Hasso von Manteuffel in a Centurion Tank

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.

Original caption: Members of Federal German Bundestag Security Committee see Army vehicles tested. Members of the Federal German Bundestag Security Committee - who are here for a 12-day visit- today (11 November 1955) visited the Vehicle Testing Centre at Chobham, where they witnessed a demonstration of various types of army vehicles undergoing test. Among the party is Herr Hasso Ecard von Mantsuffel, a former Wehrmacht General, who commanded German armoured troops in the 1944 Ardennes offensive.

Source :
https://www.agefotostock.com/age/en/details-photo/nov-11-1955-members-of-federal-german-bundestag-security-committee-see-army-vehicles-tested-members-of-the-federal-german-bundestag-security-committee/ZUK-19551111-baf-k09-005
https://www.alamy.com/german-soldier-hasso-von-manteuffel-in-a-tank-image69390062.html?imageid=822521F3-DAE7-4995-8702-B5BC1AB13B65&p=90011&pn=1&searchId=1ce64d6deb48a7bde1330002a15193f3&searchtype=0
https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/german-soldier-and-politician-hasso-eccard-von-manteuffel-news-photo/526757355

Hasso von Manteuffel Inspecting Soviet Armored Vehicle

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

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

Visit of Walther von Brauchitsch to Balkan

This photo was taken in May 1941 during Von Brauchitsch's visit to the Balkans shortly after the Germans occupied Greece and Yugoslavia. It looks like that the Army Commander in Chief is inspecting the array of German war machines used in recent military campaigns. The cannon in the back is a Flak 30 (Flugabwehrkanone 30) 20mm caliber but without a towing vehicle underneath, and is mounted on a trailer. For the identification of the people, from left to right: 1.Oberstleutnant Heinz von Gyldenfeldt (Erster Generalstabsoffizier beim Oberbefehlshaber des Heeres), 2.Generalfeldmarschall Walther von Brauchitsch (Oberbefehlshaber des Heeres), 3.Oberstleutnant i.G. Max-Josef Pemsel (Chef des Generalstabes XVIII. Gebirgskorps), 4.Generalmajor Ferdinand Schörner (Kommandeur 6. Gebirgs-Division), and General der Infanterie Franz Böhme (Kommandierender General XVIII. Gebirgskorps).

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/1223/d0d4cdc9e9756ff5e6c7d7149085e44e/

Artur Phleps Holding a Captured Sten Gun

SS-Obergruppenführer und General der Waffen-SS Artur Phleps (Kommandierender General V. SS-Gebirgskorps) inspects a British submachine gun captured from Yugoslav Partisans. The weapon is of the Sten Mk-II type with the magazine well turns below for easy transport (for jumping paratroopers). It is not possible to open fire in this configuration because the ejection port is covered up and the magazine feed wouldn't be aligned with the bolt face. This photo was taken between 28 August to 1 September 1943 when Phleps on a visit to the Kroatische SS-Freiwilligen-Gebirgs-Division training ground in France.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=176767&hilit=phleps
https://www.thefifthfield.com/quiet-flows/ss-gruppenfuhrer-artur-phleps/

Kurt Student Inspecting FJ Unit in the Italian Front

Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. In this picture, Student is inspecting a Fallschirmjägergewehr 42 (FG 42), automatic rifle developed specifically for the use of the Fallschirmjäger airborne infantry. Standing at right with monocle is Major Harry Herrmann (Kommandeur Fallschirmjäger-Lehr-Bataillon). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.

Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. In this picture, Student is inspecting a Fallschirmjägergewehr 42 (FG 42), automatic rifle developed specifically for the use of the Fallschirmjäger airborne infantry. Standing at right with monocle is Major Harry Herrmann (Kommandeur Fallschirmjäger-Lehr-Bataillon). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.

Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. In this picture, Student is inspecting a Fallschirmjägergewehr 42 (FG 42), automatic rifle developed specifically for the use of the Fallschirmjäger airborne infantry. Standing at right is Major Harry Herrmann (Kommandeur Fallschirmjäger-Lehr-Bataillon). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.

Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. In this picture, Student is inspecting a Fallschirmjägergewehr 42 (FG 42), automatic rifle developed specifically for the use of the Fallschirmjäger airborne infantry. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.

Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. In this picture, Student is inspecting the trenches used by the soldiers. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.

Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. In this picture, Student is inspecting the trenches used by the soldiers. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.

Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.

Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.

Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.



Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a 10,5-cm Leichtgeschütz 40 recoilless gun during exercise. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.


Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a 10,5-cm Leichtgeschütz 40 recoilless gun during exercise. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.



Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a 10,5-cm Leichtgeschütz 40 recoilless gun during exercise. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.

Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a 10,5-cm Leichtgeschütz 40 recoilless gun during exercise. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.



Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a 10,5-cm Leichtgeschütz 40 recoilless gun during exercise. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.


Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a 10,5-cm Leichtgeschütz 40 recoilless gun during exercise. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.


Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a 10,5-cm Leichtgeschütz 40 recoilless gun during exercise. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.


Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a 10,5-cm Leichtgeschütz 40 recoilless gun during exercise. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.



Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a 10,5-cm Leichtgeschütz 40 recoilless gun during exercise. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.


Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a 10,5-cm Leichtgeschütz 40 recoilless gun during exercise. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.


Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a 10,5-cm Leichtgeschütz 40 recoilless gun during exercise. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.


Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a 10,5-cm Leichtgeschütz 40 recoilless gun during exercise. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.


Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a 10,5-cm Leichtgeschütz 40 recoilless gun during exercise. In the background we can see "Torre Paola" of Sabaudia, a 16th-century watchtower built by will of Pope Pius IV at the west end of the promontory, guarding the canal. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.



Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a 10,5-cm Leichtgeschütz 40 recoilless gun during exercise. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.

Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a Cannone da 75/46 C.A. modello 34 during exercise. This gun is a mobile Italian anti-aircraft artillery used during World War II. The designation means it had a caliber of 75 mm, the barrel was 46 caliber-lengths long and it was accepted in service in 1934. After the Italian Armistice, the Wehrmacht captured some of these guns, and employed them with the designation 7.5 cm Flak 264/3(i), while modello 40 guns were given the designation 7.5 cm Flak 264/4(i). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.


Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a Cannone da 75/46 C.A. modello 34 during exercise. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.

Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a Cannone da 75/46 C.A. modello 34 during exercise. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.



Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a Cannone da 75/46 C.A. modello 34 during exercise. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.

Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a Cannone da 75/46 C.A. modello 34 during exercise. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.

Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows the crew of a Cannone da 75/46 C.A. modello 34 during exercise. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.

Field inspection by General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (Kommandierender General XI. Fliegerkorps) to the training center of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division at San Felice (Monte Circeo), Italy, 26 December 1943. This picture shows a twin MG 34 anti-aircraft machine gun or Zwillings-Flak-Maschinengewehr (MG 34-Zwilling). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Toni Schneiders.

Source :
https://www.circei.it/student.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannone_da_75/46_C.A._modello_34
https://www.facebook.com/563920720321077/photos/a.654528901260258/730024720377342/?type=3
http://fallschirmjager.net/Bundesarchiv/General/General.html
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=29879&p=1278509&hilit=student+herrmann#p1278509
https://modernmilitaryhistory.com/2021/11/07/the-fallschirmjagergewehr-42-in-period-photography-a-photo-essay/
https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/world-firearms/fg42-original-photos-6975/

Visit of Rommel to Batterie Rozenburg

Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel (center, Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe B und Generalinspekteur der Küstenbefestigungen West) during inspection trip to the Batterie Rozenburg (Hoek van Holland), 26 March 1944. At left is Kapitän zur See Frank Aschmann (Seekommandant Südholland). On the left of Rommel is General der Infanterie Hans-Wolfgang Reinhard (Kommandierender General LXXXVIII. Armeekorps), while on the right next to Rommel and Hauptmann Hellmuth Lang (wearing black Panzertruppen uniform, Ordonnanzoffizier Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe B) is Generalmajor Carl Wahle (Kommandeur 719. Infanterie-Division). The officer with helmet and binoculars must be the Batterie kommandant. The heaviest coastal battery in the Netherlands was stationed in the Festung Hoek van Holland; Marine-Küsten-Batterie Rozenburg (Naval Coastal Battery ‘Rozenburg’) (XV) was stationed south of the estuary. To the north of the estuary were batteries Vineta (III) and Monster (VI). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Jesse of KBZ OB West (Kriegsberichter-Zug Oberbefehlshaber West).

Source :
https://www.atlantikwall-museum.nl/coastal-battery.html
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=147822&sid=78d82b8f0bb769a3633ae37dee35a1d5&start=495

Visit of Erwin Rommel to 21. Panzer-Division in France

FIRST VISIT (18 MAY 1944)

On Thursday, 18 May 1944, Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe B und Generalinspekteur der Küstenbefestigungen West) visited the 21. Panzer-Division base at Maisons-Laffitte, northern France. At 8:00 AM, when Rommel arrived at the HQ of Panzer-Regiment 200. there was nobody! When the Regimentskommandeur, Oberst Hermann von Oppeln-Bronikowski, eventually arrived, trailing alcohol fumes, Rommel snorted: “You’re lazy stinkers! What happens if the enemy invasion begins before eight-thirty?” The colonel gasped, “Catastrophe!” and slumped into a chair. Amazingly, the field marshal took no action. Ruge explained in his diary, “Rommel saw at once that he was a good fellow, and he didn’t hold this lapse against him.”

The reformed 21st Pz Div came into existence in Normandy in mid-1943, and was the only panzer division over which Rommel had been allowed to exercise any control prior to the invasion. He had practised them when they were stationed just south of Caen, in various manoeuvres to exploit any momentary weaknesses of the enemy just after landing. Although the Division contained some Afrikakorps veterans, it was equipped with poorly armoured light tanks and had been rated as unfit for service on the Eastern Front. After the withdrawal through France it was assigned to Army Group G. It was commanded throughout its second existence by Edgar Feuchtinger (last rank Generalleutnant), an artilleryman born in Metz in 1894. Most of division’s officers had never had anything to do with tanks before. Divisionskommandeur Edgar Feuchtinger had resourcefully mechanized the unit with an extraordinary array of captured Czech, French and Russian tanks. If the enemy invaded Normandy, Feuchtinger’s would be the only panzer division on the spot!

Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe B und Generalinspekteur der Küstenbefestigungen West) shaking hands with the officers of 21. Panzer-Division, introduced by Divisionskommandeur Generalmajor Edgar Feuchtinger who stands behind Rommel.



Accompanied by Generalmajor Edgar Feuchtinger (right, Kommandeur 21. Panzer-Division) and Hauptmann Dr.-Ing. Alfred Becker (left, Kommandeur Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 200 / 21.Panzer-Division), Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe B und Generalinspekteur der Küstenbefestigungen West) inspecting the war machines of 21. Panzer-Division. In the background parked a 15cm heavy field howitzer stands on a French Lorraine Schlepper (Tank Supply Tractor).



Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe B und Generalinspekteur der Küstenbefestigungen West) inspecting the war machines of 21. Panzer-Division, accompanied by the Divisionskommandeur, Generalmajor Edgar Feuchtinger. In the background parked a 15cm heavy field howitzer stands on a French Lorraine Schlepper (Tank Supply Tractor).



Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe B und Generalinspekteur der Küstenbefestigungen West) inspecting the war machines of 21. Panzer-Division, accompanied by the Divisionskommandeur, Generalmajor Edgar Feuchtinger.



Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe B und Generalinspekteur der Küstenbefestigungen West) inspecting the war machines of 21. Panzer-Division, accompanied by the Divisionskommandeur, Generalmajor Edgar Feuchtinger. Shown here is the Jagdpanzer Marder 1 105mm self-propelled artillery (Panzerhaubitze) based on the French H39 chassis.



Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe B und Generalinspekteur der Küstenbefestigungen West) tasting the soldier's meal. In the background is Generalmajor Edgar Feuchtinger (Kommandeur 21. Panzer-Division).



Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe B und Generalinspekteur der Küstenbefestigungen West) tasting the soldier's meal. At left is Generalmajor Edgar Feuchtinger (Kommandeur 21. Panzer-Division).


Parade of the war machines of 21. Panzer-Division in front of Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe B und Generalinspekteur der Küstenbefestigungen West) and Generalmajor Edgar Feuchtinger (Kommandeur 21. Panzer-Division)

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SECOND VISIT (30 MAY 1944)

On Tuesday 30 May 1944, After seeing a demonstration of smoke projectors and 80mm caliber multi-rocket launchers on the Riva-Bella beach, in the afternoon Generalfeldmarschall Rommel continued his tour by inspecting war machines belonging to 21. Panzer-Division. The inspection took place at Bois de Lébisey, Hérouville-Saint-Clair (6 km north of Caen), and was Rommel's second visit to 21. Panzer-Division headquarters after the first at Rouen which took place on 18 May 1944.

Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe B und Generalinspekteur der Küstenbefestigungen West) inspects members of an assault gun battalion standing in front of their guns—10.5cm leFH 18 (Sf.) auf Geschützwagen 39H(f)—a self-propelled howitzer designed by Alfred Becker—in Normandy, France, a month before the Allied invasion. Only 48 were produced during the war.

Source :
Jim Haley photo collection
Bundesarchiv photo collection
"The Armies of Rommel" by George Forty
"The Trail of the Fox: The Search for the True Field Marshal Rommel" by David Irving
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/erwin-rommel-northern-france.html?sortBy=relevant
https://www.facebook.com/worldwarincolor/photos/a.393169424146189/643834395746356/?type=3