Fake Kriegsmarine Heldentod Document?

[rhudspith]

I was looking at this document but some intial research indicates that it is a fake. The lack of the Iron Cross half way down the border was noted and the words Heldentod in the script are also missing.

Does anyone know if there is only one version of this or are there several variations as with a lot of award documents.

Would welcome any feedback

Regards
Rob

[Simon O.]

I'm only familiar with those sent to the families of crewmen from the Tirpitz and Scharnhorst and am no expert but without digging further there are two things which raise an eyebrow on a first look. First the rank, from the scan it looks to me like 'Unterwasserhorcher' ? that's not a rank as far as i know. Second the name doesn't show in the volksbund database, not even close.

Any idea as to the stamp and who signed it?




Simon

[Michel]

A good one...

[rhudspith]

Simon,

No clear information on the stamp but signiture is supposed to be original Rosing in ink, signed Aug 1944. Name is Walter Schuntmannate and date of "death" at top is 28.9.42. You are correct Unterwasserhorcher is the "rank" given

As an aside due you have the crew lists for Tirpitz, Scharnhorst and Graf Spee. I have some items from these and it would be interesting to track some names down. Also can you explain a bit more about the volksbund database and where I can accesss this. Do you have a fulll copy

Regards
Rob

[Peter J.]

heldentodt

Hi Rob.

Here´s a similar document in blanco. It´s definitly a fake.
The other two are fakes as well and come from the same
source. Note the smeared swastica on the u-boot doc.

Regards
Peter

[Simon O.]

Rob
The volksbund database is a great research tool, here's the link Volksbund

I'm afraid i don't have the crew lists for Tirpitz, Scharnhorst or Graf Spee but i'd be very interested to hear what you have on the first two and i may be able to fill out some more info for you. Please feel free to PM me.



Regards

Simon