FAMILY ARCHIVE · A DOCUMENTED STORY
Military service in the family
Siegfried, Arthur, David, Kurt and Bruno in the surviving records
The family archive preserves several kinds of military history: a service book and decoration, a medical orderly’s military passport, photographs identified by the family, and later accounts of service in the United States Army. Read together, they show where the surviving records are firm and where a remembered story still needs a document. David Loewenfels’s named military papers add an earlier service history, now connected to his household through matching birth particulars and a family certificate.
- Siegfried Elkan enters military service
- The Somme and the Iron Cross
- A postcard home and the end of service
- Arthur Seligmann in medical service
- Kurt Elkan and service in the Pacific
- Kurt’s homeward voyage
- Bruno Elkan in the family account
- The military papers of David Loewenfels
- Complete military and wartime image gallery
Siegfried Elkan enters military service
Siegfried’s military record begins with a named personal page. It identifies a merchant born on 14 April 1888 in Wesel and records his entry as a recruit on 2 October 1909 into the 2. Train-Bataillon, 1. Compagnie, rendered in the existing edition as the 2nd Transport Battalion, 1st Company. The religion field reads “isr.”, an abbreviation for Jewish. Beside this page, an inserted family-address form names his parents, Moses Elkan and Marianne née Fraenkel, in Nürnberg. The army’s paperwork thus preserves an unusually direct link between his service and his family at home.
SourcesM01
The family insert calls Siegfried an Unteroffizier, a non-commissioned officer. Another photographed opening in the associated booklet group records promotion to Gefreiter on 1 October 1910, followed by “üb. Uffz.” on 1 April 1911, and release to the reserve on 30 September 1911. The abbreviation Uffz. is clear; the preceding qualifier remains unexpanded. These entries support an NCO career. They do not establish the commissioned-officer rank sometimes remembered in the family’s account of the Somme.
The Somme and the Iron Cross
The campaign insert associated with Siegfried’s booklet records fighting across several years, including Lorraine, Arras, French Flanders and Artois. Its entry for “Schlacht an der Somme” gives 24 June to 26 November 1916, followed by positional fighting on the Somme from 27 November 1916 to 14 March 1917. These are the dates written in this record. They are administrative campaign credits, rather than a diary of where Siegfried stood or what he did on each day.
SourcesM02
The distinction matters because the campaign sheet does not itself name him. Its place in the associated booklet group supports its relevance, but the surviving photographs do not provide an unbroken page-by-page connection to every leaf. The Somme entry belongs in his story with that qualification. Nothing in it establishes a particular trench, wound, act of bravery or daily front-line position.
SourcesM02
A separate certificate is much more specific about the award. Dated 5 December 1916, it grants the Iron Cross, second class, to NCO Elkan of Fuhrpark-Kolonne 3 of the 52nd Infantry Division. His exact birth date and birthplace match the named service-book page. The certificate is strong evidence for the decoration and its date. It does not say why it was awarded, so the sequence after the Somme cannot be turned into a battle-specific award citation.
The archive also preserves a photograph of a boxed Iron Cross with “FW” and “1813” on its visible face. The object is a useful companion to the certificate, but the photograph does not name its recipient or establish its issue year. It is therefore shown as an Iron Cross in the family archive, with Siegfried’s own decoration established by the separate document dated 5 December 1916.
A postcard home and the end of service
On 4 September 1917 Siegfried wrote a field postcard to his parents. He hoped they were in good health and said that he was too, then sent greetings and kisses. His signature gives this short message a personal voice alongside the official forms. The address points to Nürnberg; the field-post marking gives Deutsche Feldpost 407. The exact place from which he wrote is not stated. This is one postcard preserved in more than one photograph, not a series of separate letters.
SourcesM04
The later service recap names Sergeant Elkan and gives a wartime interval of 4 August 1914 to 24 December 1918. It records promotion to an established sergeant position on 5 February 1918 and release to Nürnberg on 24 December 1918 through demobilization. It rates his conduct “very good” and records no punishments. The form names Transport Column 737, but that retrospective entry does not by itself prove that the same unit designation applied throughout the entire interval. Its sergeant rank is again a non-commissioned rank.
SourcesM05
Arthur Seligmann in medical service
Arthur’s military passport settles the central point about his service. The title page names “Krankenwärter-Gefr. Arthur Seligmann”, a nursing orderly with the rank Gefreiter, and identifies the form as one for medical personnel. Its annual class is 1896. That class number is not an enlistment date. The named personal page gives his birth as 30 July 1896 in Memmingen and records entry on 2 December 1915, with the reserve hospital at Kempten named in the unit field.
SourcesM06
This gives Arthur a documented medical-service role within the family’s military history. It does not yet supply a fully verified itinerary. Other photographed leaves contain hospital, training and discharge information, and an existing English excerpt names Arthur while summarizing several pages. Those materials need to be compared with the named German pages before every date and movement is incorporated as a continuous service record. In particular, an English translation of a record is a further reading of that record, not a second independent witness.
Kurt Elkan and service in the Pacific
For Kurt, the clearest account presently used here comes from Inge’s testimony recorded in 1996. Recalling how they met in 1947, she said that he had recently left the U.S. Army after four years and had served in the Pacific. She also said that he became a U.S. citizen in Brisbane, Australia, while in the Army. These are important family recollections, preserved in a draft transcript of the interview. They have not been verified here against the recording or against Kurt’s service and naturalization files.
A photograph identified by the family as Kurt in an army-service context gives this account a visual companion. The image itself has no readable identifying caption. A possible Philippines location remains tentative, and no unit, rank or date is assigned from the photograph. Inge’s account provides the remembered span and geography of his service; the photograph preserves the family’s identification. Neither allows an exact enlistment date to be calculated backward or a citizenship date to be supplied.
Kurt’s surviving identification tags add a named object to these recollections. Both carry “KURT M ELKAN”, the Army service number 32436382, the codes T43, A and H, and Louise Elkan’s name with a Bronx address. The tag layout records a wartime service number, rather than an SSN. It does not establish Kurt’s unit, battles, enlistment or discharge. Louise’s name occupies the contact portion of the tags; her exact relationship is not written there.
SourcesM14
Kurt’s homeward voyage
A six-page journal identified by the family as Kurt’s brings his homeward journey into view. Its opening begins on Thanksgiving, Thursday 22 November, with leaving Nichols Field and boarding ship for home. Excitement rose on the truck ride to the pier; after climbing the gangplank, the men were assigned bunks stacked four and five high. The next morning, 23 November, the ship cast off from Luzon. The journal describes photographs of the harbor, sunken vessels, Corregidor and Fort Drum, and names APA-154, with the ship’s handwritten name read as Lowndes. The year 1945 is strongly indicated by the weekday/date sequence and a later reference to the Pearl Harbor attack four years earlier, but it is not written as a year heading. Attribution to Kurt rests on family recognition of the opening and the connected-page sequence, rather than a signature on the pages.
The departure did not last. The entry for 24 November says the ship had turned back to port during the night to escape a typhoon. After another day waiting, the men heard the orders to prepare for sea again on 26 November. The following pages move between rough water, seasickness, reading and conversations about the first day at home. On 29 November, the writer records another Thanksgiving celebration aboard ship, listing turkey, candied yams, peas, cranberry sauce, beans, candy, pickles, fruitcake and coffee. Both Thanksgiving dates are preserved. His comparison of Navy and Army rations describes life aboard ship; it does not, by itself, establish his service branch.
Mechanical trouble brought further delays. The 1 December entry reports a burst steam valve, and the 3 December entry describes a boiler problem and the possibility of diverting to Pearl Harbor. By 4 December the crew had made repairs and the original course had resumed. The pages also describe colder weather, crowded conditions near the bow, and fellow passengers who remained sick. A 5 December entry places the ship north of Midway. The account’s two Guam references are retained as written, rather than silently adjusted into a corrected itinerary.
The diary repeats Thursday 6 December and explains why: the ship had crossed the International Date Line. The last clear page turns to old books, bitter wind, a shipboard game and the diminishing distance home. On 10 December the writer records 557 miles remaining, then the photographed page breaks off. A blurred, clipped sheet may be a continuation, but its text and connection are not secure. The surviving clear sequence therefore ends before a readable account of arrival, and it does not establish a discharge date.
Bruno Elkan in the family account
Bruno’s military service is confirmed by the family. A family presentation titled “My Family in WWII”, credited on its cover to Menachem Elkan and saved in December 2022, describes “Great Uncle Bruno in US Army” and says that he was stationed in “Manilla”. The spelling is retained as source wording. This is useful retrospective family evidence for U.S. Army service and a remembered station. It does not yet establish his unit, rank, enlistment or discharge dates. Bruno belongs in the chapter without borrowing those missing details from Kurt’s service.
SourcesM10
The military papers of David Loewenfels
David’s name also appears in an actual military pass. Its cover names private David Loewenfels of the Royal Bavarian 4th Infantry Regiment. The associated named personal page records a merchant born on 28 May 1866 in Kaubenheim, district of Uffenheim, Bavaria, and identifies his religion as Jewish. A home-municipality certificate dated 10 August 1910 gives the same name, exact birth date and birthplace, and names his wife Klothilde née Springer and their children Luise, Bruno, Hugo and Salomon. Louise’s school certificate separately names her father as David Löwenfels, a merchant, and records her birth on 11 February 1896 in Windsheim; the pupil’s given name is read as Luisa, with the final letter qualified. The exact birth match between David’s military and household records, together with the daughter and father named in the family and school records, supports a reasoned identification of the serviceman as Louise Elkan’s father. The conclusion rests on agreement across the records, rather than on the similarity of names alone. The child Bruno in this Löwenfels household must be kept distinct from Bruno Elkan.
Readings preserve uncertain words and source distinctions. Photographs of the same document, later translations and family recollections are identified as different evidence layers.
Sources and originals
Open a source to read its documents beside the transcription or English rendering. Return links lead to each paragraph it supports.
Images are full-frame reading previews. Original-file links retain their existing access settings and may require permission. Selected readings and summaries are labeled; they are not presented as complete translations.
22 source groups shown.
SOURCE M01Siegfried and his family on the service book pages
Names the holder, his birth particulars, entry into service, first unit and parents.
What this source can and cannot establish
The parents-address insert is undated. The street is uncertain, with Schanzenstrasse and Pflanzenstrasse readings preserved in the edition. The facing recruitment date does not date the address. “First floor” reproduces the earlier translation; the suffix I remains unverified.
The parents-address insert is undated. The street is uncertain, with Schanzenstrasse and Pflanzenstrasse readings preserved in the edition. The facing recruitment date does not date the address. “First floor” reproduces the earlier translation; the suffix I remains unverified.
Personal particulars
English rendering / source wording
Personal particulars of the holder.
1. Forename and surname: Siegfried Elkan.
Height: 1 metre 64 centimetres.
Born on 14 April 1888 in Wesel.
Administrative district: Wesel, Rhineland.
Federal state: Prussia.
2. Occupation: merchant or businessman.
3. Religion: Jewish (abbreviated “isr.”, Israelite).
4. Married: [field cancelled]. Children: [field cancelled].
5. Date and nature of entry into service: entered as a recruit on 2 October 1909.
6. Unit, including company, squadron or battery: 2nd Transport Battalion, 1st Company.
Original-language transcription
Nationale des Buch-Inhabers.
1. Vor- und Familien-Namen: Siegfried Elkan.
Größe: 1 m 64 cm.
Geboren am 14ten April 1888 zu Wesel.
Verwaltungsbezirk: Wesel (Rheinland).
Bundesstaat: Preußen.
2. Stand oder Gewerbe: Kaufmann.
3. Religion: isr.
4. Ob verheiratet: [cancellation mark]. Kinder: [cancellation mark].
5. Datum und Art des Diensteintritts: Am 2. Oktober 1909 als Rekrut.
6. Bei welchem Truppenteil (unter Angabe der Kompagnie, Eskadron, Batterie): 2. Train-Bataillon, 1. Compagnie.
Reading note. The explicit word “ledig” on the family-address insert means unmarried. The cancellation signs in the adjacent personal form should not be mistaken for ditto marks supplying an unstated spouse or children. Existing edition text retained verbatim with normalized paragraph joins; no claim of fresh complete translation.
Edition locator: Siegfried_Elkan_Military_Record_Volume_1.docx · IMG_7341 right page 1 · existing edition, paragraphs 48–74
Family addresses during mobilization
English rendering / source wording
To be pasted into the service book and transfer personal record before page 1 during mobilization.
Addresses of relatives of Non-commissioned Officer Siegfried Elkan.
1. Wife: unmarried.
2. Parents:
Occupation or status: living on private means.
Father’s forename and surname: Moses Elkan.
Mother’s forename and maiden name: Marianne, née Fraenkel.
Place of residence: Nuremberg.
Street and house number: [Schanzenstrasse?] 21, first floor.
3. Other relatives, if wife and parents are deceased: [fields blank].
Original-language transcription
Während der Mobilmachung im Paß und Überweisungs-National vor Seite 1 einzukleben.
Angehörigen-Adressen des Unteroffz. Elkan Siegfried.
1. Ehefrau: ledig.
2. Eltern:
Stand oder Gewerbe: Rentier.
Vor- u. Zuname d. Vaters: Moses Elkan.
Vor- u. Mädchenname d. Mutter: Marianne geb. Fraenkel.
Wohnort (Kreis): Nürnberg.
Straße (Hausnummer): [Schanzenstr.?] 21 I.
3. Verwandte, falls Ehefrau u. Eltern gestorben: [fields blank].
Reading note. This inserted address form is undated. The 1909 recruitment date on the facing page does not date the parents’ address. “Rentier” describes a person living on income from property or investments; it does not identify a particular former occupation. The street reading remains qualified. An alternative reading of the street is “Pflanzenstr.”; the photograph does not settle the initial letters beyond doubt. Existing edition text retained verbatim with normalized paragraph joins; no claim of fresh complete translation.
Edition locator: Siegfried_Elkan_Military_Record_Volume_1.docx · IMG_7341 left insert · existing edition, paragraphs 75–99
SOURCE M02Promotions and the Somme campaign entry
Preserves early promotions, reserve release and the campaign list containing the Somme dates.
What this source can and cannot establish
This unnamed leaf is associated-booklet evidence. Continuous physical page-turn proof is absent. The campaign list does not establish daily location or personal combat actions.
This unnamed leaf is associated-booklet evidence. Continuous physical page-turn proof is absent. The campaign list does not establish daily location or personal combat actions.
Promotions and transfer to the reserve
English rendering / source wording
Transfers, with date and company, squadron or battery: [field cancelled].
Promotions, with date and nature:
1 October 1910: Gefreiter, a junior enlisted rank.
1 April 1911: “üb. Uffz.”, an abbreviated non-commissioned-officer rank or appointment.
7. Date and nature of release:
Released to the reserve on 30 September 1911, going to Amberg in the Upper Palatinate.
District civil authority and district military command: Amberg in the Upper Palatinate.
Original-language transcription
Versetzungen (unter Angabe des Datums und Kompagnie, Eskadron, Batterie): [cancellation mark].
Beförderungen (unter Angabe des Datums und der Art):
1.10.1910 Gefreiter.
1.4.1911 üb. Uffz.
7. Datum und Art der Entlassung:
Am 30. September 1911 zur Reserve nach Amberg i/O.
Bez. Amt [und] Bez. Kdo.: Amberg i/O.
Reading note. “Uffz.” securely abbreviates Unteroffizier. The preceding abbreviated qualifier is preserved rather than silently expanded. The record supports NCO status before the First World War. It does not record a commission as Leutnant or another commissioned rank. The campaign insert overlaps part of this opening. Existing edition text retained verbatim with normalized paragraph joins; no claim of fresh complete translation.
Edition locator: Siegfried_Elkan_Military_Record_Volume_1.docx · IMG_7342 and IMG_7343 left page 2 · existing edition, paragraphs 100–118
Earlier handwritten campaign insert
English rendering / source wording
XIV Army Corps headquarters; section Ia, no. 35343; corps headquarters, 29 February 1916.
Engagements and battles participated in.
[Seal] Royal Prussian Transport Column 3, 52nd Infantry Division.
9–10 August 1914: engagement at Sennheim–Mülhausen.
20–22 August 1914: battle in Lorraine.
23 August–14 September 1914: battle before Nancy–Épinal.
16–30 September 1914: fighting at Flirey.
6–13 October 1914: battle at Arras.
15–18 October 1914: battle at Lille.
14–24 December 1914: December battle in French Flanders.
19 October–13 December 1914 and 25 December 1914–6 March 1915: positional fighting in French Flanders and Artois.
25 March 1915–23 June 1916: positional fighting in Artois west of Bapaume.
7–13 June 1915: engagement at Serre.
24 June–26 November 1916: Battle of the Somme.
27 November 1916–14 March 1917: positional fighting on the Somme.
2 April–17 May 1917: spring battle at Arras, 1917.
From 16 August [year not repeated; continuation follows 1917]: positional fighting in Artois; no end date entered.
[Additional marginal command reference remains partly unread.]
Original-language transcription
XIV. A.K. Generalkommando. Ia Nr. 35343. K.H.Q. 29.2.16.
Mitgemachte Gefechte und Schlachten.
[seal] KÖNIGL. PREUSS. FUHRP.-KOL. 3 / 52. INF. DIV.
9.–10.8.14 Gefecht bei Sennheim-Mülhausen.
20.–22.8.14 Schlacht in Lothringen.
23.8.–14.9.14 Schlacht vor Nancy-Epinal.
16.–30.9.14 Kämpfe bei Flirey.
6.–13.10.14 Schlacht bei Arras.
15.–18.10.14 Schlacht bei Lille.
14.–24.12.14 Dezemberschlacht in französisch Flandern.
19.10.–13.12.14 und vom 25.12.14–6.3.15 Stellungskämpfe in französisch Flandern und im Artois.
25.3.15–23.6.16 Stellungskämpfe im Artois westlich Bapaume.
7.–13.6.15 Gefecht bei Serre.
24.6.16–26.11.16 Schlacht an der Somme.
27.11.16–14.3.17 Stellungskämpfe an der Somme.
2.4.–17.5.17 Frühjahrsschlacht b. Arras 1917.
16.8.– [no end date] Stellungskämpfe im Artois.
[Additional marginal command reference is only partly legible.]
Reading note. The 29 February 1916 heading is a command reference, not a date applicable to every later addition on this sheet. The entries continue into 1917. The stamp is useful unit evidence, but the photographs do not establish a complete sequence of unit redesignations or transfers. Existing edition text retained verbatim with normalized paragraph joins; no claim of fresh complete translation.
Edition locator: Siegfried_Elkan_Military_Record_Volume_1.docx · IMG_7342 and IMG_7343 right insert · existing edition, paragraphs 209–249
SOURCE M03The Iron Cross certificate
Matches Elkan’s exact birth date and place to the named identity page and documents the decoration on 5 December 1916.
What this source can and cannot establish
The first name is absent; surname, exact birth date and birthplace match Siegfried’s named identity page. No individual act, injury or battle-specific award reason is stated. Fuhrpark-Kolonne means transport column here; motorization is not established. The commander’s signature remains unresolved.
The first name is absent; surname, exact birth date and birthplace match Siegfried’s named identity page. No individual act, injury or battle-specific award reason is stated. Fuhrpark-Kolonne means transport column here; motorization is not established. The commander’s signature remains unresolved.
Provisional Iron Cross certificate
English rendering / source wording
Provisional certificate.
Non-commissioned officer Elkan of Transport Column 3 of the 52nd Infantry Division, born on 14 April 1888 in Wesel (Rhineland), was awarded the Iron Cross, Second Class, by His Excellency the commanding general of the XIV Reserve Corps in the name of His Majesty the Emperor and King.
In the field, 5 December 1916.
[Signature not securely read.]
Major general and commander.
[Seal:] Royal Prussian commander of ammunition columns and trains, XIV Reserve Corps.
Original-language transcription
Vorläufiger Ausweis.
Dem Untffz. Elkan der Fuhrpark-Kolonne 3 der 52. Inf. Div., geboren am 14. April 1888 in Wesel (Rheinland), wurde von Seiner Exzellenz dem kommandierenden General des XIV. Reservekorps im Namen Seiner Majestät des Kaisers und Königs das Eiserne Kreuz II. Klasse verliehen.
IM FELDE den 5. Dezember 1916.
[Purple signature not securely read]
Generalmajor und Kommandeur.
[Seal: KÖNIGLICH PREUSSISCHER / KOMDR. D. MUN. KOL. / U. TRAINS / XIV. RES. KORPS; eagle.]
First name is absent on this certificate. Exact birthday/place agree with documented Siegfried Elkan and justify a qualified identity link; surname alone would not. Certificate wording does not establish a battle or injury. Existing source-linked review text; visible certificate image checked again for principal date, rank, unit and name fields.
Edition locator: Family_Archive_DOC05_Volume_2_Military_certificates_and_pass.docx · IMG_7298.jpeg · existing reviewed edition
SOURCE M04Siegfried writes to his parents
A signed family message dated 4 September 1917 connects the serviceman to his parents in Nürnberg.
What this source can and cannot establish
IMG_7383 is another photograph of this postcard. The unit number 737 is tentative; Field Post 407 is explicit. The exact field location is unstated.
IMG_7383 is another photograph of this postcard. The unit number 737 is tentative; Field Post 407 is explicit. The exact field location is unstated.
Return to the story:Paragraph P06
Field postcard to his parents
English rendering / source wording
In the field, 4 September 1917
Dear parents!
I hope you are in the best of health, as I am too. For today, just the warmest greetings and kisses from your [unclear abbreviated descriptor] son,
Siegfried
Field post!
To Mr. [M./N.] Elkan
Nuremberg
Schanzenstr. 21 [following mark unclear]
Bavaria
Sender: [rank or abbreviation unclear] Siegfried Elkan; abbreviated unit designation probably “Fuhrp. K. 737”; German Field Post 407. The stamp reads “Feldpostadresse: Fuhrparkkol. / Deutsche Feldpost 407.” The postmark shows 4.9.17 and “4–5 N”. The faint lettering around its rim is not reliably readable.
Original-language transcription
Im Felde, 4.9.17
Liebe Eltern!
Hoffe Euch beim be-
sten Wohle was bei mir
auch der Fall ist.
Für heute nur die be-
sten Grüße & Küsse von
Eurem [Abkürzung unklar] Sohn
Siegfried
Feldpost!
Herrn
[M./N.] Elkan
Nürnberg
Schanzenstr. 21 [nachfolgendes Zeichen unklar]
Bayern
Abs. [Dienstgrad/Abkürzung unklar] Siegfried Elkan, [Fuhrp. K. 737?]
D. Feldpost 407
[Stempel:] Feldpostadresse: Fuhrparkkol. / Deutsche Feldpost 407
[Poststempel:] -4.9.17.4-5 N [Randtext unklar]
Square brackets mark uncertain or unreadable writing, rather than words supplied as certain. The closing abbreviation is left unresolved. The address initial remains disputed between M and N; it is not expanded to Moses. The salutation is “Liebe Eltern” (“Dear parents”): neither Moses nor Marianne is explicitly named in the message. Their identification from other records is separate evidence. Both photographs were compared, including the message, address, sender margin and overlapping postal marks. IMG_7383 gives a clearer message and address view; IMG_7363 helps compare the edge writing. Nearby album fragments are not part of this correspondence. Existing full edition text; clearer message/address photograph rechecked.
Edition locator: Siegfried_Elkan_4_September_1917.docx · One postcard in IMG_7363 and IMG_7383 · existing reviewed edition
SOURCE M05The service recap and demobilization
Names Sergeant Elkan, summarizes wartime service and gives the sergeant promotion and demobilization dates.
What this source can and cannot establish
The recap names Elkan but is not a full identity page. Unit 737 should not be projected backward across the entire interval. The amended final year digit remains bracketed.
The recap names Elkan but is not a full identity page. Unit 737 should not be projected backward across the entire interval. The amended final year digit remains bracketed.
Return to the story:Paragraph P07
Wartime service and demobilization
English rendering / source wording
Command entering the additions: Transport Column 737.
Date: 24 December 1918.
Additions to the personal record, covering exercises, call-ups, conduct, punishments and related matters.
Sergeant Elkan served from 4 August 1914 to 24 December 1918 with the unit shown alongside.
Released to Nuremberg on 24 December 1918 as a result of demobilization.
Engagements participated in: see overleaf.
Promotions: promoted to an established/on-strength sergeant position on 5 February 1918.
Orders and decorations: 5 December 1916, Iron Cross, 2nd Class.
Conduct: very good.
Punishments: none.
In the field, 3 January 191[9; final digit amended].
[Signature] Cavalry captain of the Landwehr [further abbreviation uncertain] and company commander.
[Left margin:] Received ... travel money ... [partly uncertain].
Original-language transcription
Kommandobehörde, welche Zusätze einträgt: Fuhrpark-Kol. 737.
Datum: 24.12.1918.
Zusätze zu den Personalnotizen (Übungen und Einberufungen, Führung, Strafen usw.).
Sergt. Elkan war vom 4. Aug. 1914 bis 24.12.1918 bei nebenstehendem Truppenteil.
Am 24.12.18 infolge Demobilmachung nach Nürnberg entlassen.
Mitgemachte Gefechte: (siehe umseitig).
Beförderungen: 5.2.18 zum etatsm. Sergt. befördert.
Orden u. Ehrenzeichen: 5.12.16 E.K.2.Kl.
Führung: sehr gut.
Strafen: keine.
Im Felde, am 3.1.191[9; last digit amended].
[signature] Rittmeister d. L. [further abbreviation uncertain] u. Komp.-Führer.
[Left margin:] Hat ... Marschgeld ... erhalten [partly uncertain].
Reading note. “Sergt.” is Sergeant and “etatsm.” is etatsmäßig, referring to an established position. Sergeant is an NCO rank. The officer’s signature and title certify the entry; they do not confer that officer’s rank on Siegfried. The recap associates his war service with the unit named on the sheet, but does not by itself demonstrate that the column carried number 737 throughout every date in 1914–1918. Existing edition text retained verbatim with normalized paragraph joins; no claim of fresh complete translation.
Edition locator: Siegfried_Elkan_Military_Record_Volume_1.docx · IMG_7347 and IMG_7348 · existing edition, paragraphs 178–208
SOURCE M06Arthur in the named German military passport
The title identifies a nursing-orderly role. The named identity page supplies the exact birthday, entry date and Kempten hospital assignment.
What this source can and cannot establish
The annual class is not the entry date. Hospital assignment does not mean Arthur was a patient. Later unnamed pages still require exact-object continuity.
The annual class is not the entry date. Hospital assignment does not mean Arthur was a patient. Later unnamed pages still require exact-object continuity.
IMG_7219.jpeg · reviewed text
English rendering / source wording
Landsturm military service book of nursing-orderly Gefreiter [lance-corporal grade] Arthur Seligmann. Annual class 1896. Form 259 I, medical personnel. Munich, printed-publications publisher of the Royal Bavarian War Ministry.
Original-language transcription
[upper annotation partly folded over: … 87 …]
Landsturm
Militärpaß des Krankenwärter-Gefr. Arthur Seligmann
Jahresklasse: 1896
Formular 259 I / Sanitäts-Personal.
München. Drucksachen-Verlag des Kgl. Bayer. Kriegsministeriums.
Downloaded original visually examined, with rotated/enlarged derivatives where needed. Visible foreground text transcribed or explicitly marked uncertain, covered or clipped. Copy coverage inherits only this actual scope and the exact per-entry duplicate evidence. No unseen reverse, hidden leaf or complete physical-object clearance.
Edition locator: DOC_04_07_Military_marriage_and_citizenship.pdf, pp. 2–3; section 30 Arthur Seligmann Landsturm military booklet title
IMG_7220.jpeg · reviewed text
English rendering / source wording
Personal particulars of the holder. Arthur Seligman, born 30 July 1896 in Memmingen; administrative district: same; Bavaria. Occupation: merchant. Religion: Jewish (abbreviated isr.). Married and children fields carry null marks. Date and kind of entry into service: 2 December 1915, Landsturm (abbreviated; smaller added qualification unresolved). Unit: Reserve Hospital Kempten.
Original-language transcription
1
Nationale des Buchinhabers.
1. Vor- und Familiennamen: Arthur Seligman
Geboren am 30ten Juli 1896
zu Memmingen
Verwaltungsbezirk: [ditto mark]
Bundesstaat: Bayern
2. Stand oder Gewerbe: Kaufmann
3. Religion: isr.
4. Ob verheiratet: [null mark]
Kinder: [null mark]
5. Datum und Art des Diensteintritts: 2.12.1915 Landst. [smaller added abbreviation not securely deciphered]
6. Bei welchem Truppenteil (unter Angabe der Kompagnie, Eskadron, Batterie): Res. Laz. Kempten
Bottom edge clips any continuation. Do not infer patient status from hospital assignment; cover identifies nursing-orderly role. Null family fields are document-specific. The date is military entry, not oath. No full booklet continuity proved.
Edition locator: Original inspected 12 October 2026
SOURCE M07Kurt in a family identified army photograph
Supplies the family-identified image of Kurt in an army-service context.
What this source can and cannot establish
Identity and context come from the family, not facial identification. A possible Philippines location remains tentative. No rank, unit, date or action is inferred from the image.
Identity and context come from the family, not facial identification. A possible Philippines location remains tentative. No rank, unit, date or action is inferred from the image.
Text and translation
English rendering / source wording
No readable caption, inscription or text on the exposed photograph and margins. No translation is needed.
Edition locator: Family-confirmed identification in the archive; original photograph inspected 12 October 2026.
SOURCE M08Inge remembers service and citizenship
Preserves Inge’s recollection of four years in the U.S. Army, Pacific service and citizenship in Brisbane.
What this source can and cannot establish
The source is a draft transcript with automated wording errors. No audio verification, exact service dates or citizenship certificate has been established here.
The source is a draft transcript with automated wording errors. No audio verification, exact service dates or citizenship certificate has been established here.
USC Shoah Foundation – The Institute for Visual History and Education. Inge Elkan, interview 14505, 16 May 1996. Draft transcript; recording not checked.
Selected wording from the draft transcript
English rendering / source wording
“He had just come out of the army. He was in the army for four years. He was in the Pacific. In the US Army? In the US Army, oh yes.”
“He became a citizen in Brisbane, Australia, in the United States Army.”
Edition locator: Inge Elkan interview, 16 May 1996, interview 14505, Tape 2. USC Shoah Foundation – The Institute for Visual History and Education. Date from the transcript. Selected English transcript wording, not an audio-verified quotation.
SOURCE M09David Loewenfels in the military pass
The cover establishes the serviceman’s name and regiment. The named interior supplies exact birth particulars that can be compared with the family certificate.
What this source can and cannot establish
The company numeral on the cover remains [6th?]. The year class is not an enlistment date. Cancelled family fields do not prove lifelong unmarried or childless status.
The company numeral on the cover remains [6th?]. The year class is not an enlistment date. Cancelled family fields do not prove lifelong unmarried or childless status.
Return to the story:Paragraph P13
IMG_7301.jpeg · reviewed text
English rendering / source wording
Military pass of private David Loewenfels, [6th?] Company, Royal Bavarian 4th Infantry Regiment. Year class 1866. Form 252, infantry. The bottom annotation is unresolved.
Original-language transcription
[Bavarian coat of arms]
Militär-Paß des Gemeinen David Loewenfels der [6?] Compagnie k. b. 4. Infant.-Regiments.
Jahresklasse 1866.
Formular 252. Infanterie.
[Lower manuscript notation unclear.]
Full original image individually examined, with enlarged crops for difficult passages. Only exposed surface(s); normalized line breaks. Uncertain, occluded, cancelled and clipped text distinguished. Unseen reverses, covered background sheets, unphotographed leaves and off-frame wording remain unreviewed.
Edition locator: Family_Archive_DOC05_Volume_2_Military_certificates_and_pass.pdf, pp. 6–7; section IMG_7301
IMG_7307.jpeg · reviewed text
English rendering / source wording
Models for men on leave at their unit’s disposal request permission to move from one place to another, with district and name. Other reports may be brief. Departure abroad, traveling or itinerancy requires strict observance of pass provisions 7–9 and naming a person who can receive summonses for the traveler. Sample wording follows, with destination, intermediary’s name, district and address. The facing identity page names David Loewenfels, born 28 May 1866 in Kaubenheim, administrative district Uffenheim, Bavaria; merchant; Jewish religion. Pencil “1.65” is unexplained. Married-status and children lines have marks rather than readable names.
Original-language transcription
XII
(c) Für Dispositions-Urlauber.
Ort … Datum …
Inhaber beifolgenden Passes bittet verziehen zu dürfen von … nach … Kreis (Bezirksamt etc.) … Name …
(d) Für sonstige Meldungen.
Bei allen vorstehend nicht erwähnten Meldungen genügt ganz kurze Abfassung.
Bei Abmeldungen ins Ausland, auf Reisen oder Wanderschaft wird auf die genaueste Beachtung der Paßbestimmungen 7, 8 und 9 hingewiesen. Auf keinen Fall darf unterlassen werden, eine Person zu bezeichnen, durch welche dem Reisenden etc. jederzeit Gestellungsbefehle zugestellt werden können.
Die bezügliche Meldung würde lauten:
„Inhaber beifolgenden Passes meldet sich nach … ab (oder auf Reisen / Wanderschaft). Befehle für ihn besorgt: Name … in … Kreis (Bezirksamt etc.) … Städten / größeren Ortschaften: Straße und Haus-Nr. … Name des Meldenden …“
13. Nationale des Buch-Inhabers.
1. Vor- und Familiennamen: David Loewenfels [pencil: 1.65]. Geboren am 28ten Mai 1866 zu Kaubenheim. Verwaltungs-Bezirk: Uffenheim. Bundesstaat: Bayern.
2. Stand oder Gewerbe: Handelsmann.
3. Religion: israelit.
4. Ob verheirathet: [cancellation/unclear notation]. Kinder: [cancellation mark].
Full original image individually examined, with enlarged crops for difficult passages. Only exposed surface(s); normalized line breaks. Uncertain, occluded, cancelled and clipped text distinguished. Unseen reverses, covered background sheets, unphotographed leaves and off-frame wording remain unreviewed.
Edition locator: Family_Archive_DOC05_Volume_2_Military_certificates_and_pass.pdf, pp. 12–13; section IMG_7307
SOURCE M10Bruno and the family account of army service
Pairs an expressly family-identified portrait with the family’s account of U.S. Army service.
What this source can and cannot establish
The portrait supplies no readable personal caption or date. Unit, rank, award entitlement and location are not inferred from its insignia.
The portrait supplies no readable personal caption or date. Unit, rank, award entitlement and location are not inferred from its insignia.
Return to the story:Paragraph P12
Text and translation
English rendering / source wording
No readable personal caption or date on the exposed portrait. No translation is needed.
Edition locator: Portrait identity confirmed by the family 11 October 2026; military service separately confirmed 12 October 2026.
Retrospective family presentation
English rendering / source wording
Slide 2 of “My Family in WWII” reads: “Great Uncle Bruno in US Army (stationed in Manilla)”. Cover credit: Menachem Elkan. File created 6 December 2022 and modified 7 December 2022. This is retrospective family evidence; the slide images are not reproduced here.
Family presentation evidence, not a service file. Only the relevant text is reproduced.
SOURCE M11The certificate connecting David to his household
Matches the military holder’s exact birthday and birthplace while naming his wife and children, including Luise. This supports the cross-source family identification.
What this source can and cannot establish
The certificate gives no birth dates for the wife or children. Its historical home-rights wording is not a modern nationality determination. Bruno Löwenfels and Bruno Elkan remain distinct.
The certificate gives no birth dates for the wife or children. Its historical home-rights wording is not a modern nationality determination. Bruno Löwenfels and Bruno Elkan remain distinct.
Return to the story:Paragraph P13
IMG_7332.jpeg · reviewed text
English rendering / source wording
Home-municipality certificate: David Löwenfels, Jewish merchant resident in Nuremberg, born 28 May 1866 in Kaubenheim, together with his wife Klothilde née Springer and their children Luise, Bruno, Hugo and Salomon, has home rights in Kaubenheim. Issued 10 August 1910. Selected wording; full reviewed rendering appears in the accompanying review record.
Original-language transcription
Heimat-Schein.
David Löwenfels
[Stand:] isr. Handelsmann
wohnhaft in Nürnberg
geboren am 28ten Mai 1866 zu Kaubenheim
[...] derselbe sowie seine Ehefrau Klothilde geb. Springer u. deren Kinder Luise, Bruno, Hugo u. Salomon [...]
in der Gemeinde Kaubenheim heimatberechtigt ist.
Kaubenheim, den 10ten August 1910.
This supports a reasoned cross-source family identification; it does not authorize changing or merging canonical profiles. Child Bruno in 1910 cannot be Bruno Elkan born 1925. Spelling variants are source-local, not a global Lowenfeld/Lowenstein merge.
Edition locator: Family_Archive_DOC05_Volume_1_Civil_and_family_records.pdf, pp. 8–9; section IMG_7332
SOURCE M12Louise’s school record and family identification
An independently named school record links Louise to father David Löwenfels. Read beside the 1910 household certificate and David’s military personal page. On 13 July 1912, Luisa Löwenfels received a leaving certificate from Nuremberg’s girls’ continuation school. The document looks back to her first entry into weekday school in Windsheim on 1 May 1902, her departure from that school on 30 April 1909, and three stated continuation-school years from 1 May 1909 to 13 July 1912. It names her father, David Löwenfels, as a merchant and records her Jewish religion and Windsheim home locality. Its judgment is favorable: great diligence, very commendable conduct, good aptitude, and an overall grade of II, “good.” Her listed subjects included reading, composition, household management, and arithmetic with bookkeeping. The certificate explicitly says that she had fulfilled her general compulsory-schooling obligation. It records schooling and assessment; it does not establish a subsequent occupation.
What this source can and cannot establish
The school record and household certificate support a reasoned cross-source identification. The school record by itself does not give her mother’s name. Luisa/Luise/Louise spellings are preserved as source variants. There are three photographed views, not three certificates. IMG_7369 and IMG_7370 are alternate fronts; IMG_7371 is a probable reverse, with association not custody-confirmed. This is a girls’ continuation-school leaving certificate, not an Abitur, university qualification, or evidence of higher-education eligibility. The precise handwritten course/class designation and locality suffix remain unresolved; the printed institution name securely identifies the Nuremberg Girls’ Continuation School. The weekday school is located at Windsheim in the certificate, but its individual institutional name is not supplied. Heimat records a home locality; it must not silently become a specific residential address or an exact migration date. Religious affiliation is explicitly recorded, but the document does not establish the pupil’s beliefs, observance, or the character of particular religious lessons. The marks are period-specific. Preserve the literal grades and the document’s own keys instead of converting them to modern letter grades or numerical percentages.
The school record and household certificate support a reasoned cross-source identification. The school record by itself does not give her mother’s name. Luisa/Luise/Louise spellings are preserved as source variants. There are three photographed views, not three certificates. IMG_7369 and IMG_7370 are alternate fronts; IMG_7371 is a probable reverse, with association not custody-confirmed. This is a girls’ continuation-school leaving certificate, not an Abitur, university qualification, or evidence of higher-education eligibility. The precise handwritten course/class designation and locality suffix remain unresolved; the printed institution name securely identifies the Nuremberg Girls’ Continuation School. The weekday school is located at Windsheim in the certificate, but its individual institutional name is not supplied. Heimat records a home locality; it must not silently become a specific residential address or an exact migration date. Religious affiliation is explicitly recorded, but the document does not establish the pupil’s beliefs, observance, or the character of particular religious lessons. The marks are period-specific. Preserve the literal grades and the document’s own keys instead of converting them to modern letter grades or numerical percentages.
Return to the story:Paragraph P13
Certificate front: IMG_7370 and alternate IMG_7369
English rendering / source wording
Register year 1911/12.
No. 25.
School-leaving certificate
of the
Nuremberg Girls’ Continuation School
for
Löwenfels Luisa,
born on 11 February 1896 at Windsheim; district administrative office [dash; no place entered],
religion: Jewish [literally: “Israelite”]; home locality: Windsheim,
father’s name [the printed alternative “mother’s” is crossed out]: David Löwenfels; occupation: merchant,
first entered weekday school on 1 May 1902 at Windsheim,
left weekday school on 30 April 1909 at Windsheim.
Remarks: [no remark entered; box ruled through diagonally]
The pupil attended the Girls’ Continuation School and its associated religious instruction from 1 May 1909 until 13 July 1912, thus for three school years, most recently in [handwritten course/locality description not fully deciphered with confidence: “Course … A at Nuremberg-…”], with great diligence and displayed very commendable conduct. With good aptitude, she earned the following grades:
Religion: 2
Reading: 1½
Composition: 2
Household management: 2
Commercial studies: [curved stroke; no numerical grade entered]
Arithmetic with bookkeeping: 2
Overall attainment grade: II
With the delivery of this certificate, the pupil is discharged from the Nuremberg Girls’ Continuation School and has fulfilled her general compulsory-schooling obligation.
Nuremberg, 13 July 1912.
The Royal Municipal Education Officer:
[Signature; name not securely deciphered]
The Royal District School Inspector:
[Signature; name not securely deciphered]
The teacher:
[Signature; name not securely transcribed here]
[Oval official seal with coat of arms; legend not fully deciphered with confidence; “NUREMBERG” is readable]
Fee: 20 pfennigs.
See reverse!
Grade levels:
I = very good,
II = good,
III = satisfactory,
IV = unsatisfactory.
[A handwritten line passes through the printed grading key; the words remain readable.]
Delivered on [date not entered]
Keep carefully!
[Small printer/form code: “R. S. 30[?]. 10.”]
Original-language transcription
Grundbuch Jahr 1911/12.
Nº 25.
Entlassungszeugnis
der
Mädchen-Fortbildungsschule Nürnberg
für
Löwenfels Luisa,
geboren am 11. Februar 1896 zu Windsheim, Bez.-A. [Strich; keine Ortsangabe],
Religion: israelitisch, Heimat: Windsheim,
Name des Vaters [gedruckte Alternative „der Mutter“ durchgestrichen]: David Löwenfels, Beruf Kaufmann,
erster Eintritt in die Werktagsschule am 1. Mai 1902 zu Windsheim,
Entlassung aus der Werktagsschule am 30. April 1909 zu Windsheim.
Bemerkungen: [keine Bemerkung eingetragen; Feld diagonal ausgestrichen]
Die Schülerin hat die Mädchen-Fortbildungsschule und den damit verbundenen Religionsunterricht
vom 1. Mai 1909 bis zum 13. Juli 1912, sohin drei Schuljahre und zwar zuletzt in [handschriftliche Kurs-/Ortsangabe nicht vollständig sicher entziffert: „Kurs … A zu Nürnberg-…“] mit großem Fleiße besucht und ein sehr lobenswürdiges Betragen gepflogen. Bei guten Anlagen hat sie sich folgende Noten erworben:
Religion: 2
Lesen: 1½
Aufsatz: 2
Haushaltungskunde: 2
Handelskunde: [geschwungener Strich; keine Zahl eingetragen]
Rechnen mit Buchführung: 2
Fortgangsnote: II
Die Schülerin ist mit Aushändigung dieses Zeugnisses aus der Mädchen-Fortbildungsschule Nürnberg entlassen und hat ihrer allgemeinen Schulpflicht Genüge geleistet.
Nürnberg am 13. Juli 1912.
Der Kgl. Stadtschulreferent:
[Unterschrift; Name nicht sicher entziffert]
Der Kgl. Bezirksschulinspektor:
[Unterschrift; Name nicht sicher entziffert]
Der Lehrer:
[Unterschrift; Name hier nicht sicher transkribiert]
[Ovales Dienstsiegel mit Wappen; Umschrift nicht vollständig sicher entziffert, „NÜRNBERG“ lesbar]
Gebühr: 20 Pfg.
Siehe Rückseite!
Notenstufen:
I = sehr gut,
II = gut,
III = genügend,
IV = ungenügend.
[Ein handschriftlicher Strich verläuft durch die gedruckte Notenlegende; die Wörter bleiben lesbar.]
Ausgehändigt am [Datum nicht eingetragen]
Sorgfältig aufzubewahren!
[Kleiner Druckvermerk: „R. S. 30[?]. 10.“]
Two photographed fronts show one certificate. IMG_7371 is a probable reverse, not custody-confirmed. Source name Luisa remains literal; identity is anchored by exact 11 February 1896 Windsheim birth in existing Master PS-000658/660. Father David Löwenfels remains distinct from David Seligmann. Difficult course wording, signature names, seal detail and small printer code remain bracketed.
Probable reverse: IMG_7371
English rendering / source wording
Grade levels:
Conduct:
a. The standard grade, 1, means very commendable.
b. Grade 2 = commendable; 3 = not free from reproach; 4 = very unsatisfactory.
Diligence:
a. The standard grade is 2 for dutiful effort.
b. 1½ is the grade for special recognition; 1 is the grade for distinction.
c. 2½ is the grade for partly unsatisfactory schoolwork;
3 for schoolwork unsatisfactory in several respects;
3½ for almost entirely unsatisfactory schoolwork;
4 for completely unsatisfactory schoolwork.
Achievement:
a. The standard grade is 2½ for satisfactory achievement.
b. Grades for better achievement: 2 = good;
1½ = almost very good;
1 = very good.
c. Grades for lower achievement: 3 = still satisfactory;
3½ = almost unsatisfactory;
4 = unsatisfactory.
[Printed ornament below the text; front-side text showing through the paper is not an additional reverse-side entry.]
Original-language transcription
Notenstufen:
Betragen:
a. Normalnote 1 = sehr lobenswürdig;
b. Note 2 = lobenswürdig, 3 = nicht tadelfrei, 4 = sehr unbefriedigend.
Fleiß:
a. Normalnote ist 2 für pflichtgemässen Eifer;
b. 1½ ist Note der Hervorhebung, 1 die der Auszeichnung;
c. 2½ ist Note für teilweise unbefriedigende,
3 für mehrfach unbefriedigende,
3½ für nahezu ganz unbefriedigende,
4 für vollständig unbefriedigende Lernarbeit.
Leistungen:
a. Normalnote ist 2½ für genügende Leistungen;
b. Noten für bessere Leistungen: 2 = gut,
1½ = fast sehr gut,
1 = sehr gut;
c. Noten f. geringere Leistungen: 3 = noch genügend,
3½ = fast ungenügend,
4 = ungenügend.
[Gedrucktes Zierzeichen unter dem Text; durchscheinender Text der Vorderseite ist kein weiterer Rückseiteneintrag.]
Printed reverse grade explanations. Visual association to the front is probable, not custody-confirmed; show-through is not a second text.
Source locator: IMG_7370 and IMG_7369: alternate fronts; IMG_7371: probable reverse. Full photographed surfaces read 12 October 2026.
SOURCE M13The existing English excerpt of Arthur’s passport
Shows a later English rendering of selected passport pages and its attributed account of training, oath and discharge.
What this source can and cannot establish
The translator, certification and translation date are not visible. It is derivative evidence. Lower right endings are clipped. “Corporal” is the English document’s own rendering.
The translator, certification and translation date are not visible. It is derivative evidence. Lower right endings are clipped. “Corporal” is the English document’s own rendering.
Return to the story:Paragraph P09
Transcription of the English excerpt
English rendering / source wording
Tr. # 5215
LANDSTURM MILITARY PASSPORT
of the orderly Corporal Arthur S e l i g m a n (second n canceled)
Year: 1896
Page 1: Data of Holder of Passport
1- First and Family Name: Arthur S e l i g m a n
born on July 30, 1896 at Memmingen
district of Memmingen, Federal State of Bavaria.
2- Profession or Trade: businessmann
3- Faith: Jewish
4- married - children: ./.
5. Date and Body of Troops when joining the Army: December 2, 1915 - Landsturm (untrained)
6- Assigned to which arm of the service (state company, squadron, battery): Reserve Military Hospital at Kempten
page 4: 11- Special military training: trained as orderly
12- Sworn in on December 17, 1916. Conduct: very good
Punishment: none
Given at Kempten on September 12, 1918.
Reserve Military Hospital
The Chief Physician:
sgd. Dr. Lang, Surgeon-General
(seal of the Reserve Military Hospital at Kempten)
page 12/13 Holder of passport was discharged from military service on
March 7, 1919 to return to Memmingen, (District Command of Mindelh[...right edge clipped])
Munich, December 3, 1919.
(seal) sgd. Reinhard, Major & Commande[...right edge clipped]
Edition locator: Photographed English excerpt, Tr. #5215. Original inspected 12 October 2026. No new translation; source spellings retained.
SOURCE M14Kurt M. Elkan’s identification tags
Two tags carry Kurt’s name and Army service number, together with Louise Elkan’s name and a Bronx contact address. They provide named material evidence alongside the family photograph and later testimony.
What this source can and cannot establish
The eight-digit number is in the WWII Army serial-number field, not an SSN. The tags do not give a unit, battle, enlistment or discharge date. Louise’s precise relationship is not literally stated on the metal. T43 is not an enlistment date.
The eight-digit number is in the WWII Army serial-number field, not an SSN. The tags do not give a unit, battle, enlistment or discharge date. Louise’s precise relationship is not literally stated on the metal. T43 is not an enlistment date.
Return to the story:Paragraph P14
Literal visible markings on both tags
English rendering / source wording
KURT M ELKAN
32436382 T43 A
LOUISE ELKAN
2108 DAVIDSON AV
BRONX NY H
The two metal tags carry the same visible text. Line arrangement is retained approximately. The National WWII Museum’s explanation of this wartime layout identifies T43 as the tetanus-record year 1943, A as the blood-group code (no Rh sign appears), and H as the period Hebrew/Jewish religious designation. These are historical markings, not a complete medical or service history.
Source locator: IMG_7695.jpeg · PHOTO-000754 · both visible fronts checked
SOURCE M15An Iron Cross preserved in the family archive
A boxed Iron Cross is preserved as an archive object. It can be read beside Siegfried’s award certificate while keeping the object’s provenance separate.
What this source can and cannot establish
The photograph alone does not establish the medal’s recipient or issue year. The visible FW and 1813 face is compatible with the reverse of later Iron Cross issues and is not proof of an 1813 award. Siegfried’s award is documented separately by his 1916 certificate.
The photograph alone does not establish the medal’s recipient or issue year. The visible FW and 1813 face is compatible with the reverse of later Iron Cross issues and is not proof of an 1813 award. Siegfried’s award is documented separately by his 1916 certificate.
Return to the story:Paragraph P15
Visible markings
English rendering / source wording
FW
1813
Only the visible inscription is transcribed. No named recipient appears.
Source locator: IMG_7696.jpeg · PHOTO-000755
SOURCE J01Kurt’s homeward voyage diary, opening: leaving Nichols Field and Luzon
Embarks for home, describes crowded bunks, a movie, reading, photographs, sunken ships, Corregidor and Fort Drum. Names APA-154 and a handwritten ship name compatible with Lowndes; bound for 'Frisco'. The family identified the opening as Kurt’s journal; this leaf is connected by the verified six-page sequence. The page itself does not supply his name.
What this source can and cannot establish
Right-edge clipping; several small words/ship-name letters remain uncertain. Ship number APA-154 is the stronger identification anchor. No personal name or year is written on the page; attribution comes from family confirmation and year 1945 remains inferred. Family attribution applies to the opening plus the securely joined six leaves. The year 1945 is inferred.
Right-edge clipping; several small words/ship-name letters remain uncertain. Ship number APA-154 is the stronger identification anchor. No personal name or year is written on the page; attribution comes from family confirmation and year 1945 remains inferred. Family attribution applies to the opening plus the securely joined six leaves. The year 1945 is inferred.
Family-confirmed attribution to Kurt Max Elkan; six-page sequence established by text joins and numbered pages.
Return to the story:Paragraph P16
Full reading of the visible foreground
English rendering / source wording
Thursday - Nov.22.
To-day Thanksgiving is a day I’ll
never forget. We are leaving Nichols Field and embark[clipped]
for home. As we loaded onto the trucks and
rode towards the pier excitement mounted steadily.
Finally at 7 P:M we took the last walk up to [crossed-out word]
Gangplank. After being assigned to bunks (4 + 5
deckers) we were permitted on deck to talk and
see a motion picture. I read myself to sleep.
We are aboard the A.P.A 154 [Lowndes?]
(Assault Passenger Auxiliary) bound for the Frisco
Beachhead.
Friday Nov.23
After a hearty breakfast I went below to
haul out my camera to take shots of the harbor.
At 7:30 A.M we cast off our last lines connecting
us with Luzon. We were on our way. We
steamed past sunken vessels their masts and
superstructures protruding out of the water
groteskly. (Pictures) In a little while we passed
the “Rock” Corregidor (Pic) and Fort Drum
a fortress built completely out of concrete.
The afternoon brought sunbaths, reading
periods and of course more picture work.
During the entire day we passed little and
The source is in English; no translation is needed. Year 1945 is a contextual inference from the dated sequence and the December 7 reference to an attack four years earlier, not a written year heading. Right-edge clipping; several small words/ship-name letters remain uncertain. Ship number APA-154 is the stronger identification anchor. No personal name or year is written on the page; attribution comes from family confirmation and year 1945 remains inferred.
Source locator: IMG_7433.jpeg · opening leaf; page number not visible · Thursday Nov.22; Friday Nov.23
SOURCE J02Kurt’s homeward voyage diary, page 2: typhoon delay and second departure
San Bernardino Straits and worsening weather; return to port to escape a typhoon; remains in port Nov.25; sails again at 2PM Nov.26. Quotes shipboard announcements. The family identified the opening as Kurt’s journal; this leaf is connected by the verified six-page sequence. The page itself does not supply his name.
What this source can and cannot establish
This is page 2, not the opening page. Spelling and punctuation lightly normalized only in summary; author not named on this page; family attribution is established separately. Family attribution applies to the opening plus the securely joined six leaves. The year 1945 is inferred.
This is page 2, not the opening page. Spelling and punctuation lightly normalized only in summary; author not named on this page; family attribution is established separately. Family attribution applies to the opening plus the securely joined six leaves. The year 1945 is inferred.
Family-confirmed attribution to Kurt Max Elkan; six-page sequence established by text joins and numbered pages.
Full reading of the visible foreground
English rendering / source wording
(2)
big Philippine Isles. We are supposed to be
out of the San Bernardino Straits to-night. It is
getting rougher now and we seem to be heading
into a big storm. Tomorrow there will be
many fishes fed. Buenos noche!
Saturday Nov.24.
No fishes to feed to-day we turned back
to port during the night to escape a typhoon when
we sail again is a question 2000 men like the
answer to. —
Sunday Nov.25.
Still in Port. We are getting tired of the
scenery in spite of good chow and ice cold water
all day. We even have fresh water to shower.
Monday Nov.26.
2 P:M we are under way again what a
relieve when we heard “Sea and Anchor detail
lay to your stations” and then “Set the watch
and prepare for sea”. Our greatest kick we
get three times a day when we hear
“Sweepers Man your brooms. Clean sweep fore
The source is in English; no translation is needed. Year 1945 is a contextual inference from the dated sequence and the December 7 reference to an attack four years earlier, not a written year heading. This is page 2, not the opening page. Spelling and punctuation lightly normalized only in summary; author not named on this page; family attribution is established separately.
Source locator: IMG_7434.jpeg · 2 · Continuation Nov.23; Saturday Nov.24; Sunday Nov.25; Monday Nov.26
SOURCE J03Kurt’s homeward voyage diary, page 3: high seas and a second Thanksgiving
Watches ships signal at night, mentions seasickness and hopes for home, clock advancement, wind/sunburn, and a Thanksgiving dinner aboard ship on Nov.29. The family identified the opening as Kurt’s journal; this leaf is connected by the verified six-page sequence. The page itself does not supply his name.
What this source can and cannot establish
The writer’s 'In the Navy' sentence describes the shipboard celebration; it does not independently establish the writer’s branch. Diary date discrepancy between Nov.22 and Nov.29 celebrations retained. Family attribution applies to the opening plus the securely joined six leaves. The year 1945 is inferred.
The writer’s 'In the Navy' sentence describes the shipboard celebration; it does not independently establish the writer’s branch. Diary date discrepancy between Nov.22 and Nov.29 celebrations retained. Family attribution applies to the opening plus the securely joined six leaves. The year 1945 is inferred.
Family-confirmed attribution to Kurt Max Elkan; six-page sequence established by text joins and numbered pages.
Return to the story:Paragraph P17
Full reading of the visible foreground
English rendering / source wording
3
and aft”.
It is night now and I have watched
the drama of ships passing each other in
the night. The interchange of messages is
interesting to watch. I hope that when
I wake in the morning we will be on the
high seas.
Tuesday Nov.27.
We are braving the high seas. In spite
of fairly calm sea as they go quite a few men
are sick. I feel a bit giddy myself. We talk
about our plans and what we’ll do on our
first day at home.
Wednesday Nov.28
Last night we advanced the clock 30
minutes. It gets dark early now. The chow lines
are small. I’ve got a combination wind and sunburn
on my brow and my eyelids.
Thursday Nov.29.
In the Navy it’s Thanksgiving to-day and
we have a big dinner with all the trimmings we
had Turkey (white meat and leg) candied yams, peas
Cranberry sauce, beans, candy, pickles, fruitcake and
coffee. I really stuffed myself. To-night we had
cold cuts with very good liverwurst. The food
The source is in English; no translation is needed. Year 1945 is a contextual inference from the dated sequence and the December 7 reference to an attack four years earlier, not a written year heading. The writer’s 'In the Navy' sentence describes the shipboard celebration; it does not independently establish the writer’s branch. Diary date discrepancy between Nov.22 and Nov.29 celebrations retained.
Source locator: IMG_7435.jpeg · 3 · Continuation Nov.26; Tuesday Nov.27; Wednesday Nov.28; Thursday Nov.29
SOURCE J04Kurt’s homeward voyage diary, page 4: Pacific passage and mechanical trouble
Contrasts Navy and Army rations; references Guam and Saipan; reports destroyers and aircraft carriers, a steam-valve failure, distance from Frisco, a broken boiler component and possible diversion to Pearl Harbor. The family identified the opening as Kurt’s journal; this leaf is connected by the verified six-page sequence. The page itself does not supply his name.
What this source can and cannot establish
The apparent repeated Guam reference is preserved, not silently corrected. 'Navy' versus 'Army' is a ration comparison, not proof of the author’s branch. Technical boiler component wording uncertain. Family attribution applies to the opening plus the securely joined six leaves. The year 1945 is inferred.
The apparent repeated Guam reference is preserved, not silently corrected. 'Navy' versus 'Army' is a ration comparison, not proof of the author’s branch. Technical boiler component wording uncertain. Family attribution applies to the opening plus the securely joined six leaves. The year 1945 is inferred.
Family-confirmed attribution to Kurt Max Elkan; six-page sequence established by text joins and numbered pages.
Full reading of the visible foreground
English rendering / source wording
4)
aboard here is excellent. Navy rations are
much better than Army. Yesterday we passed
Guam and to-morrow morning will pass
Saipan.
Friday Nov.30
This afternoon we passed Guam in
the far distance. We also saw 4 destroyers and
3 aircraft carriers.
Saturday Dec.1.
We lost 2½ hours to-day a
steam-valve bursted we drifted around the Pacific
out of control. To signify that two black
balloons were hoisted (One signifies a ship at
anchor.)
Sunday Dec.2.
We are 4400 miles from Frisco.
The nights are getting colder.
Monday Dec.3.
This trip is jinxed we are stuck
again. The stabilizer[s?] in one boiler is broke
we might head for Pearl Harbor if it can’t
be fixed. I hope that it can be done since
otherwise we would be delayed at least
a week.
The source is in English; no translation is needed. Year 1945 is a contextual inference from the dated sequence and the December 7 reference to an attack four years earlier, not a written year heading. The apparent repeated Guam reference is preserved, not silently corrected. 'Navy' versus 'Army' is a ration comparison, not proof of the author’s branch. Technical boiler component wording uncertain.
Source locator: IMG_7436.jpeg · 4 · Continuation Nov.29; Friday Nov.30; Saturday Dec.1; Sunday Dec.2; Monday Dec.3
SOURCE J05Kurt’s homeward voyage diary, page 5: repairs, rough seas and Midway
Course restored after repairs; ship said to be fourteen months old; rain, pitching bow and seasickness; passes north of Midway; colder weather and approximately 3,002 miles remaining. The family identified the opening as Kurt’s journal; this leaf is connected by the verified six-page sequence. The page itself does not supply his name.
What this source can and cannot establish
No author name or service number appears on the page. Mileage is the writer’s report. Top marginal letters are unexpanded. Family attribution applies to the opening plus the securely joined six leaves. The year 1945 is inferred.
No author name or service number appears on the page. Mileage is the writer’s report. Top marginal letters are unexpanded. Family attribution applies to the opening plus the securely joined six leaves. The year 1945 is inferred.
Family-confirmed attribution to Kurt Max Elkan; six-page sequence established by text joins and numbered pages.
Return to the story:Paragraph P18
Full reading of the visible foreground
English rendering / source wording
5.) Tuesday Dec.4. [upper marginal letters: F ST?]
We have changed to our original
course again. Thank G’d the crew fixed
our malady. I hope nothing else happens.
Nimitz had plenty of luck that these
things haven’t happened during the war.
This ship is only 14 months old. It’s raining
cats and dogs and we have to be in the
hold. It’s really grand (?) here we are right
in the bow of the ship (the only thing ahead
of us is the chain locker) We go up in the
air 20 ft and down 40 ft. Nice for delicate
stomachs. Some fellows just can’t get up since
we are started. They are continuously sick and
refuse all food. They’d be better off eating. A
full stomach is the best cure for sea sickness.
So far I have not suffered, but then I
am a seasoned sailor.
Wednesday Dec.5.
We are just about north of
Midway.
Thursday Dec.6
It is getting colder and colder
sweaters make their appearance. We have
3002 miles to go
The source is in English; no translation is needed. Year 1945 is a contextual inference from the dated sequence and the December 7 reference to an attack four years earlier, not a written year heading. No author name or service number appears on the page. Mileage is the writer’s report. Top marginal letters are unexpanded.
Source locator: IMG_7437.jpeg · 5 · Tuesday Dec.4; Wednesday Dec.5; Thursday Dec.6
SOURCE J06Kurt’s homeward voyage diary, page 6: dateline, books and nearing home
Explains repeated Dec.6 by crossing the international dateline; Dec.7 recalls attack four years earlier; lists books being reread; cold and wind, a game, and remaining distance. The family identified the opening as Kurt’s journal; this leaf is connected by the verified six-page sequence. The page itself does not supply his name.
What this source can and cannot establish
Year 1945 inferred from this attack reference and calendar, not explicitly dated. Ends mid-sentence; arrival not established by this leaf. Source contains a historical anti-Japanese slur; editorial summary avoids adopting it. Some book-title/author spellings need independent reading. Family attribution applies to the opening plus the securely joined six leaves. The year 1945 is inferred.
Year 1945 inferred from this attack reference and calendar, not explicitly dated. Ends mid-sentence; arrival not established by this leaf. Source contains a historical anti-Japanese slur; editorial summary avoids adopting it. Some book-title/author spellings need independent reading. Family attribution applies to the opening plus the securely joined six leaves. The year 1945 is inferred.
Family-confirmed attribution to Kurt Max Elkan; six-page sequence established by text joins and numbered pages.
Full reading of the visible foreground
English rendering / source wording
6.)
Thursday Dec.6
No, I am not in error we crossed
the 180 Meridian (Int. dateline at 1:52 P:M
yesterday. There is lots of kidding like
to-day is yesterday and such
Friday Dec.7.
Early this morning we must
have been in almost the same spot the
Jap Navy was when they attacked us 4 years
ago. I do a lot of re-reading of old books
like The Great Smith by Edison Marshall
“Immortal Wife” by Irving Stone and Walter
[Karig’s?] “Lower Than Angels” [title reading probable] at 8 A:M this morning
we had 2209 miles to go.
Saturday Dec.8
We keep bucking along with a terrific
head wind. It is bitter cold and the wind does
not make the decks too inviting. I and a
few hearties are there to get used to it.
Sunday Dec.9.
We had loads of fun with a game
called “[ghosts?]”
Monday Dec.10
As of 8 A:M we have only 557 miles
The source is in English; no translation is needed. Year 1945 is a contextual inference from the dated sequence and the December 7 reference to an attack four years earlier, not a written year heading. Year 1945 inferred from this attack reference and calendar, not explicitly dated. Ends mid-sentence; arrival not established by this leaf. Source contains a historical anti-Japanese slur; editorial summary avoids adopting it. Some book-title/author spellings need independent reading. The exact historical text contains an anti-Japanese wartime slur; it is retained for documentary accuracy and is not editorial language.
Source locator: IMG_7438.jpeg · 6 · Thursday Dec.6 again; Friday Dec.7; Saturday Dec.8; Sunday Dec.9; Monday Dec.10
SOURCE J07Possible concluding journal fragment, blurred and clipped
Mostly blank brown sheet with a few faint handwritten lines; a partly obscured reproduction of the Nov.22 opening appears behind it. This sheet is kept outside the secure six-page sequence.
What this source can and cannot establish
Do not reconstruct missing text, claim an arrival date, identify an author or treat this as a proven seventh page. A sharper full-sheet image would be needed.
Do not reconstruct missing text, claim an arrival date, identify an author or treat this as a proven seventh page. A sharper full-sheet image would be needed.
Return to the story:Paragraph P19
Reading limit
English rendering / source wording
[Foreground blurred and left-clipped; no reliable continuous transcription adopted.]
The source is in English; no translation is needed. Do not reconstruct missing text, claim an arrival date, identify an author or treat this as a proven seventh page. A sharper full-sheet image would be needed.
Source locator: IMG_7439.jpeg · unreadable or absent · No secure foreground date
Military and wartime image gallery
143 catalogue views, grouped by their connection to service or wartime life. Multiple photographs can show one object; this is not a count of independent documents.
Service records and family-identified portraits are kept separate from civilian rationing, censored correspondence and military imagery on currency. Context images do not establish that a person served in the military. Views already shown with a chapter source link back to that source.
- Military photographs and labels: 18 views
- Siegfried’s service book: 22 views
- Awards and medals: 5 views
- Arthur’s military booklet: 11 views
- David’s military pass: 19 views
- Kurt’s identification tags: 1 views
- Kurt’s homeward journal: 6 views
- Possible journal continuation: 1 views
- Field postcards and paired reverses: 4 views
- Military correspondence: 5 views
- Military aid and postwar administration: 5 views
- U.S. Selective Service registration: 2 views
- Military remembrance: 2 views
- Wartime civilian rationing: 15 views
- Military censorship on civilian mail: 21 views
- Military iconography on currency: 5 views
- Family identity bridge: 1 views
143 gallery views shown.
Military photographs and labels
Military photographs and labels · IMG_6744.jpegSiegfried Elkan in uniform beside a gate
Siegfried Elkan, identified by the family.
Family identification; no rank, unit, date or place is established by this photograph.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
No caption visible.
Original-language reading
[No visible caption on exposed photograph.]
Military photographs and labels · IMG_6768.jpegSiegfried among a mounted uniformed group
The family identifies Siegfried as “fourth from right.” Eleven mounted men and one standing man appear.
Preserve the family’s position phrase without renumbering it. Other people, unit, rank, place and date are unestablished.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
No complete caption visible.
Original-language reading
[No complete visible caption.]
Military photographs and labels · IMG_6769.jpegGroup outside Babette Koch’s shop: closer view
An alternate capture of the shop-group photograph shown in IMG_6770 and the labelled mount IMG_6771.
The sign names the proprietor, not a pictured person. Siegfried’s family-supplied position on the labelled view is “Second from left. In white vest.” No date, unit or place inferred.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Cigars. Shop of Babette Koch. Number 9.
Original-language reading
Cigarren
Handlung von Babette Koch.
9
Three captures of the same photographic composition; the labelled mount and family statement govern identification.
Military photographs and labels · IMG_6770.jpegGroup outside Babette Koch’s shop
Uniformed and civilian figures stand outside a shop bearing Babette Koch’s name.
Same photographic composition as IMG_6769 and IMG_6771; not an independent photograph or identification. The family’s position wording for Siegfried is retained on the labelled view.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Cigars. Shop of Babette Koch. Number 9. X below image.
Original-language reading
Cigarren
Handlung von Babette Koch.
9
[below image] X
Three captures of the same photographic composition; the labelled mount and family statement govern identification.
Military photographs and labels · IMG_6771.jpegSiegfried in the labelled shop-group mount
The family identifies Siegfried as “Second from left. In white vest.” The mount is labelled Opa Siegfried.
The exact position/clothing phrase is preserved. No rank, date, place or identity of anyone else is inferred.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Grandpa Siegfried. Sign: Cigars; shop of Babette Koch; 9. X below print.
Original-language reading
OPA SIEGFRIED
[photographed sign] Cigarren / Handlung von Babette Koch. / 9
[under print] X
Three captures of the same photographic composition; the labelled mount and family statement govern identification.
Military photographs and labels · IMG_6781.jpegBruno Elkan in a military-style shirt
The family identifies the sole sitter as Bruno Elkan. A rifle-and-wreath-shaped badge is visible.
The photograph does not establish a unit, nationality, award, date or particular service history.
View this image with chapter source M10
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
IMG_6781 portrait identification record
Original-language reading
IMG_6781 portrait identification record
The sole person is Bruno Elkan.
Military photographs and labels · IMG_6782.jpegBruno beside an open vehicle
Bruno Elkan stands beside a vehicle holding a handgun. His identity comes from the paired name inscription and family confirmation.
No place, date, unit or service history is inferred from clothing, equipment or resemblance.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
IMG_6782 portrait and IMG_6783 reverse identification record
Original-language reading
IMG_6782 portrait and IMG_6783 reverse identification record
The sole person is Bruno Elkan. The user confirmed the exact physical front/back pairing with IMG_6783, whose inscription reads BRUNO ELKAN.
Physical front/back pairing confirmed by the family.
Military photographs and labels · IMG_6783.jpegBruno Elkan: the name on the reverse
The inscription reads BRUNO ELKAN. The family confirms this as the physical back of IMG_6782.
The pairing supports that photograph’s identity only; no identity is carried to other photographs by resemblance.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Bruno Elkan
Original-language reading
BRUNO ELKAN
Physical front/back pairing confirmed by the family.
Military photographs and labels · IMG_7355.jpegSiegfried Elkan: outdoor uniform portrait
The family identifies the sole uniformed adult as Siegfried Elkan.
No rank, unit, place or date is inferred from clothing or neighboring photographs.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Not applicable: no readable text.
Original-language reading
No readable text or caption on the exposed foreground photograph or visible margins.
Military photographs and labels · IMG_7356.jpegFive uniformed adults outside a brick building
Three people stand behind two seated figures.
The figures remain unidentified. The wall sign is too blurred for a dependable reading; no unit, rank, location or date adopted.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
[Wall sign: illegible at source resolution.]
Original-language reading
[Wall sign: illegible at source resolution.]
Military photographs and labels · IMG_7357.jpegSiegfried Elkan: helmeted portrait by the gate
The family identifies the helmeted man beside the gate and stacked roof tiles as Siegfried Elkan.
No date, rank, unit or place is inferred.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Not applicable: no readable text.
Original-language reading
No readable text or caption on the exposed foreground photograph or visible margins.
Military photographs and labels · IMG_7358.jpegKurt in uniform, beside a separate portrait of his parents
Kurt is in the left print. The family identifies Siegfried and Louise in the separate right print.
Individual positions within the right-hand pair were not supplied. The adjacent prints do not establish a shared date or occasion.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Not applicable: no readable text.
Original-language reading
No readable text or caption on the exposed foreground photograph or visible margins.
Military photographs and labels · IMG_7384.jpegSiegfried with a uniformed woodland group
The family identifies Siegfried with the exact phrase “sitting second to right.”
The paired reverse supplies a campaign caption; it is not independent proof of the pictured men’s unit, rank or battle participation. Other figures remain unidentified.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Not applicable; no readable text observed.
Original-language reading
No readable caption, inscription or text on the exposed photograph and margins.
Physical front/back pairing confirmed by the family.
Military photographs and labels · IMG_7385.jpegReverse caption: Kaiserschlacht 1918
The family confirms this as the physical back of IMG_7384. The writing refers to the 1918 offensive and the approaches to Amiens.
The top date is provisionally read 29 April 1918. Caption wording does not independently establish exposure date, location or personal battle participation.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Kaiser’s Battle 1918. Offensive breakthrough as far as the approaches to Amiens. Top date provisionally 29 April 1918.
Original-language reading
[Top date:] 29.4.18. [provisional]
Kaiserschlacht 1918.
Offensive-Durchbruch
bis vor Amiens
Physical front/back pairing confirmed by the family.
Military photographs and labels · IMG_7424.jpegKurt at an outdoor workbench during army service
Kurt’s identity and army-service context are family-confirmed.
The possible Philippines location remains tentative; no date or unit is established.
View this image with chapter source M07
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Not applicable; no readable text observed.
Original-language reading
No readable caption, inscription or text on the exposed photograph and margins.
Military photographs and labels · IMG_7425.jpegKurt on his citizenship day
The family identifies Kurt and recalls that this was the day he became a United States citizen.
The Brisbane citizenship event is separately supported by family testimony; exact event date and photograph location remain unverified.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Not applicable; no readable text observed.
Original-language reading
No readable caption, inscription or text on the exposed photograph and margins.
Military photographs and labels · IMG_7704.jpegUniformed gathering, occasion uncertain
The family associates this gathering with Siegfried’s military service and tentatively suggests a ceremony.
Whether Siegfried is depicted, the occasion, date, place and unit remain unresolved.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Not applicable; no readable text observed.
Original-language reading
No readable caption, inscription or text on the exposed photograph and margins.
Military photographs and labels · IMG_7724.jpegArthur Seligman in uniform
The family identifies the sitter as Arthur Seligman and confirms IMG_7723 as this card’s physical reverse.
No rank, unit or exact exposure date is inferred from uniform or the damaged reverse.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Not applicable; no readable text observed.
Original-language reading
No readable caption, inscription or text on the exposed photograph and margins.
Physical front/back pairing confirmed by the family.
Siegfried’s service book
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7333.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Front and back exterior covers
Front and back exterior covers
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Cover and identity of the booklet
Military service book of
[Reserve non-commissioned officer; crossed out, with a later pencilled addition possibly reading Sergeant]
Siegfried Elkan
Royal 2nd Transport Battalion
1st Company
Annual class: 1909
Printed and published by Franz Scheiner, supplier to the royal court, Würzburg.
[The faint pencil notes on the opposite cover remain undeciphered.]
Original-language reading
Cover and identity of the booklet
Militär-Paß des
[Unteroffiziers d. Res.; struck through, later pencil addition: Sergeant?]
Siegfried Elkan
K. 2. Train-Bataillon
1. Compagnie
Jahresklasse: 1909
Druck und Verlag von Franz Scheiner, k. Hoflieferant, Würzburg.
[Several faint pencil lines on the opposite cover cannot be read securely.]
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7334.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Closer front cover
Closer front cover
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Cover and identity of the booklet
Military service book of
[Reserve non-commissioned officer; crossed out, with a later pencilled addition possibly reading Sergeant]
Siegfried Elkan
Royal 2nd Transport Battalion
1st Company
Annual class: 1909
Printed and published by Franz Scheiner, supplier to the royal court, Würzburg.
[The faint pencil notes on the opposite cover remain undeciphered.]
Original-language reading
Cover and identity of the booklet
Militär-Paß des
[Unteroffiziers d. Res.; struck through, later pencil addition: Sergeant?]
Siegfried Elkan
K. 2. Train-Bataillon
1. Compagnie
Jahresklasse: 1909
Druck und Verlag von Franz Scheiner, k. Hoflieferant, Würzburg.
[Several faint pencil lines on the opposite cover cannot be read securely.]
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7335.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Inside front storage pocket; preliminary regulations title/page I, partial III
Inside front storage pocket; preliminary regulations title/page I, partial III
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Inside pocket and back cover
Pocket for keeping wartime call-up orders and similar papers.
Printed and published by Franz Scheiner, supplier to the royal court, Würzburg.
Inside cover storage pocket
Pocket for keeping mobilization assignment orders, etc.
Printed page I General provisions
Regulations for personnel on leave from active service (including recruits provisionally sent home on leave).
I. General provisions.
1. [The opening is partly hidden at the left edge.] The categories covered include men of the Reserve; the first and second levies of the Landwehr; the Ersatzreserve (replacement reserve); men released to the disposal of recruiting authorities pending a decision on their further military liability; and men placed on leave at the disposal of their units before completing their active-service obligation.
2. Men discharged from active service must report within 14 days to the military reporting office responsible for their chosen place of residence (main reporting office, reporting office, or district sergeant). This applies even if they remain in the town where their former unit was stationed. They must register and deregister even if they leave that place again before 14 days have elapsed.
3. Their immediate military superiors are the sergeant of the company district or the heads of the relevant main reporting/reporting office, the district officer, the control officer, and the commander of the Landwehr district, together with their deputies. See also paragraph 5.
4. Such men must obey official orders from superiors, public summonses, and orders to report. In particular, they are to report for the defense of the throne and fatherland. Official petitions and complaints must follow the prescribed chain: petitions to the district sergeant at the reporting office; complaints to the district commander. Complaints against the commander go to the nearest district or control officer, or, if none is present, the district adjutant.
5. They remain subject to military discipline when dealing officially with superiors or appearing in military uniform, including the clothing issued on discharge.
Footnotes: Paragraph 22(c) also applies to the men marked above. All military personnel who would be their superiors during active service count as superiors.
Printer: Scheiner, Würzburg.
Original-language reading
Inside pocket and back cover
Täschchen zur Aufbewahrung der Kriegsbeorderungen etc. etc.
Druck und Verlag von Franz Scheiner, k. Hoflieferant, Würzburg.
Inside cover storage pocket
Täschchen zur Aufbewahrung der Kriegsbeorderungen etc. etc.
Printed page I General provisions
Bestimmungen für die [Mann]schaften des Beurlaubtenstandes (einschließlich der vorläufig in die Heimat beurlaubten Rekruten).
I. Allgemeines.
1. [Linker Rand teilweise verdeckt:] … Mannschaften des Beurlaubtenstandes, auf welche diese Bestimmungen, soweit sie besonderen Ausnahmen nicht … Anwendung finden, gehören die Mannschaften:
[der] Reserve,
[der] Landwehr ersten und zweiten Aufgebots,
[der] Ersatzreserve,
[die] bis zur Entscheidung über die fernere Militärverpflichtung zur Disposition der Ersatzbehörden entlassenen Mannschaften*) und
[die] vor erfüllter aktiver Dienstpflicht zur Disposition der Truppenteile beurlaubten Mannschaften.
2. Mannschaften, welche aus dem aktiven Dienst entlassen [werden, haben] sich spätestens 14 Tage nach ihrer Entlassung bei der [Kontroll]stelle (Hauptmeldeamt, Meldeamt, Bezirksfeldwebel) anzumelden, [welcher der] von ihnen gewählte Aufenthaltsort unterstellt ist. Diese [Anmeldung] ist auch dann erforderlich, wenn der Entlassene an dem Stand[ort seines] bisherigen Truppenteils bleibt. Die An- und Abmeldung [bei der] Kontrollstelle des Aufenthaltsortes muß auch dann stets erfolgen, [wenn der] Betreffende diesen Ort bereits vor Verlauf von 14 Tagen [wieder] verläßt.
3. Die nächsten militärischen Vorgesetzten der Mannschaften des [Beurlaubten]standes sind der Feldwebel des Kompagniebezirks, oder die [Vorsteher] des Hauptmeldeamts oder Meldeamts, zu dessen Bezirk der [Aufenthalts]ort gehört, der Bezirksoffizier, der Kontrolloffizier und der [Komman]deur des Landwehrbezirks sowie deren Stellvertreter. (Verg[leiche auch] Ziffer 5).
4. Die Mannschaften des Beurlaubtenstandes haben dienstlichen Be[fehlen ihrer] Vorgesetzten, öffentl. Aufforderungen und Gestellungsbefehlen [unbedingt] Folge zu leisten. Insbesondere ist es ihre ehrenvolle Bestimmung, [sich zur] Verteidigung des Thrones und des Vaterlandes zu gestellen.
Bei Anbringung dienstlicher Gesuche und Beschwerden sind die [Mann]schaften des Beurlaubtenstandes verpflichtet, den vorgeschriebenen [Dienst]weg einzuhalten. (Gesuche sind an den Bezirksfeldwebel der [Kontroll]stelle zu richten, Beschwerden dem Bezirks-Kommandeur vorzu[tragen;] richtet sich die Beschwerde gegen letzteren, so ist sie bei dem [näch]sten Bezirks- oder Kontrolloffizier, wenn aber ein solcher nicht [vorhan]den ist, bei dem Bezirksadjutanten anzubringen.)
5. Die Mannschaften des Beurlaubtenstandes sind im dienstlichen [Verkehr] mit ihren Vorgesetzten**), oder wenn sie in Militäruniform er[scheinen] (wozu auch der Entlassungsanzug gehört) der militärischen [Diszip]lin unterworfen.
*) Auf diese Mannschaften findet die Bestimmung 22 c gleich[falls] Anwendung.
**) Als Vorgesetzte sind alle Militärpersonen anzusehen, die [im akti]ven Dienst ihre Vorgesetzten sein würden.
Scheiner, Würzburg.
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7336.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Roman II–III
Roman II–III
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Printed page II Residence travel and reporting
II. Changes of residence, travel, residence abroad, and the reports required in connection with them.
6. Men changing their place of residence or address within a control district (the district of a main reporting office, reporting office, or company) must notify their reporting office within 14 days. Changes caused by altered street names or house numbers must also be reported within that period. Registration and deregistration are required even if the man leaves again before 14 days have passed. For itinerant men, see paragraph 9.
A man moving to another control district must deregister at his former reporting office and register at the office for his new residence within 14 days of leaving his former home. After mobilization, changes of residence or address must be reported within 48 hours. An existing mobilization assignment order remains valid after a move following mobilization until a replacement order is handed to him.
7. Men on leave from active service may travel freely, but must report departure and return if the trip will keep them away for 14 days or more. If the duration was uncertain at departure, the report must be made no later than 14 days afterward. When reporting departure, the man must name a third person through whom military orders can be forwarded during his absence. He remains personally responsible to the military authorities for proper receipt of every order.
If an exercise takes place during the journey, the reservist, Landwehr man, or replacement reservist must obey a summons to it and expect to receive one unless, before departure and on his own application, he has been expressly exempted from taking part.
If a control muster takes place during the journey, a man not exempted in advance must notify his reporting office in writing of his current whereabouts by 15 April or 15 November, respectively. If he had already been summoned before reporting his departure, he must attend unless exempted.
Men of the Reserve, Landwehr, or replacement reserve who go to sea and are signed on through seamen’s offices do not have to deregister separately on each occasion in peacetime. After signing off within the country, however, they must report to the responsible reporting office within 14 days, or within 48 hours after mobilization, showing the discharge-from-ship certificate. If the responsible reporting office is not located at the port where they sign off, [continued on page III].
Printed page III Reporting rules continued
[Continuation of page II, with several words cropped at the top.] If another military reporting officer or main/local reporting office is present instead of the responsible one, the personal return report may exceptionally be made there and forwarded to the proper office. If the man immediately signs on again to the same ship after signing off, the report can be omitted entirely.
8. Men residing abroad must make suitable arrangements to receive their superiors’ official orders, particularly orders to report, at all times. They must take part in exercises and control musters unless expressly exempted. For leave abroad, see paragraph 18.
9. Men intending to travel from place to place in search of work must deregister and name a third person through whom orders can reach them at any time. They need make no further reports while itinerant. Once a reservist, Landwehr man, or replacement reservist takes employment in Germany, however, he must register at the office for his new place of residence. Employment outside Germany must be reported to his former office.
10(a). Registration and deregistration can be oral or written. With the exception of men in the Landwehr’s second levy, who may use family members, the person concerned must make the report himself. A third party may report only a departure on changing place of residence, a change of address within a town, or departure/return in connection with travel. Where a district sergeant receives reports at designated places and publicly announced times, reports may be made there then.
10(b). The military pass or replacement-reserve pass must be produced with every report. If it is unavailable, the report must still be made, and a separate certificate will be issued. A report is recognized as made only if it is entered in the pass or separately certified. If, on signing off after a voyage, a man expects soon to sign on again, the written return report may exceptionally [continued on page IV].
Footnote: The examples printed at the end provide models for written reports. Local authorities hold free preprinted forms corresponding to models (a) and (b), and will help fill them out on request. Sending the report remains the responsibility of the person required to report.
Original-language reading
Printed page II Residence travel and reporting
6. Mannschaften, welche innerhalb des Kontrollbezirks — d. i. Bezirk des Hauptmeldeamts, Meldeamts oder der Kompagniebezirk — ihren Aufenthaltsort oder die Wohnung wechseln, haben dies innerhalb 14 Tagen ihrer Kontrollstelle zu melden.
Desgleichen ist jede veränderte Wohnungsbezeichnung als Folge geänderter Straßennamen und Hausnummern der Kontrollstelle innerhalb der angegebenen Frist zu melden.
Die An- und Abmeldung bei der Kontrollstelle des Aufenthaltsortes muß auch dann stets erfolgen, wenn der Betreffende diesen Ort bereits vor Verlauf von 14 Tagen wieder verläßt. Wegen der auf Wanderschaft befindlichen Mannschaften siehe Ziffer 9.
Wer aus einem Kontrollbezirk in einen anderen verzieht, hat sich bei seiner bisherigen Kontrollstelle ab- und bei der Kontrollstelle seines neuen Aufenthaltsortes innerhalb 14 Tagen nach Verlassen seines alten Wohnsitzes anzumelden.
Nach Eintritt einer Mobilmachung sind Veränderungen des Aufenthaltsortes oder der Wohnung innerhalb 48 Stunden zu melden.
Ist der Gestellungspflichtige im Besitze einer Kriegsbeorderung, so behält diese auch bei einem Verzuge nach ausgesprochener Mobilmachung solange Gültigkeit, bis dem Betreffenden eine andere Kriegsbeorderung ausgehändigt wird.
7. Mannschaften des Beurlaubtenstandes können ungehindert verreisen, haben jedoch der Kontrollstelle den Antritt der Reise und die Rückkehr von derselben zu melden, sobald diese eine 14tägige und längere Abwesenheit vom Aufenthaltsorte zur Folge hat. War beim Antritt der Reise nicht zu übersehen, ob die Abwesenheit sich über 14 Tage hinaus erstrecken werde, so ist die Meldung spätestens 14 Tage nach erfolgter Abreise zu erstatten. Bei jeder Abmeldung zur Reise hat der Betreffende anzugeben, durch welche dritte Person während seiner Abwesenheit etwaige Befehle an ihn befördert werden können. Er bleibt jedoch der Militärbehörde gegenüber allein dafür verantwortlich, daß ihm jeder Befehl richtig zugeht.
Fällt in die Zeit der Reise eine Uebung, so ist der Reservist, Wehrmann oder Ersatzreservist verpflichtet, einem an ihn ergehenden Befehl zur Uebung unbedingt Folge zu leisten, und muß einen solchen gewärtig sein, wenn er nicht vor Antritt der Reise auf seinen Antrag von der Teilnahme an der Uebung ausdrücklich befreit ist.
Fällt in die Zeit der Reise eine Kontrollversammlung, so hat der Betreffende, falls er nicht im voraus von derselben befreit sein sollte, zum 15. April beziehungsweise 15. November der Kontrollstelle schriftlich seinen jetzigen Aufenthaltsort anzuzeigen. Wer jedoch, bevor er sich zur Reise abmeldete, zur Kontrollversammlung aufgefordert ist, muß der Aufforderung Folge leisten, falls er nicht davon befreit wird.
Mannschaften der Reserve, Landwehr und Ersatzreserve, welche zur See gehen, sind in Friedenszeiten bei Anmusterungen durch die Seemannsämter von der jedesmaligen Abmeldung entbunden, haben sich aber nach im Inlande erfolgter Abmusterung innerhalb 14 Tagen, im Mobilmachungsfall innerhalb 48 Stunden unter Vorzeigung der erhaltenen Abmusterungsbescheinigung bei der zuständigen Kontrollstelle zu melden. Befindet sich an dem Abmusterungsorte nicht die zuständige [Fortsetzung Seite III]
Printed page III Reporting rules continued
[Fortsetzung von Seite II; am oberen Bildrand teilweise abgeschnitten:]
Kontrollstelle, wohl aber ein anderer [Text am oberen Rand abgeschnitten] Hauptmeldeamt oder Meldeamt, so kann [Text abgeschnitten] persönlich zu erstattende Rückmeldung ausnahms[weise …] Stelle erfolgen und wird von derselben an die e[igentlich zuständige …] Kontrollstelle weiter gegeben. Erfolgt nach der Ab[musterung …] sofortige Wiederanmusterung für dasselbe Schiff, so [kann die] Meldung ganz unterbleiben.
8. Mannschaften, welche im Auslande ihren Aufenthaltsort nehmen, haben geeignete Vorkehrungen zu treffen, daß dienstliche Befehle ihrer Vorgesetzten und namentlich Gestellungsbefehle ihnen jederzeit zugestellt werden können. Zur Teilnahme an Uebungen und Kontrollversammlungen sind dieselben verpflichtet, soweit sie nicht ausdrücklich hiervon befreit werden.
Wegen Urlaubs ins Ausland siehe Ziffer 18.
9. Mannschaften, welche auf Wanderschaft gehen wollen, haben sich bei der Kontrollstelle abzumelden und dabei anzugeben, durch welche dritte Person ihnen Befehle jederzeit zugestellt werden können. Während der Wanderschaft sind dieselben von weiteren Meldungen entbunden. — Sobald jedoch der wandernde Reservist, Wehrmann oder Ersatzreservist an einem Orte innerhalb Deutschlands in Arbeit tritt, hat er sich bei der Kontrollstelle seines neuen Aufenthaltsortes anzumelden. Tritt er an einem Orte außerhalb Deutschlands in Arbeit, so hat er dies seiner bisherigen Kontrollstelle zu melden.
10. a) Die An- und Abmeldungen können mündlich oder schriftlich*) erfolgen, müssen aber — mit Ausnahme von Mannschaften der Landwehr zweiten Aufgebots, welche dieselben auch durch Familienangehörige erstatten lassen können — durch den zur Meldung Verpflichteten selbst erstattet werden; Meldungen durch einen Dritten sind nur in den Fällen gestattet, in welchen es sich um eine Abmeldung beim Aufenthaltswechsel oder beim Wohnungswechsel innerhalb einer Stadt oder um Ab- und Anmeldung bei Reisen handelt.
Sind in einzelnen Kontrollbezirken besondere Orte festgesetzt, an welchen zu bestimmten bekannt gemachten Tagen und Stunden ein Bezirksfeldwebel der Kontrollstelle zur Entgegennahme von Meldungen anwesend ist, so dürfen zu dieser Zeit daselbst derartige Meldungen angebracht werden.
b) Bei jeder Meldung ist der Militärpaß beziehungsweise Ersatzreservepaß vorzulegen; ist derselbe zufällig nicht vorhanden, so hat die Meldung dennoch zu geschehen, und wird dann eine besondere Bescheinigung über dieselbe erteilt. Nur wenn die Meldung im Paß eingetragen, oder eine besondere Bescheinigung über dieselbe vorhanden ist, gilt sie als erfolgt.
Falls Mannschaften bereits bei der Abmusterung nach Rückkehr von einer Seefahrt eine baldige erneute Anmusterung in Aussicht haben, so kann bei schriftlicher Rückmeldung aus[Fortsetzung Seite IV].
*) Für Erstattung schriftlicher Meldungen dienen die am Schluß abgedruckten Muster als Anhalt.
Zur Erleichterung solcher Meldungen sind bei den Ortsvorständen vorgedruckte Formulare (a und b der Muster) zur kostenfreien Benutzung niedergelegt. Die Ortsvorstände sind auf Ersuchen bei Ausfüllen der Formulare behilflich. Die Absendung der Meldung ist Sache des Meldepflichtigen.
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7337.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Roman IV–V
Roman IV–V
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Printed page IV Control musters
[Continuation of 10(b):] Enclosing the pass may exceptionally be omitted, but the reason must be given in the return report.
10(c). A written registration sent with the pass must state the former residence, the new place of registration, whether the man is married and has children, and his occupation or social/professional status.
10(d). Reports sent by post within the German Empire travel free if marked “Heeressache” (army business) and sent open or sealed with the local police authority’s seal. Local-town postal delivery is excluded from this exemption.
11. Failure to make the required reports is punishable disciplinarily by a fine of 1–60 marks or confinement for 1–8 days. A man who evades control and thereby interrupts his period of service must make up the missed time.
III. Control musters.
12(a). An April muster is held for all reservists, first-levy Landwehr men, replacement reservists, and men released to the disposal of recruiting authorities or on leave at the disposal of their units. A November muster is held for all reservists and the two disposal categories. Some districts also hold January musters for seafaring men. Landwehr men whose statutory first-levy obligation expires between 1 April and 30 September attend the autumn muster in their final year of that obligation and are exempt from that year’s spring muster. Men summoned are subject to military law throughout the entire day of the muster.
12(b). If illness or urgent business arises too unexpectedly for an exemption application, absence must be excused through a certificate from the local or police authority before, or no later than the time of, the muster.
12(c). A man obliged to attend who has received no summons by 15 April or 15 November and has no exemption must report orally or in writing to his reporting office by those dates. Summonses normally take the form of public announcements. Failure to report is punished under paragraph 11.
12(d). Men reported by seamen’s offices as signed on to German merchant ships are exempt from control musters for the duration of the obligations accepted on signing on.
Printed page V Exercises and miscellaneous provisions
12(e). [Partly cropped.] Men of the Landwehr’s second levy are not called to control musters in peacetime.
IV. Training exercises.
13(a). Every reservist must take part in two exercises, each of up to eight weeks. [The short phrase before “duration” is cropped.]
13(b). First-levy Landwehr men, except cavalrymen, who are not called for peacetime exercises, may be summoned twice for exercises of 8–14 days. The footnote counts the period from arrival at the unit.
13(c). Second-levy Landwehr men are not called to exercises in peacetime.
13(d). Replacement reservists must undertake three peacetime exercises, lasting ten, six, and four weeks, respectively. See also special provisions 20 and 21.
13(e). A man summoned who seeks exemption because of domestic, occupational, or official circumstances must submit his petition, with a certificate from the civil authority, to the reporting office’s district sergeant in good time before reporting for training. If no decision arrives before the exercise begins, he must still report. Men already granted consideration once should normally not be exempted again.
13(f). Those called to exercises are subject to military law from the day of recall through the end of the day of discharge.
V. Miscellaneous provisions.
14. Disobeying a summons to a control muster results in military arrest. Disobeying a call-up to exercises, exceptional concentrations, declared war readiness, or ordered mobilization is punished as unauthorized absence or desertion, with imprisonment of up to five years.
15. Civil servants must immediately inform their superior authority when they receive an order to report.
16. At every reporting for mobilization, exercises, or control musters, each man must bring this pass and, except for replacement reservists, his certificate of conduct. Until the pass records transfer to the first or second levy of the Landwehr, or discharge of an untrained replacement reservist into the Landsturm’s first levy, its holder remains in his previous Reserve, first-levy Landwehr, or replacement-reserve category. A lost pass must immediately be reported through an oral or written application for a duplicate at the reporting office; the charge is 50 pfennigs.
17. Requests to defer call-up in the event of mobilization, formation of replacement units, or necessary reinforcements for the current year must be submitted before the beginning of [continued on page VI].
Original-language reading
Printed page IV Control musters
[Fortsetzung von Seite III: aus]nahmsweise die Beifügung des Passes unterbleiben; jedoch ist der Grund hierfür bei der Rückmeldung anzugeben.
c) Wer sich schriftlich anmeldet, hat bei Uebersendung des Passes anzugeben, wo er früher gewohnt hat, und für welchen Ort er sich anmeldet, ob er verheiratet ist und Kinder hat, welchem Stande oder Gewerbe er angehört.
d) Gehen die Meldungen durch die Post, so werden sie innerhalb des Gebiets des Deutschen Reichs portofrei befördert, insofern die Schreiben mit der Aufschrift: „Heeressache“ versehen und offen oder unter dem Siegel der Ortspolizeibehörde versendet werden. Die portofreie Benutzung der Stadtpost ist jedoch ausgeschlossen.
11. Wer die vorgeschriebenen Meldungen unterläßt, wird disziplinarisch mit Geldstrafe von 1 bis 60 Mark oder mit Haft von 1 bis 8 Tagen belegt. Wer sich der Kontrolle entzieht und seine Dienstzeit unterbricht, muß die versäumte Dienstzeit nachholen.
III. Kontrollversammlungen.
12. a) Im Frühjahr findet im Monat April für alle Reservisten, Wehrmänner ersten Aufgebots und Ersatzreservisten, sowie die zur Disposition der Ersatzbehörden entlassenen und die zur Disposition der Truppenteile beurlaubten Mannschaften, — im Herbst im Monat November für alle Reservisten, sowie die zur Disposition der Ersatzbehörden entlassenen und die zur Disposition der Truppenteile beurlaubten Mannschaften eine Kontrollversammlung statt. Auch werden in einzelnen Bezirken für die schiffahrttreibenden Mannschaften Schifferkontrollversammlungen im Januar angesetzt. Nur Wehrmänner, deren gesetzliche Dienstzeit im ersten Aufgebot in der Zeit vom 1. April bis 30. September ihr Ende erreicht, werden im letzten Jahre ihrer Dienstpflicht im 1. Aufgebot zu den Herbstkontrollversammlungen herangezogen und sind von der Teilnahme an den Frühjahrskontrollversammlungen dieses Jahres entbunden.
Die zu Kontrollversammlungen berufenen Mannschaften stehen für den ganzen Tag, an welchem die Kontrollversammlung stattfindet, unter den Militärgesetzen.
b) Wer durch Krankheit oder dringende Geschäfte, welche so unvorhergesehen eintreten, daß ein Befreiungsgesuch nicht mehr eingereicht werden kann, von der Teilnahme an der Kontrollversammlung abgehalten wird, muß vorher oder spätestens zur Stunde derselben durch eine Bescheinigung der Orts- oder Polizeibehörde entschuldigt werden.
c) Wer zur Teilnahme an der Kontrollversammlung verpflichtet ist, bis zum 15. April oder 15. November aber zu derselben keine Aufforderung, welche in der Regel durch öffentliche Bekanntmachung erfolgt, erhalten hat, auch nicht von der Kontrollversammlung befreit ist, ist verpflichtet, sich zu den angegebenen Zeitpunkten mündlich oder schriftlich bei seiner Kontrollstelle zu melden. Die Unterlassung dieser Meldung wird nach Ziffer 11 bestraft.
d) Die nach Mitteilung der Seemannsämter für deutsche Handelsschiffe Angemusterten sind während der Dauer der bei der Anmusterung eingegangenen Verpflichtungen von der Teilnahme an den Kontrollversammlungen befreit.
Printed page V Exercises and miscellaneous provisions
e) Mannschaften der Landwehr zweiten [Aufgebots werden im] Frieden zu Kontrollversammlungen nicht [herangezogen].
IV. Uebungen.
13. a) Jeder Reservist ist zur Teilnahme an zwei Uebungen [bis zur] Dauer von je 8 Wochen verpflichtet.
b) Die Mannschaften der Landwehr ersten Aufgebots — ausschließlich der Kavallerie, welche zu Uebungen im Frieden nicht einberufen wird — können zweimal auf 8 bis 14 Tage*) zu Uebungen einberufen werden.
c) Mannschaften der Landwehr 2. Aufgebots werden im Frieden zu Uebungen nicht herangezogen.
d) Die Ersatzreservisten sind im Frieden zu drei Uebungen verpflichtet, von denen die erste zehn Wochen, die zweite sechs Wochen und die dritte vier Wochen dauert.
Im übrigen siehe „Besondere Bestimmungen“, Ziff. 20 u. 21.
e) Wer zur Uebung einberufen wird, jedoch auf Grund häuslicher, gewerblicher oder amtlicher Verhältnisse von derselben befreit zu werden wünscht, hat unter Vorlage einer obrigkeitlichen Bescheinigung sein Gesuch dem Bezirksfeldwebel der Kontrollstelle rechtzeitig vor Gestellung zur Uebung vorzutragen.
Erhält er vor Anfang der Uebung keinen Bescheid, so muß er sich dennoch stellen. Schon einmal Berücksichtigte dürfen in der Regel nicht befreit werden.
f) Zur Uebung Einberufene stehen vom Tage der Einziehung bis zum Ablauf des Tages der Wiederentlassung unter den Militärgesetzen.
V. Verschiedene Bestimmungen.
14. Die Nichtbefolgung der Berufung zu den Kontrollversammlungen hat Arrest zur Folge. Die Nichtbefolgung der Einberufungs- zu Uebungen sowie zur Gestellung bei außerordentlichen Zusammenziehungen, ferner nach bekanntgemachter Kriegsbereitschaft oder angeordneter Mobilmachung wird als unerlaubte Entfernung bezw. Fahnenflucht mit Freiheitsstrafen bis zu 5 Jahren bestraft.
15. Mannschaften, welche in einem Beamtenverhältnisse stehen, haben von dem Empfange eines Gestellungsbefehls sogleich ihrer vorgesetzten Behörde Meldung zu erstatten.
16. Bei allen Gestellungen, sowohl aus Anlaß von Mobilmachungen u. s. w. wie zu Uebungszwecken und zu den Kontrollversammlungen ist jeder Mann verpflichtet, diesen Paß und (ausschließlich der Ersatzreservisten) das Führungszeugnis mit zur Stelle zu bringen.
So lange in ersterem der Uebertritt zur Landwehr ersten Aufgebots, beziehungsweise zur Landwehr zweiten Aufgebots, oder für nicht gediente Ersatzreservisten die Entlassung zum Landsturm ersten Aufgebots nicht vermerkt ist, gehört der Inhaber noch zur Reserve oder zur Landwehr ersten Aufgebots, beziehungsweise zur Ersatzreserve.
Wer seinen Paß verliert, hat sogleich bei seiner Kontrollstelle mündlich oder schriftlich die Ausstellung eines Duplikates zu beantragen und dafür 50 Pfennig zu vergüten.
17. Gesuche um Zurückstellung von der Einberufung im Mobilmachungsfall und bei der Bildung von Ersatztruppenteilen sowie bei notwendigen Verstärkungen für das laufende Jahr sind vor Beginn des [Fortsetzung Seite VI].
*) Vom Tage des Eintreffens beim Truppenteil an gerechnet.
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7338.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Roman VI–VII
Roman VI–VII
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Printed page VI Foreign residence and replacement reservists
[Continuation of paragraph 17:] The request is to be submitted to the head of the locality or municipality before the annual recruiting business begins. Men required to make up service because they evaded military control (paragraph 11) have no claim to deferment.
18. In peacetime, men wishing to go to countries outside Europe may receive two years’ leave, exempting them from ordinary service duties but requiring return if mobilization occurs. If they subsequently prove by consular certificates that they have established a settled position there as a merchant, tradesman, etc., the leave may be extended until the end of military liability, together with exemption from return on mobilization. This provision does not apply to countries bordering the Mediterranean or Black Sea. For second-levy Landwehr men, proof need only establish an occupation securing their livelihood, and the Mediterranean/Black Sea restriction does not apply.
19. If general mobilization occurs while men on leave from active service are at sea or abroad, they must return to the Empire as quickly as possible and report to the first district command whose area they enter, unless exempted under paragraph 18, second and third subparagraphs. Any obstacle to timely return must be proved by consular or other reliable certificates; otherwise they face the full statutory penalties.
VI. Special provisions for replacement reservists.
20(a). The first training exercise normally occurs within one year of assignment to the replacement reserve.
20(b). Except in special cases, men called to their first exercise will be told the reporting date by 15 July of the relevant year.
20(c). Seafaring men and replacement reservists taking their first exercise later at their request or as supplementary replacements are informed 14 days before the exercise begins. Men assigned to the replacement reserve because of a high lottery number are not used as supplementary replacements.
20(d). If, during an exercise, an interruption occurs through the man’s own [continued on page VII].
Footnotes: The deferment provision also covers applications by trained Landsturm men for exemption from obeying a Landsturm summons. The overseas exemption provisions of paragraph 18’s third subparagraph also apply to trained second-levy Landsturm men; applications go to the civilian chairman of the recruiting commission for the district in which the man transferred to the Landsturm.
Printed page VII Training concessions and unit disposal
[Continuation of 20(d), partly cropped:] If an exercise is interrupted through the man’s own fault or in his own interest, the period of interruption does not count toward the exercise time.
21(a). Replacement reservists holding a certificate qualifying them for one-year voluntary service, or able to prove the required educational qualifications by school certificates, may choose the unit for their first exercise from among those assigned to train replacement reservists that year, provided they feed, clothe, and equip themselves during that service.
21(b). To claim this privilege, they must submit the following to district headquarters through the responsible reporting office within 14 days of assignment to the replacement reserve: (1) their replacement-reserve pass; (2) a police-certified statement of their own, or their father’s or guardian’s, willingness and ability to pay for clothing, equipment, and upkeep during the first exercise; (3) a police certificate of good character; and (4) the one-year-volunteer qualification certificate or a school certificate proving the required educational qualifications.
21(c). Application to the unit must be made orally or in writing at least 14 days before the exercise begins.
21(d). Late applications either for permission to choose a unit or for acceptance by a unit are rejected as a rule.
VII. Special provisions for men on leave at the disposal of their units.
22. These additional rules apply during that leave:
(a) Until the end of their third service year, they must remain ready at all times to obey an immediate summons to complete their active service.
(b) Changing place of residence or signing on to a ship through a seamen’s office requires the district commander’s permission, obtained through the reporting office. Violators are recalled to active service immediately.
(c) They are subject to the same penalties as active-service personnel for unauthorized absence, desertion, self-inflicted injury, and feigned disability.
(d) If such a man is not recalled before fulfilling his active-service obligation, [continued on page VIII].
Original-language reading
Printed page VI Foreign residence and replacement reservists
[Fortsetzung von Ziffer 17:] Ersatzgeschäftes bei dem Vorsteher des Ortes oder der Gemeinde anzubringen.*)
Mannschaften, welche wegen Kontrollentziehung nachdienen müssen (Ziffer 11), haben keinerlei Anspruch auf Zurückstellung.
18. Mannschaften, welche nach außereuropäischen Ländern gehen wollen, können im Frieden unter Befreiung von den gewöhnlichen Dienstobliegenheiten, jedoch unter der Bedingung der Rückkehr im Falle einer Mobilmachung, auf zwei Jahre beurlaubt werden.
Weisen dieselben demnächst durch Konsulatsbescheinigungen nach, daß sie sich in einem der erwähnten Länder eine feste Stellung als Kaufmann, Gewerbetreibender u. s. w. erworben haben, so kann der Urlaub unter gleichzeitiger Entbindung von der Rückkehr im Falle einer Mobilmachung bis zur Entlassung aus dem Militärverhältnis verlängert werden. Auf die Küstenländer des Mittelländischen und Schwarzen Meeres findet diese Bestimmung keine Anwendung.
Für Mannschaften der Landwehr zweiten Aufgebots bedarf es des vorerwähnten Nachweises nur dahin, daß sie eine ihren Lebensunterhalt sichernde Stellung als Kaufmann, Gewerbetreibender u. s. w. erworben haben; auch gilt für dieselben die Beschränkung bezüglich der Küstenländer des Mittelländischen und Schwarzen Meeres nicht.**)
19. Sämtliche Mannschaften des Beurlaubtenstandes haben sich bei einer während ihres Aufenthalts auf See oder im Auslande eintretenden allgemeinen Mobilmachung so schnell als möglich ins Reichsgebiet zurückzubegeben (sofern sie nicht gemäß Absatz 2 und 3, Ziffer 18 hiervon befreit sind) und bei dem Bezirkskommando zu melden, dessen Bezirk sie zuerst erreichen.
Wer an der pünktlichen Rückkehr verhindert sein sollte, hat sich hierüber durch Konsulats- und sonstige zuverlässige Bescheinigungen auszuweisen, widrigenfalls er Strafe nach Strenge der Gesetze zu gewärtigen hat.
VI. Besondere Bestimmungen für die Ersatzreservisten.
20. a) Die Heranziehung zur ersten Uebung erfolgt in der Regel innerhalb eines Jahres vom Tage der Ueberweisung zur Ersatzreserve.
b) Den Ersatzreservisten, welche zur ersten Uebung einberufen werden, wird, von besonderen Ausnahmefällen abgesehen, der Gestellungstag bis zum 15. Juli des betreffenden Kalenderjahres bekannt gemacht.
c) Schiffahrt treibenden Mannschaften und solchen Ersatzreservisten, welche auf ihren Wunsch später, oder als Nachersatz nachträglich, zur ersten Uebung herangezogen werden sollen, wird der Gestellungstag 14 Tage vor Beginn der Uebung bekannt gemacht.
Als Nachersatz werden die wegen hoher Losnummer der Ersatzreserve überwiesenen Mannschaften nicht herangezogen.
d) Tritt während der Ableistung einer Uebung durch eigenes [Fortsetzung Seite VII].
*) Diese Bestimmung gilt auch für Gesuche ausgebildeter Landsturmpflichtiger betreffs Befreiung von Befolgung des Aufrufs des Landsturms.
**) Die Bestimmungen dieses Absatzes gelten auch für Befreiung der ausgebildeten Landsturmpflichtigen des 2. Aufgebots von Befolgung des Aufgebots. Bezügliche Gesuche sind von denselben an den Zivilvorsitzenden der Ersatzkommission desjenigen Bezirks zu richten, in welchem der Uebertritt zum Landsturm erfolgte.
Printed page VII Training concessions and unit disposal
[Fortsetzung von 20 d; oberer Bildrand teilweise abgeschnitten:]
Verschulden oder im eigenen Interesse [eine] Unterbrechung ein, so kommt die Zeit der [Unterbrechung auf die] Uebungszeit nicht in Anrechnung.
21. a) Denjenigen Ersatzreservisten, welche im Besitz des Berechtigungsscheins zum einjährig-freiwilligen Dienst sind oder die entsprechende wissenschaftliche Befähigung durch Schulzeugnisse nachzuweisen vermögen, steht, wenn sie sich während ihrer Dienstzeit (ersten Uebung) selbst verpflegen, bekleiden und ausrüsten, für die erste Uebung unter denjenigen Truppenteilen die Wahl frei, welchen für das betreffende Jahr die Ausbildung von Ersatzreservisten übertragen ist.
b) Wer auf diese Vergünstigung Anspruch macht, hat innerhalb 14 Tage nach seiner Ueberweisung zur Ersatzreserve dem Bezirkskommando durch die zuständige Kontrollstelle nachstehende Papiere einzureichen:
1. seinen Ersatzreservepaß;
2. eine polizeilich beglaubigte Bescheinigung über seine eigene bezw. die Bereitwilligkeit und Fähigkeit seines Vaters oder Vormundes zur Tragung der Kosten für die Bekleidung, Ausrüstung und Verpflegung während der ersten Uebung;
3. ein durch die Polizeiobrigkeit ausgestelltes Unbescholtenheitszeugnis;
4. den Berechtigungsschein zum einjährig-freiwilligen Dienst bezw. das den Nachweis der wissenschaftl. Befähigung für den einjährig-freiwilligen Dienst führende Schulzeugnis.
c) Die Meldung beim Truppenteil hat spätestens 14 Tage vor Beginn der Uebung mündlich oder schriftlich stattzufinden.
d) Verspätete Anträge sowohl um die Erteilung der Berechtigung zur freien Wahl des Truppenteils (siehe b), als auch um Annahme bei einem solchen (siehe c) werden grundsätzlich abgewiesen.
VII. Besondere Bestimmungen für die zur Disposition der Truppenteile beurlaubten Mannschaften.
22. Auf die zur Disposition ihres Truppenteils beurlaubten Mannschaften finden für die Dauer der Beurlaubung noch die nachstehend besonderen Bestimmungen Anwendung:
a) Die zur Disposition ihres Truppenteils beurlaubten Mannschaften haben sich bis zur Beendigung ihres 3. Dienstjahres jederzeit bereit zu halten, einem Gestellungsbefehl behufs Erfüllung ihrer aktiven Dienstzeit sogleich Folge zu leisten.
b) Zum Wechsel des Aufenthaltsortes sowie zur Anmusterung durch ein Seemannsamt bedürfen sie der durch Vermittlung der Kontrollstelle einzuholenden Genehmigung ihres Bezirkskommandeurs.
Zuwiderhandelnde werden durch ihn unverzüglich zum aktiven Dienste einberufen.
c) Die zur Disposition der Truppenteile beurlaubten Mannschaften sind den Strafbestimmungen über unerlaubte Entfernung, Fahnenflucht, Selbstbeschädigung und Vorschützung von Gebrechen in gleicher Weise wie die Personen des aktiven Dienststandes unterworfen.
d) Wird ein zur Disposition Beurlaubter vor Erfüllung seiner aktiven Dienstpflicht nicht wieder zum Dienste einberufen, so [Fortsetzung Seite VIII].
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7339.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Roman VIII–IX
Roman VIII–IX
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Printed page VIII Disability and benefit claims
[Continuation of 22(d):] He passes automatically into the Reserve at the end of his third service year, on 1 October, without a separate notice or a requirement to report for that purpose.
Note on the Landsturm:
1. It includes all men liable for military service who do not belong to the army, through completion of their forty-fifth year.
2. Once the Landsturm has been summoned, the Landwehr rules apply to the men covered by that summons.
3. Those abroad must return unless expressly exempted.
4. When the Landsturm has not been summoned, its men are subject to neither military control nor exercises.
5. See also the notes to paragraphs 17 and 18.
VIII. Rules for disabled former servicemen, pension recipients, and registration of benefit claims.
A. Men officially recognized as disabled.
1. NCOs and soldiers recognized as partially disabled or temporarily totally disabled, and still of Reserve or Landwehr age, remain in the category of men on leave from active service and are subject to military control unless assigned to the Landsturm.
2. NCOs and soldiers recognized as permanently totally disabled cease to have any military-service relationship.
3. All men whose disabled status is recognized for a limited time must present themselves for medical examination in the year their pension recognition expires; district headquarters will summon them. This also applies to permanently recognized totally disabled men where the assessed degree of incapacity to earn, or fitness for civilian service, has only temporary recognition.
4. A disabled man who believes his condition has worsened enough to warrant a higher pension may apply in person, or in writing if necessary, to the responsible district sergeant.
5. The military pass proves pension entitlement. Before the first payment, the paying treasury issues a pension receipt book upon presentation of the pass. The recipient must acquaint himself with the printed pension-payment rules in that book.
B. Claims by men discharged before 1 April 1905 who were not recognized as disabled at discharge.
6. After discharge from active military service, disability-benefit claims may be made only on the basis of harm suffered in service and only within the following time limits: [continued on page IX].
Printed page IX Benefit claims continued
[Continuation of B.6. The deadlines in the top lines are cropped.] (a) For injury or harm arising from peacetime service, within [unreadable period] after discharge; (b) for direct harm arising from wartime service, within [unreadable period] after peace is concluded. Claims arising from wounds or external injury suffered during war, or a contagious eye disease contracted during war or peace, may be registered at any time.
7. A man wishing to claim disability benefits should apply to the responsible district sergeant in person. If his physical condition or the distance from his residence makes attendance impossible or difficult, he may apply in writing. The application must include the military pass, earlier decisions, and any evidence of treatment by civilian doctors. The text recommends personal attendance because the district sergeant knows the relevant rules and the best way to substantiate the claim.
C. Recognized pension recipients and claims by men discharged without a pension after 1 April 1905.
8. Granting a pension does not itself alter military service or military liability; that is determined separately.
9. A.3, first paragraph, and A.4–5 also apply to pension recipients.
10. Men discharged from active service after 1 April 1905 may claim benefits only for harm suffered in service and within these limits: (a) two years after discharge for peacetime service-related harm, which must have been established before discharge; (b) no time limit for war wounds; (c) ten years after the conclusion of peace for other wartime service-related harm.
The restrictions in (a) and (c) may be set aside only if it is proved that the effects became apparent after discharge or that circumstances beyond the injured man’s control prevented registration. The claim must then be registered within three months of the effects becoming apparent or the obstacle ceasing.
11. The application procedure is that in B.7.
Original-language reading
Printed page VIII Disability and benefit claims
[Fortsetzung von 22 d:] tritt er mit Beendigung seines dritten Dienstjahres (am 1. Oktober) stillschweigend zur Reserve über, ohne daß er hierüber eine besondere Nachricht erhält oder sich zu diesem Zwecke zu melden braucht.
Anmerkung:
1. Zum Landsturm gehören alle Wehrpflichtigen bis zum vollendeten 45. Lebensjahre, welche nicht dem Heere angehören.
2. Nachdem der Aufruf des Landsturmes ergangen ist, finden die für die Landwehr geltenden Vorschriften auf die von dem Aufruf betroffenen Landsturmpflichtigen Anwendung.
3. Befinden sich dieselben im Auslande, so haben sie in das Inland zurückzukehren, sofern sie hiervon nicht ausdrücklich befreit sind.
4. Wenn der Landsturm nicht aufgerufen ist, sind die Landsturmpflichtigen keinerlei militärischer Kontrolle und Uebungen unterworfen.
5. Im Uebrigen siehe Anmerkung zu Ziffer 17 und 18.
VIII. Bestimmungen für Invaliden, Rentenempfänger und über Anmeldung von Versorgungsansprüchen.
A. Anerkannte Invaliden.
1. Die als halbinvalide oder als zeitig ganzinvalide anerkannten Unteroffiziere und Soldaten, welche sich noch im reserve- oder landwehrpflichtigen Alter befinden, gehören, soweit sie nicht dem Landsturm überwiesen sind, zu den Mannschaften des Beurlaubtenstandes und unterliegen wie diese der militärischen Kontrolle.
2. Die als dauernd ganzinvalide anerkannten Unteroffiziere und Soldaten scheiden aus jedem militärischen Verhältnis aus.
3. Alle auf Zeit anerkannten Invaliden haben sich in dem Jahre, in welchem ihre Pensionsanerkennung abläuft, zum Prüfungsgeschäfte behufs ärztlicher Untersuchung zu gestellen; sie erhalten hierzu eine Aufforderung durch das Bezirkskommando.
Dies gilt auch für diejenigen dauernd anerkannten Ganzinvaliden, welche bezüglich des Grades der Erwerbsunfähigkeit oder bezüglich der Tauglichkeit zum Zivildienste nur auf Zeit anerkannt sind.
4. Glaubt ein Invalide, daß er wegen Verschlimmerung seines Invalidenleidens höhere Pensionsgebührnisse zu beanspruchen habe, so kann er sich mit einem entsprechenden Antrage persönlich oder, wenn dies nicht angängig, schriftlich an den zuständigen Bezirksfeldwebel wenden.
5. Als Ausweis für die Pensionsberechtigung dient der Militärpaß. Vor der ersten Pensionszahlung erhält der Invalide von der mit Zahlung beauftragten Kasse gegen Vorzeigung des Militärpasses ein Pensions-Quittungsbuch ausgehändigt. In diesem Quittungsbuche sind Bestimmungen über den Pensionsempfang vorgedruckt, von welchen der Invalide Kenntnis zu nehmen hat.
B. Anmeldung von Versorgungsansprüchen durch Mannschaften, die vor dem 1. 4. 05 entlassen sind und bei ihrer Entlassung nicht als Invalide anerkannt waren.
6. Nach der Entlassung aus dem aktiven Militärdienste können Ansprüche auf Invalidenversorgung nur auf Grund erlittener Dienstbeschädigung und nur innerhalb folgender Fristen erhoben werden: [Fortsetzung Seite IX].
Printed page IX Benefit claims continued
[Fortsetzung von B Nr. 6; obere Zeilen abgeschnitten:]
a) bei Friedensdienstbeschädigung innerhalb [Frist abgeschnitten] der Entlassung;
b) bei unmittelbarer Kriegsdienstbeschädigung innerhalb [Frist abgeschnitten] nach erfolgtem Friedensschlusse.
Bei im Kriege erlittener Verwundung oder äußerer Dienstbeschädigung sowie bei im Kriege oder im Frieden überstandener kontagiöser Augenkrankheit kann die Anmeldung von Versorgungsansprüchen jederzeit erfolgen.
7. Wer einen Anspruch auf Invalidenversorgung erheben will, hat sich persönlich oder, wenn dies wegen seines Körperzustandes oder wegen zu großer Entfernung seines Wohnsitzes von dem des Bezirksfeldwebels oder vom Meldeamte nicht möglich oder schwierig ist, mit einem schriftlichen Gesuch an den zuständigen Bezirksfeldwebel zu wenden. Dem Gesuche sind Militärpaß, frühere Bescheide, etwaige Ausweise über zivilärztliche Behandlung beizufügen. Dem eigenen Interesse des Mannes entspricht die persönliche Gestellung beim Bezirksfeldwebel, da dieser über die einschlägigen Bestimmungen unterrichtet ist und am besten weiß, auf welchem Wege eine Zuwendung möglich und in welcher Weise der Anspruch am erfolgreichsten zu begründen ist.
C. Anerkannte Rentenempfänger und Anmeldung von Versorgungsansprüchen durch Mannschaften, die nach dem 1. 4. 05 ohne Rente entlassen sind.
8. Durch die Zuerkennung einer Rente wird das Militärdienst- oder Militärpflichtverhältnis nicht berührt. Ueber dieses wird besonders verfügt.
9. Die Vorschrift unter A Nr. 3, Abs. 1 und Nr. 4, 5 gelten auch für die Rentenempfänger.
10. Von den nach dem 1. 4. 05 aus dem aktiven Dienste Entlassenen können Ansprüche auf Versorgung nur auf Grund erlittener Dienstbeschädigung und nur innerhalb folgender Fristen angemeldet werden:
a) bei Friedensdienstbeschädigung bis zum Ablaufe von zwei Jahren nach der Entlassung. Die Dienstbeschädigung muß vor der Entlassung festgestellt sein;
b) bei Kriegsverwundungen ohne Zeitbeschränkung;
c) bei sonstigen Kriegsdienstbeschädigungen bis zum Ablaufe von zehn Jahren nach dem Friedensschlusse.
Von den unter a und c aufgeführten Einschränkungen ist nur dann abzusehen, wenn der Nachweis erbracht worden ist, daß die Folgen einer Dienstbeschädigung erst nach der Entlassung bemerkbar geworden sind oder daß der Verletzte von der Anmeldung seines Anspruchs durch außerhalb seines Willens liegende Verhältnisse abgehalten worden ist. Die Anmeldung des Anspruchs muß jedoch bis zum Ablaufe von drei Monaten erfolgt sein, nachdem die Folgen der Dienstbeschädigung bemerkbar geworden sind oder das Hindernis für die Anmeldung weggefallen ist.
11. Für die Anmeldung eines Versorgungsanspruchs gilt die Vorschrift unter B Nr. 7.
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7340.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Roman X and facing blank reporting templates
Roman X and facing blank reporting templates
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Printed page X Appeals and model written reports
D. General provisions.
12. A decision by a lower authority may be challenged before the next competent higher authority, ultimately the highest military administrative authority, the War Ministry. The objection must be lodged within three months after delivery of the earlier decision. Objections against denial of benefits, or their kind or amount, must always be submitted to the responsible district sergeant. Objections against an order for payment, repayment, or reduction of benefits resulting from appointment or employment in civilian service must go through the superior employing authority to the War Ministry.
13. The War Ministry’s decisions are final administratively; they can be challenged only by bringing a court action. That right is lost if a timely objection was not lodged against the lower authority’s decision, or if the court action is not brought within six months of delivery of the War Ministry’s final decision.
14. NCOs and soldiers on leave from active service may submit petitions to the sovereign only through the district sergeant, not directly.
15. Disabled former servicemen and pension recipients no longer obliged to report are advised, in their own interest, to notify the district command or reporting office of either their old or new residence when moving to another Landwehr district, giving their exact address.
Models for written reports.
1. The following examples are guides only. Another format may be used if it contains all required information. The paper must be clean and at least twice the size of a page of the pass.
2. Outer address: the envelope is to be left open or closed with the local authority’s seal. Address it “To the District Sergeant at … [location of the reporting office]” and mark it “Army business.” Letters for local-town delivery must have postage paid.
Model reporting forms after page X
(a) For registration [heading partly cropped].
Place … Date …
The holder of the enclosed pass registers for … administrative district/county …
In towns/larger localities: street and house number …
In large towns also: floor … and name of the landlord …
State: former residence; whether married; number of children, sons and daughters; occupation or status; name of person reporting.
If the pass happens to be unavailable, also state: date and place of birth; when and with which unit service began, or when and where assigned to the replacement reserve and to which branch of service; last place of reporting; why the pass is not enclosed.
Cross out anything that does not apply.
(b) For deregistration and for changes of residence/address within the control district.
Place … Date …
The holder of the enclosed pass reports departure to … administrative district/county …
Or reports having moved from … to … administrative district/county …
In towns/larger localities: street and house number …
In large towns also: floor … and name of the landlord …
Name of person reporting …
If the pass happens to be unavailable, also state: date and place of birth; when and with which unit service began, or when and where assigned to the replacement reserve and to which branch of service; last place of reporting; why the pass is not enclosed.
Cross out anything that does not apply.
Original-language reading
Printed page X Appeals and model written reports
D. Allgemeine Bestimmungen.
12. Gegen die Entscheidung einer niederen Behörde kann bei der nächsthöheren zuständigen Behörde, an letzter Stelle bei der obersten Militärverwaltungsbehörde (Kriegsministerium) Einspruch eingelegt werden. Der Einspruch muß bis zum Ablaufe von drei Monaten nach Zustellung der Vorentscheidung eingelegt werden.
Ist der Einspruch gegen die Versagung von Versorgungsgebührnissen oder gegen die Art und Höhe gerichtet, so ist er stets bei dem zuständigen Bezirksfeldwebel, ist er aber gegen die Anordnung einer Zahlung, Rückzahlung oder Kürzung der Versorgungsgebührnisse infolge einer Anstellung oder Beschäftigung im Zivildienste gerichtet, so ist er durch die vorgesetzte Dienstbehörde beim Kriegsministerium anzubringen.
13. Die Entscheidungen des Kriegsministeriums sind endgültige; gegen sie kann nur der gerichtliche Klageweg beschritten werden.
Das Klagerecht geht verloren, wenn gegen die Entscheidung einer niederen Behörde nicht rechtzeitig Einspruch eingelegt oder wenn die Klage nicht bis zum Ablaufe von sechs Monaten nach Zustellung der endgültigen Entscheidung des Kriegsministeriums erhoben wird.
14. Gesuche an die Allerhöchste Stelle dürfen von Unteroffizieren und Soldaten des Beurlaubtenstandes nicht unmittelbar, sondern nur durch Vermittlung des Bezirksfeldwebels eingereicht werden.
15. Es liegt im eigenen Interesse der Invaliden und Rentenempfänger, welche der Meldepflicht nicht mehr unterliegen, daß sie von ihrem Verziehen in einen anderen Landwehrbezirk dem Bezirkskommando oder Meldeamt des bisherigen oder des neuen Wohnorts unter genauer Angabe ihrer Wohnung Kenntnis geben.
Muster für schriftliche Meldungen.
1. Die nachstehenden Muster sollen nur als Anhalt dienen. Die Meldungen können auch in anderer Form erstattet werden, wenn dieselben die vorgeschriebenen Angaben enthalten.
Das Papier zu allen Meldungen muß rein und mindestens doppelt so groß wie eine Seite des Passes sein.
2. Aeußere Aufschrift (Umschlag entweder offen oder mit dem Siegel der Ortsbehörde verschlossen):
An den Herrn Bezirksfeldwebel zu … (Ort der Kontrollstelle).
Heeressache.
(Stadtbriefe müssen frei gemacht werden.)
Model reporting forms after page X
(a) Für An-Meldungen [Überschrift am oberen Bildrand teilweise abgeschnitten].
Ort … Datum …
Inhaber beifolgenden Passes meldet sich
an für … Bezirksamt etc. / Kreis …
in Städten / größeren Ortschaften: Straße u. Haus-Nr. …
in großen Städten auch: Stockwerk …
und Name des Quartierwirts …
Anzugeben:
Wo bisher gewohnt …
Ob verheiratet …
Wie viele Kinder … Söhne … Töchter …
Stand oder Gewerbe …
(Name des Meldenden) …
Wenn der Paß zufällig nicht vorhanden, noch anzugeben:
Wann und wo geboren …
Wann und bei welchem Truppenteil in den Dienst getreten
oder wann und wo der Ersatzreserve und welcher Waffengattung etc. überwiesen …
Wo zuletzt gemeldet …
Weshalb ist der Paß nicht beigefügt? …
Nicht zutreffendes ist zu durchstreichen!
(b) Für Ab-Meldungen und für Wohnorts- und Wohnungswechsel innerhalb des Kontrollbezirks.
Ort … Datum …
Inhaber beifolgenden Passes meldet sich
ab nach … Bezirksamt etc. / Kreis …
oder
von … nach … Bezirksamt etc. / Kreis …
in Städten / größeren Ortschaften: Straße u. Haus-Nr. …
in großen Städten auch: Stockwerk …
und Name des Quartierwirts …
verzogen. (Name des Meldenden) …
Wenn der Paß zufällig nicht vorhanden, noch anzugeben:
Wann und wo geboren …
Wann und bei welchem Truppenteil in den Dienst getreten
oder wann und wo der Ersatzreserve und welcher Waffengattung etc. überwiesen …
Wo zuletzt gemeldet …
Weshalb ist der Paß nicht beigefügt? …
Nicht Zutreffendes ist zu durchstreichen!
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7341.jpegSiegfried Elkan: personal page and Moses/Marianne parents-address insert
Page 1 and facing pasted-in parents-address form
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
View this image with chapter source M01
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Personal particulars
Personal particulars of the holder.
1. Forename and surname: Siegfried Elkan.
Height: 1 metre 64 centimetres.
Born on 14 April 1888 in Wesel.
Administrative district: Wesel, Rhineland.
Federal state: Prussia.
2. Occupation: merchant or businessman.
3. Religion: Jewish (abbreviated “isr.”, Israelite).
4. Married: [field cancelled]. Children: [field cancelled].
5. Date and nature of entry into service: entered as a recruit on 2 October 1909.
6. Unit, including company, squadron or battery: 2nd Transport Battalion, 1st Company.
Family addresses during mobilization
To be pasted into the service book and transfer personal record before page 1 during mobilization.
Addresses of relatives of Non-commissioned Officer Siegfried Elkan.
1. Wife: unmarried.
2. Parents:
Occupation or status: living on private means.
Father’s forename and surname: Moses Elkan.
Mother’s forename and maiden name: Marianne, née Fraenkel.
Place of residence: Nuremberg.
Street and house number: [Schanzenstrasse?] 21, first floor.
3. Other relatives, if wife and parents are deceased: [fields blank].
Original-language reading
Personal particulars
Nationale des Buch-Inhabers.
1. Vor- und Familien-Namen: Siegfried Elkan.
Größe: 1 m 64 cm.
Geboren am 14ten April 1888 zu Wesel.
Verwaltungsbezirk: Wesel (Rheinland).
Bundesstaat: Preußen.
2. Stand oder Gewerbe: Kaufmann.
3. Religion: isr.
4. Ob verheiratet: [cancellation mark]. Kinder: [cancellation mark].
5. Datum und Art des Diensteintritts: Am 2. Oktober 1909 als Rekrut.
6. Bei welchem Truppenteil (unter Angabe der Kompagnie, Eskadron, Batterie): 2. Train-Bataillon, 1. Compagnie.
Family addresses during mobilization
Während der Mobilmachung im Paß und Überweisungs-National vor Seite 1 einzukleben.
Angehörigen-Adressen des Unteroffz. Elkan Siegfried.
1. Ehefrau: ledig.
2. Eltern:
Stand oder Gewerbe: Rentier.
Vor- u. Zuname d. Vaters: Moses Elkan.
Vor- u. Mädchenname d. Mutter: Marianne geb. Fraenkel.
Wohnort (Kreis): Nürnberg.
Straße (Hausnummer): [Schanzenstr.?] 21 I.
3. Verwandte, falls Ehefrau u. Eltern gestorben: [fields blank].
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7342.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Page 2 plus handwritten battle-history insert covering facing page
Page 2 plus handwritten battle-history insert covering facing page
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
View this image with chapter source M02
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Promotions and transfer to the reserve
Transfers, with date and company, squadron or battery: [field cancelled].
Promotions, with date and nature:
1 October 1910: Gefreiter, a junior enlisted rank.
1 April 1911: “üb. Uffz.”, an abbreviated non-commissioned-officer rank or appointment.
7. Date and nature of release:
Released to the reserve on 30 September 1911, going to Amberg in the Upper Palatinate.
District civil authority and district military command: Amberg in the Upper Palatinate.
Earlier handwritten campaign insert
XIV Army Corps headquarters; section Ia, no. 35343; corps headquarters, 29 February 1916.
Engagements and battles participated in.
[Seal] Royal Prussian Transport Column 3, 52nd Infantry Division.
9–10 August 1914: engagement at Sennheim–Mülhausen.
20–22 August 1914: battle in Lorraine.
23 August–14 September 1914: battle before Nancy–Épinal.
16–30 September 1914: fighting at Flirey.
6–13 October 1914: battle at Arras.
15–18 October 1914: battle at Lille.
14–24 December 1914: December battle in French Flanders.
19 October–13 December 1914 and 25 December 1914–6 March 1915: positional fighting in French Flanders and Artois.
25 March 1915–23 June 1916: positional fighting in Artois west of Bapaume.
7–13 June 1915: engagement at Serre.
24 June–26 November 1916: Battle of the Somme.
27 November 1916–14 March 1917: positional fighting on the Somme.
2 April–17 May 1917: spring battle at Arras, 1917.
From 16 August [year not repeated; continuation follows 1917]: positional fighting in Artois; no end date entered.
[Additional marginal command reference remains partly unread.]
Original-language reading
Promotions and transfer to the reserve
Versetzungen (unter Angabe des Datums und Kompagnie, Eskadron, Batterie): [cancellation mark].
Beförderungen (unter Angabe des Datums und der Art):
1.10.1910 Gefreiter.
1.4.1911 üb. Uffz.
7. Datum und Art der Entlassung:
Am 30. September 1911 zur Reserve nach Amberg i/O.
Bez. Amt [und] Bez. Kdo.: Amberg i/O.
Earlier handwritten campaign insert
XIV. A.K. Generalkommando. Ia Nr. 35343. K.H.Q. 29.2.16.
Mitgemachte Gefechte und Schlachten.
[seal] KÖNIGL. PREUSS. FUHRP.-KOL. 3 / 52. INF. DIV.
9.–10.8.14 Gefecht bei Sennheim-Mülhausen.
20.–22.8.14 Schlacht in Lothringen.
23.8.–14.9.14 Schlacht vor Nancy-Epinal.
16.–30.9.14 Kämpfe bei Flirey.
6.–13.10.14 Schlacht bei Arras.
15.–18.10.14 Schlacht bei Lille.
14.–24.12.14 Dezemberschlacht in französisch Flandern.
19.10.–13.12.14 und vom 25.12.14–6.3.15 Stellungskämpfe in französisch Flandern und im Artois.
25.3.15–23.6.16 Stellungskämpfe im Artois westlich Bapaume.
7.–13.6.15 Gefecht bei Serre.
24.6.16–26.11.16 Schlacht an der Somme.
27.11.16–14.3.17 Stellungskämpfe an der Somme.
2.4.–17.5.17 Frühjahrsschlacht b. Arras 1917.
16.8.– [no end date] Stellungskämpfe im Artois.
[Additional marginal command reference is only partly legible.]
Alternate captures of page 2 and the handwritten battle-history insert.
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7343.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Repeat closer page 2 and same battle-history insert
Repeat closer page 2 and same battle-history insert
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Promotions and transfer to the reserve
Transfers, with date and company, squadron or battery: [field cancelled].
Promotions, with date and nature:
1 October 1910: Gefreiter, a junior enlisted rank.
1 April 1911: “üb. Uffz.”, an abbreviated non-commissioned-officer rank or appointment.
7. Date and nature of release:
Released to the reserve on 30 September 1911, going to Amberg in the Upper Palatinate.
District civil authority and district military command: Amberg in the Upper Palatinate.
Earlier handwritten campaign insert
XIV Army Corps headquarters; section Ia, no. 35343; corps headquarters, 29 February 1916.
Engagements and battles participated in.
[Seal] Royal Prussian Transport Column 3, 52nd Infantry Division.
9–10 August 1914: engagement at Sennheim–Mülhausen.
20–22 August 1914: battle in Lorraine.
23 August–14 September 1914: battle before Nancy–Épinal.
16–30 September 1914: fighting at Flirey.
6–13 October 1914: battle at Arras.
15–18 October 1914: battle at Lille.
14–24 December 1914: December battle in French Flanders.
19 October–13 December 1914 and 25 December 1914–6 March 1915: positional fighting in French Flanders and Artois.
25 March 1915–23 June 1916: positional fighting in Artois west of Bapaume.
7–13 June 1915: engagement at Serre.
24 June–26 November 1916: Battle of the Somme.
27 November 1916–14 March 1917: positional fighting on the Somme.
2 April–17 May 1917: spring battle at Arras, 1917.
From 16 August [year not repeated; continuation follows 1917]: positional fighting in Artois; no end date entered.
[Additional marginal command reference remains partly unread.]
Original-language reading
Promotions and transfer to the reserve
Versetzungen (unter Angabe des Datums und Kompagnie, Eskadron, Batterie): [cancellation mark].
Beförderungen (unter Angabe des Datums und der Art):
1.10.1910 Gefreiter.
1.4.1911 üb. Uffz.
7. Datum und Art der Entlassung:
Am 30. September 1911 zur Reserve nach Amberg i/O.
Bez. Amt [und] Bez. Kdo.: Amberg i/O.
Earlier handwritten campaign insert
XIV. A.K. Generalkommando. Ia Nr. 35343. K.H.Q. 29.2.16.
Mitgemachte Gefechte und Schlachten.
[seal] KÖNIGL. PREUSS. FUHRP.-KOL. 3 / 52. INF. DIV.
9.–10.8.14 Gefecht bei Sennheim-Mülhausen.
20.–22.8.14 Schlacht in Lothringen.
23.8.–14.9.14 Schlacht vor Nancy-Epinal.
16.–30.9.14 Kämpfe bei Flirey.
6.–13.10.14 Schlacht bei Arras.
15.–18.10.14 Schlacht bei Lille.
14.–24.12.14 Dezemberschlacht in französisch Flandern.
19.10.–13.12.14 und vom 25.12.14–6.3.15 Stellungskämpfe in französisch Flandern und im Artois.
25.3.15–23.6.16 Stellungskämpfe im Artois westlich Bapaume.
7.–13.6.15 Gefecht bei Serre.
24.6.16–26.11.16 Schlacht an der Somme.
27.11.16–14.3.17 Stellungskämpfe an der Somme.
2.4.–17.5.17 Frühjahrsschlacht b. Arras 1917.
16.8.– [no end date] Stellungskämpfe im Artois.
[Additional marginal command reference is only partly legible.]
Alternate captures of page 2 and the handwritten battle-history insert.
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7344.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Pages 2–3, insert lifted
Pages 2–3, insert lifted
This leaf does not repeat the holder’s name; use with associated-booklet qualification. Folded insert covers part of the spread. Do not reconstruct covered text. The photographed cancellation mark in the original wound/campaign field does not negate later campaign entries or prove never wounded.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Unit roll and decoration
Unit from which released: [2nd] Transport Battalion, [1st] Company.
Number in the unit service roll: 13/09.
Orders and decorations: 5 December 1916, Iron Cross, 2nd Class.
Campaigns, wounds and service-related injuries: [cancelled field; the beginning of the heading is partly covered].
Original-language reading
Unit roll and decoration
[Entlassen] von welchem Truppenteil: [2.] Train-Bataillon, [1.] Compagnie.
[Nr.] der Truppenstammrolle: 13/09.
Orden und Ehrenzeichen: 5.12.1916 Eisernes Kreuz II. Kl.
[Feld]züge, Verwundungen, Dienstbeschädigungen: [cancellation mark; heading partly covered].
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7345.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Pages 4–5
Pages 4–5
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Training and release certification
11. Special military training:
Trained as transport-service supervisory personnel and as a clerk.
Trained with the Model 88 carbine; the printed word “rifle” is crossed out.
Shooting class: I.
Marksman’s badge: [field cancelled].
12. Remarks: Instructed about registering claims for service benefits and declares:
“I make no claims for service benefits.”
Boot length: 29 cm; width: 5.
Holds the certificate of qualification as [blank].
Issued at Würzburg on 30 September 1911.
[Signature not securely deciphered]
Cavalry captain and company commander.
[Seal] Royal Bavarian 2nd Transport Battalion.
Uncompleted clothing travel and reserve fields
Clothing received on departure: tunic, trousers, underpants, cap, neckcloth, shirt and a pair of boots or shoes.
For travel to his intended place of residence he is to use the railway between the specified stations, against a military railway warrant or ticket, and meet his other needs out of the travel allowance handed to him in marks and pfennigs.
Transfer to the first levy of the Landwehr on ...
Transfer to the second levy of the Landwehr on ...
[The printed rules at the foot of page 7 concern automatic peacetime transfer to the second levy of the Landsturm; the right-hand ends of the text are cropped.]
Original-language reading
Training and release certification
11. Besondere militärische Ausbildung:
Ausgebildet als Train-Aufsichtspersonal sowie als Schreiber.
Ausgebildet mit dem [Gewehr struck through] Karab. 88.
Schießklasse: I.
Schützenabzeichen: [cancellation mark].
12. Bemerkungen: Ist über Anmeldung von Versorgungs-Ansprüchen belehrt und erklärt:
“Ich erhebe keine Versorgungsansprüche”.
Stiefel-Länge: 29 cm, -Weite: 5.
Hat das Befähigungszeugnis zum [blank].
Ausgefertigt: Würzburg, 30. Sept. 11.
[signature not securely deciphered]
Rittmeister u. Komp. Chef.
[seal] KÖN. BAYER. 2. TRAIN-BATAILLON.
Uncompleted clothing travel and reserve fields
An Bekleidungsstücken hat derselbe bei seinem Abgang erhalten: Waffenrock etc., Hose, Unterhose, Mütze, Halsbinde, Hemde, Paar Stiefel (Schuhe).
Derselbe hat auf dem Marsche nach seinem künftigen Aufenthaltsort die Eisenbahn von ... bis ... [repeated blank routes] gegen Militärfahrschein bezw. Militärfahrtkarte zu benutzen und seine übrigen Bedürfnisse aus den ihm diesseits mit ... Mark ... Pf. [repeated blank amounts] behändigten Marschgebührnissen zu bezahlen.
Uebergetreten zur Landwehr 1. Aufgebots am ...
Uebergetreten zur Landwehr 2. Aufgebots am ...
[Printed Landsturm transfer provisions at the bottom of page 7 extend beyond the right edge of the photograph.]
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7346.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Pages 6–7
Pages 6–7
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Uncompleted clothing travel and reserve fields
Clothing received on departure: tunic, trousers, underpants, cap, neckcloth, shirt and a pair of boots or shoes.
For travel to his intended place of residence he is to use the railway between the specified stations, against a military railway warrant or ticket, and meet his other needs out of the travel allowance handed to him in marks and pfennigs.
Transfer to the first levy of the Landwehr on ...
Transfer to the second levy of the Landwehr on ...
[The printed rules at the foot of page 7 concern automatic peacetime transfer to the second levy of the Landsturm; the right-hand ends of the text are cropped.]
Original-language reading
Uncompleted clothing travel and reserve fields
An Bekleidungsstücken hat derselbe bei seinem Abgang erhalten: Waffenrock etc., Hose, Unterhose, Mütze, Halsbinde, Hemde, Paar Stiefel (Schuhe).
Derselbe hat auf dem Marsche nach seinem künftigen Aufenthaltsort die Eisenbahn von ... bis ... [repeated blank routes] gegen Militärfahrschein bezw. Militärfahrtkarte zu benutzen und seine übrigen Bedürfnisse aus den ihm diesseits mit ... Mark ... Pf. [repeated blank amounts] behändigten Marschgebührnissen zu bezahlen.
Uebergetreten zur Landwehr 1. Aufgebots am ...
Uebergetreten zur Landwehr 2. Aufgebots am ...
[Printed Landsturm transfer provisions at the bottom of page 7 extend beyond the right edge of the photograph.]
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7347.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Foldout supplemental service form
Foldout supplemental service form
Names Sergt. Elkan; first name is not repeated here. IMG_7348 is a repeat view of the same entry, not an additional independent historical document. No award reason is given.
View this image with chapter source M05
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Wartime service and demobilization
Command entering the additions: Transport Column 737.
Date: 24 December 1918.
Additions to the personal record, covering exercises, call-ups, conduct, punishments and related matters.
Sergeant Elkan served from 4 August 1914 to 24 December 1918 with the unit shown alongside.
Released to Nuremberg on 24 December 1918 as a result of demobilization.
Engagements participated in: see overleaf.
Promotions: promoted to an established/on-strength sergeant position on 5 February 1918.
Orders and decorations: 5 December 1916, Iron Cross, 2nd Class.
Conduct: very good.
Punishments: none.
In the field, 3 January 191[9; final digit amended].
[Signature] Cavalry captain of the Landwehr [further abbreviation uncertain] and company commander.
[Left margin:] Received ... travel money ... [partly uncertain].
Original-language reading
Wartime service and demobilization
Kommandobehörde, welche Zusätze einträgt: Fuhrpark-Kol. 737.
Datum: 24.12.1918.
Zusätze zu den Personalnotizen (Übungen und Einberufungen, Führung, Strafen usw.).
Sergt. Elkan war vom 4. Aug. 1914 bis 24.12.1918 bei nebenstehendem Truppenteil.
Am 24.12.18 infolge Demobilmachung nach Nürnberg entlassen.
Mitgemachte Gefechte: (siehe umseitig).
Beförderungen: 5.2.18 zum etatsm. Sergt. befördert.
Orden u. Ehrenzeichen: 5.12.16 E.K.2.Kl.
Führung: sehr gut.
Strafen: keine.
Im Felde, am 3.1.191[9; last digit amended].
[signature] Rittmeister d. L. [further abbreviation uncertain] u. Komp.-Führer.
[Left margin:] Hat ... Marschgeld ... erhalten [partly uncertain].
Alternate captures of the supplemental service form.
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7348.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Repeat closer supplemental service form
Repeat closer supplemental service form
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Wartime service and demobilization
Command entering the additions: Transport Column 737.
Date: 24 December 1918.
Additions to the personal record, covering exercises, call-ups, conduct, punishments and related matters.
Sergeant Elkan served from 4 August 1914 to 24 December 1918 with the unit shown alongside.
Released to Nuremberg on 24 December 1918 as a result of demobilization.
Engagements participated in: see overleaf.
Promotions: promoted to an established/on-strength sergeant position on 5 February 1918.
Orders and decorations: 5 December 1916, Iron Cross, 2nd Class.
Conduct: very good.
Punishments: none.
In the field, 3 January 191[9; final digit amended].
[Signature] Cavalry captain of the Landwehr [further abbreviation uncertain] and company commander.
[Left margin:] Received ... travel money ... [partly uncertain].
Original-language reading
Wartime service and demobilization
Kommandobehörde, welche Zusätze einträgt: Fuhrpark-Kol. 737.
Datum: 24.12.1918.
Zusätze zu den Personalnotizen (Übungen und Einberufungen, Führung, Strafen usw.).
Sergt. Elkan war vom 4. Aug. 1914 bis 24.12.1918 bei nebenstehendem Truppenteil.
Am 24.12.18 infolge Demobilmachung nach Nürnberg entlassen.
Mitgemachte Gefechte: (siehe umseitig).
Beförderungen: 5.2.18 zum etatsm. Sergt. befördert.
Orden u. Ehrenzeichen: 5.12.16 E.K.2.Kl.
Führung: sehr gut.
Strafen: keine.
Im Felde, am 3.1.191[9; last digit amended].
[signature] Rittmeister d. L. [further abbreviation uncertain] u. Komp.-Führer.
[Left margin:] Hat ... Marschgeld ... erhalten [partly uncertain].
Alternate captures of the supplemental service form.
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7349.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Printed narrow campaign strip, upper section
Printed narrow campaign strip, upper section
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Printed campaign list and handwritten continuation
Engagements and battles participated in.
9–10 August 1914: engagement at Sennheim–Mülhausen.
20–22 August 1914: battle in Lorraine.
23 August–14 September 1914: battle before Nancy–Épinal.
16–30 September 1914: fighting at Flirey.
6–13 October 1914: battle at Arras.
15–18 October 1914: battle at Lille.
14–24 December 1914: December battle in French Flanders.
19 October–13 December 1914 and 25 December 1914–6 March 1915: positional fighting in French Flanders and Artois.
25 March 1915–23 June 1916: positional fighting in Artois west of Bapaume.
7–13 June 1915: engagement at Serre.
24 June–26 November 1916: Battle of the Somme.
27 November 1916–14 March 1917: positional fighting on the Somme.
2 April–17 May 1917: spring battle at Arras.
15–27 August 1917: fighting at Lens.
[The fold overlap hides the beginning of the following strip.]
6–20 March 1918: positional fighting in Artois and deployment for the Great Battle in France.
21–23 March 1918: breakthrough battle of Monchy–Cambrai.
24–25 March 1918: battle at Bapaume.
21 March–6 April 1918: Great Battle in France.
24–26 April 1918: battle at Villers-Bretonneux and on the Luce and Avre.
[Handwritten addition:] fighting on [12?] and [18?] April 1918, with place names possibly referring to the Luce and Moreuil; the full phrase and dates remain unresolved.
[Handwritten continuation, IMG_7351:]
26 April–7 August 1918: fighting on the Ancre, Somme and Avre.
8–20 August 1918: defensive battle between the Somme and Avre.
8 and 9 August 1918: the tank battle between the Ancre and Avre.
10–12 August 1918: battle on the Roman road.
21 August–2 September 1918: defensive battle between the Scarpe and Somme.
22 August–2 September 1918: battle of Albert–Péronne.
3–7 September 1918: fighting in front of the Siegfried line.
Original-language reading
Printed campaign list and handwritten continuation
Mitgemachte Gefechte und Schlachten.
9.–10.8.14: Gefecht bei Sennheim-Mülhausen.
20.–22.8.14: Schlacht in Lothringen.
23.8.–14.9.14: Schlacht vor Nancy-Epinal.
16.–30.9.14: Kämpfe bei Flirey.
6.–13.10.14: Schlacht bei Arras.
15.–18.10.14: Schlacht bei Lille.
14.–24.12.14: Dezemberschlacht in frz. Flandern.
19.10.–13.12.14 und v.25.12.14–6.3.15: Stellungskämpfe in frz. Flandern und im Artois.
25.3.15–23.6.16: Stellungskämpfe im Artois westl. Bapaume.
7.–13.6.15: Gefecht bei Serre.
24.6.–26.11.16: Schlacht an der Somme.
27.11.16–14.3.17: Stellungskämpfe an der Somme. [The printed line appears as “27.11.16–14.3.17”; cramped spacing around the year is retained in the photograph.]
2.4.–17.5.17: Frühjahrsschlacht bei Arras.
15.8.–27.8.17: Kämpfe bei Lens.
[Fold overlap obscures the beginning of the next printed strip.]
6.3.–20.3.18: Stellungskämpfe im Artois und Aufmarsch zur Großen Schlacht in Frankreich.
21.3.–23.3.18: Durchbruchsschlacht Monchy-Cambrai.
24.–25.3.18: Schlacht bei Bapaume.
21.3.–6.4.18: Große Schlacht in Frankreich.
24.4.–26.4.18: Schlacht bei Villers Bretonneux, an Luce und Avre.
[Handwritten addition at foot:] [12?] u. [18?].4.18 Kämpfe an der [Luce?] bei [Moreuil?; partly undeciphered].
[Handwritten continuation, IMG_7351:]
26.4.–7.8.18 Kämpfe an der Ancre, Somme u. Avre.
8.8.–20.8.18 Abwehrschlacht zwischen Somme u. Avre.
8.8. u.9.8.18 die Tankschlacht zwischen Ancre u. Avre.
10.8.–12.8.18 Schlacht an der Römerstr.
21.8.–2.9.18 Abwehrschlacht zwischen Scarpe u. Somme.
22.8.–2.9.18 Schlacht Albert-Péronne.
3.9.–7.9.18 Kämpfe vor der Siegfriedfront.
Overlapping captures of the printed campaign strip; the lower extension is shown in IMG_7350.
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7350.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Same printed campaign strip extended downward
Same printed campaign strip extended downward
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Printed campaign list and handwritten continuation
Engagements and battles participated in.
9–10 August 1914: engagement at Sennheim–Mülhausen.
20–22 August 1914: battle in Lorraine.
23 August–14 September 1914: battle before Nancy–Épinal.
16–30 September 1914: fighting at Flirey.
6–13 October 1914: battle at Arras.
15–18 October 1914: battle at Lille.
14–24 December 1914: December battle in French Flanders.
19 October–13 December 1914 and 25 December 1914–6 March 1915: positional fighting in French Flanders and Artois.
25 March 1915–23 June 1916: positional fighting in Artois west of Bapaume.
7–13 June 1915: engagement at Serre.
24 June–26 November 1916: Battle of the Somme.
27 November 1916–14 March 1917: positional fighting on the Somme.
2 April–17 May 1917: spring battle at Arras.
15–27 August 1917: fighting at Lens.
[The fold overlap hides the beginning of the following strip.]
6–20 March 1918: positional fighting in Artois and deployment for the Great Battle in France.
21–23 March 1918: breakthrough battle of Monchy–Cambrai.
24–25 March 1918: battle at Bapaume.
21 March–6 April 1918: Great Battle in France.
24–26 April 1918: battle at Villers-Bretonneux and on the Luce and Avre.
[Handwritten addition:] fighting on [12?] and [18?] April 1918, with place names possibly referring to the Luce and Moreuil; the full phrase and dates remain unresolved.
[Handwritten continuation, IMG_7351:]
26 April–7 August 1918: fighting on the Ancre, Somme and Avre.
8–20 August 1918: defensive battle between the Somme and Avre.
8 and 9 August 1918: the tank battle between the Ancre and Avre.
10–12 August 1918: battle on the Roman road.
21 August–2 September 1918: defensive battle between the Scarpe and Somme.
22 August–2 September 1918: battle of Albert–Péronne.
3–7 September 1918: fighting in front of the Siegfried line.
Original-language reading
Printed campaign list and handwritten continuation
Mitgemachte Gefechte und Schlachten.
9.–10.8.14: Gefecht bei Sennheim-Mülhausen.
20.–22.8.14: Schlacht in Lothringen.
23.8.–14.9.14: Schlacht vor Nancy-Epinal.
16.–30.9.14: Kämpfe bei Flirey.
6.–13.10.14: Schlacht bei Arras.
15.–18.10.14: Schlacht bei Lille.
14.–24.12.14: Dezemberschlacht in frz. Flandern.
19.10.–13.12.14 und v.25.12.14–6.3.15: Stellungskämpfe in frz. Flandern und im Artois.
25.3.15–23.6.16: Stellungskämpfe im Artois westl. Bapaume.
7.–13.6.15: Gefecht bei Serre.
24.6.–26.11.16: Schlacht an der Somme.
27.11.16–14.3.17: Stellungskämpfe an der Somme. [The printed line appears as “27.11.16–14.3.17”; cramped spacing around the year is retained in the photograph.]
2.4.–17.5.17: Frühjahrsschlacht bei Arras.
15.8.–27.8.17: Kämpfe bei Lens.
[Fold overlap obscures the beginning of the next printed strip.]
6.3.–20.3.18: Stellungskämpfe im Artois und Aufmarsch zur Großen Schlacht in Frankreich.
21.3.–23.3.18: Durchbruchsschlacht Monchy-Cambrai.
24.–25.3.18: Schlacht bei Bapaume.
21.3.–6.4.18: Große Schlacht in Frankreich.
24.4.–26.4.18: Schlacht bei Villers Bretonneux, an Luce und Avre.
[Handwritten addition at foot:] [12?] u. [18?].4.18 Kämpfe an der [Luce?] bei [Moreuil?; partly undeciphered].
[Handwritten continuation, IMG_7351:]
26.4.–7.8.18 Kämpfe an der Ancre, Somme u. Avre.
8.8.–20.8.18 Abwehrschlacht zwischen Somme u. Avre.
8.8. u.9.8.18 die Tankschlacht zwischen Ancre u. Avre.
10.8.–12.8.18 Schlacht an der Römerstr.
21.8.–2.9.18 Abwehrschlacht zwischen Scarpe u. Somme.
22.8.–2.9.18 Schlacht Albert-Péronne.
3.9.–7.9.18 Kämpfe vor der Siegfriedfront.
Overlapping captures of the printed campaign strip; the lower extension is shown in IMG_7350.
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7351.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Unfolded handwritten campaign-strip continuation
Unfolded handwritten campaign-strip continuation
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Printed campaign list and handwritten continuation
Engagements and battles participated in.
9–10 August 1914: engagement at Sennheim–Mülhausen.
20–22 August 1914: battle in Lorraine.
23 August–14 September 1914: battle before Nancy–Épinal.
16–30 September 1914: fighting at Flirey.
6–13 October 1914: battle at Arras.
15–18 October 1914: battle at Lille.
14–24 December 1914: December battle in French Flanders.
19 October–13 December 1914 and 25 December 1914–6 March 1915: positional fighting in French Flanders and Artois.
25 March 1915–23 June 1916: positional fighting in Artois west of Bapaume.
7–13 June 1915: engagement at Serre.
24 June–26 November 1916: Battle of the Somme.
27 November 1916–14 March 1917: positional fighting on the Somme.
2 April–17 May 1917: spring battle at Arras.
15–27 August 1917: fighting at Lens.
[The fold overlap hides the beginning of the following strip.]
6–20 March 1918: positional fighting in Artois and deployment for the Great Battle in France.
21–23 March 1918: breakthrough battle of Monchy–Cambrai.
24–25 March 1918: battle at Bapaume.
21 March–6 April 1918: Great Battle in France.
24–26 April 1918: battle at Villers-Bretonneux and on the Luce and Avre.
[Handwritten addition:] fighting on [12?] and [18?] April 1918, with place names possibly referring to the Luce and Moreuil; the full phrase and dates remain unresolved.
[Handwritten continuation, IMG_7351:]
26 April–7 August 1918: fighting on the Ancre, Somme and Avre.
8–20 August 1918: defensive battle between the Somme and Avre.
8 and 9 August 1918: the tank battle between the Ancre and Avre.
10–12 August 1918: battle on the Roman road.
21 August–2 September 1918: defensive battle between the Scarpe and Somme.
22 August–2 September 1918: battle of Albert–Péronne.
3–7 September 1918: fighting in front of the Siegfried line.
Original-language reading
Printed campaign list and handwritten continuation
Mitgemachte Gefechte und Schlachten.
9.–10.8.14: Gefecht bei Sennheim-Mülhausen.
20.–22.8.14: Schlacht in Lothringen.
23.8.–14.9.14: Schlacht vor Nancy-Epinal.
16.–30.9.14: Kämpfe bei Flirey.
6.–13.10.14: Schlacht bei Arras.
15.–18.10.14: Schlacht bei Lille.
14.–24.12.14: Dezemberschlacht in frz. Flandern.
19.10.–13.12.14 und v.25.12.14–6.3.15: Stellungskämpfe in frz. Flandern und im Artois.
25.3.15–23.6.16: Stellungskämpfe im Artois westl. Bapaume.
7.–13.6.15: Gefecht bei Serre.
24.6.–26.11.16: Schlacht an der Somme.
27.11.16–14.3.17: Stellungskämpfe an der Somme. [The printed line appears as “27.11.16–14.3.17”; cramped spacing around the year is retained in the photograph.]
2.4.–17.5.17: Frühjahrsschlacht bei Arras.
15.8.–27.8.17: Kämpfe bei Lens.
[Fold overlap obscures the beginning of the next printed strip.]
6.3.–20.3.18: Stellungskämpfe im Artois und Aufmarsch zur Großen Schlacht in Frankreich.
21.3.–23.3.18: Durchbruchsschlacht Monchy-Cambrai.
24.–25.3.18: Schlacht bei Bapaume.
21.3.–6.4.18: Große Schlacht in Frankreich.
24.4.–26.4.18: Schlacht bei Villers Bretonneux, an Luce und Avre.
[Handwritten addition at foot:] [12?] u. [18?].4.18 Kämpfe an der [Luce?] bei [Moreuil?; partly undeciphered].
[Handwritten continuation, IMG_7351:]
26.4.–7.8.18 Kämpfe an der Ancre, Somme u. Avre.
8.8.–20.8.18 Abwehrschlacht zwischen Somme u. Avre.
8.8. u.9.8.18 die Tankschlacht zwischen Ancre u. Avre.
10.8.–12.8.18 Schlacht an der Römerstr.
21.8.–2.9.18 Abwehrschlacht zwischen Scarpe u. Somme.
22.8.–2.9.18 Schlacht Albert-Péronne.
3.9.–7.9.18 Kämpfe vor der Siegfriedfront.
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7352.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Pages 14–15
Pages 14–15
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Reporting and residence before the war
Reports and leave.
[Page 14]
Registered for Amberg E.1 at Amberg on 2 October 1911; signed Neumann [rank abbreviated].
Amberg autumn control, 1911.
Amberg exempted from the spring control, 1912.
Amberg autumn control, 1912.
Amberg spring control, 1913.
Amberg autumn control, 1913; “record/minutes”.
Reported a stay in Switzerland, Zürich.
[The next lines mention] his father Elkan, merchant, Amberg E.1, [and a legal provision that is not fully deciphered].
Amberg, 29 December 1913; [Gärtner?], [rank abbreviated].
[Page 15]
Registered for Amberg E.1 at Amberg on 7 January 1914; Neumann, Sergeant.
Deregistered for Heidelberg at Amberg on 2 February 1914; [signature], district sergeant-major.
Registered for Heidelberg, Untere Neckarstrasse 21, at Heidelberg on 3 February 1914; [signature], district sergeant-major.
Rohrbacherstrasse 14, first floor. Heidelberg, 16 May 1914; [signature], Sergeant.
Original-language reading
Reporting and residence before the war
Meldungen und Beurlaubungen.
[Page 14]
Angemeldet f. Amberg E.1. Amberg, 2.10.1911. Neumann, [rank abbreviation].
Amberg H.K.1911.
Amberg Befreit F.1912.
Amberg H.K.1912.
Amberg F.K.1913.
Amberg H.K.1913. Protokoll.
Gemeldet zum Aufenthalt in der Schweiz (Zürich).
[Next lines mention] dessen Vater Elkan, Kaufmann, Amberg E.1 [and a statutory reference, partly unclear].
Amberg, 29.12.13. [Gärtner?], [rank abbreviation].
[Page 15]
Gemeldet f. Amberg E.1. Amberg 7.1.1914. Neumann, Sergt.
Abgemeldet n. Heidelberg. Amberg, den 2.2.1914. [signature], Bezirksfeldwebel.
Angemeldet für Heidelberg, Untere Neckarstr. 21. Heidelberg, den 3/2.14. [signature], Bez. Feldwebel.
Rohrbacherstr. 14 I. H., den 16/5.14. [signature], Sergt.
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7353.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Pages 16–17
Pages 16–17
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Reporting after demobilization
Reports and leave.
[Page 16]
Identity certificate received on 28 December 1918 [issuing office abbreviated and unclear].
Supplied with food ration coupons in Nuremberg from 28 December 1918.
Registered for Nuremberg on 28 December 1918.
[Signature], district sergeant-major.
Rieterstrasse 43 [floor notation uncertain].
Free from contagious skin diseases and venereal diseases. 28 December 1918.
[Stamp] Main registration office, Nuremberg district command.
Deregistered for Friedberg [suffix uncertain] at Nuremberg on 27 March 1919.
[Page 17]
Registered for Friedberg at Friedberg on 1 April 1919.
[Signature], district sergeant-major.
Deregistered for Nuremberg on 30 June 1919. [Signature; rank amended].
Registered for Nuremberg at Nuremberg on 9 July 1919.
[Signature], district sergeant-major.
Rieterstrasse 43 [floor notation uncertain].
Original-language reading
Reporting after demobilization
Meldungen und Beurlaubungen.
[Page 16]
Ausweisschein erhalten 28.12.18 [issuing office abbreviated and unclear].
Mit Lebensmittelmarken in Nürnberg versorgt ab 28.12.18.
Angemeldet für Nürnberg. Nürnberg, 28.12.1918.
[signature], Bezirksfeldwebel.
Rieterstrasse 43/o [floor notation uncertain].
Frei von ansteck. Haut- und Geschlechtskrankheiten. 28.12.18.
[stamp] Hauptmeldeamt / Bez. Kdos. N.
Abgemeldet nach Friedberg [suffix uncertain]. Nürnberg, 27.III.1919.
[Page 17]
Angemeldet für Friedberg. Friedberg, den 1. April 19.
[signature], Bezirksfeldwebel.
Abgemeldet nach Nürnberg. 30/VI.19. [signature; rank amended].
Angemeldet für Nürnberg. Nürnberg, 9.7.1919.
[signature], Bezirksfeldwebel.
Rieterstr. 43/o [floor notation uncertain].
Siegfried’s service book · IMG_7354.jpegSiegfried Elkan military record: Back exterior cover and inside wrapper
Back exterior cover and inside wrapper
The named identity page is IMG_7341. Other separately photographed leaves retain their associated-booklet status where they do not name the holder. Only exposed surfaces are covered; physical folios 8–13 remain unlocated.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Inside pocket and back cover
Pocket for keeping wartime call-up orders and similar papers.
Printed and published by Franz Scheiner, supplier to the royal court, Würzburg.
Original-language reading
Inside pocket and back cover
Täschchen zur Aufbewahrung der Kriegsbeorderungen etc. etc.
Druck und Verlag von Franz Scheiner, k. Hoflieferant, Würzburg.
Awards and medals
Awards and medals · IMG_7298.jpegSiegfried’s Iron Cross, Second Class: certificate
Provisional certificate recording Siegfried Elkan’s Iron Cross, Second Class, dated 5 December 1916. The surname, birth date and birthplace match his named service-book identity page. The certificate gives no battle-specific reason for the award.
No first name printed on this certificate; linkage uses matching surname, exact birth date and place, not surname alone. No battle, individual act, injury, citation reason, presentation ceremony or daily location is stated. The commanding general is the awarding authority; the signing official is titled major general and commander. The signer’s personal name is not established. Fuhrpark-Kolonne is translated Transport Column. The word does not establish motorization.
View this image with chapter source M03
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Provisional certificate.
Non-commissioned officer Elkan of Transport Column 3 of the 52nd Infantry Division, born on 14 April 1888 in Wesel (Rhineland), was awarded the Iron Cross, Second Class, by His Excellency the commanding general of the XIV Reserve Corps in the name of His Majesty the Emperor and King.
In the field, 5 December 1916.
[Signature not securely read]
Major general and commander.
[Seal:] Royal Prussian commander of ammunition columns and trains, XIV Reserve Corps.
Original-language reading
Vorläufiger Ausweis.
Dem Untffz. Elkan
der Fuhrpark-Kolonne 3 der 52. Inf. Div.
geboren am 14. April 1888 in Wesel (Rheinland)
wurde von Seiner Exzellenz dem kommandierenden General des XIV. Reservekorps im Namen Seiner Majestät des Kaisers und Königs das
Eiserne Kreuz II. Klasse
verliehen.
IM FELDE den 5. Dezember 1916.
[Unterschrift nicht sicher gelesen]
Generalmajor und Kommandeur.
[Siegel:] KÖNIGLICH PREUSSISCHER / KOMDR. D. MUN. KOL. / U. TRAINS / XIV. RES. KORPS.
Awards and medals · IMG_7299.jpegSiegfried’s Honor Cross for Front-line Fighters, 1934
Names merchant Siegfried Elkan in Nuremberg and records the Cross of Honour for Front-line Fighters, certificate dated 1 December 1934, issued by the Nuremberg–Fürth Police Directorate, no. 580/3.
Distinct later commemorative award; do not combine with 5 December 1916 Iron Cross. Nazi-era administrative wording is documentary and does not establish the recipient’s political allegiance. No individual heroic act or Iron Cross citation reason is given.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
In the name of the Führer and Reich Chancellor.
Merchant Siegfried Elkan in Nuremberg has been awarded the Cross of Honour for Front-line Fighters, instituted by Reich President Field Marshal von Hindenburg under the regulation of 13 July 1934 in commemoration of the World War of 1914–1918.
Nuremberg, 1 December 1934.
Nuremberg–Fürth Police Directorate.
On behalf of the authority.
[Signature not securely read]
No. 580/3.
[Seal:] Police Directorate [remaining circular text faint; Bavarian shield].
Original-language reading
Im Namen des Führers und Reichskanzlers.
Dem Kaufmann Siegfried Elkan in Nürnberg ist auf Grund der Verordnung vom 13. Juli 1934 zur Erinnerung an den Weltkrieg 1914/1918 das von dem Reichspräsidenten Generalfeldmarschall von Hindenburg gestiftete
Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer
verliehen worden.
Nürnberg, den 1. Dezember 1934.
Polizeidirektion Nürnberg-Fürth.
J. A. [in the typeface; conventionally I. A., im Auftrag]
[Unterschrift nicht sicher gelesen]
Nr. 580/3.
[Siegel:] POLIZEIDIREKTION [remaining circular text faint; Bavarian shield].
Awards and medals · IMG_7300.jpeg1934 award certificate fragment and later label
A partial view of the 1934 certificate beside a later handwritten “Iron Cross cert” storage label.
The modern label is not reliable award identification. The visible 1934 certificate belongs with the separate Honor Cross material, not the 1916 Iron Cross certificate.
Awards and medals · IMG_7696.jpegBoxed Iron Cross medal
An Iron Cross in the family archive, photographed in its box. The visible face bears “FW” and “1813”. The photograph alone does not establish its recipient or issue year; Siegfried’s award is documented separately by his 1916 certificate.
Do not label this object as Siegfried’s medal without additional object-specific family testimony or provenance. 1813 is the inscription, not a verified manufacture or award date. The visible design is consistent with the reverse of later Iron Cross issues including 1914; this is comparison, not object authentication. Class, precise issue year, maker, authenticity and the unseen face remain unverified.
View this image with chapter source M15
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
FW [initials]; 1813.
Original-language reading
FW [stylized monogram beneath crown]; 1813.
Awards and medals · IMG_7697.jpegBronze 1914–1918 cross with swords
Bronze-colored cross-shaped commemorative medal with crossed swords, central wreath and black/white/red ribbon.
Recipient, maker, issue date, reverse and authenticity not established. Do not identify as Siegfried’s physical award based on filename adjacency to the Iron Cross photograph. Not the black-and-silver Iron Cross.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
1914 / 1918.
Original-language reading
1914 / 1918.
Arthur’s military booklet
Arthur’s military booklet · IMG_7219.jpegArthur Seligmann Landsturm military booklet title
Military booklet title spread with ribbon/staples at left and handwritten name/role at right; corner folded.
Folded upper corner hides annotation. Class year is not the date of all service entries. Underlying English translation is mostly hidden and not independent corroboration.
View this image with chapter source M06
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Landsturm military service book of nursing-orderly Gefreiter [lance-corporal grade] Arthur Seligmann. Annual class 1896. Form 259 I, medical personnel. Munich, printed-publications publisher of the Royal Bavarian War Ministry.
Original-language reading
[upper annotation partly folded over: … 87 …]
Landsturm
Militärpaß des Krankenwärter-Gefr. Arthur Seligmann
Jahresklasse: 1896
Formular 259 I / Sanitäts-Personal.
München. Drucksachen-Verlag des Kgl. Bayer. Kriegsministeriums.
Arthur’s military booklet · IMG_7220.jpegArthur Seligmann: military-book identity page
The personal page names Arthur Seligmann and gives his birth as 30 July 1896 in Memmingen.
The documentary wording is preserved separately from later English translations. Unexposed pages remain outside this view.
View this image with chapter source M06
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Personal particulars of the holder. Arthur Seligman, born 30 July 1896 in Memmingen; administrative district: same; Bavaria. Occupation: merchant. Religion: Jewish (abbreviated isr.). Married and children fields carry null marks. Date and kind of entry into service: 2 December 1915, Landsturm (abbreviated; smaller added qualification unresolved). Unit: Reserve Hospital Kempten.
Original-language reading
1
Nationale des Buchinhabers.
1. Vor- und Familiennamen: Arthur Seligman
Geboren am 30ten Juli 1896
zu Memmingen
Verwaltungsbezirk: [ditto mark]
Bundesstaat: Bayern
2. Stand oder Gewerbe: Kaufmann
3. Religion: isr.
4. Ob verheiratet: [null mark]
Kinder: [null mark]
5. Datum und Art des Diensteintritts: 2.12.1915 Landst. [smaller added abbreviation not securely deciphered]
6. Bei welchem Truppenteil (unter Angabe der Kompagnie, Eskadron, Batterie): Res. Laz. Kempten
Arthur’s military booklet · IMG_7221.jpegMilitary service record partly covered
Military personnel page partly covered by turned leaf; small handwriting and stamp, right edge cropped.
Left page/column obscured by turned leaf; right edge clipped; many abbreviations remain unresolved. Visible blank fields do not prove absence of awards or combat.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Partly covered service entries include dates ending 13 September 1918, a reference to Fürth, Bavarian Field Hospital 7, and Gefreiter from 1 September 1917 with order reference 28 August 1917, no. 56123. Item 8 states the Royal Reserve Hospital Kempten. Number 140 appears by an overwritten roll heading. Visible decoration and campaign/wound fields are blank.
Original-language reading
[Left headings clipped/covered] … unter Angabe des Datums und … (Kompagnie, Eskadron, Batterie)
[Visible handwriting fragments] …2.15–13.9.18 … Mil.-Kr…
… in Fürth. Am 13.9.18
… v.7.9.18 …1333617
… betr. …
… bayr. Feldlazarett 7 …
… abgestellt.
… Res.-[unclear] vom 9.8.18: „g.g.v.F.“ [abbreviation not securely expanded]
B 56 L 57
[lower left] … (unter Angabe des Datums … Art): … Gefr. ab 1.9.17 (… v.28.8.17 / Nr.56123)
… und Art der Entlassung: [visible area blank]
8. Von welchem Truppenteil: Vom K. Res.-Laz. Kempten.
140 [Kriegs… handwritten over printed Truppenstammrolle; final word unclear]
K. Res. Laz. Kempten [stamp clipped at right]
Körpergröße: [blank/mixed with stamp]
9. Orden und Ehrenzeichen: [visible area blank]
10. Feldzüge, Verwundungen: [visible area blank]
Arthur’s military booklet · IMG_7222.jpegPartly covered military service and equipment page
Military booklet spread partly hidden by raised leaf; handwriting left, blank clothing and rail-travel fields right.
Substantial left text physically covered. Uncertain words remain unresolved after enlargement. No holder name on this exposed page, so no source-person identity adopted. Cannot establish continuity with other military booklets from sequence.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Visible labels concern military training, marksmanship distinctions, remarks, qualifications, clothing supplied on departure and rail travel. The handwriting appears to acknowledge a money allowance (7.10 marks, uncertain) and records an oath on 17 December 1916; some training wording is covered. “Strafen: Keine” means punishments: none. Place probably Traunstein in Upper Bavaria; dated 12 September 1918. Res. Laz. Kempten means reserve hospital at Kempten; probable chief physician and rank Generalarzt. Right-hand clothing list: uniform coat, trousers, underpants, cap, neckcloth, shirt, pair of boots/shoes. Rail origin/destination fields blank.
Original-language reading
[Left beginning covered] militärische Ausbildung:
[handwriting clipped, not securely decipherable]
[Label clipped] (Schützenabzeichen etc.)
[Label clipped]ungen:
[... probably] [... ]geld (7,10 M) erhalten.
17. [uncertain abbreviation] (257) Vereidigt am: 17.12.16.
[...] ausgebildet.
[...] sehr gut. Strafen: Keine.
Befähigungszeugnis zum [...] [handwriting uncertain]
[Place probable:] Traunstein i/Ob.
den 12. ten September 1918
Res. Laz Kempten
[probable:] der Chefarzt.
(Stempel.) [signature uncertain]
Generalarzt.
[Seal partly obscured:] [...] LAZARETT [...] KEMPTEN
[Right printed:] An Bekleidungsstücken hat derselbe bei seinem Abgange erhalten:
Waffenrock etc., Hose, Unterhose, Mütze, Halsbinde, Hemde, Paar Stiefel (Schuhe) [all visible entry spaces blank]
Derselbe hat auf dem Marsche nach seinem künftigen Aufenthaltsort (Bezirksamt, Kreis)
die Eisenbahn
von [blank] bis [blank]
von [blank] bis [blank]
von [blank] bis [blank]
[Separate underlying English sheet fragment:] when joining the Army: [remainder covered]
Arthur’s military booklet · IMG_7223.jpegMilitary transfer entry September 1918
Military personnel notes partly hidden by a hand and turned leaf; stamped transfer formula and handwritten evaluation.
Transfer wording is incomplete at right; administrative abbreviation left unexpanded. No complete service timeline inferred from this fragment.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Additions to personnel notes, concerning exercises/call-ups, conduct and punishments. Entry dated 25 September 1918 states presence for duty from 14 September 1918 and transfer, with Bavarian Field Hospital 7 named. Conduct: very good. Punishments: none.
Original-language reading
[Left administrative column partly covered] Kempten [crossed out] … Ersatz-Abteilung … Eskadron
25.9.18
Zusätze zu den Personal-Notizen. (Uebungen und Einberufungen, Führung, Strafen etc.)
Inhaber war vom 14.9.18 … heute diesseits Dienstpräs[ent] und wurde gemäß G. K. V.
[printed a:] Bayr. Feldlaz. 7. [following printed line clipped]
… versetzt
Führung: sehr gut
Strafen: Keine
[lower figures/signature partly clipped and unclear]
Arthur’s military booklet · IMG_7224.jpegMilitary field hospital discharge or transfer entry
Military personnel notes with handwriting, later dark-ink additions and clipped campaign stamp; turned leaf covers left.
Left edge and heading covered. No full campaign date range supplied, and no identity assigned to medical-officer signature.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Service period recorded from 26 September to 31 December 1918; transfer to the 1st Transport Replacement Detachment at Munich. Decorations: later cross-reference “see page 8.” Conduct: later note “not recorded.” Punishments: none. Partly cropped stamped campaign text mentions positional warfare north of the Ailette and retreat fighting between the Aisne and Serre; date ranges are incomplete. Signed by a senior staff medical officer; name unclear.
Original-language reading
[Left column partly covered] …lazarett No. 7 / 31.12.18
[Heading partly covered] Zusätze zu … (Uebungen und Einberufungen, Führung, Strafen etc.)
War vom 26.9.18 mit 31.12.18 … bei dies. Formation u. wird [partly uncertain continuation]
… heute der 1. Train Ers. Abt. München überwiesen.
Orden: [mark unclear; later note] siehe Seite 8
Führung: [later note] nicht vermerkt
Strafen: Keine
[partly covered handwritten heading] … Schlachten u. Gefechte
[lower stamped campaign lines left clipped] …10.18. Stellungskämpfe nördl. d. Ailette.
…11.11.18. Rückzugsgefechte zwischen Aisne—Serre.
[signature] [Nig… uncertain]
Oberstabsarzt
Arthur’s military booklet · IMG_7225.jpegMilitary booklet discharge annotation page thirteen
Right page 13, with handwritten administrative statement and circular seal; left column partly covered.
No holder name visible. The statement about entitlement is the document’s historical wording, not a verified legal conclusion. Conduct notation and abbreviated payout wording remain qualified; covered left page not transcribed.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Additions to personal notes (exercises and call-ups, conduct, punishments, etc.). The holder joined this office/unit on 10 January 1919 and was discharged on 7 March 1919 to Memmingen, district command Mindelheim. “Receives no pension/maintenance entitlements!” Discharge allowances were paid here (abbreviated word uncertain). Conduct and punishments: not assessed (probable reading). Munich, 3 December 1919. Signature of a major and commanding officer.
Original-language reading
13
Zusätze zu den Personal-Notizen. (Uebungen und Einberufungen, Führung, Strafen etc.)
[Left heading partly covered:] [...] einträgt. | Datum
3. / 12. / 19 [date column]
Inhaber ging am 10.1.19 diesseits
zu und wurde am 7.3.19 nach Memmingen
bez. Kdo. Mindelheim entlassen.
Erhält keine Versorgungsansprüche!
Entlassungsbezüge wurden dies[seits?] ausbezahlt!
Führung: / Strafen: } nicht beurtheilt! [last word reading probable]
München, 3.12.19
[signature uncertain]
Major u. Kdr.
[Seal:] [...] TRAIN-ERSATZ [...] [remaining rim unreadable]
[Background:] when joining the Army: [clipped separate sheet]
Arthur’s military booklet · IMG_7226.jpegMilitary-book family-address and regulations page
A partly raised leaf exposes a family-address form and printed regulations for men on military leave.
Partly covered text is not reconstructed. Association with the military-book group does not make every exposed fragment a separately named Arthur source.
Arthur’s military booklet · IMG_7227.jpegMilitary-book family-address form: alternate view
Another capture of the partly covered family-address form and facing printed regulations.
Alternate capture; not an independent service record. Hidden wording and unproved physical continuity remain unresolved.
Arthur’s military booklet · IMG_7228.jpegArthur’s military passport: historical English translation
A typed English rendering of Arthur Seligman’s Landsturm military passport, including identity, service and discharge information.
A later translation is derivative evidence, not a second original service record.
View this image with chapter source M13
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Already in English. Preserve the translation’s wording as a derivative source; do not silently replace its orderly Corporal with the German cover’s nursing-orderly Gefreiter.
Original-language reading
Tr. # 5215
LANDSTURM MILITARY PASSPORT
of the orderly Corporal Arthur S e l i g m a n (second n canceled)
Year: 1896
Page 1: Data of Holder of Passport
1- First and Family Name: Arthur S e l i g m a n
born on July 30, 1896 at Memmingen
district of Memmingen, Federal State of Bavaria.
2- Profession or Trade: businessmann
3- Faith: Jewish
4- married - children: ./.
5. Date and Body of Troops when joining the Army: December 2, 1915 - Landsturm (untrained)
6- Assigned to which arm of the service (state company, squadron, battery): Reserve Military Hospital at Kempten
page 4: 11- Special military training: trained as orderly
12- Sworn in on December 17, 1916. Conduct: very good
Punishment: none
Given at Kempten on September 12, 1918.
Reserve Military Hospital
The Chief Physician:
sgd. Dr. Lang, Surgeon-General
(seal of the Reserve Military Hospital at Kempten)
page 12/13 Holder of passport was discharged from military service on
March 7, 1919 to return to Memmingen, (District Command of Mindelh[...right edge clipped])
Munich, December 3, 1919.
(seal) sgd. Reinhard, Major & Commande[...right edge clipped]
Related captures of the same historical English military-passport rendering; not independent original service records.
Arthur’s military booklet · IMG_7229.jpegArthur’s military passport: alternate translation capture
A further photographed view of the typed English military-passport rendering.
Treat with IMG_7228 as related derivative views, not independent original military evidence.
Related captures of the same historical English military-passport rendering; not independent original service records.
David’s military pass
David’s military pass · IMG_7301.jpegMilitary pass cover naming David Loewenfels
Military pass cover naming David Loewenfels
Blue paper front and back cover spread; back has no securely readable writing. Company numeral less clear here than the 6. Kompagnie in IMG_7308. The cover explicitly establishes David; initial tentative “Louis” reading of cursive interior was rejected on comparison. Separately photographed leaves are associated booklet context; no uninterrupted page-turn or unique serial proves every leaf belongs to the named holder.
View this image with chapter source M09
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Military pass of private David Loewenfels, [6th?] Company, Royal Bavarian 4th Infantry Regiment. Year class 1866. Form 252, infantry. The bottom annotation is unresolved.
Original-language reading
[Bavarian coat of arms]
Militär-Paß des Gemeinen David Loewenfels der [6?] Compagnie k. b. 4. Infant.-Regiments.
Jahresklasse 1866.
Formular 252. Infanterie.
[Lower manuscript notation unclear.]
David’s military pass · IMG_7302.jpegMilitary call-up order and printed leave rules in booklet, David Loewenfels; other leaves unshown
Military call-up order and printed leave rules in booklet, David Loewenfels; other leaves unshown. Unseen reverse, sealed contents, covered underlying paper, out-of-frame text and unshown booklet leaves are not cleared.
Unseen reverse, sealed contents, covered underlying paper, out-of-frame text and unshown booklet leaves are not cleared. Separately photographed leaves are associated booklet context; no uninterrupted page-turn or unique serial proves every leaf belongs to the named holder.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Valid from 1 April 1900 through 31 March 1901. Military mobilization order for infantry private David [Lowenfels/Löwenfels], resident in Windsheim. After announcement of mobilization, without waiting for another summons, he must report to the Royal District Command at Ansbach, arriving at 7 in the afternoon on the fifth day of mobilization. He must bring his military papers and observe the instructions on pages 2 and 3.
Original-language reading
Gültig vom 1. April 1900 bis 31. März 1901.
Jahresklasse 1886 [administrative class, not birth year]
Kriegs-Beorderung.
Der Gemeine Inf. David [Lowenfels/Löwenfels]
wohnhaft zu Windsheim
hat sich nach Bekanntmachung des Mobilmachungsbefehls ohne einen anderweiten Gestellungsbefehl abzuwarten [...] bei dem K. Bezirks-Kommando Ansbach derartig zu gestellen, daß er dortselbst am 5. Mobilmachungstag Nachmittags 7 Uhr eintrifft.
Die Militärpapiere sind mitzubringen. Die Bestimmungen auf Seite 2 und 3 dieses Befehls sind genau zu beachten.
K. Bezirkskommando Ansbach.
David’s military pass · IMG_7303.jpegCloser and right-cropped photograph of the same military-regulations spread as IMG_7304; binding holes, creases and broken paper align
Closer and right-cropped photograph of the same military-regulations spread as IMG_7304; binding holes, creases and broken paper align.
Comparative review rather than duplicate edition: same printed page, binding holes, stains and fold pattern establish same-object equivalence to Drive 1KWISd3AXGo36lyiKHwjYZWAUS_fWPLv5. This crop does not itself show right-hand line endings. No holder identity inferred; underlying papers still occluded. Separately photographed leaves are associated booklet context; no uninterrupted page-turn or unique serial proves every leaf belongs to the named holder.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
The page VI translation is the same as IMG_7304. The facing page covers interrupted exercises, eligibility to choose a training unit, documents required, reporting deadlines, rejection of late requests, and men on leave at their unit’s disposal. Full translation of the missing line endings relies on the wider IMG_7304 capture, expressly attributed there.
Original-language reading
VI
Mannschaften, welche wegen Kontrollentziehung nachdienen müssen (Ziffer 11), haben keinerlei Anspruch auf Zurückstellung.
18. Mannschaften, welche nach außereuropäischen Ländern gehen wollen, können im Frieden unter Befreiung von den gewöhnlichen Dienstobliegenheiten, jedoch unter der Bedingung der Rückkehr im Falle einer Mobilmachung, auf zwei Jahre beurlaubt werden.
Weisen dieselben demnächst durch Konsulats-Bescheinigungen nach, daß sie sich in einem der erwähnten Länder eine feste Stellung als Kaufmann, Gewerbetreibender u. s. w. erworben haben, so kann der Urlaub unter gleichzeitiger Entbindung von der Rückkehr im Falle einer Mobilmachung bis zur Entlassung aus dem Militärverhältnis verlängert werden. Auf die Küstenländer des Mittelländischen und Schwarzen Meeres findet diese Bestimmung keine Anwendung.
Für Mannschaften der Landwehr zweiten Aufgebots bedarf es des vorerwähnten Nachweises nur dahin, daß sie eine ihren Lebensunterhalt sichernde Stellung als Kaufmann, Gewerbetreibender u. s. w. erworben haben; auch gilt für dieselben die Beschränkung bezüglich der Küstenländer des Mittelländischen und Schwarzen Meeres nicht.*)
19. Sämmtliche Mannschaften des Beurlaubtenstandes haben sich bei einer während ihres Aufenthalts auf See oder im Auslande eintretenden allgemeinen Mobilmachung so schnell als möglich ins Reichsgebiet zurückzubegeben (sofern sie nicht gemäß Absatz 2 und 3 Ziffer 18 hiervon befreit sind) und bei dem Bezirkskommando zu melden, dessen Bezirk sie zuerst erreichen.
Wer an der pünktlichen Rückkehr verhindert sein sollte, hat sich hierüber durch Konsulats- und sonstige zuverlässige Bescheinigungen auszuweisen, widrigenfalls er Strafe nach Strenge der Gesetze zu gewärtigen hat.
VI. Besondere Bestimmungen für die Ersatzreservisten.
20. a) Die Heranziehung zur ersten Uebung erfolgt in der Regel innerhalb eines Jahres vom Tage der Ueberweisung zur Ersatzreserve.
b) Den Ersatzreservisten, welche zur ersten Uebung einberufen werden, wird, von besonderen Ausnahmefällen abgesehen, der Gestellungstag bis zum 15. Juli des betreffenden Kalenderjahres bekannt gemacht.
c) Schiffahrt treibenden Mannschaften und solchen Ersatzreservisten, welche auf ihren Wunsch später, oder als Nachersatz nachträglich, zur ersten Uebung herangezogen werden sollen, wird der Gestellungstag 14 Tage vor Beginn der Uebung bekannt gemacht.
Als Nachersatz werden die wegen hoher Loosnummer der Ersatzreserve überwiesenen Mannschaften nicht herangezogen.
d) Tritt während der Ableistung einer Uebung durch eigenes Ver-
[Footnote:] *) Die Bestimmungen dieses Absatzes gelten auch für Befreiung der ausgebildeten Landsturmpflichtigen des zweiten Aufgebots von Befolgung des Aufgebots.
Bezügliche Gesuche sind von denselben an den Zivilvorsitzenden der Ersatzkommission desjenigen Bezirks zu richten, in welchem der Uebertritt zum Landsturm erfolgte.
[Facing page is cropped at the right edge. Its observed clause beginnings and headings align with IMG_7304; the full right-page transcription is provided under that wider source, not silently reconstructed from this crop.]
21 a) Denjenigen Ersatzreservisten…
b) Wer auf diese Vergünstigung Anspruch macht…
1. seinen Ersatzreservepaß;
2. eine polizeilich beglaubigte Bescheinigung…
3. ein durch die Polizei-Obrigkeit ausgestelltes…
4. den Berechtigungsschein zum einjährig-freiwilligen…
c) Die Meldung beim Truppentheil hat spätestens 14 Ta…
d) Verspätete Anträge sowohl um die Ertheilung der Be…
VII. Besondere Bestimmungen für die z…
Disposition der Truppentheile beurlaubten M…
schaften.
22. Auf die zur Disposition ihres Truppentheils beurlaubten…
a) Die zur Disposition ihres Truppentheils beurlaubten…
b) Zum Wechsel des Aufenthaltsortes, sowie zur Anmuster…
Zuwiderhandelnde werden durch ihn unverzüglich zum…
Dienst einberufen.
Alternate captures of the same printed spread; wider IMG_7304 supplies line endings clipped from IMG_7303.
David’s military pass · IMG_7304.jpegMilitary-regulations spread, printed page VI and facing page, with folds and punched binding holes
Military-regulations spread, printed page VI and facing page, with folds and punched binding holes. Wider framing than IMG_7303 recovers the full right-hand line endings.
Historical generic regulations, not evidence that the holder traveled, emigrated, committed an offence or exercised any privilege. No personal name or issue date on these pages. Text shares many clauses with the edited IMG_7338 regulations, but differs in spelling, page opening and footnotes, so it is not treated as the same physical booklet or an exact textual edition. Original line wrapping normalized; printed page VII numeral is not visible. Background document at far left is cropped to unreadable fragments. Separately photographed leaves are associated booklet context; no uninterrupted page-turn or unique serial proves every leaf belongs to the named holder.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
VI. Men required to make up service for evading military control (paragraph 11) have no claim to deferment. 18. Men intending to go to countries outside Europe may receive two years’ leave in peacetime, exempting them from normal duties, on condition of returning if mobilization occurs. If they subsequently demonstrate by consular certificates that they have obtained a settled position as a merchant, tradesman, etc., in one of those countries, the leave may be extended until discharge from military liability, with exemption from return on mobilization. This does not apply to countries bordering the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Second-levy Landwehr men need only prove a position securing their livelihood; the restriction concerning Mediterranean and Black Sea countries does not apply to them. 19. In general mobilization, men on leave from active service who are at sea or abroad must return to imperial territory as quickly as possible, unless exempt under paragraph 18, subparagraphs 2 and 3, and report to the district headquarters of the first district they reach. Those prevented from returning promptly must prove the impediment with consular or other reliable certificates, or face the full penalties of the law. VI. Special provisions for replacement reservists. 20(a). The first exercise normally occurs within one year of assignment to the replacement reserve. (b) Except in special cases, those called to their first exercise will be informed of the reporting date by 15 July of the relevant calendar year. (c) Seafaring men and replacement reservists attending their first exercise later at their own request, or subsequently as supplementary replacements, are told the reporting date fourteen days before the exercise begins. Men assigned to the replacement reserve because of a high lottery number are not called as supplementary replacements. (d) If an exercise is interrupted through the trainees’ own fault or in their own interest, the interruption does not count toward exercise time. Footnote: These provisions also apply to exemption of trained second-levy Landsturm men from obeying a summons. They must address such applications to the civilian chairman of the recruiting commission for the district where they transferred to the Landsturm. 21(a). Replacement reservists holding a certificate qualifying them for one-year voluntary service or proving the required educational qualification through school certificates may choose their unit for the first exercise among units assigned replacement-reservist training that year, if they provide their own food, clothing and equipment during this service. (b) To claim the privilege, within fourteen days of assignment they must submit through the responsible reporting office to district headquarters: 1. their replacement-reserve pass; 2. a police-certified statement of their own, or their father’s or guardian’s, willingness and ability to pay for clothing, equipment and upkeep during the first exercise; 3. a police certificate of good character; 4. the one-year-volunteer eligibility certificate or school certificate proving the educational qualification. (c) The application to the unit must be made orally or in writing at least fourteen days before the exercise begins. (d) Late applications for the right to choose a unit or acceptance by a unit are rejected as a rule. VII. Special provisions for men on leave at the disposal of their units. 22. During leave these additional rules apply: (a) until the end of their third service year, they must remain ready to obey an immediate summons to complete their active service; (b) changing residence or signing on through a seamen’s office requires their district commander’s permission obtained through the reporting office. Violators are immediately recalled to active service.
Original-language reading
VI
Mannschaften, welche wegen Kontrollentziehung nachdienen müssen (Ziffer 11), haben keinerlei Anspruch auf Zurückstellung.
18. Mannschaften, welche nach außereuropäischen Ländern gehen wollen, können im Frieden unter Befreiung von den gewöhnlichen Dienstobliegenheiten, jedoch unter der Bedingung der Rückkehr im Falle einer Mobilmachung, auf zwei Jahre beurlaubt werden.
Weisen dieselben demnächst durch Konsulats-Bescheinigungen nach, daß sie sich in einem der erwähnten Länder eine feste Stellung als Kaufmann, Gewerbetreibender u. s. w. erworben haben, so kann der Urlaub unter gleichzeitiger Entbindung von der Rückkehr im Falle einer Mobilmachung bis zur Entlassung aus dem Militärverhältnis verlängert werden. Auf die Küstenländer des Mittelländischen und Schwarzen Meeres findet diese Bestimmung keine Anwendung.
Für Mannschaften der Landwehr zweiten Aufgebots bedarf es des vorerwähnten Nachweises nur dahin, daß sie eine ihren Lebensunterhalt sichernde Stellung als Kaufmann, Gewerbetreibender u. s. w. erworben haben; auch gilt für dieselben die Beschränkung bezüglich der Küstenländer des Mittelländischen und Schwarzen Meeres nicht.*)
19. Sämmtliche Mannschaften des Beurlaubtenstandes haben sich bei einer während ihres Aufenthalts auf See oder im Auslande eintretenden allgemeinen Mobilmachung so schnell als möglich ins Reichsgebiet zurückzubegeben (sofern sie nicht gemäß Absatz 2 und 3 Ziffer 18 hiervon befreit sind) und bei dem Bezirkskommando zu melden, dessen Bezirk sie zuerst erreichen.
Wer an der pünktlichen Rückkehr verhindert sein sollte, hat sich hierüber durch Konsulats- und sonstige zuverlässige Bescheinigungen auszuweisen, widrigenfalls er Strafe nach Strenge der Gesetze zu gewärtigen hat.
VI. Besondere Bestimmungen für die Ersatzreservisten.
20. a) Die Heranziehung zur ersten Uebung erfolgt in der Regel innerhalb eines Jahres vom Tage der Ueberweisung zur Ersatzreserve.
b) Den Ersatzreservisten, welche zur ersten Uebung einberufen werden, wird, von besonderen Ausnahmefällen abgesehen, der Gestellungstag bis zum 15. Juli des betreffenden Kalenderjahres bekannt gemacht.
c) Schiffahrt treibenden Mannschaften und solchen Ersatzreservisten, welche auf ihren Wunsch später, oder als Nachersatz nachträglich, zur ersten Uebung herangezogen werden sollen, wird der Gestellungstag 14 Tage vor Beginn der Uebung bekannt gemacht.
Als Nachersatz werden die wegen hoher Loosnummer der Ersatzreserve überwiesenen Mannschaften nicht herangezogen.
d) Tritt während der Ableistung einer Uebung durch eigenes Ver-
[Footnote:] *) Die Bestimmungen dieses Absatzes gelten auch für Befreiung der ausgebildeten Landsturmpflichtigen des zweiten Aufgebots von Befolgung des Aufgebots.
Bezügliche Gesuche sind von denselben an den Zivilvorsitzenden der Ersatzkommission desjenigen Bezirks zu richten, in welchem der Uebertritt zum Landsturm erfolgte.
[Facing page, continuation with top edge slightly cropped:] schulden oder im eigenen Interesse der Uebenden eine Unterbrechung ein, so kommt die Zeit der letzteren auf die Uebungszeit nicht in Anrechnung.
21 a) Denjenigen Ersatzreservisten, welche im Besitz des Berechtigungsscheins zum einjährig-freiwilligen Dienst sind oder die entsprechende wissenschaftliche Befähigung durch Schulzeugnisse nachzuweisen vermögen, steht, wenn sie sich während ihrer Dienstzeit (ersten Uebung) selbst verpflegen, bekleiden und ausrüsten, für die erste Uebung unter denjenigen Truppentheilen die Wahl frei, welchen für das betreffende Jahr die Ausbildung von Ersatzreservisten übertragen ist.
b) Wer auf diese Vergünstigung Anspruch macht, hat innerhalb 14 Tagen nach seiner Ueberweisung zur Ersatzreserve dem Bezirkskommando durch die zuständige Kontrollstelle nachstehende Papiere einzureichen:
1. seinen Ersatzreservepaß;
2. eine polizeilich beglaubigte Bescheinigung über seine eigene bezw. die Bereitwilligkeit und Fähigkeit seines Vaters oder Vormundes zur Tragung der Kosten für die Bekleidung, Ausrüstung und Verpflegung während der ersten Uebung;
3. ein durch die Polizei-Obrigkeit ausgestelltes Unbescholtenheits-Zeugniß;
4. den Berechtigungsschein zum einjährig-freiwilligen Dienst bezw. das den Nachweis der wissenschaftlichen Befähigung für den einjährig-freiwilligen Dienst führende Schulzeugniß.
c) Die Meldung beim Truppentheil hat spätestens 14 Tage vor Beginn der Uebung mündlich oder schriftlich stattzufinden.
d) Verspätete Anträge sowohl um die Ertheilung der Berechtigung zur freien Wahl des Truppentheils (siehe b), als auch um Annahme bei einem solchen (siehe c) werden grundsätzlich abgewiesen.
VII. Besondere Bestimmungen für die zur Disposition der Truppentheile beurlaubten Mannschaften.
22. Auf die zur Disposition ihres Truppentheils beurlaubten Mannschaften finden für die Dauer der Beurlaubung noch die nachstehend besonderen Bestimmungen Anwendung:
a) Die zur Disposition ihres Truppentheils beurlaubten Mannschaften haben sich bis zur Beendigung ihres dritten Dienstjahres jederzeit bereit zu halten, einem Gestellungsbefehl behufs Erfüllung ihrer aktiven Dienstzeit sogleich Folge zu leisten.
b) Zum Wechsel des Aufenthaltsortes, sowie zur Anmusterung durch ein Seemannsamt bedürfen sie der durch Vermittlung der Kontrollstelle einzuholenden Genehmigung ihres Bezirkskommandeurs.
Zuwiderhandelnde werden durch ihn unverzüglich zum aktiven Dienst einberufen.
Alternate captures of the same printed spread; wider IMG_7304 supplies line endings clipped from IMG_7303.
David’s military pass · IMG_7305.jpegMilitary regulations page VIII and reporting models
Military regulations page VIII and reporting models
Generic regulations; no individual conduct or travel may be inferred. Paper/binding consistent with older military booklet, but no personal name on this spread. Separately photographed leaves are associated booklet context; no uninterrupted page-turn or unique serial proves every leaf belongs to the named holder.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Men on leave at the disposal of their units remain subject, like active-duty personnel, to penalties for unauthorized absence, desertion, self-injury and feigned disability. If not recalled before completing active service, they transfer automatically to the reserve at the end of their third year, on 1 October, without notice or a reporting requirement. Note: Landsturm comprises men liable for service through completed age 45 who do not belong to the army. After call-up, Landwehr rules apply to those called. Those abroad must return unless expressly exempted. Without a call-up, no military controls or exercises apply. See also notes to items 17 and 18. Reporting models are guidance only; other formats containing required details are allowed. Paper must be clean and at least twice the size of one pass page. Address an open envelope, or one sealed by the local authority, to the Royal District Command’s principal reporting office, reporting office, or district sergeant major, at the control office locality. Mark military business; local-town letters require postage.
Original-language reading
VIII
c) Die zur Disposition der Truppentheile beurlaubten Mannschaften sind den Strafbestimmungen über unerlaubte Entfernung, Fahnenflucht, Selbstbeschädigung und Vorschützung von Gebrechen in gleicher Weise wie die Personen des aktiven Dienststandes unterworfen.
d) Wird ein zur Disposition Beurlaubter vor Erfüllung seiner aktiven Dienstpflicht nicht wieder zum Dienst einberufen, so tritt er mit Beendigung seines dritten Dienstjahres (am 1. October) stillschweigend zur Reserve über, ohne daß er hierüber eine besondere Nachricht erhält oder sich zu diesem Zwecke zu melden braucht.
Anmerkung.
1. Zum Landsturm gehören alle Wehrpflichtigen bis zum vollendeten 45. Lebensjahre, welche nicht dem Heere angehören.
2. Nachdem der Aufruf des Landsturms ergangen ist, finden die für die Landwehr geltenden Vorschriften auf die von dem Aufruf betroffenen Landsturmpflichtigen Anwendung.
3. Befinden sich dieselben im Auslande, so haben sie in das Inland zurückzukehren, sofern sie hiervon nicht ausdrücklich befreit sind.
4. Wenn der Landsturm nicht aufgerufen ist, sind die Landsturmpflichtigen keinerlei militärischer Kontrolle und Uebungen unterworfen.
5. Im Uebrigen siehe Anmerkung zu Ziffer 17 und 18.
Muster für schriftliche Meldungen.
1. Die nachstehenden Muster sollen nur als Anhalt dienen. Die Meldungen können auch in anderer Form erstattet werden, wenn dieselben die vorgeschriebenen Angaben enthalten.
Das Papier zu allen Meldungen muß rein und mindestens doppelt so groß, wie eine Seite des Passes sein.
2. Aeußere Aufschrift (Umschlag entweder offen oder mit dem Siegel der Ortsbehörde verschlossen):
An das Hauptmeldeamt des Königlichen Bezirkskommandos, oder „Meldeamt“ [ditto signs] / den Herrn Bezirksfeldwebel zu [blank].
Militaria. (Stadtbriefe müssen frei gemacht werden). (Ort der Kontrollstelle).
David’s military pass · IMG_7306.jpegBlank military arrival and departure reporting forms
Blank military arrival and departure reporting forms
All fields blank. Printed spouse/children fields do not establish family composition. Spread photographed rotated relative to usual book orientation. Separately photographed leaves are associated booklet context; no uninterrupted page-turn or unique serial proves every leaf belongs to the named holder.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Unfilled model forms. (a) Arrival registration: place/date; holder of enclosed pass registers for a locality and district; urban street, house number, floor and landlord; previous residence; married status; number of sons and daughters; occupation; name. If pass unavailable, state birth date/place, entry into service and unit, or assignment to replacement reserve and branch, last registration, and why no pass is enclosed. Strike inapplicable wording. (b) Departure registration or change of locality/address within the control district: place/date; departure destination/district or old and new addresses, urban address/floor/landlord; name; same additional particulars if pass absent. Strike inapplicable wording.
Original-language reading
X
(a) Für An-Meldungen.
Ort … Datum …
Inhaber beifolgenden Passes meldet sich an für … Kreis / Bezirksamt etc. … in Städten / größeren Ortschaften Straße und Haus-Nr. … in großen Städten auch: Stockwerk … und Name des Quartierwirths …
Anzugeben: Wo bisher gewohnt … Ob verheirathet … Wie viel Kinder … Söhne … Töchter … Stand oder Gewerbe … (Name des Meldenden) …
Wenn der Paß zufällig nicht vorhanden, noch anzugeben: Wann und wo geboren … Wann und bei welchem Truppentheil in den Dienst getreten … oder wann und wo der Ersatzreserve und welcher Waffengattung etc. überwiesen … Wo zuletzt gemeldet … Weshalb ist der Paß nicht beigefügt? …
[Margin:] Nicht Zutreffendes ist zu durchstreichen.
(b) Für Ab-Meldungen und für Wohnorts- und Wohnungswechsel innerhalb des Kontrollbezirks.
Ort … Datum …
Inhaber beifolgenden Passes meldet sich ab nach … Kreis (Bezirksamt etc.) … oder von … nach … Kreis (Bezirksamt etc.) … in Städten / größeren Ortschaften Straße und Haus-Nr. … in großen Städten auch: Stockwerk … und Name des Quartierwirths … verzogen.
(Name des Meldenden) …
Wenn der Paß zufällig nicht vorhanden, noch anzugeben: Wann und wo geboren … Wann und bei welchem Truppentheil in den Dienst getreten … oder wann und wo der Ersatzreserve und welcher Waffengattung etc. überwiesen … Wo zuletzt gemeldet … Weshalb ist der Paß nicht beigefügt? …
[Margin:] Nicht Zutreffendes ist zu durchstreichen!
David’s military pass · IMG_7307.jpegDavid Loewenfels military identity leaf and reporting models
David Loewenfels military identity leaf and reporting models
David reading corroborated by clear cover IMG_7301; birthday/place also agree with passport IMG_7323 and Heimat-Schein IMG_7332. Those agreements support the same-person link without identifying a face. Initial Louis interpretation was discarded. Cancelled family fields are not proof he never married or had children. Separately photographed leaves are associated booklet context; no uninterrupted page-turn or unique serial proves every leaf belongs to the named holder.
View this image with chapter source M09
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Models for men on leave at their unit’s disposal request permission to move from one place to another, with district and name. Other reports may be brief. Departure abroad, traveling or itinerancy requires strict observance of pass provisions 7–9 and naming a person who can receive summonses for the traveler. Sample wording follows, with destination, intermediary’s name, district and address. The facing identity page names David Loewenfels, born 28 May 1866 in Kaubenheim, administrative district Uffenheim, Bavaria; merchant; Jewish religion. Pencil “1.65” is unexplained. Married-status and children lines have marks rather than readable names.
Original-language reading
XII
(c) Für Dispositions-Urlauber.
Ort … Datum …
Inhaber beifolgenden Passes bittet verziehen zu dürfen von … nach … Kreis (Bezirksamt etc.) … Name …
(d) Für sonstige Meldungen.
Bei allen vorstehend nicht erwähnten Meldungen genügt ganz kurze Abfassung.
Bei Abmeldungen ins Ausland, auf Reisen oder Wanderschaft wird auf die genaueste Beachtung der Paßbestimmungen 7, 8 und 9 hingewiesen. Auf keinen Fall darf unterlassen werden, eine Person zu bezeichnen, durch welche dem Reisenden etc. jederzeit Gestellungsbefehle zugestellt werden können.
Die bezügliche Meldung würde lauten:
„Inhaber beifolgenden Passes meldet sich nach … ab (oder auf Reisen / Wanderschaft). Befehle für ihn besorgt: Name … in … Kreis (Bezirksamt etc.) … Städten / größeren Ortschaften: Straße und Haus-Nr. … Name des Meldenden …“
13. Nationale des Buch-Inhabers.
1. Vor- und Familiennamen: David Loewenfels [pencil: 1.65]. Geboren am 28ten Mai 1866 zu Kaubenheim. Verwaltungs-Bezirk: Uffenheim. Bundesstaat: Bayern.
2. Stand oder Gewerbe: Handelsmann.
3. Religion: israelit.
4. Ob verheirathet: [cancellation/unclear notation]. Kinder: [cancellation mark].
David’s military pass · IMG_7308.jpegMilitary service particulars on pages 14 and 15
Military service particulars on pages 14 and 15
Personal name not repeated on spread. Association with David’s pass is probable from contiguous printed structure, unit agreement, brown paper and binding; no name inferred for unrelated papers behind it. Discharge date not invented from neighboring pages. Separately photographed leaves are associated booklet context; no uninterrupted page-turn or unique serial proves every leaf belongs to the named holder.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Pages 14–15 record conscription on 6 November 1886 into the 6th Company, 4th Infantry Regiment. Transfers and promotions have null marks. The discharge entry is clipped; a reference to being at the disposal of an authority and Uffenheim survives, but the full date and wording cannot be recovered from this image. Unit: 4th Infantry Regiment, King Karl of Württemberg; unit roll number 30. Decorations and campaigns/wounds have null marks. Trained with infantry rifle model 71/84.
Original-language reading
14
5. Datum und Art des Diensteintritts: Am 6. November 1886 ausgehoben.
6. Bei welchem Truppentheil (unter Angabe der Kompagnie, Eskadron, Batterie): 4. Infanterie Regiment / 6. Kompagnie.
Versetzungen (unter Angabe des Datums und der Kompagnie, Eskadron, Batterie): [null mark].
Beförderungen (unter Angabe des Datums und der Art): [null mark].
7. Datum und Art der Entlassung: [partly clipped] … zur Disposition des … [lower lines cut by image edge; visible ending Uffenheim].
15
8. Von welchem Truppentheil: 4. Infanterie Regiment König Karl von Württemberg.
No. der Truppen-Stammrolle: 30.
9. Orden und Ehrenzeichen: [null mark].
10. Feldzüge, Verwundungen: [null mark].
11. Besondere militärische Ausbildung: Ist mit dem Infanterie Gewehr 71/84 ausgebildet.
David’s military pass · IMG_7309.jpegMilitary transfers into Landwehr on pages 18 and 19
Military transfers into Landwehr on pages 18 and 19
Two-digit years preserved and expanded in military chronology context, not as dates independently written in four digits. Generic Landsturm rule is not an individually endorsed transfer date. Separately photographed leaves are associated booklet context; no uninterrupted page-turn or unique serial proves every leaf belongs to the named holder.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Continuation of travel allowance wording: use the route during the stated dates and pay railway and other costs in cash out of marching allowances. Only “according to travel ticket” is entered; dates and amounts are otherwise unfilled. Transfer to Landwehr first levy: 23 April 1894. Transfer to second levy: 19 May 1899. Ansbach district-command seals. Printed rule: in peacetime, transfer to second-levy Landsturm is automatic unless reassigned to a younger year class; for entrants below age 20, on 31 March of the year completing six years in second-levy Landwehr; for all others, on 31 March of the year they complete age 39.
Original-language reading
18
von … bis … zu benutzen und sowohl die Eisenbahn- etc. Kosten, als auch seine übrigen Bedürfnisse aus seinen ihm diesseits mit [handschriftlich: laut Fahrschein] Mark … Pf. … / diesseits mit … Mark … Pf. … [three further repeated money rows] bestrittenen Marsch-Kompetenzen sogleich baar zu bezahlen.
[Lower-left paraph unclear.]
19
Uebergetreten zur Landwehr 1. Aufgebots am: 23. IV. 94.
[Seal: K. B. BEZIRKSKOMMANDO / ANSBACH, partly faint.]
Uebergetreten zur Landwehr 2. Aufgebots am: 19. V. 99.
[Seal: K. B. BEZIRKSKOMMANDO / ANSBACH.]
Der Uebertritt zum Landsturm 2. Aufgebots erfolgt im Frieden ohne Weiteres und zwar, sofern nicht die Zurückversetzung in eine jüngere Jahresklasse verfügt war:
a) für Mannschaften, welche vor vollendetem 20. Lebensjahre eingetreten waren, am 31. März desjenigen Kalenderjahres, in welchem dieselben 6 Jahre der Landwehr 2. Aufgebots angehört haben;
b) für sämmtliche übrigen Mannschaften am 31. März desjenigen Kalenderjahres, in welchem das 39. Lebensjahr vollendet wird.
David’s military pass · IMG_7310.jpegMilitary conduct and exercise entries on pages 20 and 21
Military conduct and exercise entries on pages 20 and 21
Narrow uncertain spans retained instead of inventing complete service dates or signatures. The middle sheet is an inserted or folded extension; text flows across it. Repeated military labels do not prove identity beyond probable booklet association. Separately photographed leaves are associated booklet context; no uninterrupted page-turn or unique serial proves every leaf belongs to the named holder.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
The additions table records entries by the 4th Infantry Regiment. An entry dated approximately 2 December 1888 states he was found healthy; exact opening word and signature are uncertain. A 30 September 1889 entry says he had been called up from a date beginning “1”, and after completing active duty was discharged again to Kaubenheim, Uffenheim district. Parts of the dates are obscured at the fold. Conduct is “very good”; a longer appraisal includes diligent, willing and employable/useful, but is only partly legible. No punishments. A captain and company commander signs. A further 30 September 1889 entry states found healthy, with unread signature.
Original-language reading
20–21
Kommando-Behörde welche Zusätze einträgt | Datum | Zusätze zu den Personal-Notizen (Strafen, Uebungen und Einberufungen, Führung etc.)
4. Infanterie Regiment | 2.12.88 [date somewhat faint] | … gesund befunden. [Opening adjective uncertain, probably körperlich.] [Signature Zimmermann?; rank abbreviation unresolved.]
4. Infanterie Regiment | 30.9.1889 | War vom 1. … [across fold] … 1889 einberufen und am …tember 1889 nach Ablauf seiner aktiven Dienstzeit wieder entlassen nach Kaubenheim, Bezirksamt Uffenheim.
Führung: Sehr gut. [Qualifying list:] … fleißig und … willig, verwendbar, … lässig [several connecting letters unclear].
Strafen: Keine.
[Signature unresolved] Hauptmann und Kompagnie-Chef.
4. Infanterie Regiment | 30.9.1889 | … gesund befunden. [Signature and rank unresolved.]
David’s military pass · IMG_7311.jpegReserve exercise entry on pages 22 and 9
Reserve exercise entry on pages 22 and 9
The printed pages are numbered 22 and 9, indicating inserted/nonuniform leaves, not a continuous simple page count. 1892 is a close-reading interpretation of handwriting, not inferred from filename order. Separately photographed leaves are associated booklet context; no uninterrupted page-turn or unique serial proves every leaf belongs to the named holder.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Entry by 11th Infantry Regiment von der Tann, apparently 11 April 1892: called into the 5th Company for a ten-day exercise from 2 to 11 April 1892; trained with rifle 88. A line concerning entitlement to support or pension is incompletely legible and not reconstructed. Conduct very good; punishment field has a null mark. Discharged to Kaubenheim, Uffenheim district. Medical certification and assistant-doctor signature are only partly deciphered. Captain and company commander’s signature appears Lehner.
Original-language reading
22 / 9
Kommando-Behörde welche Zusätze einträgt | Datum | Zusätze zu den Personal-Notizen (Strafen, Uebungen, Einberufungen, Führung, Strafen etc.)
11. Infanterie-Regiment von der Tann | 11. IV. 92 [year/date reading qualified] |
Vom 2. bis 11. April 1892 bei der 5. Kompagnie zu einer 10tägigen Uebung eingezogen.
Ausgebildet mit Gewehr 88.
[Line on claims:] … von Versorgungsansprüchen … [remainder unclear].
Führung: Sehr gut.
Strafen: [null mark].
Entlassen nach Kaubenheim Bezirksamt Uffenheim.
[Left certification:] … gesund. Fraumüller [tentative], Assistenzarzt …
[Seal: K. B. 11. INFANTERIE REGIMENT …; Bavarian arms.]
Lehner [signature tentative]
Hauptmann und Kompagniechef.
David’s military pass · IMG_7312.jpegMilitary exercise entry dated July 1894
Military exercise entry dated July 1894
Unit title and handwriting partly obscured by official seal; two printed page numbers 10 and 25 retained. Visible brown stain and folds recorded. No holder name on this spread. Separately photographed leaves are associated booklet context; no uninterrupted page-turn or unique serial proves every leaf belongs to the named holder.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Entry of Royal Bavarian 15th Infantry Regiment, dated 15 July 1894: reported for a fourteen-day exercise from 2 through 15 July. Conduct very good; punishment null mark; found healthy. Medical and captain/company commander signatures are not securely deciphered.
Original-language reading
10 / 25
Kommando-Behörde welche Zusätze einträgt | Datum | Zusätze zu den Personal-Notizen (Uebungen und … und Einberufungen, Führung etc.)
K. 15. Infanterie Regiment [further name under seal unclear] | 15. Juli 1894 |
War vom 2. mit 15. Juli zu einer 14tägigen Uebung eingerückt.
Führung: Sehr gut.
Strafen: [null mark].
Gesund befunden. [medical signature/rank unclear]
[Signature: Rott?] Hauptmann und Kompagnie-Chef.
[Blue seal: KÖN. BAYER. … 15. INFANTERIE …; remaining words obscured.]
[Reverse show-through is not a new recto entry.]
David’s military pass · IMG_7313.jpegMilitary booklet: brown reporting leaf with two handwritten entries crossed by a blue diagonal line, facing unfilled personal-notes form page 11
Military booklet: brown reporting leaf with two handwritten entries crossed by a blue diagonal line, facing unfilled personal-notes form page 11.
Years appear as 88 and 89; the nineteenth century is contextually probable but not expanded silently. First destination and second locality line uncertain. No holder name on this opening. Blue cancellation line crosses text. Background paper fragments are occluded; no full reading is possible. These older dates prevent transferring Siegfried Elkan’s 1909 booklet attribution. Candidate comparison with IMG_7307, Drive 1Stjv8o4ewBOtlyE3cT7Nj3I9dhCedOYo, has the provisional identity-leaf reading David Loewenfels, clarified by the more legible cover IMG_7301 (Drive 1lIBILx5lyPHFzTdOzegr82A2-N_blARV). Brown-paper insert, wrapper type and binding are compatible, but no repeated unique inscription proves this reporting leaf belongs to that holder. The dates are not assigned to him as established personal facts. Separately photographed leaves are associated booklet context; no uninterrupted page-turn or unique serial proves every leaf belongs to the named holder.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Reports and leaves of absence. Registered for [place uncertain, ending -heim]. Uffenheim, 16 December 88. Bachmann, district sergeant. Registered for [place uncertain]–Uffenheim. Ansbach, 9 October 89. Winter [uncertain signature], district sergeant. Right page: 11; additions to the personal notes (call-ups, conduct, punishments, etc.). No entry is visible in this field. Exposed leaf: personal particulars of the holder of the book.
Original-language reading
[Left leaf, upper page number partly clipped: 20?]
Meldungen und Beurlaubungen.
Gemeldet für […]-
heim.
Uffenheim 16. XII. 88.
Bachmann
Bezirksfeldwebel
Angemeldet für
[…]- Uffen-
heim.
Ansbach, 9. X. 89.
Winter [signature reading uncertain]
Bezirksfeldwebel
[Right page] 11
zu den Personal-Notizen.
(Einberufungen, Führung, Strafen etc.)
[No filled entry on visible right page.]
[Exposed strip of another leaf] Nationale des Buch-Inhabers.
David’s military pass · IMG_7314.jpegOpen military booklet pages 12–13: unfilled ruled personal-notes form
Open military booklet pages 12–13: unfilled ruled personal-notes form.
Blank visible forms do not prove that no service event occurred or that all leaves were blank. No holder identification. Underlying papers are not readable as complete documents. Separately photographed leaves are associated booklet context; no uninterrupted page-turn or unique serial proves every leaf belongs to the named holder.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Command authority entering additions. Date. Additions to personal notes (training exercises and call-ups, conduct, punishments, etc.). Pages 12–13. Visible fields are unfilled. Underlying edge: personal particulars of the holder of the book. Background fragment: “…certifies that…”
Original-language reading
12
Kommando-Behörde, welche Zusätze einträgt.
Datum.
Zusätze zu den Personal-Notizen.
(Uebungen und Einberufungen, Führung, Strafen etc.)
13
[All visible data-entry spaces are blank.]
[Exposed underlying edge] Nationale des Buch-Inhabers.
[Background fragment] …bescheinigt, d… [remainder covered; handwriting fragment not securely readable].
David’s military pass · IMG_7315.jpegMilitary booklet pages 14–15, Meldungen und Beurlaubungen, handwritten official registration/leave entries, not letter prose
Military booklet pages 14–15, Meldungen und Beurlaubungen, handwritten official registration/leave entries, not letter prose.
Retain source qualifications; full text not exhaustively read. Separately photographed leaves are associated booklet context; no uninterrupted page-turn or unique serial proves every leaf belongs to the named holder.
David’s military pass · IMG_7316.jpegMilitary booklet pages 16–17, same registration/leave headings and official entries, not correspondence
Military booklet pages 16–17, same registration/leave headings and official entries, not correspondence.
Retain source qualifications; full text not exhaustively read. Separately photographed leaves are associated booklet context; no uninterrupted page-turn or unique serial proves every leaf belongs to the named holder.
David’s military pass · IMG_7317.jpegMilitary booklet pages 18–19 with headings and no new front-surface entries; strong reversed show-through on page 18
Military booklet pages 18–19 with headings and no new front-surface entries; strong reversed show-through on page 18.
Show-through is not independent testimony. No inference about hidden or earlier pages; background documents remain covered. Separately photographed leaves are associated booklet context; no uninterrupted page-turn or unique serial proves every leaf belongs to the named holder.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Reports and leaves of absence. Pages 18 and 19. Personal particulars of the holder of the book [underlying edge].
Original-language reading
18
Meldungen und Beurlaubungen.
19
Meldungen und Beurlaubungen.
[No front-surface filled entries visible. Reversed handwriting shows through from another surface; not transcribed as a new entry.]
[Underlying edge] Nationale des Buch-Inhabers.
David’s military pass · IMG_7318.jpegMilitary booklet page 20, unfilled except printed heading, facing a blue blank end leaf
Military booklet page 20, unfilled except printed heading, facing a blue blank end leaf.
No holder name or date on these surfaces. Blank end leaf does not establish absence of other content elsewhere. Separately photographed leaves are associated booklet context; no uninterrupted page-turn or unique serial proves every leaf belongs to the named holder.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
20. Reports and leaves of absence. Background fragment: “…certifies that…”
Original-language reading
20
Meldungen und Beurlaubungen.
[No other front-surface entry visible on page or blue end leaf.]
[Background clipped fragment] …bescheinigt, daß… [handwriting incomplete and covered].
David’s military pass · IMG_7319.jpegUnlabelled blue booklet cover
The exposed blue cover has no readable holder’s name. It is retained as an associated military-booklet capture.
No holder identity is inferred from the blank cover, adjacent files or partly hidden background papers.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Background fragment: “…hereby certifies that…”
Original-language reading
[Blue cover: no visible inscription.]
[Exposed background printed fragment] …durch bescheinigt, daß…
[Handwritten fragments are cut off or hidden by the booklet and cannot be reliably transcribed as names or sentences.]
Kurt’s identification tags
Kurt’s identification tags · IMG_7695.jpegKurt M. Elkan’s identification tags
Kurt M. Elkan’s identification tags. Both carry his name, service number 32436382, the codes T43, A and H, and Louise Elkan’s name with a Bronx address.
Both visible fronts checked; backs not shown. No unit, rank, battle, overseas posting, enlistment/discharge dates or campaign role on these tags. Do not turn inferred general tag format into a complete military biography. Do not infer exact manufacturing or issue date from T43. The archive copy 1GKze3gGq9p26jWsrIZ4RXVFgzci6Wl4D is a previously documented pixel-equivalent copy with different bytes/ICC profile; not newly opened here and not a second independent artifact.
View this image with chapter source M14
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Already English; no translation needed.
Original-language reading
[Both visible tags:]
KURT M ELKAN
32436382 T43 A
LOUISE ELKAN
2108 DAVIDSON AV
BRONX NY H
Kurt’s homeward journal
Kurt’s homeward journal · IMG_7433.jpegKurt’s homeward voyage diary, opening: leaving Nichols Field and Luzon
Embarks for home, describes crowded bunks, a movie, reading, photographs, sunken ships, Corregidor and Fort Drum. Names APA-154 and a handwritten ship name compatible with Lowndes; bound for 'Frisco'. Family-confirmed Kurt attribution through the recognized opening and secure six-page sequence; year 1945 is inferred.
Right-edge clipping; several small words/ship-name letters remain uncertain. Ship number APA-154 is the stronger identification anchor. No personal name or year is written on the page; attribution comes from family confirmation and year 1945 remains inferred.
View this image with chapter source J01
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English source; no translation required.
Original-language reading
Thursday - Nov.22.
To-day Thanksgiving is a day I’ll
never forget. We are leaving Nichols Field and embark[clipped]
for home. As we loaded onto the trucks and
rode towards the pier excitement mounted steadily.
Finally at 7 P:M we took the last walk up to [crossed-out word]
Gangplank. After being assigned to bunks (4 + 5
deckers) we were permitted on deck to talk and
see a motion picture. I read myself to sleep.
We are aboard the A.P.A 154 [Lowndes?]
(Assault Passenger Auxiliary) bound for the Frisco
Beachhead.
Friday Nov.23
After a hearty breakfast I went below to
haul out my camera to take shots of the harbor.
At 7:30 A.M we cast off our last lines connecting
us with Luzon. We were on our way. We
steamed past sunken vessels their masts and
superstructures protruding out of the water
groteskly. (Pictures) In a little while we passed
the “Rock” Corregidor (Pic) and Fort Drum
a fortress built completely out of concrete.
The afternoon brought sunbaths, reading
periods and of course more picture work.
During the entire day we passed little and
Six leaves are consecutive within the surviving sequence. Opening leaf begins an entry on Nov.22; no physical cover or ownership page found. Page6’s Dec.10 entry breaks off after a mileage figure. IMG_7439 remains a possible ending fragment; no complete voyage conclusion or signed ending is established. Unphotographed backs and other leaves remain unknown.
Kurt’s homeward journal · IMG_7434.jpegKurt’s homeward voyage diary, page 2: typhoon delay and second departure
San Bernardino Straits and worsening weather; return to port to escape a typhoon; remains in port Nov.25; sails again at 2PM Nov.26. Quotes shipboard announcements. Family-confirmed Kurt attribution through the recognized opening and secure six-page sequence; year 1945 is inferred.
This is page 2, not the opening page. Spelling and punctuation lightly normalized only in summary; author not named on this page; family attribution is established separately.
View this image with chapter source J02
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English source; no translation required.
Original-language reading
(2)
big Philippine Isles. We are supposed to be
out of the San Bernardino Straits to-night. It is
getting rougher now and we seem to be heading
into a big storm. Tomorrow there will be
many fishes fed. Buenos noche!
Saturday Nov.24.
No fishes to feed to-day we turned back
to port during the night to escape a typhoon when
we sail again is a question 2000 men like the
answer to. —
Sunday Nov.25.
Still in Port. We are getting tired of the
scenery in spite of good chow and ice cold water
all day. We even have fresh water to shower.
Monday Nov.26.
2 P:M we are under way again what a
relieve when we heard “Sea and Anchor detail
lay to your stations” and then “Set the watch
and prepare for sea”. Our greatest kick we
get three times a day when we hear
“Sweepers Man your brooms. Clean sweep fore
Six leaves are consecutive within the surviving sequence. Opening leaf begins an entry on Nov.22; no physical cover or ownership page found. Page6’s Dec.10 entry breaks off after a mileage figure. IMG_7439 remains a possible ending fragment; no complete voyage conclusion or signed ending is established. Unphotographed backs and other leaves remain unknown.
Kurt’s homeward journal · IMG_7435.jpegKurt’s homeward voyage diary, page 3: high seas and a second Thanksgiving
Watches ships signal at night, mentions seasickness and hopes for home, clock advancement, wind/sunburn, and a Thanksgiving dinner aboard ship on Nov.29. Family-confirmed Kurt attribution through the recognized opening and secure six-page sequence; year 1945 is inferred.
The writer’s 'In the Navy' sentence describes the shipboard celebration; it does not independently establish the writer’s branch. Diary date discrepancy between Nov.22 and Nov.29 celebrations retained.
View this image with chapter source J03
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English source; no translation required.
Original-language reading
3
and aft”.
It is night now and I have watched
the drama of ships passing each other in
the night. The interchange of messages is
interesting to watch. I hope that when
I wake in the morning we will be on the
high seas.
Tuesday Nov.27.
We are braving the high seas. In spite
of fairly calm sea as they go quite a few men
are sick. I feel a bit giddy myself. We talk
about our plans and what we’ll do on our
first day at home.
Wednesday Nov.28
Last night we advanced the clock 30
minutes. It gets dark early now. The chow lines
are small. I’ve got a combination wind and sunburn
on my brow and my eyelids.
Thursday Nov.29.
In the Navy it’s Thanksgiving to-day and
we have a big dinner with all the trimmings we
had Turkey (white meat and leg) candied yams, peas
Cranberry sauce, beans, candy, pickles, fruitcake and
coffee. I really stuffed myself. To-night we had
cold cuts with very good liverwurst. The food
Six leaves are consecutive within the surviving sequence. Opening leaf begins an entry on Nov.22; no physical cover or ownership page found. Page6’s Dec.10 entry breaks off after a mileage figure. IMG_7439 remains a possible ending fragment; no complete voyage conclusion or signed ending is established. Unphotographed backs and other leaves remain unknown.
Kurt’s homeward journal · IMG_7436.jpegKurt’s homeward voyage diary, page 4: Pacific passage and mechanical trouble
Contrasts Navy and Army rations; references Guam and Saipan; reports destroyers and aircraft carriers, a steam-valve failure, distance from Frisco, a broken boiler component and possible diversion to Pearl Harbor. Family-confirmed Kurt attribution through the recognized opening and secure six-page sequence; year 1945 is inferred.
The apparent repeated Guam reference is preserved, not silently corrected. 'Navy' versus 'Army' is a ration comparison, not proof of the author’s branch. Technical boiler component wording uncertain.
View this image with chapter source J04
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English source; no translation required.
Original-language reading
4)
aboard here is excellent. Navy rations are
much better than Army. Yesterday we passed
Guam and to-morrow morning will pass
Saipan.
Friday Nov.30
This afternoon we passed Guam in
the far distance. We also saw 4 destroyers and
3 aircraft carriers.
Saturday Dec.1.
We lost 2½ hours to-day a
steam-valve bursted we drifted around the Pacific
out of control. To signify that two black
balloons were hoisted (One signifies a ship at
anchor.)
Sunday Dec.2.
We are 4400 miles from Frisco.
The nights are getting colder.
Monday Dec.3.
This trip is jinxed we are stuck
again. The stabilizer[s?] in one boiler is broke
we might head for Pearl Harbor if it can’t
be fixed. I hope that it can be done since
otherwise we would be delayed at least
a week.
Six leaves are consecutive within the surviving sequence. Opening leaf begins an entry on Nov.22; no physical cover or ownership page found. Page6’s Dec.10 entry breaks off after a mileage figure. IMG_7439 remains a possible ending fragment; no complete voyage conclusion or signed ending is established. Unphotographed backs and other leaves remain unknown.
Kurt’s homeward journal · IMG_7437.jpegKurt’s homeward voyage diary, page 5: repairs, rough seas and Midway
Course restored after repairs; ship said to be fourteen months old; rain, pitching bow and seasickness; passes north of Midway; colder weather and approximately 3,002 miles remaining. Family-confirmed Kurt attribution through the recognized opening and secure six-page sequence; year 1945 is inferred.
No author name or service number appears on the page. Mileage is the writer’s report. Top marginal letters are unexpanded.
View this image with chapter source J05
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English source; no translation required.
Original-language reading
5.) Tuesday Dec.4. [upper marginal letters: F ST?]
We have changed to our original
course again. Thank G’d the crew fixed
our malady. I hope nothing else happens.
Nimitz had plenty of luck that these
things haven’t happened during the war.
This ship is only 14 months old. It’s raining
cats and dogs and we have to be in the
hold. It’s really grand (?) here we are right
in the bow of the ship (the only thing ahead
of us is the chain locker) We go up in the
air 20 ft and down 40 ft. Nice for delicate
stomachs. Some fellows just can’t get up since
we are started. They are continuously sick and
refuse all food. They’d be better off eating. A
full stomach is the best cure for sea sickness.
So far I have not suffered, but then I
am a seasoned sailor.
Wednesday Dec.5.
We are just about north of
Midway.
Thursday Dec.6
It is getting colder and colder
sweaters make their appearance. We have
3002 miles to go
Six leaves are consecutive within the surviving sequence. Opening leaf begins an entry on Nov.22; no physical cover or ownership page found. Page6’s Dec.10 entry breaks off after a mileage figure. IMG_7439 remains a possible ending fragment; no complete voyage conclusion or signed ending is established. Unphotographed backs and other leaves remain unknown.
Kurt’s homeward journal · IMG_7438.jpegKurt’s homeward voyage diary, page 6: dateline, books and nearing home
Explains repeated Dec.6 by crossing the international dateline; Dec.7 recalls attack four years earlier; lists books being reread; cold and wind, a game, and remaining distance. Family-confirmed Kurt attribution through the recognized opening and secure six-page sequence; year 1945 is inferred.
Year 1945 inferred from this attack reference and calendar, not explicitly dated. Ends mid-sentence; arrival not established by this leaf. Source contains a historical anti-Japanese slur; editorial summary avoids adopting it. Some book-title/author spellings need independent reading.
View this image with chapter source J06
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English source; no translation required.
Original-language reading
6.)
Thursday Dec.6
No, I am not in error we crossed
the 180 Meridian (Int. dateline at 1:52 P:M
yesterday. There is lots of kidding like
to-day is yesterday and such
Friday Dec.7.
Early this morning we must
have been in almost the same spot the
Jap Navy was when they attacked us 4 years
ago. I do a lot of re-reading of old books
like The Great Smith by Edison Marshall
“Immortal Wife” by Irving Stone and Walter
[Karig’s?] “Lower Than Angels” [title reading probable] at 8 A:M this morning
we had 2209 miles to go.
Saturday Dec.8
We keep bucking along with a terrific
head wind. It is bitter cold and the wind does
not make the decks too inviting. I and a
few hearties are there to get used to it.
Sunday Dec.9.
We had loads of fun with a game
called “[ghosts?]”
Monday Dec.10
As of 8 A:M we have only 557 miles
Six leaves are consecutive within the surviving sequence. Opening leaf begins an entry on Nov.22; no physical cover or ownership page found. Page6’s Dec.10 entry breaks off after a mileage figure. IMG_7439 remains a possible ending fragment; no complete voyage conclusion or signed ending is established. Unphotographed backs and other leaves remain unknown.
Possible journal continuation
Possible journal continuation · IMG_7439.jpegPossible concluding journal fragment, blurred and clipped
Mostly blank brown sheet with a few faint handwritten lines; a partly obscured reproduction of the Nov.22 opening appears behind it. Not adopted as a proven seventh page.
Do not reconstruct missing text, claim an arrival date, identify an author or treat this as a proven seventh page. A sharper full-sheet image would be needed.
View this image with chapter source J07
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English source; no translation required.
Original-language reading
[Foreground blurred and left-clipped; no reliable continuous transcription adopted.]
Six leaves are consecutive within the surviving sequence. Opening leaf begins an entry on Nov.22; no physical cover or ownership page found. Page6’s Dec.10 entry breaks off after a mileage figure. IMG_7439 remains a possible ending fragment; no complete voyage conclusion or signed ending is established. Unphotographed backs and other leaves remain unknown.
Field postcards and paired reverses
Field postcards and paired reverses · IMG_7363.jpegSiegfried’s field postcard to his parents, 4 September 1917
A field postcard signed Siegfried, with the sender margin reading Siegfried Elkan, sends greetings and kisses to “Dear parents.”
The address initial remains [M./N.], not securely expanded to Moses. Two captures show the same written message; the parents are not individually named.
View this image with chapter source M04
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Field postcard to his parents
In the field, 4 September 1917
Dear parents!
I hope you are in the best of health, as I am too. For today, just the warmest greetings and kisses from your [unclear abbreviated descriptor] son,
Siegfried
Field post!
To Mr. [M./N.] Elkan
Nuremberg
Schanzenstr. 21 [following mark unclear]
Bavaria
Sender: [rank or abbreviation unclear] Siegfried Elkan; abbreviated unit designation probably “Fuhrp. K. 737”; German Field Post 407. The stamp reads “Feldpostadresse: Fuhrparkkol. / Deutsche Feldpost 407.” The postmark shows 4.9.17 and “4–5 N”. The faint lettering around its rim is not reliably readable.
Original-language reading
Field postcard to his parents
Im Felde, 4.9.17
Liebe Eltern!
Hoffe Euch beim be-
sten Wohle was bei mir
auch der Fall ist.
Für heute nur die be-
sten Grüße & Küsse von
Eurem [Abkürzung unklar] Sohn
Siegfried
Feldpost!
Herrn
[M./N.] Elkan
Nürnberg
Schanzenstr. 21 [nachfolgendes Zeichen unklar]
Bayern
Abs. [Dienstgrad/Abkürzung unklar] Siegfried Elkan, [Fuhrp. K. 737?]
D. Feldpost 407
[Stempel:] Feldpostadresse: Fuhrparkkol. / Deutsche Feldpost 407
[Poststempel:] -4.9.17.4-5 N [Randtext unklar]
Two views of the same written correspondence act, not two letters. Physical-card identity is highly plausible, not custody-proven.
Field postcards and paired reverses · IMG_7364.jpegSiegfried’s field postcard to Max, 23 November 1916
The message sends greetings from the field and is signed “your [dear?] brother Siegfried.” The address names Max Elkan.
The signature supplies no surname. No new canonical identity or family relationship is assigned beyond the postcard’s literal brother wording. Military stamp numbers remain uncertain.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
23 November 1916
Dear Max,
Your [dear?] brother Siegfried sends you his very best greetings from the field.
Original-language reading
01 23.11.16.
02 Lieber Max!
03 Die besten
04 Grüße vom Felde
05 sendet Dir
06 Dein [lieb.?]
07 Bruder
08 Siegfried.
Field postcards and paired reverses · IMG_7383.jpegThe 4 September 1917 field postcard: alternate view
A second capture of the same written postcard provides a clearer address orientation.
Same correspondence act as IMG_7363, not another letter. The address initial and abbreviated closing remain uncertain.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Field postcard to his parents
In the field, 4 September 1917
Dear parents!
I hope you are in the best of health, as I am too. For today, just the warmest greetings and kisses from your [unclear abbreviated descriptor] son,
Siegfried
Field post!
To Mr. [M./N.] Elkan
Nuremberg
Schanzenstr. 21 [following mark unclear]
Bavaria
Sender: [rank or abbreviation unclear] Siegfried Elkan; abbreviated unit designation probably “Fuhrp. K. 737”; German Field Post 407. The stamp reads “Feldpostadresse: Fuhrparkkol. / Deutsche Feldpost 407.” The postmark shows 4.9.17 and “4–5 N”. The faint lettering around its rim is not reliably readable.
Original-language reading
Field postcard to his parents
Im Felde, 4.9.17
Liebe Eltern!
Hoffe Euch beim be-
sten Wohle was bei mir
auch der Fall ist.
Für heute nur die be-
sten Grüße & Küsse von
Eurem [Abkürzung unklar] Sohn
Siegfried
Feldpost!
Herrn
[M./N.] Elkan
Nürnberg
Schanzenstr. 21 [nachfolgendes Zeichen unklar]
Bayern
Abs. [Dienstgrad/Abkürzung unklar] Siegfried Elkan, [Fuhrp. K. 737?]
D. Feldpost 407
[Stempel:] Feldpostadresse: Fuhrparkkol. / Deutsche Feldpost 407
[Poststempel:] -4.9.17.4-5 N [Randtext unklar]
Two views of the same written correspondence act, not two letters. Physical-card identity is highly plausible, not custody-proven.
Field postcards and paired reverses · IMG_7723.jpegReverse of Arthur’s uniformed portrait postcard
The family confirms this as the physical back of IMG_7724. The reviewed message addresses Josef [surname unread] in Munich.
Substantial wording, surname, address details and full date remain unresolved. Pairing alone does not establish a unit, rank, relationship or exposure date.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
[date partly illegible]
[opening fragment:] … dear …
[several lines obscured / illegible]
[closing:] yours, Arthur
Original-language reading
[date partly illegible]
[opening fragment:] … lieben …
[several lines obscured / illegible]
[closing:] dein Arthur
Physical front/back pairing confirmed by the family.
Military correspondence
Military correspondence · IMG_7572.jpegAddressed military envelope foreground to Arthur Seligman; another addressed envelope behind; no exposed body
Addressed military envelope foreground to Arthur Seligman; another addressed envelope behind; no exposed body. Unseen reverse, sealed contents, covered underlying paper, out-of-frame text and unshown booklet leaves are not cleared.
Unseen reverse, sealed contents, covered underlying paper, out-of-frame text and unshown booklet leaves are not cleared.
Military correspondence · IMG_7573.jpegHenry H. Kahn’s army airmail to Inge
The envelope names Private Henry H. Kahn, the Eleventh Field Artillery Battalion, and Miss Inge Seligman at the family’s New York address.
The envelope supplies sender and recipient roles; no kinship or particular enclosed letter is established. The postmark is 1947.
Military correspondence · IMG_7574.jpegIMG 7574 Army airmail to Ruth Seligman
Tan handwritten cover with red six-cent airmail stamp and APO 205 cancellation; sender rank/name partly cut by torn upper-left edge.
Do not adopt sender name, rank, service number or unit numeral as certain. No named person merged or biography inferred from this ambiguous handwriting.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English original. Unit abbreviation MP Bn is preserved; rank, surname and some service-number digits remain uncertain.
Original-language reading
[Rank cropped] [Ernst S. Walfer?]
39048[155?]
Co C–[508?] MP Bn
APO 205
c/o Postm[aster] N.Y., N.Y.
Via air mail
Miss Ruth Seligman
82, Wadsworth Terrace
New York City, 33
USA / N.Y.
U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE / 205 / JAN / 8 / 1946 / A.P.O.
[Stamp:] AIR 6 MAIL / CENTS / UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Military correspondence · IMG_7575.jpegAddressed military envelope to Arthur Seligman,1945; philatelic sales literature behind
Addressed military envelope to Arthur Seligman,1945; philatelic sales literature behind. Unseen reverse, sealed contents, covered underlying paper, out-of-frame text and unshown booklet leaves are not cleared.
Unseen reverse, sealed contents, covered underlying paper, out-of-frame text and unshown booklet leaves are not cleared.
Military correspondence · IMG_7576.jpegIMG 7576 Lieutenant letter cover to Arthur
Grey-green handwritten cover with red six-cent US airmail stamp and faint army cancellation; pencilled lower-left name.
Sender’s given name/surname are uncertain. Cancellation includes indistinct month/day fragments but no complete reliable date. Pencil note does not independently confirm identity.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English original; Lt. means lieutenant. Headquarters and postal abbreviations preserved without assigning a specific service history.
Original-language reading
Lt. [Klaus Liebrich?]
0885669
Hq–MIS. USFET
APO 887 P/M N.Y. N.Y.
Mr. Arthur Seligman
82 Wadsworth Terrace
New York 33.
N.Y.
[Lower-left pencil:] [Lieb…?]
U.S. ARMY [POSTAL SERVICE, partial] / A.P.O.
[Date: obscured]
[Stamp:] AIR 6 MAIL / CENTS / UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Military aid and postwar administration
Military aid and postwar administration · IMG_7511.jpegJoseph Stein’s V-mail to Arthur, 24 August 1945
Lieutenant Joseph Stein reports that Arthur’s letter reached his mother and describes his efforts to visit her and arrange parcels.
Stein’s qualified report about Rosa’s relatives remains a contemporary report, not independent verification of their deaths. Military postal identifiers are service numbers, not SSNs.
Existing source reading
Original-language reading
S02 TO: Mr. Arthur Seligman
82 Wadsworth Terrace,
New York 33, N.Y.
FROM: Lt. Joseph Stein O-2015831
HQ 3rd Army Intell.Center
APO 403 c/o PM. New York
S04 August 24th, 1945.
Dear Mr. Seligman:
S05 Thank you for your letter of the 8th, with enclosure. The letter was delivered to your Mother today, and, although I was not able to go myself this time, I can assure you that she was made very very happy by it. As I wrote your daughter Inge about a week or ten days ago, I saw your Mother then, and found her well and happy, and apparently in the best of care. She survived her ordeal as if by miracle. She apparently lost all her brothers and sisters (if I understood her right) during this terrible time. Within the next few days I hope to be able to go and see her again myself.
S06 If you should care to send me a food parcel, I should appreciate it very much. I can use lots of things, such as soap (toilet and laundry), tea, coffee, sugar, evaporated milk, canned fish (such as sardines tec) processed cheese, smoked salami, etc. In other words anything that will keep well. Thank you very+ much in advance.
S07 Very sincerely,
[Signed] Joseph Stein
Military aid and postwar administration · IMG_7568.jpegRobert W. Abel’s letter: first page
Writing on Regional Military Government Bavaria stationery, Abel describes visiting Mr. Seligman’s mother and appeals for justice and restitution.
The first name of the recipient and the calendar date are absent. The writer’s experiences and judgments remain his own account.
Existing source reading
Original-language reading
Printed letterhead: REGIONAL / MILITARY GOVERNMENT / BAVARIA. The top of REGIONAL is clipped in the photograph.
Handwritten address: Det. E-201, Co. F, 3rd MG Reg. / APO. 403 c/o Postmaster / New York, N.Y. / Munich, Germany.
01 My dear Mr. Seligman,
02 I know not how to start this letter to you, and the
03 fact that to-day is Yom Kippur only helps to make this
04 task a bit more difficult. As you can see in the inclosed
05 letter from your mother, I have seen her to-day and I am
06 glad to say that she is quite well. The difficulty in
07 writing this is not in the task itself, but on the other
08 hand it is a plea from a small soldier who has seen
09 the horrors of Dachau, Belsen, Buchenwald and numerous
10 other Nazi-dens of torture and murder, that a final
11 just fate will be given to those whose minds created them.
12 Now that their day of reckoning is near at hand, I
13 truly have my doubts that by eliminating the Nazi bigwigs
14 whether that shall be done. For still here in Germany
15 the Jews, and slave laborers imported by the Nazi’s into
16 Germany, they are still living a segregated life under the
17 guise of a charitable U.N.RRA, and Military Government
18 Guidance. The Jews in Germany, to-day, are treated the same
19 as other civilians, except that now that they have been
20 stripped of their property by the Nazis, no effort is being
21 made to restore to them, the Jews, what they have been
22 robbed of. They receive, to my knowledge, no preferential
23 treatment of any kind. Please, Mr. Seligman, for the sake
24 of all that we have fought and sacrificed for,
25 add your voice to mine so that justice may be
26 done and those that have died have not died in
27 vain.
28 If you care to answer me or the inclosed letter,
29 you may do so through me. I shall be glad to be of
30 service to you.
31 With best wishes for a new-year, I am
32 Your friend
33 Robert W. Abel.
Two pages of one letter, with exact unfinished-sentence continuation.
Military aid and postwar administration · IMG_7569.jpegRobert W. Abel’s letter: signed continuation
The second page continues the exact unfinished sentence from IMG_7568 and is signed Robert W. Abel.
The two views are one letter. No calendar date is inferred solely from the Yom Kippur greeting.
Existing source reading
Original-language reading
Printed letterhead: REGIONAL / MILITARY GOVERNMENT / BAVARIA. The top of REGIONAL is clipped in the photograph.
Handwritten address: Det. E-201, Co. F, 3rd MG Reg. / APO. 403 c/o Postmaster / New York, N.Y. / Munich, Germany.
01 My dear Mr. Seligman,
02 I know not how to start this letter to you, and the
03 fact that to-day is Yom Kippur only helps to make this
04 task a bit more difficult. As you can see in the inclosed
05 letter from your mother, I have seen her to-day and I am
06 glad to say that she is quite well. The difficulty in
07 writing this is not in the task itself, but on the other
08 hand it is a plea from a small soldier who has seen
09 the horrors of Dachau, Belsen, Buchenwald and numerous
10 other Nazi-dens of torture and murder, that a final
11 just fate will be given to those whose minds created them.
12 Now that their day of reckoning is near at hand, I
13 truly have my doubts that by eliminating the Nazi bigwigs
14 whether that shall be done. For still here in Germany
15 the Jews, and slave laborers imported by the Nazi’s into
16 Germany, they are still living a segregated life under the
17 guise of a charitable U.N.RRA, and Military Government
18 Guidance. The Jews in Germany, to-day, are treated the same
19 as other civilians, except that now that they have been
20 stripped of their property by the Nazis, no effort is being
21 made to restore to them, the Jews, what they have been
22 robbed of. They receive, to my knowledge, no preferential
23 treatment of any kind. Please, Mr. Seligman, for the sake
24 of all that we have fought and sacrificed for,
25 add your voice to mine so that justice may be
26 done and those that have died have not died in
27 vain.
28 If you care to answer me or the inclosed letter,
29 you may do so through me. I shall be glad to be of
30 service to you.
31 With best wishes for a new-year, I am
32 Your friend
33 Robert W. Abel.
Two pages of one letter, with exact unfinished-sentence continuation.
Military aid and postwar administration · IMG_7571.jpegJoseph Stein’s army envelope to Arthur
The envelope names Lieutenant Joseph Stein, headquarters of the 3rd Army Intelligence Center, and Arthur Seligman; its postmark is 11 September 1945.
The named address and postal date do not prove that a particular surviving letter was enclosed.
Military aid and postwar administration · IMG_7635.jpegU.S. Military Government reply to Arthur, 19 January 1948
An official reply reports protective custody of former Memmingen property and points Arthur to the restitution-claim procedure.
Postwar military-administration context, not Arthur’s military service or proof of a final restitution award. Historical property details only; no current financial account credentials appear.
Existing source reading
Original-language reading
01 OFFICE OF MILITARY GOVERNMENT FOR GERMANY (U.S.)
02 Finance Division
03 APO 742
04 Berlin, Germany
05 19 January 1948
06 Mr. Arthur Seligman
07 82 Wadsworth Terrace
08 New York 33, New York
09 Dear Mr. Seligman:
10 Reference is made to your previous inquiry concerning property
11 located in Germany. Following is a report made after an investigation
12 of the facts you submitted:
13 Real estate and business, located at 3 and 5 Rossmarkt,
14 Memmingen, now recorded in the name of Johann Diem
15 and Theodor Knoeringer, has been taken into protective
16 custody. Mr. Jacob Rau, 6 Furtgasse, Memmingen,
17 has been appointed custodian.
18 You are advised that Military Government Law No. 59 ("Restitution
19 of Identifiable Property") has been recently promulgated. This Law
20 provides for the restitution of identifiable property, located in the
21 U.S. Zone of Occupation, Germany, which was taken from its rightful
22 owners through discriminatory acts of Nazi Germany, during the period
23 from 30 January 1933 to 8 May 1945.
24 It is suggested that you obtain a copy of this Law and of imple-
25 menting Regulation No. 1, which outlines the proper method for filing
26 such claims, in order to determine whether they are applicable to your
27 claim and, if so, that you file a petition in accordance therewith.
28 Military Government Law No. 59 and Regulation No. 1 thereto were
29 printed in the 29 November 1947 issue of "The Federal Register",
30 No. 233, Volume 12, available from the Superintendent of Documents,
31 Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D.C. Petitions, when
32 completed, should be mailed to Zentralanmeldeamt (Central Filing
33 Agency), Bad Nauheim, Germany.
34 All future correspondence pertaining to this matter or to claims
35 covered by Military Government Law No. 59 should be addressed to the
36 above named Central Filing Agency.
37 Sincerely,
38 [handwritten signature]
39 E. N. REINSEL
40 Chief, Property Control Branch
U.S. Selective Service registration
U.S. Selective Service registration · IMG_7151.jpegArthur Seligman: Selective Service registration, 27 April 1942
Arthur Seligman’s registration certificate records 27 April 1942 and his New York address. Its heading explicitly identifies the Selective Service proclamation.
Registration alone does not prove induction, active military service or citizenship. The image is cropped at the right and bottom, and some board/location wording is not securely read.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Already English. Selected fields only; the full certificate is not newly transcribed.
Original-language reading
[Selected visible fields, checked on the original photograph:]
REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE
Selective Service Proclamation of the President of the United States
Arthur — Seligman
3675 Broadway, N.Y., N.Y.
27 April 1942
Clair Stock [registrar signature]
D.S.S. Form 2 (Revised 6/9/41)
U.S. Selective Service registration · IMG_7152.jpegDescription of registrant: separate card reverse
A registrant-description form records physical characteristics but no exposed personal name.
An exact physical pairing with Arthur’s registration face is not established. The registrant remains unidentified.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Already in English.
Original-language reading
DESCRIPTION OF REGISTRANT
RACE: White [checked]; Negro [blank]; Oriental [blank]; Indian [blank]; Filipino [blank]
HEIGHT (Approx.) 5–3½
WEIGHT (Approx.) 145
EYES: Blue, Gray, Hazel [blank]; Brown [checked]; Black [blank]
HAIR: Blonde, Red, Brown [blank]; Black [checked]; Gray, Bald [blank]
COMPLEXION: Sallow [checked]; Light, Ruddy, Dark, Freckled, Light brown, Dark brown, Black [blank]
Other obvious physical characteristics that will aid in identification: None
16—21631
Military remembrance
Military remembrance · IMG_6766.jpegLeopold Buchheimer’s grave marker
The photographed grave marker names Leopold Buchheimer and shows 1918.
The precise day and month conflict with the handwritten memorial reading. No exact death date, cemetery or family relationship is adopted.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Here rests Leopold Buchheimer. 1918. [Selected reading only.]
Original-language reading
HIER RUHT
LEOPOLD BUCHHEIMER
1918
[Selected reading only; intervening place names and exact day/month unresolved.]
Military remembrance · IMG_6767.jpegMemorial inscription for Leopold Buchheimer
A handwritten dedication remembers Leopold Buchheimer as a friend and states that he fell near Amiens.
The inscription reads 11 April 1918, but the grave-marker day/month is not securely reconciled. Physical front/back pairing is unproved.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
To my friend Leopold Buchheimer, in lasting remembrance. Fallen on 11 April 1918, near Amiens. [Selected reading; the exact date conflicts with the unresolved grave-marker reading.]
Original-language reading
Meinem Freund
Leopold Buchheimer
in steter Erinnerung.
Gefallen am 11.4.18
[intervening place names unresolved]
bei Amiens.
Wartime civilian rationing
Wartime civilian rationing · IMG_7188.jpegElse Seligman: War Ration Book One
Folded printed War Ration Book One cover and signed holder certificate.
Civilian wartime rationing, not evidence that the holder served in the armed forces. Only cover/holder side visible; issue date and registrar description not visible. Replacement overstamp partly faint.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English source; no translation required.
Original-language reading
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
War Ration Book One
WARNING
1 Punishments ranging as high as Ten Years’ Imprisonment or $10,000 Fine, or Both, may be imposed under United States Statutes for violations thereof arising out of infractions of Rationing Orders and Regulations.
2 This book must not be transferred. It must be held and used only by or on behalf of the person to whom it has been issued, and anyone presenting it thereby represents to the Office of Price Administration, an agency of the United States Government, that it is being so held and so used. For any misuse of this book it may be taken from the holder by the Office of Price Administration.
3 In the event of either the departure from the United States of the person to whom this book is issued, or his or her death, the book must be surrendered in accordance with the Regulations.
4 Any person finding a lost book must deliver it promptly to the nearest Ration Board.
OFFICE OF PRICE ADMINISTRATION
The Stamps contained in this Book are valid only after the lawful holder of this Book has signed the certificate below, and are void if detached contrary to the Regulations. (A father, mother, or guardian may sign the name of a person under 18.) In case of questions, difficulties, or complaints, consult your local Ration Board.
Certificate of Book Holder.
I, the undersigned, do hereby certify that I have observed all the conditions and regulations governing the issuance of this War Ration Book; that the “Description of Book Holder” contained herein is correct; that an application for issuance of this book has been duly made by me or on my behalf; and that the statements contained in said application are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
[Signature: Else Seligman]
(Signature of, or on behalf of, Book Holder) [Book Holder’s Own Name]
Any person signing on behalf of Book Holder must sign his or her own name below [blank]
and indicate relationship to Book Holder [blank]
(Father, Mother, or Guardian)
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1942 16—26651—1
OPA Form No. R-302
No. 439395 -259
[overstamp: REPLACEMENT, partly faint/overlapped]
[sleeve: wilson jones]
Wartime civilian rationing · IMG_7189.jpegElse Seligman ration certificate
Wide Office of Price Administration certificate in sleeve with four remaining stamps.
Civilian wartime rationing, not evidence that the holder served in the armed forces. Year correction and age not silently reconciled against other records. Registrar signature and stamp partly obscured. Application-checkbox selection uncertain. Only remaining stamps 22,20,16,19 visible; no consumption history inferred.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English original; no translation needed. Br. retained as written abbreviation, likely brown.
Original-language reading
FOLD BACK + FOLD BACK
Certificate of Registrar
This is to Certify that pursuant to the Rationing Orders and Regulations administered by the OFFICE OF PRICE ADMINISTRATION, an agency of the United States Government,
(Name, Address, and Description of person to whom the book is issued:)
Last name: SELIGMAN. First name: ELSE. Middle name: –
Street No. or P. O. Box No. / Street or R. F. D.: 82 Wadsworth Ave [street reading probable]
City or town: N.Y. County: N.Y. State: N.Y.
Height: 5 ft. 3 in. Weight: 165 lbs. Color of eyes: Br. Color of hair: Br. Age: 4[3 or 5?] yrs.
Sex: Male [empty box]; Female [mark appears at box]
has been issued the attached War Ration Stamps this 3 day of Sept
1942 [printed; handwritten 3 over final digit, reads 1943], upon the basis of an application signed by himself [box], herself [box], or on his or her behalf by his or her husband [box], wife [box], father [box], mother [box], exception [box]. (Check one.)
Registrar (Signature): [cursive signature uncertain]
Local Board No.: [blank] County: [blank] State: N.Y.
[Purple stamp:] [partly obscured] 130 ST. N.Y. / [partly obscured] Co., N.Y.
Stamps must not be detached except in the presence of the retailer, his employee, or person authorized by him to make delivery.
FOLD UP
WAR RATION STAMP 22 / WAR RATION STAMP 20 / WAR RATION STAMP 16 / WAR RATION STAMP 19.
[Modern sleeve branding:] WilsonJones [upside down]
Wartime civilian rationing · IMG_7190.jpegRuth Seligman: War Ration Book One
Opened ration book with signed holder certificate, registrar fields and remaining stamps.
Civilian wartime rationing, not evidence that the holder served in the armed forces. Registrar surname and local board number faint/uncertain. Arthur address is written Ave., unlike Terrace in other forms; retain difference. Age is recorded age, not exact birth date.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English source; no translation required.
Original-language reading
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
War Ration Book One
WARNING
1 Punishments ranging as high as Ten Years’ Imprisonment or $10,000 Fine, or Both, may be imposed under United States Statutes for violations thereof arising out of infractions of Rationing Orders and Regulations.
2 This book must not be transferred. It must be held and used only by or on behalf of the person to whom it has been issued, and anyone presenting it thereby represents to the Office of Price Administration, an agency of the United States Government, that it is being so held and so used. For any misuse of this book it may be taken from the holder by the Office of Price Administration.
3 In the event of either the departure from the United States of the person to whom this book is issued, or his or her death, the book must be surrendered in accordance with the Regulations.
4 Any person finding a lost book must deliver it promptly to the nearest Ration Board.
OFFICE OF PRICE ADMINISTRATION
The Stamps contained in this Book are valid only after the lawful holder of this Book has signed the certificate below, and are void if detached contrary to the Regulations. (A father, mother, or guardian may sign the name of a person under 18.) In case of questions, difficulties, or complaints, consult your local Ration Board.
Certificate of Book Holder.
I, the undersigned, do hereby certify that I have observed all the conditions and regulations governing the issuance of this War Ration Book; that the “Description of Book Holder” contained herein is correct; that an application for issuance of this book has been duly made by me or on my behalf; and that the statements contained in said application are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
[Signature: Ruth Seligman]
(Signature of, or on behalf of, Book Holder) [Book Holder’s Own Name]
Any person signing on behalf of Book Holder must sign his or her own name below [blank]
and indicate relationship to Book Holder [blank]
(Father, Mother, or Guardian)
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1942 16—26651—1
OPA Form No. R-302
No. 439394 -259
[overstamp: REPLACEMENT, partly faint/overlapped]
[sleeve: wilson jones]
FOLD BACK + FOLD BACK / FOLD UP
Certificate of Registrar
This is to Certify that pursuant to the Rationing Orders and Regulations administered by the OFFICE OF PRICE ADMINISTRATION, an agency of the United States Government,
(Name, Address, and Description of person to whom the book is issued:)
Last name Seligman; First name Ruth; Middle name [blank].
Street no. 82; Street Wadsworth Terrace; City or town N.Y.; County N.Y.; State N.Y.
Height 5 ft. 5 in.; Weight 150 lbs.; Color of eyes Br.; Color of hair Br.; Age 15 yrs.; Sex Female checked, Male unchecked.
has been issued the attached War Ration Stamps this 3 day of Sept. 1942 [last digit corrected to 3], upon the basis of an application signed by himself [unchecked], herself [unchecked], or on his or her behalf by his or her husband [unchecked], wife [unchecked], father [unchecked], mother [unchecked], exception [unchecked]. (Check one.)
(Signature) Betty [surname uncertain]; (Registrar)
Local Board No. [blank / overlaid stamp faint]; County [blank]; State N.Y.
[stamp] BOARD No: [number faint]; 1150 ST. NICHOLAS AVE. [partly faint]; N.Y. Co., N.Y.
Stamps must not be detached except in the presence of the retailer, his employee, or person authorized by him to make delivery.
WAR RATION STAMP 22; WAR RATION STAMP 20; WAR RATION STAMP 19; WAR RATION STAMP 16.
[additional pale numerals seen through the paper/sleeve, not counted as separate front inscriptions]
Wartime civilian rationing · IMG_7191.jpegArthur Seligman: War Ration Book One
Opened ration book with signed holder certificate, registrar fields and remaining stamps.
Civilian wartime rationing, not evidence that the holder served in the armed forces. Registrar surname and local board number faint/uncertain. Arthur address is written Ave., unlike Terrace in other forms; retain difference. Age is recorded age, not exact birth date.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English source; no translation required.
Original-language reading
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
War Ration Book One
WARNING
1 Punishments ranging as high as Ten Years’ Imprisonment or $10,000 Fine, or Both, may be imposed under United States Statutes for violations thereof arising out of infractions of Rationing Orders and Regulations.
2 This book must not be transferred. It must be held and used only by or on behalf of the person to whom it has been issued, and anyone presenting it thereby represents to the Office of Price Administration, an agency of the United States Government, that it is being so held and so used. For any misuse of this book it may be taken from the holder by the Office of Price Administration.
3 In the event of either the departure from the United States of the person to whom this book is issued, or his or her death, the book must be surrendered in accordance with the Regulations.
4 Any person finding a lost book must deliver it promptly to the nearest Ration Board.
OFFICE OF PRICE ADMINISTRATION
The Stamps contained in this Book are valid only after the lawful holder of this Book has signed the certificate below, and are void if detached contrary to the Regulations. (A father, mother, or guardian may sign the name of a person under 18.) In case of questions, difficulties, or complaints, consult your local Ration Board.
Certificate of Book Holder.
I, the undersigned, do hereby certify that I have observed all the conditions and regulations governing the issuance of this War Ration Book; that the “Description of Book Holder” contained herein is correct; that an application for issuance of this book has been duly made by me or on my behalf; and that the statements contained in said application are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
[Signature: Arthur Seligman]
(Signature of, or on behalf of, Book Holder) [Book Holder’s Own Name]
Any person signing on behalf of Book Holder must sign his or her own name below [blank]
and indicate relationship to Book Holder [blank]
(Father, Mother, or Guardian)
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1942 16—26651—1
OPA Form No. R-302
No. 439396 -259
[overstamp: REPLACEMENT, partly faint/overlapped]
[sleeve: wilson jones]
FOLD BACK + FOLD BACK / FOLD UP
Certificate of Registrar
This is to Certify that pursuant to the Rationing Orders and Regulations administered by the OFFICE OF PRICE ADMINISTRATION, an agency of the United States Government,
(Name, Address, and Description of person to whom the book is issued:)
Last name SELIGMAN; First name ARTHUR; Middle name [blank].
Street no. 82; Street Wadsworth Ave.; City or town N.Y.; County N.Y.; State N.Y.
Height 5 ft. 3 in.; Weight 145 lbs.; Color of eyes Brown; Color of hair Blk; Age 47 yrs.; Sex Male checked, Female unchecked.
has been issued the attached War Ration Stamps this 3 day of Sept. 1942 [last digit corrected to 3], upon the basis of an application signed by himself [unchecked], herself [unchecked], or on his or her behalf by his or her husband [unchecked], wife [unchecked], father [unchecked], mother [unchecked], exception [unchecked]. (Check one.)
(Signature) Betty [surname uncertain]; (Registrar)
Local Board No. [blank / overlaid stamp faint]; County [blank]; State N.Y.
[stamp] BOARD No: [number faint]; 1150 ST. NICHOLAS AVE. [partly faint]; N.Y. Co., N.Y.
Stamps must not be detached except in the presence of the retailer, his employee, or person authorized by him to make delivery.
WAR RATION STAMP 22; WAR RATION STAMP 20; WAR RATION STAMP 19; WAR RATION STAMP 16.
[additional pale numerals seen through the paper/sleeve, not counted as separate front inscriptions]
Wartime civilian rationing · IMG_7192.jpegArthur Seligman: War Ration Book Two
The identification cover names Arthur Seligman[n] at 82 Wadsworth Terrace; its serial is 361694 BA.
Civilian wartime rationing, not evidence that the holder served in the armed forces. Historical civilian rationing, not military-service evidence. The stated age is not used to calculate a new birth date.
Wartime civilian rationing · IMG_7194.jpegElse Seligman: War Ration Book Two
War Ration Book Two cover with handwritten identification and folded label.
Civilian wartime rationing, not evidence that the holder served in the armed forces. No individualized issue date visible. Folded/affixed label obscures part of address; registrar surname unresolved. Recorded ages not exact birth evidence.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English source; no translation required.
Original-language reading
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
OFFICE OF PRICE ADMINISTRATION
WAR RATION BOOK TWO
IDENTIFICATION
361695 BA
Name of person to whom book is issued: Else Seligman
Street number or rural route: 82 Wadsworth Terrace [ending partly covered]
City or post office: N.Y.; State: N.Y.; Age: 42; Sex: F
Issued by Local Board No. [blank; stamp partly overlays]; County [blank]; State N.Y.
Street address of local board [stamp] 1150 ST. NICHOLAS AVE., N.Y. Co., N.Y.; City N.Y.
By: Betty [surname uncertain] (Signature of issuing officer)
Signature: Else Seligman
(To be signed by the person to whom this book is issued. If such person is unable to sign because of age or incapacity, another may sign in his behalf)
WARNING
1 This book is the property of the United States Government. It is unlawful to sell or give it to any other person or to use it or permit anyone else to use it, except to obtain rationed goods for the person to whom it was issued.
2 This book must be returned to the War Price and Rationing Board which issued it, if the person to whom it was issued is inducted into the armed services of the United States, or leaves the country for more than 30 days, or dies. The address of the Board appears above.
3 A person who finds a lost War Ration Book must return it to the War Price and Rationing Board which issued it.
4 PERSONS WHO VIOLATE RATIONING REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO $10,000 FINE OR IMPRISONMENT, OR BOTH.
OPA Form No. R-121
16—30853—1
(Fold along dotted line)
[affixed label] OFFICE OF PRICE ADM. [eagle seal; lower corner folded, only ending 95 visible; form code concealed]
[stamp] REPLACEMENT [partly faint/overlapped]
Wartime civilian rationing · IMG_7195.jpegRuth Seligman: War Ration Book Two
War Ration Book Two cover with handwritten identification and attached numbered label.
Civilian wartime rationing, not evidence that the holder served in the armed forces. No individualized issue date visible. Folded/affixed label obscures part of address; registrar surname unresolved. Recorded ages not exact birth evidence.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English source; no translation required.
Original-language reading
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
OFFICE OF PRICE ADMINISTRATION
WAR RATION BOOK TWO
IDENTIFICATION
361696 BA
Name of person to whom book is issued: Ruth Seligman
Street number or rural route: 82 Wadsworth Terrace [ending partly covered]
City or post office: N.Y.; State: N.Y.; Age: 15; Sex: F
Issued by Local Board No. [blank; stamp partly overlays]; County [blank]; State N.Y.
Street address of local board [stamp] 1150 ST. NICHOLAS AVE., N.Y. Co., N.Y.; City N.Y.
By: Betty [surname uncertain] (Signature of issuing officer)
Signature: Ruth Seligman
(To be signed by the person to whom this book is issued. If such person is unable to sign because of age or incapacity, another may sign in his behalf)
WARNING
1 This book is the property of the United States Government. It is unlawful to sell or give it to any other person or to use it or permit anyone else to use it, except to obtain rationed goods for the person to whom it was issued.
2 This book must be returned to the War Price and Rationing Board which issued it, if the person to whom it was issued is inducted into the armed services of the United States, or leaves the country for more than 30 days, or dies. The address of the Board appears above.
3 A person who finds a lost War Ration Book must return it to the War Price and Rationing Board which issued it.
4 PERSONS WHO VIOLATE RATIONING REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO $10,000 FINE OR IMPRISONMENT, OR BOTH.
OPA Form No. R-121
16—30853—1
(Fold along dotted line)
[affixed label] OFFICE OF PRICE ADM. [eagle seal; R-123; 361696]
[stamp] REPLACEMENT [partly faint/overlapped]
Wartime civilian rationing · IMG_7196.jpegArthur Seligman War Ration Book Three
Brown ration-book cover with printed serial, handwritten Arthur identification and validation overprint.
Civilian wartime rationing, not evidence that the holder served in the armed forces. No issue date filled. Height digit has crossing ink. Handwritten Bk IV is later/secondary annotation of unknown purpose, not printed book number.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Already in English.
Original-language reading
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / OFFICE OF PRICE ADMINISTRATION
No. 712632-EZ
WAR RATION BOOK No. 3 / Void if altered
Identification of person to whom issued: PRINT IN FULL
ARTHUR SELIGMAN [First name / Middle name / Last name]
Street number or rural route: 82 Wadsw. Terrace
City or post office: N.Y.C. State: N.Y.
AGE 47 / SEX m / WEIGHT 145 Lbs. / HEIGHT 5 Ft. 3[?] In. / OCCUPATION manager
SIGNATURE Arthur Seligman
(Person to whom book is issued. If such person is unable to sign because of age or incapacity, another may sign in his behalf.)
NOT VALID WITHOUT STAMP [overstamp partly obscured: O.P.A. / VALID / … / Address and Sign]
WARNING
This book is the property of the United States Government. It is unlawful to sell it to any other person, or to use it or permit anyone else to use it, except to obtain rationed goods in accordance with regulations of the Office of Price Administration. Any person who finds a lost War Ration Book must return it to the War Price and Rationing Board which issued it. Persons who violate rationing regulations are subject to $10,000 fine or imprisonment, or both.
LOCAL BOARD ACTION
Issued by [blank] (Local board number) (Date); Street address [blank]; City [blank]; State [blank]; (Signature of issuing officer) [blank; handwritten Bk IV at right]
OPA Form No. R-130
Wartime civilian rationing · IMG_7197.jpegNumbered ration stamp sheet
Sheet of artillery-gun illustrated ration stamps, held at left edge.
Civilian wartime rationing, not evidence that the holder served in the armed forces. Finger overlaps left pictorial edges; all number fields visible. No named owner or date. The motifs are guns/artillery rather than tanks.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English original. Repetition is represented by exact visible number ranges; each stamp repeats the same three-word label.
Original-language reading
RATION STAMP NO. followed by each integer 1 through 48, arranged in twelve rows of four: 1–4; 5–8; 9–12; 13–16; 17–20; 21–24; 25–28; 29–32; 33–36; 37–40; 41–44; 45–48. Every number is visible.
Wartime civilian rationing · IMG_7198.jpegIMG 7198 OPA mailing card address face
Brown printed postal card/form face, 2-cent Nations United for Victory stamp and clear New York cancellation.
Civilian wartime rationing, not evidence that the holder served in the armed forces. No specific applicant, ration entitlement, reverse-side application or family identity established. This face is not a personal letter.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English original; no translation necessary.
Original-language reading
2 CENTS POSTAGE IF MAILED IN
NEW YORK, N.Y.
3 CENTS POSTAGE ELSEWHERE
OPA Mailing Center
NEW YORK, N.Y.
DO NOT FOLD OR TEAR OFF
GPO
NEW YORK, N.Y. / JUN 2 / 4-AM / 1943
BRONX CENTRAL / ANNEX
[Stamp:] 2 CENTS / UNITED STATES POSTAGE / NATIONS UNITED FOR VICTORY
Wartime civilian rationing · IMG_7199.jpegArthur Seligman application for War Ration Book Three
Printed ration-book application with typed name/address and red serial; lower detachable portion outside frame.
Civilian wartime rationing, not evidence that the holder served in the armed forces. Printed deadlines are not evidence of actual mailing or submission. Lower detachable portion absent/cropped.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Already in English.
Original-language reading
Form No. R-129 / Form Approved. Budget Bureau No. 08-R417
United States of America—Office of Price Administration
APPLICATION FOR WAR RATION BOOK NO. 3
One application must be made for each group of persons who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption and who regularly live at the same address. Persons temporarily away from home (for a period of 60 days or less), such as students, travelers, hospital patients, etc., must be included in the family application. Persons living at the same address BUT NOT RELATED by blood, marriage, or adoption must file SEPARATE applications. If additional applications are needed, you can get them at your post office.
A person may be included in only one application for War Ration Book No. 3.
The following may not apply or be included in any application for War Ration Book No. 3: Persons in the armed services, whether or not eating in organized messes, including Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and all Women’s Auxiliaries; and inmates of institutions of involuntary confinement such as prisons and insane asylums.
Print below full name and complete mailing address of the person to whom books are to be mailed. Books will be delivered by July 21, 1943, to address given below. Books will NOT be forwarded. If you are not reasonably sure of address between June 15 and July 21, 1943, do not submit application. Such applications will be accepted later.
Print in Ink or Type
Name: Seligman Arthur
Mailing address: 82 Wadsworth Terrace (Number) (Street, R.F.D., or General Delivery)
City or post office and State: New York, N.Y !. [punctuation as typed]
No. 755333 F
Print in the spaces provided below the name of the head of the family, the county in which persons included in this application live, and their complete mailing address. If you are not a member of a family group, print your own name and address.
This application must be mailed between June 1 and June 10, 1943. After June 10th, applications will not be accepted before August 1. Affix postage before mailing.
[Bottom partly clipped] Print in ink or type / Do Not Fold or Tear Off
Wartime civilian rationing · IMG_7200.jpegElse Seligman War Ration Book Three
Brown ration-book cover with printed serial, handwritten Else identification and obscured weight.
Civilian wartime rationing, not evidence that the holder served in the armed forces. Weight obscured by ink. No issue date filled. Same form wording as Arthur’s cover; different person and serial, not duplicate.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Already in English.
Original-language reading
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / OFFICE OF PRICE ADMINISTRATION
No. 712633-EZ
WAR RATION BOOK No. 3 / Void if altered
Identification of person to whom issued: PRINT IN FULL
ELSE SELIGMAN [First name / Middle name / Last name]
Street number or rural route: 82 Wadsworth Terrace
City or post office: N.Y.C. State: N.Y.
AGE 42 / SEX fem / WEIGHT [overwritten, unreadable] Lbs. / HEIGHT 5 Ft. 3 In. / OCCUPATION operator
SIGNATURE Else Seligman
(Person to whom book is issued. If such person is unable to sign because of age or incapacity, another may sign in his behalf.)
NOT VALID WITHOUT STAMP [overstamp partly obscured: O.P.A. / VALID / … / Address and Sign]
WARNING
This book is the property of the United States Government. It is unlawful to sell it to any other person, or to use it or permit anyone else to use it, except to obtain rationed goods in accordance with regulations of the Office of Price Administration. Any person who finds a lost War Ration Book must return it to the War Price and Rationing Board which issued it. Persons who violate rationing regulations are subject to $10,000 fine or imprisonment, or both.
LOCAL BOARD ACTION
Issued by [blank] (Local board number) (Date); Street address [blank]; City [blank]; State [blank]; (Signature of issuing officer) [blank; handwritten Bk IV at right]
[Bottom form imprint clipped]
Wartime civilian rationing · IMG_7201.jpegNumbered ration stamp sheet
Artillery-gun ration stamp sheet, folded upper-left corner, left edges clipped.
Civilian wartime rationing, not evidence that the holder served in the armed forces. May show same stamp-sheet type as entry 15; no unique identifier proves same physical sheet. Finger and fold obscure pictorial/text portions. No owner or date.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English original. Repetition is represented by exact visible number ranges; each stamp repeats the same three-word label.
Original-language reading
RATION STAMP NO. with numbers 2–4, 5 (partly covered), 6–48. Number 1 is hidden by folded upper-left corner and is not directly read. Rows otherwise run sequentially in groups of four.
Wartime civilian rationing · IMG_7202.jpegNumbered ration stamp sheet
Open ration booklet, upright tank-stamp leaf and inverted ship-stamp leaf.
Civilian wartime rationing, not evidence that the holder served in the armed forces. Corrects preliminary classification: opposite motifs depict ships, not aircraft. Fold/hand hide top-left stamp fields; opposite leaf clipped. Background material is not cleared or assigned to a person.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English original. Repetition is represented by exact visible number ranges; each stamp repeats the same three-word label.
Original-language reading
Upright leaf: RATION STAMP NO. 2–4, 6–48; top-left positions covered. Repeated tank illustrations. Opposite upside-down leaf: RATION STAMP NO. 21–48 visible with ship illustrations, in rows 21–24;25–28;29–32;33–36;37–40;41–44;45–48. Lower numbers are outside frame. Background form fragments: “Tear Off”; “State”; portions of generic instructions, clipped and covered; no complete personal field.
Wartime civilian rationing · IMG_7203.jpegRuth Seligman: War Ration Book No. 3
War Ration Book 3 cover with handwritten student identification.
Civilian wartime rationing, not evidence that the holder served in the armed forces. Local-board action fields not filled; no issue date. Stamp partly legible.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
English source; no translation required.
Original-language reading
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
OFFICE OF PRICE ADMINISTRATION
No. 712634-EZ
WAR RATION BOOK No. 3
Void if altered
Identification of person to whom issued: PRINT IN FULL
First name RUTH; Middle name [no distinct middle name]; Last name SELIGMAN
Street number or rural route: 82 Wadsworth Terrace
City or post office: N.Y.C.; State: N.Y.
AGE 15; SEX fem; WEIGHT 150 Lbs.; HEIGHT 5 Ft. 5 In.; OCCUPATION student
SIGNATURE Ruth Seligman
(Person to whom book is issued. If such person is unable to sign because of age or incapacity, another may sign in his behalf.)
[box] NOT VALID WITHOUT STAMP
[overstamp] O.P.A.; U.S.; [clipped vertical … and sign]
WARNING
This book is the property of the United States Government. It is unlawful to sell it to any other person, or to use it or permit anyone else to use it, except to obtain rationed goods in accordance with regulations of the Office of Price Administration. Any person who finds a lost War Ration Book must return it to the War Price and Rationing Board which issued it. Persons who violate rationing regulations are subject to $10,000 fine or imprisonment, or both.
LOCAL BOARD ACTION
Issued by [blank] (Local board number) (Date [blank])
Street address [blank]
City [blank]; State [blank]
Signature of issuing officer [blank]
[handwritten bottom right] Bk. IV
OPA Form No. R-130
Military censorship on civilian mail
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7070.jpegIMG 7070 postal surface
German envelope reverse with handwritten return address and Wehrmacht censor tape; brown tape and New York registered arrival marks.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. Recipient not shown. No front pairing inferred from similar handwriting, stock or neighboring sequence.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Sender: Joseph Israel Reinhaus, Rheine (Westphalia), 32 Hindenburg Street, Germany. Opened / High Command of the Armed Forces. Checked.
Original-language reading
Absender: Joseph Israel Reinhaus / Rheine (Westfalen) / Hindenburgstraße 32 / Germany!
Geöffnet / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e. Red circular censor impressions: Geprüft / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht [parts worn].
NEW YORK,N.Y. / REGY.DIV. / 6-8 / 1941 [two strikes, second faint]. NEW YORK,N.Y. HAMILTON GRANGE STA. / REGISTERED / JUN9 / 1941. Red 22465. Dark number [unclear].
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7074.jpegIMG 7074 postal surface
German envelope reverse with handwritten return address and Wehrmacht censor tape.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. Recipient not shown. No front pairing inferred from similar handwriting, stock or neighboring sequence.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Sender: Joseph Israel Reinhaus, Rheine (Westphalia), 32 Hindenburg Street, Germany. Opened / High Command of the Armed Forces. Checked.
Original-language reading
Absender: Joseph Israel Reinhaus / Rheine (Westf.) / Hindenburgstr. 32 / Germany!
Geöffnet / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e. Red circular censor impressions: Geprüft / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht [parts worn].
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7078.jpegIMG 7078 postal surface
German envelope reverse with handwritten return address and Wehrmacht censor tape.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. Recipient not shown. No front pairing inferred from similar handwriting, stock or neighboring sequence. Pencil greeting may be later; not dated.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Sender: Joseph Israel Reinhaus, Rheine (Westphalia), 32 Hindenburg Street, Germany. Opened / High Command of the Armed Forces. Checked. Regards, Gunther is already English.
Original-language reading
Absender: Joseph Israel Reinhaus / Rheine (Westfalen) / Hindenburgstr. 32 / Germany!
Geöffnet / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e. Red circular censor impressions: Geprüft / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht [parts worn].
Violet boxed 389; second boxed number partly covered. Pencil: Regards / Gunther.
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7080.jpegIMG 7080 postal surface
German envelope reverse with handwritten return address and Wehrmacht censor tape.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. Recipient not shown. No front pairing inferred from similar handwriting, stock or neighboring sequence.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Sender: Joseph Israel Reinhaus, Rheine (Westphalia), 32 Hindenburg Street, Germany. Opened / High Command of the Armed Forces. Checked.
Original-language reading
Absender: Joseph Israel Reinhaus / Rheine (Westf.) / Hindenburgstr. 32 / Germany!
Geöffnet / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e. Red circular censor impressions: Geprüft / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht [parts worn].
Violet boxed 340; another faint boxed number unreadable.
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7082.jpegIMG 7082 postal surface
Grey crosshatched envelope reverse with typed Rosa return address and censor tape.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. Recipient and message not shown. Similar paper and neighboring front alone do not prove front/back identity.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Sender: Rosa Sara Seligman, Memmingen, Bavaria, 8 Moltke Street. Opened / High Command of the Armed Forces. Checked.
Original-language reading
Abs: Rosa Sara Seligman, Memmingen/Bayern, Moltkestr.8.
Geöffnet / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e.
Red censor: Geprüft [remainder overlapped]. Violet boxed 352; another boxed number covered.
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7084.jpegReverse of grey crosshatched envelope, opened along top, with return address and German censorship sealing strip
Reverse of grey crosshatched envelope, opened along top, with return address and German censorship sealing strip.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. No postal date or recipient on this reverse. Censor authority is printed/stamped evidence, not identification of the individual examiner.
No substantive personal message visible; hidden content under tape not cleared.
Handwritten address suffix after 8 is not expanded; surname final n count uncertain.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Sender: Rosa Sara Seligman[n], Memmingen, Bavaria, Moltke Street 8 [following suffix uncertain]. Censor tape: Opened; High Command of the Armed Forces. Red censor mark: Examined; same authority, with examiner-office letter e.
Original-language reading
Abs. Rosa Sara Seligman[n] Memmingen / Bayern
Moltkestr. 8/[suffix uncertain]
Geöffnet / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e [printed seal]
[Red handstamp] Geprüft / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e [partly faint]
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7086.jpegCensored envelope reverse with Geöffnet/Oberkommando der Wehrmacht seal and typed sender Rosa Sara Seligman, Memmingen, Bayern, Moltkestrasse 8
Censored envelope reverse with Geöffnet/Oberkommando der Wehrmacht seal and typed sender Rosa Sara Seligman, Memmingen, Bayern, Moltkestrasse 8. No letter body visible; contents and address face not shown.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. Covered/cropped/reverse content is not cleared. Visible foreground classified only; covered, cropped, or reverse content is not reviewed or cleared. Background is not counted as additional correspondence.
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7088.jpegIMG 7088 postal surface
Reverse of crosshatched grey envelope, photographed inverted; blue return address and Wehrmacht censor tape.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. Handwritten suffix after 8 is unresolved and must not be expanded. Prior probable pairing with IMG_7087 does not make recipient independently visible on this reverse.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Rosa Sara Seligmann, Memmingen, Bavaria, 8 Moltke Street [suffix unresolved]. Opened / High Command of the Armed Forces. Checked.
Original-language reading
Rosa Sara Seligmann / Memmingen/Bayern / Moltkestr.8/[o?].
Geöffnet / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e [repeated on tape].
Geprüft / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht [red circles]. Violet boxed [number unclear].
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7090.jpegReverse of grey crosshatched envelope, opened along top, with return address and German censorship sealing strip
Reverse of grey crosshatched envelope, opened along top, with return address and German censorship sealing strip.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. No postal date or recipient on this reverse. Censor authority is printed/stamped evidence, not identification of the individual examiner.
No substantive personal message visible; hidden content under tape not cleared.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Sender: Rosa Sara Seligman[n], Memmingen, Bavaria, Moltke Street 8. Censor tape: Opened; High Command of the Armed Forces. Red censor mark: Examined; same authority, with examiner-office letter e. British-format P.C. 90 OPENED BY tape also visible.
Original-language reading
[Ab]s:Rosa Sara Seligman,Memmingen/Bayern/Moltkestr.8
Geöffnet / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e [printed seal]
[Red handstamp] Geprüft / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e [partly faint]
[P.C. 90] OPENED BY [on right; examiner number on other face not shown]
[Purple boxed] 252 / [second number unclear]
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7091.jpegIMG 7091 postal surface
Grey crosshatched envelope reverse with typed return address, German censor tape below and British P.C.90 tape on right.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. British examiner number not visible on this surface. Do not assign 4523 from a nearby similar item without a proven join.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Sender: Rosa Sara Seligman, Memmingen, Bavaria, 8 Moltke Street [partly obscured]. Opened / High Command of the Armed Forces. Checked.
Original-language reading
[Ab]s: Rosa Sara Seligman, Memmingen/Bayern/Moltkestr.8 [end partly obscured].
P.C.90 / OPENED BY.
Geöffnet / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e. Red censor circles: Geprüft [partly worn/covered].
Violet boxed 252; second boxed number [illegible].
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7093.jpegIMG 7093 postal surface
Blue-grey envelope reverse with torn upper flap exposing dark blue lining; German censor labels and red rulings.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. Censor code e is transcribed, not assigned a geographic office. Background Rosa fragment belongs to a separate covered envelope.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Opened / High Command of the Armed Forces. Checked.
Original-language reading
Geöffnet / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e.
Red circular seals: Geprüft / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht [partly faint].
Violet boxed 259 / [253?].
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7095.jpegIMG 7095 postal surface
German envelope reverse with handwritten return address and Wehrmacht censor tape.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. Recipient not shown. No front pairing inferred from similar handwriting, stock or neighboring sequence.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Sender: Joseph Israel Reinhaus, Rheine (Westphalia), 32 Hindenburg Street, Germany. Opened / High Command of the Armed Forces. Checked.
Original-language reading
Absender: Joseph Israel Reinhaus / Rheine (Westf.) / Hindenburgstraße 32 / Germany!
Geöffnet / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e. Red circular censor impressions: Geprüft / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht [parts worn].
Violet boxed 383; second boxed number [340?], partly obscured.
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7099.jpegReverse of grey crosshatched envelope, opened along top, with return address and German censorship sealing strip
Reverse of grey crosshatched envelope, opened along top, with return address and German censorship sealing strip.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. No postal date or recipient on this reverse. Censor authority is printed/stamped evidence, not identification of the individual examiner.
No substantive personal message visible; hidden content under tape not cleared.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Sender: Rosa Sara Seligman[n], Memmingen, Bavaria, Moltke Street 8. Censor tape: Opened; High Command of the Armed Forces. Red censor mark: Examined; same authority, with examiner-office letter e.
Original-language reading
Abs:Rosa Sara Seligman,Memmingen, Bayern Moltkestr.8
Geöffnet / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e [printed seal]
[Red handstamp] Geprüft / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e [partly faint]
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7101.jpegReverse of grey crosshatched envelope, opened along top, with return address and German censorship sealing strip
Reverse of grey crosshatched envelope, opened along top, with return address and German censorship sealing strip.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. No postal date or recipient on this reverse. Censor authority is printed/stamped evidence, not identification of the individual examiner.
No substantive personal message visible; hidden content under tape not cleared.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Sender: Rosa Sara Seligman[n], Memmingen, Bavaria, Moltke Street 8. Censor tape: Opened; High Command of the Armed Forces. Red censor mark: Examined; same authority, with examiner-office letter e.
Original-language reading
[A]bs:Rosa Sara Seligman,Memmingen/Bayern/Moltkestr.8.
Geöffnet / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e [printed seal]
[Red handstamp] Geprüft / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e [partly faint]
[Purple boxed] 252 [slightly blurred]; [second box partly hidden]
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7107.jpegIMG 7107 Joseph Israel Reinhaus return address
Cream envelope reverse with sender written on flap; broad German censor tape upside down and two red circular censor impressions.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. No date or personal message visible. Absender is the German role word “sender,” not the given name Alexander. Exact small examiner number and red pencil digits uncertain.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Sender: Joseph Israel Reinhaus, Hindenburg Street 32, Rheine (Westphalia), Germany. Opened. High Command of the Armed Forces [censor wording].
Original-language reading
Absender: Joseph Israel Reinhaus, Rheine
(Westfalen)
Hindenburgstrasse 32,
Germany!
Geöffnet [repeated]
Oberkommando der Wehrmacht [circular tape emblems, letter e]
[Red censor seals:] Oberkommando der Wehrmacht [partial]
[Small boxed number partly covered: 34[?]]
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7109.jpegIMG 7109 Rosa Sara Seligman censored reverse
Grey crosshatched reverse with damaged top/right flap and plaid lining, black censor tape and red circular impressions.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. No date, recipient or personal message appears. Pair to IMG_7108 is probable from stock, distinctive torn top and compatible flap; not proved by a photographed physical turnover.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Sender: Rosa Sara Seligman, Memmingen [end incomplete]. Opened. High Command of the Armed Forces. Examiner mark 252.
Original-language reading
Abs: Rosa Sara Seligman, Memminge[n, end cropped/torn]
[Box:] 252
Geöffnet [twice]
Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e [on tape]
[Red circular impressions: partly legible Oberkommando der Wehrmacht]
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7111.jpegIMG 7111 Second Joseph Reinhaus censored reverse
Small cream reverse over another sender-address envelope; large black censor seal and red impression on a resealing strip.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. No date or personal message. No kinship inferred from shared Reinhaus surname.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Sender: Joseph Israel Reinhaus, Hindenburg Street 32, Rheine (Westphalia), Germany. Opened. High Command of the Armed Forces.
Original-language reading
Absender: Joseph Israel Reinhaus, Rheine
(Westfalen)
Hindenburgstr. 32,
Germany!
[Ge]öffnet
Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e
[Red seal wording incomplete]
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7113.jpegIMG 7113 Third Joseph Reinhaus censored reverse
Grey-green envelope back with triangular flap, boxed 250, upside-down black censor tape and a red ruled censor cancellation.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. No secure front counterpart in this assigned batch; filename adjacency alone does not establish one. No date visible.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Sender: Joseph Israel Reinhaus, Hindenburg Street 32, Rheine (Westphalia), Germany. Opened. High Command of the Armed Forces. Examined.
Original-language reading
Absender: Joseph Israel Reinhaus
Rheine (Westfalen)
Hindenburgstrasse 32.
Germany
250 [boxed]
Geöffnet [repeated]
Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e
Geprüft [red seal; remaining text partly indistinct]
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7117.jpegGrey envelope reverse with handwritten return name and place; German censor tape and P
Grey envelope reverse with handwritten return name and place; German censor tape and P.C.90 strip.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. No forename, recipient, examiner number or date visible. Wertheim is a source-local surname; no profile match proposed.
No secure front or enclosed message matched.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Wertheim. Helmarshausen via Hofgeismar, Germany. Censor tape: Opened; High Command of the Armed Forces, office letter e. P.C. 90: Opened by.
Original-language reading
Wertheim. Helmarshausen
über Hofgeismar
Deutschland
Geöffnet / Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / e [printed sealing tape upside down]
[Red censor handstamp partly faded; no date read]
P.C. 90 / OPENED BY
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7119.jpegIMG 7119 Rosa Seligman reverse with two censor systems
Crosshatched back with brown repaired upper-right corner, German resealing strip along bottom and English OPENED BY strip at right.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. House number not visible here. Do not import 8 from another cover into the literal transcription. Probable counterpart IMG_7118 has compatible repaired corner, stock and examiner strip.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Rosa Sara Seligman, Memmingen, Bavaria, Moltke Street [remainder covered]. Opened by. Opened. High Command of the Armed Forces.
Original-language reading
[R]osa Sara Seligman, Memmingen Bayern, Moltkestr[... covered]
P.C. 90
OPENED BY
Geöffnet [repeated, right end obscured]
Oberkommando der Wehrmacht / b
[Red impressions: partly legible Oberkommando der Wehrmacht]
Military censorship on civilian mail · IMG_7441.jpegIMG 7441 Military censor tape on brown reverse
Brown envelope back photographed sideways; plain paper with flap seams and long brown censor tape at right.
Military censorship of civilian correspondence, not the sender’s military service. Postal markings do not prove an enclosed letter’s contents or date. Probable reverse of IMG_7440 based on brown stock and continuous censor tape appearance; no physical turnover record.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Military censorship, civil mails [expansion of printed abbreviation].
Original-language reading
MIL. CEN.–CIVIL MAILS / MIL. [repeated, cropped]
Military iconography on currency
Military iconography on currency · IMG_7392.jpegTwo illustrated 50-pfennig emergency notes: soldier with Bavarian/imperial shields above; Tettnang armorial design below
Two illustrated 50-pfennig emergency notes: soldier with Bavarian/imperial shields above; Tettnang armorial design below.
Military imagery on civilian emergency currency; no military service or personal ownership is inferred. The depicted soldier is an illustration, not an identified family portrait. Lower date is printed as 18; context suggests 1918 but the abbreviated form is retained. Serial and artist imprint are uncertain. Probable opposite-side pairing with IMG_7393 based on distinctive folds and corresponding designs, not asserted as byte-equivalence.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Upper note: Fifty pfennigs. “The devil himself quits the field where German loyalty stands guard.” [Historical patriotic motto.] Lower note: 50. Valid for monetary transactions within the municipality. Municipality; town mayor [signature]. Tettnang, 1 December 18, until revoked. This voucher loses validity unless redeemed at Tettnang municipal treasury within three months after a public notice calling for redemption.
Original-language reading
[Upper] Fünfzig Pfennig / 50 pf. [twice]
Der Teufel selber räumt das Feld, wo deutsche Treue Schildwach hält.
[Small artist imprint] HEINZ [SCHIESTL?; indistinct]
[Lower] 50
GILTIG FÜR DEN GELDVERKEHR INNERHALB DER STADTGEMEINDE
STADTGEMEINDE / [signature, undeciphered] / STADTSCHULTHEISS
TETTNANG • 1. DEZ. 18 • BIS AUF WIDERRUF.
[Serial stamp faint: 22?18?]
DIESER GUTSCHEIN VERLIERT SEINE GÜLTIGKEIT, WENN ER NICHT INNERHALB DREI-MONATE NACH ERFOLGT. ÖFFENTL. AUFFORDERUNG BEI DER STADTKASSE TETTNANG EINGELÖST WIRD.
Military iconography on currency · IMG_7393.jpegTettnang wartime note with martial imagery
Two emergency-note surfaces: the Tettnang wartime design includes martial figures and shields; the Lindenberg 50-pfennig note carries civic wording.
Military imagery on civilian emergency currency; no family military service, personal ownership or acquisition history is inferred. Printed civic dates are not personal dates. Artist marks remain uncertain. A suggested opposite-side grouping with IMG_7392 is not conclusively established.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Tettnang: 50; wartime emergency money of the Württemberg district town of Tettnang on Lake Constance, 1918. Lindenberg: Fifty pfennigs; valid for monetary transactions within the municipality until 1 January 1919; extension of the redemption period reserved. Magistrate of the town of Lindenberg in the Allgäu; 1 May 1918. Legally qualified mayor [signature]. Number 32745. Schwarz, Lindenberg [printer].
Original-language reading
[Tettnang note, center/around border] 50 / KRIEGS NOTGELD DER WÜRTT. OBERAMTS-STADT TETTNANG AM BODENSEE • 1918 •
[Artist monogram/signature in imagery indistinct]
[Lindenberg note, read rotated] Fünfzig Pfennig / 50 [twice]
Gültig für den Geldverkehr innerhalb der Stadtgemeinde
bis 1. Jan. 1919 Verlängerung der Einlösefrist vorbehalten
Magistrat der Stadt / Lindenberg i. Allgäu
1. Mai 1918
[signature undeciphered] / rechtsk. Bürgermeister
32745
SCHWARZ LINDENBERG
Military iconography on currency · IMG_7395.jpegLindenberg wartime note with an armed soldier
A Lille municipal 25-centime voucher appears above Lindenberg 25-pfennig emergency money illustrated with a helmeted soldier carrying a rifle, a woman and child, and heraldic shields.
Military imagery on civilian emergency currency; no family military service, personal ownership or acquisition history is inferred. The illustrated soldier is not an identified family member. The artist signature is unclear. A suggested opposite-side grouping with IMG_7394 is not conclusively established. No owner or acquisition date is established.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
City of Lille, municipal voucher, 25 centimes (0.25 franc). Guaranteed by the city; redeemable at the municipal treasury starting in the sixth month after the conclusion of peace. Resolution of 13 July 1917 approved by the prefectural authority. Municipal treasurer; mayor. F.28, number 000,275. Valid only if stamped by the city control department. Lower note: 25 pfennigs. Wartime emergency money of the Royal Bavarian town of Lindenberg in the Allgäu.
Original-language reading
[Upper] VILLE DE LILLE / BON COMMUNAL / 0f25 Centˢ / 0f.25 [twice]
GARANTI PAR LA VILLE
REMBOURSABLE A LA CAISSE MUNICIPALE
A PARTIR DU SIXIÈME MOIS APRES LA CONCLUSION DE LA PAIX
Délibération du Conseil Municipal du 13 Juillet 1917 approuvée par l’Autorité préfectorale
LE RECEVEUR MUNICIPAL [signature undeciphered]
LE MAIRE [signature, tentative Ch. Delesalle]
F. 28 / Nº 000,275
LE PRÉSENT BON N’EST VALABLE QUE S’IL EST REVÊTU DU TIMBRE DU SERVICE DU CONTRÔLE DE LA VILLE.
[Lower] 25 [center and left] / pf [right]
Julius […?] [artist signature unclear]
Kriegsnotgeld der Kgl. Bayr. Stadt Lindenberg im Allgäu
Military iconography on currency · IMG_7396.jpegGreen 50-pfennig Friedrichshafen emergency note, airship over city/lake landscape with flanking sailor and worker illustrations
Green 50-pfennig Friedrichshafen emergency note, airship over city/lake landscape with flanking sailor and worker illustrations.
Military imagery on civilian emergency currency; no military service or personal ownership is inferred. No date or serial number on this surface. Illustrations are not identified family members. Similar note pictured in IMG_7398 is a distinct candidate; different reverse serials in neighboring views mean they must not be collapsed solely by design.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
50 pfennigs. Wartime money of the town of Friedrichshafen. Carl Grüninger’s successor, Ernst Klett, Stuttgart [printer].
Original-language reading
50 Pfennig [twice]
Kriegsgeld der Stadt Friedrichshafen
Carl Grüninger Nachf. Ernst Klett, Stuttgart.
Military iconography on currency · IMG_7398.jpegFriedrichshafen airship note with a relief voucher
Friedrichshafen 50-pfennig emergency currency shows the same sailor, worker and airship design seen in IMG_7396, beside a Lessines relief voucher.
Military imagery on civilian emergency currency; no family military service, personal ownership or acquisition history is inferred. Matching printed design does not establish the same physical banknote. Neighboring reverse views carry different serials, so IMG_7396 and IMG_7398 must not be merged as one object. A suggested reverse pairing with IMG_7399 remains qualified.
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Left: 50 pfennigs, wartime money of the town of Friedrichshafen; Carl Grüninger’s successor Ernst Klett, Stuttgart. Right: National Relief and Food Committee; local committee, Lessines. Voucher for 0.25, valid until 30 June 1919. Serial ends in 75; remaining digits uncertain.
Original-language reading
[Left] 50 Pfennig [twice]
Kriegsgeld der Stadt Friedrichshafen
Carl Grüninger Nachf. Ernst Klett, Stuttgart.
[Right, rotated] Comité National de Secours et d’Alimentation
Comité local LESSINES
BON pour 0.25
valable jusqu’au 30 Juin 1919
[serial partly obscured] …75 [preceding digit(s) worn; possibly 675]
Same printed design as IMG_7396; physical identity not established.
Family identity bridge
Family identity bridge · IMG_7332.jpegDavid Löwenfels: the family identity bridge
A 1910 home-municipality certificate names David, his wife Klothilde née Springer and their children, linking the military-pass holder to Louise’s family.
This is a civilian identity document included to explain the military story’s family identification; it is not a service record. Spelling and birth particulars are source-specific.
View this image with chapter source M11
Existing source reading
English rendering / explanation
Home-municipality certificate. The Kaubenheim municipal administration certifies that David Löwenfels, Jewish merchant residing in Nürnberg, born 28 May 1866 at Kaubenheim, together with his wife Klothilde née Springer and their children Luise, Bruno, Hugo and Salomon, has home rights in Kaubenheim. The certificate is not valid for residence outside the kingdom. Issued Kaubenheim, 10 August 1910; mayor’s surname tentatively Koch. Fee one mark. Printed footnote allows inclusion of spouse and children by name.
Original-language reading
Formular II.
[Stamp: K. B. REGIERUNG VON MITTELFRANKEN / KAMMER DES INNERN.]
Heimat-Schein.
Von der unterzeichneten Gemeindeverwaltung wird dem (Vor- und Zuname:) David Löwenfels (Stand:) isr. Handelsmann, wohnhaft in Nürnberg, geboren am 28ten Mai 1866 zu Kaubenheim, hiedurch bescheinigt, daß *) derselbe sowie seine Ehefrau Klothilde geb. Springer u. deren Kinder Luise, Bruno, Hugo u. Salomon in der Gemeinde Kaubenheim heimatberechtigt ist.
Gegenwärtige Bescheinigung gilt nicht zum Zwecke des Aufenthalts außerhalb des Königreichs.
Kaubenheim, den 10ten August 1910.
Die Gemeindeverwaltung Kaubenheim.
[signature] Koch Bürgermeister [surname tentative].
[Fee/docket:] … 3 / Geb. 1 M. [first abbreviation unclear].
[Seal: GEMEINDE KAUBENHEIM, partly faint.]
*) eventuell nebst seiner Ehefrau (Vor- und Zuname) und seinen Kindern (Vor- und Zunamen).