KIA Wehrpass & Photos – Infantry Regiment 97 (46. Infanteriedivision) – Crimea (5x Awards)

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.