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    WW2 German Soldbuch – ‘Brandenburg Division’ – ‘ Battle of Lausitz 1945’

    Soldbuch to a Panzer Grenadier in the Division Brandenburg.

    A very good and clean condition Soldbuch with all pages issued without picture named to Franz Straka who from Vienna at the age of 18 at this late stage of the war joined the military and started his training in the Polish city of Guben with the elite Großdeutschland division.

    We can see from his Soldbuch that in January 1945  he was at the 111 Ersatz-Ausbildung- Battalion Großdeutschland. (This was a training and replacement unit). He received a k98 Rifle and then went on to join the Panzer-Grenadier-Division Brandenburg as a fusilier and rifleman.

    By end of February 1945, Franz and the Brandenburg division were involved in the defensive & retreating battles of Oberspreewald, Lausitz, and the Elbe-Elster where they were under command of the Panzerkorps Grossdeutschland.

    In March 1945 along with 1. Fallschirm-Panzer-Division HG, the Kampfgruppe 20 Panzer Grenadier Division they were trying to stop the Soviet advance but were heavily reduced in combat capacity with the heavy loss of men and materials and had hardly any armor left. Their objective was to hold the Eastern bank of the river Oder while here Fanz was shot and seriously wounded, he was evacuated as can be seen from page 12 in his Soldbuch.

    This was the end of the war for Franz but saved him from Russian capture, he spent some time in hospital as we can see from 11th of March to April the 3rd he was at a Reserve Lazarette 11 in Wurzburg.

    On the 4th of April 1945 he received the Wound Badge in Black entered on page 22. Franz then goes on to another hospital Reserve Lazarette 111 Erlangen. While hospitalised Franz received his last military wage that was authorised by the Allies in January 1946.

     

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    WW2 German Soldbuch – ‘KIA’ Bullet Damage – Brandenburg Division 1945

    Soldbuch with bullet entry for a member of the Brandenburg Division in 1945. 

    Soldbuch issued with photo to Corporal Ludwig Walle in 1941 as can be seen on the opening pages, this soldier was well-traveled. After completion of his military training he initially joined a construction battalion attached to the 18th army and in June of 1941 participated in Operation Barbarossa with army group North.

    He was sent to take the Baltic states and after crossing the Neva River saw engagements at Ilmen and the Lagoda Lakes as well as fighting at the town of Volchov on the way to Leningrad which saw him earn his Russian front medal as can be seen on page 22 within the Soldbuch. In December he received a gift from the 'Führer', a Führerpaket.

    1943 Ludwig was transferred to Generalkommando v11 Army Korps that was first under command of Army Group Center then transferred to the command of Army Group South after the heavy losses of the battle of Kursk.  In November Ludwig yet again received a Führerpaket! In Spring 1944 he had to with his unit retreat to the town of Vinnista after heavy Soviet offensives, this led to his unit heading to the Romanian border. In August of that year, his unit was destroyed through heavy losses in both men and materials while still in Ukraine and officially dissolved on the 27th of September. Ludwig stayed in Ukraine fighting in the south before being moved onto Hungary, Czechoslovakia and then Germany. For his efforts, he won a war merit cross 2nd class with swords that was issued to him at the end of January in 1945.

    In early 1945 Ludwig is then absorbed into the elite Brandenburg division, at that time he was with them for the defence of the Oder river against superior Soviet forces where the division along with the 1. Panzer Fallschirm Division 'HG' took heavy losses in both manpower and materials.

    Ludwig loses his life on 26/05/1945 as can be seen from the Volksbund as he is listed as killed in action there, it is most likely that the bullet hole through the Soldbuch is the one that killed him since he is listed as KIA and yet here we have his Soldbuch that one of his fellow soldiers took from his body.

    The division would try to escape the Soviets and surrender to American forces, some managed it however the majority surrendered to the Soviets in the Czech city of Brod.

    This is a unique Soldbuch with a very sad story behind it. 

     

  • WW2 German SS Soldbuch - LSSAH & HJ Division -  ‘Wespe & Hummel’ Russia/Bastogne/Hungary/Austria

    WW2 German SS Soldbuch – LSSAH & HJ Division – ‘Wespe & Hummel’ Russia/Bastogne/Hungary/Austria

    WW2 German SS Soldbuch – LSSAH & HJ Division – ‘Wespe & Hummel’ Russia, Bastogne, Hungary and Austria Opened 15th of October 1942 – in München with the SS Art. Ers.Regt (Signed by SS Hauptsturmführer). Bruno Eichmann EKM: 2./A.E.R 5472 Bloodgroup: AB Gasmask Size: III Wehrnummer: Halberstadt 24/49/1/ Born 7.4.192(?) in Ievenburg, Kreis Wernign Religion: EV Civilian Occupation: Baker Height: 173 Face: Oval Beard: None Build: Thin Hair: Dark Blond Eyes: Blue Shoe Size: 42 Promotions: SS Kanonier – October 1942 (SS Art. Ers.Regt) SS Sturmmann – 1.7.1944 (Gen.Bat SS AA HJ ?) SS Rottenführer – 20.04.1945 – (1./Pz.Art.Rgt 12) Eichmann spent the Christmas of 1942 at home on leave. Left his replacement unit: 10.1.1943 in München First Frontline Unit: 19.1.1943 – Arrived with the LSSAH IV./ Artillerie Regiment LSSAH – 12. Battr SS Artillerie Regiment LSSAH – 12.Battr III./ SS Panzer Artillerie Regiment 1 LSSAH – 12.Battr ‘’During the battles on the Russian Front the regiment’s artillery equipment was constantly upgraded. One of the artillery batteries was equipped from 1943 with Wespe and Hummel self-propelled guns and later with Nebelwerfer rocket launchers that gave the regiment its tremendous firepower. Especially during the difficult defensive battles in the winter of 1943-1944 in the Ukraine, every artillery piece a whether a heavy field howitzer, or 15cm rocket launcher a was often used at such close range that it was fired with barrels in a horizontal position. The battery was later attached to the reconnaissance unit in the vanguard of the LAH and experienced the hardest battles while using “Panzermeyer tactics” that required rapid marches and lightning fast deployment into firing positions.’’ T.Fischer On the 19th of January 1943, Eichmann arrives and is issued his equipment, including extra equipment such as a Zeltbahn Tent, Backpack and Blanket. On the 25.1.1943 he was issued his final items: Special Clothing, he was number 120 to get full winter kit issue, including boots. Arriving at the front in late January 1943, the LSSAH was engaged in fighting in and around Kharkov as a part of Hausser’s SS Panzer Corps. Eichmann arrived at a motorised field hospital on the 14.2.1943 and was sent behind the lines. Arriving in the Reserve Laz (Hospital) Deutsch Krone 9 days later (Over Krakau). He was reported to have: Code 33 – Freezing Wounds. He would spend till 14.5.1943 in hospital recovering. Eichmann was granted leave home for recovery on the 29.5.1943, arriving at his replacement unit 10./SS-Art.Ers.Rgt in München. Eichamann was back on the frontline again with his old 12th Batterie, Pz.Art.Rgt LSSAH on the 14.6.1943. Operation ”Citadel” : The division was deployed in the Belgorod-Tomarowka area at the end of June (beginning of attack 05.07.). Attack towards Oboyan. Fighting at Berezov, Jakolevo, Pokrovka and tank battle at Prokhorovka. After discontinuing the offensive, the division moved to the room Isjum and was from 28.07. transported to Italy. Eichamann received once again 20.9.1943 – Special items such as new shoes and a great coat. Deployment of the division in the area Parma Reggio Mantua, southern tip of Lake Garda. Securing the Northern Italian area against Partisans. Parts of the division were used in the area Fiume for Partisan control. In early November 1943, the division moved from northern Italy to the Eastern Front and was deployed in the Shitomir-Kiev area. 1944 – Offensive and defensive battles on the approaches of Zhitomir-Kiev (Brusiloff) and in the area Radomysh-Chernyakhov. Retreat battles over Sorokov, the Teterev, over Chepovichi and Chudnov in the area Berdichev-Ljubar (Krasnopol, Ivanopol). Attacking battles east of Vinnitsa and with parts in the Uman area in the direction of Korssun (relief attack against the Cherkassy basin). Use in the area south Jampol. Defense and retreat battles at Basilija-Kupel, at Fridrichovka and in the area north of Satanow (Tarnopol fighting area). After the retreat battles in the “Wandering Hube-Kessel of the 1st Panzer Army”, the division was removed at the end of March and transported away to the west (refreshment in the area Turnhout north-east Antwerp). Kommandantur zur Kraftfahrpark Köln ( December 1943 – Also Security Check) On the 1st of April 1944, Eichmann arrives at a Reserve Hospital with a Grenade Splinter in his left buttock, four days later he is sent to a Hospital in Payersbach. Eichmann was awarded the Black Wounds Badge (14.4.1944) on the 23rd of April he is sent on leave home to rest till 22.4.1944. By the 25th It seems that during this time Eichmann was injured: The majority of the LSSAH, which amounted to 41 officers and 1,188 men, were withdrawn to Belgium for rest and refit, however a Kampfgruppe was left behind. On 25 March, the 1st Panzer Army was encircled in the Kamenets-Podolsky pocket. The battle group took part in the fighting to escape the encirclement, forming a part of the spearhead which linked up with the II SS Panzer Corps near Buczacz on 6 April. The LSSAH Division was reformed in Belgium and was at full strength by 25 April 1944. 12. SS Panzer Division ‘HJ’ – 2./Pz.Art Rgt 12 12. SS Panzer Division ‘HJ’ – 3./Pz.Art Rgt 12 12. SS Panzer Division ‘HJ’ – 1./Pz.Art Rgt 12 According to the last unit entries in Eichmanns’ Soldbuch, he served in all first three Batteries from through to the wars end in May 1945. Unit commanded by SS Sturmbahnführer Urbanitz, the unit was armed with the first two Batteries with 10.5cm ‘Wespe’, and the third Batterie with 15cm Self Propelled artillery ‘Hummel’. Ardennes Offensive December 1945 – Operation Wacht am Rhein September 1944 for Eichmann was calm, back at his replacement unit. Far away from the western front in Olmütz. He was lucky to have made it out of Normandy, many were killed or captured from his original unit. After a refresh in the Bremen area the Division in October 1944, they were ordered to the Eifel region for the coming offensive. (Eichmann received a new K98 rifle) in October just before leaving Köln. The Division was split into four different Kampfgruppen, with an advance line towards Elsenborn-Kamm. On the 16 December…

  • WW2 German SS Soldbuch - ‘Regiment Deutschland’ - Battle of Grandmenil - Ardennes 1944 - Das Reich Division

    WW2 German SS Soldbuch – ‘Regiment Deutschland’ – Battle of Grandmenil – Ardennes 1944 – Das Reich Division

    SS Panzer Grenadier Josef Winkler

    Dog Tag/EKM: 6./SS Panzer Gren Ausb Batl 5 – 1081 –

    Blood-group: A

    Born on he 23.1.1914 in Briik on the Donau, Kreis Preßburg, Slovakia into a Catholic family.

    Before Winkler was enlisted in the Waffen SS, he served in the Slovakian Army (6 Pictures show his armed service including 200 days in Pressburg).   

    SS Soldbuch opened – 28.08.1944 in Ellwangen/Jagst.

    By September 1944, Winkler was issued a full set of uniform and kit in Ellwangen. His SS Soldbuch was security checked in September by an SS Untersturmführer, now with a picture attached of Winkler, just before he was given his SS insignia, a clear picture of the late war SS Uniform can be seen, according to the rear of another photo this was taken in Ellwangen.

    On the 11th of November 1944, he received all new combat equipment and uniform. Including Dust Glasses, a wollen blanket and new Dog Tag.

    Now attached to his new unit: 7 Kompanie, SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment 3 – ‘Deutschland’

    Interestingly, according to research on Lexicon der Wehrmacht: The II Batl, of which Winkler was part of as the 7th Company was mentioned in depth.

    Ardennes Offensive – December 1944 – Unternehmen Wacht am Rhein 

    Winklers unit was on the 26th of December 1944 (II Batl) part in the attack to Grandmenil. The Regiment was was under fire from the flank by US Artillery. The II Batl Commander was killed, and the unit had taken heavy losses.

    Break Out at Grandmenil December 1944 – Encircled SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment 3 – ‘Deutschland’

    According to the book, The Ardennes, 1944-45 by Christer Bergstrom :

    Under command of SS Sturmbahnnführer Ernst Krag, along with the SS Panzer Aufklärung Abteilung 2 and SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment 3, fought against the US Army outside of Tailles, south of Baraque de Fraiture. (They faced the US Army – 75th Infantry Division and the 3rd Armoured Division). 

    Grandmenil was taken back around noon. At noon the enemy attacked Manhay and Grandmenil. Manhay was lost, the II Battalion was encircled in Grandmenil. The other battalions were in heavy defensive combat. The Americans shot at a German parliamentarian with a white flag and red cross bandage, who wanted to negotiate for a removal of the wounded in Grandmenil. Thus the Second Battalion had to leave behind its wounded in the village and break out to the west.

    ernst-krag-bd8df733-1596-4b4e-ada1-e1a9b72ef88-resize-750

    Pictured above SS Sturmbahnnführer Ernst Krag 

    Today a Panther belonging to the Das Reich Division remains in Grandmenil and can be visited.

    Panther-Grandmenil

    Read more on the Panther left behind after the battle…

    Walk around the Panther…

    It is clear that Winkler was captured in the Ardennes, no other entry part from his POW number is visible. (839335 & 918.594N)

    Winkler survived the war, pictures of him postwar were found in the rear pouch of his SS Soldbuch, including one large portrait of Winkler in 1936. A spare ID portrait photo for his SS documents, and two postwar portraits for documents.

    Comments:

    A very rare SS unit to find anything on, the Regiment seems to be well recorded but artefacts linking to soldiers of the unit are not obtainable easily. This example, of a SS Soldbuch issued to a Slovakian, with German heritage. A very interesting example that can be traced to the early battles of the Ardennes for the regiment. Condition is worn, and looks to be used as a POW also.

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    Links and recommended reading/reference:

    Battlefield Tour in Grandmenil : http://www.battle-of-the-bulge.be/battle-field-tours/

    Video of Grandmenil in December 1944: http://www.battle-of-the-bulge.be/videos/

    Frontkämpfer: SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 “Deutschland”. Gebundenes Buch – 1. Oktober 2015, von Regimentskameradschaft “Deutschland” 

    Manhay and Grandmenil, Belgium, December 24-30, 1944: Combat Interviews of 7th Armored Division and Some Attached Units – Paperback – October 31, 2014, by W. Wesley Johnston 

    Lexicon der Wehrmacht: http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/PanzergrenadierregimenterSS/PGRSS3.htm

  • WW2 Red Army Identification - Guards Stg MG Team Leader - Researched (Sold)

    WW2 Red Army Identification – Guards Stg MG Team Leader – Researched (Sold)

    Guards Artillery Sergeant Leonid Lakomkin

    Born in 1923 in Bashkir ASSR. Lakomkin was enrolled in the Red Army on 27.04.1942 in his hometown. (Soviet Bashkiria: very interesting history). 
     
    In 1942 Lakomkin was allowed to wear the Guards Badge on his uniform. (P.4) When with the Riga Infantry School in Latvia. 
     
    By 1944, Lakomkin was attached to a SMG Company (Machine Gun) of the 2nd Guards Mechanized Corps, 2nd Ukrainian Front. (Issued the Red Army ID). 
     
    According to the Russian Ministry of Defence Archives; 
    Lakomkin was awarded the Medal for Courage for actions from the 20/28.9.1943. (Donbass Strategic Offensive Operation) 
     
     
    During which, when fighting in the Dneipetrowsk District. Lakomkin was armed with a Machine Gun during an Attack on enemy positions (20.9.1943). Lakomkin killed six enemy soldiers, and took an officer prisoner. Bringing the officer back for questioning to the Command Center. On eta 22/28 of September, near the village of Ilinovka. Lakomkin killed two enemy soldiers during an enemy night attack supported by Tanks. 
     
    The Division had fought all summer against Elite divisions of the German armed forces, including the most feared ’Totenkopf’ and ‘Das Reich’ Divisions of the Waffen SS. 
     
    In the actions around the period of January 1945 in Hungary, Lakomkin was awarded the Order of the Red Star. (Budapest Operation) 
     
    Lakomkin was a brave soldier during the German attacks. On the 20.1.1945, German forces used the cover of darkness to attack the Command Center. Lakomkin killed five enemy soldiers. Stopping the enemy from further attacks (Location: Gibilish?). On the 23.1.1945, Lakomkin delivered detailed information on the enemy positions. 
     
    Lakomkin survived the war, and in 1985 he was awarded the Order of the Great Patriotic War in Gold as a veteran. 
     
    Comments: Nice condition, very hard to find wartime issued Red Army IDs with Pictures. This example, to the Guards Stg is particularly interesting as the entry for the Guards Badge is entered as well as the many other medals he received. The detailed Russian Archive Research comes with the ID. 
    Profile on the Russian Archive: Link to Lakomkin Archive Information
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    WW2 German Russian Front Medal – Medaille Winterschlacht Im Osten 1941/42 (SOLD)

     

    Eastern Front Medal
    Die Medaille Winterschlacht Im Osten 1941/42 (Ostmedaille)
     

    Awarded by Nazi Germany
    Type Military decoration
    Eligibility Military & civilian personnel
    Awarded for service during the winter of 1941/42 in the Soviet Union
    Campaign(s) World War II
    Status Obsolete
    Description “Frozen Meat Medal” aka “Order of the Frozen Flesh”
    Statistics
    Established 26 May 1942
    Last awarded 4 September 1944
    Total awarded Over 3 million
    Ostmedaille ribbon bar
    Ostmedaille ribbon bar

    This original example is in very good condition with a short length of original ribbon.

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    WW2 German Tank Crew Issue – Heer EM Panzer M34 Overseas Cap

    Wehrmacht Enlisted Mans ‘Panzer Black’ Model 1934 Overseas Cap

    Early quality black wool, fully lined with the ribbed cotton material. Makers stamping very faint in black ink, Clear stamp B.II.40.

    The subdued national emblem is originally wartime hand-stitched as is the dark green backed roundel. The pink soutache is originally wartime machine sewn, the size is an estimated 57cm.

    The cap is in overall excellent condition, and there are only slight traces of wear, there are no holes, repairs, or other damage.

    An outstanding example of a rare piece of Panzer related headgear!

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    WW2 German Iron Cross 2nd Class (SOLD)

    WW2 German Iron Cross 2nd Class

    A very nice example of an original WW2 German Iron Cross 2nd class.

    This example is a non-maker marked, with a full length of original medal ribbon attached.

    It has nearly all of its paint to the core remaining, and all of its frosting to the silver frame, it is a very nice cross that displays well and would be a good addition to any TR collection.

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    WW2 German West-Wall Medal (SOLD)

    West Wall Medal
     

    West Wall Medal, obverse and reverse
    Awarded by  Nazi Germany
    Type Medal
    Eligibility Military and civilian personnel
    Status Defunct
    Statistics
    Established 2 August 1939
    Total awarded 800,000
    GER West Wall Medal (1939) ribbon.svg

    The West Wall Medal (German: Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen) was a decoration of Nazi Germany. It was instituted on 2 August 1939 and was given to those who designed and built the fortifications on

    Germany’s western borders, known as the Westwall or, in English, the Siegfried Line, between 15 June 1938 to 31 March 1939. On 13 November 1939 eligibility was extended to include servicemen of the Wehrmacht who served on the Westwall for at least ten weeks. In all 622,064 medals were awarded until 31 January 1941,  when awards of the medal ceased. 

    In 1944, after the allied invasion, the medal was re-instituted and awarded to those who renovated and strengthened the fortifications on the western borders. This version of the medal was commonly known as the “Defence Wall Honor Award”, to distinguish the decoration from its 1939 counterpart. 

    It was awarded to over 800,000 men in total by the end of the war.

    This fine example comes with its original ribbon and also with its original issue paper envelope, hard to upgrade.

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