1

General Wehrmacht

Information

2

Equivalent Wehrmacht Ranks

Heer Junior Enlisted

Rank Grenadier Obergrenadier Gefreiter / Stabsgefreiter

Obergefreiter / Stabsobereite

Collar

Shoulder

Sleeve

Camo Uniforms

NA

Luftwaffe Junior Enlisted

Rank Flieger Gefreiter Obergefreiter Hauptgefreiter

Shoulder

Sleeve

Collar

Camo Uniforms

NA

3

Kriegsmarine Junior Enlisted

Rank Matrose Gefreiter / Stabsgefreiter

Obergefreiter / Oberstabsgefreiter

Hauptgefreiter

Blue Uniform Sleeve

Gray Uniform Sleeve

Shoulder

Gray Uniform Collar

Waffen-SS Junior Enlisted Rank Soldat Obersoldat Sturmmann Rottenführer

Shoulder

Sleeve

Collar

Camo Uniforms

NA

4

Heer NCO

Rank Unteroffizer Unterfeldwebel Feldwebel Oberfeldwebel / Hauptfeldwebel

Stabsfeldwebel

Collar

Shoulder

Sleeve NA

Camo Uniforms

Luftwaffe NCO

Rank Unteroffizer Unterfeldwebel Feldwebel Oberfeldwebel / Hauptfeldwebel

Stabsfeldwebel

Shoulder

Sleeve NA

Collar

Camo Uniforms

5

Kriegsmarine NCO

Stabsbootsmann Rank Maat Obermaat Bootsmann

Oberbootsmann Stabsoberbootsmann

Blue Uniform Sleeve

NA

Gray Uniform Sleeve

NA

Shoulder

Gray Uniform Collar

Waffen-SS NCO Rank Unterscharführer Scharführer Oberscharführer Hauptscharführer Sturmscharführer

Shoulder

Sleeve NA

Collar

Camo Uniforms

6

Equivalent Wehrm

acht Ranks

Heer Company Grade Officer

Rank

Leutant

Oberleutant

Hauptmann

Shoulder

Collar

Camo Uniforms

Luftwaffe Company Grade Officer

Rank

Leutant

Oberleutant

Hauptmann

Shoulder

Collar

Camo Uniforms

Flight Uniforms

Luftwaffe Flight Engineer Corps Company Grade Officers

Rank

Ingenieur

Oberingenieur

Hauptingenieur

Shoulder

7

Collar

Flight Uniforms

Luftwaffe Nautikerkorps (Navigation Corps) Company Grade Officers

Rank

Obernautiker

Hauptnautiker

Shoulder

Collar

Flight

Uniforms

Kriegsm

arine Company Grade Officers

Rank

Leutnant zur See

Oberleutnant

Kapitsänleutnant

Blue Uniform Sleeve

Gray Uniform

Shoulder

Gray Uniform Collar

8

Waffen-SS Company Grade Officers

Rank

Untersturmführer Obersturmführer

Hauptsturmführer

Shoulder

Collar

Camo Uniforms

Heer Field Grade Officer

Rank

Major

Oberstleutant

Oberst

Shoulder

Collar

Camo

Uniforms

9

Luftwaffe Field Grade Officer

Rank

Major

Oberstleutant

Oberst

Shoulder

Collar

Camo

Uniforms

Luftwaffe Flight Engineer Corps Field Grade Officers

Rank

Stabsingenieur

Oberstabs ingenieur

Hauptstabsingenieur

Shoulder

Collar

Flight

Uniforms

10

Luftwaffe Nautikerkorps (Navigation Corps) Field Grade

Rank

Stabsnautiker

Shoulder

Collar

Flight

Uniforms

Kriegsm

arine Field Grade Officers

Rank

Korvettenkapitän

Fregattenkapitän

Kapitän zur See

Kommodore

Blue Uniform

Sleeve

Uniform

Shoulder

Gray Uniform

Collar

11

Waffen-SS Field Grade Officer

Rank

Sturmbannführer Obersturmbannführer

Standartenführer

Oberführer

Shoulder

Collar

Camo

Uniforms

Heer General Officer

Rank

Generalmajor

Generalleutnant

General der

Generaloberst

Feldmarschall

Shoulder

Collar

Camo

Uniforms

12

Luftwaffe General Officer

Rank

Generalmajor

Generalleutnant

General der

Generaloberst

Feldmarschall

Shoulder

Collar

Camo

Uniforms

Luftwaffe Flight Engineer Corps General Officers

Rank

Chefingenieur

Chefingenieur

Shoulder

Collar

Flight

Unoform

13

Kriegsm

arine Admirals

Rank

Kontreadmiral

Vizeadmiral

Admiral

Generaladmiral

Grossadmiral

Blue

Uniform

Sleeve

Gray

Uniform

Shoulder

Gray

Uniform

Collar

Waffen-SS General Officer

Rank

Brigadeführer

Gruppenführer

Obergruppenführer

Oberstgruppenführer

Shoulder

Collar

Camo

Uniforms

14

Award Hierarchy

Valor Awards

Award Criteria

Iron Cross 2nd Class

A single act of bravery in the face of the enemy, or actions that were clearly above and beyond the call of duty.

Iron Cross 1st Class

In order to receive the Iron Cross 1st Class a soldat would have to perform three to four further acts of courage from the one that earned him the 2nd Class. The Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine had similar criteria, and in addition the award was regularly awarded to U-boat Commander upon sinking 50,000 tons and to Luftwaffe pilots when they achieved six or seven confirmed kills.

Honor Roll Clasp of the German Army

The Clasp was to be presented to all those members of the Heer and Waffen SS who committed acts of heroism or distinguished themselves by their honorable behavior. These acts, however, were of such of a degree that neither the Knights Cross to the Iron Cross or the German Cross could be recommended. A prerequisite for eligibly was that the individual be in possession of both the Iron Cross 2nd and 1st Class. Instituted January 1, 1944.

War Merit Cross 2d Class w/swords

The War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords was presented to Military Personnel for bravery not necessarily in the face of the enemy.

War Merit Cross 1st Class w/swords

The War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords was presented to military personnel for courage and achievements that needed not occur while facing the enemy. The War Merit Cross 1st Class was not as liberally awarded as the War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords and was therefore more respected. The War Merit Cross 1st Class was permanently worn on the left tunic pocket.

German Cross in Silver

The German Cross in Silver was to reward significant performance in military conduct of the war. It was not in any way part of the classes of the Iron Cross.

German Cross in Gold

The German Cross in Gold had as its objective the recognition of repeated acts of bravery or exceptional command not justifying the award of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, but superior to requirements for award of the Iron Cross 1st Class. It was not in any way part of the classes of the Iron Cross.

Knight’s Cross of the War Merit Cross

The Knights Cross to the War Merit Cross with Swords was presented for outstanding military bravery not directly under enemy fire. This bravery was generally of a degree not deserving of the Knights Cross. The Knight Cross to the War Merit Cross with Swords was presented to those who already held the previous two grades. Its ranking in the German award structure it was above the German Cross in Silver and Gold, but below the Knights Cross to the Iron Cross.

15

Award Criteria

Knight's Cross

Those who were awarded the Knights Cross deserved it; there was little room for political manipulation. Hitler had stated that the Cross would be distributed evenly among the ranks, and it was. This can be proved by the fact that only 7% of recipients held the rank of General at the time they were presented with the Knights Cross. Recommendations were submitted by the individual’s commanding officer, and were reviewed by Hitler for approval. In order to be recommended Heer and SS personnel needed to perform an additional five to seven acts of distinction above and beyond those which earned them the Iron Cross 1st Class before being considered, although a single act of great significance could earn them the award. It was not only awarded for bravery, however, but also for particularly successful commands of attack or withdrawal operations, career achievements or services rendered. Luftwaffe pilots operated on a point system in which one point was achieved for downing a single-engine aircraft, two points for a twin-engine, and three points for a four-engine plane. Points were doubled for night fighting actions. U-boat commanders of the Kriegsmarine could expect to be recommended for the Knights Cross upon sinking 100,000 tons of shipping, but as was the norm in all branches it was also awarded for a single outstanding action or particularly successful patrol.

Knight's Cross, w/ Oakleaves

Criteria for the Oak Leaves were based on continued excellence in command, bravery of the highest order or actions of significant importance.

Knight's Cross, w/ Oakleaves and Swords

The criteria for the Swords followed the same pattern as the Oak Leaves. Individuals presented with this award represented the best fighting men Germany had to offer. Members of the Heer and SS needed to have the most impressive portfolio in order to be considered, not only bravery but also combat and leadership skills were needed to rise above the rest and be recognized with the Swords. Luftwaffe personnel followed the same points system as in the preceding classes, with only the most experienced aces reaching the points required

16

Wound Badges Wound Badge Black

Wound Badge Silver

Wound Badge Gold

Awarded for one or two wounds.

Awarded for three or four wounds. It could also be awarded for more serious wounds if such wound included loss of hearing, a hand, a foot, an eye, brain damage, or facial disfigurement.

Awarded for five or more wounds, and also awarded for serious wounds in cases of total blindness or total disability.

Campaign Awards

Eastern Front Medal

Kuban Shield

Crimea Shield

The award was presented to those who met the following criteria during November 15, 1941 and April 26, 1942. -Fourteen days of combat participation, 30 combat sorties for Luftwaffe pilots. -Or Sixty days of service in the combat zone (even if not engaged in actual combat).

-Or having received wounds, or frostbite severe enough to warrant a Wound Badge. Institued 26th of May 1942

The shield was presented to those who defended the bridgeheads from February 1943 until they were abandoned in October. The criteria for Heer and auxiliary forces was as follows: -To have served in the bridgehead for 60 days. -To have been wounded while serving on the bridgehead. -To have been engaged in one major operation at the bridgehead.

The award was presented to all members of the 11th German Army and the 3rd Rumanian Army that participate in the campaign. The specific criterion follows, -To have served in the region for 3 months -To have taken part in at least one major combat operation. -To have been wounded while serving in the region. These specifications were set up in part to prevent General Staff officers to receive the award from “official visits” to the area.

Cholm

Demanjsk

Narvik

17

German Orders and Decorations

Eisernes Kreuz 1939

Eisernes Kreuz 1914 mit der Wiederholungsspange am schwarz-weißen Band

Eisernes Kreuz 1914 mit der Wiederholungsspange am weiß-schwarzen Band

Eisernes Kreuz 1914 am schwarz-weißen Band

Eisernes Kreuz 1914 am weiß-schwarzen Band

Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern

(1939)

Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse ohne Schwerter

(1939)

Ehrenzeichen für deutsche Volkspflege 3. Klasse mit Schwertern auf dem Bande

(1942)

Medaille für deutsche Volkspflege mit

Schwertern auf dem Bande (1942)

Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (1942)

Kriegsverdienstmedaille

(1939)

Prussia

Hausorden von Hohenzollern mit

Schwertern am Kriegsband

Prussia

Roter Adlerorden 3. u. 4. Klasse mit Schwertern am

Kriegsband Kronenorden 3. u. 4.

Klasse mit Schwertern am Kriegsband

Prussia

Kronenorden 3. u. 4 Klasse am Sanitätsband

Prussia Goldenes

Militärverdienstkreuz Militärehrenzeichen 1. und 2. Klasse am schwarz-

weißen Band

Prussia

Militärehrenzeichen 1. und 2. Klasse am weiß-schwarzen Band

Prussia

Verdienstkreuz für Kriegshilfe

Austria

Militär-Maria-Theresien-Orden - Ritterkreuz

Austria

Leopold-Orden mit der Kriegsdekoration -

Ritterkreuz

Austria

Orden der Eisernen Krone 3. Klasse mit der Kriegsdekoration

Austria

Franz-Joseph-Orden - Ritterkreuz am Kriegsband

Austria

Tapferkeitsmedaille für Offiziere (G, S)

Austria

Militär-Verdienstkreuz - 3. Klasse mit der Kriegsdekoration

Austria

Geistliches Verdienstkreuz am Kriegsband (g, s)

Austria

Militär-Verdienstmedaille ("Signum Laudis") am Kriegsband (silver)

Austria

Militär-Verdienstmedaille ("Signum Laudis") am Kriegsband (bronze)

Austria

Tapferkeitsmedaille (G, S, s, b)

Verdienstkreuz am Kriegsband (g, s, e)

Austria

Karl-Truppenkreuz

Austria

Ehrenzeichen vom Roten Kreuz 2. Klasse mit der Kriegsdekoration

Ehrenmedaille vom Roten Kreuz mit der

Kriegsdekoration (s, b)

Austria

Verwundetenmedaille

Bavaria

Militär-Max-Joseph-Orden - Ritterkreuz

Mlilitär-Sanitätsorden 2. Klasse

Tapferkeits-Medaille (g, s)

Bavaria

Militär-Verdienstorden 3. Klasse mit der Krone am

Kriegsband

Bavaria

Militär-Verdienstorden 3. Klasse am Kriegsband

Militär-Verdienstkreuz am Kriegsband (g)

Bavaria

Militär-Verdienstorden 4. Klasse mit der Krone am

Kriegsband

Bavaria

Militär-Verdienstorden 4. Klasse am Band für Militärbeamte

Militär-Verdienstkreuz am Band für Militärbeamte (s)

18

Bavaria

Militär-Verdienstkreuz am Kriegsband (b)

Bavaria

Verdienstkreuz für freiwillige Kriegshilfe (mit

der Krone)

Bavaria

König-Ludwig-Kreuz

Saxony

Militär-St.-Heinrich-Orden - Ritterkreuz

Medaille des St.-Heinrich-Ordens (g, s)

Saxony

Zivilverdienstorden - Ritterkreuz 1. Klasse mit

Schwertern

Saxony

Zivilverdienstorden - Ritterkreuz 2 Klasse mit

Schwertern Verdienstkreuz des

Zivilverdienstordens mit Schwertern

Saxony

Albrechts-Orden - Ritterkreuz 1. u. 3 Klasse

mit Schwertern

Saxony

Verdienstkreuz des Albrechts-Ordens mit

Schwertern

Saxony

Ehrenkreuz mit Schwertern

Saxony

Friedrich-August-Medaille am Kriegsband (s, b)

Saxony

Ehrenkreuz für freiwillige Wohlfartspflege im Kriege

Saxony

Kriegsverdienstkreuz

Württemberg

Militär-Verdienstorden - Ritterkreuz

Württemberg

Militär-Verdienstmedaille (g, s)

Württemberg

Wilhelmskreuz am Bande (mit Schwertern)

Württemberg Orden der

Württembergischen Krone - Ritterkreuz 1. u. 2 Klasse

m. Schwertern

Württemberg

Friedrichs-Orden - Ritterkreuz 1. u. 2. Klasse

m. Schwertern

Württemberg

Verdienstkreuz mit Schwertern

Württemberg Charlottenkreuz

Baden

Militärischer Karl-Friedrich-Verdienstorden -

Ritterkreuz Militärische Karl-

Friedrich-Verdienstmedaille (g, s)

Baden

Orden Berthold des Ersten - Ritterkreuz mit Schwertern

Baden

Orden vom Zähringer Löwen - Ritterkreuz 1. u. 2. Klasse m. Schwertern

Baden

Verdienstmedaille (g, s)

Baden

Kreuz für freiwillige Kriegshilfe

Baden

Kriegsverdienstkreuz

Hessen-Darmstadt Orden Philipp des Großmütingen -

Ritterkreuz 1. Klasse mit Schwertern

Hessen-Darmstadt Orden Philipp des Großmütingen -

Ritterkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern

Verdienstkreuz des Ordens Philipps des Großmütingen

mit Schwertern

Hessen-Darmstadt

Allgemeines Ehrenzeichen für Tapferkeit

Allgemeines Ehrenzeichen für Kriegsverdienste

Hessen-Darmstadt Militär-Sanitätstkreuz

Hessen-Darmstadt Ehrenzeichen für Kriegsfürsorge

Kriegsehrenzeichen

Mecklenburg

Orden der Wendischen Krone - Ritterkreuz mit

Schwertern

Mecklenburg-Schwerin Militärverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse am Band für

Kämpfer

Mecklenburg-Schwerin Militärverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse am Band für Nichtkämpfer

Mecklenburg-Schwerin Friedrich Franz-Kreuz

Mecklenburg-Strelitz Kreuz für Auszeichnung im Kriege 2. Klasse am Band für Kämpfer

19

Mecklenburg-Strelitz Kreuz für Auszeichnung im Kriege 2. Klasse am Band für Nichtkämpfer

Mecklenburg-Strelitz Adolf Friedrich-Kreuz

Oldenburg

Haus- u. Verdienstorden von Herzog Peter Friedrich Ludwig - Ritterkreuz 1. Klasse mit Schwertern

Oldenburg

Haus- u. Verdienstorden von Herzog Peter Friedrich Ludwig - Ritterkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern Ehrenkreuz mit Schwertern

Oldenburg

Friedrich August-Kreuz 2. Klasse am Band für

Kämpfer

Oldenburg

Friedrich August-Kreuz 2. Klasse am Band für Nichtkämpfer

Oldenburg

Kriegsverdienstmedaille

Sachsen-Weimar

Orden der Wachsamkeit oder vom Weißen Falken - Ritterkreuz 1. Klasse mit

Schwertern

Sachsen-Weimar

Orden der Wachsamkeit oder vom Weißen Falken - Ritterkreuz 2. Klasse mit

Schwertern Verdienstkreuz mit

Schwetrern

Sachsen-Weimar

Allgemeines Ehrenzeichen mit Schwertern

Sachsen-Weimar Ehrenkreuz für Heimatverdienste

Brunswick

Orden Heinrichs des Löwen - Ritterkreuz 1. Klasse mit Schwertern

Brunswick

Orden Heinrichs des Löwen - Ritterkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern Orden Heinrichs des

Löwen - Kreuz 4. Klasse mit Schwertern

Brunswick

Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse (mit dem

Bewährungszeichen)

Brunswick

Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse am Band für Nichtkämpfer

Saxon Duchies

Herzoglich Sachsen-Ernestinischer Hausorden - Ritterkreuz 1. Klasse mit

Schwertern

Saxon Duchies

Herzoglich Sachsen-Ernestinischer Hausorden - Ritterkreuz 2. Klasse mit

Schwertern Verdienstkreuz zum Sachsen-Ernestinischen Hausorden mit Schwertern Verdienstmedaillen zum Sachsen-Ernestinischen Hausorden mit Schwertern

Sachsen-Altenburg

Herzog Ernst-Medaille mit Schwertern auf dem Band

Sachsen-Altenburg Tapferkeits-Medaille

Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha Herzog Carl Eduard-

Medaille mit Schwertern

Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha Kriegs-Erinnerungskreuz

am Bande

Sachsen-Meiningen Kreuz für Verdienst im Kriege am Band für

Kämpfer Medaille für Verdienst im Kriege am Band für

Kämpfer

Sachsen-Meiningen Kreuz für Verdienst im Kriege am Band für Nichtkämpfer

Medaille für Verdienst im Kriege am Band für Nichtkämpfer

Anhalt

Hausorden Albrechts des Bären - Ritterkreuz 1. u. 2. Klasse mit Schwertern

Anhalt

Friedrichs-Kreuz 2. Klasse am Band für Kämpfer

Anhalt

Friedrichs-Kreuz 2. Klasse am Band für Nichtkämpfer

Hohenzollern Fürstlich

hohenzollernscher Hausorden - Ehrenkreuz 2.

und 3. Klasse mit Schwertern

Lippe-Detmold

Fürstlich Lippesches Ehrenkreuz 4. Klasse mit

Schwertern

Lippe-Detmold

Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse am Band für

Kämpfer Kriegs-Ehrenmedaille am

Band für Kämpfer

Lippe-Detmold

Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse am Band für Nichtkämpfer

Kriegs-Ehrenmedaille am Band für Nichtkämpfer

20

Lippe-Detmold

Militärverdienstmedaille mit Schwertern auf dem

Band

Schaumburg-Lippe Fürstlich Schaumburg-Lippescher Hausorden - Ehrenkreuz 3. Klasse mit

Schwertern

Schaumburg-Lippe Fürstlich Schaumburg-Lippescher Hausorden - Ehrenkreuz 4. Klasse mit

Schwertern

Schaumburg-Lippe

Kreuz für treue Dienste 2. Klasse am Band für

Kämpfer

Schaumburg-Lippe

Kreuz für treue Dienste 2. Klasse am Band für Nichtkämpfer

Schaumburg-Lippe

Militär-Verdienst-Medaille

Reuss

Ehrenkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern am Kriegsband

Reuss

Ehrenkreuz 3. u. 4. Klasse mit Schwertern am

Kriegsband

Schwarzburg

Ehrenkreuz 2. u. 3. Klasse mit Schwertern

Schwarzburg

Ehrenkreuz 4. Klasse mit Schwertern

Waldeck

Verdienst-Kreuz 3. Klasse mit Schwertern am

Kriegsband

Waldeck

Verdienst-Kreuz 4. Klasse mit Schwertern am

Kriegsband Verdienst-Medaille mit

Schwertern am Kriegsband

Bremen Bremisches

Hanseatenkreuz

Lübeck

Lübeckisches Hanseatenkreuz

Hamburg

Hamburgisches Hanseatenkreuz

Ehrenkreuz des Weltkrieges für

Frontkämpfer (1934)

Ehrenkreuz des Weltkrieges für

Kriegsteilnehmer (1934)

Ehrenkreuz des Weltkrieges für

Hinterbliebene (1934)

Austria

Österreichische Kriegserinnerungs-

Medaille mit Schwertern auf dem Bande (1932)

Austria

Österreichische Kriegserinnerungs-Medaille (1932)

Ehrenkreuz für

Hinterbliebene deutscher Spanienkämpfer (1939)

Austria

Österreichische Kriegs-Medaille

Südwestafrikadenkmünze

Kolonialdenkmünze

Chinadenkmünze

Schlesisches

Bewährungsabzeichen (Schlesischer Adler) 2.

Klasse

Baltenkreuz 2. Klasse

Austria

Kärntner-Kreuz 2. Klasse (1919)

Austria

Tiroler Landesdenkmünze (1928)

Rettungsmedaille am

Bande Prussia: Rettungsmedaille

Bavaria

Rettungsmedaille

Saxony Rettungsmedaille

Württemberg Rettungsmedaille

Baden

Rettungsmedaille

Hessen-Darmstadt Rettungsmedaille

Oldenburg

Rettungsmedaille

Sachsen-Weimar Rettungsmedaille

Brunswick

Rettungsmedaille

Sachsen-Altenburg Rettungsmedaille

Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha

Rettungsmedaille

Sachsen-Meiningen Rettungsmedaille

Lippe-Detmold Rettungsmedaille

Schaumburg-Lippe Rettungsmedaille

Reuss-Older Line Rettungsmedaille

Reuss-Younger Line Rettungsmedaille

21

Schwarzburg-

Sondershausen Rettungsmedaille

Bremen

Rettungsmedaille

Hamburg Rettungsmedaille

Lübeck

Rettungsmedaille

Danzig Rettungsmedaille

Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht (40 Jahre - Heer u. Kriegsmarine)

(1936)

Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht (40 Jahre -

Luftwaffe)

Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht (25 Jahre - Heer u. Kriegsmarine)

Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht (25 Jahre -

Luftwaffe)

Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht (18 Jahre - Heer u. Kriegsmarine)

Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht (18 Jahre -

Luftwaffe)

Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht (12 Jahre - Heer u. Kriegsmarine)

Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht (12 Jahre -

Luftwaffe)

Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht (4 Jahre - Heer

u. Kriegsmarine)

Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht (4 Jahre -

Luftwaffe)

Austria

Österreichisches Militärdienstzeichen

(1934)

SS-Dienstauszeichnung (25 Jahre) (1938)

SS-Dienstauszeichnung

(12 Jahre)

SS-Dienstauszeichnung (8 Jahre)

SS-Dienstauszeichnung (4

Jahre)

Polizeidienstauszeichnung

(25 Jahre) (1938)

Polizeidienstauszeichnung (18 Jahre)

Polizeidienstauszeichnung

(8 Jahre)

Zollgrenzschutz-

Dienstauszeichnung (8/4 Jahre) (1938)

Dienstauszeichnung für den Reichsarbeitsdienst (25 Jahre) (1938)

Dienstauszeichnung für den Reichsarbeitsdienst

(18 Jahre)

Dienstauszeichnung für den Reichsarbeitsdienst (12 Jahre, 4 Jahre)

Treuedienst-Ehrenzeichen

(50 Jahre) (1942)

Treuedienst-Ehrenzeichen (40 Jahre) (1938)

Treuedienst-Ehrenzeichen

(25 Jahre)

Dienstauszeichnung der NSDAP (25 Jahre) (1939)

Dienstauszeichnung der NSDAP (15 Jahre)

Dienstauszeichnung der NSDAP (10 Jahre)

Luftschutz-Ehrenzeichen (g cross, s medal) (1938)

Feuerwehr-Ehrenzeichen

(g, s) (1936)

Grubenwehr-Ehrenzeichen

(1935)

Ehrenzeichen für deutsche Volkspflege 3. Klasse

(1939) Medaille für deutsche Volkspflege (1939)

Deutsches Olympia-Ehrenzeichen 2. Klasse

(1936)

Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938

(1938)

Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 ("Prager Burg") (1938)

Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938

(1938)

Medaille zur Erinnerung an die Heimkehr des Memellandes (1939)

Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen (1939)

Deutsche Olympia-Erinnerungsrnedaille

(1936)

Ehrenzeichen 2. Klasse des Deutschen Roten Kreuzes

(1922-39) Medaille des Deutschen Roten Kreuzes (1937-39)

22

Prussia

Hausorden von Hohenzollern - Ritterkreuz

und Inhaberkreuz

Prussia

Roter Adlerorden 3. und 4. Klasse

Prussia

Kronenorden 3. und 4. Klasse

Prussia

Allgemeines Ehrenzeichen

Prussia Verdienstkreuz (g, s)

Prussia

Dienstauszeichnungskreuz (25 Dienstjahre)

Prussia

Kaiser Wilhelm-Erinnerungsmedaille, 1897

Prussia

Rote-Kreuz-Medaille 2. und 3. Klasse

Austria

Ritterorden vom Heiligen Stephan - Ritterkreuz

Austria

Leopold-Orden - Ritterkreuz

Austria

Orden der Eisernen Krone 3. Klasse

Austria

Franz-Joseph-Orden - Ritterkreuz

Verdienstkreuz (g, s, e)

Austria

Militär-Verdienstkreuz - 3. Klasse

Austria

Geistliches Verdienstkreuz (g, s)

Austria

Militär-Verdienstmedaille ("Signum Laudis")

Austria

Ehrenzeichen vom Roten Kreuz 2. Klasse

Ehrenmedaille vom Roten Kreuz (s, b)

Austria

Militär-Dienstzeichen

Austria Jubiläums-

Erinnerungsmedaille für die Befaffnete Macht,

1898

Austria

Jubiläumskreuz für die Befaffnete Macht, 1908

Austria

Bosnisch-Herzegowinische Erinnerungsmedaille, 1909

Austria

Mobilisierungs-Erinnerungskreuz, 1912-13

Bavaria

Civil-Verdienstorden der Bayerischen Krone -

Ritterkreuz

Bavaria

Verdienstorden vom heiligen Michael 3. und 4.

Klasse

Bavaria

Militär-Verdienstorden 3. und 4. Klasse

Militär-Verdienstkreuz (g, s, b)

Bavaria

Verdienstmedaille vom Verdienstorden der

Bayerischen Krone (g, s)

Bavaria

Verdienstkreuz vom heiligen Michael

Bavaria

Verdienstmedaille vom heiligen Michael (s, b)

Bavaria

Jubiläumsmedaille für der Armee,1905

Bavaria Militär-

Dienstauszeichnung

Saxony

Zivilverdienstorden - Ritterkreuz 1. und 2.

Klasse

Saxony

Albrechts-Orden - Ritterkreuz 1. u. 2 Klasse Verdienstkreuz des Albrechts-Ordens

Saxony

Ehrenkreuz

Saxony

Friedrich-August-Medaille am Friedensband (s, b)

Saxony

Dienstauszeichnung

Württemberg Orden der

Württembergischen Krone - Ritterkreuz 1. u. 2 Klasse

m. Schwertern

Württemberg

Friedrichs-Orden - Ritterkreuz 1. u. 2. Klasse

Württemberg Verdienstkreuz

Württemberg

Dienstauszeichnung

Baden

Orden Berthold des Ersten - Ritterkreuz

Baden

Orden vom Zähringer Löwen - Ritterkreuz 1. u.

2. Klasse

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Baden

Verdienstkreuz vom Zähringer Löwen

Baden

Verdienstmedaille (g, s)

Baden

Regierungs-Jubiläumsmedaille, 1902

Baden

Friedrich-Luisen-Medaille, 1906

Baden

Dienstauszeichnung

Hessen-Darmstadt Ludewigs-Orden Medaille des Ludwigsordens

Hessen-Darmstadt Orden Philipp des Großmütingen -

Ritterkreuz 1. und 2. Klasse

Verdienstkreuz des Ordens Philipps des Großmütingen

Hessen-Darmstadt Orden des Stern von

Brabant

Hessen-Darmstadt

Allgemeines Ehrenzeichen (zivil)

Hessen-Darmstadt Dienstauszeichnung

Mecklenburg

Orden der Wendischen Krone - Ritterkreuz

Mecklenburg Greifen-Orden - Ritterkreuz

Mecklenburg

Dienstauszeichnung

Oldenburg

Haus- u. Verdienstorden von Herzog Peter Friedrich Ludwig - Ritterkreuz 1.

und 2. Klasse Ehrenkreuz

Oldenburg

Dienstauszeichnung

Sachsen-Weimar

Orden der Wachsamkeit oder vom Weißen Falken - Ritterkreuz 1. und 2. Klasse mit Schwertern

Verdienstkreuz

Sachsen-Weimar Dienstauszeichnung

Brunswick

Orden Heinrichs des Löwen - Ritterkreuz 1. und

2. Klasse Kreuz 4. Klasse

Saxon Duchies

Herzoglich Sachsen-Ernestinischer Hausorden - Ritterkreuz 1. und 2.

Klasse Verdienstkreuz zum Sachsen-Ernestinischen

Hausorden Verdienstmedaillen zum Sachsen-Ernestinischen

Hausorden

Sachsen-Altenburg Herzog Ernst-Medaille

Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha Herzog Carl Eduard-

Medaille

Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha Ehejubiläums-Medaille,

1899

Saxon Duchies

Dienstauszeichnung

Anhalt

Hausorden Albrechts des Bären - Ritterkreuz 1. u. 2.

Klasse

Anhalt

Dienstauszeichnung

Hohenzollern Fürstlich

hohenzollernscher Hausorden - Ehrenkreuz 2.

und 3. Klasse

Lippe-Detmold

Fürstlich Lippesches Ehrenkreuz 4. Klasse

Lippe-Detmold Verdienstmedaille

Lippe-Detmold

Militärverdienstmedaille

Schaumburg-Lippe Fürstlich Schaumburg-Lippescher Hausorden - Ehrenkreuz 3. und 4.

Klasse

Schaumburg-Lippe Verdienstmedaille

Reuss

Ehrenkreuz 2. 3. u. 4. Klasse

Dienstauszeichnung

Schwarzburg

Ehrenkreuz 2. 3. u. 4. Klasse

Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt Anerkennungsmedaille

Schwarzburg-

Sondershausen Erinnerungs-Medaille,

1905

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Schwarzburg-

Sondershausen Dienstauszeichnung

Waldeck

Verdienst-Kreuz 3. und 4. Klasse

Verdienst-Medaille

Waldeck

Dienstauszeichnung

Danzig Danzig-Kreuz

25

Identification

Based on information supplied by: Fredrick Clemens and Jason Pipes All German soldiers in all branches of the Wehrmacht kept at a minimum the following items pertaining to themselves and their military service. Soldbuch:

The basic pay and identity document booklet for all active-duty German soldiers. The Soldbuch was created and issued to a soldier soon after his entry on active duty service during wartime. Initially the Soldbuch did not contain a photo, but a military-dress photo was later required around 1943 as a security measure. Other security measures added later included the addition of a quarterly check by the soldiers unit. The Soldbuch contained information on the soldiers pay grade, clothing, equipment, weapons

issued, current unit of assignment, as well as his assigned replacement unit. All previous

replacement units were crossed out in such a way as to remain legible. Medical information such as eye and tooth care and hospitalizations was also included, as well as awards and leaves. The Soldbuch was the document the field military police were most interested in when stopping soldiers for questioning. A soldier was required to have the equipment listed in the Soldbuch on his person and to also be wearing the correct awards as listed. The Soldbuch was first conceived as a document for receiving pay from units other than a soldiers initial home unit, but as seen above, soon evolved into a much more detailed identification document. Upon discharge the Soldbuch was intended to be destroyed, but due to collapse of the Wehrmacht, many soldiers retained their Soldbuch as a surrogate Wehrpass. The Soldbuch was, generally speaking, kept up to date by the company to which the soldier belonged, either by the Hauptfeldwebel or a company clerk, though many entries required an

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officer's or official's (as an example the paymaster or doctor) signature. The pages were not removable, and it was consequently extremely difficult to type on the pages, so the entries were invariably either handwritten, or stamped. Handwriting was generally done in blue-gray ink, though other (dark) colors may have been used. Black was not used. Also popular was the use of indelible colored pencils, usually in dark colors, though red seems to have been sometimes used (for example when stroking out an entry). Stamps were quite commonly used, and while unit stamps are the most recognizable (being circular, with the national emblem of eagle and swastika in the middle and surrounded by the text (generally in Fraktur script), there were stamps for many other things, such as dates, officer's names and positions, or stamps of common entries to the book such as GASPLANE to denote the issue of a gas sheet. Ink was generally in dark blue or a dark shade of purple.

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Erkennungsmarke

The Erkennungsmarke was instituted and first issued in August of 1939 to all members of the German Wehrmacht. Thereafter, the tag was issued to all soldiers shortly after they were first inducted into the Wehrmacht. The tag, an oval 2 3/4 x 2 inches, consisted of a thin aluminum, zinc, steel, or tin oval disc that was worn around the neck on a chain, string, or lace 33 inches long. Wear of the tag was required at all times by all soldiers in the field or field conditions. It was perforated in the middle and was stamped with identical information above and below the perforation line. The information on the tag was the same on the top and bottom half. This information consisted (officially) of: Line 1: The name or abbreviated name of the unit the wearer belonged to when he entered service. Line 2: The wearer’s personnel number in the unit listed on line 1.

The tag can be broken into two pieces, if the soldier wearing it is killed. The lower half would be collected if at all possible, and given to the unit HQ for grave registration and notification. The upper half would remain with the body itself. Unit information was usually recorded in the following format: Company (identified by either an Arabic numeral, or abbreviation such as St. (for Stamm- this was the reception company of a basic training unit), then a slash ("/"), with the name and number of the unit. Roman numerals, when used, generally indicated a battalion-sized unit. The information on the tag varied throughout the war, but generally consisted of the designation of the individuals initial replacement unit (the unit all soldiers were inducted to before being sent to a regular field unit), a soldier number. After 1941 many tags also contained the wearers’ blood type (A, B, O or AB, not Rh as this factor was not yet understood). The position of the information varied considerably, some were stamped along the arch while others were just lined straight across.

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Initially, all German units of Kompanie size were required to maintain complete lists of all soldiers and their Erkennungsmarke. These lists would be updated as needed once a month with any additions and subtractions based on men lost as KIA, MIA, through transfers or sick leave, or that were gained through replacements and transfers or soldiers returned from sick leave. This official Kompanie listing was registered with the German Armed Forces Information Office for Casualties and War Prisoners, and was kept as up-to-date as possible. The updates of course included the tag numbers of men who joined the unit and those who were transferred or had become casualties. The field units also kept a supply of tags equal to 20% of their strength, with the result that replacement tags for those who lost them contained the name of the unit to which they belonged to at that moment. In the even that the soldier was injured or killed in action, the part with the cord/chain was left with the body, while the bottom half was broken off and returned to the unit for processing.

Common Abbreviations for Erkennungsmarke and Soldbuch Abbr. German Term English Translation

Abt. Abteilung Unit, generally of battalion size Ausb. Ausbildungs Training Art Artillerie Artillery Btl Battaillon Battalion EK Eisernes Kreuz Iron Cross Ers. Ersatz Replacement Füs Füsilier A type of infantry unit Gren Grenadier Infantry (42-45) Kp Kompanie Company Inf Infantrie infantry MG Maschinengewehr Machine Gun Pi Pionier Engineers Pz Panzer Tank

Pz Gren Panzer Grenadier Armored or Motorized Infantry St. or Stm. Stamm Reception Regt Regiment Regiment u. und and Werf Werfer Nebelwerfer or mortar unit

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Wehrpass:

The basic field personnel record for all draft-eligible males. It was created and issued during the first visit to a draft/recruiting office by the soldier in question, and was maintained by the individual at home until called up for duty, including in the service of the RAD. Upon entry of duty by a soldier, the Wehrpass was turned over to the soldiers unit for administration. The Wehrpass usually contained a civilian-dress photo on the inside front cover.

Many things were recorded in each soldiers Wehrpass including unit administrative notes and records, dates of assignments, promotions, awards, battles, major injuries or illnesses, etc. Upon a soldier’s discharge his Wehrpass was returned after all the field entries were transferred to the Wehrstammbuch - a series of documents covering national veterans used to document a soldiers service for claiming benefits, etc. If a soldier was killed or became MIA while on duty, the Wehrpass was sent to his next of kin by the soldier’s original recruiting office.

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Additional Documents

Befristeter Ausweis: Soldiers stationed near cities could receive a pass to visit the city. The rear of the pass (Befristeter Ausweis) included information concerning curfew hours for different ranks and a stamp of the hotel the soldier stayed at. This specific ausweis was issued to individuals in the vicinity of Paris. This Card was issued to Reichsbahnprasident Wilhelm Enrich who stayed at the Grand Hotel.

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Kleiner Wehrmachtfahrschein: Kleiner Wehrmachtfahschein, Teil 1 u. 2 (“Small Military Travel Pass, Part 1 & 2”) was issued as a travel ticket for use on the Ostbahn or Reichbahn. Part one was for outbound trips and part two for the return trip. The diagonal stripe distinguished the pass as free of charge while the non-stripe version was at the soldier’s expense.

Marschbefehl: Marschbefehl (“March or Movement” order) was issued to soldiers for the purpose of duty changes (order to or from the fronts) or schooling. This document was usually issued with the Sonderausweis D and a Wehrmachtfahrschein Teil 1 u. 2.

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Personalausweis für Hilfskrankenträger: Personalausweis für Hilfskrankenträger was issued to Wehrmacht soldiers who were specially trained were authorized to act as stretcher-bearers.

Sonderausweis D: Sonderausweis D (“Special Identity Document D”), D meaning Dienstreisen (Service Travel). This document was issued for purposes of official military travel. The purpose of the document was to state that you are authorized to travel. If you were leaving the front without one of these documents you would be considered a deserter. Below are two variants using different fonts.

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Wehrmacht Führerschein: Before a service member could operate a Wehrmacht vehicle he had to be trained to drive that vehicle and pass an examination. The license, Wehrmacht Führerschein (“Wehrmacht Drivers License”), contained information concerning unit, birth date, training unit, date of issue, issue number, class of license and picture.

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Der Spiess

Each Wehrmacht company sized unit had a soldier appointed Hauptfeldwebel (in horsed units this was called Hauptwachtmeister). While any NCO could presumably hold this appointment, it generally went to a soldier holding the rank of Oberfeldwebel.

His duties, similar to his counterparts in Allied armies (called a Company Sergeant Major in the British and Commonwealth, and a Company First Sergeant in the US Army), included administrative tasks necessary to running the company, including personnel and supply issues. The German soldier had a fondness for nicknames, and the Hauptfeldwebel acquired several. Informally, he was called "der Spiess" (The Spear), in homage to the ancient practice of arming NCOs with edged weapons rather than firearms. Specifically, this related to a time when the senior NCO in a company was armed with an officer's style called a "spiess." "Der Spiess" was not necessarily the highest-ranking soldier in the company. While Oberfeldwebel (or those career NCOs who made it to Stabsfeldwebel) was the standard rank, it was not a prerequisite. Other NCOs, especially specialists such as the transport sergeant, may well have been senior in rank or

experience to the Hauptfeldwebel, whose duties were less technical and more oriented to administration and troop leading. The Hauptfeldwebel led the company headquarters and supply troops, supervising discipline and all work done in the company rear. He also set up a company writing room, and oversaw all paperwork in the company, including reports, incoming orders, promotions, inventories, etc. He maintained each company soldier's Soldbuch, and coordinated all incoming messages from home to daily mail deliveries. He maintained the rotation of furloughs and passes, watched over food supplies (including the Company canteen) and rest facilities for the company, and when necessary, in the event of a killed or wounded NCO, could also be called upon to lead a platoon-sized subunit. As a sign of his status, the uniform of a Hauptfeldwebel bore two rows of rank braid (tress) around the cuffs; this was seen both on the field blouse and on the greatcoat. These rows of braid were referred to in slang as Piston Rings (Kolbenringe). Another visible sign of his office was the Meldetasche (Reporting Pouch); a black leather case that was carried in the tunic front. In this case he carried papers, rosters and other information he needed to fulfill his duties. The pouch had no straps or method of attachment to the uniform; the second button on the tunic was left undone and the pouch simply thrust in.

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Air Force Hauptfeldwebel conferring with an officer; note the Reporting Pouch tucked into the tunic front, and the rows of braid on the cuff.

Hauptfeldwebel photographed in the US; a Stabsfeldwebel, this soldier has silver braid sewn to his tropical uniform jacket (though possibly the darker tropical lace sewn to the collar). The Army Long Service ribbon can be seen on his ribbon bar; this combined with his rank can allow one to conclude that this man was a prewar career soldier. In fact, Hauptfeldwebel J. Berbert Blueck had been a medical orderly in the infantry and had indeed been in the Army for 12 years prior to his capture at Tunisia on 30 April 1943. (US Army Signal Corps photo)

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Rendering Honors And Saluting

As in most of the world's militaries, rendering honors was a complex subject in the German Army. A soldier in uniform was taught from early on to pay respects to appropriate persons and objects, whether he was on the parade square or off duty altogether. When in uniform, a German soldier was required to render honors to:

• The Fuehrer • Superiors of all the armed services in uniform (including retired members of the Imperial

German forces, the Reichswehr, and the former Austrian Federal Army) • Superiors in civilian clothes that were recognized by the soldier • Flags and standards • War memorials with honor guards posted in front of them

"Superiors" were defined as such:

• A commissioned officer is considered superior to: all lower ranking officers regardless of unit all NCOs and men, regardless of unit

• A senior NCO (Unteroffizier mit Portepee) is considered superior to: all lower ranking NCOs of his own unit (only)

• A non-commissioned officer of any grade is considered superior to: all Men There were three methods of rendering honors:

• Passing by the superior or object while at attention • Coming to the position of attention while stationary and facing the superior (accompanied

by the clicking of the heels) • Coming to the position of attention while seated and facing the superior

The military hand salute was similar to the British and American salutes; always rendered with the right hand, the hand was brought up to the outside and raised, palm forward, to the edge of the headdress. Nothing was to be in either the soldier's mouth or hand when a salute was given. Also, hand salutes were only given when the soldier was in uniform, and wearing his headdress. The outside of the hand was inclined slightly from the vertical. On 24 July 1944, the Nazi Party Salute, as a result of an Order by Goring, replaced the hand salute. The various circumstances in which the need to render honors arose could be varied and complex. In general, when a soldier was in uniform and wearing his headdress, the hand salute was given when, for example, walking past a superior. If a group of soldiers was together, the first person seeing the superior was expected to warn the others, so that all could salute.

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Every member of street patrols and other groups not in military formation were expected to salute individually. Normal walking pace was continued, and the salute was rendered 6 paces from the person/object receiving the salute, and held until 2 paces past. If in civilian clothes, the German greeting was used instead of the hand salute. If a German soldier was carrying something in his hands, he was not expected to salute, but was expected to pass a superior at attention, or if stationary, to stand at attention until the superior had passed him.

When a German soldier reported to a superior in an enclosed space such as an office, the German Greeting was executed, and the superior in this case was not expected to return it; therefore the salute was done very quickly. As well, the man reporting was expected to remove his cap and hold it in the left hand, with the inside of the cap facing his left leg, and the cap's insignia facing to the front. When the soldier was dismissed, he repeated the salute, followed by a crisp about-face and exit. When a superior entered a room or classroom in which soldiers were present, the first soldier to see him called the room to attention (with the call "Achtung") If the superior was a NCO in the soldiers' company, battery or squadron, the senior soldier was expected to report the room - i.e. "Room 21, occupied with 2 Gefreiten and 7 Schützen. Two men on leave, one in hospital."

When part of a formed unit, only the commander was expected to render a hand salute to superiors. Other units not formed, such as a work detail, were expected to continue working when a superior came along; the commander of the party still saluted in the appropriate manner. In all cases, if a soldier was engaged in work he was not expected to stop and salute, especially if doing so would place him or others in danger, or adversely affect their duty.

Armed sentries, regardless of the type of weapon they carried, did not render hand salutes, but instead came to attention and did an eyes right or eyes left. If an armed soldier was on the march, but not as part of a formation, he saluted by facing the person or object, but did not

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salute. If his weapon was slung across his back, his hands remained at his side, if slung over the right shoulder, his right hand rested on the sling at the level of the breast pocket. When seated in a vehicle, or if mounted on horse, bicycle or motorcycle, honors were paid by coming to attention and facing the superior or object. Officers would perform a hand salute if doing so was safe. Vehicle drivers never saluted; co-drivers or vehicle commanders did, however. The seated salute was rare and generally used only when circumstances did not permit standing (such as a crowded restaurant.) In the Commonwealth and US militaries, soldiers greet their superiors, in the German Army it was the opposite. A superior decided whether or not he would greet his subordinate. The typical greeting was "Heil" or "Heil" followed by the rank. Since the soldier was a subordinate, the word "Herr" was not required, i.e. "Heil, Unteroffizier." The junior was expected to respond with "Heil, Herr" followed by the rank. It was also possible for the superior to substitute "Hitler" for the junior's rank, in which case the response was always "Heil Hitler." If the superior was actually Hitler, the response was "Heil, mein Fuehrer."

A Canadian Army training pamphlet said, "The solidarity of all rank is exemplified in the German use of the military salute. The basic principle that the salute is a military greeting exchanged by brothers in arms is made real by the requirement that it is exchanged between all individuals in the military service. Thus the salute has ceased to be a caste symbol associated in the soldier's mind with the officer corps."

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Military Courtesy:

In the German Military “military courtesy” was carefully followed.

Terms of Address: NCOs are addressed as "Herr" (as in "Herr Unteroffizier," "Herr Feldwebel," etc.). The Spiess” is ALWAYS addressed as "Herr Hauptfeldwebel!" Officers were also addressed in the same manner. (i.e. "Herr Leutnant" or "Herr Hauptmann"). Saluting:

In the German army, both officers and Unteroffizier mit Portepee (Feldwebel and above) were saluted. The German hand salute is best described as a "loose" version of the British hand salute, the right hand is brought up closely to the outside, then raised, palm-forward to the visor or cap edge. The outside (heel) of the hand at a very slight angle away from the vertical with the hand loosely together and the arm horizontal to the elbow and angled to the visor. NEVER give the "Hitler Gruss" (Nazi salute). Headgear:

Headgear was removed while indoors unless on duty. His headgear indicated the level of preparedness of a German soldier on duty. As an example: If he came up to you bareheaded, he probably just wanted to talk. If he came up to you with his cap on (indoors), he is probably on official business. If he came up to you with his helmet on, he means action.

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German Wehrkreise (Military Districts or Corps Areas)

I. East Prussia

II. Mecklenburg and Pomerania

III. Brandenburg and Neumark

IV. Saxony and part Thuringia

V. Wurttemberg and part of Baden

VI. Westphalia and the Rhineland

VII. Southern Bavaria

VIII. Silesia and Sudetenland

IX. Part of Thuringia and Hesse

X. Schleswig Holstein and part Hanno

XI. Brunswick, Anhalt and part of Hannover

XII. Eiffel, part of Hesse, Saar, Palatinate, Saar

XIII. Northern Bavaria

XIV. Upper and Lower Austria

XV. Styria, Carinthia, Tyrol

XVI. Danzig, western part of East Prussia

XVII. West Poland

Wehrkreis XVII (Corps Areas)

HQ: Wien Territory: Northern Austria & southern Czechoslovakia Wehrersatzinspektionen: Wien, Linz Commanders: General der Flieger Otto von Stülpnagel (1 Sep 1939 - 24 Oct 1940) General der Artillerie Alfred Streccius (25 Oct 1940 - 21 Aug 1943) General der Infanterie Albrecht Schubert (21 Aug 1943 - ? Apr 1945) The Wehrkreis was an administrative area within German territory. Wehrmacht units were assigned to a Wehrkries, and a unit’s “home” garrison, and training units were located within the Wehrkries, and the units recruited heavily within the Wehrkries.

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Small Arms

P08 (Luger) Caliber: 9mm 8 rounds / Clip fed Action: Semi-Auto Weight: 2 lbs

P38 Caliber: 9mm 8 rounds / Clip fed Action: Semi-Auto Weight: 2 lbs

K98k Year Built: 1935-1945 Caliber: 7.9mm 5 rounds / stripper clip fed Action: Bolt Weight: 8.4lbs

G43 Caliber: 7.9mm 10 rounds / Magazine fed Action: Semi - Automatic, Gas - Operated, Air Cooled Weight: 8.6 lbs

MP 38/40 Caliber: 9mm 32 rounds / Magazine fed Action: Fully-Automatic, Blowback Weight: 8.9 lbs

MP44 Caliber: 7.92mm (Kurtz) 30 rounds / Magazine fed Rate of Fire: 500-600 rpm Weight: 11.5 lbs

MG34 Caliber: 7.92mm Belt feed / 75-round drum Rate of Fire: 800-900 rpm Weight: 26.7 lbs

MG42 Caliber: 7.92mm Belt feed Action: Fully-Automatic, Air Cooled Rate of Fire: approx. 1200 rpm Weight: 25.5 lbs

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5.0 cm (50mm) Mortar

8.0 cm (80mm) Mortar

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K98 by M. P. Weber

Model Designation: Karbiner 98 Kurz Caliber: 7.92mm (7.92X57) Overall Length: 1,110mm (43.7") Weight: Solid stock; 3.8kg (8.38lbs.) Laminated stock: 4kg. Magazine: 5 round, fixed box Front sight: inverted "V" notch (later models had a sight hood cover) Rear sight: "V" notch adjustable up to 2,000 meters Rifling: 4 grooves, right hand twist, one turn every 240mm Safety: 3-way safety lever on rear of bolt. Left to fire, right to safe, center to load. Markings: With few exceptions, every K98 was stamped with manufacturers' code and date on top of receiver. In June 1934, the German army adopted the Mauser Karbiner 98 kurz as the standard service rifle of the German army. It remained in service until the end of the war in May 1945. Eleven years in production produced over 14 million K98s, and out of the 14 million produced, there are over 100 combinations of maker codes and production years. All of this combined with the fact that the Mauser K98 is one of the best bolt actions designs of all time, makes the K98k one of the most collectable rifles of WWII, and perhaps of all time.

Dates, Makers, and Codes : In 1934 only two manufacturers where assigned to produce the K98k. These were the Mauser plant at Obendorf, and the firm of J.P. Sauer & Sohn at Suhl. Mauser, Obendorf was the only manufacturer to produce the K98 from 1934-1945. Each year later, other makers were added to produce the K98k, while some makers where dropped due to production demands or interests in producing other weapons, such as machine guns, machine pistols, or other small arms that were needed. By 1943 there were at least 7 factories that were producers of the rifle.

Code Manufacturer

duv S/237 237

Berlin-Luebecker Maschinenfabriken, Werk Luebeck

S/27 S/27G 27

Erfurter Maschinenfabrik (ERMA)

ax Feinmechanische Werke GmbH, Erfurt, Altonaerstr. 25 337 bcd

Gustloff Werke, Werk Weimar, Weimar

bcd/ar Gustloff Werke in Weimar, and Mauser-Werke AG, Berlin

ce S/147 S/147G 147

S/147K

J.P. Sauer & Sohn, Suhl

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Code Manufacturer

svw byf

Mauser-Werke AG, Oberndorf a./N

S/42 42

Mauser-Werke AG, Oberndorf a./N, early code

S/42K Mauser-Werke AG, Oberndorf a./N, production in 1934 S/42G Mauser-Werke AG, Oberndorf a./N, production in 1935

ar S243 S243G 243

Mauser-Werke AG, Werke Borsigwalde, Berlin-Borsigwalde, Eichborndamm

660 Steyr-Daimler Puch, Steyr, Austria bnz Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG, Werke Steyr, Steyr, Austria swap dot 945

Waffenwerke Bruenn AG, Brno, Czechoslovakia

dou Waffenwerke Bruenn AG, Werke Bystrica K98 Variations- During the war several changes and/or alterations were made to the K98. Most of these changes were simply design alterations that were made to simplify or increase production of the rifle. Another example of the changes made to the K98 late in the war is the introduction of the Kriegsmodell K98. The Kriegsmodell K98 is basically the most simplified version of the K98. Several design changes were made to produce the Kriegsmodell. Several items were completely eliminated, such as: bayonet lug, cleaning rod, bolt disassembly disk, bolt guide, barrel band spring, and even the locking screws for the floor plate. Kriegsmodell K98s are usually late 1944 or 1945 production. They will usually have very rough machined parts, and stocks will be rough and usually unfinished. Below are pictures of a Kriegsmodell K98, that was made by Mauser, Obendorf in 1945, and is marked "byf 45." Note also in the pictures below the differences between the standard K98, and the Kriegsmodell K98.

48

K98 made by Mauser, Obendorf in 1945, and labeled "byf 45". Notice the phosphated finish to this piece, and also notice that the model designation "Mod. 98" has been moved from the side of the receiver to the top of the receiver.

K98 made by Waffen Werke, Brunn, Brunn in 1944, and is marked "dot 1944". Note that this late war K98 is marked with the full year 1944, and not just the partial year "44" or simply "4".

Also notice the rough machine markings on this late war piece.

K98 made by Waffen Werke, Brunn, Bystrica in 1943, and is marked "dou 43".

Typical mid-war production and finish on this piece

49

Comparison of the standard K98 bolt (right), and the Kriegsmodell K98 bolt (left). Notice the bolt on the right has typical milled out, oval shaped cooling holes, while the bolt on the left has round, drilled out cooling holes.

This picture shows us 2 K98 bolts. Notice that the bolt on the left is missing the bolt guide. That's because this bolt is a Kriegsmodell K98 bolt. Notice also that it is parkerized. The one on the right is a standard K98 bolt, and is blued.

50

Two floor plates for the K98. The one on the right is a milled floorplate. This type can be found on pre-war, and early war time K98 models. The left one is a stamped floor plate, and is found on late war K98s. Notice also on this one that it is also missing the locking screws. That is because this floor plate is for a Kriegsmodell K98.

Two K98 trigger guards. The one on the right is a milled trigger guard. Again these are found on pre-war and early war K98s. The one on the left is a stamped trigger guard, and is found on late war K98s. Notice again that this stamped trigger guard is missing the locking screws, which means that this trigger guard is for a Kriegsmodell K98.

The test firing proof will be located on the aft of the bolt handle.

Front barrel band. This is a mid-war production barrel band. It is milled type, but not formed like the "H" types. Serial number are marked on these, but late war stamped barrel bands usually won't have serial numbers on them. This is a 1943 date K98.

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Serial numbers on the k98 stocks are usually located under the stock, half way between the hand grip, and the buttplate.

Bolt of the K98 shows 3 serial number locations: top of bolt, safety lever, and bolt handle.

Serial numbers as found on the rear sight leaf, and sight adjustment. Note that very late war K98s might not have any serial numbers marked on these parts. All early war or pre-war K98s should have serial numbers on these though.

This K98 is a 1943 date.

Serial numbers for the receiver and barrel on a K98. Note also the acceptance proof markings.

Serial numbers also found on rear sight base. This is also a 1943 k98

52

Ordnance Codes For Rifles

Code Manufacturer

duv S/237 237

Berlin-Luebecker Maschinenfabriken, Werk Luebeck

S/27 S/27G 27

Erfurter Maschinenfabrik (ERMA)

ax Feinmechanische Werke GmbH, Erfurt, Altonaerstr. 25 337 bcd

Gustloff Werke, Werk Weimar, Weimar

bcd/ar Gustloff Werke in Weimar, and Mauser-Werke AG, Berlin

ce S/147 S/147G 147

S/147K

J.P. Sauer & Sohn, Suhl

svw byf

Mauser-Werke AG, Oberndorf a./N

S/42 42

Mauser-Werke AG, Oberndorf a./N, early code

S/42K Mauser-Werke AG, Oberndorf a./N, production in 1934 S/42G Mauser-Werke AG, Oberndorf a./N, production in 1935

ar S243 S243G 243

Mauser-Werke AG, Werke Borsigwalde, Berlin-Borsigwalde, Eichborndamm

660 Steyr-Daimler Puch, Steyr, Austria bnz Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG, Werke Steyr, Steyr, Austria

swap dot 945

Waffenwerke Bruenn AG, Brno, Czechoslovakia

dou Waffenwerke Bruenn AG, Werke Bystrica

53

P38 Pistol Manufacturer Codes

Code Manufacturer Dates

Walther Walther 37 - mid 40 480 Walther mid 40 - Oct 42 ac Walther Oct 42 to end of war byf Mauser Nov 42 to Jan 45 SvW Mauser Jan 45 to end of war cyg Spreewerk Mar 41 to end of war

Serial numbers were never to exceed 10,000 in a series. Second series included suffix a being added, third series had suffix of b and so on. As an example: AC44 9875c means a Walther pistol manufactured in 1944, 4th series, 9875 pistol of that series, though some sources say not all serial numbers were sequential.

Helmet Manufacturer Codes

Code Manufacturer

ET (or ckl) Eisenhüttenwerke NS Vereinigte Deutsche Nikelwerke Q Quist

SE (or hkp) Sachsische Emaillier und Stanzwewerke FS (or EF) Emaillierwerke A.G.

54

German Small Arms

Submachine Guns

Weapon Caliber Comment MP.18,I WWI Bergmann MP.28 improved MP.18,I MP.30 (ö) ex-Austrian S1-100 variant MP.34 (ö) ex-Austrian Steyr Solothurn MP.34 Bgm. Bergmann MP.35 Bergmann version of the MP.34 Bgm MP.38 9 mm Predecessor to the MP40

MP.38/40 9 mm produced as production of the MP.40 was starting, this model had elements of both designs

MP.40 9 mm MP.40/II 9 mm MP40 w/ dual magazine MP.41 9 mm MP.40 w/ MP.28-like stock EMP44 cheap weapon made by Erma MP.704(f) ex-Frence PM Vollmar Erma MP.715(r) 7.62x25 mm PPD 34/38 MP.716(r) 7.62x25 mm PPD 40 MP.717(r) 7.62x25 mm PPSh 41 MP.719 (r) Captured Russian PPs-43 MP.722 (f) Captured French Mas-38 MP.738 (i) 9 mm Beretta model 38/42 MP.739(i) 9 mm Beretta Mo.938 MP.740(b) ex-Belgian Mi.Schmeisser-Bayard Mle.34 MP.741 (d) license built Bergman made in Denmark MP.746 (d) Madsen M-42 MP.749 (e) 9 mm Captured British Sten Mk II MP.751 (e) 9 mm Captured British Sten Mk II with silencer

MP.760 (e)/(j)/(a)/(r) .45 Cal Captured Thompson M-28 from British, US, Yugoslavian or Soviet

MP.761 (f) .45 Cal Captured Thompson M-1921 purchased by France in 1939 MP.3008 9 mm German near-copy of the Sten Mk.II MP.E Erma

55

Semi-automatic Rifles

Weapon Caliber Comment

Gewehr 41 (W) 7.92 mm Walther self-loading rifle adopted as standard in 1942 Gewehr 43 7.92 mm Modification of G 41 (W) to gas-operated Karabiner 43 7.92 mm Shorter version of G 43, introduced in 1944

MP 43 7.92x33 mm First series completed in July 43, first combat use in Eastern Front

MP 43/1 7.92x33 mm Variant of MP 43 with provision for an screw-on grenade launcher

MP 44 7.92x33 mm Name of MP 43 altered in the spring of 1944 Sturmgewehr 44 7.92x33 mm New name for the MP 44, no changes in design

Sturmgewehr 45 7.92x33 mm MP 45 (M) only prototypes built prior to end of war. Forerunner of the Spanish CETME 58

Volkssturmgewehr 1-5 7.92x33 mm Intended as a cheap and mass-produced self-loading weapon. First completed in late 44

Fallschirmjägergewehr 42 7.92 mm Evolved by Rheinmetall from a Luftwaffe requirement. Accepted for service in 1942

Selbstladegewehr 257 (r) 7.62 mm Russian AVS-36 Selbstladegewehr 258 (r) 7.62 mm Russian SVT-38 Selbstladegewehr 259 (r) 7.62 mm Russian SVT-40 Selbstladegewehr 251 (a) 7.62 mm American M1 Garand Selbstladekarabiner 455 (a) 7.62 mm American M1Carbine

56

Bolt Action Rifles

Weapon Caliber Comment G-98 7.92 mm Gewehr 24 (Czech) Built under license Gew 29/40 (Austrian) Gew 262 (Belgian) Gew 289 (Polish) Gew 290/298 (Jugoslavian) Built under license Gewehr 98/40 8 mm Huzagol 35M from Hungary Gewehr 33/40 Basically a shortened version of the K98 Gewehr 98 8 mm Austrian Repetier Gewehr 1895 in Gewehr 306 Greek, Italian or jugoslavian G-9 Gewehr 294 7.9 mm G-98 recalibrated by the jugoslavians Gewehr 33 Musketon vz 16/33 the standard Czech Army carbine Gewehr 209 6.5 mm Italian Fucille modelo 38 Gewehr 210 6.5 mm Italian Fucille modelo 41 Gewehr 211 6.5 mm Dutch Gewehr M95 Manlicher Gewehr 214 6.5 mm Italian Fucille modelo 91 Gewehr 215 6.5 mm Greek mannlicher-Schönauer Model 03/14 Gewehr 231 7.35 mm Italian Fucille modelo 38 Gewehr 241 7.5 mm French model 07-15 M34 Gewehr 242 7.5 mm French MAS-36 Gewehr 249 7.62 mm American M1903 Gewehr 252 7.62 mm Russian Mosin M-91 and Jugoslavian Puska M91R Gewehr 254 7.62 mm Russian Mosin M-91/30 Gewehr 256 7.62 mm Russian Mosin M-91/30 with 3.5 telescope Gewehr 261 7.65 mm Belgian Fusil 1889 Mauser Gewehr 263 7.65 mm Belgian Fusil 36 Mauser Gewehr 281 7.7 mm British Rifle Nº 1 Mk III Gewehr 301 8 mm French model 1886 transformed 1893 Gewehr 302 8 mm French model 1907 transformed 1915 Gewehr 303 8 mm French model 1886 racroche 1935 Gewehr 304 8 mm French model 1916 Gewehr 305 8 mm French model 1907 dit colonial Gewehr 307 8 mm Jugoslavian Puska M93 Gewehr 311 8 mm Danish Gevaer m/89-10 K-98a 7.92 mm K-98b 7.92 mm K98k 7.92 mm Karabiner 408 6.5 mm Italian Moschetto modello 38 Karabiner 409 6.5 mm Italian Moschetto modello 91 for cavalry Karabiner 410 6.5 mm Italian Moschetto m 91 for technical troops Karabiner 411 6.5 mm Dutch Karabijn aantal 1 Karabiner 412 6.5 mm Dutch Karabijn aantal 1 OM en NM Karabiner 413 6.5 mm Dutch Karabijn aantal 3 OM en NM

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Weapon Caliber Comment Karabiner 414 6.5 mm Dutch Karabijn aantal 4 OM en NM Karabiner 411(n) 6.5 mm Norwegian Kavalerikarabin m/1894 Karabiner 412(n 6.5 mm Norwegian Kavalerikarabin m/1895 Karabiner 413(n) 6.5 mm Norwegian Ingenieorkarabin m/1904 Karabiner 414(n) 6.5 mm Norwegian Artillerikarabin m/1907 Karabiner 415 6.5 mm Norwegian Karabin m/1912 Karabiner 416 6.5 mm Italian moschetto modello 91/24 Karabiner 430 7.35 mm Italian moschetto modello 38 Karabiner 451 7.65 mm Belgian Carabine 1889 Karabiner 453 7.65 mm Belgian Carabine 1916 Karabiner 454 7.62 mm Russian Karabin obr 1938 g Karabiner 457 7.62 mm Russian Karabin obr 1944 g Karabiner 494 Greek S-95 Karabiner 497 7.92 mm Polish Karabinek 91/98/25 in [ex Mosin]) Karabiner 505 Italian or jugoslavian S-95 Karabiner 506/1 8 mm Danish Artilleriekarabin m/89-24 Karabiner 506/2 8 mm Danish Fodfolkskarabin m/89-24 Karabiner 506/3 8 mm Danish Ingeniorkarabin m/89-24 Karabiner 506/1 8 mm Danish Rytterkarabin m/89-24 Karabiner 551 8 mm French model 1890 Karabiner 552 8 mm French model 1892 Karabiner 553 8 mm French model 1916 Stützen 95 (ö) 8 mm Austrian Repetier-Stützen-Gewehr m-1895 VG 1 7.92 mm Volksturgewehr 1 VG 2 7.92 mm Volksturmkarabinerb 98 7.92 mm

58

German Commands

German Commands English Translation

Abteilung, Halt! (ab-Ty-loong halt) Squad(or other unit) halt! Abzählen! (ab-TSAHL-en) Count Off! Achtung (AHCK-tooong) Snap to, pay attention, or return to attention in formation Achtung! Präsentiert das Gewehr! (Pray-sen TEERE das ge-VAIR)

Attention! Present, Arms!

Angetreten! (on-gay-tre-ten) Fall In! (at the position of attention) Antreten! (on-tre-ten) Fall In! (not at attention) Appell Roll call, muster, or inspection Augen gerade, aus! (OW-gen ge-Rah-deh ows)

Ready, Front! (eyes front)

Augen, links! (OW-gen leenks) Eyes, Left! Augen, rechts! (OW-gen reckts) Eyes, Right! In Doppelreihe, angetreten! In Column of Twos, Fall In! Durchdecken! Dress and Cover! Feuer! (foy-er) Fire! Feuerkette (foy-er kett) Line of Skirmishers Ganze Abteilung, Kehrt! (Gants ab-Ty-loong kairt)

About, Face!

Gewehr, ab! (Ge-VAIR ahp) Order, Arms! Gewehr, abnehmen! Unsling, Arms! Gewehr in die, Hand! Take, Arms! Das Gewehr, über! (Dass ge-VAIR OO-bur)

Left Shoulder, Arms!

Gewehr umhängen! (Ge-VAIR oom-hahng -en)

Sling, Arms!

Im Gleichschritt, Marsch! Forward, March! (from the halt) Im Gleichschritt! Quick Time! (from double time) Halblinks schwenkt, Marsch! Column Half-left, March! Halbrechts schwenkt, Marsch! Column Half-right, March! Halt, wer da! Halt! Who is there? Hande Hoch! Hands up Habt Acht! Attention (Austrian - used in lieu of Stillgestanden) Heraustreten! Fall Out! (as in out of a barracks for formation) Im Halber schritt, Marsch! Half-step, March! In Marschordung, angetreten! (enn maarsch-ORD-oong, AHN-ge-tre-ten)

In Column of Threes, Fall In!

Kommando zurück! As you were! (as in ignore the last command) Laden und Sichern! Lock and Load! Im Laufschritt, Marsch, Marsch! Double-time, March!

59

German Commands English Translation

In Linie zu einem Gliede, angetreten!

In Single Rank, Fall In!

Links schwenkt, Marsch! (leenks shvenkt maarsch)

Column Left, March!

Links, um! (Leenks oom) Left, Face! (from the halt)/ Left Flank, March! (while marching)

Ohne Tritt, Marsch! Route Step, March! Pass Auf! (Pass owf) Look Out! Rechts schwenkt Marsch! (reckts shvenkt, maarsch)

Column Right, March!

Rechts, um! (Reckts oom) Right, Face! (from the halt)/ Right Flank, March! (while marching)

Richt, Euch! Right Dress! Rührt, Euch! (roort oych) At Ease! Ruht! At Ease! (Austrian - in lieu of Rührt, Euch) Sei Ruhig! (ZY ROO-hig) Be Quiet! Seitengewehr, an Ort! Unfix, Bayonets! Seitengewehr, pflanzt auf! Fix, Bayonets! Setzt die, Gewehr! Zusammen! Stack, Arms! Schnell! Fast, Hurry! Sicher Safe Stillgestanden! (SHTILL-gay-Shtan-den)

Attention!

Voran! (for-an) Go On! Vorposten Raus! (FOR-pos-ten rhows)

Outposts Out!

Vorsicht! (FOR-zeehkt) Careful! Wegetreten! (VAY Gay-tren-ten) Dismissed! Weiter machen! As you were (as in carry on) Zu Befehl! (Tsoo Beh-fell) Yes Sir! (In acknowledgment of an order)

60

Conversational German

English Phonetic Pronunction German

Hello HA-lo Hallo Good Morning goo-ten MAWR-gen Guten Morgen Good day/afternoon goo-ten TAHK Guten Tag Good evening goo-ten AH-bent Guten Abend Good night goo-te NAHKT Gute Nacht How are you vee GATE S e-nen Wie geht es Ihnen I am well ess GATE meer GOOT Es geht mir gut Thank you DAHN-ka Danke You’re welcome BIT-a Bitte Please BIT-a Bitte Pardon me fer-TSAI-oong Verzeihung My name is hish HAI-sa_____ Ich heisse_____ What is your name vee HAI-sen ZEE Wie heissen Sie Glad to meet you ZAYR AHN-g’naym Sehr angenehm Come in hay-RAIN Herein Will you have a cig. VAWL-en zee ai-na tsig-ah-RET-a Wollen Sie eine Zigarette Do you have a light HA-ben zee FOY-er Haben Sie Feuer Good Bye LAY-ben zee VOAL Leben Sie wohl See you again ouf VEE-der-zayn Auf Wiedersehen See you tomorrow ouf MAWR-gen Auf morgen See you soon ouf BAHLT Auf bald Good Luck AH-less GOO-ta Alles Gute YES YA Ja No Nine Nein I don’t think so ish gloub-a NISHT Ich glaube nicht I think so ish GLOUB-a Ich glaube What VEE-bit-a Wie bitte Please repeat BIT-a vee-der-HO-len ZEE Bitte wiederholen Sie What do you call this VEE NEN-en zee DEESS Wie nennen Sie dies What is this VAHSS ist DEESS Was ist dies What is that VAHSS ist DAHSS Was ist das Wait a moment VAR-ten zee ai-nen OW-gen-blik Warten Sie einen Augenblick come with me KAWM-en zee mit MEER Kommen Sie mit meer write the number SHRAI-ben zee dee TSAHL OUF Schreiben Sie die Zahl auf Show your identification

TSAI-gen zee ee-ren OUSS-vaiss Zeigen Sie Ihren Ausweis

Where are you going vo-hin GAY-en ZEE Wohin gehen Sie where is your superior

VO ist eer FOR-g’zets-ter Wo ist Ihr Vorgesetzter

what is your rank VEL-shen RAHNG ha-ben zee Welchen Rang haben Sie What is your_____ VEL-shess ist______ Welches ist_____

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English Phonetic Pronunction German

outfit ee-ra AIN-hait Ihre Einheit company ee-ra kawm-pa-NEE Ihre Kompanie battalion eer ba-tahl-YOAN Ihr Bataillon regiment eer rayg-ee-MEN Ihr Regiment division ee-ra dee-veez- YOAN Ihre Division How many men in your

vee-feel MAHN zint in ee-rer Wievel Mann sind in Ihrer

where is there water VO gipt es VA-ser Wo gibt es Wasser give this message to__

GAY-ben zee dee-za MIT tai-loong Geben Sie diese Mitteilung

Help HIL-fa Hilfe Call a first aid man ROOF-en zee ai-nen za-nee-TAY-

ter Rufen Sie einen Sanitäter

Give me ___ GAY-ben zee meer__ Geben Sie mir_____ this DEESS dies that DAHSS das a bandage ai-na BIN-da eine Binde batteries ba-T’REEN Batterien cigarettes tsig-ah-RET-en Zigaretten a flashlight ai-na TA-shen-lahm-pa eine Taschenlampe matches SHTRAISCH-herl-tser Streichhölzer Show me on the map TSAI-gen zee meer ouf DEE-zer

KAR-ta Zeigen Sie mir auf dieser Karte

Have you a map HA-ben zee ai-na KAR-ta Haben Sie eine Karte This way DEE-za RISH-toong Diese Richtung That way YAY-na RISH-toong Jene Richtung Here HEER Hier There DAWRT Dort How may km from here

VEE-feel kee-lo-MAY-ter fawn Wievel Kilometer von hier

Danger G’FAR Gefahr Don’t smoke nisht ROUKH-en Nicht rauchen Careful FOR-zisht Vorsicht Look out OUF-pa-sen Aufpassen Lie down NEE-der Nieder Take down DEK-oong- nay-men Deckung nehmen don’t shoot nisht SHEE-sen Nicht schiessen don’t move kai-na B’VAY-goong Keine Bewegung obey or I’ll fire ven zee nisht G’HAWR-shen SHEE-

sa ish Wenn Sie nicht gehorchen schiesse ich

62

German Phonetic Alphabet

Anton Berta/Bruno Caeser Dora Emil Friedrich/Fritz Gustav Heinrich Ida Josef Konrad/Kurfust Ludwig Martha Nordpol Otto Paula Quelle Richard Siegfried Toni Ulrich Viktor Wilhelm Xantippe Ypern Zeppelin

63

Ten Commandments of the German Soldier

1. You are the chosen ones of the German Army. You will seek combat and train yourselves to endure any manner of test. To you the battle shall be fulfillment. 2. Cultivate true comradeship, for by the aid of your comrades you will conquer or die. 3. Beware of talking. Be not corruptible. Men act while women chatter. Chatter may bring you to the grave. 4. Be calm and prudent, strong and resolute. Valor and enthusiasm of an offensive spirit will cause you to prevail in the attack. 5. The most precious thing in the presence of the foe is ammunition. He who shoots uselessly, merely to comfort himself, is a man of straw who merits not the title of Soldier. 6. Never surrender. To you death or victory must be a point of honor. 7. You can triumph only if your weapons are good. See to it that you submit yourself to this law--first my weapon and then myself. 8. You must grasp the full purpose of every enterprise, so that if your leader be killed you can fulfill it. 9. Against an open foe fight with chivalry, but to a guerrilla extend no quarter. 10. Keep your eyes wide open. Tune yourself to the topmost pitch. Be nimble as a greyhound, as tough as leather, as hard as Krupp steel, and so you shall be the German warrior incarnate.

64

Abbreviations used with Individual Map (Figure) Symbols

Abr Title Translation Abr Title Translation

Adj Adjudant Adjutant o.O. Ordennanz Offizier Aid (-de-Camp)

B Fahnenschmied Farrier / Horse Smith

Ord Ordennanz Orderly

Be Beamte Government Service Official

Pf Pferdehalter Groom / Horse Holder

Beob Beobachtung Observation Pi Pionier Pioneer / Engineer

Bl Blinker Flash Signaler R Rechnungsführer Accounts Clerk

EM Entfernungsmesser Distance Measurer

R Richtkreis Direction Finder

F Feuermeister Exposives Specialist

S Scherenfernrohr Scissors Telescope

Fe Fernsprecher Telephoneman / Wireman

S Schirrmeister Foreman (alternate)

Fhr Führer Leader San Sanitäts Medical / Medic

Ft Futter Fodder Sat Sattler Saddle Maker

Fu Funker Radio Man Schir Schirrmeister Foreman / Technical Sergeant

G Gerät Equipment Schr Schreiber Clerk

Gas Gasschutz Gas Protection Schn Schneider Tailor

GewF Gewehrfüher Gun Team Leader Schu Schuh Cobbler

H Handwerker Craftsman

H Hauptfeldwebel Company First Sergeant

Stell Stellmacher Wheelwright

K Koch Cook St Stellung Ranging

Kf Kraftfahr Motor V Verpflegung Commissary / Rations

L Ladeschütze Loader Vet Veterinär Veterinary

M Melder Messenger W Waffen Armorer

Meß Messdienst Measurer WF Waffenführer Weapon Commander

Mot Motorenschlosser Motor Mechanic Wm Waffenmeister Master Armorer

Mun Munition Ammunition Zahl Zahlmeister Paymaster

N Nachrichten Signal

65

Glossary

Abschnitt [plural: Abschnitte]: Depending on its usage, this term could mean "Regiment" in which it was mainly used for border troops, or it could refer roughly to a district or sector. Abschnitt was originally a deceptive term originating from the time of the Treaty of Versailles to hide the fact that Germany had combat capable border troops in addition to the units allowed by the treaty. Abschnittkommando: A divisional-sized administrative unit that controlled a number of regimental-sized border units. Absichtspfeil: A tactical term generally meaning intended direction of movement. Abteilung [plural: Abteilungen]: Depending on its usage, this term could mean "detachment", "department" or "battalion", but the vast majority of the time Abteilung meant "battalion", precisely. Abwehrkampfe: Defensive combat. Alarmeinheiten: Alarm units. The term "alarm unit" was used in several contexts. The most common were ad hoc units assembled by rear area support units and training units to respond to local emergencies such as airborne landings, amphibious assaults, local uprisings, and partisan activities. Angriff: attack. Armee [plural: Armeen]: A term meaning "Army". An organizational formation made up of Korps units. Armee-Abteilung [plural: Armee-Abteilungen]: A term meaning "Army Detachment." Usually larger than a single Korps but smaller than a full Armee. Sometimes formed by grouping Korps in an Armee together. Armeegruppe [plural: Armeegruppen]: Literally, an "Army Grouping." By 1943 these were usually two or three adjacent Armeen, possibly but not always one German and one Axis-allied, with one of the Armee HQs (usually the German) temporarily placed in command over the others. An Armeegruppe was always subordinate to the local Heeresgruppe. Before late 1943, the term Armeegruppe had a less defined meaning, and could mean an Armee-sized grouping (Panzergruppe 2 was reinforced in August 1941 and was called Armeegruppe Guderian) or even a Korps-sized unit (such as Armeegruppe Felber). Armeenachrichtenführer: Army Signals Officer. Armeepionierführer: Army Engineer Officer. Artillerie: Artillery.

66

Artillerieführer: Artillery Officer. Artilleriekommandeur: Artillery Commander. Auffrischung: Refresh (as in, to refresh a unit after combat). Aufgestellt: Formed (as in, to form a unit). Aufklärung: Reconnaissance. Ausbildungs: Training. Bataillon [plural: Bataillone]: A term meaning "Battalion." An organizational formation made of Kompanien and usually attached to a Regiment. Batterie [plural: Batterien]: A term meaning "Battery". An organizational equal to a Kompanie, but used in place of that term for units of similar size but composed of artillery or anti-aircraft weapons. An Infanterie-Bataillon was composed of 3 or 4 Infanterie-Kompanien, while an Artillerie-Abteilung was made up of 3 or 4 Artillery-Batterien. Bau: Construction. Baupionier: Construction Engineers. Beabsichtigen: Intended (as in, intended movement or action). Befehlshaber der: Commander of... Bereitstellungraum: Assembly area. Bewährung: This term means "punitive" or literally "probation". When speaking of actual units, this type of unit was used as a punishment unit for soldiers guilty of serious violations of German military law. If a soldier broke a military law, disobeyed an order or otherwise was found guilty of a crime or criminal act, he could be sent to this type of unit. If he served well and survived, he could be rehabilitated back to a regular unit. bodenständige (or "bo"): Static. Used as an adjective (and hence not capitalized) to indicate certain units were not fully field-mobile. Brigade [plural: Brigaden]: A term meaning "Brigade". Means the same in German as in English. An organizational unit usually made up of 2 or more Regimenter. Brigade-sized units served either as independent units or as an organic part of a Division. Sometimes they served as an organic part of a Korps in place of a Division. Early in the war, many Divisionen consisted of one or more Brigaden, each consisting of a number of Regimenter along with the usual attached and organic units.

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Brückenbau: A term meaning "Bridge building". Also refers to a type of unit known as "Bridging Engineers". Chef des Generalstabes: The Chief of General Staff. Division [plural: Divisionen]: A term meaning "Division". Means the same in German as in English. An organizational unit made up of Regimenter and usually controlled by a Korps. Durchbruckskampfe: Breakthrough combat. Einheit: Detachment or unit. Einmarsch: March in (to). Eisenbahn: Railroad. Ersatz: Replacement. Eroberung: Conquer. Evangelischer Kriegspfarrer: Evangelical Priest, served on the general staff of Armeegruppen, Amreen, Korps, and Disivionen within in the Personnel Group or Adjutantur staff position. Fahrtruppen: Fast Troops. Fallschirm: Parachute. Used in conjunction with other unit types. Feld-: Field-. Used occasionally to designate certain rear-area units when they were deployed in the combat zone (although usually as rear-area security and not in the front line). For example, a Feldausbildungseinheit (Field Training Unit) was a Training Unit sent to the field forces. Feldgendarmerie: Field Police. Feldkommandantur [plural: Feldkommandanturen]: "Field Command," equivalent roughly to a Regiment in importance, used for security purposes in occupied territory. Feldlazarett: Field Hospital. Festung: Fortress. Fla (Fliegerabwehr): (light) Antiaircraft. Flak (Fliegerabwehrkanone): Antiaircraft. Completely, Antiaircraft Gun. Originally, Fla were mostly AA MGs, while Flak were larger-caliber guns.

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Freiwillige: Volunteers. Used by mainly by the Waffen-SS to denote units composed of foreign volunteers. For a time, it was applied to non-German but Germanic volunteers (e.g., Norwegians, Danes, etc.), later it was applied to denote non-Germanic units (Ukrainians, etc.). Flieger: Flyer. Fliegerabwehrkanone: Antiaircraft Gun. Fusilier: Infantry, or Heavy Infantry. An infantry formation with some recon abilities that replaced an infantry division's recon battalion in mid-war (when the Germans reduced the number of standard infantry battalions in their divisions from 9 to 6). Granatwerfer: Mortar (literally "Grenade Thrower"). Gebirge: Mountains. Gefecht: Combat action. Gegenstoß: Counter-thrust. Geheime Feldpolizei: Secret Field Police. Geschütz: Gun. Grabenkrieg: Trench warfare. Grenadier: In 1942, the Germans needed to reinforce their field forces in some way. Since they didn't have the men or equipment to send out in quantity, they decided to reinforce the morale of their field forces, by resurrecting traditional military terms and thereby recalling Germany's glorious military past. The most significant resurrection was Grenadier a traditional term for a type of infantryman. Other resurrected infantry terms were Fusilier and Musketier. Generalkommando: General Headquarters. Generalstab des Heeres: Army General Staff. Grenze: Border. Grenzwacht: Border. Literally, "border watch," signified a separate branch of the border troops from the Grenze above. Gruppe [plural: Gruppen]: Group. Handelsmarine: The German merchant marine during the WWII era. Heer: Army; The regular German Army.

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Heeresgruppe [plural: Heeresgruppen]: Literally, "Army Group". An organizational formation made up of a number of Armeen. The largest single German organizational formation during WWII. Usually consisted of hundreds of various units and upwards of a few hundred thousand men, all of which operated in a far ranging geographic region of the front. An example would be Heeresgruppe Afrika, which controlled all units fighting in North Afrika at the time of its formation. Hilfswillige: Auxiliary Volunteers. After the invasion of the USSR, many thousands of Soviet citizens volunteered to fight the Soviet regime. At first, the German government refused to use them, but later relented (no doubt in the face of mounting casualties) and allowed the German Army to use them in non-combat roles. Hilfswillige served as auxiliaries to the front line troops on various support tasks such as construction or carrying ammo. Himmelfahrts Kommando: Literally translated means "Journey-to-heaven-mission" and describes any operation with extremely high risk, although not necessarily suicidal. Generally, in the ranks of the Wehrmacht, this black-humor term was understood to mean a mission where the chances of survival were practically nil. Examples were rearguard actions of small groups to cover the retreat of a larger unit by holding a position and delaying the enemy as long as possible until it usually was too late for their own withdrawal, or reconnaissance and commando raids far behind enemy lines. Hochgebirgs: High mountains. Usually in reference to specialist units trained in high mountain warfare and survival. Infanterie: Infantry. Jäger: Light Infantry. Originated in 1942 (see Grenadier) to boost the morale of light infantry units. jäger: 1) -infantry. Used in conjunction with other unit types, it indicated the infantry component of that general type. Fallschirmjäger: Parachute Infantry; Gebirgsjäger: Mountain Infantry; Skijäger: Ski Infantry; etc. 2) When used in its hunting sense, "-jäger" did not necessarily imply infantry. Thus, Panzerjäger meant antitank ("tank hunter") and not armored infantry. Jagd-: Literally "hunting". Used in conjunction with another word to signify a unit’s role. (see below) Also applied to weapons; e.g., Jagdtiger was the special "tank hunter" version of the Tiger tank (tactically it was actually used in an ambush role). Jagd-Kommando: Literally, a "Hunting Command". In theory, a commando outfit that, when the enemy overran an occupied area, would remain behind enemy lines and carry out sabotage and other guerrilla actions. These units did not operate as such and were taken over by the SS and used as front line combat troops in 1944-45.

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Katholischer Kriegspfarrer: Catholic Priest, served on the general staff of Armeegruppen, Amreen, Korps, and Disivionen within in the Personnel Group or Adjutantur staff position. Kavallerie: Cavalry. Kosaken: Cossack. Usually, but not always, was a cavalry unit. Formed from Russian Cossacks fighting along side Germany. Kettenkrad: Tracked motorcycle. Kompanie [plural: Kompanien]: Company. Kommandeur [plural: Kommandeure]: Typically, the person commanding a unit (Divisionskommandeur: divisional commander). Other uses are rare, except for the artillery branch. An Artillerie-Kommandeur (abbreviated Arko) was a numbered HQ used to control artillery assets at Korps level. (Some were called Artillerie-Führer for a short period in the war.) Later in the war, the Germans created the Höherer Artillerie-Kommandeur (abbreviated Harko) to control artillery assets at Armee level. Kommando [plural: Kommandos]: 1) A "Command" in the sense of a geographical area of authority. 2) A headquarters. The HQ of an army group was a Heeresgruppe Kommando; an Army HQ was an Armee Oberkommando; etc. German corps came in several varieties, of which a Generalkommando was a general corps HQ and a Höhere Kommando, a "higher" HQ was a corps HQ formed from a former "Border Regiment Command" (Grenzschutz-Abschnitt-Kommando), established after the Polish campaign. The "Höhere Kommando" was supposedly for positional or static troops, but by mid war there was little difference between it and a regular field corps. 3) A "Detail" or some small ad hoc formation (e.g., Latrinenkommando was slang for an outhouse cleaning squad). Korps [plural: Korps]: Corps. Korps-Abteilung [plural: Korps-Abteilungen]: Corps "Detachment." On the eastern front, the Germans took to grouping sets of three burnt-out divisions (each about regimental strength) in a formation equivalent to a division. It was called a Korps Abteilung because the Germans for a while had hopes of rebuilding the divisions. As the war in the east ground on without respite, the Germans realized all these divisions would never be rebuilt, so they redesignated each Korps Abteilung as a division, using a divisional number from one of its components. Krad (Kraft-Radfahrzeug): Motorcycle. Kradschützen: Motorcycle soldier. Kriegesgefangen: Prisoner of War. The Germans used, or at least attempted to use, some POW construction units. Kriegsmarine: Navy; The German navy.

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Kriegstagebuch: Unit war diary. Kolonne: Column. Küste: Coast. Landesschützen: (traditional "Territorial Soldier") in effect, second-rate infantry. Some were used as occupation/security troops in occupied areas; others were mobilized as home defense units as enemy forces entered Germany. Landwehr: (traditional "Territorial Army") in effect, second-rate infantry. Mostly gone by the time war broke out. Landsturm: See Volkssturm. Legion [plural: Legionen]: "Legion," often used for units comprised of foreigners in German service. Used by both the German Army and Waffen-SS. A Legion had no fixed size and usually ranged in size from a battalion to a brigade. leicht: Light. When used with another unit type, it meant a light version of the unit type. A "Leichte Division" was a motorized/armored formation. In 1939, Light Divisions were similar to Panzer Divisions but had fewer tanks. In 1941, the 5th Light Division had as many tanks as a Panzer division but only half the infantry (it later was redesignated a Panzer division). Luftlande: Air Landing. Luftwaffe: Air force; The German air force. Marine: Naval. For ground units, used with other unit types, such as Marine-Infanterie, Marine-Schützen: Naval Infantry. German naval infantry units were not elite ground troops like the US or British Marines, but were sailors and other naval personnel the German Navy no longer needed by late 1944. Maschinengewehr: Machinegun. motorisiert: Motorizied. Musketier: the same as "Panzergrenadier," i.e., "Armored Infantry." Used rarely; for the WW2 origin of the term, see Grenadier. Nebel: (literally "fog") Originally, chemical and smoke warfare units; later, units containing Rocket Artillery. See Nebelwerfer. Nachschub: Supply.

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Nachrichten: Signals/communication. Nebelwerfer: Rocket Artillery. "Nebelwerfer" was originally a term for a chemical smoke mortar. The Nebel units were subsequently used for the rocket artillery when these weapons appeared -- 1) since chemical warfare was not being waged and 2) as a deception to hide the appearance of a new weapon from enemy espionage -- and for a while (1941 particularly) a Nebel unit could either be a 10-cm chemical mortar unit or a rocket artillery unit. Oberfeldkommandantur [plural: Oberfeldkommandanturen]: "High Field Command," equivalent roughly to a division in importance, used for security purposes in occupied territory. An "OFK" was mostly a territorial organization, controlling various security assets in its assigned area, but it could function somewhat like a field unit in emergencies. Oberbefehlshaber (abbreviated Ob. or OB, e.g., Ob. West) [plural: Oberbefehlshaber]: "Theater," the highest field HQ, controlled all troops in a major geographic area. Usually (but not always) controlled two or more army groups. Sometimes an army group HQ was simultaneously an Ob. Osttruppen: Eastern Troops. Initially, the Germans refused to arm Soviet citizens who volunteered to fight the Soviet regime (see Hilfswillige above). Later in the war, as German casualties continued to soar, the Germans changed their minds and formed "Eastern Troop" units. "Eastern Troop" technically is not a unit type (there were infantry and cavalry Eastern Troop units, for example), but in effect could be used as such: an "Ost Bataillon" meant an infantry battalion of Eastern Troops. Pak: Antitank. Short for Panzerabwehrkanone, Antitank Gun. The term was mostly used at the tactical level. Panzer: Armor/Armored, ("Panzer" was assimilated into English when referring to German tanks and tank units). Panzer-: When used in combination with other unit types (except for antitank unit types), it signifies that unit was at least motorized and equipped to operate with the Panzer troops -- Panzerartillerie, Panzerpionier, etc. Panzerabwehr: "Tank defense" or Antitank. Panzergrenadier: "Armored Infantry". Panzergrenadier units were not necessarily armored - most used trucks, as German industry was incapable of producing sufficient half tracks for all units - but they were assigned to a Panzerdivision. Panzerjäger: Antitank. Literally, "tank hunter". Panzerzerstörer: Antitank. Literally, "tank destroyer" - another attempted morale booster. Pionier: Engineer.

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Radfahr-: Bicycle unit. Only a unit explicitly raised as (recon) bicycle troops was designated "Radfahr," although other formations could and did use bicycles -- including some Panzergrenadiers! Regiment [plural: Regimenter]: Regiment. Reiter: Literally "rider". Cavalryman. Reserve: Reserve. A training/replacement unit that could handle security duties and combat duties in emergencies. Ruckwartige: "Behind the lines". Ruckzug: Retreat/withdrawl. Ruckzugkampfe: "Fighting withdrawl" (withdrawl or retreat combat). Sanitäts: Medical. Schlacht: Battle. Schlachtschiffe: Battleship. Schnell: "Fast" or Mobile. "Schnelltruppen" usually meant motorized troops, although a "Schnelle Brigade" (two were raised) was bicycle troops. Schnellboot: Fast Attack Boat. Schutzstaffel: Literally, Protection Force or Defense Squad; this complex organization was at the heart of the German political and social revolution and later attempt to control all aspects of German (and later European) life. It consisted of three main parts, the Allgemeine-SS, the SS-Totenkopfverbande and the Waffen-SS. The well-known image of this organization was its abreviation, the double 'SS'. Schwadron [plural: Schwadronen]: A (cavalry) squadron (company-sized). schwer, Schwer: Heavy. Sicherung: Security. A Sicherungseinheit was a security detachment. Ski (pronounced like "she"): Ski . Sonderverband [plural: Sonderverbände]: "Special Unit." Stab [plural: Stäbe]: HQ or Staff. Used to designate HQs that did not have organic subunits. An

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"Infanterie Regiment" was an infantry regiment containing infantry battalions. An "Infanterie Regiment Stab" was an infantry regiment HQ to which infantry assets could be attached but which itself did not have organic subunits. Standarte [plural: Standarten]: Regiment, initially used by the SA and SS. The National Socialists eschewed using the standard unit size names for their political troops (below division level), even when they actually followed standard unit organization. A Standarte was a regiment. In 1940, the Waffen-SS adopted the standard unit size names. Stellung: "Position." Roughly the same as static although with some implication of (field) fortifications; usually used in conjunction with other unit types. Stellungskampfe: Postional combat. Strassenbau: Road building/Road Engineer. Sturm: Assault. Used with other unit types, supposedly meant a skilled, offensive formation. Sometimes used for morale purposes rather than to reflect actual assault ability. Sturm [plural: Stürme]: Company, used for SA and SS units until 1940. See Standarte. Sturmartillerie: Assault Gun. Literally, "Assault Artillery," the early-war term for the assault guns. (The assault guns were part of the artillery branch, and not Panzer troops. Interestingly, the artillery branch had a better direct-fire theory (and training) of how shoot at tanks, and thus the assault gunners could score hits faster on enemy tanks than could German tankers!) Sturmbann [plural: Sturmbanne]: Battalion, used for SA and SS units until 1940. See Standarte. Sturmgeschütz: Assault Gun. Not all assault guns were in assault gun units, as this weapon was so useful it was used partly (or completely) in various antitank units and as replacements for tanks in Panzer units -- it was cheaper and easier to build than a turreted tank. Sturmpionier: Assault Engineer. Teile:: A part or portion (of a unit). Toten: Death. Totenkopf: Death's head; the totenkopf is a relatively old concept, being the symbol or image of the skull and cross-bones. It was used originally during WWI and earlier as a unit symbol or on weapons and vehicles. During WWII the totenkopf symbol was used by the Panzer units of the Heer as an emblem, although its most infamous use during WWII was by the SS in a distinctive design different then the more traditional emblem used by the Panzer units. Totenkopfverbande: Death's head organization, the organization formed as a sub-unit of the political SS early in the 1930's, initially to guard the concentration camps of the Reich. Early in

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its career, the Totenkopfverbande was formed as a separate armed organization under the control of the SS, similar to the Waffen-SS. The Totenkopfverbande would later go on to form the 3rd division of the Waffen-SS, the 3.SS-Panzer-Division "Totenkopf". Umbenannt: Reformed or reorganized. Unterabschnitt [plural: Unterabschnitte]: Battalion (literally, "Sub sector"); used for border troops. See Abschnitt. Unterkunfts: Billets. Verfolgung: Pursuit. Verlegt: Moved. vernichtet: Annihilated. Verteidigung: Defense/defensive. Veterinär: Veterinarian. Volksgrenadier: Infantry, "People's Infantry." See Grenadier. "Volk-" was a morale term used to encourage the idea that the war was a people’s war. Volkssturm: Traditionally, the Landsturm was third-class infantry, equivalent somewhat to militia. Towards the end of the war, this concept was revived for small home-defense units pulled together because of the crumbling situation on the Eastern Front, to augment the frontline combat troops. The Volkssturm included all males aged 16-60 which meant those with occupational deferrals were members. Typically units, which saw action, were composed of men between 45 and 55 but there were exemptions for those with debilitating problems. Regarding weapons, the Party deliberately avoided arming the Volkssturm with simply "old shotguns" and the like, so that there would be no question as to the Volkssturm's legal status. Germans widely refused to serve in any type of partisan organization for fear of being shot if captured. The Volkssturm was armed, poorly, but with whatever military weapons were available, often with captured weapons. The common assumption that the Volkssturm didn't really amount to much in changing the course of the war is true, but it is untrue to claim as some do that that it hardly ever saw any action. Volkssturm troops fought extensively on the Eastern Front, particularly in East Prussia, Breslau, along the Oder River and in Berlin. The Nineteenth Army on the Upper Rhine became so dependent on Volkssturm troops for infantry that it was nicknamed the 19.Volkssturm-Armee. Volkssturm troops also fought in other places along the Western Front. While often ineffective, some Volkssturm units fought well in local defense, in static positions, and in river positions. Vormarsch: Advance. Vormarschkampfe: Advance combat.

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Vormarschpfeil: A tactical term generally meaning "point of advance" (advance wedge, column or point). Vorstoß: Assault. Wach-: Watch, or Guard. Watch units were often motorized, so that they could move quickly in urban areas for security reasons. Waffen: Armed Waffen-SS: Term for the armed units of the political organization of the SS, the German Schutzstaffel. The Waffen-SS is often mistaken for the SS itself, and although a part of the larger structure of the political SS, the Waffen-SS was a frontline fighting organization that would grow to well over 500,000 members by the end of WWII. Not immune to committing war crimes, most units of the Waffen-SS fought with a fierce bitterness against the Allies. Werwolf: German guerrilla fighters dedicated to harass the rear areas of the invaders of Germany. Initially conceived as an adjunct to the Jagd-Kommando units and placed under the command of Otto Skorzeny, the idea was later appropriated by Goebbels to mean the general rising up of the German people to defend the Fatherland against foreign invasion. Werfer: Literally, "launcher" or "thrower". Rocket artillery units. See Nebelwerfer. Wehrmacht: Armed forces; German term which encompassed the three major groupings of the German military, the Heer, the Luftwaffe and the Kriegsmarine. As well, the Waffen-SS was a part of this larger concept of the Wehrmacht, but only tactically. Wehrmachtsgefolge: Armed Forces Auxiliaries; Those organizations that were not a part of the armed forces, but which served such an important support role that they were given protection under the Geneva Convention and/or militarized. The armed forces auxiliaries consisted in part of the Reicharbeitsdienst, NSKK, Organization Todt, and the Deutscher Volksturm. Wirtschaft: Administration. z.b.V. (zur besonderen Verwendung): For special use. Zwischen: Between/among