Albert Speer visit StG 2 (Sturzkampfgeschwader 2)

Visit of Reichsminister Dr. Albert Speer to the base of Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 (StG 2) "Immelmann", which is one of a series of events from the Speer visit session to the Eastern Front which took place from 14 to 18 June 1943. From left to right: unknown, Dr. Albert Speer (Reichsminister für Rüstung und Kriegsproduktion), Hauptmann Walter Krauß (Führer III.Gruppe / Sturzkampfgeschwader 2. Ritterkreuz 29 July 1940 and Eichenlaub 3 January 1944), Oberleutnant Steffen "Egbert" Jaeckel (Staffelkapitän 2.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Sturzkampfgeschwader 2. Ritterkreuz 14 May 1942), Hauptmann Alwin Boerst (blocked by Kupfer, Gruppenkommandeur I.Gruppe / Sturzkampfgeschwader 2. Ritterkreuz 5 October 1941, Eichenlaub 28 November 1942 and Schwerter 6 April 1944), Major Dr.jur. Ernst Kupfer (Führer Sturzkampfgeschwader 2. Ritterkreuz 23 November 1941, Eichenlaub 8 January 1943 and Schwerter 11 April 1944), and Hauptmann Hans-Ulrich Rudel (Staffelkapitän 1.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Sturzkampfgeschwader 2. Ritterkreuz 6 January 1942, Eichenlaub 14 April 1943, Schwerter 25 November 1943, Brillanten 29 March 1944 and Goldenem Eichenlaub 29 December 1944).

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2271625#p2271625

Curt Haase Wearing Kavalleriehelm

Curt Haase (the latter Generaloberst and Ritterkreuzträger) wearing Kavalleriehelm

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/search.php?keywords=curt+haase&t=14230&sf=msgonly

Josef Wurmheller and Other Pilots from JG 2

Focke-Wulf Fw 190 aces Oberleutnant Josef Wurmheller (wearing Ritterkreuz) and Oberfeldwebel Paul Bleyer of JG 2 (Jagdgeschwader 2) in France, July 1943.

Source :
ECPAD Archive, Courtesy of Blanluet Christophe
https://www.facebook.com/groups/152986901863424/

Oberst Karl Kessel of KG 2

Oberst Karl Kessel, Geschwaderkommodore KG 2 (Kampfgeschwader 2), in front of a Dornier Do 217M "UB+AM" (Werknummer 4438) bomber. The picture was taken in Airfield of Melun-Villaroche, France. Kessel received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 23 January 1944 as Oberstleutnant and Geschwaderkommodore of Kampfgeschwader 2. His last rank was Generalmajor.

Source :
ECPAD Archive, Courtesy of Blanluet Christophe
https://www.facebook.com/groups/152986901863424/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2236790469673066/

Generalmajor Erwin Rommel in France 1940

Generalmajor Erwin Rommel (Kommandeur 7. Panzer-Division) in France 1940. This picture is one of 854 photographs from the Rommel Photograph Collection located in the US National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).  The photographs depict military activities in the French campaign and were taken by various German photographers and copies provided to General Rommel as a courtesy.  There are photos of equipment and troops in action, landscape scenes, as well as photos of Rommel and a few other German leaders.  The collection contains scanned jpeg images of every photograph of the French campaign in the NARA collection (except for the duplicates).  Includes images of 12 Heinrich Hoffman photographs of Rommel’s visit with Hitler.  Each photo was scanned at 600 dpi and if captioned, the reverse was scanned at 150 dpi.  Since most photographs in the collection are not captioned, the scans are not cataloged, although they are organized by photograph type and, when possible, grouped by subject.  Some of the photographs are dated and captioned in German.

Source :
http://www.digitalhistoryarchive.com/wwii-photographs.html

Generalleutnant Hans Kamecke with His Troops

Generalleutnant Hans Kamecke with His troops. In the fender of the vehicle is the marking of 137. Infanterie-Division.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=14230&start=11565
https://jp-militaria.de/epages/c8160b69-739a-486c-b016-ca431d292e5b.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/c8160b69-739a-486c-b016-ca431d292e5b/Products/18690

Bio of General der Gebirgstruppe Johann "Hans" Schlemmer

Hans Schlemmer (18 January 1893 - 26 June 1973) joined the Royal Bavarian Army on August 1, 1913 as a Fahnenjunker. The son of a senior customs council came to the 2nd Royal Bavarian Pioneer Battalion. On June 1, 1914, he joined the 5th Royal Bavarian Field Artillery Regiment “King Alfonso XIII. from Spain". He was promoted to ensign on October 28, 1914. On December 6, 1914, he was promoted to lieutenant with effect from September 19, 1914. He was then in the war as a train or battery leader in his 5th Royal Bavarian Field Artillery Regiment "King Alfonso XIII. from Spain ”. On March 22, 1918, he was promoted to first lieutenant without a patent. During the First World War, he was not only wounded, which was reflected in the awarding of the wounded badge in black. He was also awarded both Iron Crosses and other awards. After the war he was taken over as a lieutenant in the Imperial Army. On September 26, 1919 he received his patent as a lieutenant on March 22, 1918. In the spring of 1920, he was part of the Reichswehr Artillery Regiment 23 of the 200,000-man transitional army. On September 25, 1920, he married Agnes Hofmann. When the 100,000-man army of the Reichswehr was formed, he was then taken over to the 7th (Bavarian) driving department for the next few years. From April 1, 1923, he then belonged to the 7th (Bavarian) medical department in Munich. From October 1, 1924, he then belonged to the 4th (mountain) squadron of the 7th (Bavarian) driving department in Landsberg am Lech. From October 1, 1925, he then belonged to the 4th (mountain) battery of the 7th (Bavarian) artillery regiment in Landsberg am Lech. With this he was promoted to captain on July 1, 1926. From 1926 he also studied at the Technical University in Berlin-Charlottenburg and passed his state examination in July 1930 as a graduate engineer. In the spring of 1928 and 1929 it then belonged to the 3rd battery of the 7th (Bavarian) artillery regiment in Würzburg. In the spring of 1930 it then belonged to the 2nd battery from the 7th (Bavarian) artillery regiment in Würzburg. After graduating, he was appointed chief of the 4th battery from the 7th (Bavarian) artillery regiment in Landsberg am Lech. In the spring of 1932 he then belonged to the staff of the 1st division of the 7th (Bavarian) Artillery Regiment in Würzburg. On August 1, 1934, he was promoted to major. After the uncovering of the associations in the course of the expansion of the Reichswehr to the Wehrmacht, he was then transferred to the Reich Ministry of War (RKM) in Berlin in October 1935. There he was now employed as a group leader at the Army Weapons Office. On March 16, 1937, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. His seniority was set on March 1, 1937. As such, he was deployed to the High Command of the Army (OKH) after the reorganization of the Wehrmacht peak in the course of the so-called Blomberg-Fritsch affair in early February 1938. On November 10, 1938, he became commander of the III. Department of the Mountain Artillery Regiment 111 in Innsbruck appointed. There he was promoted to colonel on August 27, 1939. His seniority was set on August 1, 1939. He led this department to the Polish campaign at the beginning of World War II. He was awarded the clasp for the Iron Cross 2nd class. After the Polish campaign, he was appointed commander of Artillery Regiment 7 on September 25, 1939. He then led this regiment to the western campaign in the spring of 1940. He was also awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class clip. At the beginning of March 1941, he gave up his command. For this he was now appointed artillery commander 148 (Arko 148). In this role, he took part in the Russian campaign at the beginning of summer 1941. On December 17, 1941, he was entrusted with the leadership of the 134th Infantry Division in the central section of the Eastern Front in front of Moscow. On January 23, 1941, he received the German Cross in Gold. On March 10, 1942, he was promoted to major general. The seniority was determined on April 1, 1942. He was then appointed commander of the 134th Infantry Division. On April 21, 1942, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for the defense efforts of his division. On January 1, 1943, he was promoted to lieutenant general. On October 18, 1943, he was mentioned by name in the Wehrmacht report: "The Saxon 134th Infantry Division, led by Lieutenant General Schlemmer, deserves special recognition for its excellent stance in the heavy fighting north-east of Gomel." On January 18, 1944, he was awarded the oak leaves for the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership achievements. On February 9, 1944, he was again mentioned by name in the Wehrmacht report: "The 36th and 134th Infantry Division, under the leadership of the Artillery Weidling under the leadership of Colonel Conrady and Lieutenant General Schlemmer, who had been fighting under the oak leaf bearers Colonel Conrady and Lieutenant General Schlemmer, had performed extremely well in the heavy defensive battles between Pripjet and Beresina In mid-April 1944, he was assigned to command the General Command VIII Army Corps for a month, and then he was commanded to a commanding commando general in early June 1944. On July 2, 1944, Hans Schlemmer became the command of the LXXV Army Corps He was promoted to General of the Mountain Forces on November 9, 1944. He was then also appointed Commanding General of the General Command LXXV Army Corps Dismissed June 1947. On April 3, 1950 he was divorced. He was the younger brother of Lieutenant General Ernst Schlemmer.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=29879&p=2270331&hilit=schlemmer#p2270331
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Personenregister/S/SchlemmerH-R.htm

Bio of Luftwaffe Ace Rolf Pingel

Hauptmann Rolf Pingel (Gruppenkommandeur I.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 26) with his dog.

Rolf Pingel was born on 1 October 1913 at Kiel. Following completion of his flying training, Leutnant Pingel was posted to the newly formed I./JG 134 based at Wiesbaden-Erbenheim on 15 March 1937. Pingel served in the Spanish Civil War with the Condor Legion from September 1937. Leutnant Pingel was assigned to 2. Staffel of J 88. He recorded six victories, flying some 200 missions, during his service in Spain. He was awarded the Spanienkreuz in Gold mit Schwerten for his achievements in that conflict. On his return to Germany, Pingel was appointed Staffelkapitän of 2./JG 334 on 1 October 1937. On 1 November 1938, 2./JG 334 was redesignated 2./JG 133 and  2./JG 53 on 1 March 1939. Oberleutnant Pingel shot down a French Mureaux 113 army reconnaisance aircraft over Saarlautern on 10 September 1939 for his first victory in World War 2. On 30 September, he led 2./JG 53 in a successful interception of five RAF Battle single-engine bombers attempting a reconnaisance over the Saarbrücken-Merzig area. Four of the bombers were shot down, including one claimed by Pingel, and the fifth crash-landed on its return to base and was destroyed. On 5 June 1940, Hauptmann Werner Mölders was shot down by French fighters to become a prisoner of war. Hauptmann Pingel was temporarily placed in command of III./JG 53 to replace Mölders. On 11 June, Pingel shot down two French Morane fighters to record his 7th and 8th victories of World War 2. Pingel relinquished temporary command of III./JG 53 to Hauptmann Harro Harder (22 victories, killed in action 12 August 1940) in July 1940. He returned as Staffelkapitän to 2./JG 53. On 22 August 1940, Hauptmann Pingel reported to JG 26 to take up the role of Gruppenkommandeur of I. Gruppe. He was awarded the Ritterkreuz on 14 September for 15 victories. On 28 September, Pingel shot down a RAF Hurricane fighter over Maidstone but his own aircraft, Bf 109 E-4 (W.Nr. 3756), was badly damaged in the combat. He ditched near Hastings and was rescued by the German air-sea rescue services. It is thought that Pingel’s victim in this engagement was the South African ace Albert Lewis (16 destroyed, 2.5 probable and 2 damaged victories) of 249 Sqn, RAF who baled out badly burned. It is also thought that Pingel was, in turn, shot down by British ace John Beard (6 destroyed, 1 probable and 3 damaged victories) of 249 Sqn, RAF. Pingel achieved his 20th victory of World War 2 on 22 June 1941, when he shot down a RAF Spitfire fighter near Dunkirk in an engagement with the British Circus No. 18 attacking Hazebrouck. The British Circus No. 42 targeted Chocques on 10 July 1941. Three RAF Stirling four-engine bombers, accompanied by their fighter escort, were intercepted by Pingel’s I./JG 26. Pingel followed a damaged Stirling bomber back to England, further damaging its tail section. However, the gunners’ return fire hit his Bf 109 F-2 (W.Nr. 12 764) “<< +” in the engine. He descended to low altitude but was intercepted by Spitfires. He force-landed his aircraft in a grain field near Dover and was taken into captivity. He was promoted to the rank of Major during his imprisonment.

Rolf Pingel was credited with 28 victories in 550 combat missions, including 200 flown during the Spanish Civil War. Included in his total are six victories gained during the Spanish Civil War. All his World War 2 victories were recorded over the Western front.

Source :
http://histomil.com/viewtopic.php?t=3918&start=2670
https://www.luftwaffe.cz/pingel.html

Bio of General der Artillerie Walther Lucht

As a 19-year-old high school graduate, Walther Lucht (26 February 1882 - 18 March 1949) joined the Imperial Army on June 27, 1901 as a Fahnenjunker. He came to the East Prussian Foot Artillery Regiment "von Linger" No. 1, where he was promoted to lieutenant after attending the Glogau War School on October 18, 1902. On October 18, 1911 he was promoted to first lieutenant. At that time he served in the 8th battery of his regiment in Lötzen. On January 1, 1913, he was appointed regimental aide. On October 1, 1913, he was commanded to the War Academy. When the First World War broke out, he was still assigned to the war academy in Berlin, but immediately returned to his regiment and went into the field as a battery leader. In October 1914 he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. On November 4, 1914, he was promoted to captain. As such, he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class. In autumn 1916 he left his regiment. During the rest of the First World War, he was transferred to various general staff positions. At the end of the war he was on the staff of the 75th Reserve Division as Ia. During the war, he was awarded many other awards. After the war he was taken over by the Imperial Army. In the interim army he was deployed in the spring of 1920 as chief of the 5th battery in the Reichswehr Artillery Regiment 2. When the 100,000 man army of the Reichswehr was formed, he was then taken over into the 2nd (Prussian) artillery regiment. On October 1, 1921, he was transferred to the Reich Ministry of Defense in Berlin, where he served in the Army Transport Department (T 7) in the Troops Office (TA) until autumn 1924. On October 1, 1924, he was transferred to the General Staff of the 7th Division of the Reichswehr in Munich for two years. There he then became a member of the Munich Line Commission. On December 1, 1925, he was promoted to major. On April 1, 1927, he was transferred to Group 1 from Berlin. On October 1, 1928 he was transferred to the staff of the Glogau Command. On April 1, 1930, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. On October 1, 1930, he was transferred to the 5th Artillery Regiment. There he was appointed commander of the 1st division of the 5th Artillery Regiment in Fulda on November 1, 1930. It was adopted on March 31, 1932. He was given the character of a colonel. He now went to China as a military advisor for three years. He then served as a complementary officer aspirant at the training manager in Karlsruhe. In the fall of 1937, he was drafted back into military service as a lieutenant colonel (E) as part of the increase in troops and was available to the chief of the General Staff of the Army. He was launched in October 1937 as an artillery commander with the Condor Legion. Promoted to Colonel (E) on June 1, 1938. For his services to the Legion, he was awarded the Medalla de la Campaña de España, the Cruz de Guerra de España and the Spanish Cross in gold with swords. On July 1, 1939, he was appointed Training Manager 2 in Heilbronn. With the mobilization for the Second World War, he took command of the Artillery Regiment 215 as commander in the summer of 1939. On February 6, 1940 he was appointed Artillery Commander 44 (Arko 44) and in this function on February 17, 1940 as Major General promoted. In the western campaign he was given both braces to his iron crosses. At the beginning of February 1942 there was a short interlude as Higher Artillery Commander 310 (HArko 310) in the formation of the staff. On February 17, 1942, he was assigned to lead the 87th Infantry Division. Already on March 1, 1942, he took command of the 336th Infantry Division. On March 12, 1942, he was awarded the German Cross in Gold. On November 1, 1942, he was promoted to lieutenant general. On January 30, 1943, he received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for the successful defense fights in the Don region. Appointed commander in the Kretsch Strait section on July 22, 1943, he was promoted to artillery general on October 1, 1943. This month he was also put in the driver's reserve. On November 1, 1943, he assumed command of the LXVI. Reserve corps. By renaming the staff on August 5, 1944, he became commanding general of the LXVI. Army Corps appointed. On January 9, 1945, he received the oak leaves for the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his achievements in the Ardennes Offensive. At the beginning of March 1945 he was considered missing in the 15th Army basin, but was able to make his own way with a few hundred soldiers. At the end of March 1945, he was appointed commander-in-chief of the 11th Army to be reorganized in the Kassel area. On April 20, 1945, he became Commanding General of the XIII. Army Corps appointed. However, he was already captured on April 23, 1945 in the Harz Mountains. Finally, he was released from prison in 1948.

Source :
https://jp-militaria.de/epages/c8160b69-739a-486c-b016-ca431d292e5b.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/c8160b69-739a-486c-b016-ca431d292e5b/Categories/34/15
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Personenregister/L/LuchtW-R.htm

Bio of General der Infanterie Erich Jaschke (1890-1961)

Johannes Karl Erich Jaschke

Date of Birth: 11.05.1890 - Danzig, Pommern (German Empire)
Date of Death: 14.10.1961 - Hamburg (West Germany)

Promotions:
01.09.1909 Fahnenjunker-Unteroffizier
22.03.1910 Fähnrich
16.11.1910 Leutnant
22.03.1916 Oberleutnant
01.10.1922 Hauptmann
01.04.1933 Major
01.10.1935 Oberstleutnant
01.03.1938 Oberst
17.12.1941 Generalmajor
01.01.1943 Generalleutnant
01.05.1943 General der Infanterie

Career:
Entered Army Service (12 Jun 1909)
Fahnenjunker in the 132nd Infantry-Regiment (12 Jun 1909-01 Oct 1913)
Transferred into the 9th Fortress-MG-Detachment (01 Oct 1913-31 Jul 1914)
Detached to Instruction-MG-Course in Wünsdorf (04 Oct 1913-01 Nov 1913)
In the Field with the 132nd Infantry-Regiment (31 Jul 1914-14 May 1916)
Wounded - remained with the Troop (14 Aug 1914)
Detached to the MG-Training-Command on the Troop-Exercise-Grounds Heuberg (01 Apr 1916-13 May 1916)
Leader of MG-Fire-Troop 157 (14 May 1916-25 Sep 1916)
MG-Officer with the Staff of the 29th Replacement-Infantry-Regiment (25 Sep 1916-12 Dec 1917)
Regiments-Adjutant of the 29th Replacement-Infantry-Regiment (12 Dec 1917-30 Sep 1918)
Transferred into the 111th Infantry-Regiment & Detached to the Staff of the 52n Infantry-Division (30 Sep 1918-04 Oct 1918)
Wounded, in Hospital (04 Oct 1918-02 Jun 1919)
Transferred to Reichswehr-Group-Command 1 (02 Jun 1919-30 Jul 1919)
Transferred into the 29th Reichswehr-Infantry-Regiment & Detached to Military-District-Command III (30 Jul 1919-15 May 1920)
Platoon-Leader in 5th Company of the 29th Reichswehr-Infantry-Regiment (15 May 1920-01 Jan 1921)
Platoon-Leader in the 8th Infantry-Regiment (01 Jan 1921-29 Apr 1924)
Detached to Course in Transport & Riding with the 6th Transport-Battalion (02 Feb 1922-30 Mar 1922)
Chief of 12th Company of the 8th Infantry-Regiment (29 Apr 1924-01 Sep 1929)
Detached to Combat-School-Course in Döberitz (02 Nov 1925-28 Nov 1925)
Detached to Command-Office Berlin & MG-Instructor with the Training-Staff of Infantry in Döberitz (01 Sep 1929-01 Oct 1929)
Transferred to the Staff of II. Battalion of the 8th Infantry-Regiment (01 Oct 1929-01 Apr 1930)
Transferred to the 12th (MG) Company of the 8th Infantry-Regiment (01 Apr 1930-01 Jun 1933)
MG-Advisor with the Inspection of Infantry, RWM (In 2) (01 Jun 1933-01 Sep 1934)
Chief of Staff of the Inspection of Infantry, RWM (01 Sep 1934-21 May 1935)
Chief of Staff of the Inspection of Infantry, RKM (21 May 1935-04 Feb 1938)
Chief of Staff of the Inspection of Infantry, OKH (04 Feb 1938-10 Oct 1939)
Chief of Staff of the General of Infantry with OKH (10 Oct 1939-15 Mar 1941)
Commander of the 90th Infantry-Regiment (15 Mar 1941-13 Jan 1942)
Delegated with the 20th Motorised-Infantry-Division (13 Jan 1942-22 Jan 1942)
Commander of the 20th Motorised-Infantry-Division (22 Jan 1942-20 Jan 1943)
Führer-Reserve OKH (20 Jan 1943-01 Mar 1943)
Delegated with the Leadership of LXXXII. Army-Corps (01 Mar 1943-10 Mar 1943)
Delegated with the Leadership of LV. Army-Corps (10 Mar 1943-00 May 1943)
Commanding General of IV. Army-Corps (00 May 1943-12 Oct 1943)
General of Infantry in OKH (In 2) (12 Oct 1943-09 May 1945)
In US Captivity (09 May 1945-30 Jun 1947)
Released (30 Jun 1947)

Awards and Decorations:
05.11.1914 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
05.04.1915 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.07.1918 Ritterkreuz des königlichen Hausordens von Hohenzollern mit Schwertern
00.00.19__ Ritterkreuz II.Klasse des Grossherzoglich Badischen Ordens vom Zähringer Löwen mit Schwertern
00.00.193_ Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer 1914-1918
00.00.19__ Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung IV. bis I.Klasse
31.05.1940 1939 Spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
08.07.1941 1939 Spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
04.12.1941 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes #708, as Oberst and Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 90 (motorisiert) / 20.Infanterie-Division (motorisiert). Awarded for distinguishing himself during the advance towards Tikhvin via Grusino.
00.00.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/1942" (Ostmedaille)
07.09.1943 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #295, as General der Infanterie and Kommandierender General LV. Armeekorps. Awarded for further proving himself as a commander during critical situations in the area of the 9. Armee, especially during the fighting for Orel in mid-1943.

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Erich Jaschke (11 May 1890 - 14 October 1961) joined the Imperial Army on September 12, 1909. He came to the 1st Lower Alsatian Infantry Regiment No. 132. In this he was promoted to lieutenant on November 16, 1910. In the summer of 1914 he belonged to the Fortress Machine Gun Department 9. He took part in the First World War as a first lieutenant. For bravery he was awarded the Royal Prussian House Order of Hohenzollern. After the end of the war he was taken over by the army. He was deployed in the transitional army in the Reichswehr Infantry Regiment 29. When the 100,000-man army of the Reichswehr was formed, he then joined the 8th (Prussian) Infantry Regiment as a company officer. On October 1, 1922, he was promoted to captain. In spring 1924 he was appointed chief of the 12th (MG) company of the 8th (Prussian) infantry regiment in Görlitz. He then held this command for almost 7 years. In 1931 he was appointed head of the 13th (mine thrower) company from the 8th (Prussian) Infantry Regiment in Frankfurt an der Oder. On June 1, 1933, he became a major MG officer at the infantry inspector in the Reichswehr Ministry. After being promoted to colonel on March 1, 1938, he was chief of staff of the inspector of the infantry at the OKH at the beginning of the war. On March 1, 1941, he was appointed commander of the 90th Infantry Regiment. He then led this from June 1941 when attacking Russia in the Eastern campaign. On October 1, 1941 he was promoted to major general. At the same time he took over the leadership of the 20th Infantry Division. On December 4, 1941, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership as commander of Infantry Regiment 90 in the attack on Leningrad. On January 12, 1942, he was promoted to commander of the 20th Infantry Division and on January 1, 1943 to Lieutenant General. From March 1, 1943, he led the course. Army Corps. On May 1, 1943, he was appointed general of the infantry. As such, he now became the commanding general of the LV. Army Corps appointed. In the summer of 1943 he led the corps at the "Zitadelle" company and in the subsequent defensive battles. For his leadership achievements, he was awarded the oak leaves for the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on September 7, 1943. On October 12, 1943 he was transferred to the High Command of the Army (OKH) and there general of the infantry during inspection 2. At the end of the war he was taken into American captivity, from which he was released on June 30, 1947.

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Erich Jaschke as an officer in the Reichswehr.

Generalmajor Erich Jaschke.

General der Infanterie Erich Jaschke.

General der Infanterie Erich Jaschke in Tita Binz postcard.

Source :
https://www.alexautographs.com/auction-lot/erich-jaschke_BBC47A28C9
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2279585#p2279585
https://gmic.co.uk/topic/78933-jaschke-erich/
https://jp-militaria.de/epages/c8160b69-739a-486c-b016-ca431d292e5b.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/c8160b69-739a-486c-b016-ca431d292e5b/Products/18128
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Personenregister/J/JaschkeE.htm
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/47744/Jaschke-Erich.htm
https://web.archive.org/web/20091027112638fw_/http://www.geocities.com/~orion47/WEHRMACHT/HEER/General2/JASCHKE_ERICH.html

Generalleutnant Otto Kohlermann in France

Generalleutnant Otto Kohlermann (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Feldherrnhalle) in Nimes, southern France, 8 July 1943.

Source :
https://jp-militaria.de/epages/c8160b69-739a-486c-b016-ca431d292e5b.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/c8160b69-739a-486c-b016-ca431d292e5b/Products/12510

Ritterkreuz Action of Wilhelm Behrens

 

 

Wilhelm Behrens (last rank Generalleutnant) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 27 March 1942 as Oberst and Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 106 / 15.Infanterie-Division. It was awarded for his defense of Iklinskoje during the time period 20-24 December 1941, as described in the following wartime excerpt: “Oberst Behrens and his ragtag of forces defended the city of Iklinsjoje (located west of the Nara river) against enemy breakthrough attempts during the crucial days immediately before and during the withdrawal movement of the Armee’s centre from the Nara Position. They fought with nerves of steel and managed to prevent a major crisis. At this time the Armee was already extremely threatened by an envelopment and breakthrough on its southern flank. If the enemy had also succeeded in breaking through at Iklinskoje then the entire withdrawal movement of the Armee’s centre would have been jeopardized. The prevention of an enemy breakthrough at Iklinskoje was therefore of significant operational importance.”

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/search.php?keywords=wilhelm+behrens&terms=all&author=&sc=1&sf=all&sr=topics&sk=t&sd=d&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/1922/Behrens-Wilhelm.htm

Hauptmann der Reserve Lothar Wehlitz

Hauptmann der Reserve Lothar Wehlitz (Chef 1.Batterie / schwere Artillerie-Abteilung 845) at Vitebsk area, Ostfront, not long after he received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 6 February 1944. On 23 December 1943 Wehlitz and his battery had to defend against violent Soviet attacks during the fighting around Vitebsk. Through his courage and skill he was able to hold the positions assigned and thus enable a new defensive line to be built. For this action he was awarded the Ritterkreuz.

Source :
ECPAD Archives (courtesy of Blanluet Christophe)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/152986901863424/

Joachim lemelsen at the HQ of 29. Infanterie-Division

General der Panzertruppe Joachim Lemelsen (Kommandierender General XXXXVII. Panzerkorps) at the HQ of 29. Infanterie-Division (motorisiert) during Unternehmen Barbarossa, September 1941. At that time the division was part of Lemelsen's Panzerkorps.

Source :
Paul E. photo collection
http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/content/

Generalleutnant Josef Rintelen

Josef Rintelen (7 March 1897 – 14 July 1981) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 5 August 1940 as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur I.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 478 / 258.Infanterie-Division. His last rank was Generalleutnant.

Source :
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Rintelen,_Josef?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=d3ceae694d1c019ba99b857d21f35924e6245a6e-1589082654-0-Afz6X9nxGGQpOfcKAd44wO8yGQufYLKPwUGXzfZSR3W8y-UWcKhPq6sKG2onMf6MQ3Bvif7cXuIBPyupMo2MJIn2mn3_8kS30H0oJ85oMqiwn-XgLVl4S4ewXepRzar2Ie5rwxKDNMF6kmhJlWcsOA5cN6ghtDn8qJfKQJosHphWWrTUc0A-OG1BEOHXlBNDLBDeY7nImmIAWstHYu21gvAmJxg7MRMDWoEQ6RVoDlrHmb2H5JQ01wUL90U8BKAXh37odUbG_adzSwTXUyQYYq99QL2xpbPlnFQpb-f8QQfv

Josef Rintelen Greets August von Mackensen

Josef Rintelen (with his sword raised) greets the guest of honor Generalfeldmarschall August von Mackensen to his regiment

Source :
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Rintelen,_Josef?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=d3ceae694d1c019ba99b857d21f35924e6245a6e-1589082654-0-Afz6X9nxGGQpOfcKAd44wO8yGQufYLKPwUGXzfZSR3W8y-UWcKhPq6sKG2onMf6MQ3Bvif7cXuIBPyupMo2MJIn2mn3_8kS30H0oJ85oMqiwn-XgLVl4S4ewXepRzar2Ie5rwxKDNMF6kmhJlWcsOA5cN6ghtDn8qJfKQJosHphWWrTUc0A-OG1BEOHXlBNDLBDeY7nImmIAWstHYu21gvAmJxg7MRMDWoEQ6RVoDlrHmb2H5JQ01wUL90U8BKAXh37odUbG_adzSwTXUyQYYq99QL2xpbPlnFQpb-f8QQfv

Josef Rintelen with Wife and Sister-in-Law

Army officer Josef Rintelen with wife and sister-in-law Erna Marie Schrader (right), taking a walk at Jungfernstieg, Hamburg, in 1936.

Source :
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Rintelen,_Josef?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=d3ceae694d1c019ba99b857d21f35924e6245a6e-1589082654-0-Afz6X9nxGGQpOfcKAd44wO8yGQufYLKPwUGXzfZSR3W8y-UWcKhPq6sKG2onMf6MQ3Bvif7cXuIBPyupMo2MJIn2mn3_8kS30H0oJ85oMqiwn-XgLVl4S4ewXepRzar2Ie5rwxKDNMF6kmhJlWcsOA5cN6ghtDn8qJfKQJosHphWWrTUc0A-OG1BEOHXlBNDLBDeY7nImmIAWstHYu21gvAmJxg7MRMDWoEQ6RVoDlrHmb2H5JQ01wUL90U8BKAXh37odUbG_adzSwTXUyQYYq99QL2xpbPlnFQpb-f8QQfv

Josef Rintelen Riding a Horse

Polizei-Hauptmann Josef Rintelen riding a horse in Roß (1935)

Source :
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Rintelen,_Josef?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=d3ceae694d1c019ba99b857d21f35924e6245a6e-1589082654-0-Afz6X9nxGGQpOfcKAd44wO8yGQufYLKPwUGXzfZSR3W8y-UWcKhPq6sKG2onMf6MQ3Bvif7cXuIBPyupMo2MJIn2mn3_8kS30H0oJ85oMqiwn-XgLVl4S4ewXepRzar2Ie5rwxKDNMF6kmhJlWcsOA5cN6ghtDn8qJfKQJosHphWWrTUc0A-OG1BEOHXlBNDLBDeY7nImmIAWstHYu21gvAmJxg7MRMDWoEQ6RVoDlrHmb2H5JQ01wUL90U8BKAXh37odUbG_adzSwTXUyQYYq99QL2xpbPlnFQpb-f8QQfv

Fritz von Broich Surrender in Tunisia

Generalleutnant Friedrich "Fritz" von Broich (left) and Generalleutnant (Luftwaffe) Gotthard Frantz when surrendering to British forces in Grombalia / Wilāyat Nābil (Tunisia) on May 12, 1943. At that time Broich served as Commander 10. Panzer-Division, while Frantz as Commander of 19. Flak-Division "Afrika" (motorisiert).

Source :
Paul E. photo collection
http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/content/

Major Georg Briel with His Comrade

Two original photos of Major Georg Briel after the award of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes in the Western desert, 23 July 1942. He was commander of Heeres-Flak-Bataillon 606 (motorisiert).

Source :
Paul E. photo collection
http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/content/

Johann de Boer with His Dog

Johann de Boer with his dog

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=93841&hilit=johann+de+Boer

Max Simon Wearing Black SS Uniform

The future Ritterkreuzträger Max Simon as SS-Sturmbannführer and Kommandeur of I.Sturmbann / SS-Totenkopf-Standarte 1 "Oberbayern"

Source :
https://id.pinterest.com/pin/436849232596712099/

Unteroffizier Josef Schwertherr

Josef Schwertherr (20 September 1919 - 21 January 1943) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 6 October 1942 as Unteroffizier and Gruppenführer in I.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 77 / 26.Infanterie-Division.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2267013#p2267013
https://sandeboetiek.com/product/war-time-portrait-picture-of-an-army-ritterkreuztrager-knight-cross-recipient-14x10/

Bio of Generalleutnant Willibald Borowietz

Generalleutnant Willibald Borowietz (17 September 1893 – 1 July 1945) was a German general during World War II who commanded several divisions. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves of Nazi Germany. Borowietz surrendered to Allied forces together with the Afrika Korps. He was held as a POW by the United States in Camp Clinton, Mississippi, where he committed suicide by electrocuting himself in a bathtub on 1 July 1945. Officially his death was attributed to a cerebral hemorrhage. His wife, Eva Ledien, was of Jewish descent. She committed suicide in October 1938 so that their children could be Aryanized. Eva's sister, Käthe (Ledien) Bosse, was killed in Ravensbrück concentration camp on 16 December 1944.

Willibald Borowietz received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes #371 on 24 July 1941 as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur Schützen-Regiment 10 / 9.Panzer-Division / XIV.Armee-Korps / Panzergruppe 1 / Heeresgruppe Süd. The following wartime excerpt describes why Borowietz was awarded the Ritterkreuz: “After overrunning several enemy resistance lines, Oberstleutnant Borowietz led his Vorausabteilung in a thrust forwards toward Zbaraz via Plurow—Zalosce (northwest of Tarnopol). He was able to achieve a swift forward march through a bold pursuit action in the evening and night. In the process his Vorausabteilung captured or destroyed 92 enemy tanks, 16 artillery pieces, 12 anti-aircraft guns and innumerable additional materiel. His prudent and exemplary leadership here resulted in the destruction of a Russian tank division.”

He then received the Eichenlaub #235 zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 10 May 1943 as Generalmajor and Kommandeur 15.Panzer-Division / Heeresgruppe Afrika. The following press article, dated 18.05.1943, describes why Borowietz was awarded the Eichenlaub: “During the last major combat in Tunisia, Generalmajor Borowietz served as the commander of a Panzer-Division west of Tunis. Here the enemy attacked the German lines with an overwhelming superiority that included strong support from artillery and air forces. The divisional commander defended against the enemy onslaught at the head of his soldiers in a heroic battle. Pulling back before the enemy’s might, he occupied new defensive positions before Tunis and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy from here. The enemy continued to assail the strongpoints with innumerable tanks, and once again the General and his few soldiers offered up brave resistance to the last man. By doing so they bought time for the destruction of all militarily important facilities in the city of Tunis and for the creation of new defensive positions.”

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibald_Borowietz
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2267085#p2267085
https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/712976184729850854/

Hermann Göring Smoking

During a visit to II.Gruppe / Kampfgeschwader 1 in Sedan (France) in June 1940, Generalfeldmarschall Hermann Göring (Oberbefehlshaber der Luftwaffe) casually enjoys his pipe, in this canteen photo that was part of photo album belong to Oberleutnant Oscar Müller of Kampfgeschwader 1. The future Reichsmarschall looks much thinner and decrepit than usual!

Source :
https://www.alamy.com/search.html?CreativeOn=1&adv=1&ag=0&all=1&creative=&et=0x000000000000000000000&vp=0&loc=0&qt=Oberleutnant%20M%C3%BCller&qn=&lic=6&lic=1&imgt=0&archive=1&dtfr=&dtto=&hc=&selectdate=&size=0xFF&aqt=&epqt=&oqt=&nqt=&gtype=0

Hauptmann Erich Darnedde in the Trench

Hauptman Erich Darnedde (14 December 1906 - 11 November 1996), who received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 8 February 1943 as Kommandeur of I.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment 277 / 83.Infanterie-Division.

Source :
ECPAD Archives, courtesy of Blanluet Christophe
https://www.facebook.com/groups/152986901863424/
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28954/Darnedde-Erich.htm

Adolf Galland and Max Ibel

Generalmajor Adolf Galland and Oberst Max-Josef Ibel in the officers' lounge, village of Gouvieux near Creil airbase, September 1943.

Source :
ECPAD Archives, courtesy of Blanluet Christophe
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158377921223308&set=gm.848387908989983&type=3&theater&ifg=1

The Capture of Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt

Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt, brilliant Prussian military strategist, and acknowledged dean of Junker generals, surrendered to 2nd Lt. Joseph E. Burke and a ten man patrol from Company A, 141st Infantry, on May 1, during the battle for Bad Tolz. A prisoner taken by the 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry, first revealed that Von Rundstedt was in the area. When further questioned, he told of the house in which the marshal's party was quartered. As Lt. Burke entered the hospital residence, Von Rundstedt, his wife and son, jumped up from their seats before the fire. Said the field marshal, "It is a most disgraceful situation for a soldier to give himself up without offering resistance." The son, Lt. Hans Gerd von Rundstedt, stated that his father had last seen Hitler on March 12 when he had been relieved of his command of all German armies on the Western Front. The aging Rundstedt had been taking a bath cure at Bad Tolz in an effort to heal a leg ailment. Despite a noticeable limp he retained the traditional Junker austerity.

Rundstedt arrived at the HQ of 36th Infantry Division, 2 May 1945

Rundstedt with U.S. Major-General John E. Dahlquist, Commander of 36th Infantry Division, 2 May 1945


Rundstedt with U.S. Major-General Frank W. Milburn, Commanding General of U.S. XXI Corps, 2 May 1945

Rundstedt with Lieutenant-General Alexander M. Patch, Commanding General of U.S. 7th Army, 5 May 1945

FLTR: Lieutenant Dr. Hans von Rundstedt, Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt, and Lieutenant-General Alexander M. Patch, Commanding General of U.S. 7th Army, 6 May 1945

Source :
http://www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org/36division/archives/seigfri/prize.htm