Generalleutnant Theodor Scherer (center, Kommandeur 83. Infanterie-Division) in a "Lagebesprechung" (briefing) with Pakgeschützführer und Ritterkreuzträger (Commander of Anti-Tank Gun and Knight's Cross holder) Unteroffizier Werner Wrangel of Panzerjäger-Abteilung 183 / 83.Infanterie-Division. The picture was taken at Velikije Luki, Soviet Union, on November 26, 1943. The Ritterkreuz hanging from Wrangel's neck (right) was received on February 8, 1943 when he destroyed no less than 17 Soviet tanks that attacking his position in a night battle southwest of Toropets, while relying only on a single 4,7 cm mittlere Panzerabwehrkanone 36(t) L/43,4 anti-tank gun... in a frozen hill, and in the middle of a snow blizzard with temperatures dropped to the extreme -25ºC! He fired steadily at every approaching enemy tank until its guns jammed and all its crew were wounded. Not giving up, he withdrew his comrades from the infantry unit to replace them, and this too soon fell! His efforts not proved fruitless, and the massive enemy attack stagnated, preventing Kampfgruppe Scherer from being encircled. So great was Wrangel's heroism in that battle that he was rewarded - not just one - but four medals at once (which has no equal in the history of the Wehrmacht!): Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen, Eisernes Kreuzes II.Klasse and I.Klasse, and Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes! BTW, in this photo we can see that Wrangel is wearing a dienstuhr on his left arm. The Dienstuhr is a special watch issued to members of the Wehrmacht (Heer, Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine). This watch is not the result of a personal purchase, but a gift from OKW (Oberkommando der Wehrmacht). The shape is almost the same, although the brand is different. In accordance with the fashion at the time, Dienstuhr made in the 1930s had a rectangular shape, while those produced in the 1940s were circular.
Source :
ECPAD archives (KBZN F148 L25)
ECPAD archives (KBZN F148 L39)
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