This is a German 1935-dated work badge with markings still visible. It is in relic condition but very solid, retaining some of its original colour. The badge is slightly pitted and bent, with traces of yellow dirt from being buried. It has been carefully cleaned, and while the remaining dirt could be removed with further effort, it is already perfect for display or any collection.
The badge was recovered from a hoard of buried Russian and German items from the Demyansk Pocket battlefield in Russia, 1941-1942. The battle lasted from 8 February to 21 April 1942, making this a remarkable piece of history from a famous Eastern Front engagement, shortly after the German invasion of the Soviet Union.
The Demyansk Pocket was the name given to a group of German troops encircled by the Red Army around Demyansk (Demjansk), south of Leningrad, during the Eastern Front campaign. The pocket existed mainly from 8 February to 21 April 1942. A smaller force was also surrounded in the Kholm Pocket near the town of Kholm, about 100km southwest. Both pockets were a result of the German retreat following their defeat during the Battle of Moscow.
German forces trapped in the Demyansk Pocket included the 12th, 30th, 32nd, 123rd, and 290th Infantry Divisions, the SS Division Totenkopf, as well as RAD, Police, Organisation Todt, and other auxiliary units a total of approximately 90,000 troops with around 10,000 auxiliaries. Their commander was General der Infanterie Walter Graf von Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt, commander of II Army Corps.
This is a German 1935-dated work badge with markings still visible. It is in relic condition but very solid, retaining some of its original colour. The badge is slightly pitted and bent, with traces of yellow dirt from being buried. It has been carefully cleaned, and while the remaining dirt could be removed with further effort, it is already perfect for display or any collection.
The badge was recovered from a hoard of buried Russian and German items from the Demyansk Pocket battlefield in Russia, 1941-1942. The battle lasted from 8 February to 21 April 1942, making this a remarkable piece of history from a famous Eastern Front engagement, shortly after the German invasion of the Soviet Union.
The Demyansk Pocket was the name given to a group of German troops encircled by the Red Army around Demyansk (Demjansk), south of Leningrad, during the Eastern Front campaign. The pocket existed mainly from 8 February to 21 April 1942. A smaller force was also surrounded in the Kholm Pocket near the town of Kholm, about 100km southwest. Both pockets were a result of the German retreat following their defeat during the Battle of Moscow.
German forces trapped in the Demyansk Pocket included the 12th, 30th, 32nd, 123rd, and 290th Infantry Divisions, the SS Division Totenkopf, as well as RAD, Police, Organisation Todt, and other auxiliary units a total of approximately 90,000 troops with around 10,000 auxiliaries. Their commander was General der Infanterie Walter Graf von Brockdorff-Ahlefeldt, commander of II Army Corps.
Image 1 of 6
Image 2 of 6
Image 3 of 6
Image 4 of 6
Image 5 of 6
Image 6 of 6