Bio of Feldwebel d.R. Alois Gugganig (1906-1944)

 

Feldwebel Alois Gugganig (Zugführer in 12.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 91) with the recently acquired Ritterkreuz, 1943.

Full name: Alois Gugganig
Nickname: Lois
Date of Birth: 8 June 1906 in Bad Gastein, Bischofshofen, Salzburg (Austro-Hungarian Empire)
Date of Death: 6 January 1944 in Vinnitsa, Ukraine (Soviet Union)
NSDAP Number: unknown (joined in 1931)
SS Number: no
Academic Title: no
Family Member:Anton Gugganig and Maria Herzog (parents)
Physical Feature: unknown

Beförderungen (Promotion):
01.06.1941 Gefreiter
01.11.1941 Unteroffizier

Karriere (Career):
00.00.1912 - 00.00.1920 attended elementary school in Bad Gastein
00.00.1916 - 00.00.1918 attended his first ski course which was organized by his school
00.00.1920 learned the profession of a shoemaker
00.00.1927 - 10.06.1929 attended the mountain guide course
04.05.1930 head of the ski school in Badgastein
17.04.1940 ski train driver in Infanterie-Regiment 738
27.05.1940 - 29.04.1941 served in Gebirgsjäger-Ersatz-Regiment 136
27.05.1940 - 04.07.1940 completed the basic training in Gebirgsjäger-Ersatz-Regiment 136
30.04.1941 - 07.02.1942 served in 6.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 738
11.08.1941 - 06.09.1941 Unterführer-Lehrgang II.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 738
08.02.1942 - 26.06.1942 served in 2.Kompanie / Gebirgsjäger-Bataillon 99
03.04.1942 - 09.04.1942 Heeresbergführer-Lehrgang
26.06.1942 transferred to the Hochgebirge staff in Berchtesgaden
27.06.1942 transferred to 2.Kompanie / Hochgebirgsbatallions 2
12.10.1942 wounded for the first time by bullet fire
13.02.1943 - 06.01.1944 transferred to 2.Kompanie /  Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 91
00.03.1943 received home leave which he spent with his family in Badgastein
19.10.1943 went back to the front to his old unit
06.01.1944 killed in action

Orden und Ehrenzeichen (Medals and Decorations):
13.04.1935 SA Wehrsport-Abzeichen                                               
24.12.1941 Kriegsverdienstkreuz II.Klasse mit Schwertern              
20.02.1941 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse                                                   
27.09.1942 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse                                                   
02.10.1942 Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz                               
09.04.1943 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Feldwebel and Zugführer in 12.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 91 / 4.Gebirgs-Division                         
01.07.1943 Heeres-Bergführerabzeichen                                           
10.09.1943 Infanterie Sturmabzeichen                                              
20.11.1943 Medalia comemorativa Cruciada Impotriva Comunismului (Romania)                        

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Alois Gugganig was born on June 8, 1906, in Badgastein to Anton and Maria Gugganig. From 1912 to 1920, he attended the elementary school in Badgastein. He was enthusiastic about skiing and mountaineering very early on. From 1916 to 1918, he attended his first ski course, which was organized by his school. During this time he was able to achieve some downhill victories. In 1920, he learned the profession of a shoemaker. In his free time, he regularly went on mountain and ski tours. In 1927, he was invited by the Austrian Alpine Association to attend the mountain guide course, which he completed in 1929 together with his training as a ski instructor. In 1930, he became head of the ski school in Badgastein. In 1931, he became a member of the NSDAP, and in 1932 he became a member of the SA.

Gugganig completed his basic training at the Gebirgsjäger-Ersatz-Regiment 136 in Innsbruck. After completing basic training, he was transferred to Fulpmes due to his civilian mountain guide training. Here he completed his first army mountain guide course from August 22 to September 4, 1940, and then completed the first winter course from February 3 to April 17, 1940. Then he went straight to the front, to Infanterie-Regiment 738, where he was used as a ski train driver. Here he was also awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class and the War Merit Cross 2nd Class. He then took part in the first Unterführer course in the II. Battalion of Infanterie-Regiment 738. After graduation, he was transferred to the Gebirgsjäger-Battalion 99 in Sonthofen. From 04/04 to 05/01 in 1942, he took part in the second army mountain guide course in Fulpmes. He was present here until June 26, until being transferred to the Hochgebirge staff in Berchtesgaden, from where he was transferred directly to the 2nd company of the Hochgebirgsbatallions 2 on June 27. Here he was wounded on October 12, 1942, for the first time by bullet fire. After recovery in the hospital, he came to the Jäger-Regiment 91, 2 Company on February 13, 1943. Here he was awarded the Ritterkreuz on March 27, 1943. Then he received home leave which he spent with his family in Badgastein. From there he went on to Fulpmes where he was awarded the Heeresbergführer. On October 19, 1943 he went back to the front to his old unit.

How He Won His Ritterkreuz: Gugganig was ordered to hold the edge of a village against any attack by the enemy with his platoon to protect the flank of his division. During the night however, several hundred Russians suddenly broke into the village through a front hatch to the left of his position. They overran three heavy gun positions and penetrated ever deeper into the defensive line. To counter the danger of being overrun, Gugganig decided to counterattack with his platoon. With his troops he attacked a twenty-fold superior force. A murderous hand-to-hand fight broke out, house after house was reconquered by Gugganig and his men as well as the three heavy gun positions. After hours of fighting, he managed to occupy the old main battle line and capture almost 100 Russians and left more than 180 dead on the battlefield. Through his action and others of this kind, the Kuban bridgehead was created.

On January 6, 1944, at around 3 am, the Russians carried out a surprise attack against the position of Gugganig and his platoon. Here he was severely wounded by a shot in the belly and grenade splinters in the back. He died in the hands of a comrade who then wrote a letter to his mother and told her the last words and wishes from her son. He was admitted to the field hospital in Winniza at 1 am, on January 7, where he was declared dead and buried there the same day.

Source :
https://www.alamy.com/sergeant-alois-gugganig-12gebirgsjaegerregiment-91-with-the-knights-cross-1941-image385783729.html
https://www.edelweiss-antiques.com/alois-gugganig
https://www.ratisbons.com/auctions-archive/25th-contemporary-history-auction/grouping-to-heeresbergfuehrer-kc-recipient-fw-gugganig.html
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/85736/Gugganig-Alois.htm

Oldwig von Natzmer with Entfernungsmesser

General der Infanterie Rudolf Schmundt (second from left, Chefadjutant des Heeres beim Führer und Oberbefehlshaber der Wehrmacht) and Oberst im Generalstab Oldwig von Natzmer (second from right, Ia Erster Generalstabsoffizier Panzergrenadier-Divisionland "Großdeutschland") near the German air defense installation in the Eastern Front, June 1944. The installation was named Entfernungsmesser (range finder) of the type Kdo.​Ger.40 (Kommandogerät 40), and was commonly used by anti-aircraft units using the heavy Flak 18 or Flak 40. The apparatus is used to determine the position of the enemy aircraft as well as calculate its distance from the ground. It takes at least five crew to operate this rangefinder, while its weight of almost 1 ton - 915 kg to be exact - makes its scope of use limited only as a means of self-defense and not attack support. Even so, the super quality lens it uses and the well-tested accuracy of its target locking make the Kommandogerät 40 the mainstay of the Wehrmacht's gun fire controllers. This photo was made by Kriegsberichter Gottert, and was first published in the "Berliner Verlag" in June 1944.

Sumber :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/1802/
https://www.gettyimages.ca/detail/news-photo/the-picture-from-national-socialist-reporting-shows-news-photo/1058609836

German Generals in the Paris Parade 1940

 

Wehrmacht high ranking officers gathered at the victory parade of the German troops at the Place de la Concorde, Paris, which held on Friday, June 14, 1940. On that day the French capital fell to the Nazis, while 2,000,000 of its citizens had already fled. In preparation for the parade, the new authorities forbade local residents to approach the vicinity of the Place de la Concorde from 08:00 AM until the afternoon. Front row from left to right: Generalleutnant Hans von Salmuth (Chef des Generalstabes Heeresgruppe B), General der Artillerie Georg von Küchler (Oberbefehlshaber 18. Armee), Oberleutnant der Reserve Heinrich Graf von Lehndorff-Steinort (Adjutant Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe B), General der Kavallerie Georg Stumme (with his back to the camera, Kommandierender General XXXX. Panzerkorps), and Generaloberst Fedor von Bock (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe B). In the background were rows of parked luxury cars, which were most likely the special rides of the high-ranking German officers who attended the event. The three cars on the right are, in order from left to right: Opel Admiral, Opel Kapitän, and Horch 830 BL. This original color photo was taken by one of Hitler's personal photographers, Hugo Jaeger, who "toured" together with Heeresgruppe B in the invasion of the Low Countries (Netherlands Belgium Luxemburg) and France in the summer of 1940.

Source :
https://artsandculture.google.com/search?q=kuechler&hl=en

Sepp Dietrich and Kurt Meyer

SS-Obergruppenführer und General der Waffen-SS Josef "Sepp" Dietrich (Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment "Leibstandarte-SS Adolf Hitler") and SS-Hauptsturmführer Kurt "Panzermeyer" Meyer (Kommandeur SS-Aufklärungs-Abteilung / Infanterie-Regiment "Leibstandarte-SS Adolf Hitler") in the background. No other information available, but the picture was possibly taken in 1930 or 1940 during the award ceremony of LSSAH.

Source :
https://clio-historia.livejournal.com/380042.html

Kurt Herzog and His Division Staff

 

Divisionsstab of Generalleutnant Kurt Herzog (2nd from left, Kommandeur 291. Infanterie-Division) in Latvia during Unternehmen Barbarossa, summer of 1941. The "Elch" (Elke) division managed to advance 44 miles in the first 34 hours of the campaign in the Baltic States, but after being assigned the mission of clearing the Baltic coast, was temporarily stopped in their tracks at the naval base of Libau where Soviet Marines and 67th Rifle Division repelled their first attempt to rush the town on 25th June. Resorting to point blank artillery fire, Herzog’s men finally overran the town after four days of fierce fighting and continued advancing up the Baltic Coast before reaching the Latvian capital of Riga which was already under attack from the East by Philipp Kleffel’s 1. Infanterie Division, the following day.

Source :
https://www.axishistory.com/books/150-germany-heer/heer-divisionen/3546-291-infantrie-division
https://clio-historia.livejournal.com/380042.html

Ritterkreuz Award Ceremony of Hubert-Erwin Meierdrees

 

ECPAD archives (DAT 1154 L02)

SS-Obersturmführer Hubert-Erwin Meierdrees / Meierdress (Führer Sturmgeschütz-Batterie / SS-Totenkopf-Artillerie-Regiment / SS-Division 'Totenkopf'). Wounded in the Demjansk pocket and extracted after being wounded in action. Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes awarded on 13 March 1942. The Ritterkreuz recommendation of Erwin Meierdrees by the Divisionskommandeur Eicke reads as follows: “Meierdrees was serving as part of Kampfgruppe Bochmann when the Russians penetrated friendly lines south of Staraya Russa at the beginning of January 1942, and in response to this development Meierdrees was initially deployed northeast and southeast of the city. His numerous bold attacks brought valuable relief to the hard-pressed Heer units in this area, and heavy losses were inflicted on the foe in the process. After the Kampfgruppe commander became a casualty SS-Obersturmführer Meierdrees rallied the remnants of the Gruppe and proceeded to conduct a determined defense of the village of Bjakowa (located on the Staraya Russa—Demyansk road). Since the end of January Meierdrees has held this village in a heroic struggle against overwhelming enemy attacks despite being encircled from all sides. Whenever the Russians fought their way into the village with strong tank and aircraft support they were always forced to retreat from their gains in the face of the bravely fighting troops under the bold and skillful leadership of SS-Obersturmführer Meierdrees. The defenders of Bjakowa continue to stand their ground under the guidance of their heroic commander. The holding of this village is of critical importance for the integrity of Fortress Demyansk, as the capture of this village would place another section of the road into enemy hands and bring them one step closer to linking up with those Russian forces pushing southwards from Gortschizy. I ask that SS-Obersturmführer Meierdrees be awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on account of his heroic struggle and the success he has achieved.”

Meierdrees was awarded the Eichenlaub #310 for his Ritterkreuz on 5 October 1943 as SS-Hauptsturmführer and Kommandeur I.Abteilung / SS-Panzer-Regiment 3 "Totenkopf" / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Totenkopf". The Eichenlaub recommendation of Erwin Meierdrees reads as follows…

“1.) During the attack against the Uljanowka agricultural estate on 1 March 1943 our Panzers were unable to advance due to the threat from a strong Pakfront. SS-Hauptsturmführer Meierdrees bypassed this Pakfront with his Panzer and attacked it from the flank with magnificent spirit. He personally crushed 4 heavy anti-tank guns beneath his tracks, and his brave deed opened up the enemy’s front for a pursuit thrust by our forces.

2.) During the early morning hours of 3 March 1943 Meierdrees and his Panzer-Abteilung had a surprise encounter with a Russian column stretching 7 km in length (consisting of mostly artillery and anti-tank guns) whilst advancing towards Schljachowaja. SS-Hauptsturmführer Meierdrees immediately attacked this column on his own initiative, and by driving at the very spearhead of the attack he gave his troops the highest example of dutifulness and personal bravery.

The success was total. Several artillery detachments, over 40 anti-tank guns and several hundred trucks together with abundant quantities of assorted war materiel were destroyed or captured.

The 15 T-34s that were escorting the Russian column were all destroyed in the process.

3.) On 7 July 1943 the enemy commenced their anticipated flanking thrust from Ternowka towards the Radin—Schopino road with strong infantry and tank forces. In response SS-Hauptsturmführer Meierdrees engaged the attackers as the first friendly unit to do so (they therefore did not even have infantry support at first). Whilst driving amongst his point Kompanie he identified a large assembly of about a regiment’s worth of Russian infantry in the Dolshik ravine. These were presumably awaiting the arrival of their own armoured forces, which were located about 1.5 km to the east at the time.

SS-Hauptsturmführer Meierdrees immediately ordered his light Kompanie to attack these infantry. He personally led the Kompanie into the opposing ranks, and the foe was routed with heavy losses. After this he led both of his medium Kompanien in an attack against the hostile armoured forces. By skillfully inserting his forces into battle it was possible to destroy 5 tanks in a very short time (of which he personally took out 3). The remaining tanks pulled back to the east at top speed. This determined and energetic intervention by SS-Hauptsturmführer Meierdrees prevented the Russians from blocking the road.

4.) SS-Hauptsturmführer Meierdrees and his Abteilung repeatedly distinguished themselves during the seizure and defense of the Psel bridgehead. During the attack against the hutment near Kljutschi on 12 July 1943 his Abteilung assailed a strongly fortified Russian defensive system which was occupied by infantry forces that were quite ready for defense against armour. As the rest of the Abteilung rolled over the trenches and proceeded to engage the enemy infantry further in the rear, the Panzer of SS-Hauptsturmführer Meierdrees was immobilized. He proceeded to bail out, rally the other bailed out crews of his Abteilung and then clear out the hostile positions in man-to-man close combat.

5.) During the attack against Hill 213.9 (on the Mius) Meierdrees and his Abteilung were amongst those in the first wave. He led his men forwards with indefatigable aggressiveness, and did not waver from even the strongest defensive fire. During this fighting his Panzer was knocked out twice, forcing him to bail out and engage in infantry combat with his crew. On 1 August 1943 he rolled out with his Abteilung for the fifth time, and finally he and his men managed to circumvent the hostile anti-tank/artillery fire and take control of the hill. Strong infantry counterthrusts that were supported by tanks were repulsed.

6.) During the establishment of the Kolontajew bridgehead on 19-20 August 1943 SS-Hauptsturmführer Meierdrees and his Abteilung distinguished themselves once again. Disregarding the strong enemy artillery and anti-tank fire that was falling on the village, he drove through the hostile gunfire, captured Hill 167.5 (located NE of the village) and held it against the strongest of opposing pressure. Here SS-Hauptsturmführer Meierdrees was wounded for the fifth time.”

 

ECPAD archives (DAT 1154 L01)

Source :
https://imagesdefense.gouv.fr/fr/
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/21806/Meierdrees-Hubert-Erwin-aka-Meierdress.htm

Welcoming Ceremony for Georg Dörffel

These photos was taken around Kharkov on July 20, 1943 by Kriegsberichter Jütte, and shows the welcoming ceremony for the Hauptmann Georg Dörffel (Gruppenkommandeur I.Gruppe / Schlachtgeschwader 1) who had just returned from the 800th "feindflug" (combat mission). Holding a bouquet of flowers and standing beside the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 he had just landed, Dörffel eagerly drank the liquor given by Major Alfred Druschel (Geschwaderkommodore Schlachtgeschwader 1).

From left to right: Oberleutnant der Reserve Johannes Gehrmann (Staffelkapitän 3.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Schlachtgeschwader 1), Hauptmann Georg Dörffel (Gruppenkommandeur I.Gruppe / Schlachtgeschwader 1), and Leutnant Johannes Meinicke (Staffelführer 1.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Schlachtgeschwader 1). On the same day, Oberleutnant d.R. Gehrmann flew his 400th mission.

From left to right: Oberleutnant der Reserve Johannes Gehrmann (Staffelkapitän 3.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Schlachtgeschwader 1), Major Alfred Druschel (Geschwaderkommodore Schlachtgeschwader 1), Hauptmann Georg Dörffel (Gruppenkommandeur I.Gruppe / Schlachtgeschwader 1), and Leutnant Johannes Meinicke (Staffelführer 1.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Schlachtgeschwader 1).

Source :
https://www.bild.bundesarchiv.de/dba/de/search/?topicid=dcx-thes_personen_774u7o51p5xr4b6jden
http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showthread.php?t=59973
http://historical-media.com/einzel/2013.9.13/_x2013.9.13.html

Gehrmann, Dörffel and Meinicke

 

Welcoming ceremony for two pilots of I.Gruppe / Schlachtgeschwader 1 (SG 1). From left to right: Oberleutnant der Reserve Johannes Gehrmann (Staffelkapitän 3.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Schlachtgeschwader 1), Hauptmann Georg Dörffel (Gruppenkommandeur I.Gruppe / Schlachtgeschwader 1), and Leutnant Johannes Meinicke (Staffelführer 1.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Schlachtgeschwader 1). The picture was taken in the summer of 1943 by Kriegsberichter Jütte.

Source :
https://www.bild.bundesarchiv.de/dba/de/search/?topicid=dcx-thes_personen_774u7o73gz7u6hfvdfs

Bio of Oberstleutnant Georg Dörffel (1914-1944)

Full name: Georg Dörffel
Nickname: Orge
Date of Birth: 27 July 1914 in Rengersdorf, Kreis Görlitz, Niederschlesien (German Empire)
Date of Death: 26 May 1944 in Rome (Italy)
NSDAP Number: unknown
SS Number: unknown
Academic Title: unknown
Family Member: unknown
Physical Feature: unknown

Beförderungen (Promotion):
00.00.1939 Leutnant
01.09.1943 Major
00.00.1944 Oberstleutnant (posthumous)

Karriere (Career):
00.00.1937 transferred from the Heer to the Luftwaffe and trained as a Beobachter (observer/navigator) in a Kampfgruppe before being approved for the Stuka branch
01.07.1939 transferred from II.(Schl.)/LG 2 to III.(Aufkl.)/LG 2
10.05.1940 Flugzeugführer in 5.Staffel (Stuka) / II.Gruppe / Lehrgeschwader 2 (LG 2)
30.10.1940 Staffelkapitän 5.Staffel (Stuka) / II.Gruppe / Lehrgeschwader 2 (LG 2)
13.01.1942 Staffelkapitän 5.Staffel (Stuka) / II.Gruppe / Schlachtgeschwader 1 (SG 1)
02.03.1943 Gruppenführer I.Gruppe / Schlachtgeschwader 1 (SG 1)
11.06.1943 Gruppenkommandeur I.Gruppe / Schlachtgeschwader 1 (SG 1)
24.09.1943 Kommandeur Ergänzungs-Schlachtgruppe
07.10.1943 flew his 1,001st combat mission and was banned from further operational flying
15.11.1943 Gruppenkommandeur I.Gruppe / Schlachtgeschwader 152 (SG 152)
00.05.1944 Geschwaderkommodore Schlachtgeschwader 4 (SG 4)
25.05.1944 KIA – shot down north of Rome while engaging a formation of P-47 escorted 4-engine bombers from 15th USAAF. Another and better researched account states that he engaged P-47 fighter-bombers in the vicinity of Lake Bracciano on 26.05.44 and baled out 15 km NW of Rome, and that no 4-engine bombers operated that day). Posthumously promoted to Oberstleutnant. Credited with 1,004 combat missions and at least 30 air victories

Orden und Ehrenzeichen (Medals and Decorations):
00.00.19__ Flugzeugführerabzeichen
21.05.1940 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
21.05.1940 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
21.08.1941 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Oberleutnant and Staffelkapitän 5.Staffel (Stuka) / II.Gruppe / Lehrgeschwader 2 (LG 2)
17.11.1941 Luftwaffe Ehrenpokale für besondere Leistungen im Luftkrieg
24.01.1942 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
00.00.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)
00.00.194_ Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Gold mit Sternanhänger "1000"
14.04.1943 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #231, as Hauptmann and Gruppenführer I.Gruppe / Schlachtgeschwader 1 (SG 1)

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Georg Dörffel joined the military service in Infanterie-Regiment 22 (22nd infantry regiment) in 1933. In 1935 he transferred to the Luftwaffe holding the rank of Oberfähnrich (senior officer candidate). At first he served as an observer in a Kampfgeschwader (ground attack wing) before transferring as to the 5.(Schlacht)/Lehrgeschwader 2 (5.(S)/LG 2—5th ground attack squadron of the 2nd demonstration wing) flying the Henschel Hs 123 ground attack aircraft.

With this squadron as part of the II.(Schlacht)/LG 2 (2nd ground attack group of the 2nd demonstration wing) he flew as a Leutnant (Second Lieutenant) and pilot during the Invasion of Poland and Battle of France. The group was responsible of repelling a large enemy tank formation north of Cambrai on 17 May 1940 which threatened the flank of the German advance. Dörffel received the Iron Cross 2nd and 1st Class for this action on 21 May 1940.

Dörffel was shot down twice during the campaign in the west, the first time on 14 May 1940 near Tirlemont, Belgium and in June 1940 near Dunkirk. He was wounded on both occasions. In October 1940 he was appointed Staffelkapitän (squadron leader) of the 5.(S)/LG 2, which was re-designated 5./Schlachtgeschwader 1 (5th squadron of the 1st ground attack wing) in early 1942. In this role and position he flew in the Battle of Britain and from April 1941 in the Balkans Campaign.

With the beginning of Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, Dörffel was transferred to the Eastern Front, particularly in support of the central and southern sectors, providing air support to the German ground forces. Together with the squadron leader of the 2.(S)/LG 2, Oberleutnant Alfred Druschel, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 21 August 1941 after over 200 combat missions. He was shot down near Skvorin at the Don River on 1 July 1942. Dörffel flew his 600th combat mission on 16 August 1942. He was appointed acting Gruppenkommandeur (group commander) of the I./SG 1 (1st group of the 1st ground attack wing) on 2 March 1943 followed by his official appointment as group leader on 11 June 1943.

Dörffel flew his 800th mission of the war in July 1943 followed by his 900th mission one month later. He was promoted to Major on 1 September 1943. In early October 1943 he flew 19 combat missions on one day against the attacking Red Army forces crossing the Dnieper River near Kiev. He flew his 1,000th combat mission of the war on 6 October 1943, claiming his 30th aerial victory on that flight. He was grounded one day later and transferred and appointed commander of the Schlachtfliegerschule (ground attack fliers school) at Prossnitz. In early May 1944 he took command of Schlachtgeschwader 4 (SG 4—4th ground attack wing) stationed in Italy as Geschwaderkommodore (wing commander).

Georg Dörffel was killed in action on 26 May 1944 north-west of Rome, Italy. Dörffel was forced to bail out of his Focke-Wulf Fw 190 F-8 (Werknummer—factory number—580 464) following an attack on a four-engined bomber formation. He probably struck his head on the tailplane; his parachute failed to open. He was buried in Pomezia, Italy, and posthumously promoted to Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel).

Source :
"Luftwaffe Officer Career Summaries" by Henry L. deZeng IV and Douglas G. Stankey
https://www.bild.bundesarchiv.de/dba/de/search/?yearfrom=&yearto=&query=D%C3%B6rffel#
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georg_D%C3%B6rffel
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2412079#p2412079
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/29083/D%C3%B6rffel-Georg.htm

Heino von Rantzau in Luftwaffe Award Ceremony

 

Generalleutnant Heino von Rantzau (Kommandeur 2. Flak-Division) in an award ceremony. Rantzau (8 March 1894 – 2 November 1946) was a highly decorated Generalleutnant in the Luftwaffe during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, which he received on 29 August 1943. Heino von Rantzau was captured by American troops in April 1945, and died in captivity on 2 November 1946.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2412116#p2412116