Wehrpaß of Matrosengefreiter Otto Lottersberger

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 L) is entered in the box in the upper right corner corner for filing purposes.

        Otto Lottersberger joined the German Navy as a volunteer on 21 October 1941 at the age of 18 years 1 month.  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.

 

 
 

   
 
Summary of Otto Lottersberger's service in the Kriegsmarine
  
     
Date
Event/Command
Location
 
18 May 23
   Otto was Born Brandenberg, Kufstein, Tirol, Austria
     
5 Jun 41
   Arrived as a conscript Insbruck Recruiting Office, Austria
  Wehrpaß issued
  Number 23/217/3/4  
  Otto was granted a deferrment  
     
21 Oct 41
   Accepted as a volunteer in the Kriegsmarine Insbruck Recruiting Office, Austria
     
1 Dec 41 to
   Began active duty in the Kriegsmarine  
26 Mar 42
   5th Kompanie 20. Schiffsstammabteilung Ede, Netherlands
    Stammrollenummer = Service Number: U.N.28465/41S  
  [5th Company 20th Ships Troop Unit - Recruit Training]  
     
27 Mar 42 to
   3./2. Unterseebootslehrdivision[ Gotenhafen (Gdniya Poland)
4 Jul 42
   [3rd Company/2nd U-boat Training Unit in Gotenhafen -Basic U-boat Training]
       
     
5 Jul 42 to
   1. Unterseeboots-Ausbildungsabteilung  Plön, Germany
30 Jul 42
   [1st U-boat Training Unit - Responsible for Commander's shooting training - served as a holding command for fully trained men awaiting posting to a boat]  
       
31 Jul 42 to
   4./8. Kriegsschiffbaulehrabteilung (U-boat) Hamburg
30 Aug 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
   Otto was promoted to Matrosengefreiter = 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 Innsbruck 23/217/3/4
    Insbruck = issuing authority where Otto registered for military service.  23 = the last two digits of the year of his birth /  217 = number of the military registration police precinct / 3 = Serial number of the Wehrstammrollenblatt (roster induction sheet)/ 4 = Line number on the Wehrstammrollenblatt
Name des Paßinhaber Name of the pass holder  
Rufname First name Otto
Familienname Last name Lottersberger
Nummer derKennkarte Number of the identity card  
Nummer des Arbeitsbuches Number of the workbook Blank
Nummer der Erkennungsmarke (im Kriege) Number of the dog tag (in war) Blank
Identität des Wehrbezirks-kommando Identity of the issuing office Innsbruck
     
  Stamp Wehrbezirkskommando - Innsbruck = Armed Forces Sub-District Recruiting Headquarters - Innsbruck .  National symbol in the center.
     
    Signed and dated by the administering officer
Tag, Monat, Jahr Day, Month, Year 5 June 1941
Unterschrift und Dienstgrad, Dienststellung Signature and title, position Major
     

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 typically the man was a civilian at the time the Wehrpaß was issued.
     
  Stamp Wehrbezirkskommando - Innsbruck = Armed Forces Sub-District Recruiting Headquarters - Innsbruck .  National symbol in the center.
     
Eigenhändige Unterschrift des Inhabers - Rufname, Familienname Signature of owner - first name, last name Signed: Otto Lottersberger
     
Page 3    
Number/Title   Entry/Comments
I. Angaben zur Person Part I. Information about the person  
1 Familienname Last name Lottersberger
2 Vorname (Rufname unterscheiden) First name (underline name that one goes by) Otto
3 Geburtstagm -monat, -jahr Birthday, month, year 18 May 1923
4 Geburtsstätte Place of birth  
  Verwaltungs-bezirk Administrative District Brandenberg
  (z. B. Kreis,Regierungs-bezirke) For example District, Administrative region Kufstein        Tirol
5 Staatsan-gehörigkeit (auch [illegible]) Nationality (also [illegible] D. R. = Deutsch Reich = German
6 Religion Religion Roman Catholic
7 Familienstand Martial status Ledig = not married
8 Berufs (nach berufs-verzeichnis) Profession (according to professional directory)  
  erlernter Learned  
  ausgeübter Held Landw.-Arbeiter (Landwirtschaftlicher Arbeiter) = Agricultural worker
9 Eltern Parents  
  Vater Father  
  (Rufname, Famillename) (First name, last name) Alois
  (Beruf nach berufs-verzeichnis) Profession (according to professional directory) Holzarbeiter = Lumberjack
  (wenn verstorben: † year of death  (if deceased:  † and year of death  
  Mutter Mother  
  (Rufname, Famillename) (First name, last name) Maria
  Mädchenname Maiden name Haaser
  (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 **) Radfahren, Schifahren, xxxx, Schwimmen = Cycling, Skiing, xxxx, Swimming
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: Alois Lottenberger
  Verwandt-schaftsgrad: Degree of kinship: Vater = Father
  Ort Location Brandenberg Nr. 126,
  Strasse, [illegible], ggf. Untermieter bei Street, [illegible],where applicable rented from Kreis Kufstein
       
  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 Dienstpflichtigerwilliger = as Conscript
  Ärztlich untersucht Medically examined  
  (diensttüchtiger, Freiwilliger) (able-bodied volunteer)  
  Wehrbezirks Kommando, Truppenteil, Konsulat Recruiting District Headquarters, Unit, Consulate Wehrbezirkskommando - Insbruck = Armed Forces Sub-District Recruiting Headquarters - Insbruck
  Tag, Monat, Jahr Day, Month, Year 5 June 1941
14      
  Entscheid Decision  
  Tauglichkeitsgrad Degree of fitness kriegsverwendungsfähig [handritten] = 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 9/17 = 17 July  Signature

Page 6    
Number/Title   Entry/Comments
IIb.  Aushebung Part IIa Recruitment  
15 Entscheid über das Arbeits Dienstverhältnis Decision on labor employment Zurückstellung = Deferment        Date 5 June 1942
       
  Entscheid über das Arbeits Dienstverhältnis Decision on labor employment NichtHeranziehung zu Reichsarbeitsdienst = No interest to the Reich Labor Service        Date 19 November 1941
       
       
  Datum   Date   19.9.41
       
16 Entscheid über die Aushebung zum aktiven Wehrdienst Decision on recruitment for active military service Angenommen als freiwilliger beim Kriegsmarine = Accepted as volunteer in the Kriegsmarine
  I*) siehe S. 7 I*) See page 7  
       
  Dienststelle des Wehrbezirks-kommando Office of the Recruiting District Headquarters Insbruck
  den Tag, Monat, Jahr Day, Month, Year 21 October 1941
       
  Dienststempel Stamp  
  Wehrbezirks-kommando - Innsbruck Recruiting District Headquarters Insbruck  
       
  (Unterschrift und Dienstgrab, Diesntstellung) (Signature and tank, position) Signature  Oberleutnant = Lieutenant
       
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

5 December 1941 / 5th Kompanie 20. Schiffsstammabteilung /

tauglich Flotte = fit for fleet-service
18      
  Einstellung Recruitment  
       
  Einstellungstag Recruitment day 1 December 1941
      (Tag, Monat, Jahr) = (Day , Month, Year)
  Einstellt bei (truppenteil, Standort) Recruitment at (Unit, Location) 5th Kompanie 20. Schiffsstammabteilung / Ede Holland
  Dienstzeit rechnet ab Service time calculated from 1 October 1941
  [Illegible] Einstellungtag) ([illegible] placement day)  
  Vereidigt am Sworn in on 3 January 1942
      (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 Nordsee. = 2nd Admiral North Sea
  Stammrolle Nr. Personnel roster Number [Service No.]

U.N.28465/41S

28465 is the serial number of the individual (Jahrgangsnummer).  41 is the year of entry (Einstellungsjahrgang) ziz: 1941.  The letter S stands for Seemännische (Seaman Branch) as opposed to T Technische (Technical Branch) etc.
  von / bis / Dienststelle (Marineteil usw.) from / to / Duty station (Navy unit etc.)  
    [3 months 26 days] From 1 Dec 41 to 26 Mar 42 /  5th Kompanie 20. Schiffsstammabteilung
      [5th Company 20th Ships Troop Unit - Recruit Training]
       
    [3 months 8 days] From 27 Mar 42 to 4 Jul 42 / 3/2. Unterseeboots-Lehrdivision
      [3rd Company/2nd U-boat Training Unit in Gotenhafen -Basic U-boat Training]
       
    [25 days] From 5 Jul 42 to 30 Jul 42 /  1. Unterseeboots-Ausbildungsabteilung  Plön [Holstein]
      [1st U-boat Training Unit - Responsible for Commander's shooting training - served as a holding command for fully trained men awaiting posting to a boat]
       
    [30 days] 31 Jul 42 to 30 Aug 42 /  4./8. Kriegsschiffbaulehrabteilung (U) Hamburg
      [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]
       

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) Gewehr 98    Inf. Ausbildung = Gewehr 98 (bolt action rifle) Infantry Training
  Mit der Waffe With weapons  
       
22      
  Sonstige Ausbildung, Lehrgänge Other training courses U.-b. Lehrgang v. 27.3. - 4.7.42 = U-Boat training course from 27 March to 4 July 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 Aug 42 / Matrosengefreiter = 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. = Lieutennant Military Adjutant
       
       
Page 35    
nach IV. Aktiver Wehrdienst Continued Part IV Active Military Service  
  Nachträge Addendum  
       
30      
       

Page 40    
Number/Title   Entry/Comments
nach V. Wehrdienst im Beurlaubten-stande Part V Military Service in Reserve Status  
  Wehrversammlung Dabei Belehrung über Spionage, Spionageabwehr, Sabotage, Landesverrat und Wahrung des Dienstgehetmiisses Military assembly In this be informed of espionage, counter-espionage, sabotage, treason and maintenance of official secrets
       
      This page has a series of identical blocks each containing the words:
      Dienststempel = Official stamp
36     Tag, Monat, Jahr = Day, Month, Year
       
      No entries on this page
       
Page 41    
nach V. Wehrdienst im Beurlaubten-stande Part V Military Service in Reserve Status  
       
  Abmeldungen Sign outs  
       
  Anmeldungen Registrations  
       
      This page has a series of identical blocks each containing the words:
      Dienststempel = Official stamp
      Tag, Monat, Jahr = Day, Month, Year
       
      Under Registration
    Stamp Wehrbezirkskommando - Insbruck = Armed Forces Sub-District Recruiting Headquarters - Insbruck .  National symbol in the center