BOMBED WWII German 1944 Total Loss Air Raid Bombing Victim ID document Bielefeld

Original WWII German “Ausweis für Total-Fliegergeschädigte” issued in Bielefeld in October 1944 to a civilian whose household had been classified as totally damaged by an air raid.

“Total-Fliegergeschädigte” essentially means persons who suffered total loss through an air raid. These documents—often referred to by collectors as Bombenpässe—were used to identify bombed-out civilians and administer emergency assistance, replacement ration cards, household necessities, food and other scarce goods.

The front carries the striking printed heading:

“Ausweis für Total-Fliegergeschädigte”

Immediately underneath is the severe wartime warning:

“Wer sich diesen roten Ausweis durch unrichtige Angaben erschleicht, hat als Volksschädling schwerste Strafen, auch die Todesstrafe, zu erwarten.”

Translation:

“Anyone who obtains this red identification card through false information must expect the most severe penalties as an enemy of the people, including the death penalty.”

The card is dated Bielefeld, 14 October 1944 and bears an official Stadt Bielefeld seal along with the printed authority:

“Der Oberbürgermeister als Ortspolizeibehörde – Kriegsschädenamt”

Translation: “The Lord Mayor as Local Police Authority – War Damage Office.”

The document records the holder, his wife, one child and their previous residence. The handwritten former address appears to reference Köln-Lindlar, while a Bielefeld address is entered separately. Numerous original handwritten entries, stamps and signatures remain throughout.

The fold-out interior is particularly interesting. It incorporates an:

“Einkaufsausweis für nicht zwangsbewirtschaftete Waren des Haushalts und persönlichen Bedarfs (Mangelware)”

Translation: “Purchase permit for non-compulsorily rationed household and personal goods (scarce goods).”

Several actual purchases are recorded by hand with quantities, prices and seller signatures/stamps, providing a fascinating record of the material assistance available to a family after losing its possessions.

The reverse also contains sections administered by the Ernährungsamt (Food Office), including provisions for meal cards, special allocations, replacement of lost food ration cards and weekly cards for air-raid victims.

Bielefeld was subjected to major Allied air attacks during this period, and wartime regulations specifically prioritized Fliegergeschädigte for scarce clothing and replacement goods. A 1944 administrative source discussing Bielefeld notes the priority given to supplying air-raid victims.

Condition: Heavily used original condition appropriate to a document that was carried and used for obtaining emergency supplies. Strong center folds, overall toning, stains, handling wear, edge/corner wear, small holes and minor losses are present. The printing, handwritten entries and Bielefeld official seal remain clearly visible. Please examine all photographs for exact condition.

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