The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Documents · Military papers

Soldbuch: History, Contents and Collector’s Guide

Soldbuch – example from the Autographs & Militaria collection
Example from the collection: WWI German Soldbuch & Wehrpass – Karl Hemm Archive, Iron Cross 2nd Class 1918, Infanterie-Regiment 120
Full title “Soldbuch zugleich Personalausweis” (pay book and identity card)
Carried by Every soldier, from the start of the war
Records Identity, units, ranks, pay group, equipment, medical treatment, leave, awards
Companion document The Wehrpass, normally held by the unit administration
In the collection 2 pieces currently available (see below)

The Soldbuch was the document a German soldier carried in his tunic pocket: his identity card, his pay book and his record of equipment, medical treatment and awards. Many were taken from prisoners or the fallen, which is why so many survive.

What Is a Soldbuch?

The Soldbuch served both as the soldier’s identity document and as his pay book. Museum Berlin-Karlshorst holds the 1939 Soldbuch of the rifleman Ernst vom Hagen of Infantry Battalion 386, still in its protective cover. Entries record units and field post numbers, ranks, pay, issued clothing and equipment, vaccinations and hospital stays, leave and awards.

Who Issued It, and Who Signed It?

Entries were made by the soldier’s units, field hospitals and other offices, each with a stamp and a signature. The sequence of units and field post numbers allows the soldier’s path through the war to be reconstructed. See Wehrpass.

What Should Collectors Watch For?

  • Photograph: should be original, with the stamp continuing onto the page.
  • Award entries must match the other evidence; added awards are a known manipulation.
  • Condition: wear from being carried is normal; describe missing pages honestly.

Collector’s Note

A Soldbuch has often travelled through the whole war in one pocket. I read its wear as part of its history, but only where the document itself supports the story.

Related Entries and Pieces

Pieces in the Collection

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Soldbuch?

The German soldier’s identity and pay book, carried in the field.

Why are many Soldbücher found today?

Many were collected from prisoners or the fallen.

Can a Soldbuch be researched?

Yes; units and field post numbers can be traced in published references and archives.

Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts of the National Socialist period for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology, and it is written in memory of the victims of the regime.

References & Further Reading