Ritterkreuzträger of the Fallschirmjäger (1942)

Excerpt from "Ganze Männer" showing the Ritterkreuzträger of the Fallschirmjäger

“Real Men” (Ganze Männer) is a short propaganda film about the training and combat mission of German paratroopers.

During WWII, Germany was the first country to use paratroopers on a larger scale; they were employed during the invasion of Denmark and the Low Countries in 1940.

But their most famous operation was the invasion of Crete, where over 14,000 German paratroopers landed on the island and managed to conquer it in May/ June 1941 but suffered heavy losses. Paratroopers after 1941 were used as regular ground troops, mostly on focal points on the front that were under high pressure.

Nevertheless, actual paradrop training was continued until early 1944. The following short shows scenes from Paratrooper training, exercise and combat footage from the landings on Crete. The title, "Real Men" refers to the fact that, according to this propaganda short, only "real men" can become paratroopers. This short was shown before propaganda newsreels and films in early 1942.

Oberst Bruno Bräuer (Kommandeur Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1). Received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 24 May 1940 for his heroic devotion to duty while leading his Regiment in the Westfeldzug, which held onto key communication nodes until reinforcements arrived. Oberst Bräuer, who originally came from the NCO ranks, demonstrated brave resolve and led his Regiment to great success at an important location.

Oberleutnant Horst Kerfin (Zugführer in 11.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1). During the aerial attack on Rotterdam on 10 May 1940, Oberleutnant Kerfin and his Zug had a special mission to complete. After landing near the suburb of Feyenoord, Kerfin and his men stormed through the village and found an electric street car at the edge of Rotterdam. They commandeered it and rode to a point just before their objective, the Maas island at the river bend in the southeast of the city. They eliminated the AA battery on this island, then fought their way over the Willems bridge and created a small bridgehead on the north bank of the Maas. This bridgehead was then reinforced by elements of the 9./Infanterie-Regiment 16, leading to a total strength of about 60 German troops in the bridgehead. Kerfin and his men then held it for five days until relieved by friendly forces, despite being given permission to retreat if the situation demanded it. For this act he would be decorated with the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 24 May 1940.

Leutnant der Reserve Wolfgang Graf von Blücher (Zugführer in 2.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1). Received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 24 May 1945. The following press report, dated 26 May 1940, describes why Blücher was awarded the Ritterkreuz: “Leutnant d.R. Graf von Blücher captured a strongly garrisoned enemy nest of bunkers in a display of outstanding devotion to duty and unstoppable forward drive.”

General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (left, Kommandierender General der Fallschirmtruppe). Received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 12 May 1940 for the success of his airborne and air landing forces during the Battle of France, specifically in Holland and at Eben Emael. As the father of these forces, the Ritterkreuz signified recognition of the ultimate role he had to play in these decisive battlefield accomplishments. Student received the Eichenlaub for his Ritterkreuz on 27 September 1943 for the important role his troops played in the Mediterranean during the summer of 1943, specifically in the battle of Sicily, the rescue of Mussolini and the disarmament of Italian forces around Rome.

Source :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHmbgGicnnM
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=29879&hilit=bl%C3%BCcher&start=26385
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/34529/Student-Kurt-Arthur-Benno.htm
https://web.archive.org/web/20091028111435fw_/http://geocities.com/orion47.geo/WEHRMACHT/LUFTWAFFE/General/BRAEUER_BRUNO.html

The Headstone of Wilhelm Bach

Ritterkreuzträger Wilhelm Bach is one of two men who have more than one headstone located at Woodland Cemetery, Canada.

As a final sign of respect for a fallen comrade, Bach’s fellow POWS took great care in hand carving a solid wood headstone for his grave in Gravenhurst, Ontario.

The men who skillfully carved the headstone would not have been aware that the Major had been posthumously promoted to Oberstleutnant. Consequently his rank of Major at his capture was used for the marker.

When Bach’s remains were exhumed from the Gravenhurst Cemetery and relocated to Woodland, the original headstone was moved too. However, that headstone no longer marks the location of Bach’s grave. Instead, a regulation, German-spec stone cross is now used in its place.

Placed in a prominent position within the cemetery’s alcove, the original marker now serves as a monument to Wilhelm Bach.

The wood marker has suffered over the years: Much shorter now, some of its original length has been cut off, presumably because of wood rot. Far more disturbing, it was defaced in April 1978, solely because of one reactionary Canadian Legion member.

The highest honour bestowed to Major Bach during his military career was the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross), which understandably had been carved into the headstone. This medal includes a swastika, which is integral to the Knight’s Cross design.

At one person’s behest, a person incapable of differentiating between politics, war crimes, and the bravery of common men whose only offense was to answer their country’s call during a time of war, a cemetery worker took a chisel to the wood marker and removed the swastika.

The original headstone for Bach's grave as it stood in Gravenhurst, Ontario. The photo was taken by one of Bach's men who also survived Halfaya Pass, but had been interred in Alberta. On the back of the photo, which shows his children at Bach's grave, is written "Hannelore brightens up the grave of my Major." The reverence held for Bach by the men he commanded is exemplified in this touching photo.

The original headstone as it looks today (2013). Shorter, and defaced as a result of ignorance, it no longer marks the location of Bach's grave.

The regulation, German government issued two-name.headstone now used to mark Bach's grave.

Source :
https://www.vorg.com/home/german-war-graves-in-canada/pow-history/oberstleutnant-wilhelm-bach/

Wilhelm Bach Visits Italian Positions in the Halfaya Pass

Hauptmann Wilhelm Bach, freshly awarded with the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 9 July 1941 and temporary commander of I.Bataillon / Schützen Regiment 104, visits Italian positions in Halfaya Pass on 22 August 1941. This picture shows Hauptmann Bach inspects an Italian battery adjacent to his own.

Hauptmann Wilhelm Bach, freshly awarded with the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 9 July 1941 and temporary commander of I.Bataillon / Schützen Regiment 104, visits Italian positions in Halfaya Pass on 22 August 1941. This picture shows Hauptmann Bach inspects an Italian battery adjacent to his own.

Hauptmann Wilhelm Bach, freshly awarded with the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 9 July 1941 and temporary commander of I.Bataillon / Schützen Regiment 104, visits Italian positions in Halfaya Pass on 22 August 1941. This picture shows Hauptmann Bach inspects an Italian battery adjacent to his own.

Source :
https://imagesdefense.gouv.fr/fr/le-capitaine-bach-commandant-d-une-batterie-du-schutzen-regiment-104-visite-des-positions-italiennes-halfayapass-2.html

Heinz Guderian in the Halftrack in France

General der Panzertruppe Heinz Guderian (Kommandierender General XIX. Armeekorps) inside the Sd.Kfz.251/3 halftrack vehicle. At left is a Horch 901 belong to the Luftwaffe, while at right is a Krupp L4500 of Panzergruppe Hoth (note the 'H' symbol). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Erich Borchert during the German advance in France, May 1940.

General der Panzertruppe Heinz Guderian (Kommandierender General XIX. Armeekorps) inside the Sd.Kfz.251/3 halftrack vehicle. At right is a Horch 901 belong to the Luftwaffe. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Erich Borchert during the German advance in France, May 1940.

Source :
Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-769-0235-31
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=897328073630834&set=a.895624837134491

Heinz Guderian and Adolf-Friedrich Kuntzen

General der Panzertruppe Heinz Guderian (Kommandierender General XIX. Armeekorps), inside the Sd.Kfz.251/3 halftrack vehicle, in conversation with Generalleutnant Adolf-Friedrich Kuntzen (Kommandeur 8. Panzer-Division), giving his last instructions before an attack to the enemy. For his bold forward drive and brave attitude during the breakthrough to the Channel coastline - especially in the Battle of Montreuil sur Mer - Divisionskommandeur Kuntzen would receive the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 3 June 1940. The picture itself was taken by Kriegsberichter Erich Borchert in France, May 1940.

Source :
Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-769-0229-02A
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/world-war-ii-heinz-guderian-german-general-leader-of-the-news-photo/92423822
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/69888/Kuntzen-Adolf-Friedrich.htm

Heinz Guderian and Enigma Machine

General der Panzertruppe Heinz Guderian (Kommandierender General XIX. Armeekorps) in a Sd.Kfz. 251/3 halftrack during German military campaign in France, May 1940. Note early 3-rotor Enigma machine in use. The Enigma was used by the German Army, Air Force, and Navy—as shown here. The SS, police, secret services, Reichspost (postal) service, railways, and German Foreign Office all used Enigma, too. Altogether, the Germans used about 50,000 Enigma machines during the war. Guderian, like many German commanders, preferred to direct operations from as close to the frontline as possible. His vehicle is fitted with a large radio and an enigma cipher machine for communications with high command and other units in the field. Waiting close by are several motorcycle dispatch riders, ready to carry messages to units in the thick of the fighting. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Erich Borchert.

General der Panzertruppe Heinz Guderian (Kommandierender General XIX. Armeekorps) in a Sd.Kfz. 251/3 halftrack during German military campaign in France, May 1940. Note early 3-rotor Enigma machine in use. The Enigma was used by the German Army, Air Force, and Navy—as shown here. The SS, police, secret services, Reichspost (postal) service, railways, and German Foreign Office all used Enigma, too. Altogether, the Germans used about 50,000 Enigma machines during the war. Guderian, like many German commanders, preferred to direct operations from as close to the frontline as possible. His vehicle is fitted with a large radio and an enigma cipher machine for communications with high command and other units in the field. Waiting close by are several motorcycle dispatch riders, ready to carry messages to units in the thick of the fighting. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Erich Borchert.

General der Panzertruppe Heinz Guderian (Kommandierender General XIX. Armeekorps) in a Sd.Kfz. 251/3 halftrack during German military campaign in France, May 1940. Note early 3-rotor Enigma machine in use. The Enigma was used by the German Army, Air Force, and Navy—as shown here. The SS, police, secret services, Reichspost (postal) service, railways, and German Foreign Office all used Enigma, too. Altogether, the Germans used about 50,000 Enigma machines during the war. Guderian, like many German commanders, preferred to direct operations from as close to the frontline as possible. His vehicle is fitted with a large radio and an enigma cipher machine for communications with high command and other units in the field. Waiting close by are several motorcycle dispatch riders, ready to carry messages to units in the thick of the fighting. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Erich Borchert.

Source :
Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-769-0229-12A
https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/photograph-of-general-field-marshal-heinz-guderian-and-a-radio-operator-with-the-enigma-encryption-machine-in-a-medium-weight-radio-tank-sd-kfz-251-3-during-the-battle-of-france-in-may-1940-eric-borchert-1911-1942/egFgPmhlnuoChA?hl=en
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/general-heinz-guderian-france-1940-news-photo/809916960
https://ww2db.com/image.php?image_id=9077
https://weaponsandwarfare.com/2021/01/02/german-army-frontline-leadership/

Heinz Guderian Inside Sd.Kfz. 251

General der Panzertruppe Heinz Guderian (Kommandierender General XIX. Armeekorps) inside a Sd.Kfz. 251/3 halftrack. This vehicle was a familiar sight, widely associated with the German infantry during all of World War Two.The halftrack was one of the several solutions given to the problem of low off-road capabilities of trucks and associated “special purpose vehicles” (Sonderkraftfahrzeug). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Erich Borchert in May 1940 during German military campaign in France.

Source :
Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-769-0229-15A
https://www.bridgemanimages.com/en/noartistknown/heinz-guderian/photo/asset/2556960

Heinz Guderian and Hitlerjugend

Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (center, Chef des Generalstabes des Heeres) and Reichsjugendführer Arthur Axmann (right) at the Hitlerjugend display wall construction. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Theodor Scheerer in East Prussia, 6 September 1944.

On the anniversary of the "deutschen Freiheitskampfes" (German fight for freedom), Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (Chef des Generalstabes des Heeres) made a soldierly appeal to the Hitlerjugend of East Prussia, who had proven themselves in the Redoubt. They gathered around the proven troop leader and loyal collaborator of the Führer and listened to the rousing words addressed to them by Generaloberst Guderian and Reichsjugendführer Axmann, in the midst of the youth who were ready for action.

Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (second from left, Chef des Generalstabes des Heeres) and Reichsjugendführer Arthur Axmann (left) during the inspection of Hitlerjugend boys. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Theodor Scheerer in East Prussia, 6 September 1944.

Hitlerjugend members digging trenches in East Prussia. The picture was taken during the visit of Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (Chef des Generalstabes des Heeres), 6 September 1944.

Source :
Bundesarchiv Bild 183-J27583
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek (Image-No.: 70375775)
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/46907/3ea37ace93acdc6afb4c22cb76d97fbc/

Heinz Guderian in Smolensk

Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (facing the camera, Befehlshaber Panzergruppe 2) in front of his staff quarters in Smolensk, Eastern Front. The picture was taken during the Unternehmen Barbarossa, German invasion of Soviet Union, August-September 1941.

Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (Befehlshaber Panzergruppe 2) in Smolensk, Eastern Front. The picture was taken during the Unternehmen Barbarossa, German invasion of Soviet Union, August-September 1941.

Source :
https://www.allworldwars.com/Flank-Defense-in-Far-Reaching-Operations-by-Heinz-Guderian.html

Heinz Guderian in Willrich Postcard

 

The postcard painting of Generaloberst Heinz Guderian by Wolfgang Willrich (31 March 1897 – 18 October 1948), a German artist of the 20th century, who created propaganda art during the time of Nazi Germany. In 1933, Willrich was employed by the Nazi government, for which he drew art depicting idealized racial standards and portraits of soldiers and party officials. The postcard itself was first published in August 1940, not long after the end of the "Westfeldzug" (German invasion of France and Low Countries).

Source :
https://www.allworldwars.com/Soldiers-of-the-Reich-by-Wolf-Willrich.html

Heinz Guderian as Chief of Fast Troops

General der Panzertruppe Heinz Guderian as Chef der schnellen Truppen in a picture taken on 29 November 1938. Guderian was promoted from Generalleutnant to General der Panzertruppe on 23 November 1938, and one day later he was assigned as Chief of Army Fast Troops. His previous role was Kommandierender General  of XVI. Armeekorps (motorisiert).

Source :
https://www.bridgemanimages.com/en/noartistknown/general-heinz-guderian-1938-b-w-photo/black-and-white-photograph/asset/3005043

Heinz Guderian and Georg-Hans Reinhardt

Generalleutnant Heinz Guderian (left, Kommandierender General XVI. Armeekorps [mot.]) and Generalmajor Georg-Hans Reinhardt (Kommandeur 1.Schützen-Brigade / 1.Panzer-Division) conferring during the annexation of Sudetenland, October 1938. The picture was taken in Karlsbad (now Karlovy Vary in Czech).

Source :
https://www.alamy.com/general-heinz-guderian-left-and-general-georg-hans-reinhardt-conferring-during-teh-annexation-of-the-sudetenland-in-oct-1938-image550737953.html?imageid=162023CB-5A42-4A2F-8828-F87E2C5E1109&p=36552&pn=1&searchId=27a1728c1ff09de2f5afe6b9ec78b782&searchtype=0
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_146-1988-120-10,_Sudetenland,_Guderian_und_Reinhardt.jpg

Josef Kulot with DRK Nurses

On the left is DRK volunteer Liselotte Maaßen, bearer of the Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse with a ladies' ribbon. This was awarded to her after she had brought around 150 wounded soldiers into a train under Russian fire so that they could be rescued. Sitting in the chair is Josef Kulot from Herten, who received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 24 September 1942 as Obergefreiter and Gruppenführer in 6.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 60 (motorisiert) / 16.Infanterie-Division (motorisiert) "Windhund".

Source :
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=537613305456271&set=a.174351391782466

Wilhelm Keitel and Heinz Guderian

Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Keitel (left, Chef der Oberkommando der Wehrmacht) chats with Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (Chef des Generalstabes des Heeres). The picture was taken by Walter Frentz at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, in the summer of 1944. Guderian wished to have nothing to do with the July Conspiracy in 1944. Many of his erstwhile colleagues were successfully accused of complicity in the bomb plot against the Führer, which led to the execution of most of The Leader’s best commanders, including Rommel, who was forced to take poison.

Source :
https://general-history.com/guderian-keitel-von-rundstedt-ii-world-war-generals/
https://www.walter-frentz-collection.de/fotoarchiv/personenarchiv-a-z/personen-g-h/#&gid=1&pid=62

Heinz Guderian and Walther Wenck

Rare photo of Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (Chef des Generalstabes des Heeres) wearing black Panzer uniform, seen here at a war conference with Generalleutnant Walther Wenck (Stellvertretender Chef des Generalstabes des Heeres). The picture was taken by Walter Frentz in July 1944.

Rare photo of Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (Chef des Generalstabes des Heeres) wearing black Panzer uniform, seen here at a war conference with Generalleutnant Walther Wenck (Stellvertretender Chef des Generalstabes des Heeres). The picture was taken by Walter Frentz in July 1944.

Rare photo of Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (Chef des Generalstabes des Heeres) wearing black Panzer uniform, seen here at a war conference with Generalleutnant Walther Wenck (Stellvertretender Chef des Generalstabes des Heeres). The picture was taken by Walter Frentz in July 1944.

Source :
https://www.polityka.pl/pomocnikhistoryczny/1954606,1,siedmiu-dowodcow-hitlera.read
https://www.walter-frentz-collection.de/fotoarchiv/personenarchiv-a-z/personen-g-h/
https://www.ww2incolor.com/gallery/german-forces/45854/guderian-and-wenck.

Heinz Guderian during Operation Barbarossa (Color)

Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (Befehlshaber Panzergruppe 2) with his troops during the first weeks of Unternehmen Barbarossa, German invasion of Soviet Union, July 1941. He is not yet wearing the Eichenlaub for his Ritterkreuz, which he received on 17 July 1941.

These are color slides that was broken-up at eBay back in 2007. It shows Panzergruppe 2 (Generaloberst Heinz Guderian) in the Eastern Front during Unternehmen Barbarossa, July 1941. The slides were taken at the Panzer-Abteilung (Flamm) 100 which operated in the first part of Operation Barbarossa together with 18. Panzer-Divison. The photographer was Bildberichterstatter Heinz Eckert.

Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (Befehlshaber Panzergruppe 2) with his troops during the first weeks of Unternehmen Barbarossa, German invasion of Soviet Union, July 1941. He is not yet wearing the Eichenlaub for his Ritterkreuz, which he received on 17 July 1941.

Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (Befehlshaber Panzergruppe 2) with his troops during the first weeks of Unternehmen Barbarossa, German invasion of Soviet Union, July 1941. He is not yet wearing the Eichenlaub for his Ritterkreuz, which he received on 17 July 1941.

Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (wearing generalmantel, Befehlshaber Panzergruppe 2) with Generalleutnant Walter Model (left, Kommandeur 3. Panzer-Division) during the first weeks of Unternehmen Barbarossa, German invasion of Soviet Union, July 1941.

Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (wearing generalmantel, Befehlshaber Panzergruppe 2) with Generalleutnant Walter Model (left, Kommandeur 3. Panzer-Division) during the first weeks of Unternehmen Barbarossa, German invasion of Soviet Union, July 1941.

Source :
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2010/05/foto-foto-terbaik-heinz-guderian.html
https://www.barbarossa1941.com/barbarossa-photo-gallery
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/10-reproduction-color-photos-general-guderian-1760-c-fb34c4f9ec
http://thirdreichcolorpictures.blogspot.com/2010/02/generaloberst-heinz-wilhelm-guderian.html
http://ww2colorfarbe.blogspot.com/2020/08/panzergruppe-2-during-operation.html

Heinz Guderian with Hungarian Allies

Around the table, from left to right: Generalleutnant Walther Wenck (Stellvertretender Chef des Generalstabes des Heeres), Colonel-General Janos Vörös (Chief of the Hungarian General Staff), Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (Chef des Generalstabes des Heeres), and General der Infanterie Hans von Greiffenberg (Bevollmächtigten General der Deutschen Wehrmacht in Ungarn). The picture was taken by Walter Frentz at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, on 11-12 September 1944.

Source :
https://www.walter-frentz-collection.de/fotoarchiv/personenarchiv-a-z/personen-g-h/

Hitler Visit to Rügenwalde (1943)

On 18-19 March 1943 Hitler visited the town of Rügenwalde in Pomerania (Germany) to see a demonstration of the world's largest cannon, Eisenbahngeschütz "Dora" (800mm caliber!) and newly built panzers. Witnessed by the Führer and his retinue, the artillery moving along a special railroad track fired two bullets of unbelievable magnitude. This photograph was taken on the second day - 19 March 1943 - by Walter Frentz and it shows, from left to right: General der Artillerie Alfred Jodl (Chef der Wehrmacht-Führungsamt), SS-Oberführer Prof. Dr.-Ing. e.h. mult. Ferdinand Porsche (Vorsitzender der Panzerkommission), Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (Generalinspekteur der Panzertruppen), Generalleutnant Walter Buhle (behind Guderian, Chef vom Heeresstab im Oberkommando der Wehrmacht), Adolf Hitler (Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht), Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Keitel (Chef des Oberkommando der Wehrmacht), Hauptdienstleiter Dipl. Ing. Karl-Otto Saur (Staatssekretär im Reichsministerium für Rüstung und Kriegsproduktion), and SS-Gruppenführer Julius Schaub (Chefadjutant des Führer und Reichskanzler).

On 18-19 March 1943 Hitler visited the town of Rügenwalde in Pomerania (Germany) to see a demonstration of the world's largest cannon, Eisenbahngeschütz "Dora" (800mm caliber!) and newly built panzers. Witnessed by the Führer and his retinue, the artillery moving along a special railroad track fired two bullets of unbelievable magnitude. This photograph was taken on the second day - 19 March 1943 - by Walter Frentz and it shows, from left to right: Dr.-Ing. Albert Speer (Reichsminister für Bewaffnung und Munition), General der Artillerie Alfred Jodl (Chef der Wehrmacht-Führungsamt), Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (Generalinspekteur der Panzertruppen), Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Keitel (Chef des Oberkommando der Wehrmacht), Adolf Hitler (Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht), and Generalleutnant Walter Buhle (Chef vom Heeresstab im Oberkommando der Wehrmacht).

On 18-19 March 1943 Hitler visited the town of Rügenwalde in Pomerania (Germany) to see a demonstration of the world's largest cannon, Eisenbahngeschütz "Dora" (800mm caliber!) and newly built panzers. Witnessed by the Führer and his retinue, the artillery moving along a special railroad track fired two bullets of unbelievable magnitude. This photograph was taken on the second day - 19 March 1943 - by Walter Frentz and it shows, from left to right: General der Artillerie Alfred Jodl (Chef Wehrmacht-Führungsamt und Führungsstab der Wehrmacht), Prof.Dr.-Ing.Albert Speer (Reichsminister für Rüstung und Kriegsproduktion), Adolf Hitler (Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht), Hauptdienstleiter Dipl.-Ing. Karl-Otto Saur (Staatssekretär im Reichsministerium für Rüstung und Kriegsproduktion), SS-Gruppenführer Julius Schaub (in the background, Chefadjutant des Führers Adolf Hitler), Generalleutnant Walter Buhle (Chef vom Heeresstab im Oberkommando der Wehrmacht), and Oberstleutnant Friedrich-Wilhelm "Fritz" Holzhäuer (Abteilungsleiter im Waffenamt Prüfwesen 6, Abteilung Panzer- und Motorisierung, beim Oberkommando des Heeres).

Source :
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2010/05/foto-foto-terbaik-heinz-guderian.html
https://www.walter-frentz-collection.de/fotoarchiv/personenarchiv-a-z/personen-g-h/
http://ww2colorfarbe.blogspot.com/2014/11/adolf-hitler-visiting-rugenwalde.html

Erich Bärenfänger in the Training of German Grenadier

An excerpt from 'Die Deutsche Wochenschau' Nr. 722 - 5 July 1944: Oberstleutnant Erich Bärenfänger in the footage of training of new infantrymen of the German Army in 1944. Due to the immense pressure the Wehrmacht was under in 1944, training of new soldiers was often shortened to be able to deploy them to the frontlines more quickly. This was not only the case with infantry, also tank crews, fighter pilots and other specialized troops had way less training in 1944 then for example in 1940. Bärenfänger (1915-1945) himself was a German General during WWII. He was drafted to Infantry Regiment 123 in 1936 and promoted to Reserve Lieutenant in April 1939. Shortly before finishing his mandatory service, World War II broke out and he served as platoon leader in Poland and France. In September 1941, he became company commander, and took part in Operation Barbarossa, fighting in Ukraine and on Crimea. He later served as battalion commander, fighting in the Cuban bridgehead and later around Kerch. After the German retreat from Crimea, he served in various staff position in officer training. During the Battle of Berlin, Bärenfänger commanded one of the hard fought over defense areas, and was promoted from Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-Colonel) to Generalmajor (Brigadier General), skipping the rank of Oberst (Colonel)! He tried to break out of Berlin with a small group on the night of May 2nd/3rd, and when that failed, he committed suicide with his wife. Bärenfänger was highly decorated, having received the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (December 1941), Verwundetenabzeichen in Gold (January 1942) the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (August 1942) mit Eichenlaub (May 1943) und Schwertern (January 1944).

Source :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHL8cxpPj1w

Korpskommandeur Sepp Dietrich in Normandy

From left to right: Generalmajor Wolfgang Thomale (Chef des Stabes Generalinspekteur der Panzertruppen), Generalmajor Edgar Feuchtinger (Kommandeur 21. Panzer-Division), Hauptmann Dr.-Ing. Alfred Becker (Kommandeur Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 200 / 21.Panzer-Division), and SS-Obergruppenführer und General der Waffen-SS Josef "Sepp" Dietrich (Kommandierender General I. SS-Panzerkorps "Leibstandarte"). This picture was taken from the weekly news 'Die Deutsche Wochenschau' Nr. 722 which published on 5 July 1944.

SS-Obergruppenführer und General der Waffen-SS Josef "Sepp" Dietrich (center, Kommandierender General I. SS-Panzerkorps "Leibstandarte") and his adjutant SS-Hauptsturmführer Hermann Weiser at right. This picture was taken from the weekly news 'Die Deutsche Wochenschau' Nr. 722 which published on 5 July 1944.

An excerpt from 'Die Deutsche Wochenschau' Nr. 722, 5 July 1944, showing footage of the fight in Normandy, including destroyed allied armor, the Battle of Villers-Bocage, captured American soldiers, and footage from Waffen-SS troops, including Waffen-SS General Sepp Dietrich (shown on 02:49).

Source :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHL8cxpPj1w