1./Schuetzen-Ersatz-Batt. 12

[VtwinVince]

Hello unit experts,

I would be grateful for any info on this unit, as a relation was KIA whilst serving with 1./Schuetzen-Ers.-Batt. 12 at Orel, August 1943. Many thanks in advance.

Vince

[Ian Jewison]

Hi Vince,

I doubt he was actually with this unit when he was killed, however he more than likely had just transferred to his front line unit.

Schützen-Ersatz-Bataillon 12
Formed 26.8.1939 in Meiningen, Wehrkreis IX; 20.11.1940 transferred to Schweinfurt in Wehrkreis XIII;
Renamed Panzergrenadier-Ersatz-Bataillon 12 on 19.7.1942;

Under: Division 159, 5.1.1940 Division 179, Wehrkreis IX; 20.11.1940 Division 173; 15.5.1942 Kommandeur der Schnellen later Panzertruppen XIII

/Ian

[VtwinVince]

Many thanks, Ian, I appreciate the help.

Vince

[Chris Stewart]

I agree with Ian - the unit you mention was an ersatz unit (replacement unit). Typically the soldier would have went to a frontline unit within the same Wehrkreis number.

[Matt L]

Hello unit experts,

I would be grateful for any info on this unit, as a relation was KIA whilst serving with 1./Schuetzen-Ers.-Batt. 12 at Orel, August 1943. Many thanks in advance.

Vince

If you go to the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) website, you can request a records search on this soldier- and if they have anything, they'll tell you which field unit he was serving in when he died. There's a cost to the search and it can take up to 6 months, but it might be worth it to you.

Matt

[VtwinVince]

Thanks, Matt, I'll check into that. I also have some Feldpost from this individual which might help.