Soldbuch Obergefreiter 291.ID 338.ID Russia France 1941-44

(D23606)
Hans Ratjen, Corporal (Obergefreiter) Infantry.
1) Soldbuch, 15.2.41. With uniform pass photo. Heavily used condition (cover loose etc.). With protective cover.
2) Half of his dog-tag: 2.Schtz.Ers.Komp 588 / 516 A.

Entitled to (also visible on the pass photo): Winter War Medal (30.9.42) and Wound Badge in Black (10.10.42).

Born 1921 living in Hannover. Civil occupation as a painter. He served Jan.-Oct.41 with Schtz.-Ers.-Komp.588 based in Hannover and Oct.41-Jan.42 with Infanterie-Regiment 505 of the 291.Infanterie-Division active in Northern Russia (Leningrad). He got wounded Jan.42 (frostbite toes) and was hospitalized in Germany. After recovery he served several months with Infanterie-Ersatz-Batl.356 based in Praschnitz. From end 1942 onwards he served with the new formed Infanterie-Regiment 759 (later renamed (Ost)Festungs-Grenadier-Regiment 759) of the 338.Infanterie-Division, Nov.42-Jan.43 based in Belgium (Antwerp) and from Feb.43 onwards based and active in Southern France (Rhone-delta, under the 19th Army). After the allied invasion the division was Aug.44 decimated between Lyon and Belfort and Grenadier-Regiment 759 was totally destroyed. Last entry in the pass is from Jun.44 so he was most probably taken POW in France.