacking US forces advancing on the Saverne Gap. The division was then placed under the control of the XXXXVII Panzer Corps, part of the Fifth Panzer Army under General der Panzertruppen Hasso von Manteuffel which was due to take part in Operation Wacht am Rhein, more commonly known as the ‘Battle of the Bulge’. However, the premature commitment of several units (including Panzer Lehr) in order to stem the advance of US forces just weeks before, led to the operation being postponed while the units involved were brought back up to strength. Even so, Panzer Lehr was still under strength (twenty-seven PzKw IV, thirty Panthers and twenty Jagdpanzer IV/70s) by the time the operation commenced on 16 December and so was reinforced by two tank destroyer battalions and an assault gun brigade. The 26th Volksgrenadier Division was meant to clear the way for the division but became bogged down. Panzer Lehr, which had been part of the Fifth Panzer Army’s reserve (along with the Führer Begleit Brigade), entered the line where it besieged Bastogne (held by the US 101st Airborne Division) but could not take the town. When the offensive failed, the division relocated to the Netherlands and fought in the Battle for the Maas Line and then moved south to try to eliminate the American bridgehead at Remagen in early March 1945. By this time the division was merely a burnt out shell of its former self, being only a large battalion battle group in size. It then retreated into the Ruhr Pocket, surrendering to the US 99th Infantry Division on 15 April 1945. Wounded 31.8.1941 – Grenader Splinter left side 4.1.1943 – Shot with a Infantry bullet Awards 3.1.1941 – Black Wounds Badge 22.12.1941 – Tank Assault Badge in Bronze 8. 1943 – Sports Badge in Bronze 1. 1945- War Merit Cross with Swords Equipment Zabel had a model 35 Pistol Comments An interesting Soldbuch to a Normandy/Ardennes fighter, highly desirable unit, so much information online about this division on the web. Very nice picture taken with Zabel in Panzer Black uniform. Sadly, Zabel died as a POW in France September 1945 in Mont de Huisnes France when he is now buried. Moreover, the damage on the Soldbuch would indicate it was burned, although the information was wrote around the burn which could indicate that the damage was wartime.
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Wehrpass – Unteroffizier Alois Grimbs – Kampfgeschwader 4 General Wever – HE 177 Bomber – Survived a Plane Crash – EK1/FFSG (On Hold)
Unteroffizier Alois Grimbs Alois Grimbs a mechanic born 1921 in Riedelsbach living in Peisselberg. He volunteered the military in 1939 and served: Oct.39 with Flak-Ersatz-Abteilung 351 in Friedrichshafen(?); Oct.-Dec.39 with Luftwaffe-Bau-Kompanie 21/VII; discharged Dec.39; called-up again 1941; Aug.-Oct.41 with Luftnachrichten-Kompanie Flieger-Bereitschaft Ansbach; Oct.41-Apr.42 with Luftnachrichten-Stelle Regensburg; Apr.-Jun.42 with Luftnachrichten-Stelle Ansbach; Jun.-Jul.42 with Luftnachrichten-Stelle Crailsheim; Jul.42-Apr.43 board radio operator schooling at Luftflotten-Nachrichten-Schule 2 in Königgrätz; Apr.-Jul.43 with flight school Blindflug-Schule 5 home based at the airfield in Belgrade-Semlin Serbia. Jul.43 till Apr.45 he served as a He 177 heavy bomber plane board radio operator with: Kampfgeschwader 4 „General Wever“. The wing was named after General Walther Wever, the prime pre-war proponent for a strategic bombing capability for the Luftwaffe, who was killed in an aircraft accident in 1936. In the period 1943-45 the Kampfgeschwader covered the continuous retreat of the Wehrmacht at the Eastern Front until the end of the war, in the tactical and supply role. Bases where he flew his missions from during this period: 1943 Avord (France); 1943-44 Sarabus (Crimea) , Nikolayev (Ukraine); 1944 Odessa (Ukraine), Sarabus (Crimea), Krosno (Poland), Milec (Albania), Focsani (Romania), Zilistea (Romania), Buzau (Romania), Grosswarden (Rumania), Debrecen (Hungary), Budapest (Hungary), Papa (Hungary), Novy Dvor; 1945 Novy Dvor (Belarus), Dresden. He got severely wounded Apr.45 when his plane crashed on 11.4.45. He burned both his hands and his face (1st and 2nd degree burns) and was hospitalised in Heiligenstad-Königsgrätz and Miesbach. Discharged Jun.45 with burning scars on hands and face, as mentioned on the POW release document. Awards: Front Flying Clasp in Bronze (13.1.44), Iron Cross 2nd Class (26.2.44), Iron Cross 1st Class, Front Flying clasp in Silver, Front Flying Clasp in Gold (30.1.45). 1) Wehrpass, 2.5.39. One staple of the cover loose. 2) Krankenblatt, 1945. Medical document. 3) POW certificate of discharge, 27.6.45. 4) 10 very nice uniform photos. Three postcard sized. Wearing flying gear, with bomber clasps etc. Comment Nice grouping to a desirable unit and a combat experienced airman, who was lucky to survive his plane crashing.
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Wehrpass – Unteroffizier Werner Weigel – Kampfgeschwader 55 – Survived a Crash landing – FFS/EK2/VWA (on Hold)
Unteroffizier Werner Weigel Werner Weigel was born on the 18th of May 1921 in Albersdorf Leipzig, in his civilian career he was a painter. Weigel was enlisted in the RAD on the 3rd of October 1940, he spent only 3 months in the RAD before he was called up to the Wehrmacht. He arrived for training on the 10th of February 1941, by July he was sent for training as an Observer. Interestingly he was found fit for all roles in the aircraft and was sent for training. After successful training, Weigel was assigned on the 16th of August 1942 to the: 12th Staffel, Kampfgeschwader 55 Weigel would spend until March 1943 with the IV Gruppe in Dijon France, the unit was mainly used for training runs from France to Germany, they were dropping concrete bombs. They flew the Heinkel 111, and reported only a few losses. For more information of their stay in France, including pictures: https://www.histavia21.net/LIEUX-HISTOIRE/BA-102/LONG-0007a1.htm On the 14th of April 1943, Weigel joined the II Gruppe, 6th Staffel, Kampfgeschwader 55 In 1943, from June 5th to 22nd, it took part in the air raids on Gorky and Yaroslavl. In night raids, together with other combat squadrons, the “Molotov” armored car plant and the Yaroslavl synthetic rubber plant were to be attacked. 282 people were killed in Gorki, 527 injured and 52 buildings of the plant were destroyed. In Yaroslavl, over 120 people were killed, around 150 others injured and over 200 buildings (including some of the rubber works) completely destroyed. Then the staff, the II. And III./KG 55 took part in the Operation Citadel. It seems that in such a short time Weigel had earned himself the Front Flying Clasp in Bronze as well as the Iron Cross Second Class in the space of one month. On the 16th of June 1943 until Weigel was wounded in an emergency landing in a Heinkel 111 due to an engine fire due to enemy fire, the crash was so bad that two crew members were killed in the crash Weigel. Below the details of the Crash as well as the name of the young Pilot Officer who was killed in the landing. Weigel acting as Observer survived a crash landing due to a fire on board on their return from a combat mission, in which the pilot and another crew member was killed. WUNDERLICH, Otto. (DOB: 01.05.21 in Postelberg, Krs. Saaz/Bohemia). 17.05.43 Lt., 6./KG 55 KIA – emergency landing due to engine fire – vic Bakhekolkhos farm near Krichevo. Buried at Donezk. Comments An interesting Wehrpass from a highly sought after KG, Weigel flew 32 combat missions in a very short time. Weigel was extremely lucky to survive the crash, but he would never fly again. A Heinkel 111 from KG 55
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Document Grouping – Oberwachtmeister Erich Thrun – Cherkassy Breakout 1944- Met GFM von Manstein & Goebbels! (HOLD)
Grouping to Oberwachtmeister Erich Thurn Cherkassy Breakout Erich Thurn was born in Hagen/Haspe on January 1915, and worked in his civilian life as a Saddler. Thrun was a volunteer and started his career in Wehrmacht in 1937. During the war, Thrun was serving with the Artillerie Regiment 389 with the 389 Infanterie Division. Thurn survived the downfall at Stalingrad and somehow made it out, and was later encircled in 1944 in the famous Cherkassy Pocket. Interestingly, Thurn had displayed extreme courage earning the Iron Cross First Class. He featured in various wartime Newspapers some of the highlights are listed below. Thrun explained to the newspapers that the Soviets had tried their hardest to get the Germans to surrender using leaflets, loudspeakers and propaganda. As well as constant air attacks on their positions on the ground. Thurn found himself knee deep in a cold swamp trying to push out of the encirclement, Thrun explains that the villages around him left and right were all on fire. Their group made it through the swamp and seen a tank and could hear German, they had reached the German lines! After three weeks trapped in the Pocket. Thurn was presented to Feldmarschall von Manstein after the breakout! Original photo included! After which he was sent on leave to Berlin where he would be presented to Propaganda Minister Goebbels. Included in the Grouping is the following Three Newspaper articles displaying Thrun and his story Photo with GFM von Manstein – Original Photo printed on Agfa Brovira Iron Cross Second Class Medal Iron Cross Second Class Document – July 1942 Signed by Generaloberst Erwin Jaenecke (Knights Cross winner, wounded at the Battle of Stalingrad was flown out!) Wounds Badge in Black Wounds Badge Document Marriage Certificate from 1943 A Certificate confirming his awards in August 1945 from the field police. Certificate of Discharge 1945 Three letters from the Bundesarchive A Certificate thanking Thrun for helping to rebuild his hometown of Hagen in 1947 An unusual grouping, but very interesting to find anything related specifically to the battles at Cherkassy!
