Germany, Heer. A Soldbuch To Infantry Hauptfeldwebel Luitpold Lemmer (Kvk1)

The Soldbuch is dated to August 27, 1939. On the inside cover is a note, confirming that Lemmer is allowed to carry his private pistol for the duration of the war. Measuring 104 mm (w) x 145 mm (h), with scuffing and creasing of the cover, some damage to the spine, and several loose pages, remains in fine condition.

The Soldbuch comes with extensive research on Lemmer’s units by the previous owner.

Footnote: Luitpold Lemmer was born on March 12, 1911 in Wittislingen near Villingen (southwestern Germany). He began his service in the Aufklärungs-Abteilung (Reconnaissance Battalion) 212, but for most of the war served on Infantry Regiment 423, later renamed Grenadier Regiment 423. Lemmer was promoted to Gefreiter (Lance Corporal) on November 1, 1939, to Unteroffizier (NCO) on January 1, 1940, and to Oberfeldwebel (Master Sergeant) on April 1, 1940. On the same day, he was also appointed Hauptfeldwebel. Lemmer participated in the French campaign, and after France’s surrender stayed on as part of the occupational force. He was awarded the War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords on September 24, 1940. Exactly one year later, Lemmer was admitted to hospital, breaking his breastbone in an accident. He was released on October 29, 1941.

After recovering, Lemmer was sent to the Eastern Front, fighting in the long drawn out siege of Leningrad. He was awarded the Eastern Front Medal on August 9, 1942. On April 15, 1943 Lemmer was hospitalised again, being cared for in the ophthalmology ward. During his stay, he received the War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords. Lemmer was released on May 1, but admitted to a different hospital on May 10, eventually being released on June 11, 1943. In early 1944, his unit retreated from Leningrad, being pushed westwards through Latvia and Poland by the Red Army. Lemmer was then sent to the Western Front to fight in the Battle of the Bulge, after which he retreated to defend the Siegfried Line. Lemmer received a final decoration on April 12, 1945, the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Presumably, he surrendered to US forces in April or May.