Soldbuch: Oberfeldwebl Martin Kettner 387 Panzer Jager Battalion

[Chris_Werner]

Pages 20

[Chris_Werner]

Page 21

[Chris_Werner]

Page 22

[Chris_Werner]

Page 23

[Ian Jewison]

Chris,

Your Soldbuch has definately seen some action and appears to be covered in blood. Herr Kettner was killed/missing 28.7.1942 and is recorded as being a Leutnant. The Soldbuch shows appointment as Officer Candidate so the promotion could have been a posthumous one.

Unit details: http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/...-R.htm#Panzerj
Division: http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/...onen/387ID.htm

Page 6-7 shows issue of regular uniform including steel helmet, field cap, jacket, trousers...written on the right, canvas gaiters, a waist belt and biscuit/rations bag.

Page 8 appears to hold the issue of soap.

Page 8a shows the issue of a machine pistol, bayonet, compass and binoculars.

Page 8b rifle cleaning kit, gasmask, 2 shell dressings and a gas cape.

Page 8c a pocket torch and another machine pistol.

Page 12-13 does actually record the fact he died on 28.7.1942 as a result of being shot through the thigh, lungs and back? Can not make the entries out too well......

Page 18 shows the associated pay group for his rank and date of effect. 14 - Unterofizzier, 12 - Feldwebel, 11 - Oberfeldwebel.

Page 20 entries for service and rations pay.

Page 21, a little unclear but service pay, rations pay and soaps from his replacement unit.

Page 22:

Medal Commemmorating the 13th of March 1938
25.6.1940 Iron Cross 2nd Class
7.7.1942 Wound Badge in Black
16.7.1942 Iron Cross 1st Class

Herr Kettner does not have any higher awards not recorded (DK, RK etc.).

For some reason the name rings a bell with me but at the moment I have no idea why!....perhaps a similar name and I am mistaken.

/Ian

[Chris_Werner]

Page 24 and done.

[Chris_Werner]

Ian. Thank you so much for your help on this one! I still have that wonderful soldbuch I purchased from you of the Normandy medic with his close combat papers, ID disc and capture papers.

These documents speak so loudly to me. I think the blood speaks to the sacrifices of an entire generation of young men from all countries. You have to wonder what many of these men would have done in life if they were not killed in the war.

It is a very special soldbuch, and more so now that you have translated these entrys for me.

Chris

[Ian Jewison]

The award entries and one or two others appear to be authorised by;

Leutnant d.R. Hans Jakob
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 387
26.9.1942 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold

/Ian

[Antonio Scapini]

Very nice Sb Chris!
Another story of another man who we don't have to forget.
Thanks for showing us!

[general1900]

A very nice piece of history you have there.

[Panzer Rob]

What an awesome piece of Wehrmacht history to a true combat veteran (not some radio operator, cook, supply schlep or REMF - whoops, sorry... PONTI )

This is how I like my Soldbücher; chock full of weapons, gear and unit entries - no doubt this soldier (and the Soldbuch) witnessed the horrors of war on several occasions. Needless to say, the blood stains are a grizzly reminder that this book was on his person when he was wounded.

Also, I'm glad to see that nobody tried to attach a photo to the inside front cover post-war. Talk about the perfect way to ruin a good Soldbuch

Thanks for sharing this with us
Rob

[Chris_Werner]

Thanks guys. I appreciate your comments, and all the help with the entries. Yes, this Soldier paid the ultimate price, and this is one of the real treasures in my collection. A reminder of the cost of war to young men.

I cannot imagine the horrors of war in a place like the Ost Front. War is hell, but Russia must have been hell in hell.