Stamm.Kp.Pz.G.E.B.60 EKM (Der Windhund)

The dog tag or 'Erkennungsmarke' shows signs of wear. It belonged to a soldier who served in the 'Stammkompanie Panzer Grenadier Ersatz Bataillon 60'. The bataillon was formed in August 1939 as Infanterie Ersatz Bataillon 60. In November 1942 it was renamed Grenadier Ersatz Bataillon (motorisiert) 60. Since the beginning the bataillon trained and supplied soldiers for the (Panzer)Grenadier Regiment 60. This regiment was part of the 16.Infanterie-Division. Also known as the 'Windhund Division'. In September 1944 it was also used to form Panzer-Brigade 111. In December 1944 it was renamed Panzergrenadier-Ersatz- und Ausbildungs-Bataillon 60. In April 1945 it became part of Panzer Ausbildungs Verband Westfalen. On the back the erkennungsmarke is marked with 'Bl.Gr.A' which means the bloodtype of the soldier.
A Stammkompanie 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.