Ritterkreuzträger with Holster

WALTHER P38 HOLSTER

The Walther P38 holster was the standard-issue leather pistol holster developed for the Walther P38 semi-automatic pistol, which became the primary sidearm of the German Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS from 1940 onward after replacing the more expensive and complex Luger P08 in most frontline units. Typically constructed from vegetable-tanned leather in either brown (early war production) or black (later wartime economy versions due to material shortages), the holster featured a distinctive closed-flap design with a securing strap and stud, reinforced belt loops on the rear for secure attachment to the standard issue belt, and often an integrated side pouch or loop specifically shaped to hold the pistol’s cleaning rod and spare magazine. Manufacturers such as those coded “jhg,” “gxy,” or “cdc” produced these holsters under strict military specifications, with many examples bearing acceptance stamps, date markings, and the “P.38” designation inside the flap or on the back; some variations included a more rigid frame or a quick-release “breakaway” strap for faster draw in combat. Worn primarily on the left hip by right-handed soldiers across the Heer, Luftwaffe ground forces, Kriegsmarine, and especially Waffen-SS units, the holster provided reliable protection for the P38 in diverse environments, from the dusty deserts of North Africa to the frozen Eastern Front, though the leather could stiffen or crack in extreme conditions without proper maintenance. Its practical, no-nonsense design made it one of the most common and recognizable pieces of German WWII small-arms equipment, remaining in use until the end of the war and continuing to be highly sought after by collectors and historians today for its historical significance and functional simplicity.

SS-Brigadeführer Kurt Meyer (1910-1961), born on 23 December 1910 in Jerxheim, Lower Saxony, and who died on 23 December 1961 in Hagen, North Rhine-Westphalia, was a Waffen-SS officer who rose to the rank of SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS, serving primarily with the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler before taking command roles in the 12. SS-Panzer-Division "Hitlerjugend" and becoming widely known by his nickname "Panzermeyer" for his daring and aggressive leadership in multiple campaigns. He entered the SS in 1931, transferred to the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler in 1934, and commanded the 14. Panzerabwehr-Kompanie during the 1939 invasion of Poland before leading the SS-Aufklärungs-Abteilung of the LSSAH in France, the Balkans, and the Eastern Front. On 18 May 1941, as SS-Sturmbannführer and commander of the SS-Aufklärungs-Abteilung Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, he was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes after demonstrating exceptional initiative on 13 April 1941 during the Balkans campaign by reconnoitering toward Kastoria via the Klisura Pass, where his battalion achieved a breakthrough that decisively cut off the retreat route for major elements of the Greek northern wing and facilitated the rapid capture of Kastoria, actions that built upon his earlier success commanding a Vorausabteilung in the western campaign. On 23 February 1943, as SS-Obersturmbannführer still commanding the reconnaissance battalion of the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler during the Third Battle of Kharkov, he received the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes for orchestrating a bold and ruthless assault on the village of Jefremowka on 20 February 1943, in which his forces overran Soviet positions, inflicted approximately 1,500 enemy casualties, and took no prisoners amid intense close-quarters fighting. Finally, on 27 August 1944 as SS-Standartenführer and commander of the 12. SS-Panzer-Division "Hitlerjugend" — having assumed divisional leadership after the death of SS-Brigadeführer Fritz Witt on 14 June 1944 — he was awarded the Schwerter zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub as the 91st recipient for his tenacious and aggressive leadership throughout the Normandy campaign, including rapid counterattacks against Canadian forces near the beaches on 7 June 1944, the establishment of a forward command post at Ardenne Abbey, sustained defensive operations around Caen despite over 60 percent divisional casualties in the first month, and his role in leading the remnants of the division in a fighting breakout from the Falaise pocket before his capture in early September 1944.

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WALTHER PP HOLSTER

The Walther PP holster from World War II stands as an iconic example of German engineering tailored to the compact 7.65mm Polizei Pistole, a double-action semi-automatic pistol introduced in 1929 and widely issued to Wehrmacht officers, Luftwaffe pilots, police units, and party officials throughout the 1939–1945 conflict for its reliability in close-quarters self-defense and non-combat roles; crafted primarily from supple black or brown leather with a signature “breakaway” flap design that allowed lightning-fast draws via a front-opening mechanism secured by a sturdy leather retaining strap and metal stud or snap closure—distinct from pre-war pinned Polizei variants that locked rigidly behind the trigger guard—these holsters typically featured an internal spare magazine pouch, dual belt loops for secure attachment to standard Sam Browne or field belts, and reinforced stitching often in contrasting white thread for durability under field conditions. Produced by leading manufacturers such as Albrecht Kind (AKAH) of Zella-Mehlis, whose output frequently bore the crossed-rifles trademark alongside “DRGM” (Deutsches Reichs-Gebrauchsmuster) patent markings indicating a registered design, examples were stamped with production dates ranging from 1939 to 1944, maker codes, or subtle Waffenamt eagle acceptance proofs for military contract pieces, while pre-war commercial variants remained largely unmarked in smooth leather finishes. Wartime variations included pebble-grain textured black leather for enhanced grip and wear resistance, specialized Party Leader models adorned with a prominent Nazi eagle embossed on the flap, and late-war ersatz substitutes fabricated from laminated brown or black paper-fiberboard with minimal or no markings due to raw material shortages, yet still incorporating a functional leather closure strap.

Oberleutnant Hans-Werner Deppe (1921-2009), born on 21 March 1921 in Obernbeck-Herford in Westphalia, Germany, and who died on 30 December 2009 in Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, was a decorated German infantry officer whose courage during the Second World War exemplified frontline leadership in the Heer. Initially serving as Leutnant in the III. / Infanterie-Regiment 58 of the 6. Infanterie-Division, he had already proven himself in the heavy defensive battles near Rzhev in August 1942, an action that led to his award of the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on 31 October 1942 after an earlier recommendation for the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes was declined. By 1943, promoted to Oberleutnant and acting as Chef of the 3. / Grenadier-Regiment 58 within the same division, Deppe earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 14 August 1943 for his decisive intervention during the breakthrough battles south of Orel on 8 July 1943, when the reinforced I./Grenadier-Regiment 58 assaulted heavily fortified Russian positions northeast of Kutyrki. Facing a sudden and powerful enemy counterattack supported by artillery and aircraft that overran the neighboring 1. Kompanie after it lost its commander and platoon leaders, Deppe instantly recognized the mortal danger to the entire Bataillon, deviated from his assigned mission, and with his own depleted 3. Kompanie—already weakened by the loss of both Zugführers—charged into the enemy’s exposed flank with a resounding Hurra amid exploding shells. Wounded in the shoulder by a grenade during the ensuing close combat, he refused to yield, alternately standing or lying atop a Sturmgeschütz while firing an MG to rally his Grenadiere through sheer personal example, repelling the Soviet thrust, then pursuing on his own initiative to clear the heavily defended Rachel of remnants and push the farthest south in a narrow attack wedge; struck a second time in the arm, he only relented for medical treatment after being explicitly ordered by the Regiment. His lightning-swift situational awareness, bold independent initiative, outstanding personal bravery, and exemplary Führungsstärke not only saved the depleted Bataillon but enabled the regiment’s successful penetration of the strongly fortified enemy defensive network northwest of Kutyrki, inflicting around 150 enemy dead while capturing prisoners, a Katyusha rocket launcher, anti-tank guns, and numerous small arms with comparatively light German losses, actions that proved decisive for the broader operation as detailed in his award citation.

Source :
https://www.amazon.com/walther-pp-holster/s?k=walther+pp+holster
https://www.tracesofwar.com/awards/83/Ritterkreuz-des-Eisernen-Kreuzes.htm

Eichenlaub Award Ceremony for Herbert Gille and Hans Dorr

Adolf Hitler (Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht) received two officers from 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking" who had just awarded the Eichenlaub for their Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes. In this picture - taken at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, in November 1943 - the Führer shakes hands with SS-Sturmbannführer Hans Dorr (Kommandeur I.Bataillon / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Germania" / 5.SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking"), while at left stands SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Herbert Otto Gille (Kommandeur 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking").

SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Herbert Otto Gille (Kommandeur 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking") photographed by Walter Frentz at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, after the Eichenlaub award ceremony with Hitler in November 1943. Gille's Eichenlaub recommendation reads as follows: "SS-Brigadeführer Gille took over acting command of the SS-Pz.Gren.Div. Wiking in October 1942. In May 1943 he was named commander of this SS-Division. He was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes for his successes as leader of a Vorausabteilung during the offensive battles of summer 1942 in the Caucasus. In the recent fighting SS-Brigadeführer Gille has decisively intervened in the combat along the southern front on several occasions through the outstanding leadership of his Division. He has distinguished himself through his confident and energetic leadership, his swift and superior issuing of orders and above all through his personal example and determination. His outstanding personal bravery in the foremost line was often the deciding factor in resolving situations both dangerous and critical alike. It is primarily to his credit that his Division has been able to perform as well as it has over the course of numerous battles in the thick of combat on the southern front. Throughout this time it has shown true devotion to duty and earned the respect of its comrades in the Heer. It has been named several times in the Heeresbericht and in the press due to its exemplary achievements on the battlefield. And to this day it continues to hold a sector of over 25 km wide on the Dnieper river despite having been employed in heavy fighting for two years. All of this is thanks to the tireless readiness for duty, responsibility and dutifulness of its commander."

SS-Sturmbannführer Hans Dorr (Kommandeur I.Bataillon / SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Germania" / 5.SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking") photographed by Walter Frentz at the Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze in Rastenburg, East Prussia, after the Eichenlaub award ceremony with Hitler in November 1943. Dorr’s Eichenlaub recommendation reads as follows: "Hans Dorr was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes for his crossing of the Kuban river and creation of a bridgehead at Grigeripoliskaja on 2 August 1942. On 8 August 1942 SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr received the order to launch an advance with his Kampfgruppe (1 Schützen-Kompanie, 1 heavy Kompanie, 1 armoured car Kompanie, 1 Batterie of LFH howitzers) from Tengenskaja via Belescherskaja to Maikop. There he was to link up with the Vorausabteilung of the 16. Infanterie-Division (mot), commence an advance to Tuapse alongside this unit and block the coastal road Noworossisk-Tuapse. Moving out on 9 August 1942, SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr thrust through the enemy forces that were fleeing southward from the northern front of the Kuban river over the course of 2 violent days. The much larger enemy threatened to crush the Kampfgruppe on several occasions, however every time SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr succeeded in mastering the most confusing of situations with confidence and bravery. By the evening of 10 August 1942 SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr had fulfilled the first part of his mission, having made contact with the Vorausabteilung of the 16. Infanterie-Division (mot). On 15 August 1942 SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr once again moved out. The Kampfgruppe was subordinated to the 97. Jäger-Division as a Vorausabteilung. It’s new mission was to advance via Apscheronskaja to Muk through the 40 km wide forest belt in order to make contact with the southernmost attacking spearhead of the SS-Pz.Gren.Div. Wiking. Kampfgruppe Dorr fought through the forest zone between Maikop and Apscheronskaja in a bitter 4-day battle, eliminated much superior enemy forces and opened the path for the 97. Jäger-Division to Muk. Toughly defended and mined tree barricades over a distance of 15 km could not stop the irresistible forward drive of the Kampfgruppe. SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr constantly inspired his men to their greatest achievements through his own personal example. He appeared at the hotspots of the fighting whenever the attack ground down under the energetic enemy defensive fire, entering the close combat with machine-pistol and hand grenades and bringing the Kampfgruppe’s attack back into motion. His tireless, selfless devotion to duty played a major role in securing a decisive success, namely the clearing out and occupation of the oil area Maikop-Chadzhenskaja. On 17 March 1943 the enemy launched a surprise crossing over the Donez river between Ssemenowka and Bol Garaschewka with strong infantry forces. They penetrated into the positions of the 259. Infanterie-Division and tried to force a breakthrough towards Barwenkowo with swiftly brought up tank forces. When the Regiment commenced its attack against the broken-in enemy on 18 July 1943, Dorr’s Bataillon received orders to attack northwards from Barabaschewka against Ssredny and eliminate the enemy located there. They would then turn westwards and seize the decisive Soviet crossing point, the bridge at Bol Garaschewka. Moving out in the early morning, the Bataillon succeeded in seizing Ssredny from the enemy through a bold and energetically conducted thrust. The Bataillon cleared the village following bitter urban combat and destroyed major hostile elements. After securing the village the Bataillon pivoted towards the west as ordered, but it soon ran into a Soviet tank-led counterattack from the direction of Bol Garaschewka. At the same time the Bataillon received murderous defensive fire from the northern bank of the Donez river, which prevented the Bataillon from carrying out its plan as intended. A forward advance appeared to be out of the question. It would once again be SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr who would master the dangerous situation through his fearlessness and tactical skill. He gathered up a few MG squads, overcame the enemy’s blocking fire as the first in the line and then stormed Hill 64.8 (located 2 km northwest of Ssredny) with his troops while fighting with his own machine-pistol and hand grenades. The capture of this hill was of decisive importance for the continuation of this attack. SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr was wounded during the last phase of the attack against Hill 64.8, however he stayed in the foremost line and gave his orders and instructions for the continued attack against the bridge position. He only gave himself up for medical attention at the orders of the regimental commander. SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr and his Bataillon had a major share in the constriction of the bridgehead on this day, as well as in the destruction of significant enemy forces. On 19 September 1943 the Regiment took up a security position on both sides of the Chorol—Krementschug road, however its sheer width (12 km) meant that it could only be occupied in a strongpoint-like fashion. Bataillon Dorr, deployed on the left, deployed one Kompanie each to occupy strongpoints at Kutarshicha, Bairak and the Mogilen hill (1 km north of Worschio-Jenki). On the night of 20-21 September 1943 the enemy, utilizing the extremely good terrain conditions, succeeded in entering the rear of strongpoint Bairak (occupied by 2. Kompanie with a combat strength of only 25 men) with 200 men of their own, and they then began to roll up the strongpoint from the rear. 2. Kompanie was forced to abandon Bairak and pull back towards the south. Then SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr arrived on the battlefield. He gathered up the remainder of the heavily depleted Kompanie, brought a heavy infantry gun into position and began a counterthrust. Once more fighting at the spearhead with machine-pistol and grenades, he succeeded in seizing the southern part of Bairak from the Soviets. However despite strong friendly artillery support the enemy’s resistance stiffened, and our own counterthrust came to a halt. An immediately launched Soviet counterthrust threatened to encircle the small group. However, thanks to the shining example of their commander, the Kompanie was inspired to fight with determination to the last man. SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr and his remaining men succeeded in holding the southern part of Bairak long enough for a friendly self-propelled gun Kompanie to arrive from the Regiment. SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr then resolved to immediately renew his own assault. He swiftly issued orders, mounted up onto the first self-propelled gun and commenced the renewed attack. The Soviets were bewildered by the energetically executed thrust, and began to pull back while also defending each house bitterly. The commander’s vehicle received a direct hit, with the entire crew being either killed or badly wounded. Only the commander himself got away with minor injuries. Undeterred, SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr stormed forwards on foot and continued to prosecute the assault until Bairak was once again in friendly hands. The Soviets repeatedly tried again to seize Bairak, however they were bloodily repulsed every time. The enemy was once again badly battered by the fighting. Dorr’s Bataillon thus had a major share in the successes of the Division in the Chorol sector. Over the course of several days of furious struggle the enemy’s breakthrough attempts towards Krementschug had been prevented. The enemy succeeded in occupying the 2 km long Dnieper island located 4 km southeast of Pekari (south of Kannew). By orders of the III. Panzer-Korps, Dorr’s Bataillon was attached to the 57. Infanterie-Division in order to help liquidate the enemy’s presence on the Dnieper island. After hastily assembling for the fight the Bataillon launched its attack early on 27 September 1943. They overcame a sandbank, the only connection to the island, and succeeded in securing the island’s southern tip in a swift strike. However the difficult terrain, comprised of stunted trees and thick undergrowth, favoured the the defense and our own attack became heavily compromised. A man to man battle ensued, one that was fanatically prosecuted by both sides. The enemy attempted to break up the attack via bitterly conducted counterthrusts. However SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr held the Bataillon together with an iron hand, and mastered the difficult situations with his by-now legendary calm. When the Soviets finally managed to overrun 3. Kompanie in a counterthrust, SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr at once rushed to the site with 2 squads from 2. Kompanie and plunged into the broken-in enemy. The foe was crushed after an hour of gruelling combat. The front of 3. Kompanie was closed and our own attack could once again proceed. An enemy group of about 100 men that suddenly appeared in the rear of the Bataillon was destroyed/dispersed by SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr and the swiftly assembled messengers of the Bataillon staff. Dorr’s Bataillon ultimately managed to eliminate the enemy forces (about 300 men strong) over the course of a 10-hour battle. By nightfall the island was firmly in friendly hands. The Soviets had sustained heavy losses in men, equipment and weapons. On 30 September 1943 Dorr’s Bataillon was attached to the 3. Panzer-Division in order to eliminate the bridgehead east of Studinez (10 km north of Kannew). The Bataillon’s mission was to eliminate the enemy forces in the bridgehead and take control of the west bank of the Dnieper. Following a strong friendly artillery preparation the 3. Panzer-Division moved out at 06:40 on 2 October 1943. After a short yet fierce engagement Dorr’s Bataillon reached its first attack objective, the ravine east of Point 175.9. However the friendly forces on the left and right received strong fire from anti-tank guns and mortars. They were forced to go to ground, and eventually went back to their jump-off positions. Clearly recognizing the situation, the enemy launched a counterattack to interfere with these retreat movements. Dorr’s forward Kompanien took up all-round defensive positions in the ravine, however they were encircled by the enemy’s counterattack. The Bataillon’s situation was critical. The neighbouring groups once again went over to the attack, but made no better progress. An exhausted Kampfgruppe was similarly unable to reach the encircled elements of Dorr’s Bataillon. SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr thus launched his own attack towards the encircled elements of his Bataillon at 18:30 with 4 Sturmgeschützen. After bitter close combat the enemy’s encirclement ring was broken, and this permitted the encircled units to retreat to the lines of the neighbouring groups. The wounded were secured and taken to a safe place. The relief of these encircled elements is solely attributable to the abilities of the Bataillon commander, one highly respected by his men. The courage and dutifulness of SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr was enough to merit recognition by the commander of the 3. Panzer-Division, Generalleutnant Westhoven, as is clear from a personal letter he wrote to the commander of the SS-Pz.Gren.Div. Wiking, SS-Brigadeführer Gille: ‘The irrepressible SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr has achieved commendable merit through his prudent and yet brave attitude, and through these attributes he has brought valuable documents into the hands of the higher commands.’ SS-Hauptsturmführer Dorr has thus had an outstanding share in the successes of his Bataillon and by extension the Regiment as a whole through his personal courage, decisiveness and calm, even in the most critical of moments."

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/search.php?keywords=gille&t=46430&sf=msgonly
https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Hans_Dorr
https://www.walter-frentz-collection.de/fotoarchiv/personenarchiv-a-z/personen-g-h/

Visit of Erwin von Witzleben to 79. Infanterie-Division

On 2 May 1940 Generaloberst Erwin von Witzleben (Oberbefehlshaber 1. Armee) and Reichsminister Rudolf Hess visiting the HQ of 79. Infanterie-Division in Saarpfalz. This picture shows the inspection of the troops by Von Witzleben (saluting), while behind him is Generalmajor Karl Strecker (Kommandeur 79. Infanterie-Division).

Source :
https://www.andreas-thies.de/katalog/A81.html

Hasso von Manteuffel and Horst Niemack

Two Schwerterträger from Grossdeutschland Division: General der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel (pointing, Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland") and Oberst Horst Niemack (Kommandeur Panzer-Füsilier-Regiment "Grossdeutschland"). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Bauer on 5 August 1944 during the battle for Vilkovishken, Reichskommissariat Ostland (today Vilkaviškis in Lithuania).

Source :
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek photo archive (Image-No.: 50135161)
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2010/10/album-foto-general-der-panzertruppe.html
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_101I-732-0132-43A,_Hasso_von_Manteuffel_mit_Oberst_Niemack.jpg

Horst Freiherr Grote and Harry Herrmann

From left to right: Hauptmann Horst Freiherr Grote (Luftattaché bei der Deutschen Gesandtschaft in Sofia) and Major Harry Herrmann (Ia XI. Fliegerkorps). The picture was taken on 21 June 1942 in France by Toni Schneider (1920-2006).

Source :
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_101I-582-2122-06,_Frankreich,_deutsche_Offiziere.jpg
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2248453#p2248453

Bio of Hauptmann Hans Röhrig (1919-1943)

Hans Röhrig

Date of Birth: 04.11.1919 - Hindenburg, Oberschlesien (Germany)
Date of Death: 13.07.1943 - Siracusa, Sicily (Italy)

Promotions:
04.07.1941 Leutnant
07.07.1943 Oberleutnant (RDA from 01.02.1943)
01.09.1943 Hauptmann (posthumously, RDA from 01.03.1944)

Career:
23.09.1940 3.Staffel / Erprobungsgruppe 210
01.05.1941 3.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 53 (JG 53)
04.07.1941 Wounded in action after his Bf 109 F-2 crashed, cartwheeled on take-off from Hostynne
25.07.1941 Recorded his first victory when he shot down a Russian DB-3 twin-engine bomber
00.12.1941 Relocated with 3./JG 53 to the Mediterranean theatre
00.05.1942 Relocated back with I./JG 53 to the Eastern Front
30.06.1942 5./ JG 53, wounded in action after his Bf 109 F-4/Trop. coded 'Yellow 4' shot down by fighters in the area of Kolpna
06.08.1942 His Bf 109 G-2 was shot down by a Yak-1 fighter and bailed out in Pl.Qu. 39891. MIA/Returned
01.09.1942 Relocated with I./JG 53 to the Mediterranean theatre
00.11.1942 Staffelkapitän 9.Staffel / III.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 53 (JG 53)
24.01.1943 9./ JG 53, 1 victory
29.04.1943 9./ JG 53, 1 victory
13.06.1943 9./JG 53, 1 victory
11.07.1943 Recorded his last victories, four USAAF P-38 twin-engine fighters
13.07.1943 Missing in action with Bf 109 G-4/R6/Trop. coded 'Yellow 4+ I' over the Straits of Messina near Catania/Sicily following air combat with Spitfires while he was escorting Ju 52s loaded with paratroops
01.08.1944: officially listed as MIA

Awards and Decorations:
00.00.19__ Flugzeugführerabzeichen
00.00.194_ Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.00.194_ Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.194_ Frontflugspange für Jäger
00.00.194_ Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
02.10.1942 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Leutnant and Flugzeugführer in 9.Staffel / III.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 53 (JG 53)
26.10.1942 Luftwaffe Ehrenpokale für besondere Leistungen im Luftkrieg

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Hans Röhrig (4 November 1919 – 13 July 1943) was first assigned to Erprobungsgruppe 210. He flew many fighter-bomber missions over England during the Battle of Britain and according to one source, recorded five aerial victories during this time but those victories remain unconfirmed. On 1 May 1941, Röhrig was transferred to JG 53 stationed on the Eastern Front. He recorded his first victory on 25 July, when he shot down a Russian DB-3 twin-engine bomber. Röhrig relocated with 3./JG 53 to the Mediterranean theatre at the end of 1941. From bases in Sicily, he flew missions over Malta but was unable to add any further victory during this time.

In May 1942, I./JG 53 relocated back to the Eastern Front. On 6 August 1942 Leutnant Hans Röhrig (flying Bf.109G-2 W.Nr 13480) was shot down by a Yak-1 fighter, apparently flown by Soviet ace Starshiy Leytenant Mikhail Baranov (183 IAP, 269 IAD). At that time Röhrig had eight victories to his credit. Röhrig claimed his 10th victory on 20 August. In September, Röhrig was particularly successful recording 39 victories during the month. On September 1942, Röhrig had reached 56 victories.

His unit, I./JG 53 were again relocated to the Mediterranean theatre in late September 1942. Leutnant Röhrig was awarded the Ritterkreuz on 2 October 1942. During October, the unit operated over Malta to participate into bomber escort missions. In November 1942, Röhrig was appointed Staffelkapitän of 9./JG 53. He successfully led the unit during the campaigns in Tunisia and Sicily. He recorded his last victories, two USAAF P-38 twin-engine fighters, over Sicily on 11 July 1943. He shot down another two USAAF P-38 on the same day. On 13 July 1943, Röhrig led 9./JG 53 escorting Junkers Ju 52 transport aircraft to drop paratroops on the Catania plains. He failed to return from the mission, being shot down and killed by RAF Spitfire fighters which intercepted the escort mission. Röhrig was posthumously promoted to Hauptmann.

Hans Röhrig was credited with 75 victories. He recorded 56 victories over the Eastern Front and 19 victories recorded over the Western Front.

Leutnant Hans Röhrig (Staffelkapitän 9.Staffel / III.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 53) in Sicily, January 1943. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Wahner from KBK Lw 6 (Kriegsberichter-Kompanie Luftwaffe 6)

Source :
"Luftwaffe Officer Career Summaries: Section L-R" by Henry L. deZeng IV and Douglas G. Stankey
https://alchetron.com/Hans-R%C3%B6hrig
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_R%C3%B6hrig
https://forum.axishistory.com/search.php?keywords=roehrig&t=29879&sf=msgonly
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/66446/R%C3%B6hrig-Hans-JG53.htm

Ritterkreuz Action of Adolf Seitz

Adolf Seitz (24 February 1891 - 16 November 1945) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 5 August 1940 as Major and Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 99 / 1.Gebirgs-Division. The following wartime excerpt describes why Seitz received the Ritterkreuz: "Major Seitz, commander of the II./Gebirgs-Jäger-Regiment 99, accomplished a great deal in the time period 5-6 June 1940. During this time he crossed the Oise-Aisne Canal, captured a bridgehead near Pommiers and conquered the St. Amand-Ferme. Through these actions (and in spite of heavy losses to his Bataillon as well as becoming personally wounded himself) he and his men seized the cornerstone of the enemy's defense in a display of unstoppable attacking spirit. As a result the French positions were definitively broken through, an act of decisive importance beyond the level of both his Bataillon and Regiment."

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewforum.php?f=5
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28075/Seitz-Adolf-Gebirgsj%C3%A4ger-Regiment-99.htm

Herbert Berger in Color

Leutnant der Reserve Herbert Berger in a picture taken by Hitler's personal photographer Hugo Jaeger, possibly in July 1944. He received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 12 March 1944 as Oberfeldwebel and Zugführer in 10.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment (motorisiert) "Feldherrnhalle" / Panzergrenadier-Division "Feldherrnhalle".

Source :
https://artsandculture.google.com/entity/m064km4b?hl=en

Bio of Oberstleutnant Friedrich Schmidt (1914-1997)

Friedrich "Fritz" Schmidt

Date of birth: 25 February 1914 (Münich/Bavaria, German Empire)
Date of death: 13 August 1997 (Münich/Bavaria, Germany)

Promotions:
03.10.1933 Polizei-Anwärter
01.02.1934 Polizei-Unterwachtmeister
01.04.1934 Polizei-Wachtmeister
01.09.1934 Polizei-Oberwachtmeister
01.01.1935 Polizei-Hauptwachtmeister
01.04.1935 Leutnant d.L.P.
15.10.1935 Leutnant mit RDA vom 1-3-1935 (546v)
01.10.1938 Oberleutnant (110)
01.11.1941 Hauptmann (28)
01.01.1943 Major (22)
01.10.1944 Oberstleutnant (113)

Career:
01.01.1939 Chef 12.Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 499
07.10.1940 Chef 12.Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 437
17.10.1940 Chef 13.Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 437
03.12.1940 Chef 12.Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 437
23.12.1941 Führer III.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 437
01.06.1942 Kommandeur III.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 437
27.09.1942 Ers.Tr.Teil u.Lazarett;
01.04.1943 Kommandeur III.Bataillon (bzw. I) / Infanterie-Regiment 437

Medals and Decorations:
03.10.1937 Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht IV.Klasse, 4 Jahre
00.00.19__ Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938
30.06.1940 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
02.09.1940 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
25.01.1942 Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen
12.03.1942 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold, as Hauptmann and Führer II.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 437 / 132.Infanterie-Division (according to the Officer Evaluation report the awarding date is 23.03.1942).
21.06.1942 Anerkennungsurkunde des Oberbefehlshabers des Heeres
06.07.1942 Ehrenblattspange des Heeres und Waffen-SS
10.08.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)
08.10.1942 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Hauptmann and Führer III.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 437 / 132.Infanterie-Division
25.10.1942 Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
16.12.1942 Krimschild
08.09.1943 Nahkampfspange in Bronze
15.03.1944 Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber
25.07.1944 Nahkampfspange in Silber

Source :
Jim Haley photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/groups/152986901863424
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=29879&p=2447914#p2447914
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/17702/Schmidt-Friedrich-WH-InfRgt-437.htm

Bio of Oberleutnant Georg Sattler (1917-1944)

Full name: Georg Sattler
Nickname: unknown
Date of Birth: 14 April 1917 at Münich, Bayern (German Empire)
Date of Death: 30 August 1944 at Melsbroek Airfield, Brussels (Belgium)
NSDAP Number: unknown
SS Number: unknown
Academic Title: unknown
Family Member: unknown
Physical Feature: unknown

Beförderungen (Promotion):
01.12.1940 Feldwebel
01.04.1942 Leutnant
01.10.1943 Oberleutnant

Karriere (Career):
00.00.1935 entered the Luftwaffe and eventually assigned to LG 1 on completion of training as a pilot
16.04.1936 - 25.09.1936 transferred to 1./FAR Neubiberg
26.09.1936 - 13.03.1937 transferred to 6./KG 155
14.03.1937 - 01.11.1938 transferred to 2./KG 355
02.11.1938 - 15.09.1939 with Schulerkompanie Neubiberg
00.09.1939 in LG 1
16.09.1939 - 31.10.1939 transferred to JFS Werneuchen
01.11.1939 - 12.11.1939 transferred to 3./KG.z.b.V. 172
13.11.1939 - 14.04.1940 transferred to 2./FFS Celle
17.06.1940 - 23.09.1940 in 2./Erg.KGr. 5
26.07.1940 - 14.12.1942 trf to 2./LG 1
01.01.1943 transferred to 3./LG 1
15.02.1944 - 30.08.1944 appointed Staffelkapitän 1./LG 1
 
Orden und Ehrenzeichen (Medals and Decorations):
00.00.19__ Flugzeugführerabzeichen
11.11.1940 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
18.11.1940 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
08.06.1941 Frontflugspange für Jäger in Bronze
13.08.1941 Frontflugspange für Jäger in Silber
17.09.1941 Frontflugspange für Jäger in Gold
02.03.1942 Ehrenpokal fur besondere Leistung im Luftkreig
06.03.1942 Orden za Hrabrost (Bulgaria)
12.01.1943 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
08.07.1943 Ärmelband "KRETA"
05.02.1944 Frontflugspange für Fern-Nachtjäger in Gold mit Anhänger
05.02.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Oberleutnant and Flugzeugführer in 1.Staffel (Kampf) / I.Gruppe / Lehrgeschwader 1 (LG 1). Awarded for his successes across all the major theatres of the war. By this time he had destroyed the following enemy materiel: 42,000 GRT of shipping, a torpedo boat, a destroyer, a coastal battery, at least 10 tanks, and numerous vehicles and artillery pieces
06.12.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #675, as Oberleutnant and Staffelkapitän 1.Staffel (Kampf) / I.Gruppe / Lehrgeschwader 1 (LG 1). Awarded posthumously in recognition of his wartime accomplishments, achieved over the course of 310 sorties.

_______________________________________________________________


* Georg Sattler and his crew of the Junkers Ju 88 (Werknummer 330715—factory number) were killed during the takeoff for a relocation flight on 30 August 1944 at Melsbroek near Brussels, Belgium. A heavy gust of wind had caused the accident during the takeoff procedure. He was buried with full military honors at Evere near Brussels. He was posthumously awarded the Eichenlaub to his Ritterkreuz on 6 December 1944, in recognition of his wartime accomplishments, achieved over the course of 310 sorties.

 

Source :
"Luftwaffe Officer Career Summaries" by Henry L. deZeng IV and Douglas G. Stankey
https://imagesdefense.gouv.fr/fr/catalogsearch/result/?q=georg+sattler&avec_visuel=1
https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Georg_Sattler
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/26206/Sattler-Georg.htm

Lemelsen, Hecker, Boltenstern, Henz

From left to right: General der Panzertruppe Joachim Lemelsen (Kommandierender General XXXXVII. Armeekorps [motorisiert]), Oberstleutnant Hans Hecker (Kommandeur Pionier-Bataillon 29 [motorisiert] / 29.Infanterie-Division [motorisiert]), Generalmajor Walter von Boltenstern (Kommandeur 29. Infanterie-Division [motorisiert]), and Oberleutnant Wilhelm Henz (Führer 2.Kompanie / Kradschützen-Bataillon 29 / 29.Infanterie-Division [motorisiert]). The picture was taken in the summer of 1941 during Unternehmen Barbarossa (German invasion of Soviet Union), possibly when Lemelsen visited the 29ID.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2380548#p2380548

Egmont Prinz zur Lippe-Weißenfeld in Mission Briefing

 

Every evening briefing at the group command post of Flugleitstelle (Flight control center). The meteor sequence gives the men of the flying personnel detailed explanations about the weather to be expected with enemy and friend. These requirements are of the utmost importance for the night fighter. The commanding officer, Eichenlaubträger Major Egmont Prinz zur Lippe-Weißenfeld (Gruppenkommandeur III.Gruppe / Nachtjagdgeschwader 1) himself is the most attentive listener. Point by point is discussed, only then does he send his men to the machines to be ready to fight. The picture was taken in December 1943 at Holland by Kriegsberichter Helmut Grosse of Luftwaffe Propaganda-Kompanie.

Source :
https://www.bild.bundesarchiv.de/dba/de/search/?yearfrom=1943&yearto=1943&query=Ritterkreuztr%C3%A4ger&page=3

Erwin Rommel and Julius von Bernuth

 

Generalmajor Erwin Rommel (Kommandeur 7. Panzer-Division) and Oberstleutnant i.G. Julius von Bernuth (Ia Erster Generalstabsoffizier, Führung und Ausbildung, der 7. Panzer-Division) observes the movement of their division when crossing the Moselle river, May 1940. Rommel is still not yet wearing the Ritterkreuz, which he received on 26 May 1940. Photo by Kriegsberichter Gutjahr from Propaganda-Kompanie (PK) 689.

Source :
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2012/03/album-foto-erwin-rommel-sebagai_10.html

Dietrich Peltz at Furbara Airfield (Italy)

Demonstration of new aircraft in the presence of Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring and Benito Mussolini at Furbara airfield, Lazio, Italy, January 1942. The Eichenlaubträger (recipient of the Eichenlaub mit Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) facing the camera is Dietrich Peltz (Kommandeur Verbandsführerschule für Kampfflieger at Foggia).

Source :
Bundesarchiv Bild 146-1979-155-19

Generalfeldmarschall Walter Model in Color

ORIGINAL COLOR

 

Generalfeldmarschall Walter Model (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe Nordukraine) chats with Major General vitéz noble Mihály Ibrányi de Vaja et Ibrány (Commander of Hungarian 25th Infantry Division). The Ritterkreuzträger in the background is Oberst (later Generalmajor) Arthur Finger (Führer 291. Infanterie-Division). There is no information about when and where this picture was taken, but probably in Kovel-Lublin area in the summer of 1944.

Source :
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2012/02/album-foto-terbaik-walter-model.html
https://live.warthunder.com/user/Hebime/

Ritterkreuz Action of Alfred Schiemann

Alfred Schiemann (10 February 1913 - 13 July 1943) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 28 April 1943 as Obergefreiter and Gruppenführer in 1.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment 87 (motorisiert) / 36.Infanterie-Division (motorisiert). During the German retreat from the Rzhev salient (Operation Buffalo), Obergefreiter Schiemann had taken up positions following the order to cover the withdrawal movement of his Division with a squad of seven Grenadiers. The Soviets, however, recognized the German intent and decided to pursue vigorously. They attacked Schiemann and his tiny force on both sides of the road with a numerical superiority of 20-1. Schiemann and his men fought like men possessed and were able to inflict heavy losses, however also suffered some casualties of their own. When the Soviets launched a renewed attack in company strength, Schiemann decided to meet them with a counterattack. He and his three remaining comrades pressed forwards with machine pistols and hand grenades, succeeding in surprising the Soviets and forcing them to break off their attack. For his successful rearguard action against all the odds, which permitted much larger friendly forces to pull back unimpeded, Schiemann was awarded the Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse and the Ritterkreuz simultaneously.

Schiemann was killed in action three month later, North of Kursk, on 13 July 1943...

 

Source :
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=5413579452045695&set=gm.299789821595119

Vietinghoff, Hubicki and Siebert

Three Wehrmacht generals in the podium. From left to right: General der Panzertruppe Heinrich von Vietinghoff (Oberbefehlshaber 10. Armee), General der Panzertruppe Dr.jur. Alfred Ritter von Hubicki (Befehlshaber Sonderstab II in Oberkommando des Heeres), and General der Infanterie Friedrich Siebert (Chef des Wehrmacht-Streifendienstes in Oberkommando der Wehrmacht). No information about the date or place, but possibly in the autumn of 1943.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2129634#p2129634

Heinz Guderian and Hermann Meyer-Rabingen

 

Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (Oberbefehlshaber 2. Panzerarmee) chats with Generalmajor Hermann Meyer-Rabingen (middle, Kommandeur 197. Infanterie-Division). The picture was possibly taken in August-September 1941 during Unternehmen Barbarossa, when 197. Infanterie-Division were substituted under 2. Panzerarmee.

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

Walter Pape with His Comrades

 

 

Unteroffizier Walter pape with his comrades in the front during Unternehmen Barbarossa, summer 1941. He wears Ritterkreuz on his neck and the other medal on his left pocket is Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse. On the pocket is also Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen, while in the second button he wears Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse ribbon. Walter Pape (20 November 1914 - 5 June 1989) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 7 March 1941 as Unteroffizier and Grüppenführer in 5.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Infanterie Regiment 211 / 71.Infanterie-Division.

 

Source :
https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Pape,_Walter_(1914)
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=44093