Wehrpaß of Maschinengefreiter Helmut Janzen

This document was made available by Samuel Auer
 
        A Wehrpaß was an identity document issued to male members of the population at the time they registered for the military draft.  It was kept on his person and served as both a draft card and a military service book.  Entries included a photo and personal information, training and qualifications, commands assigned to, operations, wounds, promotions and awards.  The Wehrpaß was held by the individual until he entered military service at which time it was handed over in exchange for a Soldbuch (Paybook).  The Wehrpaß was held and kept up to date at the flotilla level.  If the man was discharged from the military he turned in his Soldbuch and his Wehrpaß was returned to him.  If he was killed it was returned to his next of kin.

        The cover of this Wehrpaß shows it is the mid-war version.  When the individual went on active duty the Service was stamped on the cover.  The first letter of the holders surname (in this case J) is entered in the box in the upper right corner corner for filing purposes.

        Helmut Janzen joined the German Navy as a volunteer on 2 October 1941 at the age of 18 years 9 months.  After recruit training and training at the U-boat school in Gotenhafen he was assigned to U-710 under construction in Hamburg, Germany.  The boat sunk south of Iceland on her first war patrol on 24 April 1943 by a British Fortress of 206 Sqn.  There were no survivors.

 

 
[Still working on this summary - please ignore for now]
  

   
 
Summary of Helmut Janzen's service in the Kriegsmarine
  
     
Date
Event/Command
Location
 
1 Jan 23
   Helmut was Born Achterberg, Lüneberg, Germany
     
23 Jun 41
   Arrived as a volunteer

Celle Recruiting Office
  Wehrpaß issued
  Number 23/589/1/1 Fr.  
  Helmut was granted a deferment  
     
6 May 41
   Accepted as a volunteer in the Kriegsmarine Celle Recruiting Office
     
2 Oct 41 to
   Began active duty in the Kriegsmarine  
28 Nov 41
   5th Kompanie 18. Schiffsstammabteilung Buxtehude (Lower Saxony) 
    [5th Company 16th Ships Troop Unit - Recruit Training]
    Stammrollenummer = Service Number: U.N. 19757 / 41T  
     
29 Nov 41 to
   7./2. Abteilung Marineschule Wesermünde
31 Jan 42
   [7th Company 2nd Division Naval School - technical training for engine room personnel]  
     
1 Feb 42 to
   4./2. Unterseeboots-Ausbildungsabteilung  
27 Feb 42
   [4th Company 2nd U-boat Training Unit - Responsible for training U-boat crewmen and Commanders] Neustadt (Holstein) 
     
28 Feb 42 to
   6/1. Unterseeboots-Lehrdivision  
29 May 42
   [6th Company/1st U-boat Training Division - Basic U-boat Training] Pillau
     
30 May to
   1. Unterseeboots-Ausbildungsabteilung  Plön (Holstein)
6 Jul 42
   [1st U-boat Training Unit - Responsible for training U-boat crewmen and Commanders, served as a holding command for fully trained men awaiting posting to a boat]  
     
7 Jul 42 to
   4./8. Kriegsschiffbaulehrabteilung (U) Hamburg
31 Sep 42
   [4th Company/8th Warship construction Teaching Unit - Instruction of the crew of a warship in the technology of the new ship during the final construction phases]  
       
1 Aug 42
   Helmut was promoted to Maschinengefreiter = Seaman 2nd Class/Able Seaman  
     
2 Sep 42
   U-710 commissioned Hamburg, Germany
     
2 Sep 42 to
   5. Flottille (workups) Kiel - Baltic
1 Apr 43
      
     
1 Apr 43
   U-710 departed on 1st war patrol From Kiel
     
24 Apr 43
   U-710 sunk in the North Atlantic by a British Fortress aircraft (206 Sqn. RAF) (all hands lost) South of Iceland
     
2 Jun 43
   U-710 declared missing "one star" by B.d.U. Operations Department with effect from 28 Apr 1943  
     
3 Dec 43
   U-710 declared missing "two stars" by B.d.U. Operations Department with effect from 28 Apr 1943  
     
     

 

Inside Cover  
   
Contents
   
   
Page
I. Information about the Person
3
II. Physical and Recruitment/Conscription
5
III. State Labor Service
8
IV. Active Military Service
11
V. Military Service in Reserve Status
36
  Regulations
52
     
   
This Wehrpaß has 52 pages
   
(Fifty-two pages)
     
    Forgery and misuse of this service record will be punished pursuant to statutory requirements of Sections 267-70 RStGB (Reich Penal Code)
     
Page 1    
     
Number/Title   Entry/Comments
     
Wehrnummer Service Number Celle 23/589/1/1 Fr.
    Celle = issuing authority where Helmut registered for military service.  23 = the last two digits of the year of his birth /  589 = number of the military registration police precinct / 1 = Serial number of the Wehrstammrollenblatt (roster induction sheet) / 1 = Line number on the Wehrstammrollenblatt.  Fr. = Freiwilliger = Volunteer
Name des Paßinhaber Name of the pass holder  
Rufname First name Helmut
Familienname Last name Janzen
Nummer derKennkarte Number of the identity card  
Nummer des Arbeitsbuches Number of the workbook 126 No. 10278
Nummer der Erkennungsmarke (im Kriege) Number of the dog tag (in war) Blank
Identität des Wehrbezirks-kommando Identity of the issuing office Celle
     
  Stamp Wehrbezirkskommando - Celle = Armed Forces Sub-District Recruiting Headquarters - Celle
     
    Signed and dated by the administering officer
Tag, Monat, Jahr Day, Month, Year 23 June 1944
Unterschrift und Dienstgrad, Dienststellung Signature and title, position Signature  Korvettenkapitän MA = Commander Military Adjutant
     

Page 2    
     
    The photo was to be 37 x 52 mm and affixed to the page by rivets on the bottom left and top right.  The issuing office stamped the photo in the bottom right and top left.  The photo was usually in civilian clothes since the man was usually a civilian at the time the Wehrpaß was issued.
     
  Stamp Wehrbezirkskommando - Celle = Armed Forces Sub-District Recruiting Headquarters - Celle
     
Eigenhändige Unterschrift des Inhabers - Rufname, Familienname Signature of owner - first name, last name Signed: Helmut Janzen
Blutgruppe Blood Group  
     
Page 3    
Number/Title   Entry/Comments
I. Angaben zur Person Part I. Information about the person  
1 Familienname Last name Janzen
2 Vorname (Rufname unterscheiden) First name (underline name that one goes by) Helmut, Gustav
3 Geburtstagm -monat, -jahr Birthday, month, year 1 January 1923
4 Geburtsstätte Place of birth Achterberg
  Verwaltungs-bezirk (z. B. Kreis,Regierungs-bezirke) Administrative District (For example District, Administrative region) Lüneberg
5 Staatsan-gehörigkeit (auch [illegible]) Nationality (also [illegible] Deutsches Reich = German
6 Religion Religion Evangelical Lutheran
7 Familienstand Martial status Ledig = not married
8 Berufs (nach berufs-verzeichnis) erlernter ausgeübter

Profession (according to professional directory) learned  practiced

 

 

 
  erlernter Learned Learned:  Maschinenschlosser = Machinist
  ausgeübter Held Practiced:  Dto. = Ditto
9 Eltern Parents  
  Vater Father  
  (Rufname, Famillename) (First name, last name) Artur
  (Beruf nach berufs-verzeichnis) Profession (according to professional directory) Fabrikarbeiter = Factory worker
  (wenn verstorben: † year of death  (if deceased:  † and year of death  
  Mutter Mother  
  (Rufname, Famillename) (First name, last name) Emma
  Mädchenname Maiden name Sefzik
  (wenn verstorben: † year of death  (if deceased:  † and year of death  

Page 4    
Number/Title   Entry/Comments
nach I. Angaben zur Person Continuation Part I. Information about the person  
10 Schulbildung (nur Abschluß) Education (only graduation) Volksschule = Primary school
11 Kenntnisse in fremdsprachen *) Knowledge of foreign languages *)  
12 Berufliche, tech. oder sportl. Befähigungs-nachweise **) Professional, technical or sporting qualifications **)  
13 Anschrift der nächsten Angehörigen (nur im Kriege auszufüllen) Address of next of kin (To be completed only in war)  
  Vor- und Zuname: First and last name: Artur Janzen
  Verwandt-schaftsgrad: Degree of kinship: Father
  Ort Location Elferdingen
  Strasse, Gebäudeteil, ggf. Untermieter bei Street, building part,where applicable rented from Kreis Fallingbostel
       
  Nachträge Addendum  
*)  Schulkenntnisse, völlige Beherrschung in Wort oder Schrift, Dolmetscher-prüfung *) School knowledge, complete mastery orally or in writing, interpreting test  
**) kraftfahren, Reiten, fahren, Segeln, Seefahrtzeit, fliegen, Morsen, funken, Winken, Schwimmen, Leibesübungen usw. Vehicle driver, horseback riding, running, sailing, seagoing service fly, Morse Code radio, signaling, swimming, physical exercises, etc.  
       
Page 5    
Number/Title   Entry/Comments
IIa. Musterung IIa. Physical  
  Gemustert Mustered als Freiwilliger = Volunteer
  Ärztlich untersucht Medically examined  
  (diensttüchtiger, Freiwilliger) (able-bodied, volunteer)  
  Wehrbezirks Kommando, Truppenteil, Konsulat Recruiting District Headquarters, Unit, Consulate Wehrbezirkskommando - Celle = Armed Forces Sub-District Recruiting Headquarters - Celle
  Tag, Monat, Jahr Day, Month, Year 6 May 1941
14      
  Entscheid Decision  
  Tauglichkeitsgrad Degree of fitness Kriegsverwendungsfähig = fit for active service
  Wehrdienst-verhältnis Military service status Ersatz. Reserve I = Replacement Reserve I   [Reserve I = untrained under 35 years of age]
       
  Kreispolizei-behörde/Konsul Unterschrieben Wehrbezirks-kommandeur County Police authority/Consulate Signed Armed Forces Sub-district Commander

Signature  Korvettenkapitän MA  = Commander Military Adjutant

 

Page 6    
Number/Title   Entry/Comments
IIb.  Aushebung Part IIa Recruitment  
15 Entscheid über das Arbeits Dienstverhältnis Decision on labor employment Nichtheranziehung zu Reichsarbeitsdienst = No interest to the Reich Labor Service 
       
  Datum   Date   7 July 1941
  Dienststempel Stamp  
  Reichsarbeitsdienst - Meldeamp - 254 - Celle Reich Labor Service - Record Section - 254  - Celle  
       
16 Entscheid über die Aushebung zum aktiven Wehrdienst Decision on recruitment for active military service Angenommen als freiwilliger bei dem 2. Admiral der Nordseestation = Accepted as volunteer with the 2nd Admiral of the North Sea Station
  I*) siehe S. 7 I*) See page 7  
       
  Dienststelle des Wehrbezirks-kommando Office of the Recruiting District Headquarters Celle
  den Tag, Monat, Jahr Day, Month, Year 23 June 1941
       
  Dienststempel Stamp  
  Wehrbezirks-kommando - Celle Recruiting District Headquarters Celle  
       
  (Unterschrift und Dienstgrab, Diesntstellung) (Signature and tank, position) Signature  Korvettenkapitän MA = Commander Military Adjutant
       
Page 7    
Number/Title   Entry/Comments
nach IIb. Aushebung Continuation Part IIa Recruitment  
16 Entscheid über die Aushebung zum aktiven Wehrdienst Decision on conscription for active military service [continued II*)  and III*)]
*) Bei vorzeitig dienenden Freiwilligen ist in diese selber außer den Aushebungsentscheid auch noch der Annahmeentscheid gemäß D3/2 einzutragen. With volunteers serving early, excluding the recruitment decision, the acceptance decisions still to be entered in accordance with D3/2.  
       
  Nachträge Addendum  
17      
       

Page 10    
Number/Title   Entry/Comments
nach III. Reichsarbeits-dienst Continued Part III. State Labor Service  
       
Page 11    
Number/Title   Entry/Comments
IV. Aktiver Wehrdienst Part IV Active Military Service  
       
  Einstellungs-untersuchung Preemployment examination   
  Datum / Truppenteil, Standort / Ärztliches Urteil Date / Unit, Location / Doctor's judgment

4 October 1941 /Schiffsstammabteilung / Buxtehude = 18th Ships Troop Unit / Buxtehude (Lower Saxony)

tauglich Flotte = fit for fleet-service
18      
  Einstellung Recruitment  
       
  Einstellungstag Recruitment day 2 October 1941
      (Tag, Monat, Jahr) = (Day , Month, Year)
  Einstellt bei (truppenteil, Standort) Recruitment at (Unit, Location) 5th Kompanie 18. Schiffsstammabteilung / Buxtehude = 5th Company 18th Ships Troop Unit - Buxtehude (Lower Saxony)
  Dienstzeit rechnet ab Service time calculated from 1 October 1941
  Allgemeiner Einstellungstag General Recruitment Day  
  Vereidigt am Sworn in on 26 October 1941
      (Tag, Monat, Jahr) = (Day , Month, Year)
       
       
  Nicht eingestellt auf Grund der Einstellungs-untersuchung Not placed on the basis of the recruitment examination  
      (Wohnsitz) = (Residence)
  In Marsch gesetzt nach Ordered to proceed to  
       
  am on  
      (Tag, Monat, Jahr) = (Day , Month, Year)
  überwiesen an Transferred to  
      (Whermeldeamt) = (Military Record Section)

Page 16/17    
Number/Title   Entry/Comments
nach IV. Aktiver Wehrdienst Continued Part IV Active Military Service  
20 Landkommandos bei der Kriegsmarine (auch im kriege) Shore Commands of the Kriegsmarine (including in war)  
  Stamm-Marineteil Parent Navy Section 2. Admiral der Nordseestation. = 2nd Admiral of the North Sea Station
  Stammrolle Nr. Personnel roster Number [Service No.]

U.N. 19757 / 41T

UN - The U prefix indicates U-boat personnel.  The N indicates North Sea as opposed to O for the Baltic.  19757 is the serial number of the individual (Jahrgangsnummer).  41 is the year of entry (Einstellungsjahrgang) ziz: 1941.  The letter T stands for Technische (Technical Branch) as opposed to S Seemännische (Seaman Branch)
  von / bis / Dienststelle (Marineteil usw.) from / to / Duty station (Navy unit etc.)  
    [1 months 27 days] From 2 Oct 41 to 28 Nov 41 -  5./18. Schiffsstammabteilung
      [5th Company 18th Ships Troop Unit - Buxtehude (Lower Saxony) - Recruit Training]
       
    [2 months 3 days] From 29 Nov 41 to 31 Jan 42 - 7./2. Abteilung Marineschule Wesermünde
      [7th Company 2nd Division Naval School Wesermünde - technical training for engine room personnel]
       
    [27 days] From 1 Feb 42 to 27 Feb 42 - 4./2. Unterseeboots-Ausbildungsabteilung
      [4th Company 2nd U-boat Training Unit - Neustadt (Holstein)  - Responsible for training U-boat crewmen and Commanders]
       
    [3 months 2 days] From 28 Feb 42 to 29 May 42 - 6/1. Unterseeboots-Lehrdivision
      [6th Company/1st U-boat Training Division - Pillau - Basic U-boat Training]
       
    [1 month 6 days] From 30 May 42 to 6 Jul 42 -  1. Unterseeboots-Ausbildungsabteilung  Plön [Holstein]
      [1st U-boat Training Unit - Plön [Holstein] - Responsible for training U-boat crewmen and Commanders, served as a holding command for fully trained men awaiting posting to a boat]
       
    [2 months 24 days] 7 Jul 42 to 31 Sep 42 - 4./8. Kriegsschiffbaulehrabteilung (U) Hamburg
      [4th Company/8th Warship construction Teaching Unit - Hamburg - Instruction of the crew of a warship in the technology of the new ship during the final construction phases]
       

Page 18/19    
Number/Title   Entry/Comments
nach IV. Aktiver Wehrdienst Continued Part IV Active Military Service  
  Landkommandos bei der Kriegsmarine (auch im kriege) Aboard Ship Commands of the Kriegsmarine (including in war)  
  Schiff / eingeschifft / davon Seefahrtzeit in außerheimschen Gewässern Ship              / embarked / thereof seagoing except home waters
  von / bis / mithin Jahre / Tage                             from   /      to           thus years / days
      7.U.-Flottille /  1.9.42   / 28.4.43                        /   240
       
21      
       
       
     
  von / bis / anrechnungsfähig Jahre / Tage                           from      /   to             eligible years / days
       

Page 20/21    
Number/Title   Entry/Comments
nach IV. Aktiver Wehrdienst Continued Part IV Active Military Service  
  Ausbildung (auch im kriege) Training (including in war) Inf. Ausbildung = Infantry Training
  Mit der Waffe With weapons  
       
22      
  Sonstige Ausbildung, Lehrgänge Other training courses Mot. III Lehrgang 1.12. 31.1.42 = Motor III Training Course from 1 December to 31 January 42
       
      U.-b. Lehrgang v. 2.3. - 30.5.42 = U-Boat training course from 2 March to 30 May 42
       
  Abzeichen usw. (auch im Kriege) Badges etc. (including in war)  

Page 22    
Number/Title   Entry/Comments
nach IV. Aktiver Wehrdienst Continued Part IV Active Military Service  
  Beförderungen und Ernennungen* (auch im kriege) Promotions and appointments* (including in war)  
  Mit Wirkung vom / Beförderungen und Ernennungen zum With effect from / Order or promotion to  
      1 July 42 / Maschinengefreiter  = Seaman 2nd Class/Able Seaman
       
23      
    stamp Kommandierender Admiral der Unterseeboote Personalbüro U-Boote = Kommandierender Admiral U-boat Personnel Bureau
       
    stamp Kriegsmarine Personalbüro U-Boote = Kriegsmarine U-boat Personnel Bureau
       
      Signature Oberleutnant M.A. = Lieutenant Military Adjutant
       
*) Bestätigung der Beförderungen und Ernennungen nach Abschluß der aktiven Dienstzeit durch den Entlassungstruppenteil usw. mit Dienststelle, Unterschrift, Dienstgrad, Dienstellung und Dienststempel. *) Confirmation of promotions and appointments after completion of active service by the discharging military unit, etc. with service, signature, rank, service position and stamp.
       
Page 23    
  Beförderungen und Ernennungen* (auch im kriege) Promotions and appointments* (including in war)  
  Mit Wirkung vom / Beförderungen und Ernennungen zum With effect from / Order or promotion to  
23 continuation    
       
       
       
  Ordern und Ehrenzeichen* (auch im kriege) Medals and Decorations *(including in war)  
  Art des Orden usw / Verliehen (Tag Monat, Jahre) Type of Order etc / Awarded (day month year)  
24      
       
       
       
*) Bestätigung der Beförderungen und Ernennungen nach Abschluß der aktiven Dienstzeit durch den Entlassungstruppenteil usw. mit Dienststelle, Unterschrift, Dienstgrad, Dienstellung und Dienststempel. *) Confirmation of promotions and appointments after completion of active service by the discharging military unit, etc. with service, signature, rank, service position and stamp.

Page 32    
Number/Title   Entry/Comments
nach IV. Aktiver Wehrdienst Continued Part IV Active Military Service  
  Im Kriege mitgemachte Gefechte, Schlachten, Unternehmungen In war combat, battles, patrols taken part in  
      Tag, Monat, Jahr / Ortsangabe, Truppenteil usw.
      Day, month, year / Location, Unit etc.
       
28     15 April 1943 to 28 April 1943    U-boat operations
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
Page 33    
  Im Kriege mitgemachte Gefechte, Schlachten, Unternehmungen In war combat, battles, patrols taken part in  
      Tag, Monat, Jahr / Ortsangabe, Truppenteil usw.
      Day, month, year / Location, Unit etc.
       
28 continued    
       

Page 34    
Number/Title   Entry/Comments
nach IV. Aktiver Wehrdienst Continued Part IV Active Military Service  
  Im Kriege Verwundungen und ernstere krankheiten In war Wounds and serious diseases  
      Tag, Monat, Jahr / Art / Truppenteil, Kriegsschauplatz
      Day, month, year / Type / Unit, Theatre of war
       
29     Gefallen am 28.April 1943 auf einem Unterseeboot = Killed on 28 April 1943 on a U-boat
       
       
    stamp Kommandierender Admiral der Unterseeboote Personalbüro U-Boote = Kommandierender Admiral U-boat Personnel Bureau
       
    stamp Kriegsmarine Personalbüro U-Boote = Kriegsmarine U-boat Personnel Bureau
       
      Signature Oberleutnant M.A. = Lieutenant Military Adjutant
       
       
Page 35    
nach IV. Aktiver Wehrdienst Continued Part IV Active Military Service  
  Nachträge Addendum  
       
30