I recently acquired this second-issue Wehrpass issued to Unteroffizier Hans Steinhaus, who served with the 8./Infanterie-Regiment 578 of the 305. Infanterie-Division during the Battle of Stalingrad. Entries on page 12 show that he was assigned to this unit from 28 January 1941 to 24 December 1942. This unit fought heavily for the Barrikady Gun Factory. Although page 32 states that Steinhaus was only involved in the Battle of Stalingrad from 14 October - 18 November 1942, I am somewhat certain that he remained in Stalingrad until 24 December 1942. Page 34 reveals that Steinhaus was hospitalized (perhaps at a field hospital?) for an unspecified condition from 15 October 1942 to 20 November 1942. It would appear that he returned to the 8./Infanterie-Regiment 578 from 21 November - 24 December 1942. If he remained in Stalingrad, he was most likely flown out on 24 December 1942. From 25 December 1942 - 8 April 1943, Steinhaus was hospitalized again (again, his condition is not specified).
I'd like to know what others think of my take on Steinhaus' Stalingrad service. I assume Steinhaus survived the war. If he indeed were flown out of Stalingrad on 24 December 1942, one can only imagine how he appreciated each and every Christmas thereafter.
Barry
I'd like to know what others think of my take on Steinhaus' Stalingrad service. I assume Steinhaus survived the war. If he indeed were flown out of Stalingrad on 24 December 1942, one can only imagine how he appreciated each and every Christmas thereafter.
Barry
Comment