This is one of the more poignant document groups I own. This is a Wehrpass to one Erwin Berger enlisted in the Waffen SS in Feb 43, trained at Debica in Poland. arrived in Russia at the end of July 43 assigned to 5 Kp Regt Deutschland,probably as one of hundreds of new recruits replacing those grenadiers killed during the Kursk offensive. less than 6 weeks later he was killed in action at the age of 18 when the Red Army over ran his kompanie. The letter from the Company Commander(not identified) to Erwin's parents states that they were unable to recover his body as the area was in enemy hands and that no personal effects other than those in Erwin's tornister could be returned. the last scan is a small note dated 29.7.43 I think it is written by Erwin but as its Sutterlin any help in shedding light on its contents would be most gratefully received
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The human face behind the story -
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Location and cause of death, note blacked out area a mystery?Comment
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condolence letter from Company Commander to the fatherComment
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Official condolence note that came with the Soldbuch instructing the father to keep it as a momento but also that it was proof for any welfare payments.Comment
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Finally the note I found tucked into the inside jacket pocket of the wehrpass dated the day he arrived with 5 Kp, I think it starts 'Dear Parents'?Comment
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Is this your guy Mark?
Erwin Berger was probably transferred as an unknown soldier from the war cemetery in Charkow to the collecting cemetery (Ukraine).
Interesting page regarding battle of Kursk and after..
http://www.dasreich.ca/kursk.htmlLast edited by Ian Jewison; 01-08-2005, 07:44 PM.Photos/images copyright © Ian Jewison collection
Collecting interests: Cavalry units, 1 Kavallerie/24 Panzer Division, Stukageschwader 1
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Nice grouping Mark
It looks like to me he saw action at "Citadel"I have several groupings from the Kursk time frame.I also have a "D" grouping like yours ,this guy was KIA 8/7/43.A hand written letter from Heinz Macher to the father describing how his son died.Cheers Steve
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Ian,
Yes it's the guy,Erwin Berger. do you know who the 5Kp Commander was in Sept 43. Cant find a name in any of my books.
Steve
Would like to see your Macher Group
regards
Mark
Originally posted by SJPNice grouping Mark It looks like to me he saw action at "Citadel"I have several groupings from the Kursk time frame.I also have a "D" grouping like yours ,this guy was KIA 8/7/43.A hand written letter from Heinz Macher to the father describing how his son died.Cheers SteveComment
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