German Army Soldbuch Obergefreiter Walter Lippel A.R.245 (245 ID) Rouen & Arnhem

Original German Army Soldbuch issued to Walter Lippel of A.R.245 (245ID). Throughout his service he served in France and Germany. He was first deployed on coastal defence during training in occupied France.

The 245th Infantry Division was formed on 8 July 1943 as a static infantry division in the Rouen area in occupied France. It initially consisted of the Grenadier Regiments 935, 936 and 937, as well as the Artillery Regiment 245. The division's initial commander was Erwin Sander. The division was in the Fécamp area during the beginning of the Allied Operation Overlord. While it did not fight the Allies immediately, it saw combat during the Allied drive into the Low Countries. In September 1944, it was in the Arnhem area Between 2 October and 8 November, the 245th Division fought in the Battle of the Scheldt. It was briefly withdrawn from the frontline to be reinforced, but returned to face U.S. 3rd Army forces before the end of the year 1944. It fought in northern Alsace in early 1945, and was once again sent to the reserves to be reinforced on 1 March 1945. It surrendered to British forces in the Schleswig-Holstein area.

Notably, his Soldbuch states training with 7,65mm pistols. A good book worthy of more research.

Code: 4382