Germany. A Wehrpaß & Luftwaffe Pilot’s License To Oberfeldwebel Adolf Bertram

The Wehrpaß measures 106x147mm, near extremely fine with some scuffing and creasing of the cover. It is dated to January 1, 1937. The Pilot’s License measures 104x149mm, very fine condition with scuffing, creasing, and light soiling of the cover, as well as water spots on the inside. It is dated to July 19, 1939 and signed by a Major Mau or Man. Included are four wartime photos, measuring 87-94x63mm, all in near mint condition. One shows Bertram with another soldier, two show him with a group of soldiers, and one with his wife.

Footnote: Adolf Bertram was born on October 6, 1916 in Elberfeld, western Germany. He worked as a machinist before joining the Luftwaffe on April 1, 1936, enlisting for twelve years. After his training completed, Bertram was deployed to the 1st Squadron of Fighter Wing 134 for almost half a year between October 1936 and March 1937. The next year he spent with the 1st Squadron of 1st Group in Fighter Wing 334. During this period Bertram was promoted to Gefreiter (Lance Corporal) on April 1, 1937. Unfortunately the next two assignments are indecipherable. After that Bertram served in the Pilot Training Regiment 43 between March and July of 1939. A month at the Fighter Pilot School Werneuchen followed. Between August 1939 and December 1942 Bertram was stationed at the Air Fleet Signals School 2. During this time he was promoted to Unteroffizier (NCO) on January 1, 1940, and to Feldwebel (Sergeant) on November 1, 1942. The next phase of the war saw Bertram as a fighter pilot in Russia between December 1942 to January 1944. Initially he flew for the 2nd Squadron of Plane Convey Group Jüterbog between December 1942 and June 1943. After this assignment, Bertram went through several units until the end of the war, all named Fl. Ü. G., possibly Flieger-Übungs-Gruppe (Pilot Drill Group). During this time he was wounded on January 24, 1944, the nature of it being described as bruises, a slightly broken lumbar column, and a heavy concussion. After recovering Bertram was deployed to Hungary between July 1944 to October 1944. The final piece of information is Bertram’s promotion to Oberfeldwebel (Master Sergeant) on January 1, 1945.