Minen-werfer Hauptgruppe 253

[ErwinZ]

I'm looking for a Hauptman Kienast from above mentioned unit. However I do not know such unit. Photo is possible taken near Bullecourt at 31.7.18.

Some potential candidates:

(sächs.) Minenwerfer-Kompanie Nr. 253
leichte Minenwerfer-Abteilung 253 and 253b
leichte Minenwerfer-Züge 253

[The Prussian]

Hello Erwin!

There was a Hauptmann Kienast in Pi.Btl.29.

In 1918 all MW-Abteilungen and Züge built companies. But the MW-Komp. 253 belonged to the 53.Res.Div. That division was in Soissons in that time...

They used to be at the Somme in spring 1918

[ErwinZ]

Thanks Andy. Does not makes sense thus far. But it's a small piece of the big puzzle so who knows.

[The Prussian]

What about the reverse? Is there a stamp because of the date?

[ErwinZ]

I wish I could translate it

[The Prussian]

It seems to be an adress. It would be easier to see the entire reverse...

[ErwinZ]

I'm almost done scanning the whole lot. I think Ill post the whole document soon. I tried to puzzle it out myself but I guess native speakers will figure it out more quickly.

[ErwinZ]

After a bit of researching I found that Hauptmann Kienast was in de 21 RID. In the divisional record he, then already Hauptmann, commanded the Minenwerfer attached to RIR 80 in the defence of the Briqueteriestellung. Which was stormed by the French on 24/25 Sept. 1915. 

Edited April 30, 2020 by ErwinZ