Commanders of the first four Waffen-SS division engaged in conversation during the lull of the fighring in the Eastern Front. From left to right: SS-Oberführer Hermann Priess (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Totenkopf"), SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS Herbert Otto Gille (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Wiking"), SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Walter Krüger (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich"), and SS-Obergruppenführer und General der Waffen-SS Josef "Sepp" Dietrich (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler'). The picture was taken by SS-Kriegsberichter Weill on 7 June 1943.
Ritterkreuz award ceremony for Oberfeldwebel Franz Lechl (Zugführer in 5.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment 266 / 72.Infanterie-Division). Lechl received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 14 August 1943.
Obergefreiter
Hubert Brinkforth (second from left) during propaganda tour in Marl, his hometown, shortly after receiving the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, April 1941.
Obergefreiter
Hubert Brinkforth in Hoffmann postcard series Nr. R7. This propaganda
postcard was published by 'Photo-Hoffmann' in München and measures
approximately 15 x 10,5 cms. Heinrich Hoffmann, Hitler's personal
photographer, made various series when publishing his photo's as
postcards. Perhaps the most popular is the R serie with Knight's Cross
holders where the 'R' stands for 'Ritterkreuzträger'. All the series
with a letter as prefix are more or less known. But Hoffmann published
also a serie (apart from 1501 to 1599) with no prefix running from
number 1 to 1200. I will call it the 'main serie' and it is at the same
time the most difficult serie to complete. Although all the postcards
are from Hoffmann they have different publisher names and places (Münich
or Berlin): Photo-Hoffmann, Verlag Heinrich Hoffmann, Presse
Illustrationen Hoffmann. The serie consist not only postcards but also
poster and folders with series of postcards.
Source :
http://pantorijn.blogspot.com/2015/09/heinrich-hoffmann-postcardspostkarte.html
Here's some stories of "Ferdinand the bull" Schörner when he was in Lapland as a Commander of 6. Gebirgs-Division. Stories are from 'Kansa Taisteli' magazine and told by Finn Leo Lahdenperä who served at Finnish navy:
Just before Chrismas in 1941, German ship was sunk in Kirkenes. It's cargo was christmas rations, including beer. Next spring part of its cargo was raised and beer with other stuff was transported to Kirkenas and Liinahamari. In Liinahamari local commandant gave permission to give some beer to cantines. German supply Unteroffizier made fatal error and gave his friends a sausage and beer that evening. Night was a success, no drunks and no brawl. When the Unteroffizer woke up in next morning, military police did came. He was taken to Schörner and then to courtmarshal. In the afternoon he was shot.
In the summer 1942 German merchant ship was anchored in Liinahamari. It's Captain had invited German and Finnish naval officers to the ship for afternoon coffee. A German Major, who was in charge of Northern supply traffic, was also present. Suddenly Schörner enters to cabin. He greets the Captain who was also a Kriegsmarine officer. Then he turns to Major: "you are not a Major anymore. You are now a Private. You will report to me after one hour in my HQ!".Then he went to the ex-Major, ripped off his shoulder boards and shouted "Hinaus!". The Captain said: "General, you are in my ship and she's in my command. You can take disciplinary actions in your own territory". Schörner bowed and marched out. It's 14.00 and the poor Major was actually in his "dienst" (duty) time and should not be having coffee! When he did came to Lapland, Schörner ordered "luxury" furnitures removed from the officer's quarters and collected cars and motorcycles away from the ex-Major. They could only use them in service matters and not on their free time. He then send some fat supply personel to frontline or ordered them on diet, while leaner men were send to kitchen duties!
In autum 1942 war exercise was ordered between Germans and the Finns. 30 Finnish naval personel "fought" against 2 companies of Germans. In the end, the Finns won. In after evolution, Schörner yelled to his men: "these Finns could have wiped out all of you. Shame on you! After this is over, every day is 'mehr übung'!" Then he asked commander of the Finnish team how did they win?.The Finn get mixed up in German language and said: "Herr General, wir scheissen so gut (we shit so well)." He obviously meant to say "wir schiessen so gut (we shoot so well)." Then even Schörner smiled.
Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6813&hilit=ferdinand+sch%C3%B6rner
Heinrich Schüler (17 December 1903 - 12 January 1945) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 18 September 1942 as Hauptmann der Reserve and Führer II.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 525 / 298.Infanterie-Division. The medal was awarded for actions during the battle of Rostov. While south of the city, he was able to capture a crossing over the Don which the rest of his Division was able to quickly exploit. This had important consequences for the remnants of the Soviet forces around Bataisk. The city was stormed shortly afterwards on 27 July 1942 after a tough fight by the defenders.
Schüler received the Eichenlaub #218 for his Ritterkreuz on 2 April 1943 as Hauptmann der Reserve and Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment 525 / 298.Infanterie-Division. The medal was awarded for his outstanding leadership during the retreat of the 298. Infanterie-Division back to the Donez river in early 1943. In the process the Division would be encircled a total of three times by the Soviets, but each time it was able to break out and continue its movement until it reached Malinovka, SW of Izyum. Schüler would particularly distinguish himself again and again during this time.
Source :
http://pantorijn.blogspot.com/2013/06/tita-binz.html
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/18162/Sch%C3%BCler-Heinrich.htm