Bio of Jozef Turanec (1892-1957)

Jozef Turanec

Date of Birth: 07.03.1892 - Sučany Žilina Region (Austria-Hungary)
Date of Death: 09.03.1957 - Leopoldov, Trnava Region (Czechoslovakia)

Promotions:
01.02.1913 Slobodník (Senior Private), Austro-Hungarian Army
08.04.1914 Desiatnik (Corporal), Austro-Hungarian Army
01.10.1914 Podporučík (Staff Sergeant), Austro-Hungarian Army
01.09.1915 Poručík (Lieutenant), Austro-Hungarian Army
01.11.1917 Nadporučík (First Lieutenant), Austro-Hungarian Army
01.11.1921 Kapitán (Captain), Czechoslovakian Army
01.07.1937 Major (Major), Czechoslovakian Army
17.05.1939 Podplukovník (Lieutenant Colonel), Slovakian Army
01.01.1940 Plukovník (Colonel), Slovakian Army
01.01.1942 Generál II. triedy (Major General), Slovakian Army

Career:
14.03.1939 - 00.10.1940 Representative of the Minister of National Defence, Slovakian Army
19.11.1940 - 22.06.1941 Commanding Officer 1st Division District, Slovakian Army
22.06.1941 - 03.08.1941 Commanding Officer 1st Division, Slovakian Army
03.08.1941 - 27.11.1941 Commanding Officer Slovakian Motorized Division, Slovakian Army
25.04.1942 - 23.09.1942 Commanding Officer Slovakian Motorized Division, Slovakian Army
01.01.1943 - 15.01.1944 Head of Military Administration, Ministry of National Defence, Slovakian Army
27.08.1944 - 29.08.1944 Minister of National Defence, Slovakian Army
29.08.1944 - 00.09.1944 Arrested
00.09.1944 - 00.02.1947 Prisoner of War [Soviet Union]
00.02.1947 - 10.12.1947 Arrested
10.12.1947 Condemned to death
31.05.1949 Sentence changed to 30 years imprisonment
09.03.1957 Died in prison

Awards and Decorations:
00.00.1919 Ceskoslovenský válecný kríž 1914-1918 (Czechoslovakia)
14.03.1940 Za Zasluhy III.Class (Slovakia)
14.03.1940 Zaslužný križ obrany štatu (Slovakia)
15.07.1941 Križ svetovej vojny 1914-1918 (Slovakia)
21.08.1941 Deutsche Adlerorden II.Klasse (mit oder ohne Schwertern)
05.11.1941 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
25.11.1941 Slovenský vojenný víťazný kríž (Slovakian War Victory Cross), 3rd Class
10.03.1942 Ordinul Steaua Romaniei Officer (Romania)
26.07.1942 Slovenský vojenný víťazný kríž (Slovakian War Victory Cross), 2nd Class
00.00.1942 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
07.08.1942 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Generál II. triedy (Generalmajor) and commander of the Slovak Fast Division. The following newspaper article (dated 11.08.1942) describes why Turanec received the Ritterkreuz: “The Führer has awarded the Ritterkreuz to Generalmajor Jozef Turanec, commander of a Slovakian Division... During the heavy defensive combat in the southern sector of the Eastern front his Division repeatedly defeated fierce Bolshevik breakthrough attempts in an exceptional display of bravery. Then, when the great offensive began in July 1942, General Turanec and his Slovakians also joined in the attack. After the Mius position had been overrun the General led his Regiments forwards whilst leading from the foremost line himself. Under his aggressive leadership the Division was already able to reach the Tusloff river on the first day. Here the enemy proved unable to halt the victorious forward march despite offering fierce resistance. Guided by the outstanding planning and leadership of General Turanec, the Slovakian Regiments were able to breach the enemy lines as the first to do so in this battle sector. By the evening of the same day they had been able to fight into the city of Rostov itself and reach the Don river following fierce urban combat. Clearly recognizing the situation for what it was, General Turanec decided to immediately force a crossing over the Don. He thus crossed the river with his lead elements, cleared the Don island in bitter close combat and created a bridgehead on the river’s southern bank that would prove to be of great future operational value. This took place even as bitter combat still raged in the city itself. The award of the Ritterkreuz to General Turanec is not only a recognition of his personal dutifulness and inspiring leadership, but also a testament to the bravery of his Slovakian Regiments. Under his command they fight alongside the German Heer for a new European order in a brilliant display of comradeship.”
00.00.1943 Za Zasluhy II.Class (Slovakia)
26.03.1943 Za Zasluhy I.Class (Slovakia)
00.00.1943 Red Krune Kralja Zvonimira I.Stupnja s Macevima (Croatia)
00.00.1944 Slovenský vojenný víťazný kríž (Slovakian War Victory Cross), 1st Class with Star

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During the war, there were a number of knight crosses awards to the temporarily allied forces, a very interesting topic. Romania 18, Italy 9, Hungary 8, Spain 2, Finland 2, Slovakia 2 and Japan 2. Slovakia already participated in the campaign against Poland. Not only was Poland divided between Germany and the Soviet Union, Slovakia gained something as well. From the beginning of the war, 3 Slovak divisions took part in the fighting on the German side.

The two knight crosses were awarded to Slovaks for their fight on the Eastern Front. One of the recipient was Jozef Turanec. He was born on the 7th March 1892 in Sucany, Slovakia, which belonged to Austria-Hungary then. In April 1913 Turanec began his military career by joining the k.u.k. army. After the outbreak of World War I, he fought on the Eastern Front and in Italy. By the end of the war he was lieutenant. After the collapse of the double monarchy in 1918 and the creation of Czechoslovakia, Turanec served as an officer in the Czechoslovakian army from 1919 and in the Slovak army from 1938. Turanec was lieutenant colonel at the outbreak of World War II. He did not take part in the fighting in Poland.

Promoted to colonel in January 1940, Turanec became commander of the Slovakian 1. in September 1940. Designated Infantry Division After the outbreak of war against the Soviet Union on 22. June 1941 the 1st became the first. and the 2. Slovak division on the new eastern front march. After the first battles, their equipment proved to be inadequate. It was regrouped and the Slovak Rapid Division was formed, whose commander became Colonel Turanec in early August 1941. The Rapid Division was from now on the participation of the Slovak armed forces in the fighting on the Eastern Front. Turanec led the Rapid Division during the battles for Kiev, then participated in the advance battles to the Sea of Azov and then to the Mius. On the 5th November 1941, Turanec received the EC II. Shortly afterwards, he gave up command of the Rapid Division at the end of November 1941 and returned to Slovakia. He was awarded the EK I in March 1942.

Augustin Malar was succeeded as commander of the Rapid Division, who proved himself with the Slovaks during the defensive battles in winter 1941/42 in the southern section that on the 23rd he was killed. January 1942 the Knight's Cross was awarded. In the spring of 1942, Turanec, now also a Major General, returned to the front and he took command of the Rapid Division at the end of April 1942. The unit participated in the German summer offensive in the southern section. Turanec could stand out in taking over Rostow. He managed to make a hand-line crossing of the Don and the formation of a bridgehead on the opposite bank. The Major General had personally led this action from the forefront. And that's why he turned 7 Awarded the Knight's Cross in August 1942. This second award to the Rapid Division should also be a tribute to the Slovak soldiers who have been serving continuously for over a year now.

Turanec led the Rapid Division in the further advances to the Caucasus before surrendering command at the end of September 1942. In the next two years Turanec rose to the top of the Slovak army. He was captured by partisans during the Slovak national uprising in late August 1944 and was delivered to the Red Army from mid-September 1944. Turanec saw the end of World War II in the Soviet Butyrki prison. He was extradited to Czechoslovakia in early 1947. Here he was tried in Bratislava, he was considered a collaborator. On the 10th. In December 1947, the court issued a death sentence. A subsequent plea by Turanec for parole was granted and the sentence was altered to 30 years in prison. The sentence should be retroactive from the date of his arrest, the 29th. August 1944 , counting. Since December 1947, Jozef Turanec was in Leopoldov prison. After more than 9 years in prison, he died here on the 9th. March 1957.

Jozef Turanec.

Jozef Turanec.

Generál II. triedy (Generalmajor) Jozef Turanec, commander of the Slovak division fighting near Rostov, pictured in August 1942 by Kriegsberichter Hoppner.

Ritterkreuz award ceremony for Generál II. triedy (Generalmajor) Jozef Turanec (commander of the Slovak Fast Division). Turanec received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 7 August 1942.

Source :
Ingo Möbius photo collection
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/4605/1a8682e113baa1a87ca6059bd04f9438/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jozef_Turanec
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02rSmytKVSeuLYWnH9xei24wpdaJXJLsq4KSWsy2Mc6szcLYPeYAjfXyMYpJbF2KKEl&id=100013095840106
https://generals.dk/general/Turanec/Jozef/Czechoslovakia.html
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/35170/Turancec-Joseph.htm

Jozef Turanec Ritterkreuz Action

Jozef Turanec (7 March 1892 - 9 March 1957) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 7 August 1942 as Generál II. triedy (Generalmajor) and commander of the Slovak Fast Division. The following newspaper article (dated 11 August 1942) describes why Turanec received the Ritterkreuz:

“The Führer has awarded the Ritterkreuz to Generalmajor Jozef Turanec, commander of a Slovakian Division.

… During the heavy defensive combat in the southern sector of the Eastern front his Division repeatedly defeated fierce Bolshevik breakthrough attempts in an exceptional display of bravery. Then, when the great offensive began in July 1942, General Turanec and his Slovakians also joined in the attack. After the Mius position had been overrun the General led his Regiments forwards whilst leading from the foremost line himself. Under his aggressive leadership the Division was already able to reach the Tusloff river on the first day. Here the enemy proved unable to halt the victorious forward march despite offering fierce resistance. Guided by the outstanding planning and leadership of General Turanec, the Slovakian Regiments were able to breach the enemy lines as the first to do so in this battle sector.

By the evening of the same day they had been able to fight into the city of Rostov itself and reach the Don river following fierce urban combat. Clearly recognizing the situation for what it was, General Turanec decided to immediately force a crossing over the Don. He thus crossed the river with his lead elements, cleared the Don island in bitter close combat and created a bridgehead on the river’s southern bank that would prove to be of great future operational value. This took place even as bitter combat still raged in the city itself.

The award of the Ritterkreuz to General Turanec is not only a recognition of his personal dutifulness and inspiring leadership, but also a testament to the bravery of his Slovakian Regiments. Under his command they fight alongside the German Heer for a new European order in a brilliant display of comradeship.”

Source :
Ingo Möbius photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02rSmytKVSeuLYWnH9xei24wpdaJXJLsq4KSWsy2Mc6szcLYPeYAjfXyMYpJbF2KKEl&id=100013095840106
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/35170/Turancec-Joseph.htm

Hasso von Manteuffel with Harald Krieg and Romanian General

Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (center, Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland"), who was recently awarded the Schwerter for his Ritterkreuz by the Führer, receives a report on the latest situation from the Ritterkreuzträger Major Harald Krieg (left), Bataillonsführer in the Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Grossdeutschland". Behind Krieg is Brigadier-General Radu Băldescu (Commander of Romanian 18th Infantry Division). The picture was taken in Moldova, probably near the Iloaiei Bridge, on 27 May 1944.

Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (left, Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") with his Romanian compatriot, Brigadier-General Radu Băldescu (Commander of Romanian 18th Infantry Division). The picture was taken in Moldova, probably near the Iloaiei Bridge, on 26 May 1944.

Source :
https://beeldbankwo2.nl/nl/beelden/detail/da42a580-0259-11e7-904b-d89d6717b464/media/366bbc88-c989-203c-181a-ffd780eef630?mode=detail&view=horizontal&q=manteuffel&rows=1&page=2
https://honoretpatria.wordpress.com/2014/06/26/generalleutnant-ul-hasso-von-manteuffel-comandantul-diviziei-de-elita-panzer-grenadier-division-grosdeutschland-in-fundal-stanga-un-general-roman-neidentificat-moldova-probabil-p/
https://www.ligamilitarilor.ro/arc-peste-timp/batalia-de-la-targu-frumos/

Hasso von Manteuffel Inspecting Soviet Armored Vehicle

Generalmajor Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur 7. Panzer-Division) examines the damaged Soviet self-propelled gun SU-76M. The picture was taken in Ukraine, December 1943. In the autumn of 1943, 7. Panzer-Division then fought in the defensive Battle of Kiev and the German counterattack at Zhitomir. During these battles, the division was twice cited for distinguished conduct. After this, the division fought in a series of heavy defensive battles during the long retreat across the Ukraine.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7th_Panzer_Division_(Wehrmacht)
https://waralbum.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/MonteufelL197.jpg

Willy Langkeit, Hasso von Manteuffel and Karl Lorenz

Three officers of Grossdeutschland Division in the command post during the battle against the Red Army in Romania, May 1944. From left to right: Oberst Willy Langkeit (Kommandeur Panzer-Regiment "Grossdeutschland"), Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland"), and Oberst Karl Lorenz (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Grossdeutschland").

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/36308/5f215557fcf6d8479a9328d87238a9e6/

Hasso von Manteuffel and Romanian Officer

Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") views the positions of his troops on the front in Romania, accompanied by a Romanian liaison officer, July 1944. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Theodor Scheerer.

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/1769/5f215557fcf6d8479a9328d87238a9e6/
https://waralbum.ru/395660/

Hasso von Manteuffel as the Commander of Grossdeutschland Division

Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") in May 1944. Manteuffel was appointed as commander of the Grossdeutschland Division on 1 February 1944. The division engaged the Red Army west of Kirovograd, then retreated across Ukraine. In late July Grossdeutschland was ordered to East Prussia, following the collapse of Army Group Centre in Soviet Operation Bagration. The division failed to break through to the Army Group North in the Courland Pocket.

Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") in May 1944. Manteuffel was appointed as commander of the Grossdeutschland Division on 1 February 1944. The division engaged the Red Army west of Kirovograd, then retreated across Ukraine. In late July Grossdeutschland was ordered to East Prussia, following the collapse of Army Group Centre in Soviet Operation Bagration. The division failed to break through to the Army Group North in the Courland Pocket.

Source :
https://alchetron.com/Hasso-von-Manteuffel
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_146-1976-143-21,_Hasso_von_Manteuffel.jpg
https://stewartsmilitaryantiques.com/german-post-wwii-autographed-photo-hasso-von-manteuffel.34476.archive.htm

Hasso von Manteuffel and Windhund Officers

General der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel (left, Oberbefehlshaber 5. Panzerarmee) conferring with his subordinate unit from 116. Panzer-Division "Windhund" somewhere in the northern France, September 1944. In the center is Leutnant Horst Gittermann (Adjutant I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 16 / 116.Panzer-Division), while on the right is Oberleutnant Walter Penzler (Chef 4.Kompanie / I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 16 / 116.Panzer-Division). The officer in the background is a representative of von Manteuffel's personal guard. Please note the "Windhund" (greyhound) emblem on Gittermann's and Penzler's caps, which was also the emblem and nickname of the 116. Panzer-Division. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Genzler of PK (Propaganda-Kompanie) 698.

General der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel (second from left, Oberbefehlshaber 5. Panzerarmee) conferring with his subordinate unit from 116. Panzer-Division "Windhund" somewhere in the northern France, September 1944. Second from right is Leutnant Horst Gittermann (Adjutant I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 16 / 116.Panzer-Division), while on the right is Oberleutnant Walter Penzler (Chef 4.Kompanie / I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 16 / 116.Panzer-Division). The officer at left is a representative of von Manteuffel's personal guard. This moment in time would have been captured during preparation for Wacht am Rhein - what became to be for the Allies the Battle of the Bulge in Allied terminology.  Von Manteuffel wears a leather overcoat with the AFRIKA cuffband being worn on the incorrect arm.  The Großdeutschland cufftitle is also worn - on the correct arm - and in this case, above the AFRIKA band, attesting to the stature von Manteuffel accorded his service in command of this elite unit.  Although no longer commanding Panzergrenadier Division Großdeutschland at the time of this photo, it is known that the GD unit cufftitle was permanently awarded within the division on rare and exceptional occasions for superior service.  In fact it was von Manteuffel who began this practice as division commander.  The Division even created divisional award documents to support the permanent awarding of the cufftitle, which otherwise had to be removed if the soldier was reassigned.  It is likely that von Manteuffel received such an honor upon his departure as the GD's commanding general.  However, as worn by von Manteuffel, this combination is otherwise entirely incorrect.  He is also known to have continued to wear the unique GD cipher on his shoulder straps after taking command of 5th Panzerarmee.. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Genzler of PK (Propaganda-Kompanie) 698.

General der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel (center, Oberbefehlshaber 5. Panzerarmee) confers with the staff of Panzer-Brigade 111. Behind the general were officers from 116. Panzer-Division "Windhund", from left to right: Major Gerhard Tebbe (Kommandeur Panzer-Abteilung 116 / Panzer-Regiment 16 / 116.Panzer-Division), Leutnant Horst Gittermann (Adjutant I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 16 / 116.Panzer-Division), and unknown.

Source :
"The Defeat of Germany: Then and Now" by Winston Ramsey
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2010/10/album-foto-general-der-panzertruppe.html
https://www.themodellingnews.com/2017/06/construction-review-officer-116th-pz.html
https://waralbum.ru/359472/
https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/campaign_awards/cufftitles/afrika_files/wear_regulations.htm

Hasso von Manteuffel Speaks in the Factory

Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") during a lecture in a factory in Germany, 1944. Manteuffel definitely wore his 'Afrika' award cufftitle on the incorrect sleeve (his right) directly below his Grossdeutchland cuff. This was a highly unusual practice and against regulations, but who is going to argue with this high ranking officer and a war hero?

Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") during a lecture in a factory in Germany, 1944. Like many of other Ritterkreuzträger (Ritterkreuz holder), Manteuffel had the opportunity to go on a propaganda tour in his homeland to share his stories on the frontline and provide valuable advice based on his experiences.

Source :
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek photo archive

Hasso von Manteuffel in a Halftrack

Divisionskommandeur Hasso von Manteuffel on the Sd.Kfz.251/3 armored personnel carrier in the Baltics. Original caption: "Der General in der Schlacht. Schwerterträger Generalleutnant von Manteuffel, Kommandeur der Pz.Gren.Div. "Großdeutschland", sich in allen Einsätzen auf das Höchste bewährt gibt von seinem Befehlspanzer aus den Füsilieren Anweisung zum Angriff." (The general in battle. Sword holder Lieutenant General von Manteuffel, commander of the Pz.Gren.Div. "Greater Germany", which has proven itself to the highest degree in all operations, gives the fusiliers instructions to attack from its command tank). This propaganda picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Broenner in August 1944 and was first published on 31 August 1944. Of interest is the fact that Manteuffel elected to wear his AFRIKA band on his right sleeve - the location the Heer reserved for unit cufftitles.  Generalmajor von Manteuffel served in Africa from the beginning of 1943, assuming command of 'Division von Broich' in February, which was redesignated 'Division von Manteuffel' at that time.  The division fought in until surrender on 9 May 1943, but von Manteuffel was only in command through March 1943.

Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") sitting on the ground during situation briefing in the command post of his division. In the background is a Sd.Kfz.251 armored personnel carrier with camouflaged branches. With back to the camera is possibly Oberst Horst Niemack (Kommandeur Panzer-Füsilier-Regiment "Grossdeutschland"). This picture was taken in the Eastern Front in August 1944.

Source :
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek photo archive (Image-No.: 50070393)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_146-1979-035-19,_Hasso_von_Manteuffel.jpg
https://waralbum.ru/144141/
https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/campaign_awards/cufftitles/afrika_files/wear_regulations.htm

Hasso von Manteuffel with His Subordinates in Jassy

Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (right, Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") sitting in front of the entrance to the shelter with his subordinate officers during the war in the Eastern Front around Jassy, Romania, 15 June 1944. Wearing black Panzer uniform with back to the camera is Oberst Willy Langkeit (Kommandeur Panzer-Regiment "Grossdeutschland"), while facing the camera second from right is Oberst Horst Niemack (Kommandeur Panzer-Füsilier-Regiment "Grossdeutschland"). The latter had just received the Schwerter for his Ritterkreuz 11 days previously (4 June 1944) for his brilliant achievements during the battles of Niemen and Sereth.

Source :
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek photo archive (Image-No.: 50070457)
https://beeldbankwo2.nl/nl/beelden/detail/da42312c-0259-11e7-904b-d89d6717b464/media/8d4290b1-6bf0-e1e4-cef3-f2d3f4d41580?mode=detail&view=horizontal&q=manteuffel&rows=1&page=3

Hasso von Manteuffel and Kradschützen-Bataillon 2

As the Kradschützen-Bataillon 2 parades at the Luitpold park on 1 June 1937 during the opening ceremony for their new barracks, an unknown photographer takes a few images of the assembled dignitaries. Major Hasso von Manteuffel (ex-Kompaniechef in Kradschützen-Bataillon 2) is caught in the scene, standing with an unidentified general, second officer from the right.

In the mid 1930s, while still stationed in Eisenach, during the first years following conversion of the Kradschützen-Bataillon 2 to a motorcycle infantry unit, Hauptmann Hasso von Manteuffel had been both a company commander and, following promotion to major, the senior staff officer with the unit. Manteuffel’s early career had been as a horse cavalry officer, he was an expert rider and had previously commanded horse cavalry “squadrons“ (company size units in the old Reichsheer).

As select cavalry units were motorized during the modernization of the Heer after Hitler came to power, top officers were assigned to the “fast troop“ units to command, learn and study first hand, the new equipment and tactics. This brought Manteuffel to Eisenach and the 2 Krad.

As the new barracks was being built in Bad Kissingen and Oberst von Apell, commander of the 2 Krad, visited the construction site, Hasso von Manteuffel was at work with the unit staff and missed movement with the battalion to Bad Kissingen by less than a year. 2 Panzer Division commander Guderian had recognized Manteuffel as an exceptional officer and moved him from the 2 Krad to the division staff in 1937. His new position was to oversee training and school assignments of all officer cadets and junior officers within the division. Guderian saw this as a very important task, handed the job to a key subordinate and in all probability, Manteuffel moved from Eisenach to the division HQ in Wurzburg.

Some months later, as Guderian left the division for higher command and supervision of the entire Panzer personnel training system, he brought Manteuffel to Berlin and the Panzer Troops School. Despite these rapid moves, Manteuffel did not forget his connection to the 2nd Panzer Division and the last company he commanded.

On 1 June 1937, as the 2nd Kradschutzen Battalion held the formal parade and opening ceremony for their new barracks, Major Hasso von Mauteuffel traveled from Berlin to watch the proceedings. He stood not on the formal reviewing stand but off to the side, in the crowd of visiting officers and dignitaries. He was captured on film by a local photographer and the image surfaced in a collection purchased by Norbert Ruckel. Manteuffel would have recognized most of the men of the unit as they paraded, there may have been cadets and junior officers present that held his personal interest and perhaps, he felt that had duty and Guderian not called him to Berlin, he would have stood in the lead field car as the battalion commander or senior staff officer of the motorcycle infantry unit as it occupied the barracks on the hill that honored his family name.

Source :
Norbert Ruckel photo collection
http://www.eaglehorse.org/home_station/hidden_stories/60s/iron_crosses/iron_crosses.htm

Hasso von Manteuffel in the War Manoeuvre Before the War

Pre-war images of Hasso von Manteuffel are very rare. He is seen here, sometime in the mid 1930s, right - center of frame, back to camera, in a rather formal pose as staff officers and commanders meet during a pause in an FTX. The personnel wearing arm bands or engineer tape on their sleeves or hats, to include Manteuffel, are umpires. True to their cavalry heritage, many of the men pictured wear spurs.

Source :
http://www.eaglehorse.org/home_station/hidden_stories/60s/iron_crosses/iron_crosses.htm

Hasso von Manteuffel and Grossdeutschland Officers

Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier Division "Grossdeutschland") consults with his subordinates in the field. On the left is Oberst Horst Niemack (Kommandeur Panzer-Füsilier-Regiment "Grossdeutschland"), while on the right is Oberst Willy Langkeit (Kommandeur Panzer-Regiment "Grossdeutschland"). The photo was taken before the end of August 1944, probably in the Baltic states.

Source :
http://www.eaglehorse.org/home_station/hidden_stories/60s/iron_crosses/iron_crosses.htm
https://twitter.com/mlagleize1944/status/1122164088161882113/photo/1
https://waralbum.ru/424596/

Hasso von Manteuffel and Otto Baum

This picture was taken in the Eastern Front in February 1944 - first published on 16 March 1944 - and it shows Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (center, Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") with his comrade from the Waffen-SS, SS-Standartenführer Otto Baum (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 5 "Totenkopf" / 3.SS-Panzer-Division "Totenkopf"). At left is Oberst i.G. Oldwig von Natzmer (Ia Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland"). Manteuffel is not yet wearing the Schwerter for his Ritterkreuz, which he received on 22 February 1944 for his achievements as the commander of 7. Panzer-Division in late 1943.

Source :
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2010/10/album-foto-general-der-panzertruppe.html

Oberst Hasso von Manteuffel

Oberst Hasso von Manteuffel with the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on his neck, which he received on 31 December 1941 as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur Schützen-Regiment 6 / 7.Panzer-Division. The medal was awarded for capturing the undamaged bridge over the Moscow-Volga canal at Jachroma on 28 November 1941 previously.

Source :
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek photo archive (Image-No.: 10009988)

Hasso von Manteuffel and Horst Niemack

Two Schwerterträger from Grossdeutschland Division: General der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel (pointing, Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") and Oberst Horst Niemack (Kommandeur Panzer-Füsilier-Regiment "Grossdeutschland"). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Bauer on 5 August 1944 during the battle for Vilkovishken, Reichskommissariat Ostland (today Vilkaviškis in Lithuania).

Source :
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek photo archive (Image-No.: 50135161)
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2010/10/album-foto-general-der-panzertruppe.html
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_101I-732-0132-43A,_Hasso_von_Manteuffel_mit_Oberst_Niemack.jpg

Hasso and Edwin von Manteuffel

General der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel's father was Eccard von Manteuffel, an army officer, who died in January 1907 (based on biography by Donald Gray Brownlow "Panzer Baron: The Military Exploits of General Hasso von Manteuffel"). This book mentions two of the general's ancestors: Otto von Manteuffel, Prime Minister of Prussia from 1850 to 1858, and General der Kavallerie (Karl Rochus) Edwin von Manteuffel. This officer received the Prussian Order Pour le Mérite on August 7, 1866 while serving as Adjutant General and Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Mainz during the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. He later received the Oak Leaves of this order on August 24. December 1870 while serving as Adjutant General and Commander-in-Chief of the I Prussian Army Corps during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. During this war, he moved from command of the I Army Corps to command of the First Army and finally to command of the Southern Army. After the war, he commanded the German occupation troops in France. As like all of his predecessors, Hasso Eccard Freiherr von Manteuffel descendant from the Prussian noble von Manteuffel family was a general during World War II who commanded the 5th Panzer Army. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. He took a notable participation in Operation Barbarossa, Battle of Tunisia, Battle of the Dnieper, Battle of the Bulge, Battle of the Seelow Heights and Battle of Berlin. Von Manteuffel was a small man, but he was a giant in command of panzer troops...

Source :
https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/imperial-germany-austro-hungary/kaisers-mena-s-medals-831408-39/

Opening of Grossdeutschland Officer Candidate School

On Tuesday, 16 May 1944 a commemoration ceremony was held in Cottbus for the opening of the Offiziersbewerberschule Großdeutschland (Grossdeutschland Officer Candidate School) at a base for the Replacement Brigade of the Panzergrenadier-Division “Grossdeutschland”. The accommodations for the course participation will occur in a camp village. Their structure is similar to makeshift homes. Each individual home can occupy four men and contains a living room, bedroom and anteroom. The construction of the homes was done under the guidance from the party and Wehrmacht. This picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Schwahn and it shows the inspection of the officer candidate camp. Front row from left to right: Reichsleiter Baldur von Schirach (Gauleiter und Reichsstatthalter in Wien), Generaloberst Friedrich Fromm (Chef der Heeresrüstung und Befehlshaber des Ersatzheeres), and Ritterkreuzträger Oberst Hermann Schulte-Heuthaus (Kommandeur Ersatz-Brigade Grossdeutschland). Note the "Grossdeutschland" cufftitle being worn by Reichsleiter Baldur von Schirach on his political leaders uniform. Directly over von Schirach's right shoulder is Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel, who was commander of the Grossdeutschland Division from 27 January until 1 September 1944.

Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (left, Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") speaking with Reichsleiter Baldur von Schirach (Gauleiter und Reichsstatthalter in Wien) during the inauguration of the Offiziersbewerberschule Großdeutschland (Grossdeutschland Officer Candidate School) at a base for the Replacement Brigade of the Panzergrenadier-Division “Grossdeutschland”, which were held in Cottbus on 16 May 1944.

Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") speaks in the podium during the inauguration of the Offiziersbewerberschule Großdeutschland (Grossdeutschland Officer Candidate School) at a base for the Replacement Brigade of the Panzergrenadier-Division “Grossdeutschland”, which were held in Cottbus on 16 May 1944. He is definitely wore his 'Afrika' award cufftitle on the incorrect sleeve (his right) directly below his Grossdeutchland cuff. This was a highly unusual practice and against regulations, but who is going to argue with this general and war hero?

Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") in a picture taken during the inauguration of the Offiziersbewerberschule Großdeutschland (Grossdeutschland Officer Candidate School) at a base for the Replacement Brigade of the Panzergrenadier-Division “Grossdeutschland”, which were held in Cottbus on 16 May 1944.

Source :
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek photo archive
Todd Gylsen photo collection
https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/forum/wehrmacht-era-militaria/photos-and-paper-items-forum/299345-from-the-kriegsberichter-s-eyes-a-study-in-german-press-photos/page272#post7134632

Hasso von Manteuffel Quote

"A main lesson I learned from all my experience was that much more importance should be placed on the speed of the tank on the battlefield than was generally believed before the war, and even during, the war. It is a matter of life or death for the tank to avoid the deadly effect of enemy fire by being able to move quickly from one fire-position to another. Maneuverability develops into a 'weapon' and often ranks equal to firepower and armor- protection." - Hasso Manteuffel, commander of the 7th Panzer Division, was interviewed by Basil Liddell Hart after the war for his book 'The Other Side of the Hill' (1948).

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/search.php?keywords=manteuffel&t=61526&sf=msgonly