Description
WEHRPASS – EMIL WOLLENSCHLÄGER – POLAND, FRANCE, RUSSIA (KIA)- 17. INF. DIVISION – 12. PANZER DIVISION – KURSK
Standard Wehrpass issued in Mosbach (Baden) on 8 August 1936 to Emil Wollenschläger, born 9 October 1915 in Waldmühlbach (Buchen district). A farmer by occupation, Catholic, with period photograph in RAD uniform, signatures, and official stamps present.
Initial service with Nachrichtenzug, II./Artillerie-Regiment 17 (1937–1942), part of the 17. Infanterie-Division, later transferred to Stabsbatterie, schwere Artillerie-Abteilung 303, an independent heavy artillery formation typically attached at corps/army level for major operations. He was ultimately reassigned to 1. Kompanie, Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 5, belonging to the 12. Panzer-Division, by September 1943—reflecting transition from signals/artillery into frontline mobile infantry within a panzer formation.
Promotions recorded:
Oberkanonier (1.10.1938), Gefreiter (1.1.1940), Obergefreiter (1.6.1940), Unteroffizier (1.6.1943).
Training includes Karabiner 98k, along with additional instruction in riding, driving, and field communications.
Award recorded:
Ostmedaille (10.8.1942).
Extensive combat entries covering multiple campaigns:
- Poland 1939 (17. Infanterie-Division): Frontier engagements in West Poland, fighting near Wieluń, actions along the Warthe line, advance on Warsaw, Vistula crossing, and pursuit operations toward the Narew and Bug.
- France & Low Countries 1940 (17. Infanterie-Division): Advance through Luxembourg and southern Belgium against the Maginot Line, fighting along the Aisne, breakthrough operations, Champagne pursuit, and subsequent occupation duty in Belgium.
- Eastern Front 1941 (17. Infanterie-Division / attached heavy artillery): Opening phase of Operation Barbarossa including Bug River crossing, Białystok–Slonim battles, Smolensk fighting, Gomel and Kiev operations, followed by major advances toward Moscow including Vyazma/Bryansk and winter defensive battles before the capital.
- 1942–1943 Eastern Front (incl. schwere Artillerie-Abt. 303 and later 12. Panzer-Division): Continued combat including Velikie Luki and Nevel sectors, followed by extended Luftschutz/frontline security duties at key rail and supply points. Participation in the Kursk offensive (July 1943) and subsequent defensive battles in the Orel–Bryansk region, with retreat fighting along the Desna and Dnieper lines.
Killed in action on 2 October 1943 while serving with Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 5 (12. Panzer-Division), as recorded in the Wehrpass (page 34).
“`
