We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. You can Modify or Reject the use of the cookies. See our cookie policy.
German military service and identification book (Soldbuch) of the Wehrmacht, belonging to Gottlieb Patzka, born in 1916 in Silesia, whose civilian occupation was farmer (Bauer). The document bears the inscription “Zweitschrift” (duplicate) and contains numerous military records, handwritten entries, signatures and official stamps dating from 1942 to 1945.
The Soldbuch was the personal document carried by German servicemen during active military service. Its pages recorded identification details, ranks, unit assignments, equipment, weapons, medical treatment, leave, payments and decorations. The designation Zweitschrift identifies this example as a replacement copy issued in place of an earlier service book.
Gottlieb Patzka began his service with the rank of Schütze (private), subsequently attaining the rank of Gefreiter, recorded on 1 November 1944. Units mentioned in the document include Infanterie-Ersatz-Bataillon 327 and Grenadier-Ersatz-Bataillon 327, replacement and training units of the German Army.
During his military service, he received three decorations, with their awards recorded in the document:
The document also contains medical entries and records of hospitalization and convalescence dating from 1943 and 1944. Military medical establishments mentioned include:
These entries document various stages of his military medical treatment, although they do not, by themselves, establish the precise circumstances or locations of his wounds.
The Soldbuch also retains records of rest leave (Erholungsurlaub) and convalescent leave (Genesungsurlaub), together with entries concerning the issue of uniforms, weapons, personal equipment and military pay (Wehrsold).
The document shows considerable signs of wartime use, including wear to the cover and spine, staining, folds, small tears and numerous administrative entries made on different dates. These features are consistent with its continued use as a personal military document.
It is accompanied by an old postcard from Göllersdorf N. D., a locality in Lower Austria (Niederösterreich). The postcard forms an additional documentary element, although its presence alone does not establish a direct connection with Patzka’s military assignments.
The group provides documentary evidence of the military career of a German soldier during the Second World War, particularly through the surviving entries relating to his three decorations, promotion, hospitalizations, leave and administrative records.
Soldbuch of Gottlieb Patzka, Wehrmacht, Second World War, 1942–1945. Duplicate military service book (Zweitschrift) belonging to a soldier born in Silesia in 1916, a farmer by profession, promoted to Gefreiter on 01.11.1944. References to Infanterie-Ersatz-Bataillon 327 and Grenadier-Ersatz-Bataillon 327. Awarded the Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber (14.01.1943), Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (18.10.1943) and Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (03.01.1944). Contains hospitalization, convalescence, leave, equipment and military pay records, together with numerous signatures and official stamps. Shows wear and signs of use. Accompanied by an old postcard from Göllersdorf, Lower Austria.
