Grouping Bodo Graf, KIA 1942

[Tim DC]

Hello,
Just wanted to let you guys see this grouping of a Wehrpass, EK2 and Ostmedal, who belonged to Gefreiter Bodo Graf, who was a Lutherian priest in real life. Maybe he proceeded this job in the Heer, but I didn't find any entries of that ?

He was part of Inf.Rgt.111 of the 5th Infantry Division. It was a company with mortars and light infantry. He died in Russia, 04/02/1942. Serving in Russia during 1941-1942, he got the EK2 and Ostmedal. He also got the DRL Sportabzeichen, it's a pitty I don't have that one.

Let's take a look at his medals:





A look to his Ostmedal





And then of course the Wehrpass, and the face behind the story.











That's it, hope you liked it.
I'm still looking for more info on the Wehrpass, I'm not that good in German. So if anyone could help me learning more of this man, especially from the last page (where and how did he die ?), it would be very appreciated !

Grtz Tim

[Edward]

Hello Tim,

Thanks for sharing the new item. A nice addition to your collection.

From the Wehrpass we know that he actually served in Russia with the Infantry Gun Company (13Kp) of the 51st Motorized Infantry Regiment, 18th Panzer Grenadier Division. His previous assignment to Infantry Regiment 111 was a short one. The 111th was assigned from the disbanded 11th Schutzen Brigade to the newly formed 11th Panzer Division. He did not see combat with the 11th Panzer. So prior to his death he stayed with and went into combat for the first time with the 51st Motorized Regiment beginning with Barbarrossa in July, 1941. At the time of his death the 18th Panzer Grenadier Division had taken very heavy casualties during the winter battles around Stajara Russa in early 1942.

The Wehrpass is also a second issue replacement. It was then sent to the next-of-kin on his death. Could you please also tell me what medal provenance came came with this group. Imho, over the years it has become popular with sellers to add in medals and badges with documents and passbooks that are not verified to the recepient. It is usually done to enhance a doc group or a passbook. I steer clear of most such groups, but collectors appear to be happy with them as they continue to be sold on the market.

Regards

[Lasse L]

Nice group!!

[Tim DC]

From the Wehrpass we know that he actually served in Russia with the Infantry Gun Company (13Kp) of the 51st Motorized Infantry Regiment, 18th Panzer Grenadier Division. His previous assignment to Infantry Regiment 111 was a short one. The 111th was assigned from the disbanded 11th Schutzen Brigade to the newly formed 11th Panzer Division. He did not see combat with the 11th Panzer. So prior to his death he stayed with and went into combat for the first time with the 51st Motorized Regiment beginning with Barbarrossa in July, 1941. At the time of his death the 18th Panzer Grenadier Division had taken very heavy casualties during the winter battles around Stajara Russa in early 1942.

Thanks for this usefull information. The "Stajara Russa" area, is it in the Novgorod region ?

As for the authenticity of the grouping, I must say I don't have any real proof. You may think I'm naive, but the only argument I have is that I bought it off the market, meaning I bought it from a non-collector at a low price. So it's unlikely that these items have been in the hands of a dealer who wanted to make some more money. Of course, you don't hear me saying that it isn't possible.

[gilles]

nice grouping tim !

[junior]

Very nice grouping Tim D.C.!

[Edward]

Thanks for this usefull information. The "Stajara Russa" area, is it in the Novgorod region ?

As for the authenticity of the grouping, I must say I don't have any real proof. You may think I'm naive, but the only argument I have is that I bought it off the market, meaning I bought it from a non-collector at a low price. So it's unlikely that these items have been in the hands of a dealer who wanted to make some more money. Of course, you don't hear me saying that it isn't possible.

Hello Tim DC,

You are welcome. Glad to help. Yes, Staraya Russa is in the Novgorod Region. On the Southern side of Lake Ilmen and West of the Lovat River.

Regards

[Nick_since_1985]

So did you pay the 150 euro's on eBay Belgium? I think the seller was out of his mind askin 300 euro the first time...
Remember there's no proof the medals belonged to this person, that's why I dind't wanted to buy...


It's a small world isn't it?

[Tim DC]

So did you pay the 150 euro's on eBay Belgium? I think the seller was out of his mind askin 300 euro the first time...
Remember there's no proof the medals belonged to this person, that's why I dind't wanted to buy...

Nope, that seller was me;
I needed some money because I wanted to buy a Luftwaffe photoalbum. However, I didn't sell it, eBay deleted the auctions. Indeed I asked 150 euros, but I did NOT ask 300 euros, I'm not crazy
And as I already said, I bought it off the market, not from eBay.

(I found some extra funds so I still got the grouping ànd the photos )