Rare Original Third Reich Book “Marsch-Richtung Ost! Vormarschweg und Gefechtsstände der Führungsabteilung General-Kommando IV. Armee-Korps im Polenfeldzug, August–September 1939”
By Major Lossow – Printed by Korpskartenstelle 404
This exceedingly rare wartime publication documents the operations and forward movement of the German IV Army Corps during the 1939 invasion of Poland. Compiled by Major Lossow of the Corps’ Führungsabteilung (Operations Section) and illustrated by Uffz. Vogel and Obg. Welde, it was printed in the field by Korpskartenstelle 404 (Corps Mapping Section) shortly after the campaign.
The book provides a detailed day-by-day account of the Corps’ command posts (Gefechtsstände) and routes of advance (Vormarschweg) from August through September 1939, forming one of the most complete surviving visual records of early Blitzkrieg operations.
Details & Features
Published: ca. 1939, wartime field production
Language: German
Pages: 111 pp., with 19 large folding color maps and numerous hand-drawn sketch illustrations
Illustrations: Vivid artistic depictions of command movements, staff convoys, and field life
Printing: Produced by Korpskartenstelle 404 using field printing equipment — extremely limited distribution for internal command reference only
Content Highlights:
Lists of officers and staff attached to the IV. Armee-Korps during the campaign (including Generalmajor Hans-Valentin Hube, General der Infanterie Viktor von Schwedler, and Generalmajor Walter Model)
Sequential maps detailing the Corps’ movements through Upper Silesia, Częstochowa, Annopol, and beyond
Detailed situational sketches such as “Wechselübergang bei Annopol” (bridge crossing) and “Hptm. i.G. Klotz meldet dem Führer” depicting operational scenes
Serves as both a military report and a historical art piece, reflecting early-war German staff documentation style
Physical Description / Condition:
The example shown is in very good condition overall.
Original canvas-backed field binding with titled illustrated cover showing the Polish Eagle over a red shield and border post motif.
Cover shows light age wear and toning from field use.
All 19 folding maps are intact, printed in color with excellent clarity.
Interior pages are clean and supple with minimal handling marks.
Back cover retains its original linen finish with minor foxing from age.
Collector Notes:
This is an exceptionally scarce field-issued campaign record, rarely seen outside institutional or advanced militaria collections. Examples in this condition with all maps present now command $750–$950 in today’s market.
A superb and authentic reference work for historians of the 1939 Poland Campaign and advanced collectors of Wehrmacht staff materials.
