WH Soldbuch Grouping – Artillerie-Regiment 268 (36. Volksgrenadier-Division) – MIA & POW 1944

Outstanding original WWII German Heer document grouping belonging to Alfred Walter, born 21 February 1926 in Castrop-Rauxel.

This highly interesting and historically significant grouping documents Walter’s path from civilian life into the Reichsarbeitsdienst, Wehrmacht artillery service, combat on the Western Front, and eventual capture as a prisoner of war.

The grouping includes:

• Original Heer Soldbuch, complete with photograph
• Original Arbeitsbuch
• Original Allied POW card
• Original wartime correspondence
• Postwar Bundesarchiv Dienstzeitbescheinigung (1969)

Walter served first in the Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD) from 7 January 1944 to 18 March 1944, before entering Wehrmacht service on 30 March 1944.

He was initially assigned to: Reserve-Artillerie-Abteilung 1066 and later he was transferred into frontline service with the 8. Batterie / Artillerie-Regiment 268 of the 36. Volksgrenadier-Division.

Artillerie-Regiment 268 saw heavy combat on the Western Front during late 1944 in defensive battles against advancing Allied forces.

Of particular historical significance is Walter’s documented fate during combat.

Bundesarchiv records confirm that on 25 November 1944, Alfred Walter was officially listed as missing in action (vermisst) while serving with 8./Artillerie-Regiment 268 in the West.

The included Allied POW card reveals what happened next: Walter survived and was captured by Allied forces, being officially registered as a prisoner of war on 1 December 1944 under POW number 31-963761.

The included wartime correspondence and postwar documentation provide additional research potential and significantly enhance the historical depth of this grouping.