The collection of documents consists of a Wehrpaß (military passport), a Health Book, and various documents found in the rear inside cover pouch of the Wehrpaß, all belonging to Ernst Brüllau.
1) The Wehrpaß was issued in Hamburg to Ernst Brüllau on 26 August 1942. The Wehrpaß, an example of the Third Type, has a green-grey thin cardboard binding with a cover displaying a de-nazified national eagle (the wreath remains, but the swastika has been scratched out), and the Latin letters spelling “Wehrpaß.” The owner’s surname is written across the top of the front cover in black ink, beside a rectangle with the first letter of the owner’s surname, and the rectangular box on the lower portion of the cover remains empty. The Wehrpaß contains 56 pages with personal data, examination and recruitment information, in addition to reports of active military service and Reich Labour Service. A portrait of Brüllau in plain clothes is riveted to the second page and stamped with two diagonally opposite stamps. Data regarding Brüllau’s Reich Labour Service appears on page 6 and pages 8 to 10. Information pertaining to Brüllau’s military service is found on pages 11 and 12. The weapons training and other training courses are listed on pages 20 and 21, while promotions and appointments are found on pages 22 and 23. Amendments regarding Brüllau’s medical condition are listed on page 28. Page 30 presents the battles, operations, and engagements participated in by Brüllau. The inside rear cover is marked "D.R.G.M. (Deutsches Reichsgebrauchsmuster) 1 367 174" and maker marked "Wetten & Co., Nationaler Werbedruck, Berlin SW 61" on the back cover, measuring 105 mm (w) 146 mm (h), minor discolouration and creasing, and in near extremely fine condition.
2) A Health Journal belonging to Fhj. Uffz. Ernst Brüllau with results from a medical examination, occurring at a date after 20 Dec 1944, written in black ink, including information such as Blutgruppe (blood type) O and illness codes for vision difficulties, deformation of the legs, and wryness of the neck, shoulders, and hips. The medical opinion, written in black ink, is “K.V.” for kriegsverwendungsfähig (fit for war), and signed by the doctor in crayon. The Health Journal measures 148 mm (w) x 205 mm (h), with folding creases and worn edges, and in good condition.
3) Discharge papers from the Reich Labour Service, measuring 209 mm (w) x 214 mm (h), folding creases and small rips around edges, and in very fine condition.
4) Draft papers dated 11 August 1943, instructing Ernst Brüllau to appear for military service at 9:00 a.m. on 25 August 1943, to join the Grenadier-Ersatz-Bataillon 376 (Grenadier Replacement Battalion 376) in Rendsburg, signed in pencil, and measuring 147.5 mm (w) x 100 mm (h), with folding creases, and in better than very fine condition.
5) A letter dated 20 December 1944, addressed to Gefr. R.O.B. Ernst Brülleau, regarding a seminar for officer training, measuring 208 mm (w) x 292 mm (h), with folding creases, small rips, and discolouration, and in good condition.
6) A certificate confirming Ernst Brülleau completed the Fahnenjunker course from 3 February 1945 to 5 May 1945 and is now eligible to become an officer, measuring 209 mm (w) x 100 mm (h), with fold creases, and in near very fine condition.
7) A certificate addressed to Fhj. Fw. (Fahnenjunker-Feldwebel) Ernst Brüllau listing his personal possession as six handkerchiefs and 1 private wristwatch, measuring 166 mm (w) x 112 mm (h), with adhesive markings and a fold crease, and in very fine condition.
Footnote: Ernst Herbert Brüllau was born 8 May 1925 in Hamburg to parents Ernst and Elisabeth Brüllau. At the time he received his Wehrpaß, Brüllau was single, a student and trainee in cinema work, and recipient of the HJ Proficiency Badge, Silver Grade. After his medical examination at Wehrbezirkskommando in Hamburg on 26 August 1942, the doctor deemed Brüllau fit for war and they assigned him to the Reserve. The Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service) deferred his placement and he did not receive an appointment until 19 May 1943. The RAS discharged Brüllau on 10 August 1943, coinciding with his draft to the Heer.
Brüllau’s medical examination for active military service occured on 24 August 1943 and he received the judgment fit for war. The next day, he enlisted at Rendsburg, at Stammkompanie/Grenadier-Ersatz
On 21 December 1943, Brüllau received the appointment of rank R.O.B. (Reserve-Offizier-Bewerber). In the new year, he completed a reserve officer applicant course (R.O.B.-Lehrgang). In July of 1944, Brüllau was promoted to Gefreiter. On 17 August 1944, he transferred to the 3rd Company of Grenadier-Regiment 489 and, over the fall and winter, participated in securing Norway. In October 1944, Brüllau aided in the transport and operation to the Vosges, France. He received a promotion to Unteroffizier der Reserve on 1 December 1944, and, twenty days later, received a promotion to Fahnenjunker. On 26 December 1944, Brüllau transferred to the Stamm Kompanie of Grenadier-Ersatz-Bataillon 469 (Grenadier Replacement Battalion 469). In February of 1945, Brüllau completed an officer training course, received a promotion to Fahnenjunker-Feldwebel der Reserve, and was eligible for further promotion, but the war concluded.