Hans Cramer Looking at a Map with His Officers

Oberst Hans Cramer (Kommandeur Panzer-Regiment 8 / 15.Panzer-Division) is looking at a map in the company of his officers. The tall guy on the left with the armband "Kriegsberichter der Luftwaffe" is war correspondent Heinz Laubenthal of the 7th Propaganda Company of the Luftwaffe, while on the right with the Ritterkreuz slightly visible is probably Hauptmann der Reserve Johannes Kümmel (Chef 1.Kompanie / I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 8). This picture was taken on 24-28 November 1941 during Operation Crusader, when Oberst Cramer led a Kampfgruppe of 15. Panzer-Division during the Axis counter-attack towards Egypt.

Source :
https://imagesdefense.gouv.fr/fr/l-oberst-cramer-regarde-des-journaux-allemands-en-compagnie-de-ses-officiers.html

Fritz Bayerlein and the Officers of the Afrikakorps

Generalmajor Fritz Bayerlein (Chef des Generalstabes 1. italienische Armee) with the officers of the German Afrikakorps in North Africa, spring 1943. From left to right: an unidentified Leutnant, Bayerlein, Sonderführer Dr. Ernst Franz (Rommel's translator), and the bearded Sonderführer Fritz Moosmüller (a Propaganda official but spend most of his time as a Dolmetscher/translator). Note uniform color variations (fading) and General's uniform with standard buttons (not in General's gold which you would expect). Neat details that you would never be able to observe in regular black and white pictures! Note also Sonderführer Moosmüller, his collar insignia has been removed. Two men wear pants with a thigh pocket (captured British perhaps, or privately tailored?), and so many color shades here: olive green, tan, brown... not very uniform of these uniforms! Sonderführer Dr. Franz (a veteran of World War I) is wearing a pink Panzertruppen soutache on his not so bleached uniform, and he also wore Panzerkampfabzeichen in Silber. He did not add the Panzer skulls to his lapels as commonly done by Panzer men.

Source :
http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=313447&highlight=fritz+bayerlein&page=2 

Walter Kopp Introducing Bundeswehr Officers

Beginnings of the German Bundeswehr in 1956: The first military officers are being introduced to the public by Oberstleutnant Walter Kopp (right), on a press conference which were held in Münich (Bavaria, Germany) on 26 January 1956. Kopp is a former Wehrmacht officer and also a Ritterkreuzträger.

Source :
https://www.alamy.com/the-first-military-officers-are-being-introduced-to-the-public-by-lieutenant-colonel-walter-kopp-ron-a-press-conference-in-munich-bavaria-germany-on-26-january-1956-usage-worldwide-image243758289.html?imageid=17F49B68-3757-46ED-BAE7-FF09749A05D7&p=173981&pn=1&searchId=6eb46a111f6eb74f6c4ca0344b541ce8&searchtype=0
https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/the-first-military-officers-are-being-introduced-to-the-news-photo/1137802917

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

Hugo Sperrle during Hunting Event in the West

Generalfeldmarschall Hugo Sperrle (center, Chef Luftflotte 3) during the Luftwaffe hunting event in the Western Front, 1942-1944. The picture was taken from the photo album of a Luftwaffe soldier with the name of Franz Bausen, courtesy of Indonesian collector Joko Nugroho.



Generalfeldmarschall Hugo Sperrle (center, Chef Luftflotte 3) during the Luftwaffe hunting event in the Western Front, 1942-1944. The picture was taken from the photo album of a Luftwaffe soldier with the name of Franz Bausen, courtesy of Indonesian collector Joko Nugroho.



Generalfeldmarschall Hugo Sperrle (center, Chef Luftflotte 3) during the Luftwaffe hunting event in the Western Front, 1942-1944. The picture was taken from the photo album of a Luftwaffe soldier with the name of Franz Bausen, courtesy of Indonesian collector Joko Nugroho.

Luftwaffe hunting event in the Western Front, 1942-1944. The picture was taken from the photo album of a Luftwaffe soldier with the name of Franz Bausen, courtesy of Indonesian collector Joko Nugroho.

Man in the uniform of Reichsbund Deutsche Jägerschaft (German Hunting Society) blowing the horn during Luftwaffe hunting event in the Western Front, 1942-1944. The picture was taken from the photo album of a Luftwaffe soldier with the name of Franz Bausen, courtesy of Indonesian collector Joko Nugroho.



Luftwaffe hunting event in the Western Front, 1942-1944. The picture was taken from the photo album of a Luftwaffe soldier with the name of Franz Bausen, courtesy of Indonesian collector Joko Nugroho.



Luftwaffe hunting event in the Western Front, 1942-1944. The picture was taken from the photo album of a Luftwaffe soldier with the name of Franz Bausen, courtesy of Indonesian collector Joko Nugroho.



Luftwaffe hunting event in the Western Front, 1942-1944. The picture was taken from the photo album of a Luftwaffe soldier with the name of Franz Bausen, courtesy of Indonesian collector Joko Nugroho.



Two unknown Luftwaffe officers during the hunting event in the Western Front, 1942-1944. The picture was taken from the photo album of a Luftwaffe soldier with the name of Franz Bausen, courtesy of Indonesian collector Joko Nugroho.



Generalfeldmarschall Hugo Sperrle (right, Chef Luftflotte 3) during the Luftwaffe hunting event in the Western Front, 1942-1944. The picture was taken from the photo album of a Luftwaffe soldier with the name of Franz Bausen, courtesy of Indonesian collector Joko Nugroho.

Source :
Joko Nugroho photo collection

Visit of Walter Nowotny to the Machinery Factory

Hauptmann Walter Nowotny (Gruppenkommandeur I.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 54) during official visit to the Büromaschinenfabrik (office machinery factory) at Zella-Mehlis, 2 February 1944. Original caption: "Brillantenträger Hauptmann Nowotny with the soldiers of a squadron in an expert discussion in an aircraft factory. An Oberfeldwebel (senior sergeant), who was himself a foreman, looks at his comrades' workpieces from the lathe with great expertise. Hauptmann Nowotny is in the middle background". The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Vieth.

Source :
https://reibert.info/threads/valter-novotny-walter-nowotny.81263/page-3
https://shop.k-k-r.de/Fotografien-Foto-Walter-Nowotny-Ritterkreuz-Brillianten-Flugzeugwerk-1944-Hoffmann-.html

Award Ceremony for the "Cherkassy Heroes"

Award ceremony with Hitler for the three "Cherkassy Heroes" who led their men escaping from the Red Army encirclement in Korsun-Cherkassy pocket (24 January - 16 February 1944). The ceremony was held at Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, on 20 February 1944. The recipients are: Generalleutnant Theobald "Theo-Helmut" Lieb (Kommandierender General XXXXII. Armeekorps), SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Herbert Otto Gille (Kommandeur 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking"), and SS-Hauptsturmführer der Reserve Léon Degrelle (Kommandeur 5. SS-Freiwilligen-Sturmbrigade "Wallonien"). Lieb received both the Ritterkreuz (7 February 1944) and Eichenlaub (18 February 1944)  at the same time; Gille received the Schwerter (20 February 1944); while Degrelle received the Ritterkreuz (20 February 1944). The award ceremony was attended by the Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler (Chef der SS und deutschen Polizei) and SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS Hermann Fegelein (Verbindungsoffizier der Waffen-SS zum Führerhauptquartier).

From the book "Hell’s Gate: The Battle of the Cherkassy Pocket, January-February 1944" by Douglas E. Nash:

Following the breakout of the Cherkassy pocket (16-18 February 1944) and their units were being formed into Gruppe Mattenklott, SS-Gruppenführer Herbert-Otto Gille of SS-Wiking Division, SS-Hauptstürmführer Léon Degrelle of SS-Brigade Wallonien and Generalleutnant Theobald Lieb (m.d.F.b.) of XXXXII. Armeekorps flew to Rastenburg after their conference at Uman aboard a Ju-52, arriving on the evening of 20 February 1944. Here, the two SS officers were whisked away in a limousine to their accommodations by an escort provided by Reichsfiihrer-SS Heinrich Himmler. Degrelle later recalled how out of place he felt, when he stated that "In the automobile which drove me from the airport I could feel hundreds of lice devouring my body. My uniform was filthy." He was also still wearing the heavy felt winter boots he had worn during the breakout and his uniform was torn in several places. While he was led to a waiting hot bath, his first in months, a squad of SS men took his uniform from him and cleaned and mended it as best they could. Prior to dressing, Degrelle discovered that Himmler had presented him a gift of a new undershirt, since his old one was full of holes and lice-ridden. Thus refreshed, Degrelle and Gille joined Himmler for the 40 kilometer drive to Hitler's Wolfschanze.

Here, the group was led into the perimeter of the compound, illuminated by floodlights and heavily guarded. Once led inside the wooden meeting hall, the group was greeted by Hitler himself, who seized Degrelle's hand and said "I've been very worried about you." Degrelle's admiration for the Führer was not lessened by Hitler's frail appearance, in fact, it increased, since he credited it to the fact that Hitler's back was bent from "studying maps interminably and from bearing the weight of the world ..." It did not occur to the Walloon leader at the time that it was Hitler himself who was directly responsible for the destruction of his beloved brigade, since it was he who had decreed that the salient along the Dnieper be held at all costs.

Degrelle and Gille, now reunited with Lieb, were led to a large hall in the building, where Hitler presented the two generals with the Eichenlaub (Oak Leaves) to their Ritterkreuz (Knight's Crosses) and Degrelle with his first award of the Ritterkreuz. The award ceremony was immediately followed by a press conference which was broadcast live throughout Germany and the occupied areas as proof indeed that German forces had fought its way out of the Cherkassy Pocket and had not been destroyed, as the Soviets had claimed. Hitler's press chief, Dr. Otto Dietrich, allowed each of the three men to make a few prepared statements. In the glare of flashbulbs, they briefly related their experiences and how well their troops had fought, stressing repeatedly that the mass of the encircled troops had fought their way free.

In this occasion, a very much alive Theo Lieb found himself in the limelight. Perhaps carried away by the excitement and the media attention, Lieb, when asked who had made the decision to break out of the pocket, declared that he himself had done so on his own responsibility. This provoked an angry inquiry two days later by Generalfeldmarschall Erich von Manstein, who learned about the incident after hearing the interview on the Deutsche Soldatensender (German Armed Forces radio). The field marshal fired off a personal message on 22 February to Hube at 1.Pz.Armee demanding that he set the
record straight, since it was Manstein, through 8.Armee's commander, who had made the decision to order a breakout.

It was here perhaps where Lieb earned the sobriquet that would follow him wherever he went for the rest of his career forever after, he would be known as the "Lion of Cherkassy." While it had probably been coined sarcastically, Lieb wore the title as a badge of honor. Who could deny that he had earned it, for had he not led the assault force that broke out of the encirclement? Despite the honors heaped upon him by Hitler and his superb handling of XXXXII.A.K., Lieb was not selected to command a corps again, though he did command 34.InfDiv. along the Franco-Italian border from June to October 1944. The war's end found him holding a nominal assignment in northern Italy. Perhaps Manstein's wrath had shortened his career, perhaps Lieb had done so himself with his outspokenness...

BTW, many notes on the books and websites mention the awards ceremony was on 18 February. Also note that the “official” date for Lieb’s award is 18 February while Gille and Degrelle’s date for their respective awards is 20 February. The ceremony actually took place on 20 February 1944.

Note how Hitler is warm to Degrelle in the photos below. Upon meeting Degrelle, Hitler would have mentioned “I’ve been very worried about you”. Degrelle apparently received the Eichenlaub on 25. August 1944. Upon receiving his Eichenlaub, Hitler would have told him, "Si j'avais eu un fils, j'aurais aimé qu'il fût comme vous" - "If I had a son, I would want him to be like you." (Interview given by Léon Degrelle to Jean Kapel in Histoire magazine; No. 19, septembre 1981). This statement is contested by Degrelle’s biographer, Jean-Marie Frérotte in Léon Degrelle, le dernier fasciste (Bruxelles, Paul Legrain, 1987). After the ceremony Degrelle would have said of Hitler, “I saw in his eyes that he looked at me like a son”.

Although taken 6 months earlier, the photos of the Cherkassy ceremony show a warmth that Hitler rarely demonstrates to other soldiers.

Adolf Hitler (Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht) congratulates SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Herbert Otto Gille (Kommandeur 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking") during the award ceremony for "Cherkassy Heroes" which were held at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, on 20 February 1944. At left is another recipient, SS-Hauptsturmführer der Reserve Léon Degrelle (Kommandeur 5. SS-Freiwilligen-Sturmbrigade "Wallonien"), while at right is SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS Hermann Fegelein (Verbindungsoffizier der Waffen-SS zum Führerhauptquartier) and Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler (Chef der SS und deutschen Polizei).

Adolf Hitler (Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht) congratulates SS-Hauptsturmführer der Reserve Léon Degrelle (Kommandeur 5. SS-Freiwilligen-Sturmbrigade "Wallonien") during the award ceremony for "Cherkassy Heroes" which were held at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, on 20 February 1944. In the center is another recipient, SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Herbert Otto Gille (Kommandeur 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking"), while second from right is SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS Hermann Fegelein (Verbindungsoffizier der Waffen-SS zum Führerhauptquartier).

Adolf Hitler (Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht) congratulates SS-Hauptsturmführer der Reserve Léon Degrelle (Kommandeur 5. SS-Freiwilligen-Sturmbrigade "Wallonien") during the award ceremony for "Cherkassy Heroes" which were held at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, on 20 February 1944. Note how Hitler is warm to Degrelle in the photos that surfaced from the ceremony. Upon meeting Degrelle, Hitler would have mentioned “I’ve been very worried about you”. Degrelle apparently received the Eichenlaub on 25. August 1944. Upon receiving his Eichenlaub, Hitler would have told him, "Si j'avais eu un fils, j'aurais aimé qu'il fût comme vous" - "If I had a son, I would want him to be like you." (Interview given by Léon Degrelle to Jean Kapel in Histoire magazine; No. 19, septembre 1981). This statement is contested by Degrelle’s biographer, Jean-Marie Frérotte in Léon Degrelle, le dernier fasciste (Bruxelles, Paul Legrain, 1987). After the ceremony Degrelle would have said of Hitler, “I saw in his eyes that he looked at me like a son”. Although taken 6 months earlier, the photos of the Cherkassy ceremony show a warmth that Hitler rarely demonstrates to other soldiers.



Adolf Hitler (Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht) congratulates Generalleutnant Theobald "Theo-Helmut" Lieb (Kommandierender General XXXXII. Armeekorps) during the award ceremony for "Cherkassy Heroes" which were held at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, on 20 February 1944. Although Gille and Degrelle was also awarded the medals on this same day at the FHQ, it seems that Lieb received the Eichenlaub alone. However, there are several photos showing both Degrelle, Gille, Lieb and Press Chief Dietrich taken after the two ceremonies (see below).



Press conference held at the Reichspropagandaministerium in Berlin on 21 February 1944, one day after the award ceremony for the heroes of the Battle of Cherkassy at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze. From left to right: SS-Hauptsturmführer der Reserve Léon Degrelle (Kommandeur 5. SS-Freiwilligen-Sturmbrigade "Wallonien"), Generalleutnant Theobald "Theo-Helmut" Lieb (Kommandierender General XXXXII. Armeekorps), SS-Obergruppenführer Dr.rer.pol. Otto Dietrich (Reichspressechef der NSDAP), and SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Herbert Otto Gille (Kommandeur 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking").



Press conference held at the Reichspropagandaministerium in Berlin on 21 February 1944, one day after the award ceremony for the heroes of the Battle of Cherkassy at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze. Generalleutnant Theobald "Theo-Helmut" Lieb (standing, Kommandierender General XXXXII. Armeekorps) is making a speech, while behind him are, from left to right: SS-Hauptsturmführer der Reserve Léon Degrelle (Kommandeur 5. SS-Freiwilligen-Sturmbrigade "Wallonien"), SS-Obergruppenführer Dr.rer.pol. Otto Dietrich (Reichspressechef der NSDAP), SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Herbert Otto Gille (Kommandeur 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking"), and two unknown civilian.

Three "Heroes of Cherkassy" with SS-Obergruppenführer Dr.rer.pol. Otto Dietrich (right, Reichspressechef der NSDAP). From left to right: SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Herbert Otto Gille (Kommandeur 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking"), Generalleutnant Theobald "Theo-Helmut" Lieb (Kommandierender General XXXXII. Armeekorps), and SS-Hauptsturmführer der Reserve Léon Degrelle (Kommandeur 5. SS-Freiwilligen-Sturmbrigade "Wallonien". The picture was taken by the unknown photographer from Presse-Illustrationen Heinrich Hoffmann at the Reichspropagandaministerium in Berlin on 21 February 1944, one day after the award ceremony at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia.

Three "Heroes of Cherkassy" with SS-Obergruppenführer Dr.rer.pol. Otto Dietrich (right, Reichspressechef der NSDAP). From left to right: SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Herbert Otto Gille (Kommandeur 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking"), Generalleutnant Theobald "Theo-Helmut" Lieb (Kommandierender General XXXXII. Armeekorps), and SS-Hauptsturmführer der Reserve Léon Degrelle (Kommandeur 5. SS-Freiwilligen-Sturmbrigade "Wallonien"). The picture was taken by the unknown photographer from Presse-Illustrationen Heinrich Hoffmann at the Reichspropagandaministerium in Berlin on 21 February 1944, one day after the award ceremony at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia.

Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler (Chef der SS und deutschen Polizei) sharing a lighter moment with two of the "Cherkassy Heroes" from Waffen-SS: SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Herbert Otto Gille (left, Kommandeur 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking") and SS-Hauptsturmführer der Reserve Léon Degrelle (right, Kommandeur 5. SS-Freiwilligen-Sturmbrigade "Wallonien"). The picture was taken by the unknown photographer from Presse-Illustrationen Heinrich Hoffmann on 21 February 1944, one day after the award ceremony at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia.



SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Herbert Otto Gille (Kommandeur 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking") photographed by Presse-Illustrationen Heinrich Hoffmann at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, after the Schwerter award ceremony for the "Heroes of Cherkassy" with Hitler on 20 February 1944. The medal was formally awarded on the same day for the extremely distinguished leadership of his division during the breakout from the Cherkassy pocket. In this time his division was the spearhead of the German forces trapped within the pocket, and it played an invaluable role in allowing the encircled troops to escape.



SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Herbert Otto Gille (Kommandeur 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking") photographed by Walter Frentz at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, after the Schwerter award ceremony for the "Heroes of Cherkassy" with Hitler on 20 February 1944. The medal was formally awarded on the same day for the extremely distinguished leadership of his division during the breakout from the Cherkassy pocket. In this time his division was the spearhead of the German forces trapped within the pocket, and it played an invaluable role in allowing the encircled troops to escape.

Generalleutnant Theo-Helmut "Theobald" Lieb (Kommandierender General XXXXII. Armeekorps) photographed by Presse-Illustrationen Heinrich Hoffmann at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, after the award ceremony for the "Heroes of Cherkassy" with Hitler on 20 February 1944. Although Gille and Degrelle was also awarded the medals on this same day at the FHQ, it seems that Lieb received the Eichenlaub alone. However, there are several photos showing both Degrelle, Gille, Lieb and Press Chief Dietrich taken after the two ceremonies. Lieb himself received the Eichenlaub for his further achievements during the battle for the Cherkassy pocket. Especially during the breakout from the pocket he would show great bravery and energy. He collected a Bataillon of stragglers from the Korpsabteilung B and the 5. SS Panzer-Division “Wiking” and broke through a Soviet armoured group south of the road Potschapinzy-Lissjanka. With his horse Lieb then swam over the Gniloi-Tikitsch and reached safety at Lissjanka. For his role in this battle he would be christened the “Lion of Cherkassy” and be awarded the Eichenlaub directly from Hitler himself.

Generalleutnant Theobald "Theo-Helmut" Lieb (Kommandierender General XXXXII. Armeekorps) photographed by Walter Frentz at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, after the award ceremony for the "Heroes of Cherkassy" with Hitler on 20 February 1944. Lieb himself received the Eichenlaub for his further achievements during the battle for the Cherkassy pocket. Especially during the breakout from the pocket he would show great bravery and energy. He collected a Bataillon of stragglers from the Korpsabteilung B and the 5. SS Panzer-Division “Wiking” and broke through a Soviet armoured group south of the road Potschapinzy-Lissjanka. With his horse Lieb then swam over the Gniloi-Tikitsch and reached safety at Lissjanka. For his role in this battle he would be christened the “Lion of Cherkassy” and be awarded the Eichenlaub directly from Hitler himself.



SS-Hauptsturmführer der Reserve Léon Degrelle (Kommandeur 5. SS-Freiwilligen-Sturmbrigade "Wallonien") photographed by Presse-Illustrationen Heinrich Hoffmann at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, after the award ceremony for the "Heroes of Cherkassy" with Hitler on 20 February 1944. Degrelle’s Ritterkreuz recommendation reads as follows: "The SS-Sturmbrigade ‘Wallonien’ belongs to the formations of the Heer and Waffen-SS that defied all enemy attacks during the weeks of combat in the Cherkassy pocket, fighting all alone. Degrelle took over leadership of the Brigade after its former brave commander, SS-Sturmbannführer Lucien Lippert, died in battle on 13 February 1944 after a shot to the chest. Prior to this Degrelle had already distinguished himself several times through his personal bravery, and in his new role he demonstrated outstanding leadership during the decisive breakthrough fighting of the last days. He and his brave Walloons acquitted themselves very well as they struggled side by side with soldiers of the Heer and the Germanic men of the Waffen-SS in a true comradely fashion."

SS-Hauptsturmführer der Reserve Léon Degrelle (Kommandeur 5. SS-Freiwilligen-Sturmbrigade "Wallonien") photographed by Walter Frentz at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, after the award ceremony for the "Heroes of Cherkassy" with Hitler on 20 February 1944. Degrelle’s Ritterkreuz recommendation reads as follows: "The SS-Sturmbrigade ‘Wallonien’ belongs to the formations of the Heer and Waffen-SS that defied all enemy attacks during the weeks of combat in the Cherkassy pocket, fighting all alone. Degrelle took over leadership of the Brigade after its former brave commander, SS-Sturmbannführer Lucien Lippert, died in battle on 13 February 1944 after a shot to the chest. Prior to this Degrelle had already distinguished himself several times through his personal bravery, and in his new role he demonstrated outstanding leadership during the decisive breakthrough fighting of the last days. He and his brave Walloons acquitted themselves very well as they struggled side by side with soldiers of the Heer and the Germanic men of the Waffen-SS in a true comradely fashion."

Source :
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek photo archive (Image-No.: 30028861)
Mark C. Yerger photo collection
"Hell’s Gate: The Battle of the Cherkassy Pocket, January-February 1944" by Douglas E. Nash
https://www.akg-images.de/CS.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&ITEMID=2UMDHUNUH2AI
https://www.alexautographs.com/auction-lot/theo-helmut-lieb_9D243A48C5
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2010/10/album-foto-leon-degrelle.html
https://beeldbankwo2.nl/nl/beelden/detail/cfeb4812-0259-11e7-904b-d89d6717b464/media/53a04baf-8a8f-d652-fcf5-ff0a4e601ce5?mode=detail&view=horizontal&q=gille&rows=1&page=1
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=46430&p=1375350&hilit=gille&sid=4efb5f6b5be120d761949f74f47aa14e#p1375350
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/gille-herbert-general-of-the-waffen-ss-germanyfrom-left-to-news-photo/545336087
http://pantorijn.blogspot.com/2014/06/hoffmann-postcards-knight-cross-holders_41.html
https://waralbum.ru/364716/
https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/photos-papers-propaganda-third-reich/signatures-waffen-ss-knights-cross-winners-6478-2/
https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/forum/wehrmacht-era-militaria/photos-and-paper-items-forum/379950-original-presse-hoffmann-photos?t=379638
https://x.com/GermanScholarrr/status/1802039067288191330?lang=zh

Léon Degrelle Entertaining Guests at His Villa

The pictures showing SS-Obersturmführer der Reserve Léon Degrelle were taken at his Villa, Drève de Lorraine, Brussels on August 8th, 1943 (2nd anniversary of the departure of the Legion Wallonie for the Eastern front). The one showing Degrelle surrounded by 27 war reporter in front of his villa was taken the same day. The other pictures showing Germans were taken at the Gare du Nord railroad station and on the "Grand Place" of Brussels, during a visit to that peculiar tourist place. The picture showing the Walloon legionnaire officer with the Walloon badge on the lower part of his left sleeve is SS-Obersturmführer Jean Vermeire. Caption by Eddy DeBruyne, with thanks for the identification efforts. NARA photo Record Group 242, file 242-jrp-75 vierbillken.

Source :
"From A European anabasis: western European volunteers in the German army and SS, 1940-1945" by Kenneth W. Estes
https://www.fulcrum.org/concern/file_sets/02870w964

Luftwaffe Generals After Captured (Color Video)

Original color World War II footage about high ranking Germans in captivity, including: Generalleutnant Adolf Galland (00:05), General der Flieger Hans-Georg von Seidel and Generalingenieur Dipl.-Ing. Rudolf Spies (02:53), General der Flieger Karl-Heinrich Bodenschatz (04:30), Generalfeldmarschall Albert Kesselring (06:10), and Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring (07:00).

Source :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmaH77bGS4I

Bio of Oberst Arthur Haussels (1895-1943)

Arthur Haussels

Date of Birth: 04.02.1895 - Glauchau, Sachsen (German Empire)
Date of Death: 13.02.1943 - Napoli/Naples, Campania (Italy)
Buried: Plot: Deutsche Kriegsgräberstätte Cassino. Plot 16. Grave 1037

Promotions:
00.00.1916 Leutnant
00.00.19__ Oberleutnant
00.00.1934 Hauptmann
00.00.1938 Major
00.00.1942 Oberstleutnant
01.02.1943 Oberst (posthumously)

Career:
00.08.1914 Kriegsfreiwilliger in Ulanen-Regiment Nr. 17
00.00.1917 Kompanieführer in a MG-Scharfschützen-Abteilung
00.00.1920 retired from the military
00.08.1934 reactivated as a Hauptmann
00.00.1935 Kompaniechef in Infanterie-Regiment 31
00.01.1939 Chef 5.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 139 / 3.Gebirgs-Division
00.00.1940 Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 139 / 3.Gebirgs-Division
00.03.1942 Kommandeur Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 139 / 3.Gebirgs-Division
00.00.1943 Kommandeur Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 756 / 334.Infanterie-Division

Awards and Decorations:
00.00.191_ 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.00.191_ 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.191_ Ritterkreuz des königlichen Sächsen Militär-Sankt-Heinrichs-Orden
00.00.193_ Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer 1914-1918
00.00.19__ Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung IV.Klasse (4 jahre)
00.00.19__ Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
00.00.19__ 1939 spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.00.19__ Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber
00.00.19__ 1939 spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.191_ Vapaudenristin ritarikunta, 2nd Class (Finland)
04.09.1940 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Major and Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 139 / 3.Gebirgs-Division. Awarded for his actions during the fighting for Narvik in 1940. On the 30.05.1940 Polish forces managed to capture Alsla, a key point on the German left wing. However Major Haussels reacted swiftly and was able to recapture the place with his men. In the fighting which followed he held the rocky mountains of Sildvikfell and Alsla against further Polish attacks, distinguishing himself in the process.
00.00.1940 Narvikschild
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber

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Arthur Haussels’, a career soldier, was born in 1895, and served from 1914 to 1919 in the Imperial German Army. Rejoining the Army of the Wehrmacht in August 1934, by January 1939 he was Commander of 5.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 139, and in 1940 was Commander of the 2nd Battalion of the same regiment.

As a battalion commander (II./Gebirgs-Jäger-Regiment 139/3. Mountain Division) Haussels proved himself in Operation "Weserübung" and in the Battle of Narvik. In March 1942 he took over command of the regiment as successor to Alois Windisch.

In 1943, Oberstleutnant Haussels commanded the Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 756, which was set up in December 1942. Operation "Eilbote" began on January 18, 1943 under the command of the 334th Infantry Division under Major General Friedrich Weber. His mountain infantry flew with Jus 52 from Naples to North Africa (→ Tunisia campaign). His men conquered the Djebel Solbia massif and later (under Holzinger) the Djebel Mansour in north-east Tunisia. In this battle, the mountain infantry faced soldiers of the Foreign Legion. "You fought like lions" said a captured foreign legionnaire of German origin after the fight. In February 1943, while in the hospital, Haussels was promoted to Oberst for bravery in the face of the enemy.

"[...] I myself flew to North Africa on January 18, 1943 with about 10 men, an infantry gun, 2 field kitchens and various equipment. The group of planes consisted of about 50 machines and flew towards Sicily at a height of about 50 m above the sea. As we approached, we saw another group of Ju 52s circling over Palermo, which then joined our formation. After landing at Tunis airfield, we were astonished at the great zeal of the Luftwaffe comrades during the unloading, but soon we realized from the pile of scrap heaps of wrecked planes that we couldn't overlook that we really had to hurry. Since the German transport planes, for some inexplicable reason, left Naples at the same time as the train at 5 or 6 in the morning, the enemy fighter pilots were able to score plenty of kills over the Bay of Tunis. We were lucky that day and were not bothered. 2 days later the planes that had just landed were bombed and the airfield looked as if it had been sprinkled with confetti. The 'confetti' was all the mail for the 5th Panzer Army in Tunisia. At the end of January 1943 a whole group was shot down over the Mediterranean Sea and not a single machine arrived in Tunis. Around January 25, 1943, the Geb.Jäg.Rgt. 756 was detached from the divisional formation and formed an independent combat group with Panzer Battalion 501, equipped with new Tiger tanks, which was deployed in the sector of a badly battered Italian division. The task of the combat group was to set up an HKL in the mountains to the west and thus keep the back free for the Africa Army under Field Marshal Rommel arriving from Libya in southern Tunisia. Heavy fighting broke out again and again with the retreating French troops, whose artillery shot very well and who were already being strongly supported by British units. There was particularly bitter fighting around the Djebel Mansour, from which the entire plain with the roads between Medjes Lel Bab and Pont du Fahs southwest of Tunis could be seen. Since the weak Italian garrison could not hold the mountain, we had to fight for the summit of Djebel Mansour three times. In the last attack more than half of the company, platoon and squad leaders were wounded or died. By mid-February the Allies had established a reasonably closed front in western Tunisia and the fighting was intensifying. Our Rgt.Kdr. Colonel Haussels was seriously wounded and died shortly afterwards in a hospital in Naples. Rommel tried to lead the Panzerarmee Afrika from southern Tunisia in a north-western thrust towards Bone in Algeria so that his own troops would have more freedom of movement. Our positions were on average only 50-60 km from the coast behind us. In this operation, 3,000 American prisoners were taken as an initial success at the Kasserine Pass, but the Allied front could no longer be broken through due to the great superiority in troops and material. [...] For the Geb.Jaeg.Rgt. 756 came on May 9th, 1943, exactly 6 months after the installation, the bitter end. We had withdrawn to the beach of Tunis Bay. The most unbelievable rumors were spread about an alleged pickup of the troops by German naval vessels, but these were all just slogans. British warships have been patrolling the Tunisian coast for days, shooting up every suspicious boat. After we had still heard the Wehrmacht report with the reports of the last fighting on Tunisian soil from the intact radios, we saw the first American tanks approaching our hideout. Enemy tanks in front of us and the sea behind us - that was the situation we had been anticipating for weeks. After the weapons and radios had been destroyed, the motor vehicles that had made it to the beach were set on fire. With raised hands, emaciated and in torn uniforms, we entered on the evening of May 9th. the march into captivity. Since fighting was still going on on Cap Bone, south of the Bay of Tunis, several comrades dared the senseless undertaking of crossing the bay in motor boats, fishing boats, rowing boats or rafts made from petrol barrels and telephone poles. From our cover caves in the coastal mountains we had to watch as one boat after the other was shot down by enemy fighter planes. There were no more survivors. Weapons were laid down on Cap Bone on May 12, 1943. Our regiment was lucky that we were in the attack sector of the 34th American Infantry Division and were captured and treated correctly by them. Other units were captured by troops of the Free French, Foreign Legionnaires, New Zealanders or South Africans and these comrades usually fared much worse. Our old battalion commander and last regiment commander, Major Hörtnagl, said goodbye to us in the first reception camp near Mateur.” — Gregor Seidenschwarz, "Mit dem Gebirgs-Jäger-Regiment 756 in Afrika (Tunesien)", in: “Die Gebirgstruppe" Magazine of the 'Kameradenkreises der Gebirgstruppe'.

The regiment was destroyed in Tunisia in May 1943, the bulk of the team that was operational up to then was captured by the Americans and distributed to various camps in the US.

Haussels, who was fighting in the front line, urging his fighters on with the words "Let's go Jaga!", suffered a shot in the leg during the first combat mission in the Tunis bridgehead, as a result of which he (after treatment at the main dressing station and in the hospital in Tunis) was flown out and in the hospital in Italy died after leg amputation. His successor as regimental commander was Major Holzinger (Group "Holzinger"), who were also a Ritterkreuzträger since 1941.

Arthur Haussels as an officer in Ulanen-Regiment "Kaiser Franz Josef von Österreich, König von Ungarn“ (1. Königlich Sächsisches) Nr. 17. He is wearing the recently awarded Ritterkreuz des königlichen Sächsen Militär-Sankt-Heinrichs-Orden in his uniform.

Arthur Haussels in the mountain with his Gebirgsjäger.

Ritterkreuz award ceremony for Major Arthur Haussels (Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 139 / 3.Gebirgs-Division), which were held on 4 September 1940. The medal was awarded for his actions during the fighting for Narvik in 1940. On 30 May 1940 Polish forces managed to capture Alsla, a key point on the German left wing. However Major Haussels reacted swiftly and was able to recapture the place with his men. In the fighting which followed he held the rocky mountains of Sildvikfell and Alsla against further Polish attacks, distinguishing himself in the process.

Arthur Haussels as a Major, with added Ritterkreuz.

Arthur Haussels wearing Narvikschild.

Arthur Haussels wearing bergmütze (mountain cap).



Arthur Haussels as Oberstleutnant.

Oberstleutnant Arthur Haussels (center) in a happy moment with baby and his troops. They were also accompanied by unknown SS NCO at left.

On 18 January 1943, Oberstleutnant Arthur Haussels (Kommandeur Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 756 / 334.Infanterie-Division) issuing orders for "Unternehmen Eilbote" (Operation Courier), a successful German attack in the Eastern Dorsal Mountains of Tunisia that saw Generaloberst von Arnim's men capture a number of key mountain passes, preparing the way for the later battle of the Kasserine Pass. To the right of Haussels is Oberleutnant Reimer, the regimental adjutant. The back of the order bears the signature of Generalmajor Friedrich Weber, Divisionskommandeur of the 334. Infanterie-Division and Ritterkreuzträger (holder of the Knight's Cross) since 1940.

Funeral service with military honors of Oberst Arthur Haussels.

Newspaper's career and heroic death.

Letter from the division commander to Haussel's wife after his death.

Source :
Bildarchiv Reichskommissariat Norwegen
Bill T. photo collection
Fakatona photo collection
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Haussels,_Arthur
https://www.ebay.de/b/General-in-Militaria-Fotos-1900-1918-1945/15504/bn_7004515776
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=1419420#p1419420
https://www.noonans.co.uk/auctions/archive/past-catalogues/580/catalogue/394794/?layout=list&sort=Hammer_Reverse
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/66757/Haussels-Arthur.htm
https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/german-photographs-postcards/photos-high-award-winners-rkt-above-186107-9/