Soldbuch to Gerhard Schülze, Grenadier Regiment 293, 18 VGD, Ardennes, MP44

Soldbuch to Gerhard Schülze who served with Artillerie Regiment 276 which was part of the  276 Volksgrenadier Division. He entered the army in 1939 with Pionier Abteilung 43 which was renamed later to Sturm-Pionier-Bataillon 43 and in may 1942 Pionier-Bataillon “Großdeutschland”. He was then transferred to a training unit and after that Grenadier Regiment 293. This unit was a part of the 18. Volksgrenadier Division.

He was first issued a K98 and later a MP44 and a pair of 6×30 binoculars in 1944. He was awarded The Infantry Assault badge in 1940.

Until mid-October 1944, the division was fully replenished with personnel in Denmark. The division was then relocated to the Schnee Eifel to take part in the upcoming Ardennes Offensive. It was positioned in the Ormont-Brandscheid area, approximately 14 km from Prüm. The sector was considered quiet. At the end of November 1944, the division’s sector was extended to Habscheid. From December 16, 1944, the division participated in the Ardennes Offensive. Its task was to advance on both sides of the Schneifel and capture St. Vith. The division succeeded in breaking through the opposing American positions and captured St. Vith on December 21.

Afterward, the division received orders to relieve the 1st SS Panzer Division in the Houvegnez area, which it carried out on December 28, 1944. At this point, the division transitioned to a defensive stance. On January 6, 1945, the division suffered a breakthrough on its left flank. By mid-January, the 18th Volksgrenadier Division was considered completely exhausted, with only around 50 combat-effective soldiers remaining. After receiving reinforcements, the division engaged in heavy fighting in the Bleialf area in late January and early February 1945.

At the beginning of March 1945, the remnants of the division retreated across the Rhine at Rheinbrohl. By mid-March 1945, the division was disbanded. Its remaining forces were merged with the remnants of the 26th Volksgrenadier Division to form a combat group.

This is a nice soldbuch with many entries, great for further research!