This is a large German Wehrmacht food rations crate, used and opened, with the original lid now missing. The wood remains solid with no major damage only light knocks and wear consistent with use. It still retains its original brown colouring and clear black stamped markings, including the Wehrmacht eagle. Although the crate once showed signs of woodworm, it has been treated and is now stable, not breaking apart, with its markings still sharp and visible. Measuring 20 inches by 16 inches, this is a fantastic and well-preserved example of a rare German Army supply crate, now over 80 years old.
The crate was originally used by the 26th Volksgrenadier Division and was recovered from the village of Bras, near Bastogne, in the Ardennes Forest scene of the Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944-45. It comes with an A5 laminated information card and accompanying photo.
The 26th Volksgrenadier Division occupied Bras until 13th January 1945, when they became the last German soldiers to hold the village during the closing phase of the battle. On the following day, Bras was liberated, marking a significant moment when American and British forces linked up and drove the Germans back into Germany.
The 26. Volksgrenadier-Division was formed in September 1944 at Warthelager near Posen, from the remnants of the 26th Infantry Division combined with personnel from the partially formed 582nd Volksgrenadier Division. Deployed to the Western Front, it fought in the Ardennes offensive but suffered heavy losses. The surviving elements later surrendered in the Harz Mountains in April 1945.
This crate represents a rare and tangible piece of history from the Battle of the Bulge ideal for display or as part of any serious collection.
This is a large German Wehrmacht food rations crate, used and opened, with the original lid now missing. The wood remains solid with no major damage only light knocks and wear consistent with use. It still retains its original brown colouring and clear black stamped markings, including the Wehrmacht eagle. Although the crate once showed signs of woodworm, it has been treated and is now stable, not breaking apart, with its markings still sharp and visible. Measuring 20 inches by 16 inches, this is a fantastic and well-preserved example of a rare German Army supply crate, now over 80 years old.
The crate was originally used by the 26th Volksgrenadier Division and was recovered from the village of Bras, near Bastogne, in the Ardennes Forest scene of the Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944-45. It comes with an A5 laminated information card and accompanying photo.
The 26th Volksgrenadier Division occupied Bras until 13th January 1945, when they became the last German soldiers to hold the village during the closing phase of the battle. On the following day, Bras was liberated, marking a significant moment when American and British forces linked up and drove the Germans back into Germany.
The 26. Volksgrenadier-Division was formed in September 1944 at Warthelager near Posen, from the remnants of the 26th Infantry Division combined with personnel from the partially formed 582nd Volksgrenadier Division. Deployed to the Western Front, it fought in the Ardennes offensive but suffered heavy losses. The surviving elements later surrendered in the Harz Mountains in April 1945.
This crate represents a rare and tangible piece of history from the Battle of the Bulge ideal for display or as part of any serious collection.
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