4x Award Docs (KVK1X, KVK2X, WIO + SWE) – Grenadier-Regiment 697 (342. Infanterie-Division)

An attractive and historically interesting four-document award group belonging to Oberfeldwebel Robert Huber, who served with Stabskompanie / Grenadier-Regiment 697, part of the 342. Infanterie-Division.

The group comprises four original award documents, documenting several years of military service and decorations:

1. Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen (West Wall Medal) – awarded to Unteroffizier Robert Huber on 20. März 1940, Wiesbaden. Issued under the authority of the Befehlshaber im Wehrkreis XII, General der Infanterie Steppuhn. The document carries award register number 859/3.
2. Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern (War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords) – awarded on 3. April 1941, at O.U., to Unteroffizier Robert Huber, serving with Stab/ Infanterie-Regiment 697. The certificate bears an original handwritten signature of the divisional commander, Generalmajor, with the signature apparently attributable to Rudolf Wagner.
3. Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 (Eastern Front Medal) – awarded to Oberfeldwebel Robert Huber of Stabskompanie / Grenadier-Regiment 697 on 12. Juli 1942. The document bears the official unit stamp and an additional handwritten certification by an Oberstleutnant and regimental commander.
4. Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse mit Schwertern (War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords) – awarded on 20. April 1943, at the divisional command post (Divisionsgefechtsstand). The certificate identifies Oberfeldwebel Robert Huber of Stabskompanie / Grenadier-Regiment 697 and is signed by Generalleutnant Albrecht Baier, commanding general of the 342. Infanterie-Division.

Historical interest

The unit connection adds considerable interest to this group. Infanterie-Regiment 697 was formed as part of the 342. Infanterie-Division in November 1940 and was subsequently renamed Grenadier-Regiment 697 in October 1942.

The regiment served in Serbia before being transferred to the Eastern Front in 1942, where it took part in the heavy defensive fighting around the Rzhev sector. In March 1943, following the German withdrawal known as Operation Büffelbewegung, the regiment occupied new positions east of Yelnya.

The two KVK certificates, signed during different periods of the division’s command, provide an especially appealing documentary link to the regiment’s history and the career of one named serviceman.

A desirable grouping for collectors of German award documents, named military groupings, divisional history and signed award certificates.

Condition

All four documents show age-related wear and handling. The group includes folds, creasing, toning and some staining, with more pronounced wear to certain sheets. Original printed details, award entries, stamps and signatures remain present. Please study the photographs carefully for individual condition.