Hi guys,
I wanted to share this small unsuspecting Stalingrad related Wehrpass. It’s a fairly empty book that I came across at a “local” show but there is quite a story behind it. Rolf Heinz Nückling(?) was born on 10.6.1923 and exactly 18 years later, on his birthday, he was drafted in the army. (I’m having trouble reading his birthplace so suggestions would be very appreciated!) After a little less than a year he joined an ersatz unit subordinated to the 79. Infanterie Division. After some months, on 18.8.1942, he joined a front unit, 6th kompanie/Infanterie Regiment 226. He was one of the reinforcements that were much needed for the next big order. A day later, on 19.8.1942, the attack order for Stalingrad was given out. As part of Armeekorps XVII the 79.ID were to hold the Northern flank of the Armee as it pushed towards Stalingrad. This was also called the Don-Abschnitt and 79.ID was positioned around Sserafimowitsch. Here they fought hand in hand with the Rumanians and Italians. The defensive battles in this area were particularly heavy. As Rolf can detest. He was hit in the head by artillery shrapnel on 23.8.1942. He stayed with his regiment though and wasn’t for some reason awarded the VWA. Fighting was bitter and will forever be remembered by the ones involved.
End of September they eventually lost the battle for Sserafimowitsch and they retreated to the East towards Kletskaja. They were again right in the thick of it as the heavy defensive battles at the Don river raged on.
The fighting in the city itself also proved to be much harder than anticipated. Casualties were enormous and reinforcements were desperately needed for the “final push” at the industrial district.
Apparently this push had priority even though the fighting at the Don was still extremely fierce. The 79. Infanterie Division was ordered to move towards the city to aid in this push. Only Infanterie Regiment 226 was kept at Kletskaja to hold the Don together with the Rumanians.
On 17.10.1942 the 79.ID reached the city, right on time for the attack on Stahlwerk “Roter Oktober”.
Meanwhile Rolf, who was part of IR.226, had been killed defending Kletskaja on 4.10.1942 at the age of 19..
We all know how this all ended. The “final push” in the industrial district was a bust and the Russians started the big pincer offensive at the exact same spot Rolf lost his life.
Thanks for reading,
Mats
I wanted to share this small unsuspecting Stalingrad related Wehrpass. It’s a fairly empty book that I came across at a “local” show but there is quite a story behind it. Rolf Heinz Nückling(?) was born on 10.6.1923 and exactly 18 years later, on his birthday, he was drafted in the army. (I’m having trouble reading his birthplace so suggestions would be very appreciated!) After a little less than a year he joined an ersatz unit subordinated to the 79. Infanterie Division. After some months, on 18.8.1942, he joined a front unit, 6th kompanie/Infanterie Regiment 226. He was one of the reinforcements that were much needed for the next big order. A day later, on 19.8.1942, the attack order for Stalingrad was given out. As part of Armeekorps XVII the 79.ID were to hold the Northern flank of the Armee as it pushed towards Stalingrad. This was also called the Don-Abschnitt and 79.ID was positioned around Sserafimowitsch. Here they fought hand in hand with the Rumanians and Italians. The defensive battles in this area were particularly heavy. As Rolf can detest. He was hit in the head by artillery shrapnel on 23.8.1942. He stayed with his regiment though and wasn’t for some reason awarded the VWA. Fighting was bitter and will forever be remembered by the ones involved.
End of September they eventually lost the battle for Sserafimowitsch and they retreated to the East towards Kletskaja. They were again right in the thick of it as the heavy defensive battles at the Don river raged on.
The fighting in the city itself also proved to be much harder than anticipated. Casualties were enormous and reinforcements were desperately needed for the “final push” at the industrial district.
Apparently this push had priority even though the fighting at the Don was still extremely fierce. The 79. Infanterie Division was ordered to move towards the city to aid in this push. Only Infanterie Regiment 226 was kept at Kletskaja to hold the Don together with the Rumanians.
On 17.10.1942 the 79.ID reached the city, right on time for the attack on Stahlwerk “Roter Oktober”.
Meanwhile Rolf, who was part of IR.226, had been killed defending Kletskaja on 4.10.1942 at the age of 19..
We all know how this all ended. The “final push” in the industrial district was a bust and the Russians started the big pincer offensive at the exact same spot Rolf lost his life.
Thanks for reading,
Mats
!
Also his deathdate is incorrect on the Volksbund,
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