Zugwache Ausweis

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Here is another rarity, rarer than the Streifendienst Ausweis.

This one is for the Zugwache and is in the form of a small booklet rather than a single card like the Streifendienst.

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Here we see the date of issue, his unit ( Zugwachabteilung 507), the area of operations, Southern Russia, and some of the powers he has.

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And quotes from the various army regulations that give him his powers.

[Glenn66]

Thanks, a translation would be nice if possible?

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On the main page of the Ausweis, basically it states that he has the authority to issue orders, where appropriate in relation to his allocated duties, to all members of the armed forces and armed forces employees, with the exception of officers of the rank of General and Admin Officers with the rank equivalent to Generals.

The second paragraph goes on to state that only Officers are authorised to issue commands and carry out checks on Officers and Admin personnel with ranks equivalent to Officers.

(This would seem to contradict Para 1, but I interpret it as meaning that if his commander - i.e. an officer- allocates him a task he can in the carrying out of that task, issue instructions to anyone below the rank of General. In general however, it would take a Zugwache officer to issue direct orders to another Officer rank- and presumably if an officer objected to instructions issued by a Zugwache NCo under Para 1, a Zugwache Officer would then intercede.)

The final Para then goes on to say that all military units and all military personnel are required to support the Train commander and the Zugwache guards requirements by any means necessary.

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The next page, then goes on to state that the holder of this Ausweis is responsible for the control of all travelling members of the armed forces travelers - including employees of the armed forces - on trains.

He has, in exercising his duties, the responsibility of a military guard as defined in para 2 of the MStGB. (MStGB = Militärstrafgesetzbuch - the Military Penal Code)

He is entitled to wear a pistol both on and off duty.

The final para then goes on to say that as far as officially deemed necessary, he is exempt from regulations requiring people to take cover in an air raid shelter during an air alarm or attack ( presumably so he can continue to guard the train)

The final page is basically an extract from the Penal Code referred to , defining the said responsibilities as a military guard. It states that anyone who threatens a military guard in the performance of his duties, with a felony or misdemeanour, or who insults, is disobedient to or insubortinate to or assaults a Guard will be treated as if he has committed the act against a superior rank.

In other words if the Zugwache guy is just a Lance Corporal and the offender is a Sergeant-Major his rank won't save him !

[Adrian Stevenson]

Never even seen one before! Thanks for showing it.

Cheers, Ade.

[Paul D]

Never even seen one before! Thanks for showing it.

Cheers, Ade.

Me neither , very interesting to see these authorities !!