4./Ers.Btl.Inf.Rgt.18 Erkennungsmarke

The tag or 'Erkennungsmarke' shows overall normal signs of wear. it belonged to a soldier who served in the 4.Kompanie Ersatz Bataillon Infanterie Regiment 18. This regiment goes back to the Reichswehr period (and even further back) as the 18.Infanterie-Regiment. In October 1935 it was renamed into Infanterie Regiment 18. It was part of the 6.Infanterie-Division and saw its first combat during the invasion of Belgium and then France. After the defeat of France the division and her units prepared for the invasion of England also known as Operation Seelöwe, but the invasion was cancelled. 
From June 1941 on the division took part in the invasion of Russia. It operated in areas like Witebsk, Rshew, Smolensk, Kursk, Orel, Bobruisk and Gomel. In October 1942 the regiment was renamed into Grenadier Regiment 18.   
The 'A' on both parts of the tag stands for the soldier's bloodtype.