348

GERMAN P.O.W.'S MEDAL GROUP

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Militaria Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
GERMAN P.O.W.'S MEDAL GROUP
A great grouping of seven medals and insignia once owned by Wehrmacht Feldwebel (Sergeant) Heinrich Erich Kurtze, who served in the Wehrmacht from October 1, 1940, in the Russian campaigns, until his capture by the British on Feb. 22, 1945. Present are Kurtze's Iron Cross, First Class (screw-back, unmarked), Infantry Assault Badge in Silver, Eastern Front Medal, War Service Medal with Ribbon, Wound Badge in Black, and army visor wreath. The seventh item is perhaps the most interesting: a P.O.W.-made Wound Badge in Silver made of a pewter-like metal, with a crude cotter pin arrangement used to affix it to a uniform. Also present is Kurtze's British Certificate of Registration, an identification booklet, 12pp. 12mo., Feb. 25, 1948, picturing Kurtze and signed by him. It denotes his army service, occupation, and release from P.O.W. status in order to obtain agricultural employment. On Oct. 16, 1948 Kurtze married a British woman and his residency became permanent. There is also an undated letter from Kurtze's daughter mentioning his combat duty in Russia, his war wounds, and the fact that he carried shrapnel in his body until his dying day. Finally, four reprint photos of Kurtze are present, as a soldier and prisoner. Very good.