German Military Rank Abbreviations

Does any one know what the "a.D" stands for after a German Rank? For Example: Major a.D. or Leutnant a.D., etc. Does it have to do with service (Dienst) as in Reserve Officer?

I am familiar with "Major i.G" which translate to "Major im Generalstab" or Major in the General Staff (i.e. School qualified to be a German Staff Officer after 2 yr intense course). These positions would be held by the Ia, Ib, Ic, etc. at the Division Staff level.

v/r

Obslt.

 

"1.2(1). Officers listed as 'a.D.', 'z.V and 'z.D'.
With the exception of regimental 'Chef, army officers who retired from the regular Active- Duty Roster were either declared unavailable for further duty, in which case they were listed as 'a.D.' (ausser Dienst—out of service), or, if subject to recall to duty as 'z.V.' (zur Verfiigung—available for duty or at disposal). When 'z.V.' officers were detailed for duty they became 'z.D.' (for Disposition) and they were then subject to the same rules relating to uniforms as Erganzungs officers were."

Wehrmacht Ranks (Comparison) - Page 2 - World War 2 Talk

hope this helps

 

Nigel


Much appreciation! My relative received the Gold Cross for actions in Sicily with HG Division. The citation lists his rank as Leutnant a.D. Therefore, I must assume the action that caused him to receive such an award also must have been physically diabilitating as well

v/r

Obst.lt

 

You're welcome - if you want you can post some more details of the relative, and you may find out much more detail - the actions in Sicily seem fairly well documented.

Glad to have helped

 

Nigel

I posted this under the "Sicily" thread but as of this date no hits. In addition I realized my mistake ... it is not "a.d." but "i.d." ... "im Dienst"?????

I am looking for the combat record or "synopsis of action" that resulted in the German Gold Cross being awarded (see below) during actions on Sicily

Stocker, Heinz, 23.07.1943, Leutnant, Zugführer i. d. Pz.Aufkl.Abt. "HG"* ​

(*Platoon Leader - Armored Reconnaisance Battalion - Herman Goering Division)

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v/r​

Obstlt​

 

Nigel

I apologize about my mistake ... I need more coffee because as mentioned above I caught my error ... according to Axis Factbook ...i.D. = "in Dienst gestellt" or commissioned. This makes more sense since my relative did not sustain any career ending injuries.

v/r

Obstlt

 

Thanks for letting me know - I had been trying to find 'i.D.' with no luck

I hope someone manages to unearth the combat reports you seek

 

Nigel

I heard you and my Dad were chatting hot and heavy last night? Take it easy on the old man. He has a bad back but would chat on this forum all day long if left to himself. My mom was not too happy about it. I think Dad is in the dog house for breaking his promise to her. He has already had 2 spinal surgeries and is trying not to have a third.

As far as requested information, I am hoping someone can help me or steer me in the right direction.

v/r

Obstlt