Rare German ID disc or Erkennungsmarke marked Batt. K5 (E) 712 – Eisenbahn-Batterie 712

Rare German ID disc or Erkennungsmarke marked Batt. K5 (E) 712 indicating Eisenbahn-Batterie 712 which was equipped with two 28 cm (E) 5 guns. This battery was part of the 16. Armee during the Westfeldzug. After that it was stationed as a coastal defence unit near the English channel. In february 1944 it was moved to Italy with Heeresgruppe C. There it saw action positioned at Ciampino south of Rome. It delivered 278 shots aimed at Anzio and Nettuno. After the Allies marched on Rome both guns retreated on june 6 1944 and where subsequently destroyed at Civititaveccia due to destroyed railroads. They were captured by the Americans and sent to the USA for research. They used the two destroyed wrecks to build one functioning example. The Eisenbahn batterie 712 was then outfitted with two captured French 24 CM (E) 557(f) guns. September 1944 it was refitted with two 28 cm guns and would see action in Italy again. This is a rare to find Erkennungsmarke!