I.D. Disc info needed

[Terry K.]

Hi all,
What do you guys translate this on as?
I think, 2.Staff Company Grenadier Replacement Battalion 163.
Anyone know of this unit, am I correct? What is the order of battle of this unit?
Thanks in advance,

[Terry K.]

No one knows anything about this unit?

[Matt L]

Hi Terry,

You've got it almost bang-on- except that it's actually 2. Stammkompanie, not 2. Stabskompanie. Here's the basic information about the unit:

Infanterie-Ersatz-Bataillon 163

Created on 29.8.1939 in Eschwege, Wehrkreis IX; 1.10.1942 separated into Infanterie-Ersatz-Bataillon 163 and Infanterie-Reserve-Bataillon 163; 7.11.1942 redesignated Grenadier-Ersatz-Bataillon 163; moved to Kassel on 16.8.1943.

As of 1.10.1942 the unit supplied replacement troops for the 52. Infanterie-Division (Infanterie-Regimenter 163, 181, 205).

Obviously, the former owner of this disc entered the Wehrmacht some time after 7.11.1942. Here's information about the 52. Infanterie-Division, particularly where they fought. http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/...nen/52ID-R.htm Unfortunately, one of the major drawbacks about identity discs, is that you can only predict what a soldier's first field posting might have been. There was so much movement- reassignment, transfers, etc.- that it's impossible to really tell where a soldier served. Knowing where a disc was recovered, if 'ground-dug', for example, can give some ideas, however.

I hope this helps.

Matt

[Terry K.]

Hi Matt,

Thanks much, that helps. I got this from a dealer of Japanese collectables, he picked it up from a vet, I believe.
Thanks again,