Germany, Heer. A War Merit Cross II Class with Swords Document, Signed by Commander of Army Patrol Force Southern Russia

The War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords certificate is named to Unteroffizier (NCO) Werner Sohn, commander of Heeresstreifendienst für den Reiseverkehr (army patrol force for passenger traffic) Southern Russia. It is dated to 1 September 1943 and carries a facsimile signature of commander-in-chief of Army Group South, Generalfeldmarschall Erich von Manstein. Measuring 139 mm (w) x 199 mm (h), presenting a folding crease and light overall creasing, remains better than very fine.

Footnote: The Heeresstreifendienst (army patrol force) was tasked with keeping order and discipline among soldiers, similar to the Feldgendarmerie’s role among front soldiers. It also helped maintaining facilities, such as cantines, warm rooms, dorms, and lavatories, in places that saw a sudden influx of larger numbers of soldiers, for example railroad junctions.