Ritterkreuzträger with Historical Buildings

 CZECHOSLOVAKIA

Leutnant Wilhelm Walther (Zugführer in Aufklärungs-Abteilung 5 / 2.Panzer-Division) in front of Valtice Castle in present-day Czech Republic. The picture was taken during Sudetenland Crisis in October 1938. The 2nd Panzer Division played a prominent role in Germany’s military preparations for the occupation of the Sudeten border regions of Czechoslovakia following the Munich Agreement. Commanded by Generalleutnant Rudolf Veiel and forming part of the rapidly expanding Panzerwaffe, the division was among the armored formations assembled to demonstrate German military strength and readiness should diplomatic efforts fail. As tensions reached their peak in September 1938, the division concentrated near the Czech frontier, conducting mobilization exercises and preparing for a potential invasion under the plans developed by the Oberkommando des Heeres. When the Munich Agreement granted Germany control of the Sudetenland without armed resistance, 2. Panzer-Division advanced into the newly acquired territories as part of the occupation forces beginning on 1 October 1938. The operation provided the division with valuable experience in large-scale motorized movement, logistics, and coordination with infantry and reconnaissance units, while also serving as a propaganda showcase for the effectiveness of Germany’s armored forces. Although no significant combat occurred during the occupation, the deployment represented an important milestone in the development of German armored doctrine, and the division’s successful participation foreshadowed the prominent role it would later play in the campaigns in Poland, France, and the Soviet Union during the Second World War.

Source :
"Brandenburger: Wartime Photographs of Wilhelm Walther" by Anthony Rogers

Wilhelm Walther in Sudetenland

Leutnant Wilhelm Walther (Zugführer in Aufklärungs-Abteilung 5 / 2.Panzer-Division) in front of Valtice Castle in present-day Czech Republic. The picture was taken during Sudetenland Crisis in October 1938. The 2nd Panzer Division played a prominent role in Germany’s military preparations for the occupation of the Sudeten border regions of Czechoslovakia following the Munich Agreement. Commanded by Generalleutnant Rudolf Veiel and forming part of the rapidly expanding Panzerwaffe, the division was among the armored formations assembled to demonstrate German military strength and readiness should diplomatic efforts fail. As tensions reached their peak in September 1938, the division concentrated near the Czech frontier, conducting mobilization exercises and preparing for a potential invasion under the plans developed by the Oberkommando des Heeres. When the Munich Agreement granted Germany control of the Sudetenland without armed resistance, 2. Panzer-Division advanced into the newly acquired territories as part of the occupation forces beginning on 1 October 1938. The operation provided the division with valuable experience in large-scale motorized movement, logistics, and coordination with infantry and reconnaissance units, while also serving as a propaganda showcase for the effectiveness of Germany’s armored forces. Although no significant combat occurred during the occupation, the deployment represented an important milestone in the development of German armored doctrine, and the division’s successful participation foreshadowed the prominent role it would later play in the campaigns in Poland, France, and the Soviet Union during the Second World War.

Source :
"Brandenburger: Wartime Photographs of Wilhelm Walther" by Anthony Rogers

First Arrival of Erwin Rommel in Africa

Generalleutnant Erwin Rommel (Kommandierender General Deutsches Afrikakorps) during the parade of the first Afrikakorps contingent - newly arrived in North Africa - in Tripoli, Libya, February 15, 1941. Behind him stands two Italian officers (who were allies of Germany in World War II). The officer on the left of the picture (Rommel's right) is wearing the berretto (cap) insignia of colonnello (colonel) of the Stato Maggiore (Army High Command). However the shoulder board edging looks more like the thinner braid of a ufficiali inferiori than the thicker braid edging of a ufficiali superiori. The officer on the right of the picture (Rommel's left) appears to be a maresciallo of the CC.RR (Carabinieri Reali) or Military Police. In this photo, Rommel is still wearing his Continental uniform and hasn't changed into his tropical uniform, just like the majority of his troops. The first unit that was quick to change uniforms when it arrived in Africa was Flak-Regiment 33 (motorisiert) from the Luftwaffe, while its compatriots from the Army still wore "European" uniforms.

The military parade of the first contingent of the Afrikakorps which were held in Tripoli, Libya, 15 February 1941. From left to right: Oberstleutnant Claus von dem Borne (Chef des Stabes Deutsches Afrikakorps), Generalleutnant Erwin Rommel (Kommandierender General Deutsches Afrikakorps), and two unidentified Italian officers. In the background is an equestrian statue of Mussolini holding the "Sword of Islam". This statue was inaugurated on October 28, 1938, as a tribute to the Italian dictator's status as "Protector of Islam".


Tripoli, Libya, February 15, 1941. Parade of the first contingent of the newly arrived Afrikakorps in North Africa. This photo was taken by Kriegsberichter Sturm of KBK Lw 7 (Kriegsberichter-Kompanie Luftwaffe 7), and shows the Commander of the Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK), Generalleutnant Erwin Rommel (second from right), who had just arrived at the parade site. He was greeted by Generale d'Armata Italo Gariboldi (left, Italian Governor-General in Libya). Joining the salute to Rommel's left was Generalmajor Johannes Streich (Kommandeur 5. leichte-Division), while between Gariboldi and Rommel stood Oberstleutnant Claus von dem Borne (Chef des Stabes Deutsches Afrikakorps)

Source :
Jim Haley photo collection
"Deutsche Afrikakorps" by Ricardo Recio Cardona
https://www.bild.bundesarchiv.de/dba/de/search/?yearfrom=&yearto=&query=rommel
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=75&t=238546&start=45

Adolf Galland in Front of Brandenburg Gate

 

26 September 1940: Major Adolf Galland (Geschwaderkommodore Jagdgeschwader 26 "Schlageter") posing in front of the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, two days after being awarded the Eichenlaub for his Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (24 September 1940). Galland became the third member of the Wehrmacht to receive the Eichenlaub for achieving his 39th and 40th aerial victories. On 25 September, he was summoned to Berlin to receive the award from Adolf Hitler. Galland was granted a personal audience with Hitler and during the meeting Galland reported to Hitler that the British had proven tough opponents, and that there were signs of declining morale in the German fighter force in the absence of operational success. Hitler expressed his regret for the war with the "Anglo-Saxons", who he admired, but resolved to fight until total destruction.

Source :
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2009/01/generalleutnant-adolf-galland-1912-1996.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolf_Galland