Meaning of symbols?

[jpz4]

I've usually little problem identifying symbols but in this case they don't seem to match the types expected from the associated records. :roll: Before I decide which of those are (prob.) wrong, I could use a second opinion to confirm what these symbols should officially be indicating.

Symbols.jpg (5.96 KiB) Viewed 2001 times

[Gary Kennedy]

I can't quite make out what is on the on top of the upper of the two symbols.

The lower symbol looks like what I would call a Workshop unit, and I'm assuming that it's an asterisk above the rectangle? If the upper symbol has an X above it then I would probably say a Feldzeug unit of some type, which I would think of as an Ordnance unit, with ammunition and/or weapon repair duties.

Gary

[DirkAH]

Hello,

I would concur with the lower one beeing a Werkstatt-Kompanie of either the Feldzeugtruppen (x) or the Kraftfahrparktruppen (*). The upper part of first symbol could also be a W like a "Kompanie für Wasserversorgung" (water supply company).

[jpz4]

Thanks guys. I believe the top one is a 'W' and the lower one is indeed an asterisk.
However, considering the unit involved there is no reason to assume the 'W' stands for 'Wasserversorgung'. I'm leaning towards it being an error for 'Wm' (although annoyingly the bottom unit held a serious number of machine guns. I'm even considering the option that the symbol at the top should have been a Waffenmeister platoon that was part of the Werkstatt-Kp... The records are inconclusive/contradictory on what was going on.

[Leo Niehorster]

W = Waffeninstandsetzungskompanie = Armorer Company (KStN 2145 dated 01.10.44)
It was maintenance unit for weapons of all kinds.
Note: Also seen with an 'x' on top.
A Feldzeugtruppen Inspectorate unit-


* = Werkstattkompanie = Workshop Company (KStN 1052a dated 01.11.43)
Unit charged with maintenance of all vehicles.
A Kraftfahrparktruppen unit.

--
Leo

[Michael Kenny]

From Wood & Dugdale

[jpz4]

Thanks guys. Confirms what I was thinking.
Leo, is it an issue that this document is from early 1944? Most documents from that period show 'Wm' with such units, not just 'W'.

[Poot]

Leo Niehorster and Michael Kenny,
Were any other symbols used to indicate units charged with small arms repair and in-field inspections of these arms for fitness for duty?

I have two additional questions, please:
-What is the title of the book by Wood and Dugdale?
-Is there anything published/available that deals with small arms repair/processing in the field and at Heereszeugamter (HZA) and Heeresnebenzeugamter (HNZA), or equivalent Luftwaffe small arms repair facilities and processing?

Thank you both,
Pat

[Leo Niehorster]

From Wood & Dugdale
ddf 6-20204fr.jpg

The "Replacement Co (Mot)" is in fact a mobile supply unit for replacement parts, (about 50 men strong). (KStN 1073) "Beweglicher Nachschubstaffel für Errsatzteile (75-ton)". This was KStN 7737 dated 01.02.44, renumbered on 21.07.44 to KStN 1073, (back)dated 01.02.44. Previously KStN 7737a dated 01.05.43.

The "Div. Field Hospital" is in fact a decontamination (Entgiftungs-)unit.

I just checked, KStN 2145 is a Waffeninstandsetzungszug, which explains why there is the note "2 Züge". I thought only two platoons in the company. It means two platoons without a company. Probably the senior officer commanded both platoons.

I have KStN 2145 dated 01.10.1944. Unfortunately, I have no way to digitize the BA-MA microfiche for you at this time. I have a feeling, that this platoon is very similar to the armorer platoon found in the divisional maintenance companies.

I have not seen anything published covering the Heereszeugamter (HZA) and Heeresnebenzeugamter (HNZA), let alone anything for the Luftwaffe. There is one book "Die Panzer-Instandsetzung der Wehrmacht" by Lukas Friedli (ISBN 3-935107-08-0). But, as the title indicates, it deals overwhelmingly with the maintenance of AFV.

--
Leo

[GregSingh]

Why weren't these companies in the first question motorized?
Just an error or there were non-motorized KStN's versions as well?

[KStN201]

This is a screen shot of a digitized 2145 1/10/44

[Poot]

Thank you, Leo-
Pat