Wehrpass with espionage order! WWI Infantry & WWII Bau Battalion

Rare WWII Wehrpass – Bau-Bataillon 98 – Secrecy & Espionage Order!

This Wehrpass features an official entry of the “Befehl über Geheimhaltung und Spionageabwehr" (Order on Secrecy and Counter-Espionage), a crucial regulation under the strict confidentiality required of soldiers. This rare marking highlights the importance of information security, even for construction units responsible for roads, fortifications, and logistical support.

The Construction Battalion 98 was established during the mobilization on August 26, 1939, in Military District VIII. The battalion was formed as an army unit by the RAD Gauleitung XI. Initially, the battalion was deployed in southern Poland with the XIV Army Corps of the 10th Army. Already on December 19, 1939, the battalion was reorganized into Construction Battalion 98 of the Wehrmacht, with the RAD being discharged.

At the beginning of the French campaign, the battalion was positioned within the 16th Army's area. At the start of the Eastern campaign, the battalion was involved in the attack on northern Russia. Initially, it was subordinated to the XXVIII Army Corps within the 16th Army. After a short time, it was reassigned to the L Army Corps within the 16th Army. From August 1941, the battalion was placed under Kodeis within the 16th Army. From early 1942, the battalion was directly under the command of the 16th Army, although parts of it remained under Kodeis.

In early summer 1942, the battalion was then subordinated to Korück 584, while two companies were deployed with the XXXIX Army Corps. On August 19, 1943, the battalion was renamed Construction Pioneer Battalion 98. In early 1945, the battalion was deployed in Courland under the 18th Army.