Eccard August Gert Erdmann von Manteuffel (based on his birth certificate)
Date of Birth: 14.01.1897 - Potsdam, Brandenburg, Königreich Preußen (German Empire)
Date of Death: 24.09.1978 - during vacation in Reith, Tirol (Austria)
Buried: Diessen am Ammersee village cemetery, Johannisstraße 24-28
Parents: Eccard August Gerd Erdmann von Manteuffel (01.01.1863 - 18.01.1904) and Susanne Auguste Marie Ende (27.10.1874 - 07.09.1921)
Siblings: Gerd Karl August Hermann von Manteuffel (30.07.1893), Erika Luise von Manteuffel (24.02.1896 - 30.06.1954), and Ingeborg Susi von Manteuffel (03.02.1898 - 23.12.1967)
Spouse: Armgard Huberta von Kleist-Bornstedt (08.02.1903 - 07.03.2001). Married 23.06.1921 in Rathenow. His wife is a niece of Generalfeldmarschall Ewald von Kleist
Children: Ursel von Manteuffel (00.00.1922) and Gert Eccard Hasso von Manteuffel (27.01.1927)
Height: 162cm (5'3")
Captured: 03.05.1945 at Hagenow (Germany)
Promotions:
22.02.1916 Fähnrich
28.04.1916 Leutnant (Patent 28.01.1915)
16.05.1920 Leutnant (Patent 01.03.1917)
31.07.1925 Oberleutnant (Patent 01.04.1925)
01.04.1933 Rittmeister
15.10.1935 Hauptmann
02.10.1936 Major (RDA 01.10.1936)
29.02.1940 Oberstleutnant (RDA 01.03.1940)
17.12.1941 Oberst (RDA 01.10.1941)
20.04.1943 Generalmajor (RDA 01.05.1943)
01.02.1944 Generalleutnant (RDA 01.02.1944)
10.09.1944 General der Panzertruppe (RDA 01.09.1944)
Career:
00.00.1908 Attended the Kadettenanstalt at Naumburg/Saale
00.00.1911 Attended the Hauptkadettenanstalt at Berlin-Lichterfelde
22.02.1916 - 00.02.1917 Entered service as a Fahnrich, assigned to Ersatz-Bataillon / Husararen-Regiment "von Zieten" (Brandenburgisches) Nr. 3 (Base: Rathenow); assigned to the Western Front with that regiment's 5.Schwadron
12.10.1916 - 00.02.1917 Wounded in action (shrapnel in the right thigh) near Bapaume, France, then hospitalized
00.02.1917 - 20.12.1918 (?) Returned to duty and assigned to the Generalstab of 6.(preussische) Infanterie-Division
20.12.1918 - 00.00.1919 Assigned to Ersatz-Schwadron / Husaren-Regiment 3 in Rathenow
00.01.1919 - 00.05.1919 (?) IIb (2.Adjutannt) of Freikorps "von Oven", Berlin
00.05.1919 - 00.00.1920 Assigned to Reichswehr Kavallerie-Regiment 25 (Base: Rathenow)
00.00.1920 - 00.00.1923 Schwadronfuhrer in 3.(preussische) Reiter-Regiment
00.00.1923 - 00.00.1930 Regiments-Adjutant of 3.(preussische) Reiter-Regiment
01.02.1930 Chef 2. (technischen) Eskadron / 3. (Preußischen) Reiter-Regiment
01.10.1932 Eskadronchef in 17. (Bayerischen) Reiter-Regiment, Bamberg
01.10.1934 Eskadronchef in Reiter-Regiment Erfurt
15.10.1935 Kompaniechef in Kradschützen-Bataillon 2, Eisenach
01.01.1936 Lehrer in Panzertruppenschule Wünsdorf
00.10.1936 Major beim Stab der 2. Panzerdivision, Lehrgänge für Offiziersanwärter
01.02.1937 als Referent zur Inspektion der Panzertruppe (Kraftfahrkampftruppe ? )
01.03.1937 in Allgemeine Heeresamt / OKH delegiert als Referent für Motorisierung bei der Inspektion der Infanterie (In 2)
01.12.1938 reassigned to Inspektion der Panzertruppe (Chef der Schnellen Truppen ? )
01.02.1939 Kommandeur Lehrstabes der Panzertruppenschule II, Potsdam-Krampnitz
13.06.1940 - 15.10.1940 Führer of Kradschützen-Bataillon 3
01.05.1941 - 25.08.1941 Kommandeur I.Bataillon / Schützen-Regiment 7 / 7.Panzer-Division. After sitting out the early campaigns of the German Army, Oberstleutnant von Manteuffel received his World War II baptism of fire upon the launch of Operation “Barbarossa,” the invasion of the Soviet Union on 22 June 1941. Commanded by Generalmajor Hans Freiherr von Funck, the famous 7th Panzer Division served as a component of Generaloberst Hermann Hoth’s 3rd Panzer Group under Army Group Center.[1] Staging from East Prussia, the 7th Panzer Division attacked across the Memel River in Lithuania and, after taking Vilnius, crossed the frontier into Russia proper. The division continued its advance through Minsk and Vitebsk before taking part in the capture of Smolensk in July 1941.
25.08.1941 - 05.07.1942 Kommandeur Schützen-Regiment 6 / 7.Panzer-Division. Oberstleutnant von Manteuffel assumed leadership of the regiment after its commander, Oberst Erich von Unger, was killed in action on 21 August 1941. On 15 November 1941, the Germans began the final drive on Moscow. Despite the onset of a brutal winter they doggedly advanced on Moscow from the north and the south in an attempt to close the pinchers around the Russian capital. After taking part in the encirclement battle at Vyasma, von Manteuffel’s regiment captured the bridge across the Volga-Moscow Canal at Yakhroma on 28 November 1941. However, with no German reserves available to exploit the bridgehead, von Manteuffel reluctantly withdrew back across the canal. On 6 December 1941, the Russians launched the first of a series of major counteroffensives that forced the Germans back from Moscow. On 15 January 1942, Hitler finally bowed to the inevitable and authorized his freezing and exhausted armies to slowly pull back in measured stages to the Rzhev-Gzhatsk-Orel-Kursk line (Königsberg Line). After serving in the line near Rzhev for the next several months, the 7th Panzer Division transferred to France in May 1942 for a much-needed rest and refitting.
26.03.1942 temporarily assigned to other assignments by the division commander because he was threatened with court-martial for calling off a senseless attack
05.07.1942 - 15.07.1942 Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 (renaming)
15.07.1942 - 04.11.1942 Kommandeur 7. Panzergrenadier-Brigade / 7.Panzer-Division during the unit rest and refit in France
04.11.1942 Führerreserve
11.12.1942 - 16.12.1942 at the same time commanded to the OKH, repeated flights to the theater of war in Africa for briefing
05.02.1943 - 31.03.1943 Kommandeur Division von Manteuffel in Tunisia. Initially formed as Division “von Broich” in Tunisia, the division was redesignated upon Generalmajor von Manteuffel’s assumption of command from Oberst Friedrich Freiherr von Broich. The ad hoc division consisted of various units including the Luftwaffe Regiment “Barenthin,” Panzergrenadier-Regiment 160, Fallschirmjäger [Parachute] Pioneer Battalion 11, and the Italian 10th Bersaglieri Regiment. On 26 February 1943, Generaloberst Hans-Jürgen von Arnim, the Commander-in-Chief of the 5th Panzer Army, launched Operation “Ochsenkopf” (“Ox Head”), a series of attacks conceived to expand the Tunis bridgehead. Holding the right flank of the 5th Panzer Army, Division “von Manteuffel” advanced westwards to secure the hills commanding the Medene sector astride the Sedjenane—Djebel Abiod road. Capturing Sedjenane from British and French troops on March 3rd, the division paused for replacements and then renewed the attack. Generalmajor von Manteuffel’s division finally seized its objective pushing the British 46th Infantry Division back 20 miles in the process. General der Panzertruppe Gustav von Vaerst recalled: “A few days later however a sudden enemy attack took the division [von Manteuffel] by surprise and threw it back into the mountain terrain to the north. The fruit of our local success was lost again with the defensive line that we had attempted to establish, but we had probably succeeded in tying down enemy forces.” Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel, the Commander-in-Chief of Army Group Afrika, dismissed von Arnim’s operation as “a mere waste of strength.”
31.03.1943 Illness/in hospital/Army High Command Leader Reserve. Von Manteuffel collapsing in the field from illness and exhaustion, He was evacuated from Tunisia for hospitalization in Berlin and Heidelberg, Germany. Generalleutnant Karl Bülowius, the General of Pioneers of Army Group Afrika, assumed leadership of Division “von Manteuffel” (it was not redesignated) and surrendered its remnants to Lieutenant General Omar N. Bradley’s U.S. II Corps on 9 May 1943.
30.04.1943 - 20.08.1943 Führerreserve
15.08.1943 - 26.01.1944 Kommandeur 7. Panzer-Division. Granted command of the division personally by Hitler, Generalmajor von Manteuffel led the “Ghost Division” in central Russia seeing fierce combat at Kharkov, Belgorod, Akhtyrka, along the middle Dnieper River, and at Kiev. In late-November 1943, the 7th Panzer Division recaptured Zhitomir and helped extricate the 8th Panzer Division from a potential encirclement northeast of the city. Tapped to command the Panzergrenadier-Division “Großdeutschland,” von Manteuffel handed the leadership of the 7th Panzer Division over to Generalmajor Adalbert Schulz.
26.08.1943 Wounded in the back by a Russian air attack on his command vehicle. Treated at the front and remained with the troops
27.01.1944 - 01.09.1944 Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland". Upon succeeding Generalleutnant Walter Hoernlein as commander of the Division “Großdeutschland,” Generalleutnant von Manteuffel led his new command in a series of fierce, defensive battles west of Kirovograd. After withdrawing across the Ukraine, the division moved into Romania in late-March 1944 where it fought several successful defensive battles against the Russians at Iaşi, Tîrgu Frumos, and Podul Iloaiei through early-June. Following a period of rest and refitting in Romania that summer, the Panzer Grenadier Division “Großdeutschland” began transferring to East Prussia in late-July 1944 to face the Russian advance into Germany. Quickly counterattacking at Wilkowischken (Vilkaviŝkis) in Lithuania, “Großdeutschland” captured the town but suffered a considerable loss of tanks in the process. For the remainder of his tenure of command, Generalleutnant von Manteuffel’s division fought in Lithuania in a vain attempt to break through to the German 16th and 18th Armies cutoff in the Courland region of Latvia. Upon being summoned by Hitler for his next assignment, von Manteuffel handed the division over to Oberst (later Generalmajor) Karl Lorenz, the former commander of the Panzer Grenadier Regiment “Großdeutschland.”
10.09.1944 - 30.01.1945 mit der Führung beauftragt 5. Panzerarmee
16.11.1944 - 16.12.1944 “Armeegruppe von Manteuffel“ was actually the code name for the 15. Armee in the run-up to the Ardennes Offensive to deceive the enemy
31.01.1945 - 05.03.1945 Oberbefehlshaber 5. Panzerarmee
10.03.1945 - 03.05.1945 Oberbefehlshaber 3. Panzerarmee. Arrival at the HQ on 14.03.1945. Following Hitler’s abrupt dismissal of Generaloberst Erhard Raus on 10 March 1945, von Manteuffel succeeded him to command of the 3rd Panzer Army of Army Group Weichsel [Vistula] on the Eastern Front. Holding the Oder River from the Baltic Sea coast to Eberswalde, von Manteuffel’s new command proved short of tanks and in ragged condition after several weeks of hammering by multiple Russian armies. On 25 April 1945, the Soviet 2nd Belorussian Front, commanded by Marshal of the Soviet Union Konstantin K. Rokossovski, renewed its offensive and seized a large bridgehead on the Oder River south of Stettin forcing the center of the 3rd Panzer Army back to Prenzlau. After the dismissal of Generaloberst Gotthard Heinrici from command of Army Group Weichsel on 29 April 1945, Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Keitel, the Chief of the Armed Forces High Command, initially offered the army group and a promotion to Hasso von Manteuffel—he declined the offer in protest of the harsh treatment meted out to Generaloberst Heinrici.
28.04.1945 On the Neustrelitz-Neubrandenburg road, in the presence of Manteuffel, Generalfeldmarschall Keitel accuses the Commander-in-Chief of Heeresgruppe Weichsel, Generaloberst Gotthard Heinrici, of failure and threatens to replace him with von Manteuffel, which Manteuffel rejects indignantly in view of the unjustified accusations and refuses to obey. When Heinrici was dropped off by telephone the next night, he again refused to follow him, pointing out that the 3. Panzerarmee still only listened to his command!
30.04.1945 - 03.05.1945 Withdrawal of the 3. Panzerarmee across Mecklenburg to the demarcation line between the Soviet and Anglo-American forces
03.05.1945 Captured by Allied troops at Hagenow
03.05.1945 - 31.12.1947 Prisoner of war in British and, later, U.S. captivity. After being held at various prisoner of war camps in Great Britain, including Island Farm Special Camp 11, he was handed over to the Americans and imprisoned at Nürnberg-Langwasser and Marburg in Germany. While held at the later camp, he took part in the U.S. Army Historical Division project to record as much useful military information as possible from their former enemies by writing a monograph on the mobile warfare aspect of the Ardennes Offensive.
00.00.1949 member of the FDP (Free Democratic Party), city councilor in Neuß
00.00.1953 - 00.00.1957 Member of the Bundestag (MdB), initially in the FDP parliamentary group (since 14.03.1957 in the German Party/DP), member of the Defense Committee
17.08.1959 - 21.08.1959 Trial before the Düsseldorf jury; Sentence: 18 months in prison. In January 1944, as a division commander, von Manteuffel had a soldier shot who had been sentenced to two years in prison by the court martial for dereliction of duty in the field! This soldier had observed the kidnapping of two of his comrades by the enemy during a night watch near Shepetovka in the Ukraine, but neither intervened nor reported this incident. In view of the danger to many comrades, he wanted to set an example and falsely invoked Führerbefehl Nr. 7. West German Bundespräsident Prof. Theodor Heuss (FDP) stood up for him, so that after he began his sentence in July 1960, he was pardoned after just two months is released from Landsberg/Lech. He will later also receive his general pension, which can be revoked at any time.
00.00.1965 Published 'Die 7. Panzer-Division im Zweiten Weltkrieg: Einsatz und Kampf der “Gespenster-Division” 1939-1945' (The 7th Panzer Division in the Second World War: Employment and Combat of the “Ghost Division” 1939-1945), a unit history sponsored by the Traditions Association of the 7th Panzer Division.
00.00.1968 invited to visit the US Military Academy at West Point. At the invitation of the US Chief of Staff General William Westmoreland he also visits the Pentagon. US President Dwight D. Eisenhower receives him at the White House.
00.00.1970 In collaboration with Colonel Wesley W. Yale and General Isaac D. White, co-authored Alternative to Armageddon: The Peace Potential of Lightning War
00.00.1978 Published 'Die 7. Panzer-Division 1939-1945: die “Gespenster-Division” (The 7th Panzer Division 1939-1945: The “Ghost Division”), a photographic history of the division
Awards and Decorations:
13.10.1916 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
22.03.1917 Braunschweigisches Kriegsverdienstkreuz II.Klasse
02.05.1917 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.19__ k.u.k. Militärverdienstkreuz III.Klasse mit Kriegsdekoration und Schwertern
00.00.19__ Königlich Bayerische Militärverdienstkreuz um eine III.Klasse
00.00.1918 Verwundetenabzeichen 1918 in Schwarz
28.10.1918 Braunschweigisches Kriegsverdienstkreuz I.Klasse
02.01.1931 Deutsches Reiterabzeichen in Gold
31.10.1934 Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer
00.00.193_ Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung IV. bis II.Klasse
00.00.19__ Goldenes Hitlerjugend Ehrenzeichen mit Eichenlaub
00.00.1939 Deutsches Reichssportabzeichen in Gold (DRL Sportabzeichen in Gold)
20.12.1940 Kriegsverdienstkreuz II.Klasse mit Schwertern
00.02.1941 Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht I.Klasse (25 Jahre)
22.07.1941 1939 Spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
01.08.1941 1939 Spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
02.09.1941 Panzerkampfabzeichen
31.12.1941 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur
Schützen-Regiment 6 / 7.Panzer-Division. Awarded for capturing the undamaged bridge over the Moscow-Volga canal at Jachroma on the 28.11.1941.
00.00.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)
00.00.1943 Ärmelband "Afrika"
00.00.1943 Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber
08.10.1943 Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht
16.11.1943 Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht
23.11.1943 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #332, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur 7. Panzer-Division. Awarded for the recapture of Zhitomir by the 7. Panzer-Division in late 1943.
The Division’s counterattack began on the 14.11.1943, passing through
Iwniza. The next day the advance continued in a NW direction against the
Kiev-Zhitomir road and reached the Teterew bend 4 km NE of the city,
with the forward elements lacking flank protection. On the 16.11.1943
Lewkoff (12 km east of Zhitomir) was also taken, and finally after a
thrust to Wazkoff the Soviet forces in Zhitomir became encircled. The
coup de grace came during a night operation in which Manteuffel led a
force of 6 Panzers and 100 Panzergrenadiers from the front in his SPW,
and succeeded in retaking the city.
25.01.1944 Panzerkampfabzeichen in Silber mit Einsatzzahl "25"
00.00.1944 Ärmelband "Grossdeutschland"
22.02.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern #50, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur 7. Panzer-Division. Awarded for further successes in the Zhitomir-Kiev area. After repelling a Soviet thrust to Korosten, the 7. Panzer-Division began its own thrust on the 20.11.1943 towards the crossing over the Teterew. By the 22.11.1943, near Nebyliza, the Division had under Manteuffel’s leadership advanced a distance of 65 kilometres. After a short regrouping the village of Njanewka (12 km SW of Malin on the Irscha) was reached on the 07.12.1943. Three days later the village of Malin was stormed. In this attack Manteuffel personally led the attack spearhead of 6 Panzers and a Kompanie of the divisional Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung against the Soviet defense that was spread out on three sides. Despite the hostile resistance Manteuffel’s soldiers reached the centre of the village, threw strong Soviet infantry forces back and smashed the Soviet armoured group south of the village (destroying 25 tanks in the process).
14.03.1944 Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht
08.05.1944 Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht
30.05.1944 Ordinul Mihai Viteazul Clasa 3 (Romanian Order of Michael the Brave, 3rd Class)
18.02.1945 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub, Schwerter und Brillanten #24, as General der Panzertruppe and Oberbefehlshaber 5. Panzerarmee. Awarded for his Panzerarmee’s initial successes in the Ardennes Offensive and for constructing a stable front west of the Rhine after the Germans had been pushed out of the salient.
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Hasso von Manteuffel was born in Potsdam on January 14, 1897. He and his three sisters were raised primarily by his mother, for his father died when Hasso was seven years old. The family was well off and lived on a well-groomed estate in a villa that was exquisitely furnished. Young Manteuffel received an excellent education in an expensive preparatory school operated by his cousin (young Manteuffel was an exemplary student who always put his studies first). Continuing in the family tradition, he entered the Prussian cadet school at Naumburg/Saale in 1908. This school was one of the most modern in Germany, and its curriculum centered on the classical model, with heavy emphasis on sports and military instruction.
Upon leaving the school in Naumburg/Saale, Manteuffel entered the main cadet school in Berlin-Lichterfelde. One of a thousand cadets, he lived in a plainly furnished apartment with seven others. In January 1916, Manteuffel passed his finals and received his Certificate of Maturity and the next month he was promoted to officer candidate (Fähnrich). At the request of Manteuffel’s stepfather, Crown Prince Wilhelm intervened on his behalf and Manteuffel was transferred to the replacement squadron of the Hussar Regiment von Zieten (Brandenburger) Number 3. Later that year, Manteuffel was promoted to second lieutenant and was transferred to the 5th Squadron of the 6th Prussian Infantry Division, stationed on the Western Front.
While carrying out a reconnaissance mission near Bapaume, France, in October 1916, Baron von Manteuffel was wounded when a piece of shrapnel struck him in the leg. He was sent to a rearward hospital for medical attention and to recover; however, he desperately wanted to return to his unit and, in January 1917, left the hospital without authorization and returned to the front. Although he was later sentenced to three days arrest in his quarters, he never served the sentence. Manteuffel was transferred to the 6th Infantry’s divisional staff in February and remained with the division as it fought the Russians in East Galicia in July 1917 and when it returned to the Western Front in March 1918.
After the war ended, Manteuffel joined Freikorps von Oven as second adjutant and fought the Spartacists in Berlin, as well as other Communist revolutionaries in Munich and Leipzig. He was selected to remain in the 100,000-man army and, in May 1919, was assigned to the 25A Cavalry Regiment at Rathenow. In 1921, he married a beautiful, blue-eyed blonde named Armgard von Kleist, whose uncle was future Field Marshal Ewald von Kleist. The von Manteuffels were to have two children. From 1925 to 1930, Hasso served as the regimental adjutant of the 25A Cavalry and then became commander of the experimental mechanical squadron—a position normally reserved for a captain. In 1932, he became a squadron leader in the 17th Cavalry Regiment at Bamberg and in October 1934 was promoted to Rittmeister (captain of cavalry). Later that same year he was transferred to the 2nd Motorcycle Battalion, along with two squadrons of the 17th Cavalry. Although Manteuffel was an excellent horseman, he was literally drafted into the motorized battalion by Major General Viktor von Schwedler, the chief of the Army Personnel Office. In 1935, Colonel Heinz Guderian of the panzer branch convinced Manteuffel to transfer to one of the newly created tank divisions. Manteuffel responded by joining Guderian’s own 2nd Panzer Division as a squadron leader in the 3rd Motorcycle Battalion. Guderian developed such confidence in Manteuffel that he put him in charge of all cadet training for the division in 1936, shortly after Manteuffel received his promotion to major.
The close relationship between the two men continued, and, as Guderian’s fortunes rose, so did Manteuffel’s. Early in 1937 Manteuffel served as official adviser to the Inspectorate of Panzer Troops (part of OKH), directly under Guderian. On February 1, 1939, Manteuffel was named commandant of Officer Training School Number 2, located at Potsdam-Krampnitz, and was promoted to lieutenant colonel two months later. “Manteuffel somehow left the stamp of his own personality on his trainees, and he taught them independent action within the framework of an integrated team effort,” General Frederick Wilhelm von Mellenthin wrote later. He believed that tank crews needed to be very much aware of battlefield tactics, so that if necessary each crew could make independent decisions during the heat of battle to positively affect the outcome. He stressed the concepts of mobility and maneuverability and the use of ground cover, all of which may give a particular panzer force a decisive advantage. He remained at the school during both the Polish and French campaigns. Upon hearing of the impending invasion of the Soviet Union, Manteuffel asked for a field command and, as a result, was named commander of the I Battalion of the 7th Rifle Regiment of the 7th Panzer Division in June 1941. During that same month his battalion saw heavy fighting on the Russian Front; among other things it spearheaded a bridgehead across the Memel River in Lithuania. The 7th Panzer Division continued to engage in intensive combat as it penetrated deep into Soviet lines, becoming the first German force to reach the highway between Minsk, Smolensk, and Moscow.
In August 1941, Colonel Erich von Unger, commander of the 6th Rifle Regiment, was killed in action and Manteuffel was named as his replacement. The baron’s energy and indomitable will filtered throughout his new command as the 6th Rifle Regiment became the first unit to breach the Stalin Line as the spearhead of General Hermann Hoth’s 3rd Panzer Group; indeed, Manteuffel’s troops were always out in front, in the “thick of the action,” and were constantly carrying out daring, bold maneuvers. Clearly Manteuffel put into practice what he had taught at the academy. In October he was promoted to colonel, and his regiment participated in the assault on Moscow, crossing the Moscow-Volga Canal at Jakhroma, on the outskirts of the Soviet capital, under extremely heavy enemy fire. Once again, his forces acted as the spearhead for the panzer group. For his courage and leadership, Manteuffel was awarded the Knight’s Cross in December 1941.
Meanwhile, the German juggernaut stalled due to the onset of a severe Russian winter and stiffer Russian resistance. On December 6, 1941, Stalin launched a major winter counteroffensive all along the front, but Army Group Center in the Moscow sector was especially hard hit. In temperatures hovering around 40–42 degrees below zero, Manteuffel’s regiment fell back to defensive positions between Vyazma and Rzhev and held its line despite repeated Soviet attacks. General of Panzer Troops Walter Model, the commander of the 9th Army, ordered Manteuffel’s regiment, which was already under heavy attack, to launch a major counterattack. Manteuffel refused, pointing out the lack of food, fuel, supplies, and camouflage uniforms (without which the German soldiers would be easy targets for Soviet snipers). In response, Model demanded that Manteuffel’s troops attack on skis, noting that the division was from Thuringia, where all children learn to ski at an early age. Once again Manteuffel refused, and this time Model threatened a court-martial. The confrontation ended when the 7th Panzer Division was transferred to France for reorganization, and the divisional commander saw to it that Manteuffel left early, with the advance party, perhaps thereby saving him from a court-martial. Later, on the Western Front, Manteuffel and Model forgot their differences and worked well together. After the war, Manteuffel told the famous British military historian B. H. Liddell Hart that “Model was a very good tactician, and better in defense than in attack. He had a knack of gauging, what troops could do, and what they could not do.”
Back in France, Manteuffel supervised the rebuilding of his regiment and in July 1942 was named commander of the 7th Panzer Grenadier Brigade (of the 7th Panzer Division). His next combat assignment, however, was in North Africa, where he arrived in early 1943. Assigned the task of holding the right (coastal) flank of the 5th Panzer Army in Tunisia, Baron von Manteuffel in effect created his own division from an assortment of units, including the Italian 10th Bersaglieri Regiment, the 11th (Witzig) Parachute Engineer Battalion, and the Barenthin Parachute Regiment, among others. With this odd mixture (labeled the Manteuffel Division), he once again achieved stunning successes over his vastly superior opponents and held his thin line in the Tunisian hills for weeks against repeated attacks by French and Anglo-American forces. These battles took their toll, and on April 28, 1943, an exhausted Manteuffel collapsed on the front line. He was rushed to a military hospital in Bizerta and, while under medical attention, was promoted to major general on May 1, 1943. A few days later he was placed on the last Italian ship heading for Sicily and safety, as the Tunisian Bridgehead collapsed.
From Sicily, Manteuffel traveled to Rome and then to Berlin, where his family lived. Shortly before Manteuffel was to be discharged from the hospital, Adolf Hitler ordered him to appear at Führer Headquarters in East Prussia. A surprised Manteuffel responded and appeared before his Führer, who asked the general what were his wishes. Manteuffel replied that he would like to command the 7th Panzer Division, to which Hitler agreed. In August 1943, Manteuffel joined the 7th Panzer and, within three days of his return to the front, incurred shrapnel wounds from a grenade. Although in great pain, he refused to return to the hospital and, temporarily bandaged at the front, remained in command of the division and led it through some brilliant defensive fighting over the next four weeks. Manteuffel also participated in Field Marshal Erich von Manstein’s offensive against Kiev in November 1943, during which his 7th Panzer Division led the attack that overpowered Zhitomir and recaptured an important German supply depot. For this accomplishment, Manteuffel was awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross. He succeeded at Zhitomir by dividing his forces into small mobile units that were self-contained and that penetrated between Russian columns, striking them from the rear. Such tactics completely confused the enemy. Hitler heard of Manteuffel’s exploits and invited him to Führer Headquarters for Christmas. Hitler congratulated the general and gave him a present of 50 tanks. Hitler further rewarded Manteuffel with command of the Grossdeutschland, an elite, all-volunteer, specially reinforced panzer grenadier division. To complete the accolades, Manteuffel was promoted to lieutenant general in February 1944 and was awarded the Swords to his Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves that same month.
Manteuffel saw Hitler several times throughout 1944, as the Führer was obviously taken with the small Prussian general’s uncanny successes. The general was impressed by Hitler’s magnetic personality and, as Albert Speer also told this writer, by Hitler’s ability to disarm one with his eyes and fluid discourse. Although Manteuffel was impressed with Hitler’s grasp of combat from the field soldier’s point of view, as well as the Führer’s knowledge of military literature, he recognized Hitler’s weaknesses concerning grand strategy and tactical awareness, even though the Führer had a flair for originality and daring. Although he was always respectful, Manteuffel always expressed his own views, regardless of how they might be received by Hitler.
The Grossdeutschland put forth a heroic effort in the Rumanian theater of the Eastern Front in early 1944, escaping from a Russian encirclement in March without losing a single tank. The Red Army kept coming, however, and in April the division halted a major Soviet advance in the Jassy area of Rumania and annihilated the enemy spearhead. Farther to the north, however, the Soviets were successfully advancing into East Prussia, and consequently the Grossdeutschland was hurriedly transferred and assembled near Trakehnen, approximately 25 miles behind the front lines. Berlin ordered the division to attack immediately, forsaking artillery support and adequate reconnaissance reports. Manteuffel’s attack took the Soviets completely by surprise, and his success managed to stabilize the German front. Still, the Grossdeutschland lost more than 80 tanks, and a furious Hitler called Manteuffel to Führer Headquarters to explain the horrible losses. Momentarily taken aback, Manteuffel blurted out that he was ordered to attack and that the order—which he showed Hitler—compelled him to attack prematurely. After reading the order, Hitler called for Keitel and demanded that the field marshal tell him where the order had come from. Apparently Keitel had issued the order on his own, carrying out what he believed to be the Führer’s will when Hitler had mentioned that the Grossdeutschland could stop the Soviet advance by taking the offensive. Consequently, Hitler turned his wrath on his despondent chief of OKW berating him for improperly issuing an order based simply on Hitler’s offhand remark. According to Manteuffel, there were other occasions when Keitel and Jodl, the chief of operations at OKW, issued orders on their own.
In September 1944, the baron was again summoned to Führer Headquarters. This time, however, Hitler greeted him with open arms, promoted him to general of panzer troops, and gave him command of the 5th Panzer Army. Moved to the Western Front, Manteuffel had a new mission: counterattack and halt the drive by General George Patton’s 3rd U.S. Army. He halted Patton’s attack on Metz and recaptured Luneville on September 17. He was then ordered to attack Patton’s forces north of the Marne-Rhine Canal, which Manteuffel did under protest, realizing the hopelessness of such an attack. As usual, the panzer general proved correct: he lost 50 tanks and gained very little.
Manteuffel attended an important briefing conference in November, along with Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt, Field Marshal Model, and Colonel General Jodl. Jodl presented Hitler’s plan for an Ardennes offensive to the other officers. This offensive, which had as its principal objective the rapid seizure of the port of Antwerp, is now popularly known as the Battle of the Bulge. The operation aimed at splitting the British and American forces and possibly forcing a second Dunkirk and potential British withdrawal from the war. If successful, Hitler reasoned, it would allow him time to recoup his defenses to better withstand the continued Soviet offensive toward Germany. The officers, however, were very skeptical and suggested a modified plan, to which Jodl curtly replied that there would be no changes to Hitler’s orders. Consequently, the attack would take place in December, with Manteuffel’s 5th Panzer Army and SS General Sepp Dietrich’s 6th Panzer Army making the major German thrusts toward Antwerp. Manteuffel agreed with B. H. Liddell Hart in an interview immediately after the war that airborne troops would have been very useful to the attack; however, following the Crete invasion of 1941, during which the German paratroopers suffered tremendous losses in taking the island, Manteuffel told the British historian that there was a great reluctance on the part of Hitler to use parachute troops.
Although Hitler’s plan remained intact, Manteuffel did at least convince the Führer to allow him to begin the attack during nighttime hours, thus foregoing an artillery barrage that Hitler had originally planned and allowing the general additional daylight hours once his tanks reached clearings in the Ardennes. Although Dietrich’s army was supposed to be the main assault force, it was 5th Panzer Army that enjoyed the most success. Once again, Manteuffel’s strategy of creating self-sustaining mobile fighting units proved successful, as they penetrated deep into the American lines, racing toward Bastogne. At the same time, Dietrich, who opted to advance on a narrow front, bogged down and, rather than assisting Manteuffel’s rapidly advancing spearheads, stuck to the Führer’s order and vainly attempted to drive his stalled regiments forward. Ultimately, mud, lack of fuel, the lifting of the foggy weather (allowing Allied air power to inflict tremendous damage on the panzer armies), and a rapid American recovery doomed the Ardennes offensive. Manteuffel was particularly accusatory toward General Jodl, who had assured both Manteuffel and Dietrich that adequate fuel reserves were available for the offensive. Manteuffel argued that Jodl had no idea of the amount of fuel necessary for such an operation. Even though the offensive failed, Hitler summoned his brilliant panzer commander to Führer Headquarters in February 1945 and awarded Baron von Manteuffel the Diamonds to his Knight’s Cross and offered him an endowment of 200,000 marks. Manteuffel refused the cash, because he felt it was not fitting for a soldier to accept a “reward” for doing what was expected of him.
In March 1945, Manteuffel was given command of the 3rd Panzer Army, which was stationed on the Eastern Front. He tenaciously held his positions on the Oder River, although toward the end of April he ordered a retreat; recognizing that the end was near and again thinking of his men, he moved westward to surrender to the British. On May 3, General Hasso von Manteuffel surrendered his panzer army to the representatives of Field Marshal Sir Bernard Law Montgomery at Hagenow. Manteuffel’s retreat was another noteworthy accomplishment, as he kept his units together during those hectic days when millions of refugees (along with soldiers from disbanded units) were streaming westward to escape the Soviets.
Manteuffel was placed under arrest and initially taken to an internment camp with other generals, where he was interviewed by Liddell Hart. When the historian remarked about the unpleasantness of the camp, Manteuffel replied “with a smile, ‘Oh, it might be worse. I expect we shall be spending next winter on a barren island, or else in a ship anchored in the mid-Atlantic.’” It was this marvelous sense of humor that aided Manteuffel in difficult situations and endeared him to the men who served under him. Indeed, those who served with the highly decorated baron did so with loyal admiration for the general who, in turn, treated everyone with respect and courtesy. Above all, he kept his calm demeanor in the most difficult situations and consistently carried out what he believed to be an officer’s obligation: duty to the welfare of the men under his command. Such characteristics were clearly displayed during an event that occurred during Manteuffel’s retreat, as part of Colonel General Gotthard Heinrici’s Army Group Vistula, to British lines. Having heard of the unauthorized retreat, an angry Field Marshal Keitel drove to the front and confronted Manteuffel and Heinrici. Both Manteuffel and his chief of staff, Major General Burkhart Mueller-Hillebrand, related the following to this writer: Manteuffel, aware of Keitel’s desire for attack, prepared for the worst. Before meeting the chief of OKW, the panzer general made certain his pistol was loaded and kept his hand near the revolver. Further, Mueller-Hillebrand ordered several officers armed with machine-pistols to hide behind some trees at the crossroads. Keitel arrived and, pounding his baton into his gloved hand, angrily reproached Manteuffel and Heinrici. The generals explained the folly of holding fast and emphasized the desperate need for reinforcements. Keitel exploded and shot back, “There are no reserves left!” Hitting his hand with the baton, he ordered them to turn the army around immediately. Both Heinrici and Manteuffel refused.
Having lost control, Keitel shouted, “You will have to take responsibility of this action before history!”
Manteuffel angrily replied, “The von Manteuffels have worked for Prussia for two hundred years and have always taken the responsibility for their actions. I, Hasso von Manteuffel, gladly accept this responsibility.”
Keitel was unable to face down Manteuffel and turned his wrath on Heinrici, relieved him of his command, and then drove away in his staff car. Manteuffel and Heinrici merely shrugged their shoulders and continued the retreat westward. Once again, Manteuffel demonstrated that he was a man of convictions who would not yield.
General von Manteuffel remained in British custody at various sites in England throughout 1945 and into 1946. In March, 1946, he returned to Germany to testify before the Nuremberg tribunal in the trial against OKW. Finally, shortly before Christmas 1946, he was released and went to work for the Oppenheim Bank in Cologne. He was soon rejoined by his wife, who had been in a refugee camp near Hamburg.
Respect and admiration followed Manteuffel into civilian life. He was elected to the town council of Neuss-on-the-Rhine in 1947 (he was working for a manufacturing firm at the time), and from 1953 to 1957 he served in the West German Bundestag (Parliament). He was also a guest of several foreign military commands, including the Pentagon in Washington, and lectured at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He passed away at home, Diessen-on-the-Ammersee, on September 24, 1978.
During the Battle of Berlin, six Soviet soldiers entered his headquarters and began shooting the place apart. Four of Manteuffel’s staff were killed, and four more were wounded, including Manteuffel himself. However, Manteuffel was unfazed and was able to shoot and kill one Soviet soldier and stab another to death.
Manteuffel advised on the rebuilding of a post-war German military
He could speak fluent English
Was a frequent guest in the United States
Was invited by Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower to visit the White House
Lectured at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point about deep snow operations
Worked as a military adviser on war films
Was featured in the book The Last Battle by Cornelius Ryan
Was featured in the acclaimed documentary, The World at War
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...
Photographed
in 1909, 12-year-old Hasso von Manteuffel at the Military Academy in
Naumburg, Sachsen-Anhalt. One year previously he attended the
Kadettenanstalt at Naumburg/Saale before continued his military
education at Hauptkadettenanstalt at Berlin-Lichterfelde in 1911.
The Prussian cadet school at Naumburg was one of the most modern in
Germany at that time, and its curriculum
centered on the classical model, with heavy emphasis on sports and
military instruction.
Leutnant
Hasso von Manteuffel in Berlin, 1919. Shortly after the end of the
First World War, from January to May 1919, Von Manteuffel was appointed
as the IIb (2.Adjutannt) of Freikorps "von Oven" during the tumultuous
time in Germany, and fought the Spartacists in Berlin, as well as other
Communist revolutionaries in Münich and Leipzig.
A young Leutnant Hasso von Manteuffel wearing his old Hussar uniform
during his
wedding day with Armgard Huberta von Kleist-Bornstedt, which were held
in Rathenow, Brandenburg, on 23 June 1921. His wife is a niece
of later Generalfeldmarschall
Ewald von Kleist. Von Manteuffel himself once served in
Husararen-Regiment "von Zieten" (Brandenburgisches) Nr. 3 during the
First World War. When this picture was taken, he served as a
Schwadronfuhrer in 3.(preussische) Reiter-Regiment.
Oberleutnant
Hasso von Manteuffel as a Reichswehr officer. He was promoted from
Leutnant to Oberleutnant on 31 July 1925 (patent 1 April 1925) while
served as a Regiments-Adjutant of 3.(preussische) Reiter-Regiment.
Amazingly, the next promotion to Rittmeister (Cavalry Captain) would
take place 12 years later in 1933!
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.
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. An article about the time of Manteuffel with Kradschützen-Bataillon 2 can be read HERE.
Some
of the officers of the Wehrmacht schools in Berlin area posing in a
picture taken in the winter of 1937-38. From left to right: Oberst
Wolf-Günther Trierenberg (Kommandeur Infanterie-Lehr-Regiment Döberitz.
Last rank Generalleutnant), unknown, Oberst Hans-Valentin Hube
(Kommandeur Infanterie-Ausbildungsstabes Döberitz. Last rank
Generaloberst), Generalleutnant Friedrich Freiherr von Wilmowsky
(Inspekteur der Wehrersatzinspektion Potsdam. Last rank
Generalleutnant), unknown, unknown, and Major Hasso von Manteuffel
(Lehrgangsleiter an der Panzertruppenschule. Last rank General der
Panzertruppe). This picture was taken from the album belong to
Infanterie-Regiment 2 in Allenstein.
Ritterkreuz
award ceremony for Oberst Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur
Schützen-Regiment 6 / 7.Panzer-Division) which were held in the Eastern
Front, early 1942. Manteuffel formally received the Ritterkreuz des
Eisernen Kreuzes on 31 December 1941 for capturing the undamaged bridge
over the Moscow-Volga canal at Jachroma on 28 November 1941.
Oberst Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur
Schützen-Regiment 6 / 7.Panzer-Division) in the winter of 1941-42.
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.
Group
shot of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 in 1942, with the
Regimentskommandeur Oberst Hasso von Manteuffel in the middle. Von
Manteuffel became the commander of the regiment - which was part of the
7. Panzer-Division - for the period of 25 August 1941 to 15 July 1942.
Next he became the commander of 7. Panzergrenadier-Brigade (15 July 1942
- 4 November 1942) before being appointed as the commander of 7.
Panzer-Division (20 August 1943 - 1 January 1944). This picture itself
come from the private photo album of Oberst W. Graesemer and now in the
collection of Akira Takiguchi.
Hasso
von Manteuffel in Africa. He was arrived in early 1943. Assigned the
task of holding the right (coastal) flank of the 5. Panzerarmee in
Tunisia, Oberst Von Manteuffel in effect created his own division from
an assortment of units, including the Italian 10th Bersaglieri Regiment,
the 11th (Witzig) Parachute Engineer Battalion, and the Barenthin
Parachute Regiment, among others. With this odd mixture (labeled the Von
Manteuffel Division), he once again achieved stunning successes over
his vastly superior opponents and held his thin line in the Tunisian
hills for weeks against repeated attacks by French and Anglo-American
forces. These battles took their toll, and on April 28, 1943, an
exhausted Manteuffel collapsed on the front line. He was rushed to a
military hospital in Bizerta and, while under medical attention, was
promoted to Generalmajor on 1 May 1943. A few days later he was placed
on the last Italian ship heading for Sicily and safety, as the Tunisian
Bridgehead collapsed.
Hasso von Manteuffel in a sheepskin coat in the winter. There is no information about when or where this picture was taken.
Another picture of Hasso von Manteuffel in a sheepskin coat in the winter. There is no information about when or where this picture was taken. Same sequence as above?
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Generalmajor
Hasso von Manteuffel (foreground, Kommandeur 7. Panzer-Division) in an
attempt to push a stuck-up Kübelwagen out of the mud. Eastern Front, end
of 1943. In the autumn previously, the battered division withdrew to
the Dnieper position, crossing the river at Kremenchug. The 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. On
20 November 1943, 7th Panzer Division possessed 47 tanks, of which only
16 were operational! Other pictures from this sequence can be seen
HERE.
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.
Morning
briefing in Russia: Leading units of the 7. Panzer-Division conducting a
"Lagebesprechung" (situation briefing) south of Malin, Ukraine, on the
morning of 8 December 1943. From left to right: Oberleutnant Otto
Hohensee (Bataillonsadjutant Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7), Generalmajor
Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur 7. Panzer-Division), Oberstleutnant im
Generalstab Otto-Heinrich Bleicken (Ia Erster Generalstabsoffizier 7.
Panzer-Division), Oberst Adelbert Schulz (Kommandeur Panzer-regiment
25), Oberst Friedrich-Carl von Steinkeller (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-
Regiment 7), and Kriegsberichter Heinz Maegerlein (after the war a
famous German sports reporter!). The tank on the left is the command
version (Befehlspanzer) of the Panzerkampfwagen III with the tactical
number usually used by the stabskompanie (staff company) of the panzer
regiment. In the area around Zhitomir (including Malin), the 7.
Panzer-Division fought together with the Brandenburg Division. On the
night of 7/8 December 1943 Manteuffel's division attacked the Malin
bridge built by the Soviets across the Irscha river and finally it was
captured by the Germans on 9 December 1943.
Special
audience with Hitler for the new Eichenlaubträger of the Heer, which
were held at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East
Prussia, late December 1943. In this occasion, four officers of the
Wehrmacht was congratulated by the Führer for their recent award and
achievements. This picture shows Hitler shaking hands with Generalmajor
Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur 7. Panzer-Division), who received the
Eichenlaub #332 on 23 November 1943. Behind him is Oberst Ernst Wellmann
(Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 / 3.Panzer-Division. Eichenlaub
#342 on 30 November 1943), while the half-visible officer behind
Wellmann is Oberst Willy Langkeit (Kommandeur Panzer-Regiment 36 /
14.Panzer-Division. Eichenlaub #348 on 7 December 1943). The fourth
officer who is not shown in this picture is Oberstleutnant Karl Baacke
(Kommandeur Grenadier-Regiment 266 / 72.Infanterie-Division. Eichenlaub
#352 on 10 December 1943). Other pictures from this occasion can be seen
HERE.
Generalmajor
Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur 7. Panzer-Division) photographed by
Walter Frentz at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg,
East Prussia, after the audience with Hitler in late December 1943 as a
part of four new Eichenlaubträger from Heer. Manteuffel himself (last
rank General der Panzertruppe) received the Eichenlaub #332 for his
Ritterkreuz on 23 November 1943 for the recapture of Zhitomir by his
division. 7. Panzer-Division’s counterattack began on 14 November 1943,
passing through Iwniza. The next day the advance continued in a
North-West direction against the Kiev-Zhitomir road and reached the
Teterew bend 4 km North-East of the city, with the forward elements
lacking flank protection. On 16 November 1943 Lewkoff (12 km east of
Zhitomir) was also taken, and finally after a thrust to Wazkoff the
Soviet forces in Zhitomir became encircled. The coup de grace came
during a night operation in which Manteuffel led a force of 6 Panzers
and 100 Panzergrenadiers from the front in his SPW, and succeeded in
retaking the city.
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. Other pictures from this sequence can be seen
HERE.
Hasso von Manteuffel with his officers. There is no information about when or where this picture was taken, but based on the Eichenlaub which is visible in his neck, we know that at least it was taken between November 1943 - February 1944.
Generalleutnant
Hasso von Manteuffel (left, Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division
"Grossdeutschland") during a radio interview in April 1944. On 22
February previously he received the news that he had been awarded the
Schwerter for his Ritterkreuz, not for his achievements as a Commander
of Grossdeutschland but for his previous assignment as a Commander of 7.
Panzer-Division.
Generalleutnant
Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division
"Grossdeutschland") meeting with Hitler at Berghof Obersalzberg on 14
May 1944 on the occasion of receiving a Schwerter #50 for his
Ritterkreuz, which he formally received since 22 February 1944. Von
Manteuffel was a very tiny man as can be clearly seen in this photo!
Note the "Großdeutschland" cuff title on his right sleeve: von
Manteuffel commanded this elite Army panzer division on the Eastern
Front from February to September 1944.
Generalleutnant
Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division
"Grossdeutschland") photographed by Walter Frentz at the Berghof
Obersalzberg after the Schwerter award ceremony with Hitler on 14 May
1944. The medal was formally awarded on 22 February 1944 for further
successes in the Zhitomir-Kiev area. After repelling a Soviet thrust to
Korosten, the 7. Panzer-Division (previous unit of von Manteuffel) began
its own thrust on 20 November 1943 towards the crossing over the
Teterew. By 22 November 1943, near Nebyliza, the Division had under
Manteuffel’s leadership advanced a distance of 65 kilometres. After a
short regrouping the village of Njanewka (12 km SW of Malin on the
Irscha) was reached on 7 December 1943. Three days later the village of
Malin was stormed. In this attack Manteuffel personally led the attack
spearhead of 6 Panzers and a Kompanie of the divisional
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung against the Soviet defense that was spread
out on three sides. Despite the hostile resistance Manteuffel’s soldiers
reached the centre of the village, threw strong Soviet infantry forces
back and smashed the Soviet armoured group south of the village
(destroying 25 tanks in the process).
"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).
Generalleutnant
Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division
"Grossdeutschland").
Hasso
von Manteuffel appears to have been distinguished by an emphatic
dislike of the SS, Gestapo, Security Police, and the Nazi murder machine
in general. In a postwar interview, SS-Obergruppenfuhrer Karl Wolff was
asked about instances of resistance to "special operations" in the East
on the part of Heer commanders. He cited Manteuffel who, according to
Wolff, on assuming a command in the East (presumably of
Grossdeutschland), cordially informed the local SS and Police command
that "special" security details would not be permitted to operate in his
rear area without his personal permission (seldom if ever granted); and
that police personnel entering his rear area without the required
position would be shot. This was justified by the assertion that
Manteuffel, as a senior Army commander, was competent and entitled to
assume responsibility for security in his own rear area. According to
Wolff, Himmler was most upset by this message, and reported it to
Hitler. The Führer, however, was less exercised. He told Himmler that as
far as he was concerned, "the Count" (Manteuffel) had his situation
well under control - and that was the end of it. A very talented
commander, realistic and practical, in any event.
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. Other pictures from this occasion can be seen
HERE.
Grossdeutschland
officers discussing the situation at Târgu Frumos, Romania, April 1944.
Behind them is a Befehlspanther Ausf.A "01" with With diagonal lines
added on rear storage box zimmerit. From left to right: Oberst Horst
Niemack (Kommandeur Panzerfüsilier-Regiment "Grossdeutschland"), Oberst
Willy Langkeit (Kommandeur Panzer-Regiment "Grossdeutschland"),
Oberleutnant Bensinger (Adjutant Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division
"Grossdeutschland"), and Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel
(Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland").
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. Other pictures from this series can be seen
HERE.
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").
Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (in the halftrack, Kommandeur
Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") with his Operations Officer
(Ia), Oberst i.G. Oldwig von Natzmer in the Eastern Front. The book
"Panzergrenadier-Division Großdeutschland" by Horst Scheibert said that
this picture was taken in the end of January 1944, but the summer
uniform wore by Von Manteuffel and Von Natzmer suggests that it was
probably taken in the spring or summer 1944. This picture itself is added with the "May 1944" writing by Von Manteuffel himself. Other pictures from this occasion can be seen
HERE.
Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (left, Kommandeur
Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") gives a briefing to one of his officer near the Divisionskommandeur pennant.
Generalleutnant
Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division
"Grossdeutschland") chatting through the field telephone while sitting
on the Sd.Kfz.250 halftrack, during the battle in the Eastern Front,
1944. At right is a Gefreiter from Nachrichtentruppe (signal unit),
possibly a radio operator. Interestingly, the corporal sported a
Panzervernichtungsabzeichen in his right sleeve, meaning that he had at
least destroyed an enemy tank by hand-held weapon, such a rare feat for a
rear-echelon man!
Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (left, Kommandeur
Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") and Major Harald Krieg
(right, Abteilungsführer in Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment
"Grossdeutschland" / Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland) in the
trench during the second battle of Târgu Frumos in Romania, May 1944.
The officer in the center of the picture wears slip-on covers over his
shoulder straps. Von Manteuffel and the man in the center both wear the
soft-topped "old-style" officer's field cap, while Major Krieg wears the
popular Einheitsfeldmütze, introduced in June 1943, without Waffenfarbe
chevron. According to accounts by von Manteuffel, one of the two German
division commanders, and Ferdinand Maria von Senger und Etterlin, the
German forces defeated a Soviet offensive by the 2nd Ukrainian Front
that was expected to be a precursor of a much larger offensive in
Northern Ukraine. The battle of Târgu Frumos has been used as a case
study in officer tactical education in the United States Army and other
armies, teaching how a mobile defense can defeat an armoured spearhead.
There are however questions about the accounts by the two German
officers, relating to the failure to include Romanian forces into their
account. Other pictures from this series can be seen
HERE.
Generalleutnant
Hasso von Manteuffel (left, Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division
"Grossdeutschland") with his driver in a VW-166 schwimmwagen. In 1944,
Battalion headquarters of Grossdeutschland Division composed of
headquarters company, 3 fully-equipped Tigers (88mm KwK and light 2
machine-guns). Headquarters company included a signals platoon with
three armoured vehicles, medium-wave radio squad, reconnaissance platoon
with 3 medium and 4 light armoured personnel carriers, pioneer platoon
with 2 armoured personnel carriers and 4 trucks. Flak platoon with three
20mm quadruple flak on self-propelled carriages. Scouting platoon with 4
Schwimmwagen, 4 motorcycle-sidecar combinations and 2 solo motorcycles.
Generalleutnant
Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division
"Grossdeutschland") chats from a VW 166 Schwimmwagen with Oberst Willy
Langkeit (Kommandeur Panzer-Regiment "Grossdeutschland"), in the turret
of a Befehlspanther Ausf.A "0", while Hauptmann Ernst-Günter Lehnhoff
(Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Panzerfüsilier-Regiment "Grossdeutschland")
stands between them.The picture was taken in May 1944 during the
ferocious battle between Grossdeutschland Division, some elements of the
SS Totenkopf and the Romanian Army with the Soviets at Târgu Frumos,
Romania.
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. Other pictures from this occasion can be seen
HERE.
Divisionskommandeur
Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (second from right) with the staff
officers of Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland" in 1944.
Nearest to the camera is Oberst Wolfgang Heesemann, who would later
receive the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes posthumously on 17 February
1945 as Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Grossdeutschland" (he was
KIA on 6 February previously).
Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") in 1944. Ron C. photo collection.
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Generalleutnant
Hasso von Manteuffel (right, Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division
"Grossdeutschland") in conversation with Reichsjugendführer Artur Axmann
(left) and Oberst Hermann Schulte-Heuthaus (Kommandeur Ersatz-Brigade
"Grossdeutschland") in the guest house of the Reichsjugendführung in
Berlin, 18 May 1944.
Generalleutnant
Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division
"Grossdeutschland") watching the progress of the attack of his troops to
the Soviet defence line through binoculars from the trench of the
forward position, 20 May 1944. Original caption: "In vorderster Linie
beobachtet Generalleutnant von Manteuffel, der Kommandeur der
Pz.Gren.Div. 'Grossdeutschland', den Angriff seiner Panzer und
Grenadiere. Wie der OKW-Bericht meldete, hat sich die Pz.Gren.Div.
'Grossdeutschland' bei der grossen Abwehrschlacht am rumämischen Sereth
besonders ausgezeichnet." (In the front line, Lieutenant General von
Manteuffel, the commander of the Pz.Gren.Div. 'Grossdeutschland', the
attack of its tanks and grenadiers. As the OKW report reported, the
Pz.Gren.Div. 'Grossdeutschland' was particularly distinguished in the
great defensive battle at Sereth in Romania.
Generalleutnant
Hasso von Manteuffel as a Kommandeur of Panzergrenadier-Division
"Grossdeutschland" on the front with his men, Ukraine 1944. In the background is a Befehlspanzerwagen III Ausf.K (Sd.Kfz.267). Note that the panzer commander behind Manteuffel is wearing a camouflage uniform that matches the top of his tank. The picture was taken by unknown photographer from Kriegsberichter-Zug Grossdeutschland. Akira Takiguchi photo collection.
Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland").
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. Other pictures from this occasion can be seen
HERE.
Generalleutnant
Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division
"Grossdeutschland") in a studio portrait wearing black Panzer uniform.
The picture was taken in June 1944.
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. Other pictures from this sequence can be seen
HERE.
Generalleutnant
Hasso von Manteuffel (second from right, Kommandeur
Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") observes the course of the
German attack northwest of Jassy, Romania, 15 June 1944. At far left is
Oberleutnant der Reserve Diddo Diddens (Kommandeur
Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung "Grossdeutschland"), while between Diddens and
Von Manteuffel is Hauptmann der Reserve Dr. Otto Ritter (Ic Dritter
Generalstabsoffizier Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland"). The
picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Göttert.
In
the front line, from an artillery observation post, Generalleutnant
Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division
"Grossdeutschland") speaks to his command post and receives reports on
the overall situation. Generalleutnant von Manteuffel was recently
awarded the Schwerter for his Ritterkreuz by Hitler. The picture was
taken in 1944, possibly in Romania.
Two
officers of Grossdeutschland Division in the Eastern Front, summer
1944. From left to right: Oberst Karl Lorenz (Kommandeur
Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Grossdeutschland") and Generalleutnant Hasso
von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland").
In the background is a Panther tank belong to the division's Panzer
Regiment.
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, 11 July 1944. The
picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Theodor Scheerer. Original caption:
"Bild Deutsch-Rumänischen Waffenbrüderschaft. Schwerterträger
Generalleutnant von Manteuffel, Kommandeur der Panzer-Grenadier-Division
'Grossdeutschland' auf seinem vorgeschobenen Gefechtsstand mit einem
rumänischen Melder." (Image German-Romanian Brotherhood in Arms. Sword
holder Lieutenant General von Manteuffel, commander of the Panzer
Grenadier Division 'Grossdeutschland', at his advanced command post with
a Romanian signaller). Other pictures from this occasion can be seen
HERE.
These two pictures were signed by Hasso von Manteuffel postwar, along with the remark "May 1944". Based from the
archive source.
It was actually taken in July 1944 by Kriegsberichter Theodor Scheerer
and it shows Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur
Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") at his advanced command
post in Romania.
Grossdeutschland
map briefing, August 1944. From left to right: Generalleutnant Hasso
von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland"),
Major Hugo Schimmel (Führer Panzergrenadier-Regiment
"Grossdeutschland"), and Leutnant Schröder (Adjutant Divisionskommandeur
Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland"). In the background is a
Sd.Kfz.251. The picture was taken near Vilkovishken, Reichskommissariat
Ostland (today Vilkaviškis in Lithuania). From 1 August 1944 Major
Schimmel was briefly in charge of the leadership of
Panzergrenadier-Regiment “Grossdeutschland”, as regimental commander
Oberst Karl Lorenz was ordered to the 13. Divisionsführer-Lehrgang (13th
division commander course) in Hirschberg/Silesia. Other pictures from this occasion can be seen
HERE.
Generalleutnant Hasso
von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") smoking. The picture was probably taken in August 1944 during the battle
for Vilkovishken, Reichskommissariat
Ostland (today Vilkaviškis in Lithuania).
This
picture was send by ex-general Hasso von Manteuffel to Stephen A. tate
in October 1966 with the original caption as follow: "Analysis of the
situation on the battlefield with the commander of the Panzer-Regiment
(left from me) and a Panzer-Bataillon commander (right from me), August
1944". When this picture was taken, Generalleutnant Von Manteuffel
(center) served as the commander of Panzergrenadier-Division
"Grossdeutschland", while the commander of his Panzer-Regiment is Oberst
Willy Langkeit (second from left).
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).
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").
Between Von Manteuffel and Langkeit is Oberleutnant Bensinger,
Manteuffel's adjutant. The photo was taken before the end of August
1944, probably in the Baltic states.
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. Other pictures from this occasion can be seen
HERE.
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.
Generalleutnant
Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division
"Grossdeutschland") in the summer of 1944.
General
der Panzertruppe Otto von Knobelsdorff (Kommandierender General XXXX.
Panzerkorps) and Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur
Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") have arrived for a briefing
at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, 10
September 1944. Knobelsdorff is delegated with the leadership of 1.
Armee while Manteuffel is promoted to General der Panzertruppe
and delegated with the leadership of 5. Panzerarmee (as from 1 September
1944). The latter is wearing a Tank Assault Badge of the 2nd grade for
25 engagements (Panzerkampfabzeichen in Silber mit Einsatzzahl "25").
For the identification, from left to right: Major Bernd von Brauchitsch
(Chefadjutant des Reichsmarschall und Oberbefehlshaber der Luftwaffe),
Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring (Oberbefehlshaber der Luftwaffe),
Oberstleutnant Erik von Amsberg (Chefadjutant des Heeres beim Führer und
Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht), Generalleutnant Wilhelm Burgdorf
(Stellvertretender Leiter vom Heeres-Personalamt), Adolf Hitler (Führer
und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht), SS-Sturmbannführer Richard
Schulze (SS-Adjutant beim Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der
Wehrmacht), Knobelsdorff, Manteuffel, and unknown.
This
picture was taken in France in September 1944 and it shows: a.General
der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel (Oberbefehlshaber 5. Panzerarmee),
b.General der Panzertruppe Otto von Knobelsdorff (Oberbefehlshaber 1.
Armee), c.Oberst Otto-Ernst Remer (Kommandeur Führer-Begleit-Brigade),
d.unknown, and e.Generalleutnant Georg Jauer (Kommandeur 20.
Panzergrenadier-Division).
From
left to right: General der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel
(Oberbefehlshaber 5. Panzerarmee) and Generalmajor Oldwig von Natzmer
(Chef des Generalstabes Heeresgruppe Nord). Previously, from January to
July 1944, they were both served in the same unit:
Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland": Von Manteuffel as the
Divisionskommandeur while Von Natzmer as his Chief of Operations.
General
der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel (Oberbefehlshaber 5. Panzerarmee)
in the summer of 1944. He is wearing a black "Sonderbekleidung Der
Deutschen Panzertruppen" (Special clothing of the German tank troops)
and also holding wolchowstock, a hand-made carved wood walking stick
named after the Wolchow / Volkhov area of the eastern front. This was
usually made by German soldiers serving on the Eastern Front during the
long periods of inaction, mostly in the winter.
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. Other pictures from this occasion can be seen
HERE.
General
der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel (left, Oberbefehlshaber 5.
Panzerarmee) discussing plans with Oberst Heinrich Bronsart von
Schellendorff (Kommandeur 111. Panzer-Brigade) during the Battle of
Lorraine, September 1944. Manteuffel had a bitter exchange with Bronsart
von Schellendorff on 22 September 1944. The latter was killed by
machine-gun fire during the fighting later in the same day near
Juvelize. He was posthumously promoted to Generalmajor. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Genzler of PK (Propaganda-Kompanie) 698. Other pictures from this occasion can be seen
HERE.
General
der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel (Oberbefehlshaber 5.
Panzerarmee) discussing plans during the Battle of
Lorraine, September 1944. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Genzler of PK (Propaganda-Kompanie) 698. 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 general and war hero?
Hasso von Manteuffel in black panzer uniform.
General
der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel (Oberbefehlshaber 5. Panzerarmee)
inspects members of Panzer-Brigade 113 - one of whom is a recipient of
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold and Panzervernichtungsabzeichen in Silber - in
the village of Abreschviller, Moselle, in the Sarrebourg sector (France)
in the midst of the Battle of Arracourt/Lorraine, 20 September 1944. It
was only 11 days earlier when Manteuffel was appointed as a
Commander-in-Chief of the Fifth Panzer Army after previously being the
commander of the elite Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland".
Please note that the officer at far left is wearing civilian boots
sometimes worn by Wehrmacht Heer Offiziere, boots with closure strap on
the upper part of the shaft (but with a soft shaft). Other pictures from this occasion can be seen
HERE.
This
picture shows Adolf Hitler (Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der
Wehrmacht) shaking hands with General der Panzertruppe Hasso von
Manteuffel (Oberbefehlshaber 5. Panzerarmee), while Generalfeldmarschall
Wilhelm Keitel looks on. Signed on the lower right "Adolf Hitler - 11.
Dez. 1944" in ink. Mounted on passepartout. Only a few days later, the
Ardennes Offensive started on 16 December 1944, the last major operation
of the German Wehrmacht during which von Manteuffel was awarded the
24th Brillanten to his Ritterkreuz.
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From
left to right: General der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel
(Oberbefehlshaber 5. Panzerarmee), Generalmajor Wolfgang Thomale (Chef
des Generalstabes Generalinspekteur der Panzertruppen), and
Generalfeldmarschall Walter Model (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe B).
This photo was taken in December 1944 in the Eifel, a mountainous region
located in western Germany and eastern Belgium, during "Unternehmen
Wacht am Rhein" a.k.a. the Ardennes Offensive a.k.a. the Battle of the
Bulge (16 December 1944 - 25 January 1945).
General der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel (Oberbefehlshaber 5. Panzerarmee) during the Ardennes Offensive, December 1944. The article about the role of 5. Panzerarmee during the Battle of Bulge can be read
HERE.
General
der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel (Oberbefehlshaber 5. Panzerarmee)
in the center with his son, Gert, and Generalmajor Siegfried von
Waldenburg (Kommandeur 116. Panzer-Division) at right. The picture was
taken in the end of 1944 or early 1945 during the Battle of the Bulge. Other pictures from this sequence can be seen
HERE.
Hasso
von Manteuffel with his son Gert, in a picture taken in 1944 or 1945.
Gert Eccard Hasso von Manteuffel was born on 27 January 1927.
General der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel (Oberbefehlshaber 5.
Panzerarmee) photographed by Walter Frentz at the Neue Reichskanzlei in
Berlin after the audience with Hitler on 1-2 March 1945 as a part of
Brillanten award ceremony. Manteuffel himself (last rank General der
Panzertruppe) received the Brillanten #24 for his Ritterkreuz on 18
February 1945 for his Panzerarmee’s initial successes in the Ardennes
Offensive and for constructing a stable front west of the Rhine after
the Germans had been pushed out of the salient. Other pictures from this sequence can be seen
HERE.
Mugshot of General der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel (Oberbefehlshaber 3. Panzerarmee) after he was captured by the Allies. Please note that he is not wearing any medals on his uniform! Von Manteuffel was captured by Allied troops at Hagenow on 3 May 1945. He became prisoner
of war in British and, later, U.S. captivity until 31 December 1947. After being held at
various prisoner of war camps in Great Britain, including Island Farm
Special Camp 11, he was handed over to the Americans and imprisoned at
Nürnberg-Langwasser and Marburg in Germany. While held at the later
camp, he took part in the U.S. Army Historical Division project to
record as much useful military information as possible from their former
enemies by writing a monograph on the mobile warfare aspect of the
Ardennes Offensive.
Hasso von Manteuffel speaking at a gathering of the economic-political association in Wiesbaden about the EVG contracts from the standpoint of soldiers. General de Gaulle Walks Bayeux Streets, 3 March 1953.
Ex-general Hasso von Manteuffel in a post-war reception.
4
April 1954: Pictured here is former Wehrmacht General Hasso von
Manteuffel speaking in Reinickendorfer Schützenhaus, Berlin. Outside the
hall there was a tumult caused by communists who had come from the East
sector. There was also a commotion in the hall when a heckler spoke up.
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One of the prominents at Bayreuth festival which were held on 16 August 1954 has been the former general Hasso von Manteuffel (left) and the former Chancellor Franz von Papen. Papen unsuccessfully tried to restart his political career in the 1950s. He published a number of books and memoirs, in which he defended his policies and dealt with the years 1930 to 1933 as well as early Western Cold War politics.
German
soldier and politician Hasso von Manteuffel in the driving seat of a
Centurion tank, with Major H.S. Long standing by, at the Vehicle Testing
Centre, Chobham, England, 10 November 1955. Photo by Reg Burkett. Respect and admiration followed Manteuffel into civilian life. He was
elected to the town council of Neuss-on-the-Rhine in 1947 (he was
working for a manufacturing firm at the time), and from 1953 to 1957 he
served in the West German Bundestag (Parliament). He was also a guest of
several foreign military commands, including the Pentagon in
Washington, and lectured at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Other pictures from this occasion can be seen
HERE.
Founding
of the Freie Volkspartei (Free People's Party) in 1956. Vice Chancellor
and Minister for Economic Cooperation Franz Blücher (center), Housing
Minister Victor-Emanuel Preusker (left), and retired General Hasso von
Manteuffel (right) in front of the press in Bonn on April 23, 1956
shortly after the party was founded. The so-called Euler Group,
consisting of 16 FDP MPs, including the four FDP federal ministers, left
the FDP faction in the German Bundestag in February 1956. Photo by Kurt
Rohwedder. Other pictures from this occasion can be seen
HERE.
Hasso
von Manteufel, former commander of the 7th German Panzer Division, sits
at the defendant's bench in Düsseldorf, Germany, on the opening of his
trial for manslaughter before a Düsseldorf Court, 17 August 1959.
Manteufel is accused of having ordered the shooting of a German soldier
on 13 January 1944. although a military court had, on previous day,
sentenced the soldier to a two-year jail term for dereliction of duty in
the field. Manteuffel, as commandant, had the power to review the
court's decision, and ordered a fatal punishment. Other pictures from this trial can be seen
HERE.
Post-war
meeting of Wehrmacht veterans. From left to right: unknown Bundeswehr
general, Brillantenträger Hasso von Manteuffel (last rank General der
Panzertruppe), Schwerterträger Erich von Manstein (last rank
Generalfeldmarschall), and Schwerterträger Horst Niemack (last rank
Generalmajor). There is no information about where this picture was
taken, but probably in the 1960s.
Hasso Von Manteuffel passing through airport security, 2 October 1960.
This silent footage shows a visit to the United States by Hasso von Manteuffel, a former Wehrmacht general who went on to become a
member of the West German legislature and an advisor on the formation of
the new army, the Bundeswehr. The film starts at National Airport with
Manteuffel arriving on an American Airlines DC-6. He is then whisked to
the Pentagon for meetings. After the war, he was elected to the Bundestag (West German
legislature) and was the spokesman for defense of the Liberal Party. A
proponent of rearmament, he was responsible for coining the new name for
the post-World War II German armed forces, the Bundeswehr. At first
after the war, Manteuffel was interned at the British-administered
Island Farm Special Camp 11 for high-ranking Wehrmacht officers. In 1946
he was handed over to the Americans and took part in the U.S. Army
Historical Division project, for which he produced a monograph on the
mobile warfare aspect of the Ardennes Offensive. After his release in
December 1946, he entered politics and was a representative of the Free
Democratic Party of Germany (FDP) in the German Bundestag from 1953 to
1957. In 1957 he joined the German Party. In the early 1950s Manteuffel
advised on the redevelopment of the Bundeswehr. His English was eloquent; in 1968 he lectured at the United
States Military Academy at West Point, speaking about combat in deep
snow conditions and worked as a technical adviser on war films.
Manteuffel died in 1978. This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC
archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and
aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed,
this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more
information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
Hasso
von Manteuffel (center) meeting Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery (left)
who opposed him in The Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes back in
1944-45. With them at the Field Marshal's Hampshire home are
Major-General Sir Francis de Guingand (right) and Tony Lazzarino (second
from right), producer of a new film about the battle. This picture was
published by The Daily Telegraph on 14 April 1965. Field Marshal Bernard
Law Montgomery (17 November 1887 - 24 March 1976), 1st Viscount
Montgomery of Alamein, KG, GCB, DSO, PC, DL, nicknamed "Monty" and "The
Spartan General", was a senior British Army officer who fought in both
the First World War and the Second World War.
From left to right: General Bruce C. Clarke (ex-commander of the U.S.
4th Armored Division), General Hasso von Manteuffel
(ex-Commander-in-Chief of the German 5. Panzerarmee), General Robert W.
Hasbrouck (ex-commander of the U.S. 7th Armored Division), and General
Anthony McAuliffe (ex-commander of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division)
recall their roles during the Battle of the Bulge in 1966. Von
Manteuffel was active in German politics, veteran's affairs and was an
active lecturer recalling his career in the final years.
This
picture was taken on 6 February 1968 and it shows Hasso von Manteuffel
before the HS-30 investigative committee in the Bonn Federal Palace. He
was one of the most decorated generals of World War II. From 1953 to
1957 he was a member of the FDP in the German Bundestag. A Düsseldorf
court sentenced him to 18 months in prison in August 1959 because he had
a soldier shot on March 1, 1944. He was pardoned after four months in
prison and then retired to private life. Hasso von Manteuffel was born
on January 14, 1897 in Potsdam and died on September 24, 1978 in Reith
(Austria). Photographer: Egon Steiner.
Old Hasso von Manteuffel in 1972 during a visit from the owner of the
Snyderstreasures
website to his home in Germany. The ex-general was a kind person who always answered letters from his fans and send them his pictures with autographs. This picture shows Von Manteuffel with
his wife Armgard and daughter Ursel. His wife is a niece of
Generalfeldmarschall Ewald von Kleist. Other pictures from this sequence can be seen
HERE.
Dienstlaufbahn (Personnel File) of Hasso von Manteuffel, collection of Bundesarchiv PERS-6 268. The complete file can be read
HERE.
Hasso
von Manteuffel (1897-1978) private memorabilia - a seal, a blind stamp
press and other items Seal from the time of the First World War in the
form of an eagle standing on a column with laurel wreath and miniature
of the Iron Cross 1914, the seal matrix chiselled with the coat of arms
of the Manteuffel family, patinated bronze, height 80 mm. Also newspaper
clippings and coat of arms calendar 1909. Blind stamp press with the
Manteuffel coat of arms, polychrome iron, total length 12.5 cm. A pile
of Manteuffel's personal envelopes with blind-stamped coat of arms, and
also a pencil sharpener. Other memorabilia and grouping of Hasso von Manteuffel can be seen
HERE.
The General's uniform that he wore duing the Battle of Bastogne, now in the local museum.
Source :
Bundesarchiv photo archive
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek photo archive
NARA photo archive
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
Helmut Weitze photo collection
Mark C. Yerger photo collection
Norbert Ruckel photo collection
Todd Gylsen photo collection
http://www.1939-45.net/manteuff.htm
"Grossdeutschland volume II" by Wydawnictwo militaria
"Lorraine 1944: Patton vs Manteuffel" by Steven J. Zaloga
"Panzer-Grenadier Division Grossdeutschland" by Bruce Quarrie and Mike Chappell
"Photos from Führerhauptquartier" by Hermann Historica
"The History of Panzerregiment Grossdeutschland" by Hans-Joachim Jung
"The History of the Panzerkorps Grossdeutschland volume II" by Helmuth Spaeter
https://www.akg-images.com/archive/-2UMDHUNVTMFZ.html
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/hasso-von-manteuffel.html?sortBy=relevant
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http://www.specialcamp11.co.uk/General_der_Panzertruppe_Hasso_von_Manteuffel.htm
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/208/Manteuffel-von-Hasso-Eccard.htm
https://www.walter-frentz-collection.de/fotoarchiv/personenarchiv-a-z/personen-l-m/
https://waralbum.ru/?s=manteuffel&x=0&y=0
https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/imperial-germany-austro-hungary/kaisers-mena-s-medals-831408-39/
https://weaponsandwarfare.com/2019/01/02/hasso-eccard-freiherr-von-manteuffel/
https://web.archive.org/web/20091027112641fw_/http://www.geocities.com/~orion47/WEHRMACHT/HEER/General2/MANTEUFFEL_HASSO.html
https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/forum/wehrmacht-era-militaria/photos-and-paper-items-forum
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