A Wehrpaß to Sudetenland-Born Gefreiter; Messenger Wounded in Russia

Measuring 106x147mm, near extremely fine condition with light scuffing of the cover and light warping of the book’s body. It is dated to November 27, 1939. The Wehrpaß includes a Bereitstellungsschein (preparation certificate) that states that Zub must stay at his permanent whereabouts and wait for his (inevitable) conscription letter to be issued. The document is dated to February 23, 1940.

Footnote: Johann Zub was born on October 4, 1903 in the district of Eger in the Sudetenland (modern day Cheb, Czech Republic). He learned to be a bricklayer, but before being drafted he worked as a coachman. He had already had experience in the military through service in the Czech army between October 1924 and April 1925, in Infantry Regiment 39. Also, according to the Wehrpaß, even before being mustered and drafted, Zub served or trained in some capacity in or for several Infantry Regiments in 1929, 1931, 1935, and 1938. He was first mustered on November 27, 1939, but not drafted until January 13, 1942, when he joined the 1st Company of Landesschützen Replacement Battalion 13. After completing his training Zub was redeployed to the 3rd Company of Landesschützen Battalion 824 (later renamed Securing Battalion 824) in March and stayed with them until October 1942. Zub was primarily used as messenger. Between October 1942 and the very end of December 1943 he joined the 3rd Company of Securing Regiment 601. During this time he was promoted first to Oberschütze (Senior Rifleman) on December 1, 1942, then to Gefreiter (Lance Corporal) on March 14, 1943. He also won two decorations, namely the War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords on April 20, 1943 and the Infantry Assault Badge on June 17, 1943. On October 30 of the same year, Zub’s left hand was wounded in an unspecified accidents while in Russia. Consequently he was put in the Convalescent Company of Landesschützen Replacement Battalion 13 during the first four months of 1944. After a few short spells with different units during the next few weeks, Zub’s final assignment was with the 3rd Company of Landesschützen Battalion 847 starting in early June of 1944. There is no more additional information.