Description
WEHRPASS & FÜHRERSCHEIN GROUP – HAUPTMANN VIKTOR ROLAND WINKELMANN – PANZER-ABWEHR-ABT. 563 – POLENFELDZUG – WARTHE FRONT
DETAILS:
Wehrpass issued to Viktor Roland Winkelmann, born 14 December 1889 (Mescheide, Kreis Bitterfeld). Evangelical; occupation Handelsfachlehrer (commercial teacher). A First World War veteran, he served from 1914–1918 with participation on the Yser Front (1914–1916), including early trench warfare following the Race to the Sea. His final wartime assignment is recorded with Infanterie-Regiment 13.
Transferred to the Reserve on 1 May 1936, Winkelmann remained active in officer training and reserve exercises during the interwar period. His pre-war officer status is confirmed by the included Reichsverband Deutscher Offiziere membership card dated 1936.
Recalled to active duty prior to WWII, his Wehrpass was issued on 26 October 1938 in Halle (Saale). He was mobilized for the Poland Campaign in 1939 and assigned to Panzer-Abwehr-Abteilung 563. Combat entries confirm participation in September 1939 operations against Polish forces, including fighting along the Warthe (Warta) River.
Following the Poland Campaign, Winkelmann continued service within the Panzerjäger system, including assignments with Reserve-Lazarett VI and later Panzer-Abwehr-Ersatz-Abteilung 4. His service reflects a transition from front-line anti-tank duties into training, replacement, and administrative roles appropriate for a senior reserve officer.
Training entries document participation in Panzertruppenschule tactical courses and additional officer refresher exercises during the late 1930s and early war period. Late-war entries (1942) include administrative and instructional notes referencing security, sabotage, and secrecy training, followed by processing for release from active service.
AWARDS:
Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class) – WWI Issue
Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer (Hindenburg Cross)
(Awards not formally entered in the Wehrpass but clearly visible in the uniform photograph and supported by accompanying material)
PROMOTIONS:
Leutnant der Reserve (WWI-era entry)
Oberleutnant der Reserve
Hauptmann der Reserve – 27 August 1939
(RDA adjustments noted into 1940)
TRAINING / SERVICE NOTES:
Extensive reserve officer training recorded, including Panzertruppenschule tactical courses, pre-war and wartime refresher exercises, and early association with Panzerabwehr-Abteilung 14 prior to mobilization.
DOCUMENTS & INCLUDED ITEMS:
Complete Wehrpass (Heer)
Wehrmacht Führerschein (driver’s license) issued to Winkelmann, unit listed as Panzerjäger-Ersatz-Abteilung 4, with uniformed photograph showing EK II ribbon
Reichsverband Deutscher Offiziere membership card (1936)
Period portrait photograph of Winkelmann in uniform wearing EK II and Hindenburg Cross
Group photograph depicting soldiers posed with an anti-tank/artillery piece, likely unit-related
STATUS:
Released from service as Hauptmann der Reserve (1942)
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