Sitting in the backseat of the Kettenkrad are, from left to right: General der Infanterie Kurt von Tippelskirch (Kommandierender General XII. Armeekorps) and Generalmajor Robert Schlüter (Kommandeur 260. Infanterie-Division). Smiling while sitting in the front seat is Major Friedrich Strohm (Führer Grenadier-Regiment 470 / 260.Infanterie-Division). The picture was taken in the early 1944 in the Eastern Front.Source :
https://wordpress.260id.de/?page_id=21
Wilhelm von Apell was born on 16 January 1892, Apell joined the army of Imperial Germany as an Fahnen-junker (officer cadet) in 1910. He was commissioned in the light infantry and fought in World War I. In the interwar period, he served in the Reichsheer and then the Wehrmacht. He led the 11th Cavalry Rifle Regiment of the 4th Light Division from 1938 to 1940, fighting in the Invasion of Poland.
The 4th Light Division converted to armour in early 1940 and then, designated the 9th Panzer Division, it served in the campaign in the Netherlands and the Battle of France. It was also involved in the Invasion of Yugoslavia and Battle of Greece the following year. By now, Apell, still with the division, was commander of the 9th Schützen (Rifle) Brigade.
Apell received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes #281 on 14 May 1941 as Oberst and Kommandeur 9.Schützen-Brigade / 9.Panzer-Division. The medal was awarded for particularly distinguishing himself during the penetration of both the Serbian positions near Stracin and the English pass position at Klidi. In this time he managed to turn the flank of the defending Allied forces and thereby compel them to conduct a swift retreat.
In September 1941 and now a generalmajor, Apell was appointed commander of the newly raised 22nd Panzer Division. Formed in France, much of the division's equipment was captured and foreign equipment with relatively few modern tanks. With its training completed, the division was transferred to the Eastern Front in February 1942. Apell led the division through the Battle of the Kerch Peninsula until July 1942, when he became ill and was replaced.
Not returned to his command upon recovering his health, Apell was placed in the Führerreserve (Leader's Reserve) until March 1943. He was made the Replacement Army Inspector in Vienna and, having received a promotion to generalleutnant, served in this role for the remainder of the war. He died in the village of Varnhalt, near Baden-Baden, on 7 March 1969.
Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelm_von_Apell
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28120/Apell-von-Wilhelm.htm
Source :
Peter van Holsteijn photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4002873949827931&set=p.4002873949827931&type=3
Wilhelm Brückner (27 April 1915 - 15 November 1941) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 5 October 1941 as Unteroffizier der Reserve and Geschützführer in 14.(Panzerjäger) Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 253 / 34.Infanterie-Division. The following wartime excerpt describes why Brückner was awarded the Ritterkreuz: “Unteroffizier Brückner was awarded the Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse for destroying 4 light, 3 medium and 2 heavy tanks on 3 September 1941. Later, on 10 September 1941, he and his medium cannon were positioned on the right wing of the Regiment as security against tanks. At around midday a 52 ton tank appeared, however he destroyed this through multiple hits to its rear. A short while later another 52 ton tank appeared, but Unteroffizier Brückner also dealt with it at the closest range. In order to completely destroy these two tanks the gun crew approached them under cover of darkness. They poured gasoline into the air vents and caused both 52 ton tanks to explode with hand grenades. By doing all this Unteroffizier Brückner prevented a breakthrough of the enemy on the right wing of the Regiment as well as the rolling up of the defensive sector towards the southwest and north.”
Source :
Peter van Holsteijn photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=3895061483915896&set=gm.270151461225622
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28740/Br%FCckner-Wilhelm.htm
Generalleutnant Walther Krause
Born: 31 Dec 1890 in Schweidnitz, Silesia (Schlesien)
Died: 25 Oct 1960 in Göttingen
Promotions:
Fähnrich (18 Jul 1909); Leutnant (16 Jun 1910); Oberleutnant (18 Dec 1915); Hauptmann (01 Apr 1922); Major (01 Oct 1932); Oberstleutnant (01 Jun 1935); Oberst (01 Jan 1938); Generalmajor (01 Jan 1942); Generalleutnant (01 Sep 1943)
Career:
Entered Army Service (13 Jan 1909)
Fahnenjunker in the 156th Infantry-Regiment (13 Jan 1909-02 Aug 1914)
Platoon-Leader in the 156th Infantry-Regiment (02 Aug 1914-20 Sep 1914)
Adjutant of I. Battalion of the 156th Infantry-Regiment (20 Sep 1914-11 Nov 1914)
Wounded, in Hospital, transferred to the Replacement-Battalion of the 156th Infantry-Regiment (11 Nov 1914-21 Mar 1916)
Company-Leader in the 156th Infantry-Regiment (21 Mar 1916-01 Dec 1916)
Temporary Adjutant of the 23rd Infantry-Brigade (01 Dec 1916-01 Feb 1917)
Leader of the Mortar-Company of the 156th Infantry-Regiment (01 Feb 1917-01 Mar 1917)
Adjutant of the 22nd Reserve-Infantry-Brigade (01 Mar 1917-01 Jan 1919)
Transferred back into the 156th Infantry-Regiment (01 Jan 1919-01 Feb 1919)
MG-Officer with the Staff of Infantry-Brigade z.b.V. 5 (01 Feb 1919-01 May 1919)
Company-Leader in the 1st Guards-Landesschützen-Detachment of Freikorps von Neufville (01 May 1919-01 Jan 1921)
Adjutant of I. Battalion of the 17th Infantry-Regiment (01 Jan 1921-01 Oct 1921)
Transferred into the 6th Mounted-Regiment and Detached for Subsidiary-Leadership-Training with the Staff of 6th Division (01 Oct 1921-01 Oct 1922)
Company-Chief in the 17th Infantry-Regiment (01 Oct 1922-01 Oct 1924)
MG-Officer with the Staff of the 17th Infantry-Regiment (01 Oct 1924-01 Oct 1927)
Company-Chief in the 17th Infantry-Regiment (01 Oct 1927-01 Oct 1930)
Detached to the RWM (01 Oct 1930-01 Oct 1932)
Transport-Officer with the Staff of the 3rd Cavalry-Division (01 Oct 1932-01 Oct 1935)
Commander of I. Battalion of the 66th Infantry-Regiment (01 Oct 1935-01 Oct 1938)
Commander of the 66th Infantry-Regiment (01 Oct 1938-10 Oct 1939)
Commander of the Infantry-School Döberitz (10 Oct 1939-01 Oct 1942)
At the same time, Detached as Leader of the 243rd Infantry-Regiment (01 Jun 1940-08 Jul 1940)
At the same time, Detached as Leader of Motorised-Instruction-Brigade z.b.V. 900 (21 Jun 1941-27 Mar 1942)
Commander of the 14th Motorised-Infantry-Division (01 Oct 1942-01 Jan 1943)
Führer-Reserve OKH (01 Jan 1943-25 Feb 1943)
Commander of the 170th Infantry-Division (25 Feb 1943-15 Feb 1944)
Führer-Reserve OKH (30 Apr 1944-15 Jul 1944)
Commander of Division 462 (15 Jul 1944-15 Oct 1944)
Commander of Rear Army Area 593 (6th Army) (15 Oct 1944-08 May 1945)
In US Captivity (08 May 1945-27 Jun 1947)
Released (27 Jun 1947)
Awards & Decorations:
- Ritterkreuz: am 10.06.1943 als Generalmajor und Kommandeur der 170. Infanterie-Division
- Deutsches Kreuz in Gold: am 19.12.1941 als Oberst und Führer der Lehr-Brigade z.b.V. 900 (mot)
- RK des Kgl. Preuss. Hausordens von Hohenzollern mit Schwertern
- 1914 EK I
- 1914 EK II
- Verwundetenabzeichen, 1918 in Schwarz
- Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer
- Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung IV. bis I. Klasse
- Spange zum EK II
- Spange zum EK I
Source :
https://www.oocities.org/~orion47/WEHRMACHT/HEER/Generalleutnant2/KRAUSE_WALTHER.html
http://www.sjsmilitaria.com/photos-autographs/generalleut-walther-krause-signed-photo/
Source :
The War Illustrated, Volume 7, No. 156, Page 30, June 11, 1943.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans-J%C3%BCrgen_von_Arnim
https://www.tracesofwar.com/thewarillustrated/156/i-was-there-how-von-arnim-surrendered-at-last.asp?c=twi
Source :
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2014/03/album-foto-21-infanterie-division.html
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/1442/Arning-Karl-Eduard-Friedrich.htm
Source :
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Pape,_Walter_(1914)
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=44093
Source ;
Schuddie photo collection
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2330337#p2330337
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/29040/Dinkelaker-Ulrich.htm
Source :
Schuddie photo collection
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2330337#p2330337
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/21051/Wolf-Alfred-Panzer-Regiment-23.htm
Heinz Berger (1 December 1914 - 16 April 1983) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 17 September 1941 as Gefreiter and Richtschütze in 14.(Panzerjäger) Kompanie / III. Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 187 / 87.Infanterie-Division. The following wartime excerpt describes why Berger was awarded the Ritterkreuz: “On 30 August and 1 September 1941 Gefreiter Berger fought as the gunner of a 3.7 cm Pak in the area west of Bolotina (itself located 17 km north of Jarzewo). While defending against hostile infantry-supported armour attacks, all while under heavy mortar fire, he destroyed 13 Russian tanks that had broken into the main battle line. This total included 12 medium and one 52 ton class tank. Through his outstanding personal bravery he significantly contributed to the ability of Infanterie-Regiment 187 to hold the frontline during this major defensive battle. Gefreiter Berger has by now destroyed over 25 Soviet tanks since the beginning of the Eastern campaign.”
Generalleutnant Bogislav von Studnitz (Kommandeur 87. Infanterie-Division) awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes to Gefreiter Heinz Berger (Richtschütze in 14.[Panzerjäger] Kompanie / III. Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 187 / 87.Infanterie-Division)
Gefreiter Heinz Berger decorated with the Ritterkreuz for fighting in the Smolensk region accepts congratulations from his colleaguesSource ;
Denis Daum photo collection
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gefreiter_Heinz_Berger_awarded_the_Knight%27s_Cross.jpg
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28377/Berger-Heinz-Infanterie-Regiment-187.htm?c=aw
https://www.facebook.com/Militaergeschichte18131945/posts/122231373533358?__cft__[0]=AZWxZA8QitgO3FveSAsn79ki2sR9J1QSXynCM5q1NqZjcCNiSnmRbsLs-tK1R0J6NciApFQHGr-2o7ValR9i9JlhOeEsDhP32C4-nmSMajjY9-UnUwwxSj5sypgcf6T8JIcvWCK83tmlenGHld46kWNZ&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=14230&p=2117269&
https://ww2images.blogspot.com/2020/06/ritterkreuz-award-ceremony-for.htmlhilit=alexander+von+hartmann#p2117269
A candid view of Oberst Adolf Galland (Geschwaderkommodore Jagdgeschwader 26 "Schlageter") reviewing documents with Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring (Oberbefehlshaber der Luftwaffe), surrounded by other Luftwaffe officers. The picture was taken on 5 December 1941. After the Luftwaffe were resoundingly beaten in the Battle of Britain’s “war of attrition”, Galland was extremely critical of the Luftwaffe leadership’s strategies and tactics during the battle. The leader he constantly and publicly disparaged was Reichsmarschall Göring, the Luftwaffe’s supreme commander. His critiques and opinions; while often logical, insightful and right were never popular; and he made an influential and lasting enemy! In the twilight of the Battle of Britain defeat, Göring asked a group of his senior squadron and group commanders what they needed to turn the situation around and win the battle. Galland’s immediate reply was “I should like an outfit of Spitfires for my squadron.” This response was said to have caused Göring to be speechless with rage for several hours!Source :
https://www.alexautographs.com/auction-lot/adolf-galland_B154B649B8
https://commentarythoughts.home.blog/2020/04/20/did-mickey-mouse-fly-with-the-luftwaffe/
Denis J. Horgan (the owner of the picture above): "Karl Brommann was another Panzer man who welcomed me into his home with my friend Peter Mooney. We spent a whole day with him and his wife. He joined the SS in 1937 and served in Totenkopf Standarte 2 and in 1939 joined the Totenkopf Artillery Regiment. In August 1940 he transferred to KG Nord and served in Finland in 1941 where he was seriously wounded. In May 1943 he transferred again , this time to the Nordland Division where he was in the Panzer Regiment. Brommann was wounded several times during the war and was holder of the wound badge in gold. While attached to SS Panzer Abteilung 503 he destroyed over 60 Soviet tanks between February and March 1945. On March 26 he destroyed six Josef Stalin tanks in one engagement. Later that day he was again injured and his war was over. He was removed to hospital and taken POW by the British on May 21, 1945. On April 29, 1945 he was awarded the Ritterkreuz for his actions. I have a collection of material which Karl gave me about the operation and actions of his unit 503, hopefully in the future when I have time I post up this material . The photos I am posting were given to me by Karl the day I met him with Peter."
Source :
Denis J. Horgan photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=162642689022793&set=gm.789533545306861
Photo of SS-Obersturmbannführer Otto Paetsch (Kommandeur SS-Panzer-Regiment 5 "Wiking") and SS-Obersturmführer Karl Nicolussi-Leck (Chef 8.Kompanie / SS-Panzer-Regiment 5 "Wiking"), possibly taken on the day Karl (right) receiving his Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 9 April 1944 while serving in the 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking". Paetsch would get his own Ritterkreuz on 23 August 1944 while serving with 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg". Paetsch, went from being an Anti-Tank Company Commander, to a Recce Battalion Commander, to a Heavy Tank Battalion Commander to a Panzer-Regiment Commander. A phenomenal record by any standard! He also served as the Ic (military intelligence and counterespionage) staff officer for the Wiking Division during the first six months the division fought in the Soviet Union. As the Ic, he was privy to the knowledge of many things happening at the front and in the division rear area involving partisans and other segments of the Soviet civilian population. This photo was signed by Karl Nicolussi-Leck.Source :
Denis J. Horgan photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=162620475691681&set=gm.789508718642677
Adolf Galland (19 March 1912 - 9 February 1996) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes #96 on 29 July 1940 as Major and Gruppenkommandeur III.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 26 (JG 26) "Schlageter". The following wartime excerpt (dated 30 August 1940) describes why Galland received the Ritterkreuz: “Major Galland has distinguished himself as a Gruppe commander in a Jagdgeschwader as a result of his exceptional aggressiveness. By now he has shot down 14 enemy aircraft. Under his leadership the Gruppe executed numerous successful ground attack attacks as well, which included one mission (19 June 1940) where he eliminated 3 Anti-Aircraft batteries.”
Galland received the Eichenlaub #3 for his Ritterkreuz on 24 September 1940 as Major and Geschwaderkommodore Jagdgeschwader 26 (JG 26) "Schlageter". The medal was awarded for his 40 confirmed aerial victories.
Galland received the Schwerter #1 for his Ritterkreuz on 21 June 1941 as Oberstleutnant and Geschwaderkommodore Jagdgeschwader 26 (JG 26)
"Schlageter". The medal was awarded for his 69 confirmed aerial victories.
Finally, Galland received the Brillanten #2 for his Ritterkreuz on 28 January 1942 as Oberst and Geschwaderkommodore Jagdgeschwader 26 (JG 26)
"Schlageter". The medal was awarded for his 94 confirmed aerial victories.
Source :
https://www.alexautographs.com/
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/215/Galland-Adolf-Dolfo-Keffer.htm
Generalmajor Konrad Barde
Born: 13 Nov 1897 in Alt-Rosenberg, District Rosenberg, Upper Silesia (Oberschlesien)
Died: 04 May 1945 in Traunstein (Suicide)
Promotions:
Gefreiter (13 May 1917); Unteroffizier (16 Nov 1917); Vizefeldwebel und Offiziers-Aspirant (13 Dec 1917); Leutnant der Landwehr I (14 May 1918); Polizei-Leutnant (02 Sep 1921); Polizei-Oberleutnant (01 Oct 1924); Polizei-Hauptmann (01 Apr 1930); Hauptmann (15 Oct 1935); Major (01 Jan 1937); Oberstleutnant (01 Jul 1940); Oberst (01 Apr 1942); Generalmajor (01 Mar 1945)
Career:
Entered Army Service (15 Nov 1916)
War Volunteer in the 6th Field-Artillery-Regiment (15 Nov 1916-02 Mar 1917)
Transferred into the 602nd Field-Artillery-Regiment (02 Mar 1917-09 Sep 1918)
Signals-Officer with the Staff of the II. Battalion of the 602nd Field-Artillery-Regiment (09 Sep 1918-07 Jan 1919)
Retired from Army Service (07 Jan 1919)
Reactivated to Army Service (15 Jan 1919)
Battery-Officer in the 6th Field-Artillery-Regiment (15 Jan 1919-09 Mar 1919)
Temporary-Adjutant of the II. Battalion of the 6th Field-Artillery-Regiment (09 Mar 1919-13 Apr 1919)
Battery-Officer in the 4th Battery of the 6th Field-Artillery-Regiment (13 Apr 1919-12 Jul 1919)
Temporary-Adjutant of the II. Battalion of the 6th Field-Artillery-Regiment (12 Jul 1919-15 May 1920)
Battery-Officer in the 7th Battery of the 6th Field-Artillery-Regiment (15 May 1920-31 Dec 1920)
Retired from Army Service (31 Dec 1920)
Entered Police Service (02 Sep 1921)
Platoon-Leader in the 4th Unit Kreuzberg (02 Sep 1921-25 Jun 1922)
Platoon-Leader in the Bicycle-Unit Beuthen (25 Jun 1922-14 Aug 1922)
Retired from Police Service (14 Aug 1922)
Reactivated to Police Serive (25 Oct 1922)
Platoon-Leader in the 2nd Unit Oppeln (25 Oct 1922-23 Apr 1924)
At the same time, Detached to the Higher Police School Eiche (15 Jan 1924-10 Apr 1924)
Chief of the Police-District Mikultschütz (23 Apr 1924-07 Jan 1927)
Detached to the Criminal-Police Hindenburg (07 Jan 1927-15 Feb 1927)
Chief to the Police-District 1, Hindenburg (15 Feb 1927-11 Apr 1927)
Transferred to the Border-Police-District Hindenburg, Upper Silesia (11 Apr 1927-20 Apr 1927)
Ia-Administrator with the Command of the Protection-Police Gleiwitz, East Prussia (20 Apr 1927-01 Dec 1929)
At the same time, Detached to the Police School for Physical Exercise (08 Feb 1928-02 Apr 1928)
Leader of the 4th Police-Alarm Hindenburg, Upper Silesia (01 Dec 1929-17 Dec 1930)
At the same time, Detached as Instructor to 1st Course at Berlin (06 Jan 1930-10 Dec 1930)
Leader of the 4th Police-Alarm Hagen, Westphalia (01 May 1930-17 Dec 1930)
At the same time, Detached as Instructor to 3rd Course at Berlin (22 Sep 1930-10 Dec 1930)
Leader of 4th Police-Alarm Hindenburg, East Prussia (17 Dec 1930-01 May 1934)
At the same time, Detached to Battle Instruction Course at Police School Frankenstein (14 Oct 1931-14 Nov 1931)
At the same time, Detached to Battle School Course at Police School Frankenstein (07 Jun 1933-29 Jun 1933)
At the same time, Detached to Tactical Special Course at Higher Police School Eiche (03 Jul 1933-28 Jul 1933)
At the same time, Detached to Troop Exercise Grounds Neuhammer (01 Sep 1933-30 Sep 1933)
At the same time, Detached to Troop Exercise Grounds Döberitz (18 Apr 1934-18 May 1934)
Leader of the 2nd Reinforcement-Unit in Hindenburg, Upper Silesia (01 May 1934-15 Oct 1935)
At the same time, Detached to Infantry-Regiment Breslau (28 May 1934-28 Jul 1934)
At the same time, Detached as Leader of the 4th Unit Beuthen at the Troop Exercise Grounds Neuhammer (03 Sep 1934-28 Sep 1934)
At the same time, Detached to the IV. Battalion of Artillery-Regiment Schweidnitz (01 Jul 1935-14 Oct 1935)
At the same time, Detached to Course for State Police Officers in Jüterbog (02 Sep 1935-28 Sep 1935)
Transferred into Army Service (15 Oct 1935)
Hauptmann with the Staff of the I. Battalion of the 64th Artillery-Regiment (15 Oct 1935-06 Oct 1936)
Battery-Chief in the 44th Artillery-Regiment (06 Oct 1936-01 Mar 1938)
Commander of the I. Battalion of the 44th Artillery-Regiment (01 Mar 1938-23 Nov 1940)
Commander of the IV. Battalion of the 104th Artillery-Regiment (23 Nov 1940-26 Mar 1942)
Delegated with the Leadership of the 104th Artillery-Regiment (26 Mar 1942-20 Jul 1942)
Commander of the 104th Artillery-Regiment (20 Jul 1942-01 Feb 1944)
Führer-Reserve OKH (01 Feb 1944-07 Jun 1944)
Artillery Commander 186 (07 Jun 1944-19 Sep 1944)
Führer-Reserve OKH (19 Sep 1944-29 Dec 1944)
At the same time, Detached to 15th Division Leaders Course (19 Oct 1944-15 Nov 1944)
Detached for Special Use to the Reichsführer-SS (01 Dec 1944-29 Dec 1944)
Delegated with the Leadership of the 338th Infantry-Division (29 Dec 1944-18 Jan 1945)
Delegated with the Leadership of the 198th Infantry-Division (18 Jan 1945-01 Mar 1945)
Commander of the 198th Infantry-Division (01 Mar 1945-22 Apr 1945)
Führer-Reserve OKH (22 Apr 1945-04 May 1945)
Committed Suicide (04 May 1945)
Awards & Decorations:
- - Ritterkreuz: am 05.01.1943 als Oberst und Komm. Artillerie-Regiment 104
- - Deutsches Kreuz in Gold: am 26.12.1941 als Oberstleutnant und Komm. IV Bataillon/ Artillerie-Regiment 104
- - 1939 EK I –S-
- - 1939 EK II –S-
- - 1914 EK I
- - 1914 EK II
- - Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer
- - Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung
- - Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 mit Spange “Prager Burg”
- - Medaille “Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/1942”
Source :
http://www.geocities.ws/orion47.geo/WEHRMACHT/HEER/Generalmajor/BARDE_KONRAD.html
http://thirdreichpictures.blogspot.com/2020/05/heer-generalmajor-b-x.html
Adolf Josef Ferdinand Galland
Date of Birth: 19.03.1912 - Westerholt, Recklinghausen, Westfalen (German Empire)
Date of Death: 09.02.1996 - Oberwinter, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany
Nickname: Dolfo, Keffer
Victories: 104 kills from 705 mission
Promotions:
01.05.1934 Fahnenjunker-Unteroffizier
01.09.1934 Fähnrich
01.01.1935 Leutnant
01.08.1937 Oberleutnant
01.10.1939 Hauptmann
19.07.1940 Major
01.11.1940 Oberstleutnant
04.12.1941 Oberst
01.11.1942 Generalmajor
01.11.1944 Generalleutnant
Career:
00.00.1932 - 00.00.1934 Pilot-Training at the Commercial-Flying-School Braunschweig
01.04.1934 - 30.09.1935 Entered the Army as Fahnenjunker in the 10th Infantry-Regiment
01.10.1935 - 06.05.1937 Transferred to Luftwaffe Service as Flight-Teacher at the Flying-School Schleißheim then in Fighter-Wing Richthofen, then Group Bernburg
07.05.1937 - 00.08.1937 Leader of Staff-Company J 88 (Legion Condor)
00.08.1937 - 00.06.1938 Staffelkapitän 3.Staffel / Jagdgruppe 88 – Legion Condor
00.06.1938 - 31.08.1938 Detached to the 3rd Department, Staff S in the RLM
01.09.1938 - 31.10.1938 Adjutant Jagdgeschwader 'Richthofen'
01.11.1938 - 31.01.1939 Staffelkapitän in I.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 'Richthofen'
01.02.1939 - 30.09.1939 Staffelkapitän inJagdgeschwader 52
01.07.1939 - 30.09.1939 Staffelkapitän 4.Staffel / II.Gruppe / Lehrgeschwader 2
01.10.1939 - 31.03.1940 Adjutant Jagdgeschwader 27
01.04.1940 - 05.06.1940 Officer with Special Duties with the Staff of the Jagdgeschwader 27, Detached to I.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 27
06.06.1940 - 21.08.1940 Gruppenkommandeur III.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 26 'Schlageter'
22.08.1940 - 04.12.1941 Geschwaderkommodore Jagdgeschwader 26 'Schlageter'
05.12.1941 - 31.01.1945 General der Jagdflieger (L In 3) RLM
01.02.1945 - 26.04.1945 Kommandeur Jagdverband 44 (JV 44) (Me 262)
26.04.1945 - 06.05.1945 Wounded, in Hospital
06.05.1945 - 10.05.1947 In US Captivity
10.05.1947 Released
Awards and Decorations:
00.00.193_ Flugzeugführerabzeichen
00.00.193_ Medalla de la Campaña de España
00.00.193_ Medalla Militar Individual de España con Diamantes
06.06.1939 Spanienkreuz in Gold mit Brillanten
00.00.19__ Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung IV.Klasse
00.00.1939 Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938
15.09.1939 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
22.05.1940 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
29.07.1940 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes #96, as Major and Gruppenkommandeur III.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 26 (JG 26) “Schlageter”. The following wartime excerpt (dated 30.08.1940) describes why Galland received the Ritterkreuz: “Major Galland has distinguished himself as a Gruppe commander in a Jagdgeschwader as a result of his exceptional aggressiveness. By now he has shot down 14 enemy aircraft. Under his leadership the Gruppe executed numerous successful ground attack attacks as well, which included one mission (19.06.1940) where he eliminated 3 AA batteries.”
00.08.1940 Gemeinsames Flugzeugführer- und Beobachter-Abzeichen in Gold mit Brillanten
16.08.1940 Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht
24.09.1940 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #3, as Major and Geschwaderkommodore Jagdgeschwader 26 (JG 26) “Schlageter”. Awarded after 40 aerial victories.
25.09.1940 Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht
02.11.1940 Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht
18.04.1941 Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht
21.06.1941 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern #1, as Oberstleutnant and Geschwaderkommodore Jagdgeschwader 26 (JG 26) “Schlageter”. Awarded after 69 aerial victories.
22.06.1941 Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht
30.10.1941 Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht
28.01.1942 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub, Schwerter und Brillanten #2, as Oberst and Geschwaderkommodore Jagdgeschwader 26 (JG 26) “Schlageter”. Awarded after 94 aerial victories.
15.02.1942 Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht
00.00.194_ Frontflugspange für Jäger in Gold mit Anhänger und Einzatszahl "400"
00.00.1945 Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
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Adolf Galland was born on 19th March 1912 and started flying, the same way as many other German pilots of that time, as a glider pilot. He began his flying career with Lufthansa, but then he had to join the army where he was recruited into the 10. Infanterie-Regiment stationed in Dresden. Galland soon transferred to the Luftwaffe and on 12th March 1935 he was appointed as a Lieutenant to the Jagdgeschwader 1 at Doberitz.
He received his combat experience in the Spanish Civil War, where he arrived on 8th May 1937 as commander of 3. / Jagdgeschwader 33 at El Ferrol. This unit flew the Heinkel He 51. During the Spanish Civil War he flew a total of 280 missions.
Just after the start of the Polish Campaign, on 1st October 1939, Galland was promoted to Captain. In the Polish Campaign he flew a Henschell Hs 123 in a ground support unit. During the Campaign in the West (Fall Gelb) he joined Jagdgeschwader 27 (27th Fighter Squadron) and in his Messerschmitt Bf-109 he shot down his first two enemy planes on 12th May 12th 1940, these were soon to be followed by another 10. On 10th June 1940 he was appointed commander of III. / Jagdgeschwader 26 and was promoted to Major on 18th July. During the Battle of Britain, Adolf Galland became one of the top aces with 57 enemy planes shot down. His leadership capabilities did not go unnoticed and he became commander of Jagdgeschwader 26 on 22nd August. After the death of Oberst Mölders on 22nd November 1941, Galland succeeded him as General of the German Fighter arm. But he was not promoted to General until 19th November 1942, becoming the youngest General in the entire German army.
On 22nd May 1942 Galland was the first to make a flight with the prototype of the new Messerschmitt Me-262 jet fighter. After being promoted to General-Lieutenant (November 1944) he organized a meeting between Göring and the most important Fighter unit Commanders. They criticized the German Fighter policy which resulted in the dismissal of Galland as General of the Fighter arm. Under the influence of Adolf Hitler himself, Adolf Galland was appointed as commander of a new fighter unit flying the Me-262. He succeeded in recruiting most of the Knights-Cross fighter pilots, making it the highest decorated German fighter unit. Galland flew his last wartime mission on 26th April 1945 when he shot down his last plane, a Martin B-26 Marauder.
After the war he had to withstand harsh interrogations for his role as General of the German Fighter Arm and he was released from captivity in 1947. This resulted in him not being allowed to fly again; afterwards he found a job as a Forest Ranger. In 1948 however, he was invited by the Argentine President, Peron, to become an Air Force advisor to the Argentine Air Force. He returned to Germany in the summer of 1953 to married Sylvinia, Countess von Dönhoff. The Argentine forces gave him a Royal farewell party on 7th February 1955 at which, he was highly decorated. At a flying show on 26th April 1955, Galland received special permission to fly an Italian Piaggio 149 and he subsequently won 2nd prize. At the end of 1955 he was invited to work for the German Government once again and he became the Commanding Officer of the newly formed German Air Force. He left the Air Force in 1957 to start his own aeronautical consultancy company.
Subsequently, he became a widower and on 10th February 1984 he married Heidi Horn. Adolf Galland died on 9th February 1996 and was buried at Remagen-Oberwinter.
Erich Abraham (27 March 1895 – 7 March 1971) was born in Marienburg, East Prussia in 1895. He volunteered for military service after the outbreak of World War I and the following year was commissioned as a Leutnant der Reserve. He was demobilised in 1920 as an honorary Oberleutnant, and joined the police. He returned to military service in 1935 in the rank of Major. He commanded an infantry battalion in the 105th Infantry Regiment in 1936–39, being promoted to Oberstleutnant in 1938. In 1939, he was transferred to the 266th Infantry Regiment, again commanding a battalion for a year. In 1940 he was appointed as the commanding officer of the 230th Infantry Regiment, and in 1941 was promoted to Oberst, continuing in command of that regiment until 1942. During his time in command of the 230th Infantry Regiment, he was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.
On 17 February 1943 he was appointed to command the 76th Infantry Division which was being rebuilt in France after the original division had been destroyed at Stalingrad. He was promoted to Generalmajor on 1 June 1943, after which he led the division initially to Italy before being moved to Army Group South on the Eastern Front during the winter of 1943–44. On 1 January 1944, Abraham was promoted to Generalleutnant. He continued to command the division in heavy fighting and during the withdrawal in the face of the Red Army Dnieper–Carpathian Offensive, and other than for a short time in July–August, commanded the division until October 1944. While commanding the division, he was awarded the Eichenlaub to his Ritterkreuz. Later that year he was appointed to command LXIII Corps. In March 1945 he was promoted to General der Infanterie. Captured at the end of the war, he was released in August 1947. After release he lived in Wiesbaden, West Germany. He died in 1971.
Awards
Iron Cross (1914) 2nd Class (2 September 1915) & 1st Class (27 June 1917)
Austrian Military Merit Cross 3rd Class with War Decoration (20 March 1917)
Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 (1 December 1934)
Wehrmacht Long Service Award 2nd Class (2 October 1936)
Clasp to the Iron Cross (1939) 2nd Class (10 March 1940) & 1st Class (21 June 1940)
Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown (Romania, 22 June 1942)
Infantry Assault Badge (13 November 1942)
German Cross in Gold on 7 March 1942 as Oberst and commander of Infanterie-Regiment 230
Knight's Cross on 13 November 1942 as Oberst and commander of Infanterie-Regiment 230
516th Oak Leaves on 26 June 1944 as Generalleutnant and commander of the 76. Infanterie-Division
Source :
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2010/03/daftar-general-der-infanterie-heer.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erich_Abraham
Fridolin "Fridl" Fath (1 May 1908 - 17 March 1987) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 23 December 1942 as Major and stellvertredender Kommandeur IV.Gruppe / KG z.b.V. 1 (Kampfgeschwader zur besonderen Verwendung 1). The medal was awarded for his distinguished service in resupplying the Axis forces in North Africa by air, first as a transport pilot and later as the commander of an entire Gruppe. His total of missions flown at the time of the award is unknown, but by the end of 1944 it had reached an impressive total of over 500 front flights. What is known is that he was among one of the most utilized transport pilots during the whole African campaign, which played a key role in his receiving the award.
Source :
https://www.alexautographs.com/auction-lot/luftwaffe-knights-cross-recipients-10_1174A95A9D/
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/22861/Fath-Fridolin.htm
Source :
http://www.historicalwarmilitariaforum.com/search/?q=sepp%20dietrich&type=forums_topic&item=6937
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/213/Dietrich-Josef-Sepp.htm
Rudolf Sandig (11 September 1911 - 11 August 1994) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 5 May 1943 as SS-Sturmbannführer and Kommandeur II.Bataillon / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 2 / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division “Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler”. He was an infantry battalion commander in the LSSAH division during the Third Battle of Kharkov. During this time he was recommended for the Ritterkreuz and would receive it later that spring. The documentation of his award has deteriorated somewhat with the passage of the time, but it is nonetheless possible to infer the three main actions that led to his receiving the award:
1) His defense of the airfield at Ossnovo, during which his troops inflicted heavy losses before being forced to retreat. (15 February 1943)
2) The capture of the village of Ogulzy on 8th March in conjunction with Peiper’s battalion, during which his men destroyed 3 tanks and 6 AT guns. (8 March 1943)
3) The successful seizure of Kharkov’s northern railway station and its approaches, again in conjunction with Peiper’s men. (11-12 March 1943)
Source :
Denis J. Horgan photo collection
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/13863/Sandig-Rudolf.htm
SS-Untersturmführer Horst Gresiak (center) and his mate. It is possible that this foto was taken in the summer 1943 when I.Abteilung / SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 "Das Reich" were reequipped with new Panther tanks. Gresiak received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 25 January 1945 as SS-Obersturmführer and Führer 7.Kompanie / SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 / 2.SS-Panzer-Division "Das Reich".Source :
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=275940870554737&set=gm.786120228981526
This is a screenshot captured from the Deutsche Wochenschau video about IV. SS-Panzerkorps fighting at Poland, summer of 1944. When this SS Officer is shown, the commentary voice said that he is Hubert-Erwin Meierdress from Totenkopf Division, while in fact he is SS-Obersturmführer Otto Schneider (Chef 7.Kompanie / SS-Panzer-Regiment 5 / 5.SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking"). He received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes in that capacity on 4 May 1944 for his achievement during the Battle of Kovel.Source :
https://www.facebook.com/groups/703371800589703/permalink/783667979226751/?__cft__[0]=AZUNIfT-PZvryeTpnrR8qgNy2Etb-nTl6z0Q-jKS2vd9vviYjekG5BQTAS2xv8_5z_5-BLkDnBQo3xM_M2_HX7IsBa452Mims9klSemVHwrfJSKqABDPClTheaGEmpJGSGdPqoOWxa04FxA6b_1RSblYLl9ObhHLCLAAHqH-GpNrfQUPo_KQS1X0Eus8P3K6rzY&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
Source :
Denis J. Horgan photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=157439652876430&set=gm.1080247465792480
Hermann Meyer-Rabingen
* 07.08.1887 in Rotenburg in Hannover (heute: Rotenburg an der Wümme)
† 21.02.1961 Melle
Vater: Adolf Meyer, Landgerichtsdirektor
Mutter: Margaretha Meyer (also her birth name, maybe a relative)
11.11.1920 Heirat mit [?]
1 Sohn (*1921), 1 Tochter (*1924)
02.09.1906 Fahnenjunker
18.05.1907 Fähnrich
27.01.1908 Leutnant
27.01.1915 Oberleutnant
18.04.1917 Hauptmann
01.04.1930 Major
01.04.1934 Oberstleutnant
01.03.1936 Oberst
01.11.1939 Generalmajor
01.11.1941 Generalleutnant (2)
02.09.1906 Eintritt in das Infanterie-Regiment “Markgraf Carl” (7. Brandenburgisches) Nr. 60, Weißenburg/Elsass (heute: Wissembourg/Alsace)
00.05.1907 Kriegsschule Metz
01.10.1911 kommandiert zur Militär-Turnanstalt
01.10.1912 kommandiert zum Seminar für orientalische Sprachen, Berlin
28.04.1913 bei der Schutztruppe in Deutsch Ost-Afrika (9. Feldkompanie in Usumbura)
00.04.1915 Führer der 9. (ber.) Schützen-Kompanie
00.04.1916 Führer der 8. (ber.) Schützen-Kompanie
00.05.1918 Führer der 9. Feldkompanie
00.00.1918 Abteilungsführer
14.11.1918 Waffenstillstand, Kriegsgefangenschaft
17.01.1919 Heimreise von Ostafrika
31.07.1919 aus der Schutztruppe ausgeschieden
01.08.1919 Chef der 3. Kompanie in der Freiwilligen-Division von Lettow-Vorbeck (Freikorps)
15.10.1919 Chef der 2. MG-Kompanie des Reichswehr- Infanterie-Regiments 18 der Reichswehr-Brigade 9, Schwerin, der Vorläufigen Reichswehr
01.10.1920 Chef der 7. (hanseat.) Kompanie des 6. Infanterie-Regiments, Lübeck
00.00.1924 Annahme des Namens “Meyer-Rabingen”
15.10.1926 beim Stab des II. Bataillons des Infanterie-Regiments 6, Lübeck
01.04.1927 beim Stab der 3. Kavallerie-Division, Breslau
01.04.1933 Kommandeur des Ausbildungs-Bataillons des 18. Infanterie-Regiments, Detmold
01.10.1934 Kommandeur des II. Bataillons des Infanterie-Regiments Paderborn
16.04.1935 bei der Standort-Kommandantur Glogau, Lehrstabs-Offizier und Kommandeur des Ersatz-Bataillons des Infanterie-Regiments Glogau
01.03.1936 im Stab des Infanterie-Regiments 54, Glogau; zeitweise kommandiert zur Psychologischen Prüfstelle Breslau
01.05.1937 Kommandeur des Infanterie-Regiments 109, Karlsruhe
25.10.1939 Kommandeur des Divisionstabs z.b.V. 431 (zur Führung von Landesschützen-Einheiten im Wehrkreis IV), Kalisch/Schlesien (heute: Kalisz/Polen)
01.12.1939 Kommandeur der 197. Infanterie-Division
01.04.1942 Führer-Reserve
20.09.1942 mit dem 01.10.1942 Kommandeur der 159. Reserve-Division, Bourg in Frankreich (seit 08.01.1944 südfranzösische Atlantikküste)
20.06.1944 Führerreserve
01.07.1944 Kommandeur der Division Nr. 404 (eine Ersatz-Division, Dresden); Offiziersrichter am Reichkriegsgericht (3. Senat unter Senatspräsident und Generalstabsrichter Dr. Schmauser)
21.11.1944 Teilnehmer der Sitzung des 3. Senats des Reichskriegsgerichts gegen Generalleutnant Gustav Heistermann von Ziehlberg (Todesurteil wegen Ungehorsam im Felde)
29.01.1945 Kommandant der Festung Frankfurt/Oder
27.03.1945 Kommandeur der 404. Ersatz- und Ausbildungs-Division (mit den Ausbildungstruppen gegen die Rote Armee und mit den Ersatztruppen gegen die Amerikaner), Divisionsstab in Dorfhain/Erzgebirge
1952 - 1956 Bürgermeister d. Stadt Melle (gemeinsame Liste v. CDU u. Dt. Partei)
Seit 11.11.1922 mit Emmy geb. Barelmann verheiratet
Awards and Decorations:
02.09.1916 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
1914 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
Verwundeten-Abzeichen, schwarz
Hamburger Hanseaten-Kreuz
Bremer Hanseaten-Kreuz
Elefantenorden
Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer
1939 Spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
1939 Spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
Ostmedaille
12.01.1942 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Generalleutnant and commander of 197. Infanterie-Division
Source :
https://www.alexautographs.com/auction-lot/hermann-meyer-rambingen_476434E991/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermann_Meyer-Rabingen
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=190351
Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2318908#p2318908
Otto Hoffmann von Waldau (7 July 1898 - 17 May 1943) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 28 June 1942 as Generalleutnant and Fliegerführer Afrika. The following newspaper excerpt (dated 4-5 July 1942) describes why Hoffmann von Waldau received the Ritterkreuz: “General Hoffmann von Waldau has been awarded the Ritterkreuz by the Führer in recognition of his achievements while serving as Fliegerführer Afrika. In this capacity he and his subordinated formations decisively contributed to many great successes being achieved, in particular the capture of Fortress Tobruk.”
Source :
https://www.alexautographs.com/auction-lot/otto-hoffmann-von-waldau_5514403A59/
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/40346/Hoffmann-von-Waldau-Otto.htm
