Did the schütze rank was used during all the war?

[Fred S]

Gentlemen,

I used to read (long long time ago..I can't recall where and when) that the schütze rank was used in the heer early in WW2, till 1942 If I remember well, so the Waffen SS was the only branch to use it till end of war.

I remember seing the rank in early heer soldbuch but not in late ones.

Am I wrong or right? Thanks for your help.

[V1Oliver]

On 7 november 1942 the term Schütze was changed to Grenadier, also Infanterie Regiment changed to Grenadier regiment and so on.
I've read that Hitler changed it to remember the troops of Frederic the Great.

[Fred S]

Many thanks. Any other contribution?

[feldpost 58]

Hi,

The term "SS Mann" was replaced by "Schutz" in the Waffen-SS sometime during 1942 I believe.
Maybe to foster "a common bond" between the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS?
I have an "Eastern Front Medal" award document awarded to an "SS Schutz"
awarded postumously in 1943 to a Totenkopf private who died in the battle of Demjansk which states this rank on the citation.

Best wishes,

john.

[Fred S]

Thanks for the update.