Interesting German documents to a Bulgarian nurse

[Theodor]

Hi guys, I had the chance to get an interesting lot, that belonged to a Bulgarian nurse.

The direct Bulgarian participation at the East Front was a sanitary train. It operated under the command of the Red Cross, but of course according to the plans and the needs of the German army. It travelled to destinations along the whole East front, from the northern to the southern end. It was helping the wounded at the front and bringing back soldiers to some hospitals in the rear. The chief medic, Dr. Razboynikov, passed a few years ago, but left a very interesting book with memories.

Now back to the documents. In one paper is mentioned something about "In service to the German Wehrmacht". But also is mentioned the name Legionowo - this was one of the stage hospitals of the Bulgarian sanitary train.

So, was she involved as a nurse directly with the German army, or was she with the sanitary train? The Red Border pass is quite clear, as long as it is written in several languages, including Bulgarian. But what about the small papers, what are they for?

Red Border pass:

[Theodor]

And what are these papers for? Seems lke she was returning from Legionowo to Sofia by train? But what is the purpose of thse papers and do they refer to an ordinary train, or the the sanitary train?



Back side. There is something written by hand at the top:

[Theodor]

Her Bulgarian passport

[Theodor]

With a friend. Very rare and interesting military nurse unform /also notice the AF wing she has - seems she was a nurse added to the Bulgarian AF, before going to the East front/. The uniform had been together with the documents - but too much moth eaten, so was dumped By the way, they both have a single medal ribbon. What medal this can be?

[Theodor]

On the back is written:

"For my sister, for the occasion of my departure to the North front, 9 december 1941"

[douglynn]

what an outstanding bit of history thanks for showing

[erichcraciun]

The award might just be the red and white of the Red Cross award for Volkspflege. Perhaps.

Erich

[Hank C.]

The docs in post 2 are roughly official travel orders. They are stamped in the upper right corner that she's free of bugs (lice, etc.) and contagious diseases.

The handwriting on the top of the doc in post 3 states she has received her Christmas goods.

hope that helps a bit
Hank

[McCulloh]

how did I miss this?

I think it's the Volkpflege medal. Nice group.

[Larry deZeng]

Theodor wrote:

And what are these papers for? Seems lke she was returning from Legionowo to Sofia by train? But what is the purpose of thse papers and do they refer to an ordinary train, or the the sanitary train?

As it says halfway down:

Grund: Ablösung. (Basis: being relieved.)

She was on her way back to Sofia on her own by ordinary train after completing her tour of duty aboard the Red Cross train.

Legionowo is located just 20 km. north of Warsaw. It was the wartime training center for the numerous ethnic eastern volunteers in the Wehrmacht (Armenians, Georgians, North Caucasians, etc.).

I feel sorry for that little girl and all of her sister nurses. How in the world they managed to stay clean on those long train trips is beyond me. I once was on a military train for 7 days without a shower and I know how grundy and smelly I was by the time the ordeal was over. How dainty young girls managed to put up with that is a mystery.

--BHS1956