Exceptional Family Grouping – Hauptmann Friedrich Rausch (Died) & Unteroffizier Roger Rausch (KIA)

A rare and deeply personal father-son grouping, offering a unique glimpse into two generations of Wehrmacht service. This combined lot honors the military legacy of Hauptmann Friedrich Rausch, a WWI veteran and rear-echelon officer during WWII who died during the war in 1944, and his son, Unteroffizier Roger Rausch, a decorated Panzergrenadier killed in action in 1943 on the Eastern Front.

Grouping to Hauptmann Friedrich Rausch – WWI Veteran & WWII Officer

Served with Landesschützen-Ersatz-Bataillon 17, responsible for home-front security and reserve duties.

Highlights:

• Award document for the 1939 War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords, dated 17.12.1940, including the original proposal for the decoration.

• Award document for the Honor Cross of WWI, dated 05.12.1939, hand-signed.

• Heer aluminum EM/NCO parade buckle with leather belt (shortened, replaced catch), showing clear age and character.

• Original military ID tag (aluminum).

• Heer single shoulder board for a Hauptmann in Infanterie-Regiment 132 (sewn-in type).

• Heer officer’s aiguillette.

• A selection of period documents adding context and depth.

A solid example of a decorated, long-serving officer who bridged both world wars.

Grouping to Unteroffizier Roger Rausch – KIA Panzergrenadier, Pz.Gren.Rgt. 304

Roger Rausch served with Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 304 and was killed in action on 22.10.1943 near Wosok, during fierce engagements on the Eastern Front. His grouping is a vivid testament to front-line service and sacrifice.

Decorations (all with original award documents):

• Close Combat Clasp in Bronze, issued 31.10.1943, hand-signed by Oberst Gerhard Schmidhuber (RK with Oak Leaves).

• Tank Assault Badge in Bronze, issued 24.09.1942, hand-signed by Oberst von Goerne.

• 1939 Iron Cross 2nd Class, issued 13.09.1943, hand-signed by Generalleutnant Vollrath Lübbe (RK winner).

• Wound Badge in Black, issued 25.09.1942, hand-signed by a Major.

Also included:

• Wehrpaß, issued 03.02.1939 with original photo. Lists all major decorations and campaigns from 10.05.1940 to 26.09.1942. Returned to his father on 04.01.1944.

• Five original photographs, including one showing Roger’s grave.

• His Wehrmacht-issue eyeglasses with case.

• German Reich ID card, 2 additional period documents.

• A Heer EM/NCO side cap eagle with cockade.

Signs of use and age throughout, making this a rich, field-worn ensemble.

A Rare and Emotional Family Legacy

This grouping tells a powerful story of two soldiers — one a WWI veteran who lived to see his son go to war, the other a front-line Panzergrenadier who paid the ultimate price. The combination of high-quality award documents, signed by high-ranking and highly decorated commanders, along with personal effects such as letters, photos, and military accessories, make this grouping not only historically valuable but emotionally compelling.

A unique opportunity to own a multi-generational Wehrmacht grouping, complete with excellent documentation, signatures, and a tragic yet honorable narrative.