Abteilungsvorstand?

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hi,

"Militär-Eisenbahndirektion 5, Major (Abteilungsvorstand) Mertens"

Abteilungsvorstand is a new one for me on military docs.... does anyone have an Idea?

I am guessing Mertens was a railwayman before the war? But he is not d.R.

[Glenn J]

Chris,

that is presumably Major Hans Mertens of Feldartillerie-Regiment Nr. 69; in 1914 an Hauptmann on the staff of the Eisebahn-Abteilung of the General Staff. Later commander of FAR 241 and later a Reichsheer Oberst. I have seen Abteilungs-Vorstände in such organisations as the War Ministry which I would translate as a Department Head.

Regards

Glenn

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hi,

Very possible...

The EK docs show...in December 1914 Hauptmann at Militäreisenbahn direktion 2

July 1916 Militär-Eisenbahndirektion 5, Major (Abteilungsvorstand) Mertens

I guess he ran around seeing that the Artilery had their goodies transported....