This kinda relates to SS dagger so I put it here. I know I have been a member of GDC for a few years and should probable know the answer to this but I don't and would like to hear from the long time researcher. Why are only officers in the SS the only numbers we have information on? It seems from the extensive paper work the Germans kept and were notorious for keeping so well there would be records of any SS, SA or NSDAP members number. Was it the extensive allied bombing of major city’s that destroyed this information or? But my only thought is that at the Nuremberg trails that lasted from 1945 to 1949 had brought about millions of document stemming back to the 1920 that brought about the conviction of thousand it just seem documents as important as member number would exist somewhere.

Adam,

Personnel files existed for all members of the SS. However, only officers were listed in the Dienstalterslisten. All officers were listed until 1938 and only the ranks of Major and above were included in the war time lists. Those personnel files that still exist are on record in DC and the Berlin Document Center.

That helps clear things up a little. Thanks Bernie