GJR100 "Kreta" Doc Grouping - Opinions Please!

[TobyR]

Hi Everyone,

Please could I ask for your opinions on the following document grouping.

I ask since a fellow collector who was intending to buy the grouping from me has raised some concerns.

Specifically:

1) All 3 docs have the same thin, smooth paper.

2) All 3 docs have exactly the same stamp.

3) The printing of the Kreta doc is not precise compared to a known original.

4) The stamp on the Kreta doc is not the same as other GJR 100 Kreta docs in the collectors possesion.

Also, you'll notice that the date on the Wound Doc is incorrect for the Crete campaign. However, I understand mistakes such as this, did occur.

I would add (not that it signifies anything re. the originality of the docs) that the docs are accompanied by the Allied (i.e. post-war) discharge notice, as well as 3 extensive photo albums, plus the cuffband, IAB, Wound Badge.

Thank you for looking.

Best regards,
Toby.

[TobyR]

A close-up of the stamp and signature:

[TobyR]

IAB Doc:

[TobyR]

Wound Badge:

[Simon O.]

Hi Toby

I have to say that i agree with the concerns raised and must add the following.

The 14 Kompanie was the MG Kompanie not the Pz.Jäg kompanie, which was 16.
(that for me clinches it)

A WB signed at kompanie level and yet using a regimental stamp

I don't like the wear either to be honest.

[TobyR]

Hi Simon,

Many thanks for replying. Looks like this little lot is heading back.

Best regards,
Toby.

[Simon O.]

Another clue is the term 'panzerabwehr' which went out of use in 1940 to be replaced by 'panzerjäger'

[TobyR]

Thanks again, Simon.

Best,
Toby.

[WJW]

14 Kie

Don't know about these docs. Not my cup of tea. However, imo, the 14th Company is usually the Panzerjäger Company. No?

[Simon O.]

Don't know about these docs. Not my cup of tea. However, imo, the 14th Company is usually the Panzerjäger Company. No?

it was, early on and for infanterie regiments. However we're talking a gebirgsjäger regiment mid-1941 to the end of 1943 here and by that time the unit had changed from being the 14 Kompanie to the 16 kompanie due to changes including the addition of an MG kompanie which became the 14th.

What's happened here is that the faker has seen a photo taken pre-war or perhaps around 1939 with this designation and has simply used it on all the docs without checking the unit's background.

I can refer you to Tessin and Nafziger.

Rather usefully in this case 14./GJR 100 had a knight's cross holder. August Rappel who's bio can by found in biblio verlag's 'Die Ritterkreuzträger: Teil VI, Die Gebirgstruppe,Bd.2: L-Z' There it supports the above two references by showing Rappel to have joined '14 (MG) Kompanie/GJR100' on 13.01.41 as well as including scans of his award docs.

[VtwinVince]

Since when would someone have been awarded the Verwundetenabzeichen in June, 1940 for Crete?

[Hank C.]

Since when would someone have been awarded the Verwundetenabzeichen in June, 1940 for Crete?

ESP!
Too bad. Woulda been a heck of a set of documents. One little thing - and it's never a dead giveaway, but can be a clue for me: ALL of the letter is straight and even. No differences, no letters a little higher, or a little lower. They don't have to be, and aren't always, but on 4 docs to one person. That makes me look a little harder right away.