Ritterkreuz Actions of Wilhelm Drewes

Wilhelm Drewes (26 May 1907 - 14 July 1982) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 27 October 1943 as Hauptmann and Führer I.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 13 / 5.Panzer-Division. During the heavy defensive battles along the Dnieper Drewes and his Bataillon held off a Soviet onslaught along a broad front. He and his Kampfgruppe defended the crossing point north of Joltscha on 28 September 1943, and by attacking into the enemy’s left flank Drewes was able to prevent the Soviets from thrusting in a westerly direction. He would later receive the Ritterkreuz for his actions during this battle.

Drewes received the Eichenlaub #458 for his Ritterkreuz on 20 April 1944 as Major and Kommandeur I.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 13 / 5.Panzer-Division. During the relief of Kovel in early 1944 Drewes and his Bataillon attacked the chain of hills west of Smidyn on 31 March 1944. He and his men then captured the western part of Smidyn in accordance with their orders. However when he saw that the bridges between the two parts of the village were undamaged, he continued attacking into the eastern part of Smidyn on his own initiative. He stormed this place with only 2 Kompanien and 2 Panzers, and in doing so created an important bridgehead. By this action the conditions were established for the 4. and 5. Panzer-Divisionen to continue their relief efforts on the other side of the large ring of swampy land around Kowel, which eventually led to the relief of the city itself. Drewes would be decorated with the Eichenlaub for the major achievement brought about by his own initiative here.


Source :
ECPAD archives (LWEK F7096 L02)
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/29125/Drewes-Wilhelm.htm