Description
Leutnant Heinrich Lodes
Lodes was born on the 23.1.1914 in Drosendorf, Germany. In his civilian profession he was a teacher.
The Soldbuch was issued on the 6th of September 1939 by Artillerie Regiment 231.
Frontline Units
Artillerie Regiment 231
Taking part in the attack on Poland and occupation. This unit was redesignated to the next unit name in Winter 1939.
Artillerie Regiment 239 / 239 Infanterie Division
Taking part in the advance into Southern Russia, the then Wachtmeister Lodes was wounded by a bullet which stuck in his upper left arm.
Promotion to Leutnant on the 1st of October 1941.
Artillerie Regiment 241 / 161 Infanterie Division
When in the area of Rshew in September 1942 – A grenade splinter hit his right foot, he would spend time in various hospitals till June 1943.
It seems Lodes was awarded the Wounds Badge in Silver
Artillerie Regiment 246 / 246 Volks Grenadier Division
After his recovery Lodes joined the above unit, and would serve with them in September 1944 (See Leave Stamps for date).
At the end of September 1944 the division was relocated to the western front and reached the Jülich, Bedburg and Linnich at the unloading area on September 25th. From September 28, 1944, the division replaced the 116th Panzer Division in the main frontline near Aachen.
The division suffered heavy losses in the fighting for Aachen. Aachen was surrounded by Allied troops until October 16. The division in Aachen was destroyed by October 21, 1944.
It’s unknown what happened to Leutnant Lodes, he is not listed as killed in action or as missing. Although it would seem there is staining to his Soldbuch also there is no capture numbers entered into the first pages of the Soldbuch. What happened to Lodes will remain a mystery.
Equipment
Own Pistol – Walther Model 7.65mm
Medals
Iron Cross Second Class – July 1941 – with AR 239 in Southern Russia
Wounds Badge in Black – July 1941 – with AR 239
Wounds Badge in Silver – Hard to make out due to water stain. 1942
War Merit Cross with Swords – 20.4.1944
Comments
An interesting Soldbuch to a combat experienced soldier who made his way into the officer ranks. Wounded twice, and fought on both fronts. His Soldbuch picture is a desirable one, as he is not following regulations namely the wearing of eye glasses and headgear. A desirable Soldbuch to the Battle of Aachen 1944.
