Ritterkreuzträger with Ärmelband (Cuff Title)

ÄRMELBAND "GROßDEUTSCHLAND" (1940)

The Ärmelband Großdeutschland was one of the most prestigious and recognizable sleeve bands (cuff titles) of the German Wehrmacht during World War II. Instituted in 1940 for soldiers of the elite Infanterie-Regiment Grossdeutschland (later upgraded to Panzergrenadier-Division Grossdeutschland), the black wool band featured the word “Großdeutschland” embroidered in high-quality silver-grey (aluminum) thread in Gothic script. Only members of this elite formation were authorized to wear it on the right sleeve of their service and field uniforms. The division, known for its exceptional combat performance on the Eastern Front, particularly at Kursk, Rzhev, and in the defense of East Prussia, earned a fearsome reputation, and its cuff title became a symbol of elite status within the German Army. Today, original Ärmelband Großdeutschland pieces are highly sought after by militaria collectors due to their historical significance and relative scarcity.



Oberstleutnant Hans-Dieter von Basse (1916-1945), born in Hagen, Westfalen, was a highly decorated officer of the Wehrmacht who rose through the ranks of the elite Panzer-Grenadier-Division "Großdeutschland" and received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 10 September 1944 as Major and Kommandeur of the I. Bataillon, Panzer-Füsilier-Regiment "Großdeutschland" for a daring exploit during the August 1944 fighting west of Schaulen (Šiauliai) in Lithuania; after the division’s men had seized Kuziai on 19 August, the Füsilier-Regiment pressed southward toward a designated stream obstacle, and at the critical moment when a Soviet breakthrough near Kursenai (Kuršėnai) threatened the last land corridor linking Heeresgruppe Nord and Heeresgruppe Mitte, von Basse led a small group of his troops in a bold assault that seized the final intact bridge spanning the watercourse and overran the enemy trench system on the far bank, thereby establishing a vital bridgehead that enabled continued German offensive operations and earned his battalion the honorary designation of the “Lion Battalion” from the regimental commander; later taking temporary command of the Panzer-Füsilier-Regiment "Großdeutschland" itself, he was promoted to Oberstleutnant on 1 April 1945 and fell two weeks later near Godnicken in the Samland when he was fatally wounded by a shot to the head.

Major im Generalstab Helmut Beck-Broichsitter (1914-2000), born on 30 August 1914 in Kiel and who died on 25 September 2000 in Uetersen, was a German Wehrmacht officer who served in the Infanterie-Regiment (motorisiert) "Großdeutschland" during the Second World War, rising to the rank of Oberleutnant and serving as Chef der 14. (Panzerjäger) Kompanie im IV. Bataillon before later assignments as Ia Generalstab in Panzerkorps "Großdeutschland". He was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 4 September 1940 as Oberleutnant and Chef der 14. Kompanie for his heroic leadership and combat performance during the Battle of France between 10 and 15 May 1940. Near Etalle in Belgium on 10 May, while providing tank protection to his regiment, he and his company destroyed twelve enemy armoured vehicles including six reconnaissance armoured cars and six light tanks. Following the Maas crossing near Sedan, at Chemery on 14 May he took and held a bridge located 500 metres south of the town together with an armoured car Zug; after losing contact with the armoured cars he deployed his guns in a hedgehog formation against attacking enemy tanks from the southwest and his two light machine guns against a cavalry squadron from the southeast, holding the position alone without infantry support for three hours, repulsing the cavalry and destroying thirty-one enemy tanks. At Stonne on 15 May, despite a serious situation and lack of infantry support, he prevented an enemy tank breakthrough with exceptional boldness, destroying another thirty-three tanks and thereby significantly contributing to the holding and expansion of Gruppe von Kleist’s breakthrough point near Sedan; in total during this period his Panzerjäger-Kompanie destroyed six armoured cars and eighty-three enemy tanks, including three heavy thirty-two-ton tanks.

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.

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ÄRMELBAND "ADOLF HITLER" (1935)

The "Adolf Hitler" cuff title, or Ärmelstreifen, of the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler (LSSAH) stands as one of the most iconic and controversial insignia of the Waffen-SS during the Third Reich, symbolizing the elite status of what began as Adolf Hitler's personal bodyguard unit in 1923 and evolved into a formidable 1st SS Panzer Division by World War II. Introduced in the mid-1930s and worn on the left sleeve cuff of black SS uniforms, the cuff title typically featured the Führer's signature-style name "Adolf Hitler" embroidered or machine-woven in silver or white thread on a black wool or rayon band, often edged with silver piping for officers and NCOs, while enlisted versions used simpler BeVo (BeVo-Wuppertal) woven construction for mass production. Members of the LSSAH, who swore personal oaths of loyalty directly to Hitler, proudly displayed this distinctive band as a mark of privilege and unit identity during campaigns from the invasion of Poland in 1939 through the grueling Eastern Front battles and the Ardennes Offensive, where the division earned a fearsome reputation for both combat effectiveness and atrocities. Production variations included early hand-embroidered officer styles with bullion wire and later wartime economy versions, making originals highly sought after by collectors today, though their display remains heavily regulated or prohibited in many countries due to Nazi associations. Even in the war's final months, following Hitler's infamous "cuff titles order" in 1945—issued in a fit of rage after perceived failures in Hungary—the LSSAH largely ignored the directive to remove them, underscoring the profound personal and ideological bond the insignia represented until the division's dissolution in May 1945.



SS-Oberscharführer Balthasar "Bobby" Woll (1922-1996) was a highly skilled panzer NCO in the Waffen-SS, renowned as one of the most successful tank gunners of World War II and the only one to receive the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes. Born on 1 September 1922 in Wemmetsweiler, Saarland, he volunteered for the Waffen-SS on 15 August 1941, initially serving as an MG-Schütze with the 3. Kompanie, SS-Totenkopf-Infanterieregiment 1 of the SS-Totenkopf-Division, where he was wounded in the Demyansk Pocket in March 1942 and earned early decorations including the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz and the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse. After recovering and retraining as a Panzerrichtschütze, he joined the 13. Schwere Panzer-Kompanie, SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 of the 1. SS-Panzer-Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler at the end of 1942, becoming the gunner for SS-Hauptsturmführer Michael Wittmann and forming one of the division's most effective Tiger crews. By Operation Zitadelle at Kursk in July 1943 and subsequent actions around Kharkov and Belgorod, Woll had already demonstrated exceptional marksmanship, contributing to the destruction of dozens of Soviet tanks and anti-tank guns, which led to his Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse in October 1943 after 80 tank kills and 107 anti-tank guns. His Ritterkreuz was awarded on 16 January 1944 as SS-Rottenführer while serving as Richtschütze in the 13. schwere Kompanie, SS-Panzer-Regiment 1, primarily for his pivotal role in eliminating a major Soviet armored penetration in the Mal. Bespechna-Chesnovka area on 12-13 January 1944, where his tank alone knocked out 16 T-34s and 3 assault guns amid intense winter fighting, raising his personal total to 80 destroyed tanks; the citation highlighted his exceptional conduct in prior battles at Kharkov in March 1943, summer actions at Belgorod, and the ongoing winter engagements. Later transferred with Wittmann to the schwere SS-Panzer-Abteilung 101, Woll participated in the Normandy campaign but was severely wounded to the head on 16 June 1944 and thus absent when Wittmann's crew was killed on 8 August 1944; he recovered, served as an Ausbilder with the schweren SS-Panzer-Abteilung 501, was promoted to SS-Oberscharführer in October 1944, became a US POW in May 1945, and survived the war to work as an electrician before passing away on 18 March 1996 in his hometown.

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ÄRMELBAND "KRETA" (1942)

The Ärmelband Kreta (Crete Cuff Title) was a prestigious World War II German campaign decoration awarded by the Wehrmacht to soldiers, sailors, and airmen who participated in the Battle of Crete during Operation Mercury from 20 to 27 May 1941. Instituted retroactively by Adolf Hitler in 1942 and announced separately by the Heer (16 October), Luftwaffe (29 September), and Kriegsmarine (14 August), this cuff band recognized direct involvement in the daring airborne and seaborne invasion of the Greek island — including paratroopers and glider troops who landed on Crete, air crews supporting operations overhead, and naval personnel engaged in transport or combat at sea. Measuring approximately 32–35 mm wide, the title featured the word “KRETA” embroidered in golden-yellow thread on a white cotton base, flanked by stylized acanthus leaves and bordered with yellow piping, and was worn on the lower left sleeve of the uniform. As the first such operational cuff title of the war, it honored the costly victory that saw heavy German casualties among elite Fallschirmjäger units, effectively ending large-scale airborne assaults for the remainder of the conflict. Approximately 28,000 were awarded, making it a rare and highly regarded symbol of one of Nazi Germany’s most audacious military operations.

Oberstleutnant Franz Pöschl (1917-2011). During the Battle of Crete in May 1941, Oberleutnant Franz Pöschl, as commander of the 3rd Company in Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 100 of the 5. Gebirgs-Division, played a notable role in the intense German airborne and mountain troop assault on the strategically vital Mediterranean island. Following the initial paratrooper drops of Operation Merkur, Pöschl’s unit was flown in to reinforce the hard-pressed German forces amid fierce Allied resistance and rugged terrain. His company contributed to securing key objectives in the face of determined counterattacks by British, Commonwealth, and Greek troops. For his demonstrated combat leadership and bravery under fire during the bitter fighting that ultimately led to the island’s capture, Pöschl was awarded the Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse on 24 June 1941. This early wartime action marked the beginning of a distinguished career for the young mountain infantry officer, who would go on to serve with distinction on multiple fronts throughout World War II.

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ÄRMELBAND "GESCHWADER BOELCKE" (1935)


The Geschwader Boelcke cuff title (Ärmelband „Geschwader Boelcke“) was a distinctive honorary sleeve band of the Luftwaffe, created to commemorate the legacy of Oberst Oswald Boelcke, the pioneering First World War fighter ace and tactician regarded as the father of modern German air combat doctrine. Introduced on 4 July 1944, the cuff title was awarded to members of Jagdgeschwader 27 and other Luftwaffe personnel who had served with or were officially associated with formations carrying Boelcke’s name, particularly Jagdgeschwader 27 “Boelcke,” which inherited the traditions of the earlier Jagdgeschwader Boelcke. The cuff title was worn on the lower left sleeve and consisted of a dark blue band with the embroidered inscription “Geschwader Boelcke” in silver-grey lettering, reflecting standard Luftwaffe design practices for honorary unit distinctions. Unlike decorations such as the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes or Deutsches Kreuz in Gold, the cuff title was a unit honor symbolizing esprit de corps, historical continuity, and dedication to the combat traditions established by Boelcke. It represented recognition of service within one of the Luftwaffe’s most prestigious fighter formations and linked its wearers to the achievements of numerous renowned Jagdflieger who served in the Geschwader throughout the Second World War. As one of the last cuff titles instituted by the Third Reich, the Ärmelband „Geschwader Boelcke“ remains a notable example of how the Luftwaffe sought to preserve the memory of its aviation heroes and strengthen unit identity during the final phase of the war.

Major Karl-August Petersen (1912-1980) was one of the most experienced bomber leaders of the Luftwaffe and served with Kampfgeschwader 27 “Boelcke” during some of the most intense air operations on the Eastern Front. Having previously gained combat experience with the Legion Condor in the Spanish Civil War, Petersen developed into a highly capable Kampfflieger officer and by early 1942 had established a reputation for aggressive leadership and operational skill in the Heinkel He 111. As a Staffelkapitän and later Gruppenführer within KG 27, he participated in numerous bombing missions against Soviet troop concentrations, supply routes, airfields, and fortified positions during the winter battles of 1941–42 and the German counteroffensives in southern Russia. He received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 7 March 1942, awarded in recognition for his successes as a bomber pilot and Staffel leader on the Eastern front. During an armed reconnaissance by three He 111s over the Caucasian coast led by Petersen, the German bombers spotted Soviet shipping in the port of Tuapse. They sunk a destroyer and an 8000 GRT merchant ship, and damaged 2 additional destroyers. On another occasion, Petersen and his Staffel attacked a Soviet brigade near Simferopol and forced it to withdraw. Petersen would be recognized appropriately for these and other successes. At the time, Kampfgeschwader 27 was heavily engaged in supporting Army Group South in the sectors around the Crimea, Kharkov, and the southern front, where Luftwaffe bomber units played a crucial role in disrupting Soviet movements and supporting German ground operations. Petersen distinguished himself by leading difficult attacks under hostile conditions, maintaining a high operational tempo, and demonstrating exceptional command ability that contributed significantly to the effectiveness of KG 27’s bombing operations. His Ritterkreuz placed him among the elite bomber officers of the Luftwaffe, and he later continued to rise through the ranks, eventually commanding major elements of Kampfgeschwader 27, including serving as Geschwaderkommodore for a period in 1943. After surviving the war, Petersen remained one of the notable Ritterkreuzträger associated with KG 27 "Boelcke".

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ÄRMELBAND 'GESCHWADER RICHTHOFEN" (1935)

The Jagdgeschwader Richthofen cuff title was one of the most prestigious honorary distinctions worn by personnel of Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen", the famous Luftwaffe fighter wing named after First World War ace Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen, the legendary "Red Baron." Instituted during the Second World War as a special unit distinction, the cuff title consisted of a dark blue band embroidered with the word "Richthofen" in silver-gray script and was worn on the lower sleeve of the uniform. Its purpose was to commemorate the traditions and combat heritage associated with Richthofen's name and to foster esprit de corps among the members of Jagdgeschwader 2. Unlike campaign awards such as the Eisernes Kreuz or operational decorations such as the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, the cuff title served as an honorary unit identifier, symbolizing membership in one of Germany's most celebrated fighter formations. The tradition reflected the Luftwaffe's strong emphasis on continuity with the achievements of Imperial German aviation, particularly the legacy of Jagdgeschwader I, which had been commanded by Richthofen during the First World War. Personnel entitled to wear the cuff title included aircrew and ground personnel who met the prescribed service requirements within the Geschwader. Throughout the war, Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen" distinguished itself in the campaigns over France, Britain, the Channel Front, and later the defense of the Reich, producing numerous holders of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub and other high decorations. As a result, the Jagdgeschwader Richthofen cuff title became both a mark of pride and a visible reminder of the elite combat reputation maintained by one of the Luftwaffe's most famous fighter units.

Oberst Günther Lützow (1912-1945) was among the Luftwaffe's most distinguished fighter leaders and one of the most highly decorated Jagdflieger of the Second World War, ultimately receiving the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern for a combination of exceptional aerial success and outstanding command achievements. As Kommodore of Jagdgeschwader 3 "Udet" during the Battle of Britain and the subsequent campaigns in Western Europe, Lützow steadily increased his victory total while demonstrating effective leadership in combat, reaching 43 confirmed aerial victories by the summer of 1940. In recognition of these accomplishments, particularly his success against the Royal Air Force and his role in leading Jagdgeschwader 3 through intense operations over England, he was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 18 September 1940. Following the opening of the war against the Soviet Union, Lützow continued to distinguish himself on the Eastern Front, where his score rose dramatically as he led his Geschwader in Operation Barbarossa. By July 1941 he had achieved 85 confirmed victories and established himself as one of Germany's leading fighter aces, earning the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 20 July 1941 for his personal combat successes and his effective command of Jagdgeschwader 3 during the early months of the campaign. Remaining in frontline service despite increasing staff responsibilities, Lützow reached the milestone of 100 aerial victories on 24 October 1941, becoming only the second Luftwaffe fighter pilot to achieve this feat. His continued combat leadership, the destruction of more than one hundred enemy aircraft, and his contribution to the Luftwaffe's fighter arm led to the award of the Schwerter zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub on 11 October 1941. By the end of his career he had amassed 110 confirmed aerial victories in over 300 combat missions, served as Kommodore of both Jagdgeschwader 3 "Udet" and Jagdgeschwader 51 "Mölders", and rose to the rank of Oberst before disappearing while flying a Messerschmitt Me 262 on 24 April 1945 during the final days of the war.

Source :
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%84rmelband_Kreta
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuff_title
https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/uniforms_firearms/uniforms/luft_cufftitles/Richthofen.html

Walter Model and Herbert Otto Gille

Lagebesprechung (briefing) between two Brillantenträger from Heer and Waffen-SS. From left to right: Generalfeldmarschall Walter Model (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe Mitte), SS-Gruppenführer and Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Herbert Otto Gille (Kommandierender General IV. SS-Panzerkorps), unknown Oberleutnant, and SS-Hauptsturmführer Werner Westphal (acting Ia Operation Officer IV. SS-Panzerkorps). The picture was taken on 28 July 1944 when Model made his first visit to Gille's HQ in Rogów, Poland, within days of the activation of his SS-Panzerkorps. They were then planning the armor counterstrike that became known as the Tank Battle of Praga.

Two Brillantenträger from Heer and Waffen-SS in the back seat of Field Marshal Model's staff car. From left to right: Generalfeldmarschall Walter Model (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe Mitte) and SS-Gruppenführer and Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Herbert Otto Gille (Kommandierender General IV. SS-Panzerkorps). The picture was taken on 28 July 1944 when Model made his first visit to Gille's HQ in Poland within days of the activation of his SS-Panzerkorps. They were then planning the armor counterstrike that became known as the Tank Battle of Praga.

Source :
https://www.facebook.com/groups/691098008051629/posts/1800456000449152/?notif_id=1719927372682904&notif_t=group_post_approved&ref=notif
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewforum.php?f=38&sid=a0d8476e7302b515dc3f8fedeeb2452b
https://inf.news/en/history/9c240dbaa552853ed31aa4d0be4304a0.html

Hasso von manteuffel Holding a Wolchowstock

General der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel (Oberbefehlshaber 5. Panzerarmee) in the summer of 1944. He is wearing a black "Sonderbekleidung Der Deutschen Panzertruppen" (Special clothing of the German tank troops) and also holding wolchowstock, a hand-made carved wood walking stick named after the Wolchow / Volkhov area of the eastern front. This was usually made by German soldiers serving on the Eastern Front during the long periods of inaction, mostly in the winter.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewforum.php?f=5

Hasso von Manteuffel with Grossdeutschland Staffs

Divisionskommandeur Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (second from right) with the staff officers of Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland" in 1944. Nearest to the camera is Oberst Wolfgang Heesemann, who would later receive the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes posthumously on 17 February 1945 as Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Grossdeutschland" (he was KIA on 6 February previously).

Source :
https://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2010/10/album-foto-general-der-panzertruppe.html
https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/forum/wehrmacht-era-militaria/photos-and-paper-items-forum

Adolf Hitler and Hasso von Manteuffel

This picture shows Adolf Hitler (Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht) shaking hands with General der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel (Oberbefehlshaber 5. Panzerarmee), while Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Keitel looks on. Signed on the lower right "Adolf Hitler - 11. Dez. 1944" in ink. Mounted on passepartout. Only a few days later, the Ardennes Offensive started on 16 December 1944, the last major operation of the German Wehrmacht during which von Manteuffel was awarded the 24th Brillanten to his Ritterkreuz.

Source :
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-hasso-von-manteuffel-adolf-hitler-wide-format-photo-13-x-18-cm-showing-19908146.html?imageid=B9F43E3C-7FDC-4F85-8C02-9277BD49DF0B&p=58868&pn=1&searchId=1ce64d6deb48a7bde1330002a15193f3&searchtype=0
https://partnersearch.yandex.kz/images/search?text=%D0%9C%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%B9%D1%84%D0%B5%D0%BB%D1%8C%2C%20%D0%A5%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%81%D0%BE%20%D1%84%D0%BE%D0%BD%20%D0%9C%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B9%D1%84%D0%B5%D0%BB%D1%8C&source=related-duck&lr=111965&redircnt=1716642632.1

Schwerter Award Ceremony for Hasso von Manteuffel

Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") meeting with Hitler at Berghof Obersalzberg on 14 May 1944 on the occasion of receiving a Schwerter #50 for his Ritterkreuz, which he formally received since 22 February 1944. Von Manteuffel was a very tiny man as can be clearly seen in this photo! Note the "Großdeutschland" cuff title on his right sleeve: von Manteuffel commanded this elite Army panzer division on the Eastern Front from February to September 1944.

Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") photographed by Walter Frentz at the Berghof Obersalzberg after the Schwerter award ceremony with Hitler on 14 May 1944. The medal was formally awarded on 22 February 1944 for further successes in the Zhitomir-Kiev area. After repelling a Soviet thrust to Korosten, the 7. Panzer-Division (previous unit of von Manteuffel) began its own thrust on 20 November 1943 towards the crossing over the Teterew. By 22 November 1943, near Nebyliza, the Division had under Manteuffel’s leadership advanced a distance of 65 kilometres. After a short regrouping the village of Njanewka (12 km SW of Malin on the Irscha) was reached on 7 December 1943. Three days later the village of Malin was stormed. In this attack Manteuffel personally led the attack spearhead of 6 Panzers and a Kompanie of the divisional Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung against the Soviet defense that was spread out on three sides. Despite the hostile resistance Manteuffel’s soldiers reached the centre of the village, threw strong Soviet infantry forces back and smashed the Soviet armoured group south of the village (destroying 25 tanks in the process).

Source :
http://www.specialcamp11.co.uk/General_der_Panzertruppe_Hasso_von_Manteuffel2.htm
https://www.walter-frentz-collection.de/fotoarchiv/personenarchiv-a-z/personen-l-m/
https://www.ww2incolor.com/gallery/german-armored-forces-vehicles/36596/hitler-shaking-von-manteuffel's-hand

Willy Langkeit, Hasso von Manteuffel and Karl Lorenz

Three officers of Grossdeutschland Division in the command post during the battle against the Red Army in Romania, May 1944. From left to right: Oberst Willy Langkeit (Kommandeur Panzer-Regiment "Grossdeutschland"), Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland"), and Oberst Karl Lorenz (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Grossdeutschland").

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/36308/5f215557fcf6d8479a9328d87238a9e6/

Hasso von Manteuffel and Windhund Officers

General der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel (left, Oberbefehlshaber 5. Panzerarmee) conferring with his subordinate unit from 116. Panzer-Division "Windhund" somewhere in the northern France, September 1944. In the center is Leutnant Horst Gittermann (Adjutant I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 16 / 116.Panzer-Division), while on the right is Oberleutnant Walter Penzler (Chef 4.Kompanie / I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 16 / 116.Panzer-Division). The officer in the background is a representative of von Manteuffel's personal guard. Please note the "Windhund" (greyhound) emblem on Gittermann's and Penzler's caps, which was also the emblem and nickname of the 116. Panzer-Division. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Genzler of PK (Propaganda-Kompanie) 698.

General der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel (second from left, Oberbefehlshaber 5. Panzerarmee) conferring with his subordinate unit from 116. Panzer-Division "Windhund" somewhere in the northern France, September 1944. Second from right is Leutnant Horst Gittermann (Adjutant I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 16 / 116.Panzer-Division), while on the right is Oberleutnant Walter Penzler (Chef 4.Kompanie / I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 16 / 116.Panzer-Division). The officer at left is a representative of von Manteuffel's personal guard. This moment in time would have been captured during preparation for Wacht am Rhein - what became to be for the Allies the Battle of the Bulge in Allied terminology.  Von Manteuffel wears a leather overcoat with the AFRIKA cuffband being worn on the incorrect arm.  The Großdeutschland cufftitle is also worn - on the correct arm - and in this case, above the AFRIKA band, attesting to the stature von Manteuffel accorded his service in command of this elite unit.  Although no longer commanding Panzergrenadier Division Großdeutschland at the time of this photo, it is known that the GD unit cufftitle was permanently awarded within the division on rare and exceptional occasions for superior service.  In fact it was von Manteuffel who began this practice as division commander.  The Division even created divisional award documents to support the permanent awarding of the cufftitle, which otherwise had to be removed if the soldier was reassigned.  It is likely that von Manteuffel received such an honor upon his departure as the GD's commanding general.  However, as worn by von Manteuffel, this combination is otherwise entirely incorrect.  He is also known to have continued to wear the unique GD cipher on his shoulder straps after taking command of 5th Panzerarmee.. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Genzler of PK (Propaganda-Kompanie) 698.

General der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel (center, Oberbefehlshaber 5. Panzerarmee) confers with the staff of Panzer-Brigade 111. Behind the general were officers from 116. Panzer-Division "Windhund", from left to right: Major Gerhard Tebbe (Kommandeur Panzer-Abteilung 116 / Panzer-Regiment 16 / 116.Panzer-Division), Leutnant Horst Gittermann (Adjutant I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 16 / 116.Panzer-Division), and unknown.

Source :
"The Defeat of Germany: Then and Now" by Winston Ramsey
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2010/10/album-foto-general-der-panzertruppe.html
https://www.themodellingnews.com/2017/06/construction-review-officer-116th-pz.html
https://waralbum.ru/359472/
https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/campaign_awards/cufftitles/afrika_files/wear_regulations.htm

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

Heinz Harmel on Sd.Kfz.251 in the Eastern Front

SS-Standartenführer Heinz Harmel (left, Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland" / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich") on a Schützenpanzer (infantry fighting vehicle) Sd.Kfz.251. The officer wearing ärmelstreifen (sleeve band) "Deutschland" behind him is SS-Hauptsturmführer Helmuth Schreiber (Chef 10.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Deutschland" / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich"). The picture was taken in September 1943 in the Eastern Front by SS-Kriegsberichter Hermann Grönert.

Source :
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_101III-Groenert-026-029,_Russland,_Heinz_Harmel_auf_Sch%C3%BCtzenpanzer.jpg
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinz_Harmel

Artur Phleps and August Schmidhuber

SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Artur Phleps as commander of the SS-Freiwilligen-Gebirgs-Division "Prinz Eugen". On the left of him with binoculars is SS-Standartenführer August Schmidhuber (Kommandeur SS-Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 2), the later SS-Brigadeführer and commander of the 21st Waffen Mountain Division of the SS Skanderberg (as well as the last commander of the Prinz Eugen). This picture was taken in the Yugoslavian front on 2 July 1943. From 15 May – 15 June, the Prinz Eugen took a part in the subsequent Fifth anti-Partisan Offensive (Operation Schwarz) aiming to pin Tito's main force of about 20,000 Partisans against the Zelengora mountain, in south-eastern Bosnia. During the battle, the division received a task to move through the Italian occupation zone in order to block the possible advance of Partisans towards the Adriatic Sea and the Italian-occupied Albania, to close the south-east part of the encirclement and then advance north over mountainous terrain to crush the Partisan forces. In eleven-day fightings from May 20, division captured Šavnik. For this success, Sturmbannführer Dietsche as well as commander Phleps both received first two Ritterkreuzes for the division. The medal for the Divisionskommandeur Phleps would be given two days after this picture was taken.

Source :
"Totenkopf und Edelweiß: General Artur Phleps und die südosteuropäischen Gebirgstruppen der Waffen-SS 1942-1945" by Roland Kaltenegger
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7th_SS_Volunteer_Mountain_Division_Prinz_Eugen

Gerhard Konopka in the Train

Oberleutnant der Reserve Gerhard Konopka (Führer II.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment "Großdeutschland" / Panzergrenadier-Division  "Großdeutschland") posing with his comrades in the train. This picture was taken after he received the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (9 October 1942) but before he received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (29 August 1943). Strangely enough, the pic comes from the photo album belong to Ritterkreuzträger Johann Port, which was not even in the same unit as Konopka!

Source :
https://www.andreas-thies.de/auktionen/76-752528

Erwin Meierdrees and Comrade during Convalescence

From left to right: SS-Obersturmführer Richard Pauly (Adjutant Divisionskommandeur SS-Division "Totenkopf") and SS-Hauptsturmführer Erwin Meierdrees (Führer Sturmgeschütz-Batterie / SS-Totenkopf-Artillerie-Regiment / SS-Division "Totenkopf"). The picture was possibly taken in the spring of 1942 when both men were wounded during the battles in Demyansk Pocket. After convalescence, Meierdrees was posted for a short time at SS-Artillerie-Ersatz-Regiment in München. The skull cuffband wore by Meierdrees represented the SS-Totenkopf-Standarte 1 "Oberbayern", not limited to the Concentration Camp guards. The SS-TS "Oberbayern" itself was stationed at the Dachau Complex, and the members of that Standarte was, before the war, regularly serving in the KZ as Guards. the other time of their time at SS-T.St. Oberbayern they had regular military training. The division name on the cuffband was introduced in 1942 and the band with skull was only for ex-members of TS-''Oberbayern''. They were entitled to wear it even after the unit ceased to exist. The men that formed the SS-Kavallerie-Division originated from the SS-Totenkopf-Kavallerie-Standarte 1 and 2. These men were cavalry and not KL guards. Although the skull collar tab changed (from facing left to facing down) for the division, officers and men continued to wear the double SS-TV collar tabs, some to include both collars, as well as the skull cuffband throughout the war, as clearly shown in this picture.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=49725&hilit=meierdress

Erwin Meierdrees and His Kompaniechef in Front of a T-34 Tank

SS-Sturmbannführer Erwin Meierdrees (right), Kommandeur I.Abteilung / SS-Panzer-Regiment 3 "Totenkopf" / 3.SS-Panzer-Division "Totenkopf", receives report from one of his Kompaniechef. The company commander, who allegedly come from 2nd Company, is wearing a SS-Erbsenmuster camouflage pattern jacket (a.k.a. pea-dot pattern) with the shoulder boards of SS-Hauptsturmführer. In the background is a Soviet T-34/85 #220  tank that "fell victim to our Panther and Panzerfausts" (original caption). There is other photo that shows another Russian T-34 tank with a different turret number (#210), and it appears that these tanks were not destroyed but were repurposed by the Germans to fight their former master. This photo was taken by SS-Kriegsberichter Hermann Grönert on 29 August 1944 on the outskirts of Siedlce, Poland, during heavy fighting against Soviet troops east of Warsaw, and is one of a series of photos he took that day (Grönert also captured the fighting that took place through his film camera). In this particular battle, the unit led by Meierdrees succeeded in destroying many enemy tanks and armored vehicles.

Source :
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-ss-storm-command-leader-meierdress-speaking-with-a-company-commander-37001053.html?imageid=31BFDE12-7790-4B28-A834-84BB09174C44&p=291611&pn=1&searchId=fc0fd7a9bc153313b7ae22871d420808&searchtype=0
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2018/11/foto-beutepanzer-tank-rampasan.html
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/1779/a045476fc242349265165c77569a88c3/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/691098008051629
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=42936&start=15
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_183-J27465,_Erwin_Meier-Dress_vor_russischem_Panzer.jpg
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/ein-offizier-gibt-einemkompaniechef-anweisungen-vor-news-photo/542403679
https://www.reddit.com/r/TankPorn/comments/vgfclj/the_commander_of_the_1st_panzer_battalion_3rd_ss/
https://www.warhistoryonline.com/instant-articles/operation-bagration-vehicles.html

Ritterkreuz Actions of Franz Hack

Franz Hack (3 February 1915 - 9 June 1997) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 14 May 1944 as SS-Sturmbannführer and Kommandeur III.Bataillon (gepanzerte) / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 9 "Germania" / 5.SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking". Hack’s Ritterkreuz recommendation reads as follows:
“During the night attack on 17 April 1944 against Hill 189.5 and the high ground south of it (1.5 km southwest of Kovel) SS-Sturmbannführer Hack, commander of the III./SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt. Germania, particularly distinguished himself through his outstanding bravery before the enemy.
The enemy was entirely aware of the importance of Hill 189.5, from which it was possible to have a commanding view of Fortress Kovel, the only supply road that led to the city as well as the entire area to the north and northwest of the place. With this in mind they had heavily fortified the hill, and its defenders would fight bitterly for it.
The capture of this commanding enemy position was very much necessary in order to fully bring about the relief of Fortress Kovel. Due to the strong enemy defenses both here and on the eastern and western flanks, the only way this could be achieved was by a night attack.
After assembling at Gleisdreieck (west of Kovel), Bataillon Hack received the order to thrust southwards along the Kovel—Wlodzimicrz railway line in a night attack. The enemy strongpoints along both sides of the railroad would be seized via surprise attack, and thereafter the enemy position on Hill 189.5 would be attacked, captured and held.
The surprise attack against the first strongpoint at the railway bridge, conducted by 2 assault groups, became pinned down in the Soviet barbed wire obstacles. Fire support by heavy weapons was no longer possible as both our troops and the enemies’ were now too close together. Knowing that everything depended on the success of this first phase of the attack, Hack rushed to the forefront of both assault groups. He bombarded enemy resistance nests that had been cleverly positioned between the bridge abutments with 5 Panzerfausts. Then, after a hand grenade salvo, he was the first to penetrate into the enemy strongpoint with one of the two assault group leaders.
Through this exemplary and ruthless commitment to the battle, Hack brought the two assault groups forward and cleared out the enemy positions while personally participating in the fighting with his own machine-pistol and hand grenades.
Here he was wounded by hand grenade splinters in the face and right hand. However Hack continued the attack undaunted by his wounds, capturing the second strongpoint during the breakthrough. After a swift assembly of the Bataillon’s follow-up units he began the assault against Hill 189.5, where the Soviets were prepared to defend with grim determination.
However the enemy couldn’t resist the attacking spirit of the Bataillon, with the commander himself fighting in the forward line. After a short, hard close-quarter battle the enemy was thrown out of his positions at Hill 189.5 and forced to retreat to the south. In order to facilitate the continuation of the friendly attack, Hack initiated a swift pursuit thrust further south along the railway line on his own initiative, wresting control of one Soviet strongpoint after another. By first light the Bataillon had captured and occupied the enemy positions at the overpass 400 metres to the southwest of Hill 188. An enemy counterthrust launched shortly afterwards from the southwest was defeated, and over the course of the day the newly conquered position was prepared to take on further enemy counterattacks.
Only now, after he had organized the defense, did Hack allow himself to be treated for his wounds. Through his prudent leadership and personal daring he has a decisive share in the success of this offensive operation, one which was of great importance for the relief of ‘Fortress’ Kovel.
Hack has been wounded six times in this war, and is a holder of the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold, Nahkampfspange in Bronze and the Verwundetenabzeichen in Gold. Hack is worthy to be awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.”

Franz Hack received the Eichenlaub #844 to his Ritterkreuz on 20 April 1945 as SS-Obersturmbannführer and Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 10 "Westland" / 5.SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking". The medal was awarded for the following combat actions:
1) On 20 October 1944 Hack recaptured the so-called ‘Arko-Hill’, west of Wieliezew, with only 18 men. He then defended it against three strong counterattacks.
2) On 6 January 1945 Hack and his Regiment attacked the village of Czabdi, as part of the breakthrough of the Vertes mountains south of Tarjan. After bitter urban combat that lasted through the night, the village was firmly in his hands by the start of the day, and it was thereby possible to continue advancing towards Bicske.
3) On 11 January 1945 Hack and his Regiment captured and held the village of Pilisszentkereszt, located in the Pilisszentlelek area southeast of Gran.
4) On 2 February 1945 Hack allowed himself to be encircled in Ureghegy in order to tie down the enemy. Only after his side had taken the necessary countermeasures did he break out to Seregelyes. In this battle 14 enemy tanks and 13 anti-tank guns were eliminated.

Franz Hack was the first person whose awarding of the Eichenlaub did not occur with a number. According to his own words the award was made by SS-Obergruppenführer Gille and SS-Oberführer Ulrich. The awarding was confirmed by an entry between 15th - 20th April in the recommendations book of OKH/PA/P 5 and an entry in the Soldbuch of Hack with the date of 20th April 1945. According the countings it would have been the 844th Award.


Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=539548
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/8802/Hack-Franz-Waffen-SS.htm

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/

Josef Dörfel Teaching the Use of Panzerfaust to HJ Member

A Hitlerjugend (Hitler Youth) member is being trained for the usage of Panzerfaust by the soldier of Panzergrenadier-Division "Großdeutschland". The "Panzerknacker" is made of woods. The soldier is Oberfeldwebel Josef "Jupp" Dörfel from Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Großdeutschland", who received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 4 March 1942 when he was still in 134. Infanterie-Division. The picture itself was taken by Kriegsberichter Hamann on 21 November 1944.

Source :
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-a-hitler-youth-member-is-being-trained-at-the-panzerfaust-1944-94208286.html
https://www.generalassaultmilitaria.com/product/hitler-youth-panzerfaust-gd-knights-cross-holder-press-photo/

Bio of SS-Brigadeführer Hinrich Schuldt (1901-1944)

Rudolf Hinrich Schuldt

Date of Birth: 14.06.1901 - Blankenese, Hamburg (German Empire)
Date of Death: 15.03.1944 - Ostrov, Pskov Oblast (Soviet Union)
Burial: 1 Meza kapi, Riga (Latvia)

Battles and Operations: Polenfeldzug 1939, Westfeldzug 1940, Ostfront 1941-1944 (including SS-Totenkopf units in Russia, Don-Front near Stalingrad, actions at Meschkoff, breakout near Nowo-Jerochin, defense at Woroschilow and Shiroky, counterattacks at Nikitowka-Bachtewitsch, Peipus Lake, Ilmen Lake, Wolchow bridgehead, flank attacks at Podbereshje)

NSDAP-Nr.: 975 664 (Joined 01.02.1932)
SS-Nr.: 242 677 (Joined 12.12.1933)

Parents: Rudolf Schuldt and Meta Hinrichsen

Promotions:
01.04.1922 Offiziersanwärter
00.09.1922 Seekadett
01.04.1924 Fähnrich zur See
00.04.1926 Oberfähnrich zur See
00.10.1926 Leutnant zur See
12.12.1933 SS-Sturmführer
10.01.1935 SS-Obersturmführer (with RDA from 01.01.1935)
08.03.1935 SS-Hauptsturmführer (with RDA from 10.03.1935)
09.11.1938 SS-Sturmbannführer
01.09.1941 SS-Obersturmbannführer der Waffen-SS
01.08.1942 SS-Standartenführer der Waffen-SS
24.12.1943 SS-Oberführer der Waffen-SS (with RDA from 09.11.1943)
25.03.1944 SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS (posthumously)

Career:
01.04.1922 joined the Reichsmarine (Crew 22) as Offiziersanwärter
00.04.1922 - 00.09.1922 basic training as a Seekadett at the 2. Korporalschaft in Kiel-Holtenau
00.10.1922 - 00.03.1924 on-board training at the ships Braunschweig, Niobe and Berlin
00.01.1928 left the Reichsmarine after a racist remark
00.00.1929 - 00.12.1933 maritime and military teacher at the Hanseatic Yacht School in Sierksdorf
12.12.1933 - 00.01.1934 Zugführer in SS-Standarte "Adolf Hitler"
00.00.1934 - 00.06.1934 serving in the Marinestürme der SA
11.06.1934 - 00.10.1934 Zugführer in Leibstandarte SS "Adolf Hitler"
00.10.1934 - 00.11.1938 Führer 3.Sturm / I.Sturmbann / LSSAH
00.10.1938 took part in the annexation of the Sudetenland
01.11.1938 - 00.06.1939 Stabsoffizier I.Sturmbann / SS-Standarte "Germania" in Hamburg
00.06.1939 - 00.09.1939 Kommandeur I.Sturmbann / SS-Standarte "Deutschland"
00.09.1939 Kommandeur Kampfgruppe "Schuldt" / SS-Standarte "Deutschland"
00.09.1939 - 00.12.1939 reassigned to SS-Regiment "Germania"
01.01.1940 - 31.03.1940 Kommandeur Polizei-Aufklärungs-Abteilung
01.04.1940 - 30.04.1940 Stabsoffizier 4. SS-Totenkopfstandarte "Ostmark"
30.04.1940 Kommandeur I.Bataillon / 4.SS-Totenkopfstandarte "Ostmark"
15.07.1941 Kommandeur I.Bataillon / SS-Infanterie-Regiment 5
13.09.1941 - 20.04.1942 Kommandeur SS-Infanterie-Regiment 4
20.04.1942 - 01.12.1942 Kommandeur SS-Schnelle-Schützen-Regiment "Langemarck"
21.12.1942 - 15.03.1943 Kommandeur SS-Brigade "Schuldt" / Kampfgruppe "Schuldt"
23.02.1943 wounded by shrapnel in Nikitowka-Bakhtevich area
26.02.1943 wounded again by shrapnel in Nikitowka-Bakhtevich area
00.03.1943 - 30.06.1943 taken to the SS hospital in Berlin-Lichterfelde for his wounds
01.09.1943 - 15.03.1944 Kommandeur 2. Lettische SS-Freiwilligen-Brigade
15.03.1944 fatally hit by a direct anti-tank hit near the village of Petschane

Awards and Decorations:
00.02.1934 Ehrenwinkel für alte Kämpfer
16.12.1935 Julleuchter der SS
00.00.193_ Totenkopfring der SS
00.00.1937 Deutsches Olympia-Ehrenzeichen II.Klasse
01.12.1937 Ehrendegen des Reichsführers-SS
01.12.1937 SA-Sportabzeichen in Bronze
01.12.1937 Deutsches Reichssportabzeichen in Bronze
00.00.193_ Abzeichen der Deutschen Lebensrettungsgesellschaft (DLRG) in Bronze
00.00.193_ Lebensrettungsmedaille in Silber
00.00.193_ SA-Sportabzeichen in Gold
00.00.19__ SS-Dienstauszeichnungen
24.10.1939 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.10.1941 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.194_ Dienstauszeichnung der NSDAP in Bronze
00.00.194_ Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber
00.00.1942 Medaille “Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42” (Ostmedaille)
05.04.1942 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes #949, as SS-Obersturmbannführer and Kommandeur SS-Infanterie-Regiment 4 "Reichsführer-SS". Awarded the or the following actions: 1) The rapid seizure of a vital piece of high ground near Schopina. This objective had been suggested by XXXXIII. Armee-Korps, but not ordered due to Schuldt's own weak forces. He nonetheless recognized a favourable situation and was able to capture the place even so. In doing this he created a flank guard for the Army, which forced the enemy to delay his encirclement of the Kaluga position for several days. 2) Creating the preconditions for the closure of the gap that had formed north of 4. Panzerarmee, and later covering the flank of the unit (17. Infanterie-Division) that was assigned for carrying out this task. The closure of this gap proved to be of vital importance to the whole Heeresgruppe.
02.04.1943 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #220, as SS-Standartenführer and Kommandeur SS-Brigade Schuldt. Schuldt’s Eichenlaub recommendation reads as follows: "On 19.12.1942 SS-Standartenführer Schuldt with three Leibstandarte Kompanies and one-and-a-half Kompanies from the SS-Polizei Division were moving in the billeting area assigned by the XXIX. Armeekorps in Meschkoff. On the way they met the Italians from Armeeoberkommando 8 falling back and rushing in disorder, closely pursued by the Russians. In a quick and bold resolution. SS-Standartenführer Schuldt switched over from the march to counter attack and took the high ground east and north east of Meschkoff that dominated the entire area. The Russians were thrown back in the whole area and the high ground held. Then a report about the failure of the Italian defensive front was sent to the XXIX. Armeekorps (this was the first report that the German Command received about the collapse of the Italian Front). Schuldt displayed a clear and widespread knowledge of the tactical situation. Due to the resolute and energetic leadership of the commander and the bravery of his SS men, the majority of the Italian troops could be saved from being completely annihilated. Under the personal leadership of Schuldt, the positions in Meschkoff were held against strong enemy infantry and tank attacks. Meanwhile two Russian Tank Corps broke through the left flanking unit towards the west and in the course of the following day completely encircled the XXIX. Armeekorps. The entire XXIX. Armeekorps staff with the Korps commander, straggling German troops and Italian units in disorder all found themselves in the cauldron. They were harassed by the tanks of the attacking opponent from all sides. The only significant combat power at hand was in the elements of SS-Kampfgruppe Schuldt . Again it must be credited to the energetic and precise leadership of the Brigade commander that, after hard fighting, the breakout of the Armeekorps to reach the lines of Heeresgruppe Don on 29.12.1942 could be successful. On 15.01.1943, in spite of the strongest defense, parts of the SS-Brigade 'Schuldt' were surrounded at the bridgehead and blocking positions near Nowo-Jerochin and Klitwenezkaja. The order of the XXX. Armeekorps to disengage and fall back to Kamensk did not reach the Kampfgruppe because the radio station was destroyed by a direct hit. In that moment, when the position in Nowo-Jerochin was almost completely surrounded by 15 Russian tanks, the vigorous leadership of SS-Standartenführer Schuldt was proven again. He ordered that all the forces engaged in Nowo-Jerochin should break out towards Kamensk. Schuldt, with a small group of SS men and officers attracted the attention of the enemy to facilitate the escape of our troops. The next morning the commander with one officer and five men finally reached Kamensk, after having gone through the Russian formations already deployed in front of Kamensk. In the night from 31.01. to 01.02.1943 the enemy attacked SS-Brigade 'Schuldt' by surprise with strong forces reinforced with tanks. The area became our defensive front over the Donez. In an extremely hard and bloody fight the positions in Woroschilow and Shiroky were held for two days and two nights. They thwarted a complete breakthrough of the opponent that severely hit the Brigade's defensive positions, which had the end goal of reaching Krassnodon. This success must be credited to the energetic and lively leadership of the commander and his personal performance. After the withdrawal of the defensive front to the Wodjanoj position, it was only thanks to the compelling personality of the commander, often by force, that the newly attached elements of the 304th Infantry Division held back the enemy. He forced them to build up their positions so that the massive attacks of the opponent were resisted until the order to withdraw was given. The opponent recognized the Brigade's hard defensive willpower and, with the support of tank forces, tried repeatedly to force a breakthrough either by the right or the left flank. That put the Brigade in extreme danger and in a serious situation. Only through the bravery of the Brigade and attached units under the energetic and prudent leadership of its' commander could the situation be stabilized. In this period. the Brigade destroyed 24 tanks and three armoured attack airplanes of the enemy. To finish off a local enemy break-in to the west of the Olchowaja sector, SS-Brigade 'Schuldt' was transferred on 22.02.1943 into the area of Nikitowka-Bachtewitsch. On 23.02, after moving into the assembly position, they attacked the opponent in Wassjukowa-Schl. with an assault group under the command of the SS-Sturmbannführer Dietrich. They had the objective of enabling the recapture of the main fighting line by Gruppe 'Hunten'. With the attack progressing, the battle developed more and more into close combat by assault detachments at short range. After a hard fight under the personal leadership of the Brigade commander, who in the course of the battle was wounded by a shell splinter above the right eye, the old main fighting line could be reached and occupied. In the meantime, on 24.02.1943, the Russians managed to penetrate the left flank of Gruppe 'Hunten' with strong forces. At that moment, when the whole defensive front in the right sector of Gruppe 'Kreysing' threatened to collapse, this sector was subordinated to SS-Brigade 'Schuldt' with the following words of General Kreysing, "Herr Schuldt, you must do it, I rely on you." The commander of the Brigade, SS-Standartenführer Schuldt, recognized quickly that hills 287.4 and 227.4 were essential for the defense and also as a rallying point for any counterattack. They had to be held at any price. Schuldt's energy, which he stressed to the officers subordinated to him and at the same time was passed along to all of the fighting troops, must be thanked. The heights were again snatched away from the opponent in a surprise counterthrust, and with this the impending breakthrough could be halted as well. After a very hard initial battle, on 26.02.1943, a counterattack (again under the personal leadership of the commander) destroyed the massive enemy forces in the Ssereschina-Schl. in two-and-a-half hours. The day's objective and with it the old main fighting line were reached. During the attack the Commander was wounded for the second time by mortar splinters in the shoulder and back. After that time the assignment of the Kampfgruppe was fulfilled and the disengagement of the Brigade began."
21.04.1943 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
29.02.1944 Mentioned in Wehrmachtbericht
25.03.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern #56 (posthumously), as SS-Oberfuhrer and Kommandeur 2. "lettische" SS-Freiwilligen-Brigade. Schuldt’s Schwerter recommendation reads as follows: "Oakleaves holder SS-Oberführer Schuldt has activated and trained the 2. Latvian Volunteer Brigade in the Wolchow bridgehead under the most difficult conditions. The fact he managed to build a combat unit capable of the highest performance in mobile warfare from mostly untrained Latvian volunteers in a dangerous, swampy land in only a few months is due to his organizational talent, high military knowledge and unequalled energy. The brigade is result of his work. In mid-January the Russians, with far superior forces, forced back the right adjacent division. The break-in from Podbereshje threatened to widen to a full break-through. SS-Oberführer Schuldt, recognizing clearly the extreme seriousness of the situation, decided to hit the enemy—which was moving west—with a severe blow in the flank. He inflicted heavy losses on the Russian assault divisions and gained at least forty-eight hours of decisive significance for the battle command of the Korps and for the operations of the Army. The road Kampfgruppe Schuldt kept open allowed an Armeekorps with five subordinate divisions to pull back. To achieve the highest possible concentration of forces for the active defense, SS-Oberführer Schuldt removed men from his line not attacked initially by Spaskaja Powistj so that in every Kompanie sector one NCO and two to four men simulated a complete garrison through noise and movement. This was done although the idea of a strong enemy thrust against this sector seemed completely possible. He gave the order for the retreat of his southern wing that was threatened in the deep flank. This was done only after he accomplished, with the minimal forces available and great difficulty, the recovery of the last stationary positioned weapons. When the advance of the newly committed Russian divisions on the road Raglizy-Sselo-Gorka towards the west was no ionger preventable with diminishing forces, SS-Oberführer Schuldt proposed letting himself become encircled with his Kampfgruppe. He wanted to cause the highest possible damage to the enemy, who was attacking from all sides, and then break through. That this decisive success could be achieved—and Kampfgruppe Schuldt in the ensuing bitter and heavy retreat battles with its left flank almost always open against strong Partisan troops in the rear was successful—is due to SS-Oberführer Schuldt. He reached his objective in strict order and must be thanked. Besides the bravery and hardness of the Latvian volunteers, Schuldt's outstanding personal bravery, power of decision, superior calmness, and almost unique energy is to be credited. SS-Oberführer Schuldt, who was killed on 15.03.1944 amongst his grenadiers, whose name far beyond his unit has served as a standard for the success of even the heaviest and seemingly meaningless undertakings, is considered especially worthy of being awarded the Swords to the Oakleaves of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross."

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Hinrich Schuldt was the son of the HAPAG captain and later ship owner Rudolf Schuldt and his wife Meta née Hinrichsen. At the age of 21, Hinrich Schuldt joined the Reichsmarine on April 1, 1922 (crew 22) as an officer cadet. The sea cadet completed his basic training from April to September 1922 at the 2nd corporal body in Kiel-Holtenau. He completed the subsequent practical on-board training from October 1922 to the end of March 1924 on the ships Braunschweig, Niobe and Berlin. On board these ships, Schuldt traveled to Italy, Portugal, Spain and France. During this time, Schuld earned his private pilot's license. On April 1, 1924 he was promoted to ensign at sea. In April 1926 he was promoted to Oberfähnrich zur See and in October of the same year he was promoted to Leutnant zur See. In January 1928, Schuldt left the Reichsmarine after a racist remark. The background to this was his statement to a Jewish member of the Imperial Navy that non-Aryans were in principle not fit to be soldiers.
From 1929 to December 1933 he worked as a maritime and military teacher at the Hanseatic Yacht School in Sierksdorf. During this time, Schuldt joined the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) in December 1931, which confirmed his admission on February 1, 1932 with membership number 975,664. On the same day he also joined the SA as an SA man. With effect from December 12, 1933, Schuldt changed to the rank of SS-Sturmfuhrer for the SS-Standard "Adolf Hitler", but without officially switching to the SS. He then acted as a platoon commander in this SS standard until January 1934. After that he was again in the service of the SA. later he was a training officer in the inspection of the SA naval storms under the SA Untersturmfuhrer and later NSFK Obergruppenfuhrer Alfred Krüger.

On April 25, 1934, Schuldt asked the Reichsfuhrer SS Heinrich Himmler to be accepted into the SS. At the same time, he turned his old crewmate Heydrich on to the matter. On June 11, 1934, Schuldt's wish was granted and he joined the Leibstandarte SS “Adolf Hitler” as an SS man. After that, Schuldt was a platoon commander in the renamed Leibstandarte-SS “Adolf Hitler” until October 1934. After that he was until November 1938 leader of the 3rd storm in the local I. Sturmbann. During this time he was promoted to SS Obersturmfuhrer on January 10, 1935 and to SS Hauptsturmfuhrer in March 1935. In October 1938, Schuldt took part in the annexation of the Sudetenland, where he had an accident with a car and sustained injuries that led to a three-week hospital stay in Plauen, later he had to undergo two more operations. On November 1, 1938, he was posted to the SS Standard "Germania" in Hamburg, where Schuldt was employed on the staff of the I. Sturmbann. There he was promoted to SS-Sturmbannfuhrer on November 9 of the same year. In June 1939 he was transferred to the SS-Standard "Deutschland" in Munich, where he was employed as a battalion commander.

At the beginning of the Second World War, Schuldt was the leader of the "Kampfgruppe Schuldt" named after him in the SS-Standard "Deutschland", which took part in the Polish campaign as part of the Panzer Division Kempf. After the end of the fighting in Poland, Schuldt was assigned to the SS regiment "Germania", where he was in charge of all regiment units. In mid-December 1939, Schuldt was assigned to the police reconnaissance department, which he headed from January 1 to the end of March 1940. He was then transferred to the staff of the 4th SS Totenkopfstandarte "Ostmark" and from April 30, 1940 battalion commander of the 1st Battalion. He took part in the western campaign and was transferred to the SS Infantry Regiment 5 on July 15, 1941, after the start of the Russian campaign, where he took over the leadership of the 1st Battalion. On September 1, 1941, he was promoted to SS Obersturmfuhrer. From September 13 to April 20, 1942 he led the SS Infantry Regiment 4 in the northern section of the Eastern Front. On April 20, 1942, his regiment received the honorary title of Langemarck for its combat merits and was renamed the SS Regiment "Langemarck", which Schuldt continued to command until December 1, 1942, since August 7 SS Standartenfuhrer. By this time the regiment had been transferred to France for refresher training, where Schuldt said goodbye to his regiment in Tessy in November 1942.

On December 1, 1942, Schuldt became leader of the Kampfgruppe Schuldt named after him on the Don Front. His combat group was a mixture of various units of the Waffen SS, including parts of the "Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler", SS police units and other parts of the SS Panzer Grenadier Division "Das Reich". On February 23 and February 26, 1943, Schuldt was wounded twice by shrapnel in the Nikitowka-Bakhtevich area within a few days. For this reason, he was taken to the SS hospital in Berlin-Lichterfelde at the beginning of March 1943, and his group was withdrawn from combat operations the following day. On March 15, 1943, his combat group in Debica was disbanded. On May 11, 1943, Adolf Hitler presented him with the Oak Leaves for the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on the Obersalzberg for his past services. Still in the recovery phase, Schuldt wrote on June 29, 1943 to SS-Obergruppenfuhrer Hans Jüttner, requesting that he be transferred to a new front-line operation. Thereupon Reichsfuhrer SS Himmler determined that Schuldt had to take over the 2nd (Latvian) SS Volunteer Brigade of the Latvian SS units after his health had been restored. After Schuldt was released from the hospital in the same month, he was given command of the brigade intended for him with effect from September 1, 1943. On September 5, 1943, he assumed command and on November 9, 1943, Schuldt was promoted to SS Oberfuhrer. The combat area of his unit was in the Peipussee and Ilmensee area and in the Volkhov bridgehead on the northern section of the eastern front. The Brigade Schuldts was renamed twice more in the course of its existence. Once in the 2nd Latvian SS Volunteer Brigade and on 7 January 1944 in the 19th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (Latvian No. 2). From January 1944, the division was subordinate to the XXXVIII. Panzer Corps. On March 15, 1944, Schuldt was fatally hit by a direct anti-tank hit near the village of Petschane. His burial took place in Riga in the local Forest Cemetery II at the Riga Cathedral. On March 16, 1944, Schuldt was posthumously promoted to SS-Brigadefuhrer and nominated by General of the XXXVIII Army Corps Herzog for the award of the Swords to Oak Leaves, which he was awarded on March 25, 1944. On June 1, 1944, Hitler provided Schuldt's mother with a monthly allowance of 150 Reichsmarks, and on January 15, 1945, the 43rd Waffen Grenadier Regiment of the SS (Lat. No. 2) received the honorific "Hinrich Schuldt".

SS-Hauptsturmführer Hinrich Schuldt. In the background is Lichterfelde Barracks courtyard.

From left to right: SS-Obersturmführer Franz Lang and SS-Hauptsturmführer Hinrich Schuldt. This photo was taken during the closing of platoon commander course for the cadets of the Junkerschulen Tölz and Braunschweig in Dachau (Übungslager) during February and March 1937. Chef 1. Sturm (company) was SS-Hstuf. Schuldt, while Chef 2. Sturm was SS-Ostuf. Lang. Hinrich Schuld would receive the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern with the last rank as SS-Brigadeführer, both posthumously after his death (15 March 1944).



Hinrich Schuldt (front) marching with his men.

Hinrich Schuldt with his men. No information about date or place.

The first months of the German occupation in the Netherlands (May to November 1940). Transfer from I.Bataillon / 4.SS-Totenkopfstandarte "Ostmark" to the National Commissioner for DOO RDE occupied Dutch areas, Reichsminister Dr. Seyss-Inquart. The Bataillonskommandeur is SS-Sturmbannführer Hinrich Schuldt (in the picture). The picture was taken on 19 June 1940. The video from this sequence can be seen HERE.

From left to right: SS-Sturmbannführer Jakob "Jopp" Fick (Kommandeur I.Bataillon [Kradschützen] / SS-Schnelle-Schützen-Regiment “Langemarck”. Ritterkreuz on 23 April 1943), unknown SS-Obersturmführer from Totenkopf, and SS-Obersturmbannführer Hinrich Schuldt (Kommandeur SS-Schnelle-Schützen-Regiment “Langemarck”. Ritterkreuz on 5 April 1942, Eichenlaub on 2 April 1943, and Schwerter posthumously on 25 March 1944).



SS-Standartenführer Hinrich Schuldt with the Ritterkreuz.



SS-Standartenführer Hinrich Schuldt with the Eichenlaub.



SS-Standartenführer Hinrich Schuldt with the Eichenlaub.

Officers from SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich" in the sportstreffen (sport festival) event of the unit, possibly in the autumn or winter of 1942. From left to right: SS-Hauptsturmführer Walter Kniep (Kommandeur SS-Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 2 "Das Reich". Ritterkreuz on 14 August 1943), SS-Sturmbannführer Jakob "Jopp" Fick (Kommandeur I.Bataillon [Kradschützen] / SS-Schnelle-Schützen-Regiment “Langemarck”. Ritterkreuz on 23 April 1943), and SS-Standartenführer Hinrich Schuldt (Kommandeur SS-Schnelle-Schützen-Regiment “Langemarck”. Ritterkreuz on 5 April 1942, Eichenlaub on 2 April 1943, and Schwerter posthumously on 25 March 1944).



SS-Standartenführer Hinrich Schuldt on the phone in a special train belong to Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, July-August 1943. Smoking beside him is SS-Hauptsturmführer Rupert Dangl. Schuldt is wearing the Eichenlaub on his neck and "Langemarck" sleeve stripes. The picture was taken when the train stopped at Angerburg, East Prussia. Still in the recovery phase after his wounds in previous March, Schuldt wrote on 29 June 1943 to SS-Obergruppenfuhrer Hans Jüttner, requesting that he be transferred to a new front-line operation. Thereupon Reichsfuhrer SS Himmler determined that Schuldt had to take over the 2nd (Latvian) SS Volunteer Brigade of the Latvian SS units after his health had been restored. After Schuldt was released from the hospital in the same month, he was given command of the brigade intended for him with effect from September 1, 1943. Other pictures from the same sequence can be seen HERE.

SS-Oberführer Hinrich Schuldt.

Source :
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek photo archive
Hoffmann collection NARA photo archive
Denis Daum photo collection
Phil Nix photo collection
Sebastian Möller photo collection
Michael D. Miller archive
https://www.akg-images.de/archive/-2UMEBMBUOH9Y5.html
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2010/09/daftar-ss-brigadefuhrer-pimpinan.html
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/195965196/hinrich-schuldt
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=120236&hilit=hinrich+schuldt
https://www.generalassaultmilitaria.com/product/ss-officer-kc-holder-press-photo-on-kodak-paper/
https://www.imago-images.de/st/0163960821
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/13926/Schuldt-Hinrich.htm