a little help.
is it original and what the rank of the officer?
I think the inside leather have been change.

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I managed to obtain another grouping to a soldier who fought at Stalingrad. This is a newly arrived lot from the recent Andreas Thies auction. Erich Walter was a member of Pz. Grenadier Regiment 79 (typo on the card in the photo), part of the 16th Panzer Division. I do not know if Walter survived Stalingrad because he was in the fragments of the division that ended up outside of the pocket or because he was wounded and evacuated out of der Kessel. Either scenario is possible because it is known that 16. Pz Division was split when the Soviet forces encircled the German 6th Army, but on the other hand Walter was the recipient of the Wound Badge in Gold and one of those wounds could have been a life saver that got him evacuated by air out of the encirclement. I intend to do some research and learn more about him. Regardless of how he escaped Stalingrad, he survived the war and lived until 1986. The grouping contains post-war stick pins that he doubtless worn to 16. PD reunions.

This grouping comes from the collection of Richard Kindel who purchased the items from Walter’s son in 2011 (see card in photo). I had the honor of meeting and befriending Herr Kindel when I lived in Germany and was invited to his home to examine his collection during that time. Back then I never imagined I’d be bidding on pieces from his collection at auction many years later.

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Hi Everyone,

I’m a newly joined member who stumbled upon this site whilst searching for info.

I am a history buff, with interests in European history from the middle ages, WW2 & the Communist insurgence in Malaya, & the Vietnam war.

Most of my reading on WW2 has been about the Pacific theater, but i have just started on the European Theater of war. The interest started in childhood from assembling Tamiya & airfix model kits, watching Black Sheep Squadron, Hogan’s Heroes, & movies like the Great escape, etc.

I am also an avid vintage watch collector and have a few watches from WW2, though most of them are from the 50’s & 60’s.

Thank you,

Gordon

Guys,

Need help. Been on the lookout for a nice Qualified Air Gunner award (not a converted ROAG). This one looks like a fine condition issued and used award.

That said, it’s not a variant I know much about. A zinc "Raised A" Assmann.

Insight and help on authenticity would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Michael

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Follow the wanted section

by: Dkludlow22

Description: I am in the market for a M40 helmet. Only request is a good decal. Price Range=200-220 USD

War Relics Militaria sales

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by: Arran

Description: These are impossible to find when you need one! Here’s a nice worn and lightly soiled example, with the cloth backing still in place. Great price, so grab it!

War Relics Militaria sales

D-Day Tribute poem

Upon the high waters’ wings they came,
searching for the unknown the paths to pave,
shrouds of mist scorched by heaven’s flame,
invisible hands split open the beckoning waves.

From within themselves they rose, facing their fears,
soaked screams stilled by silent prayers of despair,
vague silhouettes of men, surrendering silver tears,
washed away the horrors carried on that morning air.

Thousand brave hearts, seamlessly melted into one,
condemned childhood hid deep within the crimson sand,
tousled signs of hope lay heavy like ancient stone,
sculptured from deep inside by freedom’s hand.

Sighs of desperation became victory’s battlecry,
sentiments of determination grew with each man who fell,
weary eyes relating tales that lips learned to deny,
tender tears seal the remembrance of images they tell.

Memories loom up in their heartrending gaze.
remembering those left behind, sets the heart ablaze.
forever seduced, falling into the beach’s embrace,
it is upon their memory, a rose I shall humbly place.

Thank you for all your sacrifices……

Words by Frank C. Everards - Copyright 2004 - 2018
D-Day, Normandy and beyond

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