The Soldbuch is undated. It measures 102 mm (w) x 142 mm (h) with extensive creasing and fraying of the cover, damage to the spine, two punched holes each on the front and back cover; the body of the book has come loose, several pages have also come loose individually. However, all pages are legible and accounted for. Remains in fair condition. It is accompanied by a leather Soldbuch sleeve, measuring 111mm (w) x 162 mm (h) with a folding crease, remains extremely fine. Lastly, a photo of Reinhardt showing him in the rank of Lieutenant, wearing the Iron Cross 1st Class, measuring 85x124mm with extensive creasing and soiling, and a small piece missing in the lower left corner, remains in fair condition.
This Soldbuch comes with research on Reinhardt’s units by the previous owner.
Footnote: Hans Reinhardt was born on February 21, 1908 in Witten (western Germany). He joined the army at an unknown date and served in the 6th, later 10th, Company of Infantry Regiment 77, seeing action in the French campaign in the rank of Hauptfeldwebel (Master Sergeant). On February 28, 1940 Reinhardt was awarded the Westwall Medal, and on June 23 of the same year he received the Iron Cross 2nd Class. A week later, he was promoted to Leutnant on July 1. Reinhardt also fought on the Eastern Front, yet missed the first days of the invasion on Russia. Between June 14 and 22, he was hospitalised by the flu, which apparently turned into pleurisy from which he had to recover until July 29, 1941. His engagement in Russia didn’t last very long though, as in November he was deployed to the Netherlands to take part in a Lower Leader Training Seminar, after which he stayed on as an instructor until 1944. On December 1, 1941 Reinhardt was promoted to Oberleutnant (Senior Lieutenant). He received the War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords on January 1, 1944. Since he was stationed in the Netherlands, it is possible that he fought during Operation Market Garden. At an unknown date, Reinhardt joined the 14th Company of Grenadier Regiment 1223. He was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class on March 12, 1945. Presumably, Reinhardt ended up surrendering in the Ruhr pocket.