Soldbuch for an Oberfeldwebel of the 275th ID

[Stormfighter]

Here is another Soldbuch I bought at the Show of Shows this year. The Soldbuch belonged to Oberfeldwebel Josef Paletta, who served with Grenadier Regiment 983. He received multiple awards while serving on the Eastern Front before being assigned to the II./Grenadier Regiment 1944. The last entry in the Soldbuch is 24 June 1944, so I am assuming that he was captured shortly thereafter (his name does not appear on the German War Graves website), perhaps in the Falaise Pocket in August 1944. If anyone has any information about the actions of the II./Grenadier Regiment 983 at Normandy, I would like to hear about it.

Barry

[Stormfighter]

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[Luft 76]

Nice Sb with nice photos ! I must look what I can get about his unit. As you perhaps know, 275.ID sent first a Kampfgruppe ("Heinz") to Normandy and later, all the division joined progressively the front.

[Stormfighter]

Nice Sb with nice photos ! I must look what I can get about his unit. As you perhaps know, 275.ID sent first a Kampfgruppe ("Heinz") to Normandy and later, all the division joined progressively the front.

Yes, I read that the 272. I.D. formed a Kampfgruppe soon after the Allied landings, but I don't think the II./G.R. 983 was part of it. Hopefully you'll be able to tell me when the II./G.R. 983 joined the fight in Normandy.

Barry

[peterm]

Nice Soldbuch! A shame about the damages but still also nice pics!

Kind regards, Peter

[Luft 76]

According to Gen. Schmidt, GR 983 joined Normandy front during the first week of july, as the GR 985 and other troops of the division still in Brittany. All these reached Hambye area (between St. Lô and Villedieu-les-Poêles) by 17 july. They were then 7th Army reserve. The 983 was sent to Canisy area (south western of St Lô). But his first fight was during the big "Cobra" offensiv, western of St. Lô. Indeed, the regiment joined the northern sector of La Chapelle-en-Juger during the night 25/26. He fought with heavy casualties in Amigny, together with parts of the 353.ID (GR 941). He was then pushed to the south by the mass of the american offensiv. His track is lost during the chaotic commitments in Dangy - Pont-Brocard - Notre Dame de Cenilly (27 - 28 july).
After have fought separatly, the remains of the 275.ID were grouped again (with Kpfgr. Heinz), in the Hambye sector, on 29-30 july. They were subordinated to 353.ID of Gen. Malhmann. In the beginning of august, the "division" (strong as a weak Kampfgruppe of several hundreds soldiers) moved to Mortain sector, after being reinforced by a Kpfgr. of Pz Lehr Div. and by about 400 men of a Gren. Ers. u. Ausb. Batl. These troops fought again there during Mortain counter attack (6-7 august).
But in his post war narrative, Gen. Schmidt don't speak any more of GR. 983 and 984 after the end of july. He only speak about GR 985. So, what's happened to the two others regiments ? Probably completly destroyed and the survivors grouped with GR 985 ?
If there is no date during july, august or september in his Sb, your Ofw. was probably one of the several hundred of soldiers captured after the rush of "Cobra" in the second part of july.

[Stormfighter]

Thanks a lot Luft 76! That's very useful and helpful information. Again, thanks!

Barry

[Luft 76]

[Lambert]

Nice Soldbuch, I especially like the early EKII!!