Battle-damaged but reused Solduch

[erichcraciun]

I just found this battle-damaged Soldbuch to Artillery Gefreiter Josef Neher this weekend.

What is interesting about this Soldbuch is that while the book has been pierced cover to cover and the Passfoto has so destroyed that it no longer serves as identification – it was still used as much as I can surmise....

[erichcraciun]

Neher’s Soldbuch was issued on 10.4.1942 in Garmisch by Gebirgs-Artillerie-Ersatz-Abteilung 79, the replacement unit for Gebirgs-Artillerie-Regiment 79 of the 1. Gebirgs- Division.

Neher fought alone with the 1. Gebirgs- Division in Russia by Charkow and in the Kaukasus (Mount Elbrus) and the Kuban bridgehead. Early in 1943, the Division was transferred to the Balkans.

During this time, Neher was transferred to the Artillerie Regiment 654 of the 104. Jäger Division and took part of the difficult battles in Greece, Montenegro, Serbia and Croatia.

[erichcraciun]

Neher was originally awarded the Ostmedialle on 8.8.1942 however this was later crossed out – he later was awarded the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz on 1.11.1944. This last entry is not blood soaked.

Neher was issued the normal Gebirgsausrüstung; Bergmütze, Windjacke, Überzug z. B. Mütze (probably the white camo cover), Bergschuhe, Rücksack even the Kleinrücksack (perhaps the smaller Artillerie-Rücksack).

[schneifelquelle]

thanks for sharing..any more informations on the owner?

[erichcraciun]

Along with his uniform pieces, he was issued a number of rifles along with a older bayonet from the company Joseph Corts & Son, Remscheid.

On the security check page, one can clearly see the blood that soaked through the book...

[erichcraciun]

Neher was hospitalized a number of time, but I cannot clearly identify the wound that is so clearly visible in the pages of Neher's Soldbuch.

He was treated for Wound Code 9 Wechselfieber in Arta, Greece. The entry of 43 „Schädigungen durch Unfall (ausgenommen Feindeinwirkung) und Selbstverletzung“ – wounds not related to combat or accident / self imposed wounde, is certainly interesting…

I believe a second pasted in page of wounds is missing here. He did spend a lot of time at the Reserve Lazarett in Grundlsee in Austria. Where the new equipment page was glued into the book...making my think, Neher was still using this book until the war ended, without changing the Passfoto.

[erichcraciun]

But looking closer at the pay entries, I found a small stamp for the Reserve Lazarett Herzerhof by Kustrin far in northern Germany, by Berlin.

[erichcraciun]

Under the flap on the back page is the list of Gasraumproben Neher took part in. Cover to cover, the bullet or schrapnel went completely through the book. Assuming he was carrying this book in one of his breast pockets, it would have been a serious wound (any doctors in the house?).

What puzzles me is that he apperently still used this Soldbuch without changing the photo and I am not sure what entry actually relates to this wound (if any).

[Simon O.]

Surely battle damage is a possibility, not a certainty?

[erichcraciun]

Hi Siman,

I agree, but to "reuse" the book without replacing the foto is a bit odd. I also contend the staining is blood.

[Ian Jewison]

Erich,

I would hazard a guess he kept it whilst he was in hospital and a new one was issued when he got to a replacement unit....if he got to a replacement unit!

Remember, Soldbücher were not generally carried whilst in hospital.

/Ian

[erichcraciun]

Good point Ian.

Thanks,

Erich

[erichcraciun]

Hi Ian,

reviewing this book again, the entry on the glued in page opposite page 20...is from 28.2.1945...then he went on furlough until March...little time to issue a Zweitschrift, but I will keep an eye out for it!