GR 958, 363 ID Soldbuch, Falaise Pocket

[Stormfighter]

Here's a neat Soldbuch I recently acquired from a long-time collector that was brought back as a souvenir by an American soldier. Heinz Meißner first saw action on the Eastern Front with Infanterie-Regiment 555 (later renamed Grenadier Regiment 555) and earned the Black Wound Badge having received a bullet wound (31a). After recovering, he was transferred to the 4th Company of Füsilier Bataillon 363 (Reconnaissance Battalion 363) of the 363rd Infantry Division. This unit was transferred to Normandy in July 1944. Perhaps because Füsilier Bataillon 363 was wiped out, Meißner was transferred to the 4th Company of Grenadier Regiment 958, which was also part of the 363rd Infantry Division. This division was destroyed in the Falaise Pocket, where a GI picked up this Soldbuch. The photo in the Soldbuch is really terrific. It's large, very clear and shows Meißner wearing his well-worn Wound Badge in Black. During his service, Meißner was issued various weapons, including a P-38, which I think is unusual for someone of such low rank (he certainly carried this weapon at Normandy).

Barry

[Stormfighter]

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[Luft 76]

Hello Barry

Nice doc. I like it. The photo is great.
I have a documents lot of a member of same regiment 958 (but 8. Kp.). His P 38 can easily be explained by the fact that this man belong to a schwere Kp. (4. or 8.). He was probably the member a SMG crew or mortar crew who had reglementray light weapon.
According to Gen. Dettling, the Fusilier Batl. 363 was destroyed before the Falaise pocket. So this man was perhaps transfered at that time, in order to complete the weakened regiment (?).

[Stormfighter]

Hello Barry

Nice doc. I like it. The photo is great.
I have a documents lot of a member of same regiment 958 (but 8. Kp.). His P 38 can easily be explained by the fact that this man belong to a schwere Kp. (4. or 8.). He was probably the member a SMG crew or mortar crew who had reglementray light weapon.
According to Gen. Dettling, the Fusilier Batl. 363 was destroyed before the Falaise pocket. So this man was perhaps transfered at that time, in order to complete the weakened regiment (?).

Thanks, that is good information!

[Luft 76]

You're welcome.

[Lionel H.]

Hi Barry.

I suggest you the Book "Geschichte d. 363.I.D., published 1977, H. Gohlke". One of the best Divisional History I own.

Kdeur from Füs.Btl.363 were : Major Homringhausen - Major Forchhammer - Hptm Haase - Hptm Dr.Wagner - Hptm Schroeder.

Chef from 4./F.B.363 in Normandy was Captain Haase.

Concerning Commanders from 4./958, I have two Names : Lt Roun - Lt Pfeffer.

See you in Louisville. Kind regards. Lionel.

[Luft 76]

Hi Barry.

I suggest you the Book "Geschichte d. 363.I.D., published 1977, H. Gohlke". One of the best Divisional History I own.

Lionel.

I tried to get it but it seem to be rare. If you know where to find it, tell it to me ! Thanks.

[Lionel H.]

I tried to get it but it seem to be rare. If you know where to find it, tell it to me ! Thanks.

Salut ! Don't know where you could get it, mine came from a Vet, but be sure the Book is precious, with a lot of testimonies from the heavy fights in Normandie. Kind regards. lionel.

[Panzer Rob]

Very nice Soldbuch Barry

Rob

[mufasa]

a very special photo ...