WWII Soldbuch – Stabsgefreiter, Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 3, decorated Eastern Front veteran
Original and heavily field-used Second World War German Soldbuch issued to Erich Ziesmann, born 28 January 1917, a veteran of the famed 3. Panzer-Division who served within the division’s motorcycle and reconnaissance elements including Kradschützen-Bataillon 3, Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 3, and later Feld-Ersatz-Bataillon 83.
The Soldbuch is a highly interesting combat example showing extensive wartime wear, numerous official entries, unit stamps, leave entries, hospital/lazaret records, and long-term front service from 1940 through the final phase of the war in 1945.
Ziesmann ultimately reached the rank of Stabsgefreiter and served as part of one of Germany’s most active Panzer formations on the Eastern Front. His service history strongly indicates participation in major campaigns and battles involving the 3. Panzer-Division, including:
- The 1940 Western Campaign (Belgium & France)
- Operation Barbarossa
- Kiev encirclement operations
- Advance toward Moscow / Tula
- Winter fighting 1941/42
- Kharkov sector
- Caucasus campaign
- Likely the Battle of Kursk
- Later retreat battles through Ukraine
The Soldbuch records service with:
- Kradschützen-Bataillon 3
- Feld-Ersatz-Bataillon 83
- Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 3
- Bad Freienwalde (Oder) replacement formations
Particularly desirable is the impressive award combination attributed to Ziesmann:
- Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse
- Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse (entry appears present but originality should be evaluated by buyer)
- Panzerkampfabzeichen in Bronze
- Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42
- Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
- Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber
The Bronze Panzer Assault Badge is especially fitting for his role within motorcycle/reconnaissance formations attached to armored operations, while the Black and Silver Wound Badges indicate repeated combat wounds and prolonged frontline exposure.
The Soldbuch also contains numerous lazaret and medical entries, including references to:
- Kriegs-Lazarett 1/527
- Feldlazarett (mot.) 693
- Reserve-Lazarett Ibbenbüren
- additional wartime hospitalizations extending into 1945
The original portrait photo has been removed. However, there appears to still be a period photograph present in the rear of the Soldbuch, although the identity cannot be verified with certainty.
Condition is as seen in the photographs, showing heavy wartime use, age, staining, wear, and handling consistent with prolonged frontline service.
An excellent and authentic Eastern Front Panzer-related Soldbuch with strong combat history, desirable units, multiple decorations, extensive field use, and clear connection to the legendary 3. Panzer-Division. A very attractive and researchable Wehrmacht document grouping to a long-serving armored reconnaissance veteran.
€195,00
In stock
In stock
Details
| Conflict | World War II |
|---|---|
| Country | Germany (Third Reich) |
Statement
Wolfgang Historica is a trusted seller with years of experience and consistently positive reviews. We are always interested in purchasing collections or unique objects and also offer a professional consignment service. Buy with confidence.
Historical Description
This original WWII German Soldbuch belonged to Stabsgefreiter Erich Ziesmann, a soldier of the Wehrmacht’s renowned 3. Panzer-Division, one of Germany’s earliest and most active armored formations during the Second World War. The Soldbuch documents his service within several mobile reconnaissance and motorcycle units including Kradschützen-Bataillon 3, Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 3, and later Feld-Ersatz-Bataillon 83.
A Soldbuch was the standard military pay book and identification document issued to German soldiers during the Second World War. Unlike the Wehrpass, which was primarily an administrative record often kept away from the front, the Soldbuch was carried by the soldier at all times during active service. It functioned as an official identification document and contained detailed information regarding the soldier’s units, promotions, equipment issued, leave periods, medical treatment, vaccinations, combat awards, and wartime service history. Because they accompanied soldiers throughout frontline service, original wartime-used Soldbücher often show significant wear and provide valuable insight into an individual soldier’s military career.
The 3. Panzer-Division was formed in 1935 and participated in nearly every major German campaign of the war. The division fought during the invasion of Poland in 1939, the Western Campaign through Belgium and France in 1940, and later took part in Operation Barbarossa as part of Heinz Guderian’s armored spearheads advancing deep into the Soviet Union.
As a member of the division’s reconnaissance and Kradschützen units, Ziesmann served in formations designed for rapid movement, scouting, screening, and aggressive forward operations alongside German armored forces. These units were often among the first elements to encounter enemy resistance and played a vital role during fast-moving Panzer offensives.
