An original Second World War Luftwaffe Soldbuch belonging to Unteroffizier Hermann Meyer, complete with its original wartime portrait photograph and extensive service entries spanning from the early years of the war until Germany’s final months in 1945.

The Soldbuch was issued in 1940 and records Meyer’s military career within the Luftwaffe. During his service he advanced through the ranks from Gefreiter to Obergefreiter, eventually attaining the rank of Stabsgefreiter. The document contains numerous official unit stamps, equipment issue records, clothing inventories, vaccination records, leave entries, pay records and administrative annotations, providing an excellent insight into the military career of a Luftwaffe serviceman serving with Fliegerhorst-Kommandantur Reinschlen and Landesschützenzug 92/IV.

Particularly interesting is his final assignment to Luftwaffe-Infanterie-Bataillon 41 (Infanterie-Bataillon der Luftwaffe 41). This battalion was one of the emergency infantry formations created during the final phase of the war from surplus Luftwaffe personnel. Established in September 1944, the unit fought as ground infantry in the defence of Germany’s western frontier after serving in the Netherlands before being transferred to the Saar sector under Army Group G. As Germany’s military situation deteriorated, thousands of Luftwaffe personnel found themselves fighting as infantry rather than in their original air force roles.

The Soldbuch remains complete with its original attached portrait photograph and numerous wartime entries, making it an attractive and well-documented late-war Luftwaffe grouping.

Included

• Original Luftwaffe Soldbuch
• Original attached portrait photograph
• Numerous official wartime unit stamps
• Promotions through the ranks to Unteroffizier
• Extensive equipment, clothing, leave and pay entries
• Final service with Luftwaffe-Infanterie-Bataillon 41

Condition

Good original wartime condition with honest service wear throughout. The cover shows period use consistent with wartime service, while the interior remains complete and well preserved. The original photograph is firmly attached, and the entries and unit stamps remain clear and legible.

An original and historically interesting Luftwaffe Soldbuch documenting the career of a serviceman who finished the war serving with one of the late-war Luftwaffe infantry battalions, making it a desirable addition to any collection of German WWII militaria or original wartime documents.

An original and well-filled WWII German Luftwaffe Soldbuch issued to Heinrich Michels, born 6 July 1909 in Vynen, Kreis Moers. The Soldbuch retains its original portrait photograph and documents Michels’ military career from 1940 through the later years of the war. Despite honest field wear to the covers and spine, it remains a complete and historically interesting example with numerous wartime entries, unit changes, official stamps, leave records and medical notes.

The Soldbuch was issued on 14 June 1940 while serving with the Rekruten-Kompanie Handorf, Ausbildungs-Lager Schifffahrt. He entered service as a Flieger and was promoted to Gefreiter on 1 January 1941, followed by promotion to Obergefreiter on 1 July 1942.

During his service, Michels passed through several Luftwaffe formations in Germany and then France, including:

• Rekruten-Kompanie Handorf – Ausbildungs-Lager Schifffahrt
• Fliegerhorst-Kommandantur Detmold
• Fliegerhorst-Kommandantur Münster
• Flughafen-Betriebsstoff-Kolonne (mot.) 8/XII
• Transportkolonne der Luftwaffe (80 t) 138/XII

The Soldbuch contains extensive equipment issue pages, pay entries, leave records and numerous official unit stamps documenting his wartime service. Interesting to note that on 29 July 1944, he was still in Paris, France (“Der General der Luftwaffe Paris, Amtskasse“).

A particularly interesting entry records his hospitalization in France. On 8 November 1940 he was admitted to a Luftwaffe-Ortslazarett in Falaise suffering from shoulder inflammation (Schultergelenkentzündung) and remained hospitalized until 26 November 1940. A second hospitalization is recorded at the Ortslazarett Angers (Chirurgische Abteilung) in February 1943, where he was treated for a Blutergüss re. Unterschenkel before returning to duty.

The document also includes vaccination records, clothing issue tables, leave permissions, pay administration entries and multiple wartime endorsements, providing an excellent overview of the administrative life of a Luftwaffe serviceman.

The original portrait photograph remains attached, although it shows period wear and damage, matching the overall well-used character of the Soldbuch. The cover exhibits heavy service wear and losses along the spine, reflecting genuine wartime use rather than later handling.

A solid and affordable original Luftwaffe Soldbuch with portrait photograph, multiple unit transfers, documented hospitalization during the French campaign period, and extensive wartime entries—an attractive piece for collectors of Luftwaffe documents and German military paperwork.

Condition: Good, honest wartime-used condition with complete interior, numerous original entries and stamps, original photograph present, and expected wear to the covers and spine consistent with prolonged field use.

A very interesting and well-documented Soldbuch belonging to Gefreiter Adolf Köppel, born on 16 January 1902 in Oberkotzau. The Soldbuch still retains its original uniform portrait photograph.

Köppel entered military service with Grenadier-Ersatz-Bataillon 356 before serving with frontline infantry formations during the latter part of the war. His Soldbuch documents continuous service through several units as well as numerous transfers, reflecting the increasingly fluid situation on the Eastern Front during 1944 and 1945.

The document also records several hospital admissions, including stays at Reserve-Lazarett Königsberg, Feldlazarett 289, Kriegslazarett 913, and Reserve-Lazarett Liegnitz, showing that he was hospitalized on multiple occasions throughout his military service. The equipment pages remain intact and list his issued Karabiner 98k, bayonet, entrenching tool and other standard field equipment.

Unlike many wartime Soldbücher, this example remains remarkably complete, retaining all of its important service, equipment and award pages together with numerous clear unit stamps, official signatures and wartime entries. The original photograph remains firmly attached, making this a particularly attractive and well-preserved combat Soldbuch with excellent research potential.

Units

• Aufklärungs-Abteilung 1
• Füsilier-Bataillon 1
• Stab III./ Grenadier-Regiment 1144 of the 562. Volksgrenadier-Division
• 3. Kompanie/ Grenadier-Regiment 1239 of the Panzergrenadier-Division “Kurmark”
  

Awards

• Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Black Wound Badge) – awarded 11 October 1944
• Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern (War Merit Cross 2nd Class) – awarded on 1 September 1944

This is an excellent original combat Soldbuch that combines an original portrait photograph, documented frontline service, multiple hospitalizations, complete equipment entries, and intact award pages. A desirable and increasingly difficult-to-find wartime document for collectors of Wehrmacht documentation and Eastern Front history.

An original and highly desirable WWII German Wehrpass grouping belonging to Gefreiter Karl Kirch, born 12 September 1907 in Krefeld, Germany.

The grouping consists of:

• Original Wehrpass with attached portrait photograph
• Official Wehrmeldeamt death notification letter
• Original battlefield grave photograph showing his burial site marked with a wooden cross

The Wehrpass was issued by the Wehrbezirkskommando Düsseldorf and records Karl Kirch’s military career from his mobilization through his combat service on the Eastern Front.

Kirch was employed as a Coilenpflanzer (mine worker/colliery worker) before entering military service.

His recorded wartime units include:

• Stamm-Kompanie Grenadier-Ersatz-Bataillon (mot.) 60
• 2./Grenadier-Ersatz- und Ausbildungs-Bataillon (mot.) 60
• Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 33 of the 4. Panzer-Division

The Wehrpass records his promotion to:

• Gefreiter – 1 April 1943

His combat decorations are officially entered as:

• Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Black Wound Badge) – awarded 19 February 1944
• Panzerkampfabzeichen in Bronze (Panzer Assault Badge in Bronze) – awarded 17 June 1944

Several wound entries are also recorded in the Wehrpass, documenting injuries sustained during frontline combat, including:

• 19 November 1943-19 December 1943 – WIA
• 13 July 1944 – Shot in the Belly
• 24 July 1944 – Died in the Hauptverbandplatz

A particularly poignant aspect of this grouping is the accompanying official Wehrmeldeamt Krefeld notification letter, dated 2 November 1944, addressed to Maria Kirch, informing her that:

Gefreiter Karl Kirch was killed in action (Heldentod) on 24 July 1944 while serving his country.

Included with the paperwork is an original grave photograph, depicting Kirch’s battlefield burial beneath a simple wooden cross, making this a complete and deeply personal wartime casualty grouping.

Condition is very good overall considering age and wartime use. The Wehrpass retains its original photograph and official entries, while the accompanying death notification letter and original grave photograph remain together with the document.

An outstanding and increasingly difficult-to-find original Wehrmacht casualty grouping combining a combat-used Wehrpass, official KIA notification, and original grave photograph, documenting the military career and ultimate sacrifice of Gefreiter Karl Kirch, recipient of the Panzer Assault Badge in Bronze and the Black Wound Badge. An exceptional researchable and display-worthy set for the advanced collector of German military history.

An original German Wehrmacht Driver’s License (Wehrmacht-Führerschein) issued during the Second World War, complete with the soldier’s original portrait photograph and official unit markings.

The document was issued to Alfred Lopian and qualified the holder to operate motorcycles with sidecar (Krafträder mit Beiwagen). It bears official unit stamps from Kradschützen-Ersatz-Bataillon 24, 1. Kompanie, making it an attractive document for collectors specializing in Wehrmacht, motorcycle troops, or military driver’s licenses.

The original period photograph remains attached and clearly depicts the soldier wearing his Wehrmacht uniform.

Condition

The document is in well-used wartime condition, showing heavy wear from service and age. There is noticeable damages, fraying around the edges, staining, and general handling wear throughout. Despite its condition, the document remains complete, with the original photograph, signatures, and unit stamps still present, making it an honest and affordable original wartime item.

A nice original Wehrmacht driver’s license with portrait photograph, ideal for collectors of German military documents, Kradschützen memorabilia, or original WWII paper items.

An original Luftwaffe Soldbuch issued to Hans Küsters, born 7 August 1920 in München-Gladbach, featuring its original uniformed portrait photograph and extensive wartime entries covering his military career from 1941 until the closing months of the Second World War.

The Soldbuch was first issued on 30 September 1941 while serving with a Rekrutenausbildungskompanie der Landesschützenkompanie Handorf at Fliegerhorst Plantlünne. Throughout the war, Küsters served with several Luftwaffe ground formations, including Landesschützen-Zug 407/VI, Landesschützen-Kompanie 7/VII, and later 1. Kompanie/ Kampfunterlage Nietsch. From 28.1.1945 until 18.2.1945 he was ordered to Front service with the 2./K.M.Gr. Hellmund!

His promotions are clearly recorded:

• Gefreiter – 1 May 1942
• Obergefreiter – 1 October 1943
• (?) Unteroffizier (NCO Candidate) – 1 October 1944

Of particular historical interest are the numerous official entries documenting his assignment to the Festung Saint-Nazaire, one of the last German Atlantic fortresses to remain under German control until after Germany’s surrender in May 1945.

The document also contains:

• Original portrait photograph in Luftwaffe uniform.
• Numerous official unit stamps and signatures.
• Detailed unit transfer history.
• Uniform and equipment issue pages.
• Pay and allowance entries.
• Multiple leave entries.
• Hospital and administrative annotations.
• Service entries extending into 1945.

The Soldbuch shows honest wartime service wear, with age-related staining and rust marks from the original staples securing the photograph. The cover exhibits expected wear from prolonged field use, while the interior remains complete, well preserved, and highly legible.

A historically interesting and well-filled Luftwaffe Soldbuch documenting continuous wartime service, culminating in duty within the Festung Saint-Nazaire during the final phase of the Second World War. A desirable research and collector’s piece with excellent display potential thanks to its original portrait photograph and extensive wartime entries.

An original “Frankenstein” Kriegsmarine Soldbuch with pages of his Wehrmacht Soldbuch mixed issued to Leutnant Karl-Heinz Reinke, born 7 September 1911 in Ummendorf, offering a well-documented record of his naval service throughout the Second World War.

The Soldbuch remains complete and contains numerous official entries, stamps, signatures and wartime annotations documenting his military career from 1941 through the end of the war. Particularly interesting is the inclusion of post-war entries recording his captivity after Germany’s surrender.

His career began as a Bootsmann with the Kriegsmarine, progressing through several promotions to Leutnant by late 1943 in the Wehrmacht!

Units

• Marine-Stammabteilung Zweigstelle Brake i.O.
• Nachrichten-Abteilung 345
• Nachrichten-Abteilung 29 of the 29. Panzergrenadier-Division

Awards

• Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern (War Merit Cross 2nd Class) on 15 November 1943

An especially desirable addition is the original typed authorization confirming his privately purchased 7.65 mm MAB “Le Français” pistol, officially entered into the Soldbuch and identified as his personal property.

A particularly fascinating aspect of this Soldbuch is its post-war history. Several entries record that Reinke became an Allied prisoner of war, including documentation concerning POW Camp 13A, together with administrative notes regarding captured pay and subsequent processing. These late-war and occupation-period entries significantly enhance the historical interest of the document.

Condition is consistent with wartime service. The cover shows heavy wear and field repairs with period tape, while the interior remains complete with numerous official stamps, signatures, handwritten entries and inserted documents, giving the Soldbuch excellent research and display value.

A very attractive and thoroughly documented Kriegsmarine Soldbuch to a long-serving naval NCO and officer candidate, complete with equipment entries, personal pistol authorization, medical records and uncommon Allied POW documentation, making it an excellent addition to any advanced Kriegsmarine or German document collection.

Original and highly desirable Wehrpass grouping belonging to Wilhelm Hegele, born 20 December 1920 in Bürglaingen (Neu-Ulm, Schwaben), accompanied by two original period photographs, including an excellent portrait in uniform and a hospital/group photograph.

Hegele entered military service on 4 December 1940 and served with several replacement formations before joining 12. (MG.) Kompanie/ Infanterie-Regiment 97, part of the 46. Infanterie-Division, one of the principal German formations operating in the Crimea during 1941–1942.

The Wehrpass is exceptionally well completed and records his complete wartime service, awards, combat history, wounds, and eventual death.

Recorded Military Service

• Infanterie-Ersatz-Bataillon 91
• 4. (MG.) Kompanie, Infanterie-Ersatz-Bataillon 63
• Marsch-Bataillon III/10
• 12. (MG.)/ Infanterie-Regiment 97

Decorations

The Wehrpass records the award of:

• Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Wound Badge in Black)
• Medaille “Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42” (Ostmedaille)
• Krimschild (Crimea Shield)
• Erinnerungsmedaille für den Kreuzzug gegen den Kommunismus (Anti-Bolshevik Campaign Medal)
• Ostmedaille (Winter War Medal) (see page 35)

Combat History

The combat pages contain detailed entries covering his participation in some of the major actions during the Crimean Campaign, including:

• Defence of the Kerch Peninsula
• Withdrawal from the Kerch Peninsula
• Fighting in northern and north-western Tauria
• Combat along the Parpach Position
• Battle for the Kerch Peninsula
• Capture of Kerch
• Pursuit operations on the Kerch Peninsula
• Battle of Ak-Monay
• Destruction battle on the Kerch Peninsula
• Crossing and securing of the River Don

These entries provide an excellent chronological overview of the unit’s participation during the 1941–1942 campaign.

Wounds & Death

One of the most significant aspects of this Wehrpass is the final service record.

• 31 December 1941 – wounded by a Kinnschuß during the fighting around Kerch.
• 18 June 1942 – severely wounded by an shrapnel in the left shoulder w
• Died of his wounds in a Feldlazarett on 23 June 1942.

Very good wartime-used condition with normal handling wear. The Wehrpass remains complete with numerous official stamps, entries, award recordings, combat records and death annotation. The accompanying photographs greatly enhance the historical value of the grouping.

An original German Wehrpass belonging to Wilhelm Gustav Brauer, born 26 June 1891 in Krefeld, documenting a remarkable military career spanning both the First and Second World Wars.

The Wehrpass was issued on 1 April 1937 by the Wehrbezirkskommando Krefeld and remains complete with its original portrait photograph, numerous official unit stamps, promotion entries, and award recordings.

By profession, Brauer was a bricklayer (Maurer) before being called into military service. His Wehrpass records earlier service during the First World War, followed by his continued military career after the re-establishment of the German armed forces.

His documented wartime service includes assignments with:

• Stalag VI D
• Kriegsgefangenen-Stammlager 326
• M.-Stammlager VI/G
• Kriegsgefangenen-Bau und Arbeits-Bataillon 26

His final and most significant posting began on 5 January 1943, when he was assigned to the Stab / Kriegsgefangenen-Bau und Arbeits-Bataillon 26, where he remained in service until 2 May 1945, the final days of the war. This headquarters unit was responsible for the administration and supervision of prisoner-of-war construction and labour battalions, overseeing the organization and employment of Allied POW labour detachments in support of the German war effort.

Throughout his military career, Brauer steadily advanced through the ranks. His promotions recorded in the Wehrpass include:

• Unteroffizier (23 June 1913)
• Vizefeldwebel der Reserve (4 August 1914)
• Leutnant der Reserve (16 May 1941)
• Oberleutnant der Reserve (1 November 1941)
• Hauptmann (Captain) – 1 January 1943

The Wehrpass also records the following decorations:

• Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class) – awarded during the First World War (1918)
• Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer (Honour Cross for Front Fighters)
• Kriegsverdienstkreuz II. Klasse mit Schwertern (War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords) – awarded on 20 April 1944

The document contains numerous official entries relating to promotions, unit transfers, reserve status, decorations, and military service, all accompanied by original Wehrmacht stamps and signatures. The original portrait photograph is still firmly attached, adding further appeal to this well-documented personnel record.

The Wehrpass remains in very good, honest condition with expected signs of age and wartime use. The pages are complete, well preserved, and fully legible throughout.

An excellent and historically significant original Wehrpass belonging to a decorated German Hauptmann whose military career covered both World Wars. With documented service in infantry replacement formations, prisoner-of-war camps, and finally with the Stab / Kriegsgefangenen-Bau und Arbeits-Bataillon 26, together with recorded awards including the Iron Cross 2nd Class, War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords, and the Honour Cross for Front Fighters, this is an attractive and highly researchable Wehrmacht document for the advanced collector.

An original and well-documented WWII Luftwaffe Soldbuch issued to Oberfeldwebel Willy Zuckel, born 2 April 1915 in Mannheim. The Soldbuch retains its original uniformed portrait photograph and records his military service from the pre-war years through the later stages of the Second World War.

The document was issued on 2 September 1939 by the Flugzeugführerschule Fürth, reflecting Zuckel’s early Luftwaffe service. He is shown as an Oberfeldwebel from 1 December 1940, indicating he had already become a senior NCO relatively early in the war.

His service record includes assignments with:

• Flugzeugführerschule Fürth
• Generalkommando Straubing
• Luftgau-Kommando Nürnberg 
• Luftgau-Kommando Wiesbaden
• Fliegerhorst-Kompanie
• Luftnachrichten-Regiment 7 Bensheim-Auerbach a.d.R.

The Soldbuch contains numerous official entries documenting equipment issue, clothing records, leave periods, vaccinations, medical treatment, and multiple wartime unit stamps, illustrating continuous active service.

A particularly desirable feature is the awards page, recording:

• Dienstauszeichnung IV. Klasse (Long Service Award, 4th Class)
• Erinnerungsmedaille an den 1. Oktober 1938 (Sudetenland Medal)
• Kriegsverdienstkreuz II. Klasse mit Schwertern (KVK II Class with Swords)

Several hospitalizations are recorded throughout the war. In October 1941 he was admitted to Reserve-Lazarett IV Wiesbaden, followed shortly afterward by treatment at Reserve-Lazarett Stammberg (Schriesheim). A further hospitalization is documented in June 1942 at Lazarett Heidelberg, where he was treated for a duodenal ulcer (Ulcus duodeni) before returning to service.

The Soldbuch remains complete with numerous period stamps, signatures, leave authorizations and administrative entries, providing an excellent overview of the wartime career of a Luftwaffe senior NCO serving in communications units.

The original portrait photograph is still firmly attached and shows Willy Zuckel wearing his Luftwaffe uniform. The document displays honest wartime wear, with some staining around the staple area and edge wear consistent with prolonged field use, adding to its authentic character.

An attractive and affordable original Luftwaffe Soldbuch belonging to an Oberfeldwebel, complete with portrait photograph, documented awards including the KVK II Class with Swords, several medical entries, and extensive wartime service history.

Condition: Good original wartime-used condition. Complete with original photograph, numerous official entries, stamps and signatures. Honest service wear, staining around the binding staples and age-related handling wear, but overall a solid and historical Luftwaffe Soldbuch ideal for both collectors and researchers. Some pages are loose.

A very nice and well-filled original Heer Soldbuch belonging to Gefreiter Karl Müller, complete with his original attached portrait photograph and accompanied by his original post-war Allied Prisoner of War card.

Müller was initially sent to the field from Grenadier-Ersatz- und Ausbildungs-Bataillon 348 before serving with 6. Kompanie/ Grenadier-Regiment 284 of the 96. Infanterie-Division. His Soldbuch contains numerous wartime entries documenting his service, equipment issue, weapon registration, hospitalization, pay records and leave.

The Soldbuch documents multiple hospital stays during 1944 and 1945. He was admitted to Fpnr. 32941 in July 1944 and later treated at Reserve-Lazarett Oberschlema (Teillazarett Schneeberg II). The entries indicate treatment for combat-related injuries before returning to duty.

A particularly attractive entry is found on the remarks page where Müller is recorded as having been awarded the:

• Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Black Wound Badge) in April 1945

The Soldbuch is further accompanied by his original Allied Prisoner of War card, showing that he was taken prisoner after the war. The card still bears his personal details, military unit, photograph and official camp markings, making it a desirable addition to the grouping and providing excellent continuity of his military history beyond Germany’s surrender. Page 13-14 have been partially cut out, it’s there but partial cut (filled partial with text still there to be seen).