Artur Heinrich "Heinz" Harmel
Date of Birth: 29.06.1906 - Metz, Bezirk Lothringen, Alsace-Lorraine (German Empire)
Date of Death: 02.09.2000 - Krefeld, Nordrhein-Westfalen (Germany)
Buried: St. Georgen cemetery in Freiburg im Breisgau (Feld 5)
Battles and Operations: Battle of France (1940), Balkan Campaign (1941), Operation Barbarossa (1941), Battle of Kharkov (1943), Battle of Kursk (1943), Battle of Normandy (1944), Operation Market Garden (1944), Colmar Pocket (1944-1945), Battle of the Oder Front (1945)
NSDAP-Number: [No NSDAP-Nr. appears in his SS file; the Stammkarte in his file states that on 01.05.1937 he became a “Pg.Anw.”- Parteianwärter- or “Party comrade candidate”, but full membership is not indicated]
SS-Number: 278 276 (Joined 02.10.1935)
Spouse: Irmgard Harmel
Height: 179 cm
Promotions:
00.00.1926 Einjährig-Freiwilliger
01.05.1926 Schütze
15.07.1935 Gefreiter
31.07.1935 Oberjäger der Reserve
20.09.1935 Oberfeldwebel der Reserve
00.00.1935 SS-Mann
02.10.1935 SS-Oberscharführer
30.01.1937 SS-Untersturmführer
30.01.1938 SS-Obersturmführer
30.01.1939 SS-Hauptsturmführer
20.04.1941 SS-Sturmbannführer
19.06.1942 SS-Obersturmbannführer
20.04.1943 SS-Standartenführer
18.05.1944 SS-Oberführer
09.09.1944 SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS
Career:
00.00.1923 Joined the Freikorps Roßbach
01.05.1926 - 05.11.1926 in 15.Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 6 in Ratzeburg
10.03.1928 - 00.12.1933 member of the Stahlhelm
00.00.1932 - 00.00.1933 RAD in Wartheland
00.00.1935 Reserveoffizier-Lehrgang
02.10.1935 entered the SS-Verfügungstruppe as member of 1.Sturm / SS-Standarte "Germania"
06.07.1936 - 05.08.1936 Zugführerlehrgang in Münich
01.01.1937 Zugführer in 7.Sturm / SS-Standarte "Deutschland" in Münich
13.03.1938 moved with his unit to Klagenfurt and became Chef 9.Sturm / SS-Standarte "Der Führer"
01.01.1941 Kommandeur II.Bataillon / SS-Infanterie-Regiment "Der Führer" (mot.)
04.12.1941 Kommandeur SS-Infanterie-Regiment "Deutschland"
22.10.1942 Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland"
15.03.1944 - 27.04.1944 Divisionsführer-Lehrgang in Hirschberg
27.04.1944 - 00.04.1945 Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg"
00.04.1945 - 00.05.1945 Kommandeur Kampfgruppe Harmel
00.06.1945 POW of the British
Awards and Decorations:
00.00.193_ Julleuchter der SS
01.12.1937 Deutsches Reichssportabzeichen (DRL-Sportabzeichen) in Bronze
01.12.1937 Ehrendegen des Reichsführers-SS
01.12.1937 SA-Sportabzeichen in Bronze
00.00.1938 Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938
00.00.1939 Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938
00.00.1939 Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 mit Spange "Prager Burg"
00.00.1939 Medaille zur Erinnerung an die Heimkehr des Memellandes
30.05.1940 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
01.06.1940 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
21.06.1940 SS-Ehrenring
04.12.1940 Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber
29.11.1941 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
15.08.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)
21.03.1943 Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
31.03.1943 Panzervernichtungsabzeichen in Silber (for a panzer destroyed during the battle for village Alexeevka 01.03.1943)
31.03.1943 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as SS-Obersturmbannführer and Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment "Deutschland" / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich" (actual presentation date: 02.04.1943)
07.09.1943 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #296, as SS-Standartenführer and Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment "Deutschland" / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich" (based on a recommendation signed by Divisionskommandeur Walter Krüger; personally presented by Hitler at Führer HQ, Rastenburg / Ostpreußen)
10.09.1943 Nahkampfspange in Silber
01.10.1943 SS-Dienstauszeichnung 3.Stufe (8 Jahre)
16.07.1944 Mentioned in Wehrmachtbericht: “...In the battles for Caen, the 9th SS Panzer Division 'Hohenstaufen' under the leadership of Standartenführer Stadler and the 10th SS Panzer Division 'Frundsberg' under the leadership of SS-Oberführer Harmel, together with army troops, demonstrated particular excellent bravery. Both divisions inflicted heavy losses on men and material on the enemy in defense and attack. These divisions destroyed a total of 140 tanks.”
09.11.1944 Totenkopfring der SS
15.12.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern #116, as SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS and Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg" (based on a recommendation dated 25.11.1944 and signed by Korps Kom. Gen. Willi Bittrich)
03.06.1984 Tapisserie de Bayeux
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Heinz Harmel was born on June 29, 1906, in Metz, the largest fortress of the German Empire. Harmel was the son of a medical officer of the 67th Infantry Regiment in Magdeburg. A military career seemed to offer the best opportunities for him. In 1923, the seventeen-year-old junior Arthur Heinrich Harmel, whom his schoolmates called “Heinz,” left school to volunteer for the Freikorps Rossbach as a result of “political activity for Adolf Hitler's movement.” Here he discovered his ability to inspire others, therefore in 1926 he became a member of the "Reichwehr", the name of the German Army from 1919-1934, in the 15th Company of the 6th Infantry Regiment in Ratzeburg, with the intention of becoming a career officer. However, due to an eye problem that was later remedied, he was discharged as unfit for service on November 5, 1926, with the last rank as Schütze. Harmel then completed agricultural training with the landowner Nolte in Görslow until the end of September 1928. Harmel became a member of the Stahlhelm on March 10, 1928, where he remained until the end of 1933. He also became active in the Volunteer Work Service and was in leadership training. The German Army was restricted by the treaty ending WWI...
In 1931 he passed the state examination as a farmer in order to set up the voluntary labor service in the Wartheland over the following two years. Since he stood out for his ability, the head of training appointed him to head the pre-military training of the Hitler Youth in Neustrelitz.
Promoted to Oberfeldwebel der Reserve after taking part in a reserve officer course, he followed a call to join the ranks of the SS and retired from the Army. On October 2, 1935, entered to the SS-Verfügungstruppe (Later known as Waffen-SS), because the Nazis offered him higher pay and quicker promotion, as SS-Oberscharführer and was assigned to the 1st Company of the SS-Standarte "Germania" in Hamburg. On January 30, 1937, Harmel was promoted to the SS-Untersturmführer and served as platoon commander in the 7th Company of the SS-Standarte "Deutschland" in Munich. On 30 January 1938, Harmel obtained the rank of SS-Obersturmführer. After the annexation of Austria to the German Reich, on March 13, 1938, Harmel moved with his unit to Klagenfurt, capital of Carinthia. There, Harmel was appointed as commander of the 9th Company of the new SS-Regiment "Der Führer". On January 30, 1939, Harmel was further promoted to the rank of SS-Hauptsturmführer, captain.
During the Battle of France, on 1940, Harmel fought with his company in the Netherlands and Flanders, where he received the Iron Cross 2nd Class and 1st Class, and the Infantry Assault Badge. Then, Harmel went to the south of France. On 1 January 1941, Harmel became commander of the 2nd Battalion of the SS-Infanterie-Regiment "Der Führer". On April 1941, Harmel took part in the Balkans Campaign. In Belgrade, Harmel was promoted to the rank of SS-Sturmbannführer, major. On June 1941, the German offensive (Operation Barbarossa) began against the Soviet Union. With SS-Infanterie-Division (mot.) "Reich" (Later known as 2. SS-Panzer-Division "Das Reich"), under the command of the SS-Gruppenführer Paul Hausser, Harmel took part in fights near Jelna. For this action, Harmel was awarded the German Cross in gold on the November 29, 1941.
On December 4, 1941, Harmel took command of SS-Infanterie-Regiment "Deutschland", whose commander, SS-Oberführer Wilhelm Bittrich, replaced SS-Gruppenführer Paul Hausser as divisional commander when he was seriously wounded. Harmel officially became commander of the SS-Infanterie-Regiment "Deutschland" on June 18, 1942. He was promoted to the rank of SS-Obersturmbannführer, lieutenant colonel, on October 20, 1942. During the winter of 1942-1943, Harmel struggled with his men near Rzhev-Oskol, with courage and selflessness. Harmel participated in the capture of Kharkov on March 15, 1943. He distinguished himself by attacking with his regiment at night. To honor these heroic actions, Heinz Harmel received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on March 31, 1943. He also received the Tank Destruction Badge. This badge was instituted by Adolf Hitler on March 9, 1942 to honor individuals who single-handedly destroyed an enemy tank with hand held explosives. On April 20, 1943, Harmel was promoted to the rank of SS-Standartenführer. On September 7, 1943, he received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and the Close Combat Clasp in silver.
From March 1944 to April 1944, SS-Standartenführer Harmel followed a training for divisional commanders at Hirschberg. On April 1944, Heinz Harmel took command of the 10th SS Panzer Division "Frundsberg" and on May 18, 1944, Harmel was promoted to the SS-Oberführer. On September 9, 1944, Harmel was promoted to the rank of SS-Brigadeführer. At 38-years-old, Harmel was respectfully called "Der Alte" (The Old) by his men, who were often themselves teenagers. The 10th SS Panzer Division "Frundsberg" theoretically accounted 19,513 men, but it was already greatly reduced by the fighting and never reached this count.
During the summer 1944, the division moved from the Eastern Front to the Western Front, in Normandy. Harmel had been ordered to break the enemy's lines, to free the German units, trapped at Falaise Pocket. On August 1944, approximately 125,000 German soldiers of the 7th Army was encircled. The operation ended with heavy losses and serious damage. Harmel was then sent to the Netherlands. He fought for the defense of the Reich against the Allied offensive (Operation Market Garden). He distinguished himself again during the battle. After the fights around Nijmegen, Harmel received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords on December 15, 1944. His division was then transferred to Alsace, where Harmel was ordered to establish a bridgehead to join the Colmar Pocket. After the failure of the December 1944/January 1945 offensive in Alsace, Harmel's division was transferred to the eastern front, initially fighting in Pomerania and Brandenburg to hold the Oder Front. The division was subsequently transferred to Heeresgruppe Mitte where in late April it was ordered to counterattack the forces of Marshal Konev. Obeying such orders would have resulted in the guaranteed destruction of the division - Harmel refused. Called before Generalfeldmarschal Schoerner, he was dismissed from command of the "Frundsberg" division. SS-Brigadeführer Harmel ended the war on May 1945, commanding an ad hoc battle group formed around the 24th SS Karstjäger division, the SS Officer's School at Graz, Austria and other smaller units. The battle group's mission was to secure the mountain passes along the Austrian - Slovenia border to provide a secure retreat route for German forces fleeing Yugoslavia. Harmel's command was one of the last to surrender and did so to the British forces in Austria.
Harmel was a prisoner of war in the United Kingdom for 2 years. Upon his release, he returned to Germany and worked as a sales representative. Forty years after the Battle of Normandy, Heinz Harmel received a commemorative medal in Bayeux. Harmel was an extremely popular commanding general with the personnel of the "Frundsberg" division and was a very active participant in the postwar division veteran's organization. Harmel took a great interest in the welfare of his soldiers, an interest that continued postwar. His concern was reciprocated by the genuine regard his former soldiers had for him. Learning that one of his former soldiers was in the hospital Harmel visited this soldier and made sure that the man was well taken care of and the family provided for. Heinz Harmel was one of the most decorated officer of the Waffen-SS during World War II.
Heinz Harmel died in Krefeld, on September 2, 2000 and his urn was buried in Freiburg. He rests there in the St. Georgen cemetery (field 5) with his wife Irmgard, who followed her husband a year later (2001) at the age of 86.
At the age of 37 Heinz Harmel became the youngest man to ever become a Generalmajor and lead a Waffen SS-Division. When Harmel was given command of the 10th SS-Panzer-division “Frundsberg”, he was warmly accepted by the young men in the 10th SS as one of their own. He belonged to them since he had moved up through the ranks and understood therefore how to assess the concerns and needs of his men.
Harmel is remembered for his defensive action during the Battle of Arnheim which resulted in the failure of the British airborne assault as described in the book and movie “A Bridge Too Far”. Wilhelm Bittrich, Walter Harzer and Heinz Harmel served as expert advisors and contemporary witnesses for the book “The Bridge of Arnheim” (A Bridge Too Far) by Cornelius Ryan. Where otherwise only Wehrmacht officers and generals were interviewed by the English and US Americans in order to realize book and film projects, Ryan understood, despite the taboo, that the leaders of the Waffen-SS had to be involved in the events of the operation To be able to reproduce Market Garden authentically.
In the 1977 movie 'A Bridge Too Far', German actor Hardy Kruger portrays a character named SS-Brigadeführer Ludwig, a role based on Heinz Harmel and Walter Harzer. Harmel did not want his name to be mentioned in the movie.
In 1984, 40 years after the invasion of Normandy, retired Major General Harmel (member of the OdR and honorary member of the HIAG) received a commemorative medal from the French coastal town of Bayeux, presented by the deputy mayor, as a sign of an alleged “German-French reconciliation”. The background to this is unclear. The city's mayor, Bernard Roquet, later said he did not know the identity of the "honored man." "That was a big mistake. “I’m not proud of that!” The New York Times quoted him as saying on June 3, 1984. “For us there is no reconciliation with these old Nazis,” explained Yves Jouffa, a veteran of the Resistance.
A young Heinz Harmel, taken when he still served in the Heer (May-November 1926). Harmel joined the German Army with the intention of becoming a career officer. However, due to an eye problem that was later remedied, he was discharged as unfit for service on 5 November 1926, with the last rank as Schütze..jpg)
Heinz Harmel with his wife, Irmgard. He is wearing black SS uniform with letter "A" - Ausbildungswesens staff (Training) - in the collar patch.
Young Heinz Harmel as SS-Oberscharführer (promoted on 2 October 1935).
SS-Oberscharführer Heinz Harmel with his wife, Irmgard.
Unidentified SS-Untersturmführer. On the right is the future SS-Brigadeführer and Generalmajor der Waffen SS and holder of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern (Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords) Heinz Harmel. No information about time and place.
SS-Sturmbannführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur II.Bataillon / SS-Infanterie-Regiment "Der Führer" / SS-Division) practices shooting with a Luger P08. The Luger was a reliable pistol that was often worn as an officer’s sidearm. The preference of individual German SS officers for the Luger over the Walther P38 may vary, and it's important to note that not all German SS officers necessarily favored the Luger. However, there are a few reasons why some officers might have shown a preference for the Luger P08: a symbol of German military heritage and was known for its association with prestigious units such as the Imperial German Army and early SS formations, often considered an aesthetically pleasing firearm with its distinctive design, limited availability, and as a personal preference and familiarity.
SS-Division "Reich" during Unternehmen Barbarossa, German invasion of Soviet Union, summer 1941. Standing in the vehicle is SS-Sturmbannführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur II.Bataillon / SS-Infanterie-Regiment "Der Führer"), while holding the same vehicle at left is SS-Sturmbannführer Otto Kumm (Kommandeur III.Bataillon / SS-Infanterie-Regiment "Der Führer").
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Heinz Harmel as SS-Sturmbannführer and Kommandeur SS-Infanterie-Regiment "Deutschland" (motorisiert) / SS-Division "Reich" (motorisiert). There is no information about when and where this picture was taken, but at least between December 1941 (appointment as Regimentskommandeur) and June 1942 (promoted to SS-Obersturmbannführer). Harmel received the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on 29 November 1941 as one of the first recipients for that medal.
SS-Sturmbannführer Heinz Harmel, Kommandeur SS-Infanterie-Regiment "Deutschland" (motorisiert) / SS-Division "Reich" (motorisiert), in a picture with Russian peasant. There is no information about when this picture was taken, but probably in the spring or early summer 1942.
Eastern Front, April 1942. Original caption: "Kameradschaftsabend in unserem Kameradschaftsheim" (evening comradeship in our comradeship home). From left to right: SS-Sturmbannführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur SS-Infanterie-Regiment "Deutschland" / SS-Division "Das Reich") and SS-Standartenführer Werner Ostendorff (Ia SS-Division "Das Reich").
SS-Obersturmbannführer Heinz Harmel with his child. The picture was taken in April 1943 during home leave in Germany after Harmel being awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (31 March 1943). On 20 April 1943 Harmel was promoted to SS-Standartenführer.
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This picture actually shows Heinz Harmel as SS-Obersturmbannführer, but already edited in war-time to become SS-Standartenführer, complete with Kragenspiegel (collar tabs) and additional rangstern (pips) in the shoulder boards. The Ritterkreuz also added, and only the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold is real. The original picture was taken in the end of 1942 by Kriegsberichter Neumann when Harmel served as the Kommandeur of SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment "Deutschland" / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich". The photo retouch practice was quite common when a photo agency did not have an up-to-date image to support a news or story. They just dug out an old image and "brought it up-to-date" by raising the rank and/or adding decorations. The above photo of Harmel is typical.
SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich" during the Third Battle of Kharkov (19 February - 15 March 1943). Standing in the middle is SS-Obersturmbannführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland"), while looking through binoculars at right right is Regimentsarzt Dr. Heuck. During this fighting, Regimentskommandeur Harmel led from an armoured radio car in the midst of the combat despite the enemy anti-tank gun threat. He personally directed the Panzer-Kompanie and ensured the total destruction of the enemy. Thanks to the bold and his swift action, as well as his success in expanding the bridgehead at Pereschtschepino, the Division was able to launch a swift pursuit thrust to the south and the further advance of the enemy towards the west was brought to a halt. For his achievement Harmel was awardede with the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 31 March 1943.
Two officers from SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich" during the Third Battle of Kharkov (19 February - 15 March 1943). From left to right: SS-Obersturmbannführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland") and SS-Hauptsturmführer Vinzenz Kaiser (Führer III.Gepanzerten-Bataillon / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment “Der Führer"). On 12 March 1943, after the 16./SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt. ‘Deutschland’ had breached the anti-tank ditch, the I./SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt. ‘Deutschland’ penetrated into the first rows of houses at Kharkov and established a bridgehead. In the early morning hours heavy enemy counterattacks were launched against this bridgehead that threatened to shrink the holding. In response the Regiment dispatched the subordinated III.(Spw.)/SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt. ‘Der Führer’ into the bridgehead in order to bolster its defenses. It was intended that later, after the arrival of a Panzer-Abteilung, the SPW Bataillon would advance into the city with armoured support. SS-Hauptsturmführer Kaiser, driving ahead of his unit, made the decision to not use his Bataillon to reinforce the defensive front of the I./SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt. ‘Deutschland’. Instead it would attack out of the bridgehead in order to bring relief to the I. Bataillon and, if possible, expand the foothold into the city. The attack of the SPW Bataillon, organized and personally led by SS-Hauptsturmführer Kaiser, was a total success. It not only succeeded in significantly expanding the bridgehead, but also forced the enemy to pull back an even farther distance. Recognizing this new situation, SS-Hauptsturmführer Kaiser ordered his men to mount up and pursue the enemy while still in their vehicles. SS-Hauptsturmführer Kaiser made this decision without waiting for the Panzers. His swift and courageous action meant that the bulk of his Bataillon was able to push forwards as far as the train station. From there it sent out a patrol that made contact with the advancing III./SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt. ‘Deutschland’, as well as another such patrol that did the same with elements of the SS-Pz.Gren.Div. ‘LSSAH’ that were advancing towards the Red Square. Through his initiative and willingness to proceed without the Panzers, SS-Hauptsturmführer Kaiser created the conditions that enabled the entire western part of the city to be in our hands by midday on the 12 March 1943 at the cost of heavy losses to the enemy. Furthermore, SS-Hauptsturmführer Kaiser would later launch an attack on his own initiative with a Kampfgruppe consisting of only a few SPWs against a strong enemy force in the woods southwest of Kharkov. It succeeded in cutting off the enemy and capturing 40 guns. For this amazing achievement, he would be awarded with the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 20 April 1943.
Three officers of Das Reich Division during the Third Battle of Kharkov (19 February - 15 March 1943). From left to right: SS-Obersturmbannführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland"), SS-Obersturmbannführer Otto Kumm (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Der Führer"), and SS-Standartenführer der Reserve Kurt Brasack (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich").
Heinz Harmel as SS-Standartenführer with the Ritterkreuz.
SS-Standartenführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment "Deutschland" / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich") smoking a pipe while examining a Stielhandgranate (possibly a replica) during war games before the start of Unternehmen Zitadelle, June 1943. The picture was taken by SS-Kriegsberichter Hermann Grönert.
SS-Standartenführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment "Deutschland" / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich") resting in the trench during war games before the start of Unternehmen Zitadelle, June 1943. The picture was taken by SS-Kriegsberichter Hermann Grönert.
SS-Standartenführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment "Deutschland" / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich") in the magazine cover of "Wiener Illustrierte" Nr. 32, which was published on 11 August 1943. Original caption: "Enemy’s trenches are finally taken after hard fighting, Waffen-SS Standartenfuhrer Harmel is quickly moving to new position".
SS-Standartenführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment "Deutschland" / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich") during the Battle of Kursk, summer 1943. He is wearing a stahlhelm and Panzerkombi with camo. Tim W. photo collection.
Officers and Ritterkreuzträger of the SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich" in the Battle of Kursk, July 1943. From left to right: SS-Sturmbannführer Vinzenz "Zenz" Kaiser (Kommandeur III.Bataillon / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Der Führer". Ritterkreuz on 6 April 1943 and Eichenlaub on 18 April 1945), SS-Sturmbannführer Christian Tychsen (Kommandeur II.Abteilung / SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 "Das Reich". Ritterkreuz on 31 March 1943 and Eichenlaub on 10 December 1943), SS-Standartenführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland". Ritterkreuz on 31 March 1943, Eichenlaub on 7 September 1943 and Schwerter on 15 December 1944), and SS-Obersturmbannführer Hans-Albin Freiherr von Reitzenstein (Kommandeur SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 "Das Reich". Ritterkreuz on 13 November 1943).
This picture shows three officers from the SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland" / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich", from left to right: SS-Hauptsturmführer Helmuth Schreiber (Chef 10.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland"), SS-Standartenführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland"), and SS-Sturmbannführer Günther-Eberhardt Wisliceny (Kommandeur III.Bataillon / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland"). They were photographed near the settlement of Stepanovka, on the so-called "Mius Front" (fortified defensive line of the Wehrmacht on the western bank of the Mius River) in early August 1943, during the Ritterkreuz award ceremony for Kompaniechef Schreiber and Bataillonskommandeur Wisliceny. Schreiber received the Ritterkreuz on 30 July 1943 after successfully capturing a strategic hill from the Russian troops whose presence threatened the flank of the Regiment Deutschland. Wisliceny also received the Ritterkreuz on the same day, awarded for his leadership and personal bravery when leading his battalion during the battles for the Kursk salient. The Regimentskommandeur Harmel received his own Ritterkreuz on 31 March 1943 after successfully leading the Deutschland in the successful recapture of Kharkov from the hands of Russian troops in February-March 1943. Author Mark C. Yerger said that during the two yearly visits with Harmel in Lenggries as well as correspondence, Harmel told him the three subordinates in "Das Reich" he admired most for bravery in leadership: Helmuth Schreiber, Heinz Macher and Günther Wisliceny. During his “Deutschland” period the combats in Jelnja-Bogen in 1941, the Rzhev battles of early 1942, and at Kharkov the following year were his hardest combat engagements.
Two officers from SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich". From right to left: SS-Standartenführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland") and SS-Sturmbannführer Günther-Eberhardt Wisliceny (Kommandeur III.Bataillon / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland"). There is no information about when and where this picture was taken, but at least in the Eastern Front from early August 1943 (Wisliceny received the Ritterkreuz) to the end of September 1943 (Wisliceny hospitalized due to wounds at SS clinic Hohenlychen).
SS-Standartenführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment "Deutschland" / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich") comforting a wounded soldier during the Battle of Kursk, summer 1943. Harmel took a great interest in the welfare of his soldiers, an interest that continued postwar. His concern was reciprocated by the genuine regard his former soldiers had for him. Learning that one of his former soldiers was in the hospital, Harmel visited this soldier and made sure that the man was well taken care of and the family provided for. Michael Cremin photo collection.
The combat briefing of SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich" during the Battle of Kursk, summer 1943. Wearing stahlhelm at left is SS-Standartenführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland"), while in front of him with the eye-patch is SS-Obergruppenführer und General der Waffen-SS Paul Hausser (Kommandierender General II. SS-Panzerkorps), followed by SS-Obersturmbannführer Sylvester Stadler (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Der Führer"). Between Harmel and Hausser is SS-Sturmbannführer Rudolf Enseling (Kommandeur SS-Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 2 "Das Reich"), while with the back to the camera at right is possibly SS-Obersturmführer Ortwin Pohl (O4 SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich"). In this picture we can see that Korpskommandeur Hausser is wearing the Goldenes Parteiabzeichen der NSDAP. He just got the honor pin recently, on 30 January 1943, and only became the member of the Nazi Party in 1937. Hausser only wore the badge when he knew official photographers were around!
The combat briefing of SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich" during the Battle of Kursk, summer 1943. From left to right: unknown, SS-Obersturmbannführer Karl Kreutz (Kommandeur SS-Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 2 "Das Reich"), SS-Standartenführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland"), SS-Obergruppenführer und General der Waffen-SS Paul Hausser (Kommandierender General II. SS-Panzerkorps), and SS-Standartenführer Dipl.-Ing. Heinz Lammerding (Kommandeur Kampfgruppe Lammerding).
SS-Standartenführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland" / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich"). The picture was probably taken during the Battle of Kursk, summer 1943, same time as the previous picture.
A Das Reich command conference in the Eastern Front, late summer of 1943. SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Walter Krüger (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich") is at center, surrounded by his regimental commanders. From the left are SS-Obersturmbannführer Hans-Albin Freiherr von Reitzenstein (Kommandeur SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 "Das Reich"), SS-Standartenführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland"), Divisionskommandeur Krüger, unknown orderly officer, and SS-Obersturmbannführer Sylvester Stadler (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Der Führer").
SS-Standartenführer Heinz Harmel (left, Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland" / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich") on a Schützenpanzer (infantry fighting vehicle) Sd.Kfz.251. The officer wearing ärmelstreifen (sleeve band) "Deutschland" behind him is SS-Hauptsturmführer Helmuth Schreiber (Chef 10.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland" / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich"). The picture was taken in September 1943 in the Eastern Front by SS-Kriegsberichter Hermann Grönert.
SS-Standartenführer Heinz Harmel (center, Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland" / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich") in conversation with SS-Obersturmbannführer August Dieckmann (left, Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Westland" / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Wiking"), his long-time friend from the time in "Germania" and "Der Führer" Regiments. The picture was probably taken during the meeting of "Das Reich" and "Wiking" in September 1943 near Kharkov, when both divisions subordinated to the III. Panzerkorps (General der Panzertruppe Hermann Breith).
SS-Standartenführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland" / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich") in a picture taken on 12 September 1943, the day he received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub from Hitler, as the 296th soldier of the German Wehrmacht. Harmel formally received the Eichenlaub on 7 September 1943 for his great bravery and decisiveness shown on the battlefields at Stepanovka, Beresoff, Kalinin and Teterevino during Unternehmen Zitadelle. This picture itself was taken by SS-Kriegsberichter Friedrich Zschäckel and first published on 13 September 1943.
From left to right: SS-Standartenführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment "Deutschland" / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich"), SS-Obersturmbannführer Otto Baum (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 5 “Totenkopf” / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Totenkopf"), Adolf Hitler (Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht), and Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler (Chef der SS und deutschen Polizei). The picture was taken in October 1943 during the Eichenlaub award ceremony for Harmel and Baum, which were held at Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia. Harmel formally received the Eichenlaub #296 on 7 September 1943, while Baum received the Eichenlaub #277 on 22 August 1943. In this picture, you can see the bandage still wrapped around Harmel's injured neck, a wound he received on the battlefield on 2 October 1943. This photo itself was taken from the book "On the Field of Honor: A History of the Knight's Cross Bearers" by John R. Angolia.
SS-Standartenführer Heinz Harmel with the Eichenlaub. Mark C. Yerger photo collection.
Heinz Harmel as SS-Oberführer in the spring of 1944, with the decorations he mostly earned during 1943. He won the Eichenlaub on 7 September 1943 and the Nahkampfspange in Silber three days later. The Eichenlaub were for Regiment Deutschland’s role in the destruction of the Soviet bridgehead on the west bank of the Mius River. Harmel had won one of the first Deutsches Kreuzes in Gold in late 1941, and was awarded his Panzervernichtungsabzeichen on the same day as his Ritterkreuz, 31 March 1943. Marck Rikmenspoel photo collection.
SS-Oberführer Heinz Harmel (right, Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg") with his German Shepherd dog. The picture was taken in 1944.
SS-Oberführer Heinz Harmel (right, Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg") and Oberstleutnant Helmut Bruck (Geschwaderkommodore Schlachtgeschwader 77). The picture was taken in Galicia, spring 1944. Other pictures from this occasion can be seen HERE.
SS-Oberführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg") practices shooting with an MG 42 submachine gun. He has a Panzervernichtungsabzeichen (Tank Destruction Badge in close combat) sewn on the top of his right sleeve. His driver and bodyguard, SS-Unterscharführer Sepp Hinterhölzl (or hinterholze) is at his side wearing a full outfit of Erbsenmuster (Pea-Dot camo). The picture was probably taken during training session in 1944. Other pictures from this series can be seen HERE.
SS-Oberführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg") practices shooting with an MP 44 assault rifle. Known variously as the MP 43, MP 44, or Sturmgewehr (“Assault Rifle”) 44, was loaded by a curved box magazine holding 30 rounds and was designed for most-effective fire at about 300 yards (270 metres). Only some 425,000 to 440,000 of these rifles were built—too few and too late for the German.
SS-Oberführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg") with one of his officer. No information about place or date.
Inside the Sd.Kfz.251 half-track, the men of Frundsberg Division seemed tense and were all huddled inside the armored body. Perhaps because of artillery fire falling nearby? SS-Oberscharführer Sven-Erik Olsson (chefsfunker with the Divisionskommandeur) is in the left foreground, while Eichenlaubträger SS-Oberführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg") looks towards the rear of the armored vehicle. DKiGträger SS-Obersturmbannführer Wilhelm Schulze (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 22) is just behind the MG42. The picture was taken during the Battle of Normandy in the summer 1943. During this time, the aim of the II. SS-Panzerkorps - and the Frundsberg division subordinate to it - was to prevent the Allies from breaking out of the landing area to the east
France, end of June 1944. During the Battle for Hill 112 in Normandy, near the town of Avrecy, around 12 km southwest of Caen. The commander of the 10. SS-Panzer-Division “Frundsberg”, SS-Oberführer Heinz Harmel (on the Sd.Kfz.251/17 Kommandofunkwagen), discusses further action with SS-Hauptsturmführer Erich Grätz (Chef 18.Panzerjäger-Kompanie / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 1 / 1.SS-Panzer-Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler"), while the man in the halftrack looking straight into the camera is the SS-Oberscharführer Sven-Erik Olsson, chefsfunker with Harmel. During this time, the aim of the II. SS-Panzerkorps - and the Frundsberg division subordinate to it - was to prevent the Allies from breaking out of the landing area to the east.
SS-Oberführer Heinz Harmel (left, Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg") with his trusted Chefsfunker (Chief Radioman), SS-Oberscharführer Sven-Erik Olsson, during the Battle of Normandy, summer 1944. Olsson would later received the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on 20 April 1945 as a member of 2.Kompanie / SS-Panzer-Nachrichten-Abteilung 10 / 10.SS-Panzer-Division “Frundsberg”.
Another picture of SS-Oberführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg") with his Chefsfunker, SS-Oberscharführer Sven-Erik Olsson (left), taken at the same time frame as above. It's a myth that Olsson was a Swedish volunteer. He was a Baltic German from Estonia, with a Swedish grandfather, which is how he came to have a Swedish name. But he wasn't from Sweden, nor did he hold Swedish citizenship!
SS-Oberführer Heinz Harmel (centre, Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg") in the Sd.Kfz.251 halftrack during the Battle of Normandy, summer 1944. At left is SS-Obersturmbannführer Wilhelm Schulze (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 22 / 10.SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg"). This picture was used as a cover for the book "Panzerdivision Frundsberg: Ukraine-Normandie 1944" by Stephan Cazenave.
Pictures of SS-Oberführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg") in the Sd.Kfz.251 halftrack during the Battle of Normandy, summer 1944.
This picture was taken in the summer of 1944, and it shows SS-Oberführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg") in the Kübelwagen Typ 82 on the street of Longchamps, Normandy (during this time, his personal driver is SS-Schütze Gerd Rommel). The Frundsberg Division spent the rest of July 1944 repulsing British attacks against Hill 112 and Hill 113, most notably during Operation Jupiter.
Canadian tankists from the 6th Canadian Armoured Regiment (1st Hussars) which were captured by the SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 10 of SS-Sturmbannführer Heinz Brinkmann (left) in Saint-André-sur-Orne, on 23 July 1944. At right is SS-Oberführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg"). The picture was taken at the end of the day, and later published in 'Hamburger Illustrierte' Issue Nr. 31 dated 29 July 1944. Various shots exist of those four Canadian soldiers, who are quite stressed and probably fearing the worse for themselves. It really shows the uncertainty of capture. Anglo-Canadian personnel feared abuse or execution at the Waffen-SS after the latter's atrocities, while Waffen-SS and Heer themselves were informed that the Allies did not take prisoners: but if they were captured, they would be shot as traitors after the war. Other pictures from this occasion can be seen HERE.
This picture was taken in July 1944 during the Battle of Normandy, and it shows SS-Oberführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg") in his command post near the town of Avrecy, around 12 km southwest of Caen. At this point, the "Frunsbergers" were subordinate to the II. SS-Panzerkorps and had the task of preventing the Allies from breaking out of the landing area to the east.
Generalfeldmarschall Walter Model (left, Oberbefehlshaber West) at a field briefing with SS-Oberführer Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg") in the Western Front, August-September 1944. Oberbefehlshaber West (OB West, High Commander in the West) was the overall commander of the Westheer, the German armed forces on the Western Front during World War II. It was directly subordinate to the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (the German armed forces High Command). The area under the command of the OB West varied as the war progressed. At its farthest extent it reached the French Atlantic coast. By the end of World War II in Europe it was reduced to commanding troops in Bavaria.
MG post belonging to 3.Kompanie / Festungs-Maschinengewehr-Bataillon 36 which is being inspected by commander of 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg", SS-Brigadeführer and Generalmajor der Waffen-SS Heinz Harmel, September 1944. Festungs-Maschinengewehr Bataillon 36 was located in the Bemmel area, eastern Netherlands.
SS-Brigadeführer and Generalmajor der Waffen-SS Heinz Harmel (left, Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg") with his men. The picture was taken in 1944.
German commanders in the Western Front discussing the outcome of the Battle of Arnhem at Walter Harzer's headquarters in Villa de Hesselbergh, Nijmegen, 28 September 1944. From left to right: Generalfeldmarschall Walter Model (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe B), Generaloberst Kurt Student (Oberbefehlshaber 1. Fallschrimarmee), SS-Obergruppenführer und General der Waffen-SS Wilhelm Bittrich (Kommandierender-General II. SS-Panzerkorps), Major Hans-Peter Knaust (Kommandeur Kampfgruppe "Sonnenstuhl" / II.SS-Panzerkorps), and SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg"). This picture was taken by SS-Kriegsberichter Peter Adendorf, minutes after the Ritterkreuz award ceremony for Major Knaust, (as seen from his medal ribbon which is still hanging), and first published on 4 October 1944. Other pictures from this series can be seen HERE.
SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg") in a picture taken in the Rhineland front near Linnich, Nordrhein-Westfalen, November-December 1944. At left is his driver, SS-Oberscharführer Sepp Hinterhölzl, while at right is his "putzer" (cleaner), SS-Unterscharführer "Friedel" Friedrich. On 18 November the Frundsberg Division, by this time reduced to a battle group after its losses in Normandy and at Arnhem, was withdrawn to Aachen in Germany for rest and refit, During December its strength was built up once again to around 15,500 men – about 75 percent of establishment. In December 1944/January 1945 it saw action around Linnich and Geilenkirchen, and Julich north-east of Aachen.
SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg") in a picture taken in the Rhineland front near Linnich, Nordrhein-Westfalen, November-December 1944. He is wearing "Sonderbekleidung Der Deutschen Panzertruppen" (Special uniform for the German Tank Troops). It was the distinctive wraparound uniform of the German Panzer divisions (tank troops) and assault gun forces during the Third Reich and World War II. These include the Army (Wehrmacht Heer), Air Force (Luftwaffe - primarily the Hermann Göring Panzer Division) and the Waffen-SS. It consisted of a black hip-length double-breasted jacket, black trousers, etc. Wehrmacht tankers wore skulls on the collar patches instead of Litzen. Originally a large black beret was worn, from 1940 a black sidecap and later the M43 field cap. Officers frequently wore 'crusher' peaked caps. The Totenkopf collar insignia of the army's Panzerwaffe was in the ancient jawless Danziger style, while the 'classic' SS skull had a more naturalistic design with grinning jaws.
SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg") in a photo taken on 15 December 1944, the day he received the Schwerter for his Ritterkreuz as the 116th recipients of the Wehrmacht. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Peter Adendorf and first published on 19 January 1945.
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Three Ritterkreuzträger from 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg" in February 1945. From left to right: SS-Obersturmbannführer Otto Paetsch (Kommandeur SS-Panzer-Regiment 10. Ritterkreuz on 23 August 1944 and Eichenlaub on 5 April 1945), SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS Heinz Harmel (Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg". Ritterkreuz on 31 March 1943, Eichenlaub on 7 September 1943 and Schwerter on 15 December 1944), and SS-Hauptsturmführer Karl-Heinz Euling (Kommandeur I.Bataillon / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 21. Ritterkreuz on 15 October 1944). The picture was taken by SS-Kriegsberichter Peter Adendorf. Author Mark C. Yerger said that during the two yearly visits with Harmel in Lenggries as well as correspondence, Harmel told him that, when asked about his best officers in Frundsberg, he chose Otto Paetsch, Friedrich Richter (III./SS-Pz Gren Rgt 22), Hans Löffler (II./SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt 22) and SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 21's commander Heinz Laubscheer as the four he respected most. With his divisional command, the Hill 112 combats in Normandy, the Falaise pocket fighting, and combats against the US 84th and 102nd Divisions in November 1944 were recalled as the most intense.
Ritterkreuzträger who were present during the funeral of SS-Oberstgruppenführer Paul Hausser: 9.SS-Obersturmbannführer Otto Weidinger, 10.SS-Brigadeführer Heinz Harmel, 11.Oberstleutnant der Reserve Konrad Zeller, and 12.Oberst Walther Dahl. Paul Hausser died at the age of 92 on 21 December 1972 at Ludwigsburg, Germany, while the funeral taken place on 28 December 1972 in Neuer Friedhof Ludwigsburg, started from 02:45 PM.
Heinz Harmel was the commander of 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg" during Operation Market Garden, September 1944. At the time of the Allies landing, Harmel's forces were mainly located approximately 20 km east of Arnhem. They were directed to Nijmegen to defend the bridges. At that time, the British 2nd Parachute Battalion led by John Dutton Frost had already captured the Arnhem road bridge, so Frundsberg men made use of the 'Pannerden' ferry to get to Nijmegen. Harmel commanded the forces attacking the british Paratroopers at the bridge for several days before he set of for Nijmegen himself. During the ferocious battle, the para's knew Harmel as a 'Gentleman', when he approved a cease fire to get the wounded para's to the hospitals. After the war, Harmel and Frost met several times. Harmel also visited Frost in England. The men had respect for each other. This photo was taken in 1979 in the Netherlands where both men shake hands.
Former Waffen-SS general Heinz Harmel posed in his home in Krefeld with the "Tapisserie de Bayeux" coin, a commemorative medal as a symbol of the German-French reconciliation, 3 June 1984. The reason for this award is unclear. The Bayeux city's mayor, Bernard Roquet, later said he did not know the identity of the "honored man", and The New York Times quoted him as saying: "That was a big mistake. I’m not proud of that!” Yves Jouffa, a veteran of the Resistance, added: “For us there is no reconciliation with these old Nazis!”
Four Schwerterträger (holder of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern) from the Waffen-SS, pictured in the 1980s. From left to right: Otto Weidinger (27 May 1914 - 11 January 1990. Schwerter #150 on 6 May 1945 as Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 4 "Der Führer" / 2.SS-Panzer-Division “Das Reich”. Last rank: SS-Obersturmbannführer), Heinz Harmel (29 June 1906 - 2 September 2000. Schwerter #115 on 15 December 1944 as Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg". Last rank: SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS), Otto Kumm (1 October 1909 - 23 March 2004. Schwerter #138 on 17 March 1945 as Kommandeur 7. SS-Freiwilligen-Gebirgs-Division "Prinz Eugen". Last rank: SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS), and Otto Baum (15 November 1911 - 18 June 1998. Schwerter #95 on 2 September 1944 as Führer 17. SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Götz von Berlichingen". Last rank: SS-Oberführer). They were all at least once served in the Das Reich Division. Mark C. Yerger photo collection.
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From left to right: Walter Reder (4 February 1915 - 26 April 1991. Ritterkreuz on 3 April 1943 as Bataillonskommandeur in the SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 1 “Totenkopf” / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division “Totenkopf”. Last rank: SS-Sturmbannführer) and Heinz Harmel (29 June 1906 - 2 September 2000. Schwerter #115 on 15 December 1944 as Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg". Last rank: SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS). The picture was at least taken after 24 January 1985 when Reder released from captivity in Italy.
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On the left is Eichenlaubträger Heinz Macher (31 December 1919 - 21 December 2001. Eichenlaub #544 on 19 August 1944 as Kommandeur 16.Pioniere-Kompanie / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 “Deutschland” / 2.SS-Panzer-Division “Das Reich”. Last rank: SS-Sturmbannführer) and to the right is Schwerterträger Heinz Harmel (29 June 1906 - 2 September 2000. Schwerter #115 on 15 December 1944 as Kommandeur 10. SS-Panzer-Division "Frundsberg". Last rank: SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS), standing with Frau Harmel. The picture was taken by Mark C. Yerger in Lenggries, 1985 or 1986.
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Heinz Harmel and his wife Irmgard in their home town Lenggries, Bavaria, 1994.
This helmet was worn by SS-Brigadeführer Heinz Harmel during Wold War II. The helmet is a standard early double decal M35 Waffen-SS helmet made by Quist in size 66, with a size 58 liner. The helmet retains its original liner but lacks the chinstrap which was damaged due to the blast (a damage can be seen on the aluminium hinge ). The helmet had two decals originally but the national decal was removed per regulation. The helmet retains the Waffen-SS runic decal. The helmet was worn by Heinz Harmel in march 1943 around Losowaja and Bereka whilst in command of SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment "Deutschland", when a bullet or piece of shrapnel hit the right flank of his helmet. This took a piece of his ear which can be seen covered by a bandage on the photo where he receives his Knights Cross or Ritterkreuz by Hitler. The helmet was kept by Harmel as a souvenir after the war together with some other items. Including are his POW papers and one picture on which he wears the helmet, prior to the damage. The helmet was known to the Airborne museum in Oosterbeek and was gifted by Harmels relatives after his death for exposition purposes. Heinz Harmel was a famous front line officer who commanded a few famous Waffen-SS units such as SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment "Deutschland" and during the battle for arnhem he was commander of the 10. SS Panzer-Division "Frundsberg". Other pictures of this item can be seen HERE.
Source :
Bundesarchiv photo archive
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek photo archive
Agustin Vazquez photo collection
Cornelius Ryan photo collection
Gordon Williamson photo collection
Marc Rikmenspoel photo collection
Mark C. Yerger photo collection
Michael Cremin photo collection
Rich Carrick photo collection
Rolf Michaelis photo collection
Tim W. photo collection
"Die 10. SS-Panzer-Division Frundsberg" by Rolf Michaelis
"Images of War: Knight's Cross Winners of the Waffen SS" by Marc Rikmenspoel
"Kursk 1943: The Tide Turns In The East" by Mark Healy
"On the Field of Honor: A History of the Knight's Cross Bearers" by John R. Angolia
"Operation Market-Garden 1944 (1): The American Airborne Missions" by Steven J. Zaloga
"Panzerdivision Frundsberg: Ukraine-Normandie 1944" by Stephan Cazenave
"Waffen-SS Commanders: The Army, Corps and Divisional Leaders of a Legend: Augsberger to Kreutz" by Mark C. Yerger
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https://www.oorlogsbronnen.nl/tijdlijn/Heinz-Harmel/03/0004
https://www.reddit.com/r/GermanWW2photos/comments/12ae6o3/heinz_harmel_brigadef%C3%BChrer_and_generalmajor_der/
https://reibert.info/threads/10-ta-tankova-divizija-ss-frundsberg-10-ss-panzer-division-frundsberg.33110/
https://stengerhistorica.com/History/WarArchive/Ritterkreuztraeger/Harmel.htm
https://stoessisheroes.com/meet-the-heroes-german-brigadefuhrer-generalmajor-heinz-harmel/
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/34998/Harmel-Artur-Heinrich-Heinz-Waffen-SS.htm
https://vriendenairbornemuseum.nl/vvam-airborne-magazine-10-11/
https://web.archive.org/web/20110104224041fw_/http://ritterkreuztraeger-1939-45.de/Waffen-SS/H/Harmel-Heinz.htm
https://waralbum.ru/?s=HARMEL&x=0&y=0
https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/ss-uniforms-insignia/heinz-harmel-uniform-regulations-4384/
https://wartimepress.com/product/wiener-illustrierte-1943-08-11-nr-32-pdf/
https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/forum/wehrmacht-era-militaria/photos-and-paper-items-forum/12637156-heinz-harmel-signed-postcard
https://www.wolfganghistorica.com/product/heinz-harmel-ss-panzergrenadier-regiment-deutschland-frundsberg-swords-2/
https://ww2gravestone.com/people/harmel-arthur-heinrich-heinz/
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