German Passport issued by SS in Oslo
German passport SS Norway
This German passport, issued by the SS in Oslo, is a significant historical document from World War II. The passport, belonging to Ruth Balzer, provides a unique insight into the bureaucratic procedures and the far-reaching control of the SS during the Nazi occupation of Norway.
Ruth Balzer’s Story German passport SS Norway
Ruth Balzer, born in July 1917, in Berlin-Schöneberg was issued this passport in Oslo during the German occupation. This document, marked by the SS, represents a rare and tangible piece of history from a tumultuous era.
Her workbook (Arbeitsbuch) shows her professional life. The first entry is from 1936 when she was an apprentice (clerk) for 2 years at the company of Bruno Mädler, Berlin. Then working with Mädler for another year until April 1939 before she moved to another company for one and a half years.
On 15 April 1941, she started her employment with NORDAG (Nordische Aluminium Aktiengesellschaft) in Berlin. She was then in the same month sent to the NORDAG headquarters in Oslo, Norway to work there also as a clerk. Her employment ended on 30 June 1945. German passport SS Norway
*NORDAG was an undertaking during World War II, which had the objective to develop the aluminum industry in areas controlled by Germany. The German company Nordische Aluminium Aktiengesellschaft (Nordic Aluminium corporation), a short form Nordag, was created in late 1940 in Berlin. Capital for the establishment of the company came mostly from the German Reichsluftfahrtministerium to produce airplanes. Later in May 1941, it established a Norwegian subsidiary, A / S Nordag.
Her passport was issued on 23 April 1945 in Oslo by an SS-Hauptsturmführer and commander of the Security Police (SD) and was valid for one year. As a German, she interned for a few months at a camp in Nordseter. Look at the entries on pages 30 to 32. A very rare passport!
Historical Context German passport SS Norway
The Nazi occupation of Norway and other European countries involved a complex and oppressive bureaucratic system. Passports and identification documents were tools of control, used to monitor and restrict the movements of people. This passport, issued in Oslo, is a testament to the far-reaching influence of the SS during the war.
Importance for Collectors and Historians
For collectors of wartime memorabilia and historians, this passport is a valuable artifact. It not only provides a snapshot of an individual’s life during the war but also serves as a broader reminder of the systemic oppression faced by many under Nazi rule. Collectors prize such documents for their rarity and historical significance.
Preservation and Documentation German passport SS Norway
Preserving historical documents like this passport is crucial. These artifacts help ensure that future generations can learn about and understand the past. Proper preservation techniques, such as controlled environments and careful handling, are essential to prevent deterioration.
Conclusion
The German passport issued by the SS in Oslo is more than just a travel document; it is a poignant reminder of the bureaucratic control exercised by the Nazi regime during World War II. Ruth Balzer’s story, encapsulated in this passport, offers a personal connection to the broader history of the Nazi occupation. Whether you are a collector, historian, or simply interested in wartime history, this artifact provides a compelling glimpse into a turbulent time.
SS Norway
Tom Topol | Passport Historian & Author
Featured by CNN, BBC, Newsweek... Awarded by the U.S. Dept. of State
Ask | Recognition | Books | Set as preferred source
