Erich Brandenberger and 8. Panzer-Division in 1942 (Original Color Photograph)

Generalleutnant Erich Brandenberger (Kommandeur 8. Panzer-Division) inspecting his division in Russia, 1942. In that year, General Brandenberger, a seasoned Wehrmacht commander who had led the 8th Panzer Division since early 1941, continued to oversee the unit's demanding operations on the Eastern Front amid the brutal realities of the Soviet campaign. The division found itself engaged in grueling defensive and relief operations around the Leningrad sector and the Valdai Hills, particularly in the successful relief of the Kholm pocket earlier in the year, where it helped break through Soviet lines to rescue encircled German forces. Later that autumn and winter, as part of efforts to relieve the besieged garrison at Velikiye Luki, Brandenberger's men endured fierce combat and heavy casualties—suffering over 1,400 losses including dozens of officers in just weeks—against determined Red Army resistance in harsh, boggy terrain that hampered mobility and logistics. Brandenberger's leadership, marked by tactical flexibility and resilience, kept the division operational despite mounting attrition, fuel shortages, and the onset of another brutal Russian winter; he would depart command in early 1943 after multiple stints at the helm, going on to higher corps and army commands while earning the Eichenlaub to his Ritterkreuz.

Source :
https://pixpast.wordpress.com/?query-10-page=5&cst&str=428&id_parent=7898&items=12&vd=downloaded&category=7902&flow=1

Original Color Photograph of Erich Brandenberger by Walter Frentz

General der Panzertruppe Erich Brandenberger (Kommandierender General XXIX.Armeekorps) in a picture taken in February 1944 by Walter Frentz, during the Eichenlaub award ceremony with Hitler at the Berghof in Obersalzberg, Bavaria. Brandenberger, serving as Korpskommandeur under 6. Armee of Heeresgruppe Süd on the Eastern Front in 1943, formally earned the Eichenlaub to his Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 12 November 1943 through his distinguished and resolute leadership during intense defensive operations and withdrawal maneuvers amid the Soviet summer offensives following the Battle of Kursk. In the fighting along the Mius River in July and August 1943, Brandenberger skillfully directed his corps' infantry and attached units in holding key positions against overwhelming Red Army assaults, conducting tenacious delaying actions that inflicted heavy casualties on advancing Soviet forces while preserving combat effectiveness despite severe pressure and limited resources. As the broader German front collapsed and Heeresgruppe Süd executed a phased retreat to the Dnieper River line, he orchestrated the corps' disciplined withdrawal across vast distances under continuous enemy pursuit, coordinating rearguard battles, river crossings, and the establishment of new defensive positions that prevented a complete breakthrough, maintained cohesion among battered divisions, and bought critical time for the stabilization of the Panther-Wotan defensive line. His calm command under fire, effective use of available armor and artillery in mobile counterattacks, and ability to inspire troops during these grueling operations exemplified exceptional generalship in a desperate defensive context, directly contributing to the partial success of the German withdrawal to the Dnieper despite the strategic retreat. Brandenberger later went on to command the 7. Armee in the Ardennes Offensive before surrendering in 1945.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/search.php?keywords=erich+brandenberger&t=46430&sf=msgonly
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28636/Brandenberger-Erich-8-Panzer-Division.htm
https://www.walter-frentz-collection.de/fotoarchiv/personenarchiv-a-z/personen-a-b/#&gid=1&pid=69

Herbert Otto Gille with the Brillanten

A picture of Herbert Otto Gille as SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS with the Brillanten medal, belong to author Mark C. Yerger. Signed in the late 1950s at his book shop, was Herbert Gille's favorite image of himself. Those who came to the shop got such larger size examples (to big for a standard letter envelope) with the same in a smaller size going to those who wrote him. Signed with his preferred color fountain pen. Brillanten zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes and Deutsches Kreuz in Gold, he is the most combat decorated Waffen-SS officer, along with Sepp Dietrich.

Source :
https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/forum/wehrmacht-era-militaria/photos-and-paper-items-forum/152358-general-photos/page100#post5955052

Herbert Otto Gille Wearing a Rare Double Runes Collar

SS-Oberführer Herbert Otto Gille (Kommandeur SS-Artillerie Regiment 5 / SS-Division "Wiking") wearing a rare double-runes collar tabs. During a short period of time, the SS used double pair of runes on their collar tabs as they thought that the shoulder boards would be enough to distinguish a member's rank. For a period of time from October 1939 until May 1940 when collar rank insignia insignia were reintroduced for wear, dual insignia were authorized. After May 1940 use of dual insignia was forbidden, but some continued the practice. Newly formed elements of the SS-VT (SS-Verfügungstruppe) were authorized to wear runic insignia on both collars by officers only, while shoulder boards distinguished rank. Both mirrored runes and SS SS were used. This picture itself was taken between October-December 1942.

SS-Oberführer Herbert Otto Gille (Kommandeur SS-Artillerie Regiment 5 / SS-Division "Wiking") wearing a rare double-runes collar tabs. During a short period of time, the SS used double pair of runes on their collar tabs as they thought that the shoulder boards would be enough to distinguish a member's rank. For a period of time from October 1939 until May 1940 when collar rank insignia insignia were reintroduced for wear, dual insignia were authorized. After May 1940 use of dual insignia was forbidden, but some continued the practice. Newly formed elements of the SS-VT (SS-Verfügungstruppe) were authorized to wear runic insignia on both collars by officers only, while shoulder boards distinguished rank. Both mirrored runes and SS SS were used. This picture itself was taken between October-December 1942.

Source :
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2014/03/album-foto-herbert-otto-gille.html
https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/ss-uniforms-insignia/question-about-double-runes-collar-tabs-555751/

Herbert Otto Gille Speaks at HIAG Meeting

Former general of the Waffen-SS, Herbert Otto Gille, gives a speech on the 16th of November in 1952 during a meeting of the "Hilfsgemeinschaft auf Gegenseitigkeit der Angehörigen der ehemaligen Waffen-SS e.V." (short: HIAG, translates as: "Mutual Help Association of Former Waffen-SS Members") in Gelsenkirchen. The HIAG fights for juristical and societal separation of the Waffen-SS and the Allgemeine-SS, which were on duty in the concentration camps of the Nazi period. In an article by Otto Kumm, former General of the Waffen SS, which appeared in Der Freiwillige, he notes that the origin of HIAG goes back to 1949. Kameraden of the former 7. SS-Freiwilligen-Gebirgs-Division "Prinz Eugen" got together in Hamburg to form a group with the objective to assist ex-Waffen SS members in prison and in financial need and to combat the defamation of the Waffen SS by the Nuremberg trials. This small group grew quickly from 50 to 100. They decided on the name Hilfsgemeinschaft auf Gegenseitigkeit (HIAG): Fellowship for Mutual Support. In the following months the numbers grew to 700-800 men. In 1951 the number of members in the club were 1500 to 1700. The HIAG movement mushroomed all over Germany. The spread of information came from the original publication "Ausweg" which was later replaced by "Wiking Ruf" (published by Herbert Otto Gille). In the 50s and 60s the HIAG was quite active organizing meetings and get-togethers (Tagungen). The meetings and get-togethers with the marches always attracted a lot of mostly negative publicity. As the key leaders of HIAG died the HIAG movement lost its impetus and is no longer active. The HIAG movement was only partly successful in clearing the Waffen SS reputation (the motto being that they were soldiers like any others). In a way, HIAG was the final chapter of the history of the Waffen SS.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=37769&p=793729&hilit=gille#p793729
https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/former-general-of-the-waffen-ss-herbert-gille-gives-a-news-photo/1063490854

Regimentskommandeur Herbert Otto Gille in 1942

SS-Oberführer Herbert Otto Gille (Kommandeur SS-Artillerie-Regiment / SS-Division "Wiking") in 1942. Regiment formed at Truppenübungsplatz Amersfoort in the Netherlands in 1940. While in this command, Gille proved to be an apolitical soldier who led from the front. One revealing instance of this is recounted by Heinz Höhne: "[Like Felix Steiner], Standartenführer Gille, Steiner's Artillery Commander, was also in the Reichsführer's bad books. Gille was an entirely non-political officer who would have nothing to do with ideology. To Obersturmbannführer [Ernst] Fick, the divisional ideological observer, he growled: `Wearing of the brown shirt is not permitted in this aristocratic artillery regiment. I'll put a clean-out squad into your room." (Höhne, The Order of the Death's Head, p. 544, citing letter from Fick to Karl Wolff, 27.01.1942, RFSS Microfilm 38) Although Fick reported this "disrespect" to the chief of Himmler's personal staff, Karl Wolff, Steiner ensured that there were no reprisals against Gille for his political unorthodoxy and evident dislike of Fick, a belief that Steiner apparently shared." (Douglas E. Nash, From the Realm of a Dying Sun, Volume 1)

Source :
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-ss-group-leader-herbert-gille-1942-37015468.html
https://www.bridgemanimages.com/en/noartistknown/ss-group-leader-herbert-gille-1942-b-w-photo/black-and-white-photograph/asset/3002427
https://x.com/AxisBiographic1/status/1711008183907725808/photo/4

Herbert Otto Gille in Early 1944

SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Herbert Otto Gille (Kommandeur 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking") in a picture taken in early 1944. Some source (like this one) claims that this picture was taken on 21 February 1942, which is not possible because since 20 February 1944 Gille was already received the Schwerter for his Ritterkreuz, while in this picture he is still wearing the Eichenlaub.

Source :
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek (Image-No.: 50090374)
https://www.bridgemanimages.com/en/noartistknown/ss-group-leader-herbert-gille-1944-b-w-photo/black-and-white-photograph/asset/3002425
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/404533808263
https://www.topfoto.co.uk/asset/4405450/

Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary in Color

 
Oberstleutnant Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary (Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 108 / 14.Panzer-Division) photographed by Walter Frentz at the Berghof Obersalzberg after the Eichenlaub award ceremony with Hitler on 25 May 1944. The medal was formally awarded on 6 April 1944 for the leadership of his Kampfgruppe during the Cherkassy encirclement, where he and his men were separated from their parent division but managed to break out with other German forces encircled in the pocket.



Two Ritterkreuzträger after the war, possibly in the 1980s : Remi Schrijnen (left) and Heinz von Brese. Remi Schrijnen (24 December 1921 - 27 July 2006) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 21 September 1944 as SS-Sturmmann and Richtschütze in 5.Panzerjäger-Kompanie / I.Bataillon / 6.SS-Freiwilligen-Sturmbrigade "Langemarck", while Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary (13 January 1914 - 3 December 1995) received the Ritterkreuz on 15 May 1943 and Eichenlaub on 6 April 1944, both as Major and Führer II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 108 / 14.Panzer-Division.

Source :
Nick Hessen photo collection
https://www.walter-frentz-collection.de/fotoarchiv/personenarchiv-a-z/personen-c-f/
https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/german-photographs-postcards/show-your-signed-photos-284539-53/

Bio of Oberst Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary (1914-1995)

Heinz Leopold Wittchow von Brese-Winiary

Date of Birth: 13.01.1914 - Dresden, Sachsen (German Empire)
Date of Death: 03.12.1995 - Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg (Germany)

Parents: Wilhelm Wittchow von Brese-Winiary, official in Reichslandbund (died 30.12.1933) and Elsa Fischer

Promotions:
20.04.1936 Leutnant mit RDA vom 01.04.1936 (985)
01.04.1939 Oberleutnant (259)
01.03.1942 Hauptmann (207)
20.04.1942 neues RDA vom 01.12.1941 (8a) erhalten
30.01.1943 neues RDA vom 01.10.1940 (24b) erhalten
30.04.1943 Major mit RDA vom 01.04.1943 (16a)
01.04.1944 Oberstleutnant mit RDA vom 01.02.1944 (98)
01.09.1944 Oberst (58)

Career:
04.04.1934 Entered Infanterie-Regiment 10 (Löbau)
06.10.1936 Served in 7.Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 10 (Kamenz)
10.11.1938 Adjutant II.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 10 (Kamenz)
29.01.1940 Chef 6.Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 10
15.08.1940 Chef 6.Kompanie / Schützen-Regiment 108
12.05.1942 Führer I.Bataillon / Schützen-Regiment 108
xx.xx.1942 Führer II.Bataillon / Schützen-Regiment 103
08.08.1942 Wounded, in hospital
14.12.1942 - 22.02.1943 Kommandeur Kampfgruppe Brese
23.02.1943 Wounded, in hospital
17.04.1943 Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 108 / 14.Panzer-Division
06.11.1943 Führer Panzergrenadier-Regiment 108 / 14.Panzer-Division
17.02.1944 Führerreserve OKH (IV)
11.05.1944 - 07.06.1944 Moved to Panzertruppenschule Bergen
08.08.1944 13. Divisionsführerlehrgang
31.08.1944 - 02.09.1944 Kurzlehrgang für Panzeroffiziere
06.09.1944 Kommandeur Panzerfüsilier-Regiments "Großdeutschland"
08.02.1945 Führerreserve OKH (HGr Nord)

Awards and Decorations:
00.00.1938 Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung IV.Klasse (4 jahre)
00.00.1939 Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 mit Spange "Prager Burg"
24.10.1939 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
24.06.1940 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
31.10.1940 Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber
10.11.1941 Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
24.12.1941 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
24.04.1942 Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber
18.09.1942 Verwundetenabzeichen in Gold
11.04.1943 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)
15.05.1943 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Major and Führer II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 108 / 14.Panzer-Division. Awarded for his achievements during the critical winter of 1942-43 on the southern sector of the eastern front. He led a scratch regimental battlegroup with soldiers from various units in the following actions: 1) Fighting at the Chir river in the densely forested area east of Kustowskoj, 2) Serving as the ready reserve of Korpsgruppe Mieth, where it especially distinguished itself in a counterattack east of Kar Beljanski on the Bjelaja river, 3) Ejecting a group of Soviets that had infiltrated German positions at the end of January 1943, thus preventing an early abandonment of the Manytsch position.
02.03.1944 Nahkampfspange in Silber
06.04.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #441, as Major and Führer II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 108 / 14.Panzer-Division. Awarded for the leadership of his Kampfgruppe during the Cherkassy encirclement, where he and his men were separated from their parent division but managed to break out with other German forces encircled in the pocket.

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Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary was born on January 13, 1914 in Dresden. Brese-Winiary's name goes back to his great-great-grandfather, who, as a fortress inspector, built a new type of fortress on the Winiary hill near Posen in 1856, for which he received a noble title.

He joined the 10th Infantry Regiment in Dresden in April 1934 and was promoted to lieutenant on May 1, 1936. He initially belonged to the 7th and later to the 8th Company, and continued to be a communications officer in the 2nd Battalion.

Appointed battalion adjutant, he became battalion adjutant in May 1939 and took part in the Polish and French campaigns.

Having remained loyal to his regiment during the Russian campaign, he was promoted to captain in March 1942 and took over the 6th Company.

After becoming commander of the 2nd Company of the 108th Panzer Grenadier Regiment, he was commander of the "Kampfgruppe Brese" from December 14, 1942 to February 22, 1943 in the Chir-Donetsbogen combat area near Stalingrad. The combat group consisted of various units and had approximately the strength of a regiment. In the battles, critical situations were repeatedly resolved, enemies who had broken through were bypassed, thrown back and destroyed. In December 1942, the combat group was in the dense forest area east of Kostowskoj and then became the intervention reserve of the Mieth Corps Group. The combat group performed particularly well in the counterattack east of Kar Beljanski on the Bjelaja. At the end of January 1943, von Brese advanced from Nowotcherkassk on the Tusloff against the enemy who had broken into the Don lowlands, thus preventing the early evacuation of the Manych position. Captain von Brese, in his position as commander of the 1st Battalion of the 108th Panzer Grenadier Regiment, 14th Panzer Division, was awarded the Knight's Cross on May 15, 1943 for these battles.

Later promoted to major, von Brese's combat group (remnants of PzGren.Rgt. 108, PzAA 14, II./PzAR 4 and an anti-aircraft combat group) was pushed into the Cherkassy pocket on February 1, 1944, where it joined up with the 389th Infantry Division. The PzGrenRgt. 108 had repeatedly tried to open the pocket by flanking attacks west of Pissarimka. Von Brese's personal commitment also led to the nomination for the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross on March 23, 1944, which he received on April 6, 1944 as major and leader of the 108th Panzer Grenadier Regiment.

After being promoted to lieutenant colonel on April 1, 1944 and to colonel on September 1, 1944, he took command of the "Grossdeutschland" Panzer Fusilier Regiment, which he commanded until the capitulation on February 18, 1945 when he was wounded the last time.

Got excellent Beurteilungen in 1941-1944 and was rated as "fit for divisional command" by General Brennecke. The last Beurteilung by Lorenz says: "In absehbarer Zeit zum Divisionsführer nicht geeignet. Weitere Verwendung als Regimentskommandeur wird vorgeschlagen." No reasons, no comments from higher superiors. Wittchow von Brese-Winiary was wounded again in February 1945, and this would explain why he did not get a new command.

Oberst Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary was dismissed by Generalmajor Karl Lorenz from command of Panzer-Füsilier-Regiment Grossdeutschland approximately on 13 February 1945.

The rumour is that Karl Lorenz had been with Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment Grossdeutschland for a long time and had a lot of loyalty and feelings for that Regiment.However he never bothered with Panzer-Füsilier-Regiment Grossdeutschland and treated the Regiment like a an poor stepsister.In fact he never once visited the Regiment while Divisional Commander.Von Brese was dismissed for protesting about the misuse of his II Batallion. Von Brese was an Oakleaf winner (As was Lorenz) and it interesting that Lorenz would dismiss such a highly decorated soldier no matter what disagreements'especially as February 1945 and how desperate the situation was.

During his imprisonment, his name was shortened to von Brese, which made it difficult to send him mail.

After his release, von Brese changed his name in 1956 and from then on called himself Heinz von Brese.
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He died on December 3, 1995 in Freiburg im Breisgau.

Major Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary (Führer II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 108 / 14.Panzer-Division) with the Ritterkreuz.

Major Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary (Führer II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 108 / 14.Panzer-Division) with the Ritterkreuz.



Major Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary (Führer II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 108 / 14.Panzer-Division) with the Ritterkreuz.



Major Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary (Führer II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 108 / 14.Panzer-Division) with the Ritterkreuz.

Major Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary (Führer II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 108 / 14.Panzer-Division) with the Ritterkreuz.



Adolf Hitler (Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht) shaking hands and congratulates Major d.R. Hogrebe for his newly awarded Eichenlaub. On 25 May 1944 Hitler welcomes nine Wehrmacht officers - who just recently receives the higher grade of Ritterkreuz - in his retreat in Berghof Obersalzberg. They were, from left to right: Generalleutnant Dietrich von Saucken (Kommandeur 4. Panzer-Division. Schwerter #46 on 31 January 1944), Generalleutnant Georg-Wilhelm Postel (Kommandeur 320. Infanterie-Division. Schwerter #57 on 26 March 1944), Oberst Franz Griesbach (Kommandeur Grenadier-Regiment 399 / 170.Infanterie-Division. Schwerter #53 on 6 March 1944), General der Artillerie Maximilian Fretter-Pico (Kommandierender General XXX. Armeekorps. Eichenlaub #368 on 16 January 1944), General der Infanterie Friedrich Schulz (Kommandierender General III. Panzerkorps. Eichenlaub #428 on 20 March 1944), Generalmajor Ernst-Günther Baade (Kommandeur 90. Panzergrenadier-Division. Eichenlaub #402 on 22 February 1944), Oberst Herbert Schwender (Kommandeur Grenadier-Regiment 45 / 21.Infanterie-Division. Eichenlaub #442 on 6 April 1944), Oberstleutnant Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary (Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 108 / 14.Panzer-Division. Eichenlaub #441 on 6 April 1944), and Major der Reserve Heinrich Hogrebe (Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment 422 / 126.Infanterie-Division. Eichenlaub #454 on 13 April 1944). The signature is belong to Von Brese-Winiary. Other pictures from this ceremony can be seen HERE.



Oberstleutnant Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary (Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 108 / 14.Panzer-Division) photographed by Walter Frentz at the Berghof Obersalzberg after the Eichenlaub award ceremony with Hitler on 25 May 1944. The medal was formally awarded on 6 April 1944 for the leadership of his Kampfgruppe during the Cherkassy encirclement, where he and his men were separated from their parent division but managed to break out with other German forces encircled in the pocket.

Oberstleutnant Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary with the Eichenlaub.

Oberstleutnant Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary with the Eichenlaub.



From left to right: Oberst Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary (Kommandeur Panzer-Füsilier-Regiment "Grossdeutschland") and Generalmajor Karl Lorenz (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland"). The picture was taken in 1944 or 1945. Other pictures from this sequence can be seen HERE.



Two Ritterkreuzträger after the war, possibly in the 1980s : Remi Schrijnen (left) and Heinz von Brese. Remi Schrijnen (24 December 1921 - 27 July 2006) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 21 September 1944 as SS-Sturmmann and Richtschütze in 5.Panzerjäger-Kompanie / I.Bataillon / 6.SS-Freiwilligen-Sturmbrigade "Langemarck", while Heinz Wittchow von Brese-Winiary (13 January 1914 - 3 December 1995) received the Ritterkreuz on 15 May 1943 and Eichenlaub on 6 April 1944, both as Major and Führer II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 108 / 14.Panzer-Division.

Personalakte (Personnel File) of Heinz-Wittchow von Brese-Winiary in the Bundesarchiv. Complete pages of this Personalakte can be seen HERE.

Source :
Nick Hessen photo collection
"Panzergrenadier-Division Großdeutschland" by Horst Scheibert
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/brese-winiary.html?blackwhite=1&sortBy=relevant
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Brese-Winiary,_Heinz_Wittchow_von
https://www.ebay.com/itm/382879506615?_ul=IL
https://www.facebook.com/100071774722426/posts/1537705133219724/
https://forum.axishistory.com/search.php?keywords=brese&terms=all&author=&sc=1&sf=all&sr=topics&sk=t&sd=d&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=136373
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/20972/Wittchow-von-Brese-Winiary-Heinz-PGR-108.htm
https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/german-photographs-postcards/show-your-signed-photos-284539-53/
https://web.archive.org/web/20111228130133fw_/http://www.ritterkreuztraeger-1939-45.de/Infanterie/W/Wittchow-von-Brese-Winiary-Heinz.htm

Hasso von Manteuffel being Interviewed

Generalleutnant Hasso von Manteuffel (left, Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") during a radio interview in April 1944. On 22 February previously he received the news that he had been awarded the Schwerter for his Ritterkreuz, not for his achievements as a Commander of Grossdeutschland but for his previous assignment as a Commander of 7. Panzer-Division.

Source :
https://www.ca-collecting.com/shop/en/army-generals-generalstaff/manteuffel-hasso-von-48775.html

Hasso von Manteuffel during His Trial in Düsseldorf

Hasso von Manteufel, former commander of the 7th German Panzer Division, sits at the defendant's bench in Düsseldorf, Germany, on the opening of his trial for manslaughter before a Düsseldorf Court, 17 August 1959. Manteufel is accused of having ordered the shooting of a German soldier on 13 January 1944. although a military court had, on previous day, sentenced the soldier to a two-year jail term for dereliction of duty in the field. Manteuffel, as commandant, had the power to review the court's decision, and ordered a fatal punishment.

Original caption from Associated Press: "Today's picture by wire from Dusseldorf. Hasso von Manteuffel on trial. Hasso von Manteuffel, a renowned tank commander in the German armies of the Second World War, sits in court in Dusseldorf, Germany, today August 17, as his trial opened on a charge of manslaughter. He is charged with the illegal execution of a German soldier in 1944. The soldier had been sentenced to two years imprisonment for refusing duty. Manteuffel had him shot for cowardice in the face of the enemy. Manteuffel is 62."

Source :
https://dutchmilitaria.com/product/pressphoto-nuremberg-trials-hasso-von-manteuffel-on-trial/
https://imsvintagephotos.com/products/hasso-von-manteufel-vintage-photograph-2151397

Ferdinand Schörner in Color

Generaloberst Ferdinand Schörner (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe Nord) posed for the camera after the audience with Hitler who congratulates him for the award of the Schwerter #93 for his Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, which he received on 28 August 1944. The following press article (dated 1 September 1944) describes why Schörner would receive the Schwerter: “Generaloberst Ferdinand Schörner is the commander-in-chief of our troops fighting in the Courland region, against whom the surge of enemy forces from the east has failed to overcome for many weeks. Despite already having been cut off once completely, our troops in Courland have defied all the odds as the cornerstone of the Eastern front. They embodied the spirit of their commander-in-chief, and his skillful leadership has guided them to a victorious outcome over the course of incessant battle against the hordes of enemies.”



Generaloberst Ferdinand Schörner (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe Nord) posed for the camera after the audience with Hitler who congratulates him for the award of the Schwerter #93 for his Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, which he received on 28 August 1944. The following press article (dated 1 September 1944) describes why Schörner would receive the Schwerter: “Generaloberst Ferdinand Schörner is the commander-in-chief of our troops fighting in the Courland region, against whom the surge of enemy forces from the east has failed to overcome for many weeks. Despite already having been cut off once completely, our troops in Courland have defied all the odds as the cornerstone of the Eastern front. They embodied the spirit of their commander-in-chief, and his skillful leadership has guided them to a victorious outcome over the course of incessant battle against the hordes of enemies.”

From left to right: Oberfeldwebel Helmuth Valtiner (Zugführer in 1.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Gebirgsjager-Regiment 143 / 6.Gebirgs-Division) and Generalmajor Ferdinand Schörner (Kommandeur 6. Gebirgs-Division). Valtiner received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 13 June 1941 for his bravery and decisiveness during the German invasion of Greece, two months previously. On 18 April 1941 the First Battalion of Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 143 was ordered to force a crossing over the river Pinios and capture the position Evangelismos. The Bataillon ordered its 1. Kompanie to lead the way, intending for it to have established a bridgehead on the south bank of the river by 14:00. But by the ordered time a large portion of the Kompanie had not even reached the river, only Valtiner and 6 men. After a brief examination of the situation he swam over the river in full combat gear with his comrades. In doing so he was able to determine the most favourable crossing point over the river, and despite strong enemy artillery, mortar and MG fire he was able to hang on to a small toehold on the opposite bank. This was later exploited when the rest of 1. Kompanie arrived, and it led to the successful creation of the first bridgehead over the Pinios

Source :
Michal S. photo collection
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ferdinand_Sch%C3%B6rner.jpg

Ferdinand Schörner and His Children

On 15 January 1955 ex Generalfeldmarschall Ferdinand Schörner was released from Soviet captivity and sent to East Berlin with Vizeadmiral Hans-Erich Voß in a special compartment. While he was still on the platform, he gave a speech (which record kept in the GDR archives until after the fall of communism). A delegation with Generals Lattmann, Arthur Brandt (Luftwaffe) and Haehling received him. The attempt to persuade him to stay in the GDR (possibly as Generalinspekteur of the People's Army) failed, and he traveled on to Münich via Hof (his wife and eldest son had already committed suicide in 1949). This picture was taken on the evening of 28 January 1955 and it shows Schörner with his remaining children.

Source :
https://www.alamy.com/jan-01-1955-ex-field-marshal-schorner-in-munich-on-january-28th-evening-image69291435.html?imageid=BE462C09-DC45-43C3-BB79-070DDAF2ABED&p=90011&pn=1&searchId=ad8a35a421f1c8fe7dfbd4fb4d93d2ee&searchtype=0
https://historicimages.com/products/ksb52089

Philipp Müller-Gebhard and Otto Wöhler

From left to right: Generalleutnant Philipp Müller-Gebhard (Kommandeur 72. Infanterie-Division), unknown, and General der Infanterie Otto Wöhler (Oberbefehlshaber 8. Armee). The picture was probably taken in October 1943, the only time 72nd Infantry Division (Müller-Gebhard) were under the 8th Army (Wöhler). On 1 November 1943 Divisionskommandeur Müller-Gebhard was put in the Führerreserve.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=14230&p=2511618#p2511618

Three Interesting Stories about Ferdinand Schörner in Norway

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

Rudolf von Ribbentrop and Kurt Meyer in Kharkov

SS-Untersturmführer Rudolf von Ribbentrop (arm in sling) and SS-Obersturmbannführer Kurt Meyer (with binoculars behind Ribbentrop, Kommandeur SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 1 / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler") during the Battle of Kharkov, second week of February 1943. That month Ribbentrop arrived in sector near Kharkov and fought with Meyer in his battle group. At the start of the battle Ribbentrop was a Zugführer of 1.Zug in 6.Kompanie / II.Abeilung / SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler", but on 3 March 1943 he was promoted as Führer of 6.Kompanie in the same Abteilung after SS-Untersturmführer Rolf Janke got wounded. This image itself is a snapshot from the "1943-02-xx-Descheg-monatsschau Nr.1218" propaganda reel.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=205532&hilit=rudolf+ribbentrop

Rudolf von Ribbentrop as a Student of Westminster School

The fifteen-year old Rudolf von Ribbentrop's first day at Westminster School, 12 October 1936. Original caption: "Rudi, the eldest son of the German ambassador in London, Joachim von Ribbentrop, began his first day of school today as a new student at the famous Westminster School in London. Rudolf von Ribbentrop in the traditional school uniform of the Westminster students leaving his London home in Eaton Square on the way to the Westminister School."

Unlike many of his fellow boarding students, Rudolf "Rudi" von Ribbentrop was an outside student. He would arrive first thing every day, attend his morning classes, eat at school, and return home at the end of each day.

As he confesses in his memoirs, and despite his years of belonging to the Hitlerjugend, nothing in Nazi Germany had prepared him at 15 years of age, for the culture shock that he was going to suffer at Westminster School: Spartan life, frozen rooms, food unbearable. The daily dinner at the ambassador's residence with dishes of German cuisine was, hands down, the highlight of the day for the young student.

Of course, nothing is perfect in life, because from Monday to Friday every night at every dinner, his father would question him about his impressions of opinions and comments from his classmates and teachers.

Von Ribbentrop saw his son as a primary source of information about the thinking of the children of the British elites and, therefore, of them. With his commission to strike a pact with Great Britain, the ambassador was anxious to know whether the British would be willing to strike some kind of agreement to help Hitler fight the threat of communism or if they were really a group of "decadent manners. As described by Nazi propaganda.

We suppose that after dinner there would still be time for homework.

Rudi was a somewhat lanky boy who wore glasses, who - according to his memoirs - found it very strange to have to go to and from school every day with a top hat, frack, gloves and an umbrella ...

In his memoirs he recalls how surprised he was that there was an Officers Training Corps at the school, which he wanted to join at the time. And how a "nice and young teacher, in a captain's uniform, asked me if he wanted to sign me up."

Surprised by the existence of such a pre-military formation, von Ribbentrop authorized his son to join, but on the condition that he should wear a German uniform. Very politely the school rejected the proposal. However, the ambassador informed Berlin that the British were preparing their schoolchildren for war.

Rudi was initially teased by his classmates. And he also remembers the cold and huge house, where to warm himself he went to the library which, apparently, was the warmest room in the school.

The British diplomat Brian Urquhart, a student at the same school during Ribbentrop's time there, in his autobiography "A Life in Peace and War (1987)" describes the latter as being "doltish, surly and arrogant". Urquhart recalls that Ribbentrop, much to the dismay of his schoolmates, "arrived each morning in one of two plum-colored Mercedes-Benz limousines". Urquhart further recalls, "On arrival in Dean's Yard, both chauffeurs would spring out, give the Nazi salute, and shout "Heil Hitler!"

Peter Ustinov, tone of his classmates, states in his memoirs that von Ribbentrop would drive to school every day in the embassy's Mercedes and that the chauffeur would bump his heels shouting "Heil Hitler!"

When Rudolf is reminded of this, he smiles and denies it in amusement. Every day on his way to and from school walking to the residence in Eaton Square - he says - he, in addition to the fact that the driver was English.

Rudi's father did not exactly win sympathy among embassy staff. The animosity between Ustinov and Rudi has its origin in that von Ribbentrop dismissed, among many others, the German press attaché in London, who was precisely the father of Peter Ustinov.

Two more anecdotes from Rudi von Ribbentrop's London school days:

On the occasion of a school debate on the hypothetical return of the German colonies, the vote was in favor of the return to Germany. This show of impartiality was transmitted to Berlin by the ambassador, interpreted as a British predisposition to make concessions to the Reich.

On another occasion a member of Parliament visited the school to give a lecture on the League of Nations established by the Treaty of Versailles, criticizing Hitler for his intervention. Young von Ribbentrop got up to contradict the speaker and was slapped by a teacher who said to him: - "We don't want to hear speeches, we want to hear questions."

Behind him, he heard the noise of the chairs: all the students had left the room in silence to protest the treatment given to their German companion.

This anecdote was also wrongly interpreted by the German ambassador, who deduced and informed Berlin about a "British sympathy towards German policies".

Upon completing that course in the summer of 1937, Rudi returned to Germany.

In 2010, when interviewed by The Times, Rudolf von Ribbentrop stated: "I look back and happily remember those days."

Source :
https://beeldbankwo2.nl/nl/beelden/detail/dfd84cb6-0259-11e7-904b-d89d6717b464/media/4bbf0d95-3c83-539a-2f80-990fe91a44ba?mode=detail&view=horizontal&q=rudolf%20ribbentrop&rows=1&page=1
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=134272&hilit=rudolf+ribbentrop
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/rudolf-von-ribbentrop-fils-de-lambassadeur-joachim-von-news-photo/690506992
https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/cloth-headgear/rudolf-von-ribbentrop-783266-2/

Rudolf von Ribbentrop with his Panzer IV in Kharkov

This picture was taken by SS-Kriegsberichter Franz Roth on 13 February 1943, and it shows SS-Untersturmführer Rudolf von Ribbentrop (Zugführer 1.Zug / 6.Kompanie / II.Abeilung / SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler") with his Panzer IV "615" - probably a H or J model - before the Third Battle of Kharkov (19 February - 15 March 1943). At this time the 6th Panzer Company was attached to Kampfgruppe Meyer. Later in the day Rudolf was wounded by Russian machine gun fire and did not return to the Panzer Regiment until February 21. This photo has been miscaptioned in many books as having been taken in late February, but by then War Correspondent Roth was already badly wounded and not with KG Meyer. In Kharkov, Rudolf von Ribbentrop had especially distinguished himself through outstanding courage, coldblooded bravery and circumspect leadership. The combat-ready Company of Kompanieführer von Ribbentrop threw itself again and again toward the Russians and became engaged in battle with the much stronger foe. In this fight his tank personally destroyed 14 enemy tanks. For his achievements he would be recommended with the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold, but instead be awarded with the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes!

Source :
https://www.reddit.com/r/GermanWW2photos/comments/fan9ok
https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/cloth-headgear/rudolf-von-ribbentrop-783266-5//rudolf_von_ribbentrop_son_of_joachim_von/

Gotthard Heinrici and Theodor Scherer

General der Infanterie Gotthard Heinrici (wearing ledermantel, Oberbefehlshaber 4. Armee) with his subordinate officers during war conference in the field. With hand on chin beside him is Generalmajor Hans Röttiger (Chef des Generalstabes 4. Armee), while behind Röttiger is Generalmajor Theodor Scherer (Kommandeur 34. Infanterie-Division). Last one, behind Heinrici is Oberleutnant Salm (at least that is what written on the back of the photo). The picture was taken in the Eastern Front, summer of 1942.

Source :
https://www.ebay.de/b/General-in-Militaria-Fotos-1900-1918-1945/15504/bn_7004515776

Bio of Oberleutnant Otto Hielscher (1922-1980)

Otto Hielscher

Date of Birth: 11.01.1922 - Fürstenwalde-Spree, Brandenburg (Germany)
Date of Death: 25.03.1980 - Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen (West Germany)

Battles and Operations: Operation Barbarossa (1941), Battle of Uman (1941), Battle of Kiev (1941), Battle of Voronezh (1942), Battle of Kursk (1943), Dnieper–Carpathian Offensive (1943-1944), and Kamenets-Podolsky Pocket 91944)

Promotions:
01.10.1943 Oberleutnant (224b)

Career:
01.12.1939 Entered the military
01.05.1941 - 03.01.1943 Batterie-Offizier
04.01.1943 - 06.10.1943 Stellvertreter Batterieführer in Artillerie-Regiment 168
07.10.1943 - 27.01.1944 Ersatzabteilung
28.01.1944 - 00.05.1945 Chef 5.Batterie / II.Abteilung / Artillerie-Regiment 168

Awards and Decorations:
29.06.1941 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
15.09.1941 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
28.03.1942 Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (for a single wound inflicted on 18.01.1942)
07.06.1942 Allgemeines-Sturmabzeichen
25.07.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)
05.05.1943 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
08.10.1943 Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber (for a single wound inflicted on 06.09.1943)
23.08.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Oberleutnant and Chef 5.Batterie / II.Abteilung / Artillerie-Regiment 168 / 68.Infanterie-Division

Part of the groupings of Otto Hielscher which auctioned at Andreas Thies for 18,000 Euros.

Part of the groupings of Otto Hielscher which auctioned at Andreas Thies for 18,000 Euros.

Source :
Bernhard H. Holst photo collection
https://www.andreas-thies.de/auktionen/76-752517
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Hielscher,_Otto
https://gmic.co.uk/topic/62217-knights-cross-recipient-obltohielscher-artillery/
https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Kamenets-Podolsky_Pocket
http://www.ritterkreuztraeger.info/rk/h.html
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/6559/Hielscher-Otto.htm