This
photo was taken by Kriegsberichter Erich Borchert and it shows officers
from the 6. Panzer-Division having a discussion during the military
campaign in France, summer of 1940. Behind them is a medium tank of the
Czechoslovakian-made Panzer 35(t) type. Standing in the center wearing
the kradmantel is Major Hans-Karl Schenck (Kommandeur Panzer-Abteilung
65), while pointing beside him is Hauptmann Erich Löwe (Chef 3.Kompanie /
Panzer-Abteilung 65). The book "Panzer-Regiment 11 / Panzer-Abteilung
65 1937-1945" by Michael Schadewitz (page 162) mentioned that on June
12, 1940 - in the middle of the advance of German troops in France and
for unknown reasons - Major Schneck was withdrawn from the front and was
replaced by Major Theodor Kretschmer. Schenck himself was later
transferred to become Commander of the Panzertruppenschule, a position
that was "less exciting" for a combat soldier! For his services in
completely capturing a strategic bridge on the Oise canal, capturing
French 9th Army staff officers at La Catelet and capturing the village
of Doullens from enemy hands, Hauptmann Löwe was awarded the prestigious
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes medal on 4 September 1940.
Source :
Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-769-0236-27
"Allied-Axis" issue 10 - Sturmgeschütz at the Front
https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/6._Panzer-Division
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/11402/L%C3%B6we-Erich.htm
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