ek 2 charter

The award is hereby awarded to:Unteroffizier Meierof the3. / Panzerjäger-Abteilung 186The date:February 21, 1942Panzerjäger-Abteilung 186This belonged to the86. Infanterie-Division, formed in 1939.In 1941 the division entered Russia with Army Group Center during Operation Barbarossa.In the winter of 1941/42 they were in the sector aroundRzhev–Vyazma, where the Soviets launched heavy counter-attacks.The3. Kompaniewhere 'Unteroffizier Meier' served probably had PaK 36 (37 mm) or PaK 38 (50 mm) anti-tank guns, possibly also captured Soviet equipment.The 86th Infantry Division had been active on theEastern Frontsince the start of the German invasion of the Soviet Union (Operation Barbarossa), under Heeresgruppe Mitte ('Army Group Center').The winter of 1941–1942 saw heavy fighting, particularly around theRzhev-Vyasmaarea (northwest of Moscow). Germany's offensive was partially stalled by the ice and snow, and Soviet counterattacks began during this period (winter wartime conditions). The front line froze, positions were defended, and supply was difficult.Weidling took up his position as commander at the beginning of 1942, so this certificate (dated February 21, 1942) is slightly later than his official appointment (January 1, 1942). He would therefore be relatively new to his role as division commander.