KuK Marine Militärpaß

[Netz]

I have had the following photograph, military passbook, and two letters in my possession for over 25 years. I discovered them being offered for sale at a market sale here in New Jersey, USA. They interested me and I purchased them. I have never seen a KuK Navy passbook in my research, whether for reference or for sale.

 

I have researched what I could find regarding the man’s time here in the USA and found some interesting information. Unfortunately, I have never been able to locate any websites in order to conduct any meaningful research on his KuK Navy service nor found any information about his unit. Some stamp markings within his military passbook indicate he came to the USA between 1914/1915. I find this interesting in that the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the USA were not yet belligerents, but WW1 was already in its 2nd year.

 

Although the man has been deceased since the 1950’s, for purposes of my ongoing research, I have covered his identity/US address.

 

Can anyone here direct me to any relevant website(s) in order to further research his service in the KuK Navy? I posted this on a FB KuK site, but other than a few “likes”, no one has responded to my question.

[Netz]

Updating this post as I am surprised that no one has responded to my inquiry on this. Just as a FYI, I placed this post here vs “Austria” because although the KuK was of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, he was originally from Kúklika, Dalmatia (near Zadar) & the naval base he was assigned was located in Pola(Pula), both of which are now in the boundaries of Croatia.

All info sites I have found with regard to searching for an individual or a unit in the KuK military states to search in the country/state/province in which they lived or served. I’ve tried researching Croatian sites, but as I do not know the language, I don’t even know if any sites have an option to translate.

[Preppy Picker]

I wish I could help you, that said there is a substantial Croatian community in Steelton PA.

[Netz]

No problem. Honestly, just trying to get websites to research feels like slow dental surgery w/o novocaine. I went as far as messaging an admin on a KuK FB page, joined the page, yet no one even gave me one single website, even one of the many I’ve tried. 🤷🏼‍♂️

I’ve seen tons of pre-WW1/WW1 era Austrian & German army passbooks, but never a KuK Navy one.

From what I can surmise, he was originally a farmer, joined the KuK Navy for his compulsory service & was later transferred to the reserves. He received a pass from the A-H KuK consulate in New York in late-1914 & possibly was supposed to have reported back, but failed to do so. He traveled out to Ohio, married, his wife died young, and I believe he was mentally unstable (as was his brother - the brother had emigrated to the U.S. & resided in NJ).

[Netz]

I’m beginning to believe this may be a lost cause. I say this due to several posts I’ve read in a few sites where a few have attempted to get ahold of various archival holdings (which I gather are similar to the U.S.’ NARA) and they’ve gotten nothing except suggestions to visit the holdings in person (a Balkan excursion is not a remote desire of mine, nor am I seeking to pay person(s) to go either).

And that’s the best case scenario.

Others have said due to the “age” and various political issues and movements of documents over the decades post-WW1, the vast majority of passbooks were either destroyed by the A-H Empire or since they were the personal possession of the sailor or soldier, they were lost to time. I guess I’m lucky to have come across one with a photo and letters.

 

Does anyone out there have any KUK Marine passbooks? If so, please share.