Small "Endkampf" SB Group - Bamberg to the Alps

[InfanterieSammler]

Here is an interesting little group I would like to share that I recently picked up from a fellow WAF member and friend.
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Originally from Nürnberg, Kurt Spindler, grew up in the shadows of the annual Nazi Party Rallies each year. One wonders what kind of effect these had on an impressionable young boy? Even more so because his family home was located at Adolf Hitler Platz 10, today the Hauptmarkt in the Altstadt.It was here each year where Hitler would stand in his car to review the Parade of the SA. This must have been quite exciting for a young boy to watch.
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Here is a picture taken in September of 1935 when Kurt Spindler would have been only 8 years old.<O</O

[InfanterieSammler]

We have Kurt’s Soldbuch. Interestingly, the photo was removed at one point and restapled into the SB. </O

[InfanterieSammler]

I do believe this to be the original photo to the SB, as the staples/holes do match properly. Upon closer inspection, one can also see the “35” on the stamp for his unit (Pz.Ers.u.A.A.35) and even his name on the back of the photo.<O</O

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[InfanterieSammler]

Kurt began his service with the Wehrmacht on 15 December 1944. It must have been interesting for him to wake up the next day to the news of the major German offensive in the Ardennes. Now 17 years old, was he a committed and indoctrinated youth excited to play his part in the upcoming battle? Or was he terrified of the idea he may now be drawn into a major battle?<O</O

[InfanterieSammler]

A Panzerschützen with Panzer Ersatz und Ausbildungs Abteilung 35, out of Bamberg, Kurt was still with this unit at least through late January 1945 based on his leave entries.

Note: Adolf Hitler Platz 10 address on Pg. 5

[InfanterieSammler]

He receives an equipment issue on 21.2.1945. <O</O

[InfanterieSammler]

With the noose getting tighter around Germany, as Allied forces approach ever closer from the West and the Soviets from the East, Kurt Spindler is awarded the Iron Cross 2<SUP>nd</SUP> Class on 22.4.1945. What happened in the intervening two months?
<O

[InfanterieSammler]

It’s a little difficult to pin down exactly Kurt’s story, however there are two possible scenarios I have entertained.
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One, serving with a training unit in Bamberg with front drawing nearer, it’s possible his unit was put into action to shore up the line. He received his EKII from Gr.Rgt. 212, part of the 79.VGD. This division “fell” to Allied forces towards the end of January 1945 in the area of Heidelberg/Darmstadt. IMO, it’s unlikely that his unit would have been fighting with the 79.VGD in this area as it is quite a way from Bamberg. Also, we know from his SB that he didn’t’ return to Bamberg from his leave until 29.1.45. However, remnants of the 79. VGD continued to fight as part of Kampfgruppe Hummel in the area of Rothenburg o.d.Tauber, which is less than 100Km. from Bamberg. I feel it’s more likely that Kurt’s unit (Pz.Ers.u.A.A.35) fought here supporting the Kampfgruppe, with him receiving his EKII for those actions a few days later. <O</O

Two, as Kampfgruppe Hummel surrendered on 14.4.1945 and the stragglers fled south to the Alps, it’s also possible that is was at this point that member’s’ of Kurt’s unit met up with the former members of the 79.VGD. Then he was involved in fighting enroute to the Alps, resulting in his award of the EKII.<O</O

[InfanterieSammler]

On 3 May 1945, Kurt shows up again in Innsbruck, Austria. He reported to Front Control Station there the day his unit finally disbanded. So much for the “Alpine Redoubt.” On 6 May, he was discharged from the Wehrmacht by Luftwaffe Feldjagd Abt. 103 stationed in Niederau, Austria.
<O

[InfanterieSammler]

It's interesting to note that it's almost 400Km. south from Bamberg, where he started, to Innsbruck/Niederau, where he ended up in May. That must have been a hell of a journey to make with Reich crumbling around them.

[InfanterieSammler]

A couple remaining questions that I have if anyone can assist.
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<O</OOn Pg. 6, his unit? To me, it looks like Versetz (Transfer).
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The wording on the Entlassungsschein – the way I read this, it appears the Feldjagd Abt. made it a specific point to mention that he reported directly to the Frontleitstelle immediately after his unit disbanded. No small matter considering the job of the Feldjagd Abt. Essentially saying the he did his duty correctly, which kept him out of trouble with them. Am I correct in this interpretation?<O</O
Any further information about Kurt’s unit from Bamberg (Pz.Ers.u.A.A.35) or the 79.VGD.
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Many Thanks.<O</O

[InfanterieSammler]

One more...I will be in Nürnberg next month, wondering if anyone can tell me which building today used to Adolf Hitler Platz 10? It would be neat to see when I'm there.

Many Thanks.

[matthias_AC]

Nicely written and researched so far, good job John!

[InfanterieSammler]

Nicely written and researched so far, good job John!

Thank you Matthias.

[InfanterieSammler]

A Growing up in Nürnberg, it appears young Kurt was indeed active in the HJ. You will note his HJ membership pin and HJ Leistungsabzeichen.