Germany, Wehrmacht. A Medal And Document Grouping To Eastern Front Veteran, Lothar Allroggen

A grouping of three medals and awards to eastern campaign veteran, Lothar Allroggen, consisting of 1 - (Eisernes Kreuz 1939 1. Klasse). Iron Cross 1939 First Class; a cross pattée of multi-piece construction with a blackened iron core (magnetic) within a ribbed border; the obverse with a raised central mobile swastika with the re-institution date “1939” in raised numbering on the lower arm; the reverse plain, with a slender banjo style vertical pinback, a barrel hinge, and a round wire catch; marked “L/11” for “Wilhelm Deumer, Lüdenscheid” on the reverse; measuring 43.88 mm (w) x 43.71 mm (h); weighing 16.0 grams. Accompanied by its presentation case of issue; constructed of heavy card stock, with a lightly textured faux leather (leatherette) exterior, with the outline of an Iron Cross embossed on the exterior in silver, with a lined interior lid, a slotted medal bed, an intact interior fabric hinge cover, functional spring catch with stud release, and a functional exterior metal hinge; measuring 70 mm (w) x 68 mm (h). Accompanied by its award document, named to Obergefreiter (Corporal) Allroggen of the 6th Battery of Artillery Regiment 26. It is dated to August 31, 1943 and signed in blue ink by the Leader of the 26th Infantry Division, Oberst (Colonel) Johann de Boer (1897–1986), a recipient of the Knight’s Cross. Measuring 139 mm x 199mm. 2- (Eisernes Kreuz 1939 2. Klasse). Iron Cross 1939 Second Class; a cross pattée of multi-piece construction with a blackened iron core (magnetic) within a ribbed border; on loop for suspension; missing its ribbon; the obverse with a raised central mobile swastika with the re-institution date “1939” in raised numbering on the lower arm; the reverse with the original institution date “1813” in raised numbering on the lower arm; measuring 44.35 mm (w) x 44.19 mm (h); weighing 19.2 grams. Accompanied by its award document, named to Allroggen of the same rank and unit. It is dated to February 4, 1943 and signed in blue ink by the Commander of the 26th Infantry Division, Generalleutnant Friedrich Wiese (1892–1975), a recipient of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves. Measuring 140 mm x 19 8mm. 3 - (Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 Medaille). In silvered and patinated zink; with a large national eagle on the obverse clutching a swastika (“Hakenkreuz”) and a leftward facing Stahlhelm on the top with horizontally oriented stick grenade; the reverse “Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42” (Winter Battle in the East 1941/42) in all capital letters with a crossed sword and laurel wreath on the bottom; on a loop for suspension (unmarked); measuring 36.19 mm (w) x 44.18 mm (h); weighing 17.8 grams.

Footnote: In 1943, Artillery Regiment 26 as part of the 26th Infantry Division was stationed on the Eastern Front. During the first few months of the year, it fought in the vicinity of Kursk (central Russia), and in August and September near Orel (Oryol), slightly to the north of Kursk. Here, the unit took part in heavy retreating battles that pushed it back to the general area of Yelnya. Presumably, Allroggen was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class for his actions during the Battle of Kursk or during the retreat from Orel to Yelnya.