Ritterkreuzträger from Sachsen

 DRESDEN


Oberstleutnant Wilhelm Walther (1910-2010), born on 27 January 1910 in Dresden, Sachsen (German Empire), was one of the most notable officers of the German special operations forces during the Second World War and became the first member of the famous Bau-Lehr-Bataillon z.b.V. 800 “Brandenburg” to receive the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes. Originally serving with Aufklärungs-Abteilung 5 of the 2. Panzer-Division, Walther transferred to the secretive Brandenburg commando formation in March 1940 and was soon entrusted with a daring mission during the invasion of the Netherlands. On 10 May 1940, as an Oberleutnant and Stoßtruppführer of the 4. Kompanie, Bau-Lehr-Bataillon z.b.V. 800 “Brandenburg”, he led a small assault team disguised as Dutch military police escorting German prisoners in order to infiltrate and seize the strategically vital railway bridge over the Maas River near Gennep. Despite being heavily outnumbered, facing armed Dutch guards, and operating deep behind enemy security positions, Walther displayed exceptional initiative and courage, improvising under pressure when the mission appeared compromised. During the fierce struggle for control of the bridge, he and his men cut communication lines, prevented demolition preparations, and secured the crossing long enough for German armoured forces to advance. Walther himself was wounded when a bullet struck his helmet, but he continued directing the operation until the bridge and surrounding defenses were fully captured. The successful seizure of the Gennep bridge opened a crucial route for advancing German forces toward the Dutch defensive lines and contributed significantly to the rapid breakthrough into the Netherlands. In recognition of his leadership, personal bravery, and the strategic importance of the operation, Wilhelm Walther was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 24 June 1940, beginning a distinguished wartime career that later saw him command formations within the Division “Brandenburg” and participate in operations across the Balkans, Greece, and the Eastern Front.

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

Young Wilhelm Walther Riding Motorcycle

Wilhelm Walther as leader of the Student Company in Grenzschutz (Technisches Hochschule Dresden), Zeithain, autumn 1931. The motorcycle is a Victoria model KR 50 SV. Years later he would received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 24 June 1940 as Oberleutnant and Stosstruppführer in 4.Kompanie / Baulehrbataillon z.b.V. 800. Awarded for capturing a strategic bridge at Gennep during the assault on the Netherlands. Leading an 8-man team disguised as Dutch military police escorting German prisoners, they made their assault seizing the bridge and disabling the detonators.

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

Ritterkreuzträger from Silesia

 GLATZ

Oberleutnant Karl Hausmann (1912-1997), born on 10 January 1912 in Neuweistritz-Habelschwerdt, Silesia, rose to prominence during the intense fighting on the Eastern Front. Serving initially with Infanterie-Regiment 28 of the 8. Infanterie-Division and later with Jäger-Regiment 28 of the 8. leichte-Division (redesignated as 8. Jäger-Division), he participated in campaigns in Poland, the West, and Operation Barbarossa before distinguishing himself in the brutal winter battles of 1942. As Oberfeldwebel and Führer of 3.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Jäger-Regiment 28, Hausmann earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 15 May 1942 for his outstanding bravery and decisive leadership during Operation Bruckenschlag, the relief effort to break through to the encircled German forces in the Demyansk Pocket. In extreme winter conditions with temperatures below -30 degrees Celsius, deep snow, and fierce Soviet resistance, he personally led his Jäger troops in repeated assaults on fortified enemy positions near the Lovat River and Ramushewo, overcoming machine-gun fire and counterattacks through hand-to-hand combat and determined advances that helped secure the vital corridor, turning a stalled attack into a successful link-up with the trapped troops.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Province_of_Silesia
https://www.tracesofwar.com/awards/83/ritterkreuz-des-eisernen-kreuzes.htm

Propaganda Tour of Gerardus Mooyman

After receiving the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 20 February 1943 as the first non-German soldier to be so honored, Gerardus Leonardus Mooyman was immediately withdrawn from the Eastern Front by Waffen-SS authorities to undertake an extensive propaganda tour in the occupied Netherlands. At nineteen years old, the SS-Rottenführer from Apeldoorn had earned the decoration for his actions on 13 February 1943 near Lake Ladoga, where, serving as gun commander in the 14th Panzerjäger Company of the SS-Freiwilligen-Legion "Nederland," he single-handedly destroyed thirteen Soviet T-34 tanks using a captured 7.5 cm Pak 97/38 antitank gun during intense defensive fighting against repeated Red Army assaults. This feat, part of a larger tally that would eventually reach twenty-three destroyed tanks, was heavily publicized by Nazi authorities to demonstrate the valor of foreign volunteers and to encourage further Dutch enlistment in the Waffen-SS. Mooyman's return to his homeland was orchestrated as a carefully staged homefront campaign to boost morale among Dutch National Socialists and to counter growing resistance sentiments under the German occupation.

Upon his arrival back in the Netherlands in late March 1943, Mooyman was given an official hero's welcome by the highest representatives of the occupation regime and the Dutch Nazi movement. Newsreel footage captured the young SS volunteer being greeted at public events by Reichskommissar Arthur Seyss-Inquart, the Austrian-born administrator who governed the Netherlands on behalf of Hitler, and by Anton Mussert, the leader of the Nationaal-Socialistische Beweging (NSB). These orchestrated receptions were designed to symbolize the integration of Dutch fighters into the broader Germanic struggle against Bolshevism and to portray Mooyman as a living embodiment of the "New Europe" ideal promoted by Nazi ideology. The tour capitalized on his boyish appearance and modest demeanor, which contrasted sharply with his battlefield achievements, making him an accessible propaganda icon for recruitment drives targeting Dutch youth.

A highlight of the early phase of the tour occurred on 28 March 1943 in Utrecht, where Anton Mussert personally welcomed Mooyman during a public ceremony attended by NSB members and local dignitaries. Mussert, who had long advocated for Dutch collaboration with Germany and the creation of a Dutch SS unit, praised the young volunteer as an exemplary East Front fighter who had reportedly neutralized thirteen armored vehicles in a single engagement. The event drew significant media attention, with photographs and reports circulated in NSB newspapers and German-controlled Dutch press to amplify the message that serving in the Waffen-SS offered both glory and national prestige. Mooyman stood alongside Mussert as crowds gathered, reinforcing the NSB leader's vision of a fascist Netherlands aligned with the Reich.

Later in April 1943, Mooyman was honored directly by Arthur Seyss-Inquart in a formal reception documented in contemporary SS press photographs dated 19 April. In the image, the Reichskommissar stands beside the decorated SS-Rottenführer, presenting him as the first Dutch recipient of the Knight's Cross and symbolizing official German recognition of Dutch contributions to the war effort. This meeting underscored the political importance of the tour, as Seyss-Inquart used the occasion to highlight the loyalty of Dutch volunteers amid increasing calls for resistance. Additional group photographs from the period also show Mooyman alongside Höherer SS- und Polizeiführer Hans Albin Rauter, further illustrating the coordinated involvement of the occupation's top security and administrative figures in elevating the young hero's status.

Throughout the spring and summer of 1943, Mooyman's propaganda itinerary expanded into dozens of receptions, parties, parades, and public appearances across Dutch cities and towns. He was paraded before crowds, interviewed for newsreels, and featured in magazines and newspapers, with his image reproduced widely to inspire enlistment in the Dutch Legion and related SS formations. The tour included visits to NSB gatherings where he spoke—often briefly and with visible discomfort—about his experiences on the Eastern Front, serving as a role model for Dutch youth who were urged to follow his path in the fight against communism. In several locations, local authorities even proposed naming streets or squares after him, though Mooyman himself later expressed irritation at such honors, noting in a 1969 interview that he had refused one because "other warriors, who had died in battle, were just as brave as me" and that combat held far more appeal than the accompanying "trimming."

The sustained publicity surrounding Mooyman's tour also extended to personal congratulations from SS-Reichsführer Heinrich Himmler, who reportedly acknowledged the volunteer's achievements in correspondence or meetings arranged during the period. This level of high-level attention amplified the propaganda value, positioning Mooyman as a bridge between the Dutch population and the German war machine at a time when recruitment for the Eastern Front was faltering. However, the relentless schedule of events left the young soldier overwhelmed, as evidenced by contemporary photographs capturing his bewildered expression amid the fanfare. By the end of the tour in early 1944, Mooyman had fulfilled his role as a recruitment symbol before being promoted to SS-Untersturmführer der Reserve and returning to combat duty with the newly redesignated SS-Freiwilligen-Panzergrenadier Brigade "Nederland" at the Narva Front in Estonia, where he continued to serve until the final stages of the war.

Dutch Ritterkreuzträger Gerardus Mooyman is visiting Amsterdam and being “stormed” by dutch Jeugdstorm members who want his autograph. Mooyman received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 20 February 1943 as SS-Sturmmann and Geschützführer in 14.Kompanie (Panzerjäger) / SS-Freiwilligen-Legion “Nederland”.He has the distinction of being the first ever non-German to be awarded the Ritterkreuz!

Gerardus Mooyman, the first Dutch SS Volunteer to earn the German Ritterkreuz, inspects an honor guard of the youth branch of the NSB, accompanied by their leaders, 1943.



Gerardus Mooyman while he was on leave in Holland and visited the Nationale Jeugdstorm, March 1943.

Gerardus Mooyman on 28 March 1943. Photo by Heukels.

Interview with the press in the NSB hoofdkwartier in Utrecht, 28 March 1943.

Meeting with Anton Mussert at the NSB hoofdkwartier in Utrecht, 28 March 1943. On the wall hangs the painting "De Nieuwe Mensch" (The New Man) by the painter Henry van de Velde, which Mussert received as a gift in 1939.

Meeting with Anton Mussert at the NSB hoofdkwartier in Utrecht, 28 March 1943.

Meeting with Anton Mussert at the NSB hoofdkwartier in Utrecht, 28 March 1943. Photo by J.H. Hasewinkel.

Meeting with Henk Feldmeijer at the Hoofdkwartier of NSB in Utrecht, 28 March 1943.

Meeting with Hanns Albin Rauter and Arthur Seyss-Inquart in Den Haag, 29 March 1943. Photos by SS-Bildberichter Sepp Fritz.

Gerardus Mooyman in Den Haag, 29 March 1943. Photos by SS-Bildberichter Sepp Fritz.

Source:
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/video/the-dutch-ss-volunteer-gerardus-mooyman-who-was-presented-news-footage/518375535
Traces of War. "Mooijman, Gerardus Leonardus." Accessed via tracesofwar.com.  
WW2 Gravestone. "Gerardus Leonardus Mooyman, a Dutch volunteer in the Waffen-SS." Accessed via ww2gravestone.com.  
HistoryNet. "In the Uniform of the Enemy: The Dutch Waffen-SS." December 2017. Accessed via historynet.com.  
General Assault Militaria. "SS press photo - Reichskommissar Reichsminister Dr. Seyss-Inquart + Mooyman." Accessed via generalassaultmilitaria.com.  
Aberfoyle International Security. "Mooyman." February 2018. Accessed via aberfoylesecurity.com.

Ritterkreuz Action of Willy Apitz

Ritterkreuzträger Unteroffizier Willy Apitz recounts his brave exploits beyond the Dnieper. Daily proof that German soldier is best and bravest individual fighter gains substance from first person account by Apitz, over supporting animation, of his experience beyond River Dnieper in being cut of by Soviet armour and calling down his own fire (Artillerie Regiment 81) and tanks to repel nearby Russian forces.

Willy Apitz received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 1 January 1944 as Obergefreiter and Funker in 10.Batterie / Artillerie-Regiment 81 / 97.Jäger-Division. During the autumn of 1943 Obergefreiter Apitz found himself engaged in his Division’s heavy defensive combat along the Lower Dnieper front between the Nikopol and Cherson bridgeheads. In this time, while he was serving as a radio operator at a forward observation post, all of his comrades were killed during a large-scale Soviet attack. When the Soviets proceeded to launch a renewed thrust with tanks and infantry, Apitz decided to personally direct the fire of his attached artillery even though he had no training in this role. However, despite being all alone, he managed to fulfill this role effectively and direct devastating artillery fire onto the attacking Soviet forces.

A unit of Soviet infantry that were passing by suddenly attacked Apitz at his position. He initially held them off with his carbine before ordering his own artillery to bombard his position. He had to repeat the order twice before his stunned comrades proceeded to do just that. Fierce artillery fire was then plastered on Apitz’s position for about a minute. However Apitz survived, and the Soviet infantry took such high losses that they decided to fall back to their jump-off position. With this the Soviet thrust came to an end.

Apitz would be initially decorated with the Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse for this action. Later on he also received the Ritterkreuz at the recommendation of his superiors.

Source :
Die Deutsche Wochenschau No. 720 - 21 June 1944
https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1060004235
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28123/Apitz-Willy.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-DzDJmt5F8

Heinz Guderian and Hitlerjugend

Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (center, Chef des Generalstabes des Heeres) and Reichsjugendführer Arthur Axmann (right) at the Hitlerjugend display wall construction. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Theodor Scheerer in East Prussia, 6 September 1944.

On the anniversary of the "deutschen Freiheitskampfes" (German fight for freedom), Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (Chef des Generalstabes des Heeres) made a soldierly appeal to the Hitlerjugend of East Prussia, who had proven themselves in the Redoubt. They gathered around the proven troop leader and loyal collaborator of the Führer and listened to the rousing words addressed to them by Generaloberst Guderian and Reichsjugendführer Axmann, in the midst of the youth who were ready for action.

Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (second from left, Chef des Generalstabes des Heeres) and Reichsjugendführer Arthur Axmann (left) during the inspection of Hitlerjugend boys. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Theodor Scheerer in East Prussia, 6 September 1944.

Hitlerjugend members digging trenches in East Prussia. The picture was taken during the visit of Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (Chef des Generalstabes des Heeres), 6 September 1944.

Source :
Bundesarchiv Bild 183-J27583
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek (Image-No.: 70375775)
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/46907/3ea37ace93acdc6afb4c22cb76d97fbc/

Erich Bärenfänger in the Training of German Grenadier

An excerpt from 'Die Deutsche Wochenschau' Nr. 722 - 5 July 1944: Oberstleutnant Erich Bärenfänger in the footage of training of new infantrymen of the German Army in 1944. Due to the immense pressure the Wehrmacht was under in 1944, training of new soldiers was often shortened to be able to deploy them to the frontlines more quickly. This was not only the case with infantry, also tank crews, fighter pilots and other specialized troops had way less training in 1944 then for example in 1940. Bärenfänger (1915-1945) himself was a German General during WWII. He was drafted to Infantry Regiment 123 in 1936 and promoted to Reserve Lieutenant in April 1939. Shortly before finishing his mandatory service, World War II broke out and he served as platoon leader in Poland and France. In September 1941, he became company commander, and took part in Operation Barbarossa, fighting in Ukraine and on Crimea. He later served as battalion commander, fighting in the Cuban bridgehead and later around Kerch. After the German retreat from Crimea, he served in various staff position in officer training. During the Battle of Berlin, Bärenfänger commanded one of the hard fought over defense areas, and was promoted from Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-Colonel) to Generalmajor (Brigadier General), skipping the rank of Oberst (Colonel)! He tried to break out of Berlin with a small group on the night of May 2nd/3rd, and when that failed, he committed suicide with his wife. Bärenfänger was highly decorated, having received the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (December 1941), Verwundetenabzeichen in Gold (January 1942) the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (August 1942) mit Eichenlaub (May 1943) und Schwertern (January 1944).

Source :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHL8cxpPj1w

Schwerter Award Ceremony for Theodor Tolsdorff

Schwerter award ceremony for Oberstleutnant Theodor Tolsdorff (Kommandeur Grenadier-Regiment 1067 / Heeresgruppe Mitte) with Adolf Hitler (Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht), which were held at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, between 18-20 July 1944. Tolsdorff rerecived the Schwerter #80 for his Ritterkreuz on 18 July 1944 for his achievements during the Soviet operation Bagration, where he took over command of a scratch force of alert and leave companies, Grenadier-Regiment 1067. He was first ordered to break through to the garrison at Vilnius, which he succeeded in doing (on the way rescuing a German field hospital with 3,000 wounded men). He then took part in the city's defense, later breaking out with other units when a narrow corridor had been created by German relief forces. He and his men had distinguished themselves during the time they defended the city, so much so that Tolsdorff was christened "The Lion of Vilnius" by German propaganda!

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=46430&p=477537&hilit=tolsdorff#p477537

Theodor Tolsdorff being Congratulated after Receiving the Eichenlaub

Major Theodor Tolsdorff (Kommandeur I.Bataillon / Füsilier-Regiment 22 / 1.Infanterie-Division) being congratulated at home after awarded the Eichenlaub for his Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes. Tolsdorff received the Eichenlaub #302 on 15 September 1943 for his achievements during the Third Battle of Lake Ladoga (22 July - 23 August 1943), which taking place on both sides of the Kirov railway. Tolsdorff and his battalion were assigned a section of line to defend. They not only succeeding in holding their own positions for 14 days, but also managed to throw back Soviet forces that broke through in the neighbouring one. In all these battles Tolsdorff led from the front in both offense and defense.

Major Theodor Tolsdorff (Kommandeur I.Bataillon / Füsilier-Regiment 22 / 1.Infanterie-Division) being congratulated at home after awarded the Eichenlaub for his Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.

Major Theodor Tolsdorff (Kommandeur I.Bataillon / Füsilier-Regiment 22 / 1.Infanterie-Division) being congratulated at home after awarded the Eichenlaub for his Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.

Source :
http://www.1infanterie-division.de/hofmeisterir22album.htm
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=159818&p=1403236&hilit=tolsdorff#p1403236
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/1049/Tolsdorff-Theodor.htm

Hasso von Manteuffel with His Wife and Daughter in 1972

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.

Old Hasso von Manteuffel in 1972 during a visit from the owner of the Snyderstreasures website to his home in Germany. This picture shows the ex-general with his wife Armgard and daughter Ursel. His wife is a niece of Generalfeldmarschall Ewald von Kleist.

Old Hasso von Manteuffel in 1972 during a visit from the owner of the Snyderstreasures website to his home in Germany. This picture shows the ex-general with his wife Armgard and daughter Ursel. His wife is a niece of Generalfeldmarschall Ewald von Kleist.

Old Hasso von Manteuffel in 1972 during a visit from the owner of the Snyderstreasures website to his home in Germany. This picture shows the ex-general (in the background) with his wife, Armgard Huberta von Kleist-Bornstedt. His wife is a niece of Generalfeldmarschall Ewald von Kleist

Source :
https://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2010/10/album-foto-general-der-panzertruppe.html
https://bestwritersonline.org/snyders-treasure-trove

Hasso von Manteuffel Speaks in the Factory

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

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

Source :
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek photo archive

Hasso von Manteuffel and Kradschützen-Bataillon 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hans-Ulrich Rudel Speaking Before Journalists

Major Hans-Ulrich Rudel (Geschwaderführer Schlachtgeschwader 2 "Immelmann") spoke before domestic and foreign journalists on Wednesday, 6 April 1944, about the use of air power in defensive combat on the Eastern front. Here he also talks about his terrible experience when he had to make an emergency landing behind Soviet territory so he had to return to territory controlled by German troops many kilometers away on foot in the middle of the shivering winter! In this incident he also lost his radio operator and best friend Erwin Hentschel, who drowned while crossing the frozen Dniester river (600 meters long). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Ketelhohn.

Source :
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek (Image-No.: 50061504)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/192878741171
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2011/11/album-foto-terbaik-hans-ulrich-rudel.html

Hubert Brinkforth during Propaganda Tour

The picture was taken on 2 April 1941 during propaganda tour in the homeland. Original caption: "Das Ritterkreuz für einen Gefreiten. Der Führer und Oberste Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht verlich auf vorschlag des Oberbefehlshabers des Heeres, Generalfeldmarschall von Brauchitsch, des Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes and den Gefreiten Hubert Brinkforth, Richtschütze in einem Infanterieregiment. Gefreiter Brinkforth der am 15. April sein 25. lebensjahr vollender vernichtete mit seinem geschütz bei Abbeville innerhalb 20 minuten 11 Englische Panzer, die er trotz heftigen feuers bis auf 100 meter entfernung herankommen liess und dann abschoss." (The Knight's Cross for a private. The leader and Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht, at the suggestion of the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Field Marshal von Brauchitsch, awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Crosses to Private Hubert Brinkforth, gunner in an infantry regiment. Private Brinkforth, who turned 25 on April 15th, destroyed 11 English tanks with his gun near Abbeville within 20 minutes. Despite heavy fire, he allowed them to come up to a distance of 100 meters and then shot them down.)



"The City of Marl greets his Knight's Cross holder."



Hitlerjugend marching to greets Hubert Brinkforth. Hochstraße Alt-Marl towards Barkhausstrasse.



Obergefreiter Hubert Brinkforth (center), Ritterkreuzträger from Marl, between NS-Ortsgruppenleiter Paul Becker, Nazi local group leader and city mayor (with beard), and NS-Amtsbürgermeister Willeke, who after 1945 (from 1953) became representative for the CDU in the West German Bundestag.


Obergefreiter Hubert Brinkforth (second from left) during propaganda tour in Marl, his hometown, shortly after receiving the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, April 1941.

Obergefreiter Hubert Brinkforth (center), the first soldier from the enlisted rank to be awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, during a visit in the Druckhaus Tempelhof of the Deutscher Verlag, 3 April 1941. The picture was taken by photographer Erich Engel and first published by 'Berliner Volkszeitung' on 4 April 1941.



Obergefreiter Hubert Brinkforth (center), the first soldier from the enlisted rank to be awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, during a visit in the Druckhaus Tempelhof of the Deutscher Verlag, 3 April 1941. The picture was taken by photographer Erich Engel and first published by 'Berliner Morgenpost'.

Source :
https://www.ea-militaria.com/ritterkreuztrager-gefreiter-hubert-brinkforth-press-photo.html
https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/brinkforth-hubert-soldier-germany-1942-private-honoured-news-photo/543907901
https://www.marlarchiv.de/ns-stadtwerdung-1936/
https://ww2gravestone.com/people/brinkforth-hubert/