Pz.Gren.Ers.Rgt.Grossdeutschland EKM (Published)

The tag or 'Erkennungsmarke' shows signs of wear. The ersatz bataillon of Infanterie Regiment Gross Deutschland was formed in December 1940. It became Grenadier Regiment Gross Deutschland (mot) in November 1942 and in November 1944 Panzer Grenadier Ersatz u. Ausbildungs Regiment Gross Deutschland. 
Regiment Gross Deutschland was put into action during the invasion of France. Fought in the Dunkirk area and after that in the Lyon area. When France surrendered the regiment was freshened up and moved to the Balkans in April 1941. In May it was moved to participate in Operation Barbarossa as part of the 2.Panzerarmee. It fought in areas like Brest-Litovsk, Jelnya, Konotop, Smolensk and Bolchow. After that it fought (together with other forces) for Stalingrad in 1942 and in Charkow in 1943.
After Charkow the Regiment was also equipped with a company of the Tiger tanks. It participated in the Battle of Kursk and was also equipped with Panther tanks. In early 1944 the unit was pulled back for rest and refit. It was put into action again in May in Romania. After that in the Podul area and East Prussia and the Baltic States. In the last stage of the war is was nearly destroyed at the Memel Bridghead.

This tag is published in the book 'Deutsche Erkennungsmarken' by Jean Höidal (page 132).