Wehrpass Hauptmann – Stammlager VI D, 326 & Kriegsgefangenen-Bau und Arbeits-Bataillon 26 (3x Awards)

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.