Soldbuch to Unteroffizier H. Hartjes. The Soldbuch was first filled in 26.8.39 when he enlisted with 2. Batterie Artillerie Regiment 11. His battery was subsequently merged with 5. Batterie Artillerie Regiment 291 between July and August 1940. He was promoted to a Obergefreiter on 1.7.1940 serving with Artillerie Regiment 291. He was promoted to Unteroffizier on 1.12.1940 serving with Artillerie Regiment 306. After serving with this unit for some time he was sent to Artillerie Regiment 170 which was a new unit formed in may 1944. With him being hospitalised and healing he was enlisted with this newly formed unit. This unit was destroyed in the fighting for Walcheren, the Netherlands in November 1944. After this he was sent to Artillerie Regiment 179 right in time for the Ardennes Offensive.He was issued a number of interesting uniform and equipment pieces under which;Tragegestell or carrying frameTarnnetz or helmet netPelzweste or Fur winter vestKnee warmersFelt in lay solesMapcaseGreatcoatGasmask size 3He was issued many different weapons of which 1 rifle and 3 different pistol including one Belgian.He was wounded 3 times;15.6.44 wound code 18 indicating Pneumonia, hospitalised at Feldlazerett (Motorisiert) 5 Luftwaffe1.4.44 wound code 31a indicating bulletwounds, hospitalised in Kriegslazarett Belgrad6.9.44 wound code 31u(is probably a) indicating bulletwounds, hospitalised in Reserve Lazarett II Olmuss Teillazerett Pöttingeum which is a Neo Gothic style school building in Olomouc, Czech. During the war this was used as a Feldlazarett.He was awarded the Iron Cross second class on 26.1.1943. He was awarded the black wound badge on 8.9.44.His last furlough was granted on 20.10.44 and lasted 7 days indicating he was back with his unit 27th of October.Prior to the Ardennes offensive he was drafted in Artillerie Regiment 179 which was a part of the 79 Volksgrenadier Division during the Ardennes offensive. His unit fought in the Ardenes at Vianden, Bourscheid and later retreated to the Westwall. Early in 1945 it fought hard battles with US divisions in Germany. The soldbuch would be a good base for further research!