Pre-1918 Soldbuch collection
This is a draft list of most of my pre-1918 Soldbuch collection as it currently stands. Some of the entries can also be found in the corresponding Militärpass section where both the Soldbuch and Militärpass are available. Most still need revision to include proper place names and to check and add higher-level formations. The sub-sections are organised according to arms of service in the same way as in the Militärpass section.
Although Soldbücher only contain relatively little unit-related information, they provide valuable details on time spent on leave or in hospital. Together with the service record contained in the corresponding Militärpass, it is possible to develop a fairly detailed military biography of the given individual. However, not all unit assignments, events or awards were scrupulously recorded in the proper documents. Errors or omissions may be misleading. Information such as leave and time spent away from the parent unit in hospital or on courses is often not recorded in a Militärpass. For this reason, a Militärpass should never be separated from the corresponding Soldbuch, if possible.
Copyright © 2003 David Gregory