Showing 1018–1026 of 1325 resultsSorted by latest
-
Soldbuch – SS Kanonier Eberz – SS Frw Art Reg 32 (32 SS 30.Jan.Div) Oder/Halbe 1945 (Sold)
SS Soldbuch for SS Kanonier Peter Eberz Eberz was born into a farming, catholic family on the 18.6.1925 in Rastadt. His SS Soldbuch was issued on the 1. August 1944 by SS Werfer Ausb. u. Ers. Abt Located at the SS troop training area “Kurmark” near Guben. Here, too, the replacement for the field units was provided, which was reinforced from summer 1944 by several newly established Werfer Abt of the Waffen-SS. After training Eberz joined SS Feld-Ersatz-Bataillon 10 (10.SS-Panzer-Division “Frundsberg”) but sometime in October of 1944 he had breathing problems and was sent to a hospital for two months. Eberz was then assigned to the SS-Freiwilligen-Artillerie-Regiment 32 fighting under the 32nd Waffen SS Grenadier Division ’30 Januar’ The division fought in heavy retreating fights from the Oder river near Eisenhüttenstadt falling back to Brandenburg in the Müllrose area and finally to the Halbe Pocket. Here the division was destroyed. A combat group was able to make its way to Angermünde. It is unknown if Eberz survived, he is not listed as killed in action or missing in action. So it is likely that he made it out. Entries to note: Issued a K98 Rifle in February 1945. Interesting photo before he earned his insignia! Also there is an interesting piece of paper in the front of the Soldbuch stating that he needed his blood group found out (crossed out) as well as the fact that he had no Wehr number added to the bottom of page 1. An extremely rare unit, SS Soldbücher known for this division in collections almost all come from the Halbe Pocket Box find, and are in bad condition. SS Soldbücher have become increasingly hard to find and are not available usually.
-
Luftschutz-Dienstbuch – Truppführer Kasper – LSW Zittau (SOLD)
Luftschutz Dienstbuch for Truppführer Theodor Kasper This interesting and unusual LS Service book is quite interesting for a few reasons. Firstly, nearly all of these are without pictures, and secondly his job for three years was to sounds the Air Raid Alarms and Sirens! Moreover, he was allowed to carry a weapon as well as take part in fighting! Kasper was born on the 14.3.1886 into a catholic family in Reichenberg, his civilian trade was an Accountant. He swore an Oath of allegiance on the 8th of August 1941. Kasper was issued a full uniform for the Luftschutz including a Helmet. He was sent to the following unit: Luftschutzwarndienst Zittau As Hilfsauswerter and Truppführer (Group leader and Auxiliary Evaluator). He would spend from 30.9.1940 till 31.3.1943 in service. An interesting entry can be seen on page one under his photograph, stating he is allowed to carry a weapon and take part in the fighting. Condition: VGC What was the organisation? The Luftschutzwarndienst, or Air Raid Warning Service, was a civilian organisation under the guidance of the Luftwaffe that was responsible for the timely warning of incoming enemy air raids and attacks on German cities, towns and installations. It functioned by taking reports from its members, from the Flugmeldedienst, and from the various related Polizei organisations, after which they processed the information so as to set in motion the sounding of air raid sirens prior to an attack. The organisation was also responsible for the sounding of the all clear siren once a raid or attack was over. Interesting Radio News with the Air Raid warning! [av_video src=’https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Vwk4exkzs’ mobile_image=” attachment=” attachment_size=” format=’16-9′ width=’16’ height=’9′ conditional_play=” id=” custom_class=” av_uid=’av-6y3b2′]
-
OT Dienstbuch – OT-Mann Buigne – Norway 1945 (Sold)
OT Dienstbuch to Johann Buigne Interesting entries such as: Issued a Rifle and various equipment. Worked for Cyklop, nice entries for Berlin and Finnland, to Norway (Fauske). He for some reason passed away in Norway after the war as a POW. Organisation Todt (OT) was a civil and military engineering organisation in Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945, named for its founder, Fritz Todt, an engineer and senior Nazi. The organization was responsible for a huge range of engineering projects both in Nazi Germany and in occupied territories from France to the Soviet Union during World War II. It became notorious for using forced labour. From 1943 until 1945 during the late phase of the Third Reich, OT administered all constructions of concentration camps to supply forced labor to industry.
-
Soldbuch – Fallschrimjäger Borde – FJR11 & 30 (4 FJD) – ‘Battle of Anzio & Gothic Line’ (Sold)
Exceptional Soldbuch for FJ Franz Borde Borde was born on into a catholic family on the 11.3.1923 in the area of Leitmeritz (Modern day: Litoměřice, in CZ). Borde was enlisted, and issued a Soldbuch on the 10.4.1942 in Canitz, with Flieger Ausb Rgt 61 – the unit was dedicated to training Luftwaffe recruits. Borde would spend some time in Braunschweig and Plantlünne on various airbases before being reassigned to: 5 Kompanie, Fallschrimjäger Regiment 11 (under 4 FJD) on the 28.12.1943 Borde would take part in the Anzio battle in January and February 1944 – Some info on the unit during the battle: On January 22nd 1944, because of the Allied landing on both sides of Nettuno, the order was received by the Kampfgruppe (Combat Group) to immediately send a battalion to Albano. The priority task for the combat group was to secure the deployment of their own forces in the Albano area by blocking the access roads. The Hauber battalion on the right wing of the combat group made the first contact with the enemy. The left wing is formed by the Kleye battalion, which on January 23 connected with the Schönfeld Combat Group of the 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division. But on January 25th the connection is lost again when parts of the 1st British Infantry Division threw the combat groups back from Aprilia. On January 29, the open left flank of the Kleye battalion was hit by an attack with 30 tanks, which broke in on both sides of the gravel road to the northwest. With the support of heavy flak and the closed 14./FschJ-Rgt 11 deployed for anti-tank defence. The enemy advance is halted on January 30th at the Fosso di Vallelata. Sometime around here, Borde was wounded with a bullet and was removed from the frontline, sent back to Germany on a Medical Train and was awarded then Black Wounds Badge). After recovery (June 2nd 1944) Borde would join his old company again, who had been fighting bitterly with over 200 combat days at this stage of the war. Around the Via Appia, the regiment withdrew to Rome and across the Tiber. The catchment position north of Rome could not be held for long, it goes back along the Via Cassia. In the coming weeks the regiment was be pushed back to Pienza, where the Americans were then held up for two days. At the end of June and for most of July the division held positions at Siena and Poggibonsi. At the end of July, the HKL runs hard south of Florence. When all German units withdrew to the Green Line (Futa Pass) in mid-September. The regiment is deployed directly at the Futa Pass and has the pass road and the pass height west of Firenzuola in its sector. In the morning hours of September 26th, enemy mountain troops broke into the 1st and 2nd battalions. The break in the line was sealed off, but the regiment was later withdrawn. Borde was awarded by this stage of the war an Iron Cross Second Class for bravery (18.8.1944). The Regiment then entered winter positions south and south-east of Bologna, were the division held up the Allies for a long time. At the end of January the regiment was relocated further east from its positions south of Bologna and moved to a new defensive position near Faenza. The main front line runs along the Senio through a wide, open valley. The regiment was withdrawn from Faenza at Imola. For the winter battles Borde was awarded the Air Force Ground Assault Badge (23.11.1944). On April 10, the long-awaited Allied offensive begins in northern Italy. With only two battalions, the regiment had to fight its way back over Medicina and Budrio. But on April 18, 1945, after two days of holding out in the canal position near Medicina, the order to change position came too late. Between the I. / FschJRgt 11 and the II./ FschJRgt 12, the enemy managed a deep break-in in the morning hours of April 19. Cordoned off with heavy losses, and the regiment must continue to fight back. Since the crossings over the Po to the northwest of Ferrara have been destroyed, almost all heavy weapons are lost when crossing, which makes a sustainable defence on the north bank impossible. On the 10.4.1045 – Borde was now with 9 Kompaine, Fallschrimjäger Regiment 30. From April 17, 1945, the regiment deployed against the Russian units advancing southwards on both sides of the Traisen to the west of Vienna near St. Pölten. On April 20, 1945 the association fought in the line Echenau – Buchberg – Nordrant Traisen – Wiesenfeld. Parts of the 1st Battalion were trapped on the Buchberg, but were able to break through in the night of April 23 to the own formations in new defensive positions to the west of Traisen on the Tarschenberg. The second battalion of the regiment was also engaged in heavy fighting with Russian infantry and tank units around Wiesenfeld. On April 23, the positions of the regiment on both sides of Marktl were by the III. / Paratrooper Regiment 28 west and the II. / Parachute Regiment 29 east of the road reinforced. On September 27, 1945, the regiment was relieved and then relocated to the area west of Freiland in order to move into a resting position. The regiment was reorganized and marched north at the beginning of May 1945 in order to join the 10th Paratrooper Division near Brno. After all rail connections on the north side of the Danube were interrupted, the regiment marched through the Wachau on foot. On May 9, 1945 it was captured by the Americans near Grein – Perg – Pergarten, but was extradited to the Red Army after a few days. Borde was again wounded this time by a piece of shrapnel, he entered a hospital only on the 20.5.1945, likely as he made his way to the Allied forces as not to be captured by the Soviet Army….
-
Wehrpass – Gefreiter Hans Heuken – ‘Death Letter’ – IR39 (26ID) (Sold)
Wehrpass Grouping of Hans Heuken This grouping spans across the career of one German Soldier, it is extremely hard to find such complete groupings nowadays, from the envelopes down to the death card this set is complete. Johann ‘Hans’ Heuken born on the 17th of November 1919 in Wesel. He was born into a catholic family and was not married. He was trained as a Moulder, pressing forms from items made of early plastics or metal. Heuken joined the Reichsarbeitsdienst on the 15th of August 1939, his service cut short in June 1940 Heuken joined the Wehrmacht. He swore his allegiance on the 22nd of June 1940 at his new unit, a replacement unit of the IR 39 in Könitz. Heuken was trained on the P08 Luger, K98 Rifle and the MG 34. He was sent to the front on the 21.8.1940 and served exclusively with Infantry Regiment 39, under the 26 Infantry Division. Wounded on the 28th of August 1941 in central Russia with Heeresgruppe Mitte (Polozk, Düna) with a shot hitting his chest. 15.6.1941 – 1.8.1941 – Attached to Battalion Pioneers Heuken was awarded the Wounds Badge in Black, and returned to his unit in September 1941. 24.5.1942 – 10.6.1942 – Attached to the Shock Troop Element of the Infantry Regiment. ‘’Military units which contain assault troops are typically organised for mobility with the intention that they will penetrate enemy defences and attack into the enemy’s vulnerable rear areas. Any specialised, elite unit formed to fight an engagement via overwhelming assault (usually) would be considered shock troops, as opposed to a “special forces” or commando style units (intended mostly for covert operations). Both types of units could fight behind enemy lines, by surprise if required, however.’’ Heuken Battle Calendar France 20.9.1940 – 20.11.1940 – Costal Protection on the French Coast 21.11.1940 – 13.5.1941 – Costal Protection on the French Canal Coast. Eastern Front 1.) 14.5.1941 – 21.6.1941 – Occupation troops in the East. 6. – 7.1941 – Double Battles at Bialystok and Minsk. A. 6.1941 – Break Through the border B. 24.6.1941 – 11.7.1941 – Battles for Njemen crossing, and follow up battles till the Düna. 2.) 8.7. – 1.8.1941 – Battle of Smolensk A. 12.7.16.7.1941 – Storming of Polozk 12.7.16.7.1941 B. 17.7. – 31.7.1941 – Follow up Battle till the super Düna. 3.) 26.7.1941 – 1.8.1941 – Defensive Battles near Jelnja and Smolensk 1.8.1941 – Defensive Battles on the Dna and Mjesha. 24.2.1942 – 27.8.1942 – Battles in Russia under the 26th Inf Div. Wehrpass entries : Died on the 28.8.1942 in the forest area northwest of Oserenski (Russia). Today – Oserenskij / Bolchow. Heuken was awarded the same day the Iron Cross Second Class, and the certificate was hand signed by Knightcross Winner with Oak Leafs : General Friedrich Wiese, pictured below. [av_image src=’https://adlermilitaria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/WieseF-1.jpg’ attachment=’8080′ attachment_size=’full’ copyright=” caption=” styling=” align=’center’ font_size=” overlay_opacity=’0.4′ overlay_color=’#000000′ overlay_text_color=’#ffffff’ animation=’no-animation’ hover=” appearance=” link=” target=” title_attr=” alt_attr=” lazy_loading=’disabled’ id=” custom_class=” av_element_hidden_in_editor=’0′ av_uid=’av-4t88ou’ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_image] The Wehrpass were returned in the envelope addressed to Heuken’s father. Heuken was never found and is likely still in the forest north west of Oserenskij / Bolchow, the German authorities have not located his body. [av_image src=’https://adlermilitaria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Screenshot-2019-06-11-at-15.50.28.png’ attachment=’8079′ attachment_size=’full’ copyright=” caption=” styling=” align=’center’ font_size=” overlay_opacity=’0.4′ overlay_color=’#000000′ overlay_text_color=’#ffffff’ animation=’no-animation’ hover=” appearance=” link=” target=” title_attr=” alt_attr=” lazy_loading=’disabled’ id=” custom_class=” av_element_hidden_in_editor=’0′ av_uid=’av-22zxla’ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_image] A letter dated: 30.August. 1942 from his company NCO called Dicken arrived at the Heuken family home. ‘ Your son was killed in action 1500m west of Oserensky in a forest. He was hit in the head with a grenade splinter and didn’t suffer. On that day the Soviets attacked his positions with tank support. He was storming forward with his company commander and two others, when he was killed. We were not able to recover his body.’’ Unit History Infantry Regiment 39 On June 22, 1941, the Russian campaign began for the regiment. After the winter battle of Rzhev, the regiment returned on February 27, 1942 to the 26th Infantry Division. It was used in the defensive position of the division, which was about 10 km northwest Rshew north of the Volga. The regimental command post was in the village of Pochinki and later in shelters north and then northwest of it. The divisional command post was in the village of Kowynewo, about 5 km northwest of Rshew. The regiment remained in this position under two, slight shift of its section until the end of July 1942. In this position, mostly training and Stellungsbau operated. In addition, the regiment was refilled personnel. On March 22, the III. Battalion launched a raiding party on Star Filikino, on 7 April 1942 on Koleswikowo. On April 25, 1942, the company “Uferbalken” took place. In this attack, an improvement of the own position course should be achieved. In addition, the opposing Russian troops should be worried. The 26th Infantry Division was tasked with smashing its enemy in positions on the south bank of the Koksha River, winning the field-strong Koksha, and winning and maintaining the Koksha River as the new HKL. It was therefore an attack with limited targets from its own HKL against a developed and fortified position of the enemy in a width of about 7 km and a depth of about 1 km. With ample time available, the troop had been thoroughly prepared for the attack. The enemy was estimated in the attack room on this side of the Koksha River at three battalions with strong battalions, supported by two light and three medium batteries and tanks. Its reserves were adopted beyond the Koksha River. For the attack they were provided in the HKL (Main frontline). The battalions were each reenforced by a l. Infantry Cannon, 1 l. PAK Anti-Tank and a pioneer unit. Artillery was under the command of the Arko 126: 4 divisions light field howitzers with 34 barrels, a division heavy field howitzers with 12 barrels, a department 10-cm…
-
SS Diary – SS-Schütze Noss – 18. SS Panzergrenadier-Div “Horst Wessel” (SOLD)
SS Diary to SS-Schütze Oswin Noss Noss joined the Waffen SS in 1944, he was after a short training sent to his frontline unit with the 18. SS-Freiwilligen Panzergrenadier-Division “Horst Wessel” – he was specifically assigned to the Panzer-Aufklarungs Abteilung 18. Then to the Panzerjäger (Tank Hunter Troop) Interestingly, Noss was assigned a Schwimwagen at times and even wrote how it nice it was to drive it. By November 1944, Noss was in positions not far from Budapest and the day he was killed he noted in his SS diary that they knocked a KV1 Tank out. His items must have been taken from his body when he was killed. SS diaries filled out are extremely rare, and a source of information on the specific unit that is impossible to find anywhere else. Entries April 30th 1944 Begin trip to Riga, Latvia at 16:31 – Training begins on Tuesday. May 2nd 1944 Assigned to SS-Pz.-Aufklärungs– Ersatz-Abteilung in Riga–Strand (also known as SS-Tr.Üb.Pl. “Seelager) Noss details his journey to Riga. Darmstadt, Frankfurt, ?, Berlin, Königsburg – Riga Main station. May 24th 1944 With the transport to Obesce (ÓBECSE now in Serbia – this was the meeting point for the Horst Wessel Div) to Aufklarungs Abteilung 18, over the Duna (river). The entries follow on for the next days, detailing rivers and cities crossed, such as Vienna to Budapest. Noss states the full journey town for town, till May 31st. He also notes that they traveled there with 30 other soldiers. June 13th 1944 Fired Live – in a small competition he lists the scores. June 14th 1944 Amazing lunch – meat filled dough, sauce and potato salad and pudding. So much! June 21 1944 Summer party in Zsabya June 24 1944 Recruit training comes to an end. Sent to the Panzerjäger (Tank Hunter) troop as a messenger. July 11th 1944 Alarm to make ready! 2000 to the train station, at 0100 meeting with the train with the antitank guns. July 12 1944 0830 – Leaving from Zsablya (?) July 13 1944 1830 through Budapest Bomb damage in Budapest is quite bad. July 14 1944 On watch – looking for aircraft. 0900 – Describes an action (hard to read) July 15 1944 1050 in Tournao (?) July 16 1944 On Watch – for aircraft. Arrived in Stanislau (Ivano-Frankivszk – Ukraine) loaded of the train and slept in a barn . July 17 1944 During the drive, attacked by two Soviet aircraft, no losses. Vehicles unloaded in motorised march. The rest of the Company is loaded on. 1100 drive further towards the front. 1430 In a small village behind the front, unloaded. The evening preparing. July 18 1944 Last preparations, prepare to move into positions. Drove to the positions in the night. 0200 in the positions. Slept in the Schwimmwagen in the rain. July 19 1944 Built Bunker. Ready by midday. Any amount of rain and muck. July 20 1944 (?) Again in the rain, Hard to move, muck. (?) Drive with Obersturmbannführer – Any amount of Butter, cream, bread, marmalade, … July 21 1944 In support, drive to the troop. Slept well. Food: fried potatoes. (?) July 22 1944 Afternoon diving bombing attacks from Russian fighter and bombers, also firing from wing mounted MGs. In the troop two are wounded, one in the company is killed. July 24 1944 Weapon inspection. Fighting in the air, with Soviet fighters. Two ‘Iwans’ shot down. Getting ready for infantry actions. Infantry attack enemy counterattack on the village with antitank help. July 25 1944 1130 Attack begins. Strong Russian artillery fire and firing not far from us. Village taken. 1900 moved back. July 26 1944 In a village through the night and day. Any amount of milk, 9 eggs fried. 2200 secured the area against partisans. 0530 – March. July 27 1944 Retreat. On the way, any amount of milk and eggs… (?) July 28 1944 Again ate well and drank well! July 29 1944 Various entries about money, food, killing a cow and pig for food and preparing it all and driving… August 4 1944 20 Km further back on the Rollbahn. (?) 6 Km further to Skola August 6 1944 Through Skola, Attack of a Russian aircraft with on board machine guns. In the mountain valley. August 7 1944 Still here in Eger (Hungary) Attack from Russian bombers, with bombs and onboard machine guns on the rail bridge and train station. August 8 1944 Quiet time in Eger August 9 1944 Leaving Eger, around 70km driving. August 10 1944 In Paszika (Hungary) (Kishidveg – now Ukraine). August 11 1944 Drive further 25km through Munkars. (Munkacs – now Ukraine). August 13 1944 Cleaning of Weapons Many entries not front related till. August 29 1944 With the truck and Schwimmwagen searching for deserters! September 7 1944 In the night, searching for enemy paratroopers! September 17 1944 With the Pak (AntiTank Gun) firing live. Around 60 rounds of AntiTank and 20 shots of explosive. September 25 1944 From Esztar in motorised March. (Esztrar, Hungary) September 29 1944 Through Budapest in motorised March. September 30 1944 Arrived in Bicske October 11 1944 Loaded in Bicske (next three days on the train) October 14 1944 Arrived in Rimaszombat, unloaded. Small town 3KM from the Slovakian border). Slept in park with barracks and beds. October 15 1944 Offer of halt to hostilities from Hungary to the Soviet Union. With the Pak drove to the positions (Honoed-Base, train station and place to stay) Secure against Partisans. October 18 1944 Röttenführer Hummer’s birthday. At 1920 evening with the comrades from the Pak team. As a guest, Knightscross holder Sonne. Any amount to eat and drink. [av_image src=’https://adlermilitaria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Heinrich-Sonne.jpg’ attachment=’8034′ attachment_size=’full’ copyright=” caption=” styling=” align=’center’ font_size=” overlay_opacity=’0.4′ overlay_color=’#000000′ overlay_text_color=’#ffffff’ animation=’no-animation’ hover=” appearance=” link=” target=” title_attr=” alt_attr=” lazy_loading=’disabled’ id=” custom_class=” av_element_hidden_in_editor=’0′ av_uid=’av-26hj5r’ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_image] October 19 1944 Drive to fight partisans. Returned to the base. (From the 18th till the 31st the division was fighting against the Slovakian National Uprising). October 20 1944 Morning at 0600 drive to fight partisans in Slovakia. Entered positions…
-
Soldbuch – Obergefreiter Mutter – Croatian Legion – 369 (Kroat) Art Reg – (369ID) (SOLD)
Soldbuch of Kanonier Josef Mutter Mutter was born in Croatia on the 20.2.1922 into a Catholic family in the town of Ernestinovo in the district of Osiyek. In his civilian life he was a Saddler. During the war Mutter got married with his love Irna, receiving leave for one day to attend his own wedding in July 1944. The Soldbuch was opened on he 16th of October 1942 with the Stabs Batterie of the the Artillerie Regiment (Kroat) 369. Mutter was extremely lucky, he was not stuck with the main units of the 369 a few months before, they would fight to the end in Stalingrad. Mutter’s service would span from October 1942 till the wars end fighting mainly partisans in Operations Weiss & Weiss II & Operation Schwartz. He was awarded: 1943 – Croatian Ante Pavelic Bravery Medal in Silver 1944 – Croatian War Badge with State shield 1945 – War Merit Cross with Swords The Soldbuch also contains a Croatian extra page added, of which I have not managed to find another! He was issued with a Rifle several times as well as some interesting equipment such as Tropical Clothing. Interestingly the complete Soldbuch states that Mutter is serving with the Stabs Batterie although on further inspection it becomes clear the majority of the signatures inside the are from the 3rd Batterie, I Abteilung Commander: Oberleutnant Guske. The 3rd Batterie was armed with the WWI Field Cannon Mod 16 (10.5 cm leichte Feldhaubitze 16). The Soldbuch is in good overall untouched condition. Unit History The Artillery Regiment 369 (Croatian) was set up in September, 1942 in Military District XVII. The regiment was set up with German support personnel and Croatian soldiers. The regiment consisted of two medium and one heavy artillery sections. After the formation, the regiment was subordinated to the 369th Infantry Division. After Christmas the regiment was shipped to Croatia. On December 29, 1942, the regiment was unloaded and deployed in Sunja, southeast of Sisak. The second division came from the regiment to the places Sas and Zivaja, where they set up for all-round defense. Towards the end of January 1943, the regiment was shifted slightly to the south-west in order to carry out its first major anti partisan mission. Operation “Weiss” led the regiment to fight in the Karlovac – Bihac – Livno area. On March 3, 1943, the regiment reached Livno. Then it was turned in the direction of Mostar and forced towards the Narenta and Ramatal. Eventually the regiment reached the western banks of the Narenta. From April 13th to the 20th, 1943, Operation “Weiss 2” began. The I. / G.R. 370 from Zavidivici from northeast forward, the III. / Grenadier Regiment 370, coming from Sprecatal, had to comb through the Ozren planina from an easterly direction and the II. / A.R. 369 to advance towards Doboj. After the end of the operation, the Division marched to Maglaj linking up with the other Abteilung. In mid-May 1943 the Operation”Schwarz” was carried out. The area of operation was now northern Montenegro. Soon after the start of the operation, the German troops and the participating Italians encountered strong enemy resistance, namely at Podgorica and Kolasin, on the Tara and south of Foca, and especially on the Sutjeska in the north-west. The resistance could only be broken after heavy fighting, but the main partisan forces managed to escape. After the end of Operation “Schwarz”, the fight against the partisans continued in the form of a non-stop, grueling guerrilla war. It grew more and more in size. At the end of June 1943, the partisans captured the cities of Vlasenica and Srebrenica from Croatian Ustaša forces. Against this threat, the Germans have inter alia the Nachrichten Abteilung 369 from Sarajevo, the I. / Grenadier Regiment 369 and the II. / Grenadier Regiment 370 as well as the Panzerjäger Abteilung 369 were assigned to Tuzla. In Tuzla there was heavy fighting with the partisans. On July 9th 1943, a regiment of the division attacked the enemy standing in front of Tuzla and threw them back to the south. Then they turned to Zvornik, which had been captured by the partisans a few days earlier. At the end of July 1943, the I. Abteilung was in Doboj, the II. Abteilung together with the III. / Grenadier Regiment 370 in Janja and the III. Department in Zvornik. At the beginning of August, parts of the area previously held by an SS division were occupied by the 369th Infantry Division, which moved the regiment to Kiseljak, the 1st division (without 1st battery) to Kiseljak, the 1st battery to Bijeljina and the II. Abteilung after Petrovici and Capardi. The guerrilla war against the partisans continued in the new positions. On September 9 and 10, 1943, the regiment took part in the disarming of the Italian troops. From 16.-20. September 1943, the 4th and 5th batteries took part in an operation against the occupied city of Trnovo. Behind Vojkovici, Captain von Schröder, Commander of the II Abteilung, was fatally wounded by shrapnel. Six soldiers died with him and four were wounded. On September 30, 1943, partisans attacked the city of Tuzla, where the regimental headquarters and the 6th battery were located. The 6th battery was wiped out during the fighting, and the battery chief, Captain Paul Schlueter, has been missing since then. The remains of the battery managed to break out of the city to Prozor with the staff. The 6th battery was rebuilt with mountain guns, the new battery chief was Lieutenant Jansen, who died in October 1944 near Dunta Doli. The III. Department moved from Maglaj to Sarajevo at the end of October 1943. In December 1944, parts of the regiment took part in Operation “Kugelblitz”, which was directed against partisan formations in the area of the Korun and Javor Planina. In mid-March 1944, Division I with its 10 cm Skoda guns was relocated to Nevesinje, Gacko and Fojnica. On June 16, 1944, the 5th battery was moved to the coast at…
-
Soldbuch – Uffz Niedermeier – Stab/132 ID – ‘Siege of Fortress Sevastopol & Leningrad” (SOLD)
Soldbuch Grouping to Schirrunteroffizier (K) Johann Niedermeier. Niedermeier’s career in the Wehrmacht began early, serving with Infanterie Regiment 61 (Munich) from 1935 till 1937. His personal photo album details these early years in depth with an impressive array of photos covering: Pak 36 (Anti-tank gun) shooting in Grafenwöhr Trip to the Schwarzkopf Hütte in South Tyrol. Gas Room training On Exercise Photo of General Halder Very detailed photos of the Pak 36 and Vehicles Photos of the Base in Munich – Raising of the flag etc. Photo of R75 BMW jumping! Very nice photo of a Panzer 1 & Panzer 1’s in attack manoeuvre. Command Car with Pennant (Einheits-PKW) Circa 70 photos – nearly all Military related! It is clear from the range of photos that from an early stage of the war Niedermeier was a driver, which also happened to be his civilian career too! Niedermeier’s Soldbuch Opened on the 15.10.1940, Niedermeier’s first rank was that of an Unteroffizier (NCO) it is unknown if he was serving from 1937 till 1940, although it is highly likely given the fact his Soldbuch was opened as a NCO. Niedermeier was born in Munich in 1914 into a roman catholic family. He would serve in the Stab/132 Infanterie Division as a driver. As driver in the headquarters company of the division he was likely driving around the highest officers of the division on the frontline. The 132 ID fought through the former Yugoslavia they took part in anti-partisan actions and security operations, advancing to Marburg/Drau-Cilli-Agram-Banja Luka to the area of Sarajevo. It was later relieved and an prepared for the Eastern Front operations. Entering the Soviet Union the 132 ID advanced Lemberg,Ostrog/Rowno, Shitomir and other areas until it arrived in the area of Kiev. It took part in the fighting at Jusefowka, Berejaslaw and Jerkowzy, and later paused near the region of Cherson-Perekopat the start of the Crimea operations. After taking part in the advance into the Crimea in November of 1941. It was here the 132 ID would have its baptism of fire, they were ear marked for the for the siege of the fortress Sevastapol. The siege of the city cost the division nearly 500 KIA, and three times that wounded, they did not stop at the siege but took part in the entry of the city and the destruction of the fortress. They were so badly destroyed after an amphibious landing and the fighting after that the division was pulled out in September 1942. The actions of the 132 ID during the siege is covered in depth in the book: ‘Where the Iron Crosses Grow: The Crimea 1941–44, By Robert Forczyk’ [av_video src=’https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDclGM-pgOY’ mobile_image=” attachment=” attachment_size=” format=’16-9′ width=’16’ height=’9′ conditional_play=” id=” custom_class=” av_uid=’av-1wylf0′] For taking part in the actions at Sevastapol: Niedermeier was awared the Iron Cross Second Class, on the 8th of July 1942 (Four days after the fortress fell!) his award document was hand signed by General of the Infantry Keitel in the Headquarters of the German High Command! Niedermeier would also receive the Krimschild (Crimea Arm Shield) in December 1942, the award document has a facsimile signature of Field Marshal Erich von Manstein. Niedermeier also received the Eastern Front Medal in September of 1942, his award document is signed by a Hauptmann who was the commander of the divisional headquarters unit. After seeing action in the Crimea region, in September of 1942, the 132.Infanterie-Division was shifted to the Leningrad Front where it became a part of the 18.Armee which was attempting to break through the lines around the city. It fought in the positions, at Gaitolowoand Tschernaja. Supporting in the positions against the Pogostje Pocket, and fought at Smerdynia as well. Unlike Sevestapol, Leningrad held and in 1944 the 132.Infanterie-Division was eventually forced into a series of withdrawals and retreats, finally ending the War in the Kurland Pocket, trapped by the rapidly advancing Soviets until its surrender in May of 1945. Interestingly, Niedermeier did not go down in Kurland with the rest of the division, in September 1944 when the division was in Latvia Niedermeier was sent back to the homefront for further training. Obtaining the specialist rank of Schirrunteroffizier (K) meaning Specialist Driver with the rank of a NCO. He would serve at the school until March 1945, then posted to the Gebirgs-Fla-Ersatz und Ausbildungs Bataillon 700 (Mountain Troop Replacement/Anti-Aircraft/Motorised) this unit would see action directly at the end of the war defending the Pass at Innsbruck. The Fla-Company commanded by Lieutenant Quintern took over the protection of the bridge in Reit near Seefeld. For three days Attack aircraft attacked this important railway bridge on the Brenner line. Under Lieutenant Stobba, a company was deployed on the Fernpass at the end of April 1945. Niedermeier took part in these last actions, as his Soldbuch displays a full range of equipment including the issuing of a P38 Walther Pistol in April 1945. Niedermeier was captured in 1945, and spent many years in a Soviet Gulag, (returning home with his Soldbuch!) he passed away with his family at his side. This is an exceptional lot with a war story spanning from prewar through to Siege of Sevastapol and Leningrad, the last days of the war in Austria, then survival of Soviet Gulag.
-
Soldbuch – SS Kanonier Ziegelbauer – Flak Abt 1 LSSAH – Normandy 1944 (SOLD)
Soldbuch issued to SS Kanonier Fritz Ziegelbauer Fritz was born in the area of Forchheim in Germany on the 31st of December 1926 into a Catholic farming family. He joined the Waffen SS as a volunteer at age 17, arriving in Munich for training with SS Flak Ausbildungs und Ersatz Regiment in November 1943. After training in Munich he was sent to the frontline unit: 3/Flak Abteilung 1 – LSSAH – (His battery was armed with the 8.8cm Flak!) Fritz was issued the following items before leaving to join the Division: M43 Cap, Tunic and trousers, underwear, overcoat, jumper, socks, laced boots and items such as a combat pack with frame as well as a helmet and the full set of combat equipment. According to his Soldbuch, Fritz was issued a K98 Rifle along with a bayonet on the 3rd of June 1944 with the division just before they were thrown into combat in Normandy. The division would arrive in Normandy by late June, and was thrown into combat alongside the 12th SS Pz Div HJ, by late July they were On July 6, 1944, the rest of the division followed and moved into their staging area around Bretteville-sur-Laize, about 12 km south of Caen. On July 11, the division took over a section of the front between Maltot and Caen. On July 15, the transfer to the St.-André-sur-Orne and Frénouville line, about 3 km south of Caen, followed. After the Allied breakthrough at Avranches, the 1st SS Panzer Division was pulled out of the front line and made available for the “Lüttich” company to recapture Avranches. In doing so, it advanced as far as the Mesnil-Adelée area before the German attack was caught in the enemy defensive fire. Then the badly battered division was trapped in the Falaise pocket. Only remnants of the division were able to escape behind the Seine near Rouen. Individual combat groups withdrew via Charleroy towards Burg Reuland. At the same time, the first parts of the division were relocated to the Siegburg area in early September 1944 to refresh. The Flak unit of the infamous elite Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler has a few books covering their extensive service: Gefährten unsrer Jugend. Die Flak-Abteilung der Leibstandarte It is unknown what happened to Fritz, but considering the last entry is in late June 1944, it is clear that he was captured in Normandy as he is not listed on the killed or missing lists for his unit. In the rear pocket of his Soldbuch is a small religious pendant. SS Soldbücher for Normandy or the LSSAH are in todays market extremely rare and are not often seen for sale. [av_video src=’https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thShrvvOxKw’ mobile_image=” attachment=” attachment_size=” format=’16-9′ width=’16’ height=’9′ conditional_play=” id=” custom_class=” av_uid=’av-2obw25′]
