Sonderfuhrer Wehrpass question

[David B]

Hi all,

Can I please get some help on these promotions. A queston about what a Sonderfuhrer actully is? My reference book says

'Sonderfuhrer (K), designated with the rank of Hauptmann, were interperters (K), and doctors with the rank of Hauptmann (K)."

Are either of these the case here?

Many Thanks

[David B]

Next one

[David B]

lastly, what is this man's nationality - It doesn't look like D.R.
Thanks again

[erichcraciun]

Hello David,

A Sonderführer is an person with a specialty, yes, the designation K is for interpreter, I believe. The one entry in the Wehrpaß reads “Aufhebung der Belehrung als Sonderführer”, so looks like the class he was taking was broken off / canceled (aufgehoben). What was his last rank? I would be interesting to see if he spoke any foreign languages….

As for the last entry you posted: Staatsangehörigkeit: Deutsches Reich (he’s a German- rather born within German borders of German parents).

Was this the Sonderführer Wehrpaß that was on Detlev’s site 2 weeks ago?

Erich Craciun

[Ian Jewison]

I believe Sonderführer (K) is for a Kompanie grade special leader......:
Z - Zug - Platoon commander
K - Kompanie - Company commander
B? - Bataillon - Batallion commander
or
R - Regiment - Regiment commander

This does not necesserily mean that they were in charge but had the equivelant rank.

/Ian

[Christian Breuer]

Hi Erich,

i am just taking the liberty to correct your reading-mistake. It actually reads "Aufhebung der Beleihung als Sdf (K)" and "Aufhebung der Belehrung als Sdf (K)". I have seen this term in nearly every Wehrpass to Soldiers who have been relieved of their rank of Sonderführer.
It is also interesting to note that every Sonderführer-Wehrpass I have seen until now belonged to former NCOs who had been promoted to the rank of Sonderführer. Am I right in assuming that an Officer couldn't become a Sonderführer?

All the best,

Christian

[erichcraciun]

Christian!

Right. Of course you can correct. At closer examination, I see it. I really shouldn't do this type of stuff at work....

Gruss and E-Haarzopf (da habe ich gewohnt!)

Erich

[David B]

Thanks guys,

Eric - Yes this is the pass Detlev had up. I think Sonderführers were chosen for their profession so have inluded his. Where would I find if he spoke any foreign language?

Thanks again

[Ian Jewison]

Where would I find if he spoke any foreign language?

Under section 11 on page 4 "Kenntnisse in Fremdsprachen *)"

He may have spoken a foreign language but as mentioned (K) does not mean interpreter.

/Ian

[David B]

Thanks Ian, no, theres nothing entered there.

[erichcraciun]

He was a trained (erlernter) Spediteur (Freight Forwarder) but a 'practicing' (ausgeubter) Reichsangestellter (official of some kind.)

[David B]

Thanks Eric, that makes sense as he served in a supply unit.