Germany, Luftwaffe. A Soldbuch & Document Grouping to Unteroffizier Hans Berger

(Soldbuch zugleich Personalausweis). A Paybook and Identity Card belonging to Hans Berger, issued on 15 April 1942, constructed with a light blue cover showing the Luftwaffe-style eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, which has been blacked out with ink, below the eagle is the title SOLDBUCH followed by the words ZUGLEICH PERSONALAUSWEIS LUFTWAFFE, contains a total of 24 numbered pages, the inside cover presents a black-and-white photograph of Berger in uniform stapled to the page, the following pages contain information regarding Berger’s personal data, military service, clothing and equipment, vaccinations, military hospital stays, and payment categories, the book measures 10.2 cm (w) x 14.5 cm (h), and in near very fine condition.

An award document for a Abzeichen für Fliegerschützen mit Blitzbündel (Air Gunner Badge for Radio Operator), dated 22 September 1944, signed in black ink by the commander of the Luftnachrichten Schuldivision Generalmajor Johannes Schleich, measuring 14.6 cm (w) x 20.8 cm (h), presenting a single folding crease, mild scuffing and fraying, and in very fine condition.

A grouping of four black-and-white photographs, depicting pilots in uniform and flight suits, marked on reverse with Hans Berger, Wetter-Ruhr, Kaiserstraße 57, each measuring approximately 9.3 cm (w) x 6.1 cm (h), and in very fine conditions.

An Entlassungsschein (Certificate of Discharge), presenting Personal Particulars, Medical Certificate, and Particulars of Discharge, signed in black ink, dated 9 July 1945, measuring 19.65 cm (w) x 32.6 cm (h), displaying folding creases, fraying, and soiling, and in near very fine condition.

Footnote: Hans Berger was born on 1 March 1923 in Kattowitz. He was a Funker (Radio Operator). Initially, from 15 April 1942 to 10 July 1942, Berger served with the 18th (Funk Ersatz) Kompanie (Radio Troops Replacement Company) in III Abteilung (3rd Battalion) of the Luftgau-Nachrichten-Regiment 8 (Air District Signals Regiment 8), located in Oppeln, Poland. From 11 July 1942 to 20 September 1942, he served in the Luftnachrichten Stelle E 12/VII (Aviation Signals Station), connected to the Fliegerhorst-Kommandantur E 12/VII, which at the time was in the city of Mielec. Between 21 September 1942 and 3 November 1942, Berger attended Luftflotten Nachrichten Schule 2 (renamed in 1943 Luftnachrichten-Schule 2 / Aviation Signals School), in the city of Königgrätz, where he trained as a radio operator. Berger joined the 1st Schülerkompanie in November, remaining until 30 April 1943 and transferring to the 2nd Schülerkompanie. At the end of May, he moved again to the 3rd Schülerkompanie and remained until the end of October.

From 1 November 1943 to 19 November 1943, Berger attended the Flugzeugführerschule B33 (Pilot School) in Prague-Ruzyne. He returned to the Aviation Signals School in Königgrätz. In March of 1945, Berger served in the Flugzeugüberführungsgeschwader 1, Gruppe Ost (Air Command Squadron 1, Group East), located in the Fliegerhorst Erding air base in Bavaria. The squadron dissolved due to a shortage of fuel, loss of airplanes and lack of materials for repairs and Berger was transferred on 29 April 1945 to the 2 Kompanie / Gebirgs-Jäger-Regiment 136, assigned to the 2nd Division of Mountain Troops, occupying defensive positions in the Neuburg/Freising areas in southern Germany, eventually surrendering to allied troops near the Tyrolean town of Baden-Württemerg in May. Berger was discharged on 9 July 1945.