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Wehrpass – Unteroffizier Werner Engelhardt – Jagdgeschwader 77 – Bf 109 Pilot Shot Down Italy 1944! (Sold)
Wehrpass belonging to Uffz Werner Engelhardt Born on the 14th of July 1920 in Nürnberg, Germany. He spoke English and French as well as his native language. He was a student when volunteered in 1938, but arrived at a training school in late 1939, serving in various Luftwaffe airports he commenced pilot training in September 1941. He was proficient on the following Aircraft: Fw 44, KL35, Bü131, go145, He56, H45, Ar96b, Hs126. Engelhardt also completed Fighter pilot school in August 1943. By September 1943, Engelhardt was posted to Jagdgeschwader 77 , 4.Staffel. Engelhardt piloted a Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 ( With the work number: WNr. 26129, also known as, ‘White 7’) Events on the 7.4.1944 According to ghostbombers.com & Combined Sevices Detailed Interrogation Centre (CSDIC) AFHQ. ”Engelhardt was Shot down while escorting SG 4 to Palombaro on 7 April 1944, Engelhardt was flying as wingman to his Staffelkapitän, Oblt. Dudek. Picking up the fighter-bombers south of Viterbo, they headed for the target at 400 m. At 17.45 hours, turning for home after the bombs had been dropped, Engelhardt’s Bf 109 G-6 (WNr. 26129, white 7) was hit in the tail by AA fire, he lost control and only managed to bale out with some difficulty. He landed on a mountainside and attempted to get back to his own lines. Near midnight when he asked an Italian civilian to guide him and was led to a British unit near Fara San Martino. Engelhardt told his interrogators that 4./JG 77 had only six operational pilots and that Dudek was its only officer. He estimated that the Gruppe had 22 pilots in all and was critical of the inexperience of the new pilots arriving in II./JG 77 from the flying schools, blaming this for the high rate of fighter losses over the Italian front. He said that his Gruppe regarded anyone who survived 10 sorties as a veteran. In Engelhardt’s opinion, the supply of new and reconditioned replacement aircraft was not a problem.” Lastly in the rear of the Wehrpass can be found three separate pieces of paper, stating that Hauptmann Neumann told him on 1940, he was speaking carelessly about state secrets. Bad radio discipline, 8.1943 was warned again. Signatures: In the Wehrpass, Oblt Dudeks signature can be found on page 26, reporting Engelhardt as missing. Here is some info on Oblt Dudek from the Luftwaffe Officer Career Archives: DUDECK, Hans-Heinz. (DOB: 02.03.16 in Karlsruhe). 01.08.39 promo to Lt. (Tr.O./Fl.)(RDA withheld), RLM/Ob.d.L. pool (Sch.Etat). 01.09.39 RDA as Lt., II./JG 2. 15.11.39 Lt., RLM pool (Sch.Etat), with Erg.JSt. 1. 18.07.40 Lt. Nachr.Offz. in Stab II./JG 2, WIA – Bf 109 E-3 in combat with a Blenheim north of Le Havre. 19.08.41 Lt., 4./JG 2. 27.08.41 Lt., 4./JG 2. 01.42 Oblt., appt Staka 1./JFS 5 (to 24.02.43). 06.01.43 WIA – Bf 109 E-7 in a crash at Salon a/f, details unknown. 01.03.43 Oblt., trf from JG 105 to JG 77. 22.03.43 appt Staka 4./JG 77 (to 06.44). 27.03.43 Oblt., 4./JG 77 MIA – Bf 109 G-6 trop (White 8) shot down vic El Hamma – later returned. 02.04.43 Oblt., 4./JG 77 unhurt – Bf 109 G-6 belly-landed after combat – no details. 08.05.43 Oblt., 8./JG 77. 19.08.43 Oblt., II./JG 77. 01.01.44 promo to Hptm. 06.44 appt Staka 14./JG 27. c.13.07.44 Hptm., appt Kdr. IV./JG 27 (to 01.01.45). 02.11.44 Hptm., Kdr. IV./JG 27 unhurt – Bf 109 G-14 hit in the motor, belly-landed – no details. 17.12.44 Hptm., Stab IV./JG 27. 01.01.45 Hptm., Kdr. IV./JG 27 WIA – his Bf 109 G-10 (Black <3 + ~) was shot down by AA fire near Venray/Holland on return from the Operation Bodenplatte New Year’s Day attack on Allied airfields in Belgium – parachute ripped but slowed by tree branches and became a POW). 02.11.44 unhurt – Bf 109 hit in the engine and belly-landed. 27.11.44 Hptm., Kdr. IV./JG 27 unhurt – Bf 109 G lost in combat in the area of Münster – bailed out. 29.11.44 lost another Bf 109 but unhurt. 17.12.44 Hptm., Stab IV./JG 27. 01.01.45 Hptm., Kdr. IV./JG 27 POW – Bf 109 G-10 (White 10 + ~) lost to AA in the area of Brussels. (n.d.) retired from Bundeswehr as a Maj. †09.04.98. Credited with 12 victories
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Soldbuch – Grenadier Sumser – Festungs-Bataillon A – Norway (Sold)
Wehrmacht Soldbuch to Grenadier Gottfried Sumser Gottfied Sumser was born on the 18.10.1911. His Soldbuch was issued on the 30th of October 1944, after a few Fortress Battalion A was set up in Norway in May 1944 with four companies. After the shift in forces in Autumn 1944 (269th Infantry Division was moved from Bergen to France and the staff of the 280th Infantry Division from Förde to Bergen), the Festungs Battalion A was moved to Voss. Location of the Fortress Battalion A in April 1945. Sumser was with the 4th Radfahr-Kp. (36853E): Eidsvaag in Bergen. Interestingly Radfahr Companies were issued normally push bikes. Sumser was still a POW in September 1946 given the fact that his injections for typhus are recorded in French on a separate piece of paper.
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Soldbuch – Obergefreiter Kohler – ‘Kampfgruppe Fischer Aachen’ (Sold)
Wehrmacht Soldbuch to Obergefreiter Erich Kohler Kohler was born on the 28.12.11 in Schura, Tüttlingen into a Protestant family. He was married and worked in a Factory in his civilian life. His Soldbuch was issued on the 12.4.1940 with a Pionier training unit. Kohler seen a few units before being sent to the frontline, arriving at the front in early 1941 with: Pionier Bataillon 125 (125.Infanterie Division) Interestingly Kohler was issued a Flare Gun and a carrier for the pistol on his arrival at the Front. As part of Army Group South, he was awarded the Assault Badge on the 13.12.1941 for actions in the Mius area, in Southern Russia. Kohler was found on the 23.3.1942 by members of the SS Panzer Abteilung 5 ‘Wiking’ with freezing wounds: 3rd Degree (In third degree frostbite, the layers of tissue below the skin freeze). It is unknown what happened to Kohler at that time, but for his efforts at that time he was awarded the Iron Cross Second Class on the 25.3.1942 After three months of rest, he would rejoin his unit, remaining there till the end of 1943. Kohler was decorated in September of 1942 with the Eastern Front Medal and the Wounds Badge in Black. Kohler was sent to Pionier Bataillon 712 (712 Infanterie Division) On page 15, an interesting entry can be seen – that he was attached to the Kampfgruppe Fischer in Aachen. Kohler was wounded by a piece of shrapnel on the 18th of September 1944 Kohler would recover from his injuries in November 1944, and was assigned to a replacement unit in Mainz. In the rear of the Soldbuch is his detailed capture papers issued by the US Army on the frontline, captured on the 28.3.1945 in the town Holzhausen Taunus by the US Army.
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Soldbuch – Hauptmann Werner – Grenadier Regiment 257 (83 Inf Div) – EK1 / EK2 (Sold)
Soldbuch to Hauptmann Wilhelm Werner Promoted from Unteroffizier to Hauptmann (1939-1945) Born into a Protestant family on 15.3.1905, in Heppenheim (Bergstrasse) Darmstadt, Germany. He was married to Anne Werner and lived together with her in Heppenheim. His Soldbuch was issued on 11.11.1939 with Infanterie Ersatz Batl 115, the M.G Company. His first frontline unit was: Infanterie Regiment 115 Darmstadt – (8 Komp) & Infanterie Regiment 104 (8.Komp) (33 Inf Div) 1.1940 – 6.1940 As part of the 16th Army advance into the Alsace area, the division took part in the taking of Belgium and France, fighting to the area of the Somme & Loire river. Officer School – 6.1940 – 1.10.1940 Infanterie Regiment 485 (12.MG Komp) (263.Inf Div) It was here that the Leutnant Werner with his MG Company would fight at the of Moscow, on the hellish battles on the western approaches to the city. In late December the division was forced to pull back. Iron Cross Second Class – 20.9.1941 Defensive actions around Smolensk, north of Jenja (Wischnjaki – Chimborasso – Höhe 256,9 – Szadki) Wounds Badge in Black – 3.11.1941 Defensive actions on the Nara River, at the Bridgehead of Gorki. Infantry Assault Badge – 11.12.1941 Defensive actions on the Nara River, Mariniki/Burinowo Werner was now sent to a replacement unit to train new soldiers with the division, and was awarded the Eastern Front Medal on August 1942. Infanterie Regiment 719 (Stab) Grenadier Feldausbildungs Regiment 719 (391.FA Div) 1.10.1942 – Promotion & Security Stamp 20.2.1943 The unit was mainly a field training unit, made up of former RAD men who had just finished their six month compulsory service, and nearly all of the men who passed through these units were born in 1924. The field training unit served a second purpose, to stabilise the ever dangerous back lines from Partisan activity. The unit was stationed in Belarus, in the city of Vitebsk, then later in the town of Baravucha. Grenadier Regiment 257 (8.MG) (83.Inf Div) 27.11.1943 – Issued items Silver Wounds Badge – 9.2.1944 Wounded in the Newel/Velikiye Luki area. 9.2.1944 – 31a – Infantry Bullet Wound – Went straight through his left side of his abdomen cutting the urine flow. Iron Cross First Class 10.3.1944 Awarded for his actions with the above unit. Equipment Interestingly he was issued a Wehrmacht Wrist Watch, he owned his side arm, a model 38H by Sauer and Son 7,65mm. Hauptmann Werner was found fit for service once again, in December 1944. He arrived for duty with Heeres-Flakartillerie-Ersatz- und Ausbildungs-Abteilung 280 in Denmark. Although, no sign of any more action is recorded in the Soldbuch. In August 1945, he was back in a hospital due to a fistula on his left knee, and would spend till early 1946 in a hospital. Remarks This Soldbuch saw the full war from start to finish. Werner was a combat decorated Officer who led a MG company, a desirable Soldbuch to say the least.Invasion of France and Belgium, to the Battle for Moscow, later training young recruits in Belarus, to the early 1944 retreats of Army Group North. Twice wounded, and decorated with both classes of the Iron Cross.
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Bilingual SS Soldbuch to SS Sturmmann Beganović – SS Geb Jäg Reg 28 – (13. Waffen-Gebirgs-Division der SS “Handschar” – Kroat. Nr. 1 ) (Sold)
Bilingual SS Soldbuch to SS Sturmmann Beganović Beganović was born into a farming family: 16.9.1909 in Kukujevci, Croatia (Today Serbia). Beganović was a Bosnian Muslim, living in the facist controlled Croatia. He lived with his wife Magdela in Dakovo, Croatia. Dog Tag Number: 1./ SS Geb Jäg Rgt 2 – 3670 Beganović was enlisted in the Waffen SS on the 22nd of June 1943, under the Kroatien SS Freiwilligen Division. On the 27.11.1943 after training Beganović was sent to his frontline unit: SS Gebirgsjäger Jäger Regiment 28 (13. Waffen-Gebirgs-Division der SS “Handschar” – Kroat. Nr. 1) Brief synopsis of the Division The 13. Waffen-Gebirgs-Division deer SS Handschar (kroatische Nr. 1) was formed to use Bosnian Muslims to defend their home region against the partisans and Chetnik forces, the members of the unit included supporters of the Albanian anti-communist organization Balli Kombëtar. Due to their islamic faith they were allowed Imams in the division. During the training in France, a minor mutiny occured in September 1943, but the training was completed and it returned home in February 1944. When the German forces retreated from this region in September 1944 many of the soldiers remained behind. The unit took on Germans from various smaller units in the Balkans and fought in Croatia and Hungary but was only brigade size. It surrendered to British forces near St. Veit an der Glan at the end of the war. A closer look at the Regiment activities in 1943 and 1944 After the collapse of Italy, the situation in Bosnia deteriorated rapidly. German units had to be relocated there in order to disarm the Italian units and take over operational areas. In February 1944, Regiment 28 began to be relocated to the Bosnian area. After the regiment arrived, it took part in Operation “Wegweiser” between March 9th and the 12th, 1944, during which partisans were combed out through the Bosut forest and a few villages north of the Sava. At the end of February 1944, Regiment 28 crossed the Save near Zupanja and entered Bosnian territory. Regiment 28 was able to reach Celic at the end of March 1944 after fighting with partisans. On April 11, 1944 the Operation “Osterei” started, Janja, Ugljevik and Priboj were to be conquered. Operation “Maibaum” lasted from April 26th to May 7th, 1944. Strong partisan units in the Majevica were supposed to be prevented from crossing the Drina to Serbia. Heavy fighting broke out in the course of which the partisans were prevented from crossing the Drina, but they were unsuccessful. On May 15, 1944, the division was renamed again, it was now called the 13th Waffen-Gebirgs-Division of the SS “Handschar” (Kroat. Nr. 1). On June 8, 1944, Operation “Vollmond” began, with which three partisan divisions located in the Posavina – Majevica area were to be crushed. The division was supposed to attack from the north and west and push the partisans back onto the Drina, with heavy fighting. From June 14th to August 6th, 1944 Operation “Kornblume” started, in which partisan groups north of the Save were attacked. At the beginning of September 1944, the division was relocated to the Vukovice – Osmaci – Srebrenica area to be refreshed here. At this time Beganović was promoted to SS Sturmmann. In September 1944 alone, over 2,000 men defected to the partisans! By taking over soldiers from the disbanded 23rd Waffen-Gebirgs-Division of the SS “Kama”, the division strength was at 346 Officers, 1,950 NCOs and 18,520 men. In mid-October 1944, the bulk of the division was marched into the Agram area in order to meet and relieve the LXIX Army Corps. Here again around 1,000 men deserted. When the division was about to face Soviet troops for the first time, it largely disbanded. Only the German support personnel and a few teams remained, so that at the end of October the division had to retreat north across the Save. The last entry in the Soldbuch was on 10.1944, it is unknown what happened to Beganović, he is not listed as killed in action nor missing in action. If he returned home, he certainly did not return home to peace, or did he see the war out to the end? The remnants of the division were deployed in November 1944 in the Apatin and Batina areas. On November 12, 1944, the division was asked to hand over its heavy weapons to the 1st Mountain Division in order to be used as a combat group east of Fünfkirchen (Pecs) near Batina. They were pushed back to Hercöyszöllös with heavy losses. On November 29, 1944, opposing troops occupied Pécs. The remnants of the divisional combat group moved east of Bolmay into a new line. From here they marched to Barcs. Due to the Russian advance, the division first moved to the area south of Lake Balaton (Csurgo – Berzencze – Nagykanizsa and from there after heavy defensive battles to the Margarethen position between the Drava and Lake Balaton. On March 6, 1945, the division took part in the “Spring Awakening” Offensive aimed at reaching the Danube at Baja, but the attack got stuck in the mud outside Kaposvar on March 7, 1945. On April 3rd, the division crossed the Mur and lost its heavy weapons. In the Kaag area the Reichsschutzstellung was taken. The division here received replacements from members of the Volkssturm and Luftwaffe. On May 5, 1945 the last Bosniaks were released so that they could make their way back to their homeland. The remainder of the division marched back and on May 7, 1945 moved to the Ursula position in the area around Kellersdorf. At Villach the remains were able to escape into British captivity. Equipment Beganović was issued the regular uniform of an SS Soldier, but the interesting entry here is is the Soldbuch Photo: Shows Beganović before he was given his SS Collar Tabs for the Division, likely during the training phase. I have also a link for…
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Soldbuch – Gefreiter Kornfeind – ‘Reichsgrenadier Rgt. HuD’ (44 Inf Div) – ‘Battle of Monte Cassino Italy 1944’ – WIA in a Fighter Plane Attack (Sold)
Wehrmacht Soldbuch to Gefreiter Ernst Kornfeind Kornfeind was born on the 15th of June 1925 in Vienna, and was trained as a carpenter. In Septmeber 1943, Kornfeind was issued his Soldbuch with a Infantry replacement unit in Nikolsburg (modern day Mikoluv, CZ). He was trained in the MG company. His father died when he left for training, and Kornfiend was given special leave to attend the funeral. Kornfeind joined his frontline unit in early 1944: Reichsgrenadier Regiment Hoch und Deutschmeister (44 ID) Divisional Synopsis The division was rebuilt as Reichsgrenadier-Division Hoch- und Deutschmeister in Belgium when Hitler ordered the Stalingrad divisions should be reconstructed. By the summer of 1943 it was back up to strength and sent to fight in Italy, where it was heavily engaged at Monte Cassino. It withdrew up the Italian peninsula during 1944 and briefly clashed with American forces attacking the Gothic line. Withdrawn to refit, it was instead sent to oppose the Soviet breakthrough in Hungary. The division joined the efforts to recapture Budapest with the 6th SS Panzer Army, and was subsequently nearly destroyed near Lake Balaton. The remnants of the division retreated into Austria, until the final days of the war, when it marched west and surrendered to the American forces near Linz. Monte Cassino to Hungary 1944/1945 Kornfeind joined the division in early 1944, issued with various items including a camouflage Helmet net! The Regiment was at this stage involved in the battles around the Cassino area in Italy till May 1944. After which it moved in the direction of Apennin. On 23 September 1944 at Ca ‘Cosellini, near Sassoleone, a group of partisans of the 62nd Garibaldi Camicie Rosse brigade, accidentally encountering a German vehicle, opened fire and killed an officer and his driver; a third German was wounded and managed to escape. The next day, September 24, German soldiers of the 44 Infanterie Division set fire to the houses in the vicinity of Ca ‘Cosellini and then surrounded the town of Sassoleone. The inhabitants present were killed in their homes, in the streets or near the church. On 25 September 19444, according to an entry on page 12 of the Soldbuch, Kornfeind was badly wounded by an Allied fighter plane, ‘Spl.Gr Seite v. Teifflieger‘ meaning a splinter wound on his side, from an enemy fighter plane. For this injury he was awarded the Wounds Badge in Black in October as he lay on a hospital bed. He was sent two various hospitals including one in the Iglau (Modern day CZ), and interestingly as the frontline grew closer was forced to move hospitals to a safer area. By March 1945 he was once again fit for duty, joining the unit just in time for the next Operation coined Spring Awaking. Kornfiend was once again issued interesting equipment including a camo net! It is unknown when he was captured, the Soviet issue document in his Soldbuch states: ‘Military Unit – August 31, 1945 N 318 – Reference given to the liberated prisoner of war Kornfiend Ernst born 1925. Nationality Austrian, in that he follows to his place of residence Vienna. Chief of the military unit 71731-N Savko’ Additional Information Insignia The Hoch und Deutschmeister cuff title was authorised for this unit on 26 February 1945. The Hoch und Deutschmeister Kreuz or the Stalingrad-Kreuz was authorised for certain units of the division on 23 March 1944. The emblem took the form of a small blue enamel Maltese cross edged in gold, with a Reichsadler and banner in the centre reading “STALINGRAD”. The emblem was authorised to be worn on the epaulettes of all ranks of the divisional staff and Reichsgrenadier Regiment Hoch- und Deutschmeister. It was also used as a semi-official cap insignia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtmMrusiywI
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Wehrpass – Obergrenadier Kutzner – ‘Dieppe Raid 1942’ – Grenadier Regiment 676 (332 ID) – KIA Battle of Kursk (Sold)
Wehrmacht Wehrpass to Obergrenadier Alfred Kutzner Kutzner was born on the 18th of June 1910 in Liegniz Germany. He was of Protestant faith and married, in his civilian life he was trained as a butcher. He lived with his wife Gertrud tin Breslau (today: Worclaw, Poland). His Wehrpass was issued in Breslau on the 7th of June 1937, on the 23.7.1942 Kutzner was called up for duty, in August he swore an Oath of allegiance to Adolf Hitler.Trained on the K98 Riffle, Light Machine gun and the Luger p08 pistol. After a short time in training he was sent directly to his frontline unit, on the 7th of August 1942: The 12 Company (Machine Gun) of Infanterie Regiment 676 (332 Infanterie Division) The division was serving as Coastal Defence in Brittany France, a what would seem to be rather silent part of the world during this time of the war. Although after being with his unit only 12 days, Kutzner would see action in what was to go don in history as a the Dieppe Raid also known as Operation Jubilee . Entered in his Wehrpass is the following for the raid: ‘Zerschlagung der Britische Landungsversuche in Dieppe’ meaning the destruction of the British landing attempt at Dieppe. A very rare entry in any wartime Wehrpass. Operation Jubilee Synopsis The Allied amphibious attack on the German-occupied port of Dieppe, northern France in the Second World War (19 August 1942). Over 6,050 infantry, predominantly Canadian, supported by a regiment of tanks, were put ashore from a naval force operating under protection of Royal Air Force (RAF) fighters. The port was to be captured and held for a short period, to test the feasibility of a landing and to gather intelligence. German coastal defences, port structures and important buildings were to be demolished. The raid was intended to boost Allied morale, demonstrate the commitment of the United Kingdom to re-open the Western Front and support the Soviet Union. Aerial and naval support was insufficient to enable the ground forces to achieve their objectives; the tanks were trapped on the beach and the infantry was largely prevented from entering the town by obstacles and German fire. After less than six hours, mounting casualties forced a retreat. The operation was a fiasco in which only one landing force achieved its objective and some intelligence including electronic intelligence was gathered. Within ten hours, of the 6,086 men who landed, 3,623 had been killed, wounded or became prisoners of war. The Luftwaffe made a maximum effort against the landing as the RAF had expected but the RAF lost 106 aircraft (at least 32 to anti-aircraft fire or accidents), against 48 German losses. The Royal Navy lost 33 landing craft and a destroyer. The lessons of the Dieppe Raid influenced preparations for Allied seaborne operations in the Mediterranean and the Normandy landings (Operation Overlord). Kutzner was sent to the Eastern Front with the Division in 1943, on the 23.7.1943 he was hit by an infantry bullet in the head, killing him. During the opening stages of Operation Cidatel. Also known as the ‘Battle of Kursk’ Kutzner was still with his unit, now attached to the 4th Panzer Armee they were ear marked for the main parts of the attack. According to Kutzners Wound Badge Document he was shot on the 18.7.1943, whilst serving in the Machine Gun Company. According to the records, he was killed near Butovo, Bjelgorod. Hi Body was never found and he has no known grave. Included with his Wehrpass is a large certificate displaying the Iron Cross, it states that the German Army are returning his Wehrpass to his Wife and that he gave his life for Germany, moreover that the Wehrpass be held as a memory of his service and for any claims of her husbands service.
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Soldbuch & Wehrpass – Obergefreiter Gorzolnik – “Artillerie-Kommandeur Hammerfest” – Norway (Sold)
Soldbuch and Wehrpass set to Obergefreiter Alois Gorzolnik Gorzolnik was born on the 11.4.1909 in Ratibor (Today Racibórz, Poland), he was married with two children. He was enlisted into the Wehrmacht in January 1941. Trained on the following weapon systems: K98 Rifle, Norwegian Rifle, Light MG 100 (H) known as the Lewis Gun. Light MG Colt 245 (n) a Norwegian Colt made Machine Gun. The captured French Artillery – l.F.H 414 (f) and the 10.5cm Cannon 332 (f) Gorzolnik was also trained as the Gas Attack tester for the battery! Joining his frontline unit on March 1943: 13.1941 – 1.1943 – Küsten Artillerie Batterie 873 – Heeres-Küsten-Artillerie-Regiment 449 – Stationed in Børselvnes, Norway. Armed with 15.5cm Polish made Artillery. 1.1943 – 3.1943 – Heeres Küsten Artillerie Regiment 971 – Stationed in Børselvnes, Norway. 4.1943 – 5.1945 – Küsten Artillerie Regiment 979 – Justöen near Lillesand armed with four 10,5-cm Kanone K 332 (f) – French Made. The Soldbuch and Wehrpass are as for 99% of the ID documents not displaying openly the Swastica as was required, this was done by the units. In the rear of the Soldbuch is a photo of Gorzolnik and his wife. Remnants seen below of his unit in Børselvnes, Norway.
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SS Soldbuch – SS Kanonier Erich Gründel – schwere SS Artillerie Abteilung 101 (1 SS Panzer Division LSSAH) – Normandy 1944 (Sold)
SS Soldbuch to SS Kanonier Erich Gründel Erich Gründel was born on 7th of April 1926 in Leipzig, Germany. Gründel believed in God, and learned to be a technical drawer. Gründel was issued his SS Soldbuch on the 23rd of December 1943 with SS Artillerie Ausbildungs und Ersatz Regiment Gründel was issued his full SS Uniform on the 19th of January 1944, he would join his unit frontline unit in March 1944 (according to a security stamp on page 15). A very nice photo of Gründel can be seen in the Soldbuch, entered in with his LAH Shoulder ciphers visible! schwere SS Artillerie Abteilung 101 – 1 SS Panzer Division LSSAH Normandy 1944 The Division was in France, schwere SS Art Abt 101 was on the 6th of June 1944 just north of Beavais (Normandy) they moved into position on the 10th of June 1944 in order to fire directly onto the coast, just 17 Kilometers away they set up at Bretteville sur Odom (near Caen). They clearly could fire as far as Gold Beach as they had a 30 KM range.According to Fischer (Von Berlin bis Caen) 2004 p.144. Both 17cm Batteries of the Schw SS Art Korps 101 were firing on Allied positions, landing craft and Cruisers at sea, using the maximum range of 30 Kilometers of their cannons. The 2nd Battery commanded by Hauptsturmführer STETTNER (KIA 1945) recorded to have sunk two landing craft, a few troop transporters were badly damaged and a Cruiser was completely put out of action. (Cruiser Jean Bart is mentioned). Also destroyed was allied transport planes on the landing strips. The batteries changed cannon directions to the town of Villers-Bo- cage, in support of the Tank Battle raging on the 13th of June 1944. In order to support the 2./s.SS-Pz. Abt.101s – including the Tiger Tank of Wittmann is also recorded as having towed their artillery! All Batteries gave fire support to the 12.SS Pz.Div Hitler Jugend on 25. June.1944 at Fontenay-le-Pesnel and Rauray. SS Oberst-Gruppenführer Sepp Dietrich visits the SS Art Abt 101 Postions during the fighting in Normandy 1944 Gründel was badly wounded earning the Silver Wounds Badge in October 1944 in the SS Hospital in Prag. In the rear of the Soldbuch is two Merkblätter: 1 for Sexually Transmitted Diseases as warning to German Soldiers. 2 For the dangers of Typhus.
