Additional information
by Shaef (Compiled by)
Identity Documents were found everywhere in the German Reich The original purpose of this official 1944 SHAEF book was to make Counter Intelligence Officers familiar with the different categories of identity and other documents carried by German citizens, alien labour and friendly aliens within the Third Reich. It gives a thorough look at the minutia of the bureaucratic administration of wartime Germany, and its fighting services, political and paramilitary organisations, civil services and civilian society, through the documents of a totalitarian state in which any activity which was not forbidden was compulsory. These historical documents are now extremely collectable. This original core reference gives reliable information to the purpose of issue, with actual-size colour illustrations of the artefact along with a physical description and issuance regulations. FROM THE FOREWORD DEFINITION OF AN IDENTITY DOCUMENT: For the purpose of this book any document bearing a photograph and/or fingerprints, stamped and signed by an official authority indicating the name, civil status, nationality, domicile and profession of the owner is considered an Identity Document. Numerous documents shown or described here are not strictly identity documents, but have been included because they are necessary for specified activities. This type is usually only valid in conjunction with an Identity Card. AUSWEISE: In a totalitarian state where any activity which is not forbidden is compulsory, it is not surprising to find that persons are obligated to carry a profusion of documents proving their identity and right to perform certain functions. Such papers come under the generic term of AUSWEISE. Ausweise, which in most cases bear holder's photograph, can prove identity, certify a fact, or permit an action. They appear in the most varied formats, colours and texts many are shown here. This also applies to "Bescheinigungen" (Certificates). CATEGORIES: Documents have been classified into eight categories as follows: CATEGORY A - Documents establishing Identity of German Nationals. CATEGORY B - Documents establishing Identity of Aliens. CATEGORY C - Documents establishing Labour Status. CATEGORY D - Documents establishing Military Status. CATEGORY E - Travel Documents, including Documents allowing entrance into or residence in Prohibited Coastal Areas. CATEGORY F - Rationing CATEGORY G - Miscellaneous (Curfew Passes, Vehicle Permits, etc.) CATEGORY H - Documents used by Germans outside Germany For the sake of convenience to reader, this book has been arranged in the following manner to the individual in the fighting and paramilitary organisations, e.g.: ARMY: CATEGORY A - Documents concerning Germans in the German Army. CATEGORY B - Documents concerning Aliens in the German Army. CATEGORY C - Documents concerning a soldier performing civilian duties while on leave or recuperating, etc. CATEGORY D - Documents concerning Status in the Wehrmacht. CATEGORY E - Documents concerning a soldier travelling. CATEGORY F - Documents concerning rationing. CATEGORY G - Documents concerning miscellaneous activities, curfew, sleeping-out passes, etc. CATEGORY H - Documents concerning German troops outside Germany.
