Aufkl.Ers.u.Ausb.Abt.10 Erkennungsmarke (Dresden)

The dog tag or 'Erkennungsmarke' shows signs of wear. The abteilung was formed in August 1939 as Kavallerie-Ersatz-Abteilung 10 and was part of Division.154. It fell under the command of Kommandeur der Schnell Truppen IV. In March 1943 the by then Radfahr Ersatz Abteilung 10 was used to form Schnelle Abteilung 10. A new ersatz abteilung was formed in July 1944 named Aufklärungs Ersatz und Ausbildungs Abteilung 10. This abteilung also trained soldiers for the Schnelle Abteilung 10 which participated in the Ardennes Offensive as part of the 246.volks-Grenadier-Division.  
The ersatz und ausbildungs abteilung was rushed (on bycicles) to Dresden on the 13th of Februari when the city was bombed. They provided first aid and rescued those who where locked in the cellars. For 2 weeks the abteilung was used to clean the main streets of the city. It was captured by the Americans on the 8th of April.