Original WW2 Nazi German 1942 Third Reich Cologne Air Raid Ration Card Loss Document Heil Hitler! NSDAP WWII

Original two-sided German wartime document dated November 25, 1942, from Köln-Nippes (Cologne). This is an unusually interesting piece of Third Reich home-front history documenting the loss of civilian clothing ration cards (Kleiderkarten) during an Allied air raid.

The document is headed “Abschrift” (Copy) and “Begründung zum Verlust meiner Kleiderkarten”, meaning “Explanation for the Loss of My Clothing Ration Cards.” It was submitted to District Office 17 of the Economic Office, Köln-Nippes by Peter Blum.

Blum explains that because his wife had been seriously ill, she arranged for an acquaintance employed by the Biergans company to purchase needed clothing and sewing supplies. He left four clothing ration cards at the business overnight on May 30–31, 1942. According to the statement, the cards were subsequently:

“…durch den Fliegerschaden mit verbrannt.”
“…burned along with [the premises/items] as a result of the air-raid damage.”

He states under oath that his account is true and mentions that documentation had previously been stamped by Ortsgruppe Sechzig of the NSDAP. Because his wife was hospitalized, he requests that his mother be issued a Bezugschein (purchase authorization/ration certificate) for a suit on his behalf.

The statement concludes with the period “Heil Hitler!” salutation and the typed notation “gez. Peter Blum.”

The reverse contains additional sworn confirmation dated 25 November 1942, including the name Luise Altherr, and a statement from J. Biergans Nachf. G.m.b.H., Köln, Hohenzollernring 90, confirming that the account corresponded with what had been reported immediately following the catastrophe.

A fascinating original document illustrating the effects of Allied bombing on German civilian life, wartime rationing, clothing shortages, bureaucracy, and the NSDAP administrative system in Cologne during WWII.

Condition shows considerable period wear including folds, punched filing holes, edge losses, small tears, toning and age staining. Both sides contain period text. Please see photographs for exact condition.

Guaranteed original WWII-period document.

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