Germany. A Rehabilitation Letter for SS-Grenadier-Ausbildungs-Bataillon “Ost”

Measuring 208x147mm, near mint condition, with two punched holes. The document was sent to the SS Leadership Main Office, department for rehabilitation of lower leaders and enlisted men. The sender is an SS-Obersturmführer and Judicial Officer, his name could be Gödicke. He informs the department that the ten men on an accompanying list are to be fully rehabilitated, effective July 31, 1943. The document is dated to Zhytomyr (Ukraine) in September 1943 and comes from the SS Grenadier Training Battalion “Ost” (East). It is unknown why those men had to redeem themselves, but the letter is very similar to those sent by SS-Oberführer Oskar Dirlewanger. He led the 36th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, also known as SS-Sturmbrigade Dirlewanger, which was made up of convicted criminals given a second chance, redeeming themselves through front service.