Stamm-Schwdr./Aufkl. Ers.Abt.18 EKM

The tag or 'Erkennungsmarke' shows overall signs of wear. It belonged to a soldier who served within the Stammschwadron Aufklärungs Ersatz Abteilung 18. This abteilung was formed in late August 1939 in Stuttgart as Kavallerie Ersatz Abteilung 18. It fell under the command of Division 155. It trained and supplied soldiers for Aufklärungs Abteilung 101, 125, 94 (gebirgs), 305.
In April 1943 the abteilung was renamed into Aufklärungs-Abteilung 18 and became part of Division 465.
The 'A' on both parts of the tag stands for the soldier's bloodtype.
A Stammschwadron was a unit that trained the soldiers. Often the soldiers of this kompanie were soldiers who had frontline experience and/or where no longer fully usable on the front due to injuries. Of course this changed later in the war and they also where put into action as there was a shortage of (front)soldiers.