WW2 German 1943 MIA Letter Missing Soldier Johann Sternberger Wehrpass Returned

Original WWII German military document dated September 13, 1943, issued by the Wehrmeldeamt Neumünster and sent by registered mail (“Einschreiben”) to Ignatz Sternberger, Grünau 175, Oberdonau.

This is a particularly poignant wartime document concerning Ignatz Sternberger’s son, Johann Sternberger, who is explicitly described as “vermißt” — missing.

The military registration office was returning Johann’s Wehrpass (military service record book) to his father and instructed the family to preserve it carefully.

Full Translation

Wehrmeldeamt Neumünster
Military Registration Office Neumünster

Registered

Neumünster, September 13, 1943

To Mr. Ignatz Sternberger
Grünau 175
Oberdonau

“Enclosed herewith is the Wehrpass of your missing son, Johann Sternberger.

You are requested to keep the Wehrpass carefully.”

The document is then hand-signed above the official title:

“Major u. Leiter d. W.M.A.”
Major and Head of the Wehrmeldeamt

Historical Significance

The wording makes this more than a routine administrative letter. By September 1943, Johann Sternberger had officially been recorded as missing, and his Wehrpass was being returned to his father.

The key original German phrase is:

“Wehrpaß Ihres vermißten Sohnes Johann Sternberger”

— literally, “the military service book of your missing son Johann Sternberger.”

Documents directly identifying a named serviceman as missing provide an excellent starting point for further research into the soldier, his military unit and the circumstances under which he disappeared.

The large purple “Einschreiben” marking indicates that this important correspondence was handled as registered mail. The document also retains the original handwritten signature of the Major and head of the Wehrmeldeamt Neumünster.

Condition

Original period document with substantial but honest wartime/archival wear. There are multiple folds, age toning, staining/soiling, edge wear, small tears and losses along the margins, including a larger irregular loss at the lower-right edge. Despite the wear, the important typed text, names, date, registered marking and signature remain clearly visible.

Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition.

Guaranteed original wartime historical document.

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