VWA Schwarz Award Doc – Aufklärungs-Abteilung 122 – WIA “vor Petersburg”

Original A4-size German Wehrmacht Besitzzeugnis for the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Wound Badge in Black), awarded to Gefreiter Arthur Schweder, serving with 3. Schwadron/ Aufklärungs-Abteilung 122 of the 122. Infanterie-Division. The certificate records that Schweder suffered a single wound or injury on 6 November 1941 near Petersburg, and was subsequently awarded the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz. The certificate was issued at Stettin on 24 November 1941 and bears the original period medical-service stamp, together with the signatures of the Chefarzt and Oberstabsarzt acting on behalf of the issuing authority.

The unit association is particularly interesting. Aufklärungs-Abteilung 122 was the divisional reconnaissance battalion of the 122. Infanterie-Division, formed in October 1940 with three squadrons. The unit went into the East with the division in June 1941 and was employed as a mobile reconnaissance formation during the advance into the Soviet Union. Contemporary unit histories record its early-war operations with the 122. Infanterie-Division, including its formation of a divisional Vorausabteilung during the opening of the campaign. The 122. Infanterie-Division itself was formed at Groß Born in Pomerania, making the later issuance of this wound certificate in Stettin especially appropriate to the division’s regional replacement and administrative connection.

Particularly notable is the precise combat notation “am 6.11.41 vor Petersburg” — placing Schweder’s wounding during the fighting in the Leningrad/Petersburg area in November 1941. As a member of a divisional reconnaissance squadron, this represents a very interesting individual document from the early phase of the 122. Infanterie-Division’s Eastern Front service.

Condition

Original large-format A4 wartime document with expected age-related toning, light foxing/discoloration, handling wear and a horizontal fold. The printed text remains very clear, while the handwritten entries, original medical-service stamp and signatures are well preserved. The large format and attractive period typography make this an especially desirable presentation piece.