Germany, SS. A Kommandobuch to SS-Hauptsturmführer Heinrich Boltz of Volksdeutsche Mittelstelle

The Kommandobuch (commando booklet) serves as an ID card. A Dienstausweis (service ID) in orange has been stapled to the inside of the cover, dated to June 22, 1943. Both were issued to SS-Hauptsturmführer (Captain equivalent) Heinrich Boltz. The service ID is signed in blue ink by the Chief of the Main Office “Volksdeutsche Mittelstelle” (Coordination Centre for Ethnic Germans), SS-Obergruppenführer Werner Lorenz. The commando booklet is signed on June 5, 1943 by an SS-Obersturmführer of SS-Sondereinsatz-Kommando R/Süd (Feldpost number 10582), the name is illegible. Measuring 105x144mm, better than very fine condition with light scuffing of the cover and two punched holes.

Footnote 1:

Heinrich Boltz was born on June 14, 1911 in Litzmannstadt (present-day Łódź, central Poland). He worked as a Leader in the Commando of the Volksdeutsche Mittelstelle, which took care of the interests of ethnic Germans living outside of the Reich. In eastern Europe and occupied Russia where Boltz was stationed, the VoMi was involved in the extermination of the Jews in order to create “Lebensraum” (living space) for German settlers. Boltz was awarded the following decorations by mid 1943: HJ Honour Badge (Nov 10, 1942), Iron Cross 2nd Class (Feb 23, 1943), Infantry Assault Badge in Silver (Mar 20, 1943), Wound Badge in Black (May 10, 1943).

Footnote 2:

Werner Lorenz was born on October 2, 1891 in Grünhof near Stolp (present-day Słupsk, northern Poland). During the First War, he served as a cavalry officer and then a pilot. Lorenz joined the NSDAP in 1929 and the SS in 1931. He became the leader of the Volksdeutsche Mittelstelle in early 1937 and remained in that position until the end of the war. In 1948 during the Nuremberg RuSHA trials, Lorenz was convicted as a war criminal and sentenced to 20 years in prison. However, he was prematurely released in 1955. He died on March 13, 1974.