Luftwaffe Soldbuch grouping to Stanislaus Kosczielniak, Zerstörergeschwader 26 and 79 VGD.

Luftwaffe Soldbuch grouping to Stanislaus Kosczielniak born on 10.11.12 in Datteln. He entered service at 1.11.1936. His Erkennungsmarke read II.Z. G. 26 indicating Zerstörergeschwader 26. He was promoted to Unteroffizier 1.1.1940 and Feldwebel at 1.17.1942.

He served with several Zerstörer Gruppen. First with Zerstörergeschwader 26 ” Horst Wessel” from 1937 to 19.4.1942. This indicates he was in service whilst his fighter wing was fighting in the low countries during the 1940 campaign. In 1942 he was stationed with Zerstörergeschwader 2 and 1, later again with 26 until 16.6.1944 he was sent to Flieger Technische Schule 6. At this point late in the war most of the aircraft maintenance units were re trained to infantry use and he was transferred to 1./Flieger Ersatz Bataillon 6. Then to Marschkompanie Grenadier Ersatz und ausbildungs Bataillon 365. After to Marschkompanie Grenadier Ersatz und ausbildungs Bataillon 193 to be finally sent to 8. Kompanie V(volks) Grenadier regiment 226 in november 1944.

He was awarded the Sudeten Errinnerungsmedaille and the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwerten. He carried a K98 marked 8496m, bayonet marked 448. He was issued tropical uniforms at 8.1.1942.
The Album has many images of France in 1940. Bulgaria Plovdiv and Greece and Crete in 1940/41, Russia in 1941 and Vienna. Many vehicles and aircraft but mainly the ME110 which was typical for the units he served with.
Considering he joined Grenadier Regiment 226 in October or November 1944 he múst have taken part in the Ardennes offensive. His unit is marked V. Gren Regt indicating Volksgrenadier Regiment but his unit never got the official designation. Considering he is of the 8th Kompanie he was most probably in the II Bataillon and thus serving under the 79. Volks Grenadier Division. His unit was assembled in Thorn and transported to the area of Vianden. From here they fought to secure the Wark River line and take the strategic bridge crossing at Heiderscheid but where hit bad by US air power on December 26 when the skies cleared. After they fought at Bourscheid and where to keep the Bridgehead by all means, losing almost 1800 men across the division. This was kept open until 20.1.1945 and retreat to the Westwall was ordered. A small rearguard of just 400 men held open the Vianden pocket to let the rest cross the Our River. Then it fought at Dasburg, Gemünd, Bauler, Daleiden, Jucken Obergeckler and Karlshausen, Neuerburg. Late in Febuary 1945 they moved into position behind the Prüm in the line Merkeshen to Wiersdorf. At 1 march 1945 it wasat the hights at Kyll and Malbergweich. After fighting they retreated to Idar-Oberstein and Baumholder.

If he fell on the 1. Bataillion he would have been fighting with the 212 Volksgrenadier Division, also during the Ardennes offensive. But considering the number of Kompanies in a Regiment late 1944 would make that unlikely.

This is a very nice Soldbuch and Album grouping which would be great for further research!