help with research

[andya]

I was just wandering if it is possible to do some research on German WW2 soldiers/Units. I have a few small paper groups and would like to place the soldier(at the time of his awards.) if possible by his unit Bearing in mind that i do not speak German can someone point me in the wright direction. I have already tried myself to research a small group I have without success. The 1 Oct and 13 Marz medals were to Infrantry Regt 61 and the remaining docs of WB IAB and EK2 to 14./J.R.468 wich I assume is Infrantry Regt 468. I would like to research if possible the history of this units.
any assistance would be very much appreciated.
thanks
andy

[Simon O.]

Hi Andy

It shouldn't be a problem at all however apart from the 'sexy' divisions that have had tons written about them in English the vast bulk of German unit histories are in German only so if you want to do this yourself anything more than the most basic of info is going to mean you biting the bullet and learning a few words of the lingo. I can point you in the right direction alright but it's going to be German sources i suspect.

If, however you'd be happy to let the guys here fill in a few blanks for you then the best way would be to create a thread for each group and post pics of the docs.


Now Infanterie Regiment 61 belonged to the 7 Infanterie Division (which by the way became the most decorated infantry division in the wehrmacht). It was based in Munich pre-war so not surprising your man got both those flower medals.

IR 468 belonged to the 268 Infanterie Division and was raised just before the outbreak of war in wehrkreis VII (ie the same military district as IR 61) from amongst others troops from IR 61.
the 14 Kompanie was the regiments panzerjäger or anti-tank company.

You didn't say when the WB and EKII were awarded so here's the division's entry on the Lexikon der Wehrmacht.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/...onen/268ID.htm

I know it's in German but you don't need to understand the lingo in order to read dates, placenames and formations.

[Jonathan M]

Interesting topic, would you mind sharing what you find Andy. Though i dont speak German i can help a little if you get stuck using the Lexicon


Jonathan

[andya]

Excellent. Many thanks indeed. Exactly what I was looking for. The award dates are as follows:
13 Marz 8.11.38
1st Oct 22.08.39
EK2 11.7.41
WB 13.10.41
IAB 1.4.42
So it looks like his war time awards were all earned in Russia.
I have been researching my British medals for quite some time but now knowing that a certain amount of research can be done on these paper groups will open up a whole new avenue.
thanks again
andy

PS I will apoligize now for the amount of posts I am likely to make here in the future.

[Jonathan M]

Ask away andy, best way to learn mate

Jonathan

[Simon O.]

Excellent. Many thanks indeed. Exactly what I was looking for. The award dates are as follows:
13 Marz 8.11.38
1st Oct 22.08.39
EK2 11.7.41
WB 13.10.41
IAB 1.4.42
So it looks like his war time awards were all earned in Russia.
I have been researching my British medals for quite some time but now knowing that a certain amount of research can be done on these paper groups will open up a whole new avenue.
thanks again
andy

PS I will apoligize now for the amount of posts I am likely to make here in the future.

That's quite an early EKII for the Soviet campaign. Don't forget the signatures on the docs either, lots of research possibilities there too!

[andya]

Thanks again. i have looked at the signatures nut can never read them. Is it ok tp post them here for guidance/
regards
andy

[Simon O.]

Of course Andy, put up pics\scans of the whole group if you like.