German SS Soldbuch

A quality reproduction SS Soldbuch

These Soldbücher measure approximately 5.7 inches x 4 inches (14.5cm x 10.1cm). The outside cover is made of cardboard and a piece of tape protects the spine from wear, as per the original. Inside are 32 accurately printed pages that are ready to be filled in. 

The Soldbuch served as a form of identification and record-keeping. It was the standard identity document in the German military, issued to every man. It allowed the owner to draw pay, prove he had permission for leave, recorded what equipment he had been issued, and identified his current and former units. It also included his rank, physical attributes, military awards, and medical history.

All serving personnel had to keep their Soldbuch in their tunic pocket at all times. Only exceptional circumstances would change this, such as certain frontline patrols and activities in which the Soldbuch could reveal critical information to the enemy.

From 1944 it was mandatory for a photo to be included inside the front cover. Due to the logistical issues with complying with this order in the field, by the end of the war some Soldbücher still did not have photos, or else utilised civilian or ‘unofficial’ portrait shots.

An excellent, blank, reproduction Soldbuch, perfect for re-enacting!