From left to right: SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Paul "Papa" Hausser (Kommandeur SS-Division "Reich"), SS-Obersturmbannführer Werner Ostendorff (Ia Erster Generalstabsoffizier SS-Division "Reich"), and SS-Sturmbannführer Fritz Klingenberg (Kommandeur SS-Kradschützen-Bataillon 2 / SS-Division "Reich"). In many books and websites, it is stated that this photo was taken during the Unternehmen Taifun (Operation Typhoon, the invasion of Moscow) in November 1941. This is wrong! The reason? Because since October 14, 1941, Divisionskommandeur Hausser suffered severe injuries in the battle in the Borodino area, he had to be withdrawn from the front. His position as division commander was taken over by SS-Oberführer Wilhelm Bittrich. Hausser's injuries were so severe that he would only fully recovered in May 1942, and even then, he had to sacrifice his right eye (who is blind) and undergo surgery on part of his right jaw! In addition, in this photo, Hausser still holds the rank of SS-Gruppenführer (notice his collar), while in November 1941 he had already been promoted to SS-Obergruppenführer (promotion date October 1, 1941). Therefore, it can be concluded that this photo was most likely taken on a cold day in late September 1941, as summer was transitioning into autumn. In addition, here we can also clearly see that there are no signs of scars on Hausser's face and eyes.
Source :
https://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2018/06/foto-paul-hausser.html
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