Germany, Heer. A Soldbuch To Pionier-Bataillon 219, Yugoslav Partisans

Dated 18 December 1939, measuring 105 mm (w) x 143 mm (h), with 20 pages of records, age-appropriate creasing and material fatigue is evident, otherwise in very fine condition.

Footnote: Karl Kreilbert was born on 14 February 1914 in Neudorf, Austria. He served in a number of units during the war, initially being assigned to Pionier-Bataillon 219, part of 183. Infanterie-Division. The division completed training through 1940, first in Münsingen, and later in Alsace-Lorraine. In January 1941, Keilbert was assigned to Pionier-Battalion 100, part of 100. Leichte Infanterie-Division, during which time he participated in Operation Barbarossa. In combat in the Soviet Union through 1942, Keilbert was wounded on 19 March and subsequently contracted Yellow Fever, remaining hospitalized until December.

He returned to active duty in March 1943, when the division, which had been annihilated at the Battle of Stalingrad, was reformed and deployed to Albania and Croatia to fight against Yugoslav Partisans. On 1 September 1944, Keilbert was transferred to Pionier-Battailon 190, assigned to 90. Panzergrenadier-Division, which was at that time deployed in northern Italy. The division surrendered to American forces on 2 May 1945. Interestingly, the Soldbuch does not contain records of Keilbert’s decorations, but he is presumed to have been a recipient of the Eastern Front Medal and Wound Badge.