German WW1 Set – Inf.-Rgt. 94 “Großherzog von Sachsen” (Verdun, Somme, Flandern!)

Original First World War Soldbuch, Militärpass and award document grouping belonging to Vizefeldwebel Battermann (b. 6 February 1898, Oberkirchen). Battermann served with the 7. Kompanie, Infanterie-Regiment 94 “Großherzog von Sachsen”, a regiment with a long tradition in the Imperial Army.

• Entered Service: 25 September 1914, joining as a teenager during the early campaigns of WWI.

• Promotion for Bravery: Elevated in 1916 “für Tapferkeit vor dem Feinde” (for bravery before the enemy).

• Wounded in Action: His combat service culminated with injuries in 1918.

• Award Document: Includes his original Urkunde for the Wound Badge in Black (VWA in Schwarz), dated 30 May 1918.

Unit History – Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 94

The Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 94 “Großherzog von Sachsen” was raised in 1809 and during the First World War was part of the XI. Armeekorps. The regiment fought almost exclusively on the Western Front, where it saw some of the fiercest combat of the war:

• 1914 – Initial Campaigns in Belgium and France: Fighting around Namur, then the early trench systems along the Aisne.

• 1915 – Champagne & Artois: Engaged in the bitter positional warfare.

• 1916 – Verdun and the Somme: The regiment was heavily engaged in two of the war’s bloodiest battles, sustaining severe casualties.

• 1917 – Aisne & Flanders: Defensive fighting during French offensives and later British operations in Flanders.

• 1918 – German Spring Offensives and Allied Counterattacks: The regiment took part in Operation Michael (March 1918) and subsequent defensive actions, where many veterans like Battermann were wounded.

Battermann’s wounding and award in May 1918 likely coincided with the aftermath of the Spring Offensive battles in Picardy, where IR 94 faced heavy losses.

Collector’s Note

This grouping is particularly desirable as it combines a complete Soldbuch and Militärpass with the original award document for the Wound Badge, directly tying a named soldier’s service and sacrifice to a frontline regiment with a storied history.

With Battermann’s early enlistment, promotion for bravery, combat wounding, and award, this set provides a tangible connection to the harrowing service of the Imperial German infantry on the Western Front.