What's in the box?

[norwest]

This photo was taken in Libya by a Luftwaffe soldier. I cannot figure out what the word/abbreviation "Gerdsf" means on the box. Anyone have a clue?

Regards,
Kevin

[Hohlladung]

Hi Kevin,

This was painted by hand with a brush, but without a template. So I am not sure, if this is really a "f" . The abbreviation could be "Gerdst".
Best regards
Armin

[Igorak89]

Agree with Hohlladung. It seems it could be "t" at the end of the first word.

If it is "Gerdst", then "Gerdst" can be be split in half: Ger + dst.

Ger - Gerät - equipment

Dst - dienst - duty; service
Dst - Dienststelle - office; authority; duty station

Google found word "Gerätedienst". It is connected with Luftwaffe.
https://www.weitze.net/militaria/63/Luf ... 25263.html

I didn't find the abbreviation "Dsf" (if it is word "Gerdsf") in a dictionary.

I suggest you to download "German Military Abbreviations" (by War Department, 1943). It could help you in the future.
Link:
https://ia800302.us.archive.org/28/item ... ations.pdf

[norwest]

Thanks for your help, guys. "Gerätedienst" makes a lot of sense in this case.

[history1]

"Gerätedienst" doesn´t make any sense, IMHO. It´s active training on equipment and not an office or department. Neither is it limited to the Luftwaffe/Air Force but also seen in infantry/pioneers and even fire departments, etc..,everywhere were equpiment gets handled.
We had a lot of "Gerätedienst" on the roster when I was in the army.......

[jwsleser]

Okay, I will take a stab.

Hand painted in theater indicates shipping instructions, not content. Content would be labeled in the usual manner from the point of origin.

Gerade dienst Benghasi. Direct service [to] Benghasi. I don't know if dienst translated as service can be used in this manner.

Just a thought.

Pista! Jeff

[Hohlladung]

Hi,
I can offer two Luftwaffe units for North Africa:

1) Nachschubleitstelle Bengasi

2) Geräteausgabe- und Instandsetzungsstelle 2/VII

BR

[norwest]

Thanks guys. You are really sharp! Since there was some speculation on the Luftwaffe unit involved, here's some additional information: The photo below is the temporary ID for entry into Tripoli harbor for Johann Agena, who is the man in the center of the photo. Regards, Kevin.

[history1]

What´s the provinience of this last file, Kevin?

[norwest]

What´s the provinience of this last file, Kevin?

I received many items that once belonged to Johann Agena, in addition to that Ausweis. A photo album (from which the original picture came), Leistungsbuch, dozens of letters while in the service and as a POW in France (Camp Vernet), etc. I've been trying to track down his path through the war.