Ritterkreuzträger with Mecklenburg-Schwerinsches Militärverdienstkreuz (Mecklenburg-Schwerin Military Merit Cross)

The Mecklenburg-Schwerinsches Militärverdienstkreuz, formally known as the Militärverdienstkreuz des Großherzogtums Mecklenburg-Schwerin, was a military decoration established on 5 August 1848 by Großherzog Friedrich Franz II. of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and awarded in two classes for bravery or distinguished military merit in wartime without regard to rank; the 1. Klasse was a Steckkreuz worn as a pinback decoration while the 2. Klasse was suspended from a ribbon, both consisting of a bronze gilt cross pattée modeled on the Prussian Iron Cross but featuring a crown on the upper arm, the intertwined initials “FF” in the center, and the campaign year on the lower arm of the obverse, with the reverse of the 2. Klasse inscribed “Für Auszeichnung im Kriege”; the standard combatant ribbon was light blue with narrow yellow and red edge stripes, while a variant red ribbon with light blue and yellow edges was used for non-combatant recipients, and the cross was issued in dated versions for campaigns including the First and Second Wars of Schleswig, the German-Danish War of 1864, the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, the Boxer Rebellion of 1900–1901, various colonial conflicts, and especially World War I with the prominent 1914 version reauthorized in 1915; it remained in use until the abdication of the last grand duke in November 1918 and continued to be worn during the Weimar Republic and the Third Reich, serving as one of the smaller German states’ equivalents to the higher Prussian awards and recognizing the contributions of Mecklenburg soldiers as well as allied personnel across multiple conflicts of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

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HEER


Generalleutnant Karl von Graffen (1893-1964) was a German officer born on 6 June 1893 in Plön who rose through the ranks of the artillery in the Imperial German Army, Reichswehr and Wehrmacht to achieve the rank of Generalleutnant by January 1943 and who commanded the 58. Infanterie-Division as Generalmajor and Führer from late March 1942 before assuming full command in July of that year; he received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 13 August 1942 in recognition of his exemplary leadership of the 58. Infanterie-Division during intense and prolonged defensive fighting and protracted retreats on the Eastern Front that summer, where his effective command contributed to maintaining unit cohesion under heavy pressure; earlier in the war he had served as Artillery-Commander 18 with the 129. Infanterie-Division and was awarded the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on 24 December 1941 for prior service, while his later career included appointment as Höherer Artillerie-Kommandeur 316 and brief leadership of the LXXVI. Panzer-Corps in April 1945 before his capture by American forces near Belluno in Italy in May 1945 and release from captivity in March 1948, after which he lived until his death on 1 November 1964 in Grödersby.



Generalleutnant Kurt-Jürgen Freiherr von Lützow (1892-1961) was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 15 August 1940 as Oberst and Kommandeur of Infanterie-Regiment 89 within the 12. Infanterie-Division for his outstanding leadership during the campaign in France, where, despite having been wounded by a shell splinter in the earlier Polish campaign, he personally led his Bataillone from the foremost line with exceptional boldness and disregard for enemy fire, most notably during the successful attack across the Scarpe river at Monchy east of Arras on 23 May 1940 that enabled his regiment to achieve its objectives rapidly and with minimal losses. He received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub on 21 October 1941, the 37th such award, still serving as Oberst and Kommandeur of Infanterie-Regiment 89 now subordinated to the 16. Armee of Heeresgruppe Nord, for his decisive actions during the opening phase of Operation Barbarossa, including breaking through the Soviet border fortifications east of Schoßbach and leading his regiment on a rapid 65-kilometre advance to reach the objective at Szeszupa, forming a bridgehead over the Njemen during the assault on Kowno while capturing two forts against determined resistance from Soviet Kyrgyzstani and Tatar regiments, distinguishing his unit in hard fighting near Putoschka on 15–16 July 1941, and subsequently securing the line Nikitina–Kokotschina from which he repelled repeated Soviet tank-supported breakthrough attempts, thereby contributing significantly to the encirclement of several enemy divisions near Newel. Lützow later commanded the 12. Infanterie-Division and was taken prisoner by Soviet forces during Operation Bagration near Bobruysk in 1944.

Source :
https://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2022/12/foto-tokoh-third-reich-peraih-medali.html

Hasso von Manteuffel Memorabilia and Grouping

Hasso von Manteuffel (1897-1978) private memorabilia - a seal, a blind stamp press and other items Seal from the time of the First World War in the form of an eagle standing on a column with laurel wreath and miniature of the Iron Cross 1914, the seal matrix chiselled with the coat of arms of the Manteuffel family, patinated bronze, height 80 mm. Also newspaper clippings and coat of arms calendar 1909. Blind stamp press with the Manteuffel coat of arms, polychrome iron, total length 12.5 cm. A pile of Manteuffel's personal envelopes with blind-stamped coat of arms, and also a pencil sharpener.

Brillanten and Soldbuch.

Award certificates.

Schwerter attributed to General der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel, sento to a collector in 1975.

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.

Hasso von Manteuffel - an officer's dagger, with sword knot and hanger. Dagger blade, manufacturer "WKC". Silver-plated hilt with Manteuffel's coat of arms engraved on the reverse side of the quillons. Yellow plastic grip. Silver-plated scabbard. Sword knot and hanger. Very fine condition. There is also written confirmation by von Manteuffel.



Preliminary possession document for the Brillanten to the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, with signature in ink of General der Infanterie Wilhelm Burgdorf.



Schwerter formal award document to General der Panzertruppe Hasso von Manteuffel.

Preliminary possession document for the Eichenlaub to the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, printed form with the typewritten supplement "Der Führer hat dem Generalmajor Frhr.Von Manteuffel Kommandeur 7.Pz.Division das Eichenlaub...am 23.11.1943 verliehen.HQu.OKH,den 29.November 1943".With stamping "Oberkommando des Heeres - Heeres-Personalamt" with signature in ink of Generalmajor Wilhelm Burgdorf.

Award document for the Golden Hitler Youth Badge of Honour Red and gold decorative award text dated 23 May 1944,blind-stamped seal,original signature in ink of Baldur von Schirach. Dimensions ca. 29.5 x 20.7 cm. Manteuffel gave in person this award document to a french collector in the sixties.

Recognition document from the Supreme Commander of Heeresgruppe B "In thankful memory of the Ride in the Ardennes to the commander of 5. Panzerarmee, General der Panzertruppe von Manteuffel" (translation). Imprinted army eagle above a Clausewitz quote and calligraphy dedication as well as date "H.Qu. den 4. Febr. 1945" (Headquarters, 4 February 1945) and signature in ink of Generalfeldmarschall Walter Model. Holed, paper size DIN A4.

Soldbuch (pay book) Issued on 20 September 1939 as a Major in Cavalry School 8, ID photo with Ritterkreuz, many entries: promotions up to General der Panzertruppen, award date of Panzerkampfabzeichen in Bronze and Silber, Ritterkreuz, Eichenlaub, Schwerter and Brillanten. Obvious signs of use, the cover is worn out.

Source :
https://www.alamy.com/hasso-von-manteuffel-1897-1978-a-seal-a-blind-stamp-press-and-other-items-seal-from-the-time-of-the-first-world-war-in-the-form-of-an-eagle-standing-on-a-column-with-laurel-wreath-and-miniature-of-the-iron-cross-1914-the-seal-matrix-chiselled-with-the-coat-of-arms-of-the-manteuffel-family-patinated-bronze-height-80-mm-also-newspaper-clippings-and-coat-of-arms-calendar-1909-blind-stamp-press-with-the-manteuffel-coat-of-arms-polychrome-iron-total-length-125-cm-a-pile-of-manteuffels-personal-envelopes-with-blind-stamped-coat-of-arms-pencil-sharpener-in-the-fo-editorial-use-only-image255279145.html?imageid=649633D0-D185-4A65-92FD-5BEAA5A9AA86&p=58867&pn=1&searchId=1ce64d6deb48a7bde1330002a15193f3&searchtype=0

Ferdinand Schörner with His Comrades in WW 1

Later Ritterkreuzträger Ferdinand Schörner (2nd from right) with cadre from 12. Kompanie / Bayerische Infanterie-Leib-Regiment in early April 1918 just before the Battle for Kemmel. From left to right: Feldwebelleutnant Fritz Baier (born 11 September 1884), Fähnrich Richard Steinhäuser (11 November 1897), Kompanieführer Leutnant Ferdinand Schörner (12 June 1892), and Bernhard Freiherr von Pechmann (14 May 1898). Fw. Lt. Fritz Baier is a recipient of the Austrian Golden Bravery medal; Richard Steinhäuser was promoted to Leutnant on 11 April 1918; Schörner is a recipient of Pour le mérite; while Bernhard von Pechmann received the Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse on 20 March 1918 but buried by shellfire and reported as badly wounded and MIA at Kemmel on 29 April 1918, two weeks before his 20th birthday.

Source :
https://gmic.co.uk/topic/73564-fantastic-lil-photo-before-the-battle/#comment-668572
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/iron-cross/20200930/282621740435210

10. Armee War Conference in Italy

This picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Vinzenz Engel, and it shows German commanders from the 10. Armee during war conference in the Cassino front, Italy, January 1944. From left to right: Generaloberst Heinrich von Vietinghoff (Oberbefehlshaber 10. Armee); General der Panzertruppe Fridolin von Senger und Etterlin (Kommandierender General XIV. Panzerkorps); Generalleutnant Wilhelm Raapke (Kommandeur 71.Infanterie-Division); unknown staff officer; and Generalleutnant Dr.rer.pol. Friedrich "Fritz" Franek (Kommandeur 44. Infanterie-Division). The latter is wearing the Ritterkreuz des Militär-Maria-Theresien-Orden (Austro-Hungary's highest award for bravery in World War I) which shown under his Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.

This picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Vinzenz Engel, and it shows German commanders from the 10. Armee during war conference in the Cassino front, Italy, January 1944. From left to right: Generaloberst Heinrich von Vietinghoff (Oberbefehlshaber 10. Armee); General der Panzertruppe Fridolin von Senger und Etterlin (Kommandierender General XIV. Panzerkorps); unknown staff officer; Generalleutnant Wilhelm Raapke (Kommandeur 71.Infanterie-Division); and Generalleutnant Dr.rer.pol. Friedrich "Fritz" Franek (Kommandeur 44. Infanterie-Division).

Source:
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek (Image-No.: 50139926)
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2012/07/album-foto-front-italia.html

Erich Raeder Wearing Hohenzollern Order

Studio portrait of Korvettenkapitän Erich Raeder after the awarding of the Ritterkreuz des königlichen Hausordens von Hohenzollern mit Schwertern (Knight's Cross of the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern with Swords), 3 June 1916. The medal - which were hung with the ribbon in the middle button - was the intermediate decoration between the Iron Cross 1st Class and the Pour le Mérite for Prussian junior officers. There were over 8,000 awards during World War I of this class (there were far fewer awards of the other classes, or of any class before the war). Thus, among the ranks of Imperial German Army junior officers who earned the Royal House Order as lieutenants, captains or majors in World War I are several hundred who reached the rank of general or admiral in World War II.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_Order_of_Hohenzollern

Bio of SS-Gruppenführer Karl-Heinrich Brenner (1895-1954)

Karl Jakob Heinrich Brenner

Date of Birth: 19.05.1895 - Mannheim, Baden (German Empire)
Date of Death: 15.02.1954 - Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg (West Germany), heart failure

NSDAP-Nr.: 3 460 685 (Joined 01.05.1933)
SS-Nr.: 307 786 (Joined 11.09.1938 [with seniority from 01.07.1938])

Promotions:
18.01.1917 Leutnant (mit Patent vom 01.09.1915)
01.04.1923 Polizei-Oberleutnant (mit RDA vom 01.04.1925)
01.04.1932 Polizei-Hauptmann (mit RDA vom 01.02.1930)
01.11.1935 Polizei-Major (mit RDA vom 09.11.1935)
01.09.1936 Charakter als Oberstleutnant der Landespolizei
20.04.1937 Oberstleutnant der Landespolizei (mit Wirkung vom 01.04.1937 & RDA vom 20.04.1937)
01.07.1938 SS-Mann
11.09.1938 SS-Obersturmbannführer (mit Wirkung vom 01.07.1938)
20.04.1939 Oberst der Schutzpolizei
15.08.1939 SS-Standartenführer
09.11.1941 SS-Oberführer
09.11.1941 Charakter als Generalmajor der Polizei
30.01.1942 SS-Brigadeführer
30.01.1942 Generalmajor der Polizei (mit RDA vom 21.10.1941)
15.03.1944 Generalleutnant der Polizei (mit Wirkung vom 01.01.1944 & RDA vom 01.03.1944)
16.03.1944 SS-Gruppenführer (mit Wirkung vom 15.03.1944)
[17.11.1944] Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS und der Polizei (precise date of promotion unknown)

Career:
ca. 1900 – ca. 1904 Attended Volksschule.
00.00.1904 – 00.00.19__ Attended a Handelshochsschule (trade high school). Graduated Untersekunda..
03.08.1914 – 17.10.1914 Entered service as Kriegsfreiwilliger, assigned to Ersatz-Abteilung / Feldartillerie-Regiment 30 (Base: Rastatt).
17.10.1914 – 00.11.1918 Frontline service with Feldartillerie-Regiment “von Scharnhorst” (1.Hannoversches) Nr. 10, assigned from 1917 to 1918 as Zugführer, Batterieführer, and Regiments-Adjutant. Wounded four times in World War I, on one of these occasions losing his left eye.
15.01.1919 – 01.04.1920 Führer of Badische Freiwilligen-Batterie Ost in Badischen Freiwilligen-Bataillon Ost. Participated in the Kapp Putsch, Berlin, 03.1920.
01.09.1919 – 01.04.1920 Service with Reichswehr-Infanterie-Regiment 17, then Infanterie-Begleit-Batterie 61.
01.04.1920 – 00.00.1935 Entered the Sicherheitspolizei in Baden, assigned as Zugführer and Hundertschaftsführer, then for several years as a Sportoffizier (Sports Officer); later transferred to the Baden Landespolizei. He excelled in sports, being a Landesmeister in the 10km road race and a Polizei-Meister in ski racing.
00.00.1926 – 01.03.1935 Hitler-Jugend service in Baden (rising to rank of HJ-Bannführer assigned to HJ-Gebiet 21, Baden). Left the HJ but retained his rank in that organization.
01.05.1933 Joined the NSDAP.
00.00.1935 – 00.00.1935 Attended an instructional course at the Landespolizei-Führerschule in Berlin.
00.02.1935 – 00.09.1936 Leiter of the Zentralabteilung (Central Department) of the “Reichsstab der Preussischen Landespolizei” and Adjutant to the “Befehlshaber der Preussischen Landespolizei” (Kurt Daluege), Berlin.
01.05.1935 – 01.06.1935 Attended an instructional course at the Artillerie-Schießschule Jüterbog.
00.09.1935 – 00.09.1935 Training with Artillerie-Regiment 41 (Base: Ulm).
00.10.1936 – 01.08.1939 Transferred from the Landespolizei to the Schutzpolizei, assigned as Amtsleiter K/R (Reit- und Fahrwesen / Riding and Driving Matters) in Stab Chef der Ordnungspolizei.
12.03.1938 – 22.03.1938 Assigned to the Berittenen (Mounted) Schutzpolizei-Gruppe in the annexation of Austria.
13.04.1938 Submitted application for membership in the SS.
01.07.1938 – 20.04.1939 Joined the SS, attached to the Stab SS-Hauptamt.
20.04.1939 – 01.09.1944 Attached to the Stab Reichsführer-SS.
00.01.1939 – 01.08.1939 Leiter of Amtsgruppe Sport (Office Group for Sports) in the “Kommandoamt des Hauptamtes Ordnungspolizei.”
00.00.1939 – 00.00.1945 Member of the Lebensborn Society.
01.08.1939 – 04.11.1939 Kommandeur of the “Sportschule der Polizei” in Berlin-Spandau. Succeeded by Major Niemann.
04.11.1939 – 12.03.1940 Kommandeur of Polizei-Regiment 3 (redesignated Polizei-Regiment “Warschau” on 19.10.1939) and “Kommandeur der Ordnungspolizei in Distrikt Warschau. First holder of these posts. Succeeded in both by Max Montua.
00.01.1940 – 00.03.1940 Chef des Stabes to the “Befehlshaber der Ordnungspolizei im Generalgouvernement” (Krakau).
12.03.1940 – 04.05.1940 Kommandeur (temporary) of Artillerie-Standarte / SS-Totenkopf-Division. First commander of this newly established unit. Succeeded by Fritz Allihn.
04.05.1940 – 01.11.1941 Kommandeur of SS-Polizei-Artillerie-Regiment / SS-Polizei-Division. First to hold this post. Succeeded by Fritz Schmedes.
00.10.1941 Wounded in the right thigh by a landmine explosion near Leningrad.
28.10.1941 – ca. 00.12.1941 Hospitalized at the “SS- und Polizei-Lazarett Berlin-Lichterfelde.”
09.11.1941 – 08.05.1945 Attached to the Stab Reichsführer-SS.
01.12.1941 – 06.02.1942 “Befehlshaber der Waffen-SS beim Höherer SS- und Polizeiführer in die Niederlanden” (Short title: “Befehlshaber der Waffen-SS Nordwest.” HQ: Den Haag). Succeeded Kurt Knoblauch. Succeeded by Alfred Karrasch.
01.12.1941 – 06.02.1942 Kommandeur of the Ersatz-Einheiten (Replacement Units) / SS-Polizei-Division
06.02.1942 – 01.07.1942 “Inspekteur der Ordnungspolizei beim Höheren SS- und Polizeiführer Alpenland im Wehrkreis XVIII” in Salzburg (subordinate to the HSSPF Alpenland, Erwin Rösener). Succeeded Helmut Mascus. Succeeded by Oskar Knofe. He actually left the post in 06.1942 to assist in forming the SS-Generalkommando.
00.06.1942 – 07.10.1942 Assigned to the Aufstellungsstab (Formation Staff) of the SS-Generalkommando (SS Army Corps HQ).
07.10.1942 – 01.02.1943 Artillerie-Kommandeur (Arko) of the SS-Generalkommando (redesignated Generalkommando SS-Panzerkorps on 14.09.1942). Succeeded Curt Brasack. Relieved of this command by the Reichsführer-SS based on telex from Paul Hausser documenting Brenner’s lack of fitness for the post (see text in notes, below).
25.11.1942 – 00.12.1942 Kommandeur of SS-Kampfgruppe “Brenner” (also known as Kampfgruppe Hafen Toulon). One of 4 battle groups operating under the SS-Panzer-Korps used in “Operation Lila”, the attempt to take over the French fleet at Toulon. The particular task of Brenner’s Kampfgruppe was to follow Kampfgruppe A under Army Oberst Edgar Feuchtinger and occupy the Sanary area of Toulon.
01.02.1943 – 07.03.1943 Assigned as an Amtsleiter in Hauptamt Ordnungspolizei, Berlin.
07.03.1943 – 30.09.1943 “Befehlshaber der Ordnungspolizei beim Höheren SS- und Polizeiführer Alpenland im Wehrkreis XVII” in Salzburg and “militärischer Einsatzführer der Bandenkampf in Oberkrain-Untersteiermark” (Military Operations leader for combating partisans in Upper Carniola and Upper Styria, subordinated to HSSPF “Alpenland” [Erwin Rösener]). Succeeded Oskar Knofe. Succeeded by Walter Griep.
15.12.1943 – 01.06.1944 “Befehlshaber der Ordnungspolizei im Reichskommissariat Ukraine” (HQ:
Rowno). Succeeded Werner Lorge. Succeeded by the same officer, who, by that time was head of the winding-up staff based in Breslau.
10.02.1944 – 27.03.1944 “Stellvertreter-Kommandeur und militärischer Führer” (Deputy Commander and Military Leader) of Kampfgruppe “Prützmann” (under Hans-Adolf Prützmann), attached to Panzer-Armeeoberkommando 4.
27.03.1944 – 29.03.1944 Führer of Polizei-Kampfgruppe “Brenner.”
17.04.1944 – 26.04.1944 Führer of Gruppe “Brenner”, subordinated to XIII.Armee-Korps / 4.Panzer-
Armee / Heeresgruppe Nord.
06.06.1944 – 23.07.1944 “militärischer-Führer der Bandenkampfaktionen” (Military Leader of Anti-Partisan Actions) attached to the HSSPF “Russland-Mitte und Weissruthenien” (Curt von Gottberg).
02.07.1944 – 23.07.1944 Führer of Gruppe “von Gottberg.”
00.07.1944 – 26.08.1944 “Vertreter des Chefs der Bandenkampfverbände” (Deputy to the Chief of Anti-Partisan Forces), Erich von dem Bach.
23.07.1944 – 01.09.1944 Führer of Korpsgruppe “von Gottberg” (also known as Gruppe “Brenner” from 02.08.1944 – 05.08.1944). Succeeded Curt von Gottberg.
01.09.1944 – 10.03.1945 Kommandeur of 6.SS-Gebirgs-Division “Nord.” Succeeded Friedrich-Wilhelm Krüger. Succeeded by Franz Schreiber.
02.04.1945 Surendered to U.S. Army troops. After his release from a U.S. internment camp, he lived in Karlsruhe. In 1953, Brenner was a candidate for election to the Bundestag (representing the “Nationalen Sammlung” in Wahlkreis 175 [City of Karlsruhe]).

Awards and Decorations:
00.00.191_ 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.00.191_ 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.191_ Ehrenkreuz II.Klasse der Haus und Verdienstorden von Herzog Peter Friedrich Ludwig
00.00.191_ Ehrenkreuz I.Klasse der Haus und Verdienstorden von Herzog Peter Friedrich Ludwig
31.01.1917 Militär Karl-Friedrich-Silberne Verdienstmedaille
10.11.1917 Ritter II.Klasse zu dem Orden der Löwen von Zähringen mit Schwertern
00.00.191_ Ehrenkreuz II.Klasse des Königlicher Preussischer Hausordens von Hohenzollern
00.00.191_ Ehrenkreuz I.Klasse des Königlicher Preussischer Hausordens von Hohenzollern
00.00.191_ Friedrich-August Kreuz II.Klasse
00.00.191_ Friedrich-August Kreuz I.Klasse
00.00.19__ Kriegverdienstkreuz 1914-1918 für Kämpfer II.Klasse
00.00.19__ Kriegverdienstkreuz 1914-1918 für Kämpfer I.Klasse
00.00.1918 Verwundetenabzeichen 1918 in Schwarz
00.00.1918 Verwundetenabzeichen 1918 in Silber
00.02.1934 Ehrenwinkel der Alten Kämpfer
00.00.1934 Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer
00.00.1936 Goldenes Hitlerjugend Ehrenabzeichen #12410
00.00.1936 Deutsches Olympia Ehrenzeichen II.Klasse
00.00.1937 Kriegserinnerungsmedaille mit Schwertern
00.00.1937 Magyar Haborus Emlékérem kardokkal és sisakkal (Hungary)
00.00.1937 Za Uchastie V Evropeĭskata Voĭna (Bulgarian Royal WW1 Veteran Medal)
00.00.1937 Deutsches Reiterabzeichen in Silber
00.00.1937 Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft Abzeichen in Bronze
01.12.1937 DRL Sportabzeichen in Gold
00.00.1938 SS-Zivilabzeichen #164277
01.08.1938 Polizei Dienstauszeichnung 2.Stufe (with effect from 14.05.1938)
01.12.1938 Julleuchter der SS
01.12.1938 SS-Ehrenring
30.01.1939 Ehrendegen des Reichsführers-SS
01.08.1939 Dienstauszeichnung der NSDAP 10 Jahre
00.00.1939 Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938
05.07.1939 Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938
24.07.1940 Kriegsverdienstkreuz II.Klasse mit Schwertern
04.08.1941 1939 spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
17.08.1941 1939 spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
27.09.1941 Verwundetenabzeichen in Gold
00.00.1942 SS-Dienstauszeichnung 4.Stufe (4 Jahre)
00.00.1942 Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)
01.09.1942 Kriegsverdienstkreuz I.Klasse mit Schwertern
16.05.1944 Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber (other sources indicates 28.05.1944)
16.06.1944 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold, as SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Polizei (for his part in anti-partisan operations in Byelorussia; award recommendation written and submitted by Heinrich Himmler on 10.06.1944)
27.12.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS und Polizei and Kommandeur 6. SS-Gebirgs-Division "Nord". Award based on recommendation by General der Infanterie Friedrich Hochbaum dated 17.11.1944; approved by Oberbefehlshaber 20.(Gebirgs-)Armee, Generaloberst Dr. Lothar Rendulic on 25.11.1944). Brenner’s Ritterkreuz recommendation reads as follows: “Within the context of the XVIII. (Geb.) Armee-Korps’ withdrawal movements from its previous positions in Karelia, the subordinated 6. SS-Geb.Div. Nord had the mission of defending against an early Bolshevik pursuit thrust towards Kuusamo from its own position at Kiestinki. By defending its position here it would also enable the evacuation of the supplies stored at Kuusamo. On the 19.09.1944 the Bolsheviks succeeded in getting one of their Regiments to block the retreat path of the Division’s rearguard (consisting of two reinforced Jäger-Bataillonen and an Artillerie-Abteilung) while it was still tied down in heavy frontal battles near the Finnish-Russian border. The Ia of the Division became a casualty at 09:10 on the 19.09.1944 while conducting a reconnaissance probe from the west against these encircling forces. At this time the bulk of the Division was currently in the process of withdrawing and setting up the Kuusamo static position about 70 km to the west. Although SS-Gruppenführer Brenner had only taken over command of the Division just 14 days before, his prudence and energy ensured that there was no disruption of the issuing of orders caused by the sudden falling out of the Ia. Sparing himself no quarter, he immediately rushed forward to his hard-pressed rearguard in order to personally lead the fight to break open the encirclement ring (see attachment - clipping from map 1:100000 Bl. Q 36 X West). Fighting his way through the Bolshevik troops sent out ahead along the main road, Brenner and his small escort arrived at the Finnish border right along the perimeter of the encirclement ring. There he recognized that it was necessary for the Division to enable the encircled friendly elements to break out westwards and simultaneously prevent the Bolsheviks from advancing against the not yet ready Kuusamo static position. He therefore decided to create a new defensive front along both sides of the road and establish contact with the encircled friendly elements through an attack (16:00, 19.09.1944). By assembling all stragglers, drivers and co-drivers he created a Kompanie sized unit that was immediately assigned to the new defensive position. Gruppenführer Brenner called up an additional Bataillon and sent it eastwards to fight its way through to the trapped rearguard. He led this unit personally with ruthlessness and spirit, and by doing this he laid the groundwork for the success of the breakout. This success was first and foremost thanks to SS-Gruppenführer Brenner. Although his previously sustained injuries (namely the loss of an eye) continued to hinder him, his personal example and bravery were nonetheless outstanding. His swift and independent initiative mastered the challenging situation. The enemy ring around the two Jäger-Bataillone and the Artillerie-Abteilung was broken. The conditions were also created for the orderly occupation of the Kuusamo static position. This guaranteed the continued smooth withdrawal by the Division. The evacuation of all the important supplies for the Korps from the Kuusamo depots was likewise secured. On the grounds of his outstanding devotion to duty and successes, I recommend SS-Gruppenführer Brenner for the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Son of the salesman Georg Jakob Brenner and his wife Anna Elisabeth, née Leucht.
* Religion: Protestant until 1940, then declared himself “gottgläubig.”
* 30% disabled in World War I.
* Married on 11.04.1935 to Ursula Moninger (born 26.03.1915 / died 1983); divorced 01.12.1941 (his first wife had an affair- and a son out of wedlock- with “Sepp” Dietrich, marrying him on 19.01.1942; despite this, Brenner and Dietrich remained friends). Remarried on 19.01.1943 to Ursula (Ursel) Spielhagen, née Bueb, born 05.08.1905 in Berlin, member of NSV). One son (Bolko [?], born 16.02.1939) and three daughters (born 11.08.1932; 01.02.1934; and 24.02.1944).
* Height: 5 ft., 11 in (181 cm).
* The following is the telex from Paul Hausser, commander of the SS-Panzer-Korps, to Himmler concerning the need to relieve Brenner of his Artillery Commander assignment with that formation (followed by Himmler’s reply)(translations courtesy of Guenter Thalhaeuser):

Telex 30.1.43

to
Reichsführer-SS

Repeat recommendation to disband the Stab – Artillerie-Kommandeur of the Generalkommando. Remainder of staff to be utilized as Generalkommando - artillery staff officers. Brenner not transferred from Generalkommando. (I have) no previous knowledge of service history. After transfer (Brenner) agitated to commence duties.
Assessment: Brenner is unsuited for position. No overview skills [poor situational awareness]
Not able to think for himself, inadequate practical and theoretical knowledge of the leadership requirements for larger artillery forces. This last absolutely necessary in the East.
Acting (position) as subordinate to an artillery commander requested and approved by Army Group.
Request consideration be given for recall of Brenner. Not suited for divisional commander.

SS-Generalkommando
[signed] Hausser
SS-Obergruppenführer




T e l e x

To the
SS-Führungshauptamt
Berlin


Disbanding of Stab – Artillerie-Kommandeur for Generalkommando SS-Panzer-Korps as per request by SS-Obergruppenführer Hausser is hereby granted.
Recall of SS-Brigadeführer B r e n n e r due to urgent requirement within the Provincial Police. His reassignment as Inspekteur der Ordnungspolizei for Oberabschnitte Alpenland, Steiermark, and Kärnten is necessary given the current situation within these areas.

SS-Obergruppenführer Hausser is formally requested, in my name, to notify Brenner of the unsuitability and lack of qualifications which have resulted in his departure. This to avoid a situation whereby Brenner may be convinced that he is being unjustly demoted despite exemplary performance of his duties.

[signed] H. H i m m l e r

1.2.43


* The following character assessment was submitted by Brenner’s superior SS-Obergruppenführer und General der Polizei Erwin Rösener from Laibach (Ljubljana, Slovenia) on 09.11.1943:

“Generalmajor Brenner served again from 7.03.1943 until 30.09.1943 as Befehlshaber der Ordnungspolizei Alpenland and acted as military task force leader for anti-partisan activities in Oberkrain-Untersteiermark.

“Generalmajor Brenner carried out his assignments with great passion and care and is a man who possesses great feelings of camaraderie. In the last half-year, General Brenner’s overall manner has changed greatly to his credit and I can only award him praise. He enjoys a glass or two without losing his composure.”

Karl-Heinrich Brenner as Polizei-Oberleutnant in Baden, 1927.



Establishment of the Polizei-Artillerie-Regiment for the newly created Polizei-Division at Dahme/Mark Brandenburg, June 1940. On the right is the Regimentskommandeur, Oberst der Schutzpolizei Karl-Heinrich Brenner. Brenner was the first First to hold this post, before succeeded by Fritz Schmedes in November 1941.

Establishment of the Polizei-Artillerie-Regiment for the newly created Polizei-Division at Dahme/Mark Brandenburg, June 1940. On the right is the Regimentskommandeur, Oberst der Schutzpolizei Karl-Heinrich Brenner. Brenner was the first First to hold this post, before succeeded by Fritz Schmedes in November 1941.

Karl-Heinrich Brenner (right) and General der Artillerie Kurt Jahn (2nd from right).



Karl-Heinrich Brenner "mit Zigarettenspitze und Augenklappe".

SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS und Polizei Karl-Heinrich Brenner in Lyck, Ostpreußen, August 1944. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Hoffmann of PK (Propaganda-Kompanie) 689.

SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS und Polizei Karl-Heinrich Brenner in Lyck, Ostpreußen, August 1944. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Hoffmann of PK (Propaganda-Kompanie) 689.

Source :
Bundesarchiv photo collection
Dr. Dieter Zinke photo collection
"Leaders of the SS and German Police, volume 1" by Michael D. Miller
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Heinrich_Brenner
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=130916&hilit=karl+brenner
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28695/Brenner-Karl-Heinrich-Waffen-SS.htm

Bio of General der Flieger Curt Pflugbeil (1890-1955)

General der Flieger Curt Pflugbeil
Born: 09 May 1890 in Hütten by Königstein, Elbe
Died: 31 May 1955 in Weende, District Göttingen

Promotions:
Fahnenjunker-Unteroffizier (13 Aug 1910); Fähnrich (07 Nov 1910); Leutnant (23 Nov 1911); Oberleutnant (21 Oct 1915); Hauptmann (01 Apr 1921); umernannt zum Rittmeister (01 Oct 1926); Major (01 Nov 1931); Oberstleutnant (01 Aug 1934); Oberst (01 Apr 1936); Generalmajor (01 Jan 1939); Generalleutnant (01 Sep 1940); General der Flieger (01 Feb 1942)

Career:
Entered the Army as an Fahnenjunker and Company-Officer in the 10th Royal Saxon 134th Infantry-Regiment (01 Apr 1910-14 Dec 1915)
Pilot-Training with the 10th Flying-Replacement-Battalion (15 Dec 1915-31 Jan 1916)
Pilot with Combat-Squadron 24, Combat-Wing 4 of the Supreme Army Command (01 Feb 1916-18 Dec 1916)
Leader of Combat-Squadron 27 (19 Dec 1916-31 Dec 1916)
Pilot with Protection-Squadron 9 (01 Jan 1917-20 Jun 1917)
Leader of Combat-Squadron 23 with Combat-Wing 4 of the Supreme Army Command (21 Jun 1917-23 Apr 1918)
Shot Down, in Hospital then Granted Leave (23 Apr 1918-31 Jul 1918)
Detached to Army-Flight-Park 11 (01 Aug 1918-13 Jan 1919)
Court-Officer of the 6th Flying-Replacement-Battalion (14 Jan 1919-11 Feb 1919)
Detached to the 134th Infantry-Regiment (12 Feb 1919-28 Feb 1919)
MG-Officer in the 1st Volunteer-Border-Regiment (01 Mar 1919-09 Apr 1919)
MG-Officer in the 4th Border-Jäger-Regiment (10 Apr 1919-04 Sep 1920)
Company-Officer in the 37th Reichswehr-Infantry-Regiment (05 Sep 1920-31 Dec 1920)
Company-Chief in the 11th Infantry-Regiment (01 Jan 1921-30 Sep 1926)
Cavalry-Captain with the Staff of the 11th Mounted-Regiment, Detached to the Staff of the 4th Division (01 Oct 1926-31 Jul 1927)
Detached to Training-Staff of the Course for Army Technology (01 Aug 1927-31 Mar 1928)
Retired (31 Mar 1928)
Camouflaged Activity for the Formation of the secret Luftwaffe in the USSR, Sweden and Italy (01 Apr 1928-31 Mar 1931)
Reactivated to Army Service as Cavalry-Captain with the Staff of the 3rd Division (01 Apr 1931-30 Sep 1931)
Commander of the 2nd Transport-Battalion (01 Oct 1931-30 Jun 1933)
Retired (30 Jun 1933)
Camouflaged Activity for the Secret Luftwaffe (01 Jul 1933-30 Sep 1933)
Entered the Luftwaffe as Officer with Special Duties of the RLM, Inspection Of Schools (01 Oct 1933-30 Nov 1933)
Leader of the Forward-Command of School Lechfeld (01 Dec 1933-28 Feb 1934)
Director of the Blind and High-Altitude Centre of the German Flight Weather Service, Lechfeld (secret Bomber-Flying-School) (01 Mar 1934-28 Feb 1935)
Commander of the Greater Bomber-Flying-School Lechfeld (01 Mar 1935-31 Aug 1935)
Officer with Special Duties of the RLM and Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe (01 Sep 1935-30 Sep 1935)
Inspector of Bomber Flying, RLM (01 Oct 1935-06 Aug 1939)
At the same, Higher Commander of Instruction-Troops of the Luftwaffe (01 Apr 1937-30 Sep 1937)
At the same time, Acting-Commander of the 4th Flying-Division (04 Jul 1938-06 Aug 1939)
Commander of Special-Purpose-Air-Region-Staff 8 (07 Aug 1939-07 Oct 1939)
Commander of Special-Purpose-Air-Region-Staff 16 (08 Oct 1939-23 Jun 1940)
Commanding General and Commander in Air-Region Belgium-North France (24 Jun 1940-20 Aug 1940)
Commanding General of the IV. Flying-Corps (20 Aug 1940-03 Sep 1943)
Commander-in-Chief Air-Fleet 1 (04 Sep 1943-17 Apr 1945)
Commander of Luftwaffe-Command Kurland (17 Apr 1945-08 May 1945)
In Soviet Captivity, Sentenced to 25 Years Hard Labour, Released Early (08 May 1945-04 Jan 1954)
Released (04 Jan 1954)

Decorations & Awards:
- Ritterkreuz (335): am 05.10.1941 als Generalleutnant und Kommandierender General des IV. Flieger-Korps
- Eichenlaub (562): am 27.08.1944 als General der Flieger und OB. der Luftflotte 1
- Ritterkreuz des Kgl. Preuss. Hausordens von Hohenzollern mit Schwertern: 17.04.1918
- Ritterkreuz des Kgl. Sächs. Militär St. Heinrichs-Ordens: 27.07.1915
- EK I: 07.10.1916
- EK II: 14.09.1914
- Ritterkreuz II. Klasse des Kgl. Sächs. Verdienstordens mit Schwertern
- Ritterkreuz II. Klasse des Kgl. Sächs. Albrechts-Ordens mit Schwertern
- Kgl. Preuss. Flugzeugführer-Abzeichen
- Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer
- Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung IV. bis I. Klasse
- Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938
- Spange zum EK I: 15.06.1940
- Spange zum EK II: 07.10.1939
- Beobachter-Abzeichen
- Medaille “Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/1942”
- Kgl. Rumän. Orden “Michael der Tapfere” III. Klasse: 19.09.1941
- Kgl. Rumän. Flugzeugbeobachter-Abzeichen
- Ärmelband “Kurland”
- im Wehrmachtbericht genannt: 31.10.1941; 30.05.1942; 11.04.1944; 01.01.1945

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=59504&start=90
http://www.geocities.ws/orion47.geo/WEHRMACHT/LUFTWAFFE/General/PFLUGBEIL_CURT.html

Ritterkreuz Action of Wilhelm Behrens

 

 

Wilhelm Behrens (last rank Generalleutnant) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 27 March 1942 as Oberst and Kommandeur Infanterie-Regiment 106 / 15.Infanterie-Division. It was awarded for his defense of Iklinskoje during the time period 20-24 December 1941, as described in the following wartime excerpt: “Oberst Behrens and his ragtag of forces defended the city of Iklinsjoje (located west of the Nara river) against enemy breakthrough attempts during the crucial days immediately before and during the withdrawal movement of the Armee’s centre from the Nara Position. They fought with nerves of steel and managed to prevent a major crisis. At this time the Armee was already extremely threatened by an envelopment and breakthrough on its southern flank. If the enemy had also succeeded in breaking through at Iklinskoje then the entire withdrawal movement of the Armee’s centre would have been jeopardized. The prevention of an enemy breakthrough at Iklinskoje was therefore of significant operational importance.”

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/search.php?keywords=wilhelm+behrens&terms=all&author=&sc=1&sf=all&sr=topics&sk=t&sd=d&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/1922/Behrens-Wilhelm.htm

Bio of Generalleutnant Dr.rer.pol. Friedrich Franek (1891-1976)

Friedrich "Fritz" (von) Franek

Date of Birth: 16.07.1891 - Wien (Austria-Hungary)
Date of Death: 08.04.1976 - Wien (Austria)

Doctorate In Political Science: 20 May 1924

Promotions:
Fähnrich (18 Aug 1910); Leutnant (01 May 1913); Oberleutnant (01 Mar 1915); Hauptmann (01 Nov 1918); Major (Titel) (01 Jan 1921); Stabs-Hauptmann (23 Jun 1923); Major (27 Sep 1927); Oberstleutnant (15 Dec 1934); Oberst (01 Dec 1940); Generalmajor (20 Apr 1942); Generalleutnant (01 Apr 1943)

Career:
Entered Austrian Army Service (18 Aug 1910)
Fähnrich in the 41st Infantry-Regiment (18 Aug 1910-01 May 1913)
Platoon-Commander, Regiments-Adjutant and Company-Commander in the 63rd Infantry-Regiment (01 May 1913-1917)
Leader of Divisions-Assault-Company (1917-1918)
Leader of a Divisions-Assault-Battalion (1918-00 Apr 1919)
Detached to General-Staff-Aspirant-Course in Belgrade (00 Apr 1918-00 Jun 1918)
In the General-Staff of the 35th Infantry-Troop-Division (00 Jun 1918-00 Oct 1918)
In the General-Staff of the 62nd Infantry-Troop-Division (00 Oct 1918-1919)
Company-Commander then Battalion-Adjutant in the 2nd Infantry-Regiment (1919-01 May 1921)
Assigned to the 2nd Infantry-Regiment (01 May 1921-09 Aug 1921)
Detached to Studies of State-Sciences at the University Of Vienna (09 Aug 1921-1922)
Instructor at different Troop-Schools (1922-1925)
Course for Higher Service, General-Staff-Training (1925-01 Oct 1929)
Assigned to the War Archives in Vienna (01 Oct 1929-22 Nov 1933)
Transferred to Brigade-Command 1 (22 Nov 1933-01 Oct 1934)
Tactics-Instructor at the Theresian Military Academy, Wiener Neustadt (01 Oct 1934-10 Nov 1938)
Transferred to the German Army (15 Mar 1938)
Transferred to the Staff of the 32nd Infantry-Regiment (10 Nov 1938-01 Apr 1939)
Commander of the I. Battalion of the 98th Mountain-Jäger-Regiment (01 Apr 1939-06 Feb 1940)
Commander of the 634th Infantry-Regiment (06 Feb 1940-30 Aug 1940)
Führer-Reserve OKH (30 Aug 1940-21 Oct 1940)
Commander of the 405th Infantry-Regiment (21 Oct 1940-12 Sep 1941)
Severely Wounded, In Hospital, Führer-Reserve OKH (12 Sep 1941-01 Mar 1942)
Delegated with the Leadership of the 196th Infantry-Division (01 Mar 1942-01 Apr 1942)
Commander of the 196th Infantry-Division (01 Apr 1942-24 Dec 1943)
Führer-Reserve OKH (24 Dec 1943-01 Jan 1944)
Commander of the 44th Reichs-Grenadier-Division Hoch und Deutschmeister (01 Jan 1944-01 May 1944)
Führer-Reserve OKH (01 May 1944-26 Jun 1944)
Commander of the 73rd Infantry-Division (26 Jun 1944-29 Jul 1944)
In Soviet Captivity (29 Jul 1944-22 Jul 1948)
Released (22 Jul 1948)

Decorations & Awards:
- Ritterkreuz: am 04.11.1941 als Oberst und Kommandeur des Infanterie-Regiment 405
- RK des k.u.k. Österr. Militär-Maria-Theresia-Ordens: am 10.06.1921 (für die Kämpfe bei Flondar, 11. Isonzoschlacht, vom 17. bis 24.08.1917 als Oberleutnant und Kompanieführer im Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 63)
- 1914 EK II
- k.u.k. Österr. Erinnerungs-Kreuz 1912/1913
- k.u.k. Österr. Militär-Verdienstkreuz III. Klasse mit der Kriegsdekoration
- k.u.k. Österr. Bronzene Militär-Verdienst-Medaille (“Signum Laudis”) am Bande des Militär-Verdienstkreuzes mit Schwertern
- k.u.k. Österr. Silberne Militär-Verdienst-Medaille (“Signum Laudis”) am Bande des Militär-Verdienstkreuzes mit Schwertern
- k.u.k. Österr. Karl-Truppen-Kreuz
- k.u.k. Österr. Verwundetenmedaille mit 3. Mittelstreifen
- k.u.k. Österr. Goldene Tapferkeitsmedaille für Offiziere
- Österr. Kriegs-Erinnerungs-Medaille mit Schwertern
- Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer
- Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung IV. bis III. Klasse
- Spange zum EK II
- 1939 EK I
- Medaille “Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/1942”

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Generalleutnant Friedrich Franek was born on the 16th of July 1891 in Vienna, the son of a master baker. After attending a junior high school he entered the Infantry cadet school at Liebenau near Graz. He graduated from there on the 18th August 1910 as a Fähnrich (Senior Officer Cadet) and was assigned to Infanterie-Regiment 41 then garrisoned at Czernowitz in the Bukowina. Commissioned on the 1st of May 1913 he was posted as a platoon commander to IR.63 at Bestercze in the Siebenbürgen. He participated in the battle of Lemberg on the 8th of September 1914 and was wounded in the mouth, neck and chest during an assault East of Grodek. Promoted to Oberleutnant on 1st March 1915 he returned to duty as a company commander in April. He was again lightly wounded on the 15th of June during an assault on Krakowiec when a shot grazed his head. Returning to duty for the third time in October 1915, Franek assumed another company command appointment during the defensive fighting on the River Serwetsch East of Baranowitshi but was stricken with Typhus in early February 1916. He returned to the front for the fourth and last time in the middle of June 1916. He variously held company command and the appointment of regimental adjutant of IR.63 in this period.

In June 1917 the regiment moved to the Southwest front as part of the 35.Infanterie-Division and participated in the 10th and 11th battles of the Isonzo. 35.Infanterie-Division, then commanded by Feldmarschalleutnant Eugen von Podhoránszky was subordinated to Feldmarschalleutnant Maximilian von Csicseric's XXIII. Korps. XXIII. Korps was in turn subordinated to Abschnitt III or the Sector Command of General der Infanterie Johann Ritter von Henriquez with responsibility for the Southernmost sector of the Isonzo Front. Facing 35.Infanterie-Division on this sector were the men of the Italian XIII Corps of the Duke of Aosta's 3rd Army.

Franek as the company commander of 17./IR.63 held the North slope of the especially important and exposed hill 146 which was itself situated approximately 500 metres to the Northeast of the village of Flondar about five kilometres East of Monfalcone. The regiment held a line of fortified caverns in the forward line. On the 17th and 18th of August 1917 with the commencement of the 11th battle, the position came under heavy Italian drum fire. The Italian infantry attacked on the 19th of August and by early morning had succeeded in breaking into various parts of the Austrian position. Franek's company mounted a surprise counter-attack and caught the enemy unawares from the rear retaking two captured caverns. At the same time the neighbouring 18./IR.63 to the left (South) had been pushed back so the left flank of Franek's company was placed in considerable danger. By a further energetic and decisive attack the enemy was thrown back off the Austrian positions and the situation was restored. Similar attacks were mounted with increasing ferocity over the following days. Early on the morning of the 20th August the enemy attacked the position to the South while simultaneously suppressing the defending company with heavy artillery fire. When after a hard struggle the heavily weakened company holding the sector to the left had been overwhelmed and partly wiped out, the enemy then stormed from the South against the now open flank of the 17th Company. At this critical juncture, Franek decided to mount a counter-attack with his company reserve and succeeded in throwing back the Italians, retaking the just lost position to the South. The 30 strong counter-attack force followed up their success pursuing the now retreating Italians and took captive the occupants of two cavern positions recently lost to the enemy. However Franeks' weakened company was now compelled to give up their exposed position on hill 146 as the neighbouring companies on either flank had withdrawn. The battle for the hill see-sawed with it being retaken again on the morning of the 21st, lost again that evening at 2145 hours in bitter hand to hand fighting only to be retaken yet again by Franek's 17./IR.63. The Italians attacked for the sixth time at 1400 hours on the 22nd August and indeed this was the most difficult day since the commencement of the battle on the 17th. Like all the previous attacks the flanks of Franek's position were lost, yet surrounded on three sides 17th Company held its positions. The seventh and last enemy attack was also held on the 23rd of August. IR.63 was at last relieved on hill 146 at 0500 hours on the morning of the 24th August.

Franek assumed command of the divisional assault company later expanded to battalion strength in the middle of September 1917. He had additionally by then been awarded the Golden Bravery Medal for officers. In April of the following year he was assigned to a general staff officer aspirant course held in Belgrade and in June returned to the 35.ID. as a staff officer. He was posted to the staff of 62.ID. in October and promoted to captain a few days before the wars end on the 1st of November 1918.

Franek remained in the Austrian Bundesheer after the war and for his own personal gallantry and that of his company during the battles at hill 146 was awarded the Knights' Cross of the Order of Maria Theresa in the 187th awards ceremony on 10th June 1921. Between 1919 and 1929 he served as a company commander, battalion adjutant and instructor at military schools. He qualified as a Doctor of political science on the 20th of May 1924 and was promoted to Major on the 27th of September 1927. From the Spring of 1925 he had attended General Staff training and on the 1st of October 1929 he was seconded to the War Archives in Vienna. Whilst at the War Archives he participated in authoring the multi-volume official Austrian history of the First World War. From 1st October 1934 until the 1st November 1938 he was a tactics instructor at the Maria Theresa Military Academy at Wiener-Neustadt having been promoted to Obserstleutnant on the 15th of November 1934. Following the annexation of Austria by Germany he was transferred into the Wehrmacht in his then present rank as a battalion commander in IR.32 at Teplitz-Schönau and progressed through regimental and divisional command. He was awarded the Knights' Cross of the Iron Cross on 4th November 1941 for bravery whilst commanding IR.405. Probably his most notable command was a four month stint leading the famous Austrian 44.ID. "Hoch und Deutschmeister in the Spring of 1944 at Monte Cassino. Captured by the Russians whilst commanding 73.ID. General Franek remained a prisoner of war until 22nd July 1948. The General died in Vienna on the 8th April 1976.

Of note is the fact that General Franek and General Alois Windisch were the only two officers of the former Austro-Hungarian army to be awarded both the Knights' Cross of the Order of Maria Theresa and the Knights' Cross of the Iron Cross. Uniquely General Franek was the only individual to win both the above mentioned awards and the Golden Bravery Medal for Officers.

Source :
Hill60 photo collection
http://www.austro-hungarian-army.co.uk/biog/franek.htm
https://www.oocities.org/~orion47/WEHRMACHT/HEER/Generalleutnant/FRANEK_FRIEDRICH.html

Fritz Jäger with Other Officers of the Wehrmacht

Oberst Friedrich Gustav "Fritz" Jäger (center) with other officers of the Wehrmacht. He display a rare combination of Lippisches Kriegsverdienstkreuz II.Klasse (ribbon) and I.Klasse (medal below the Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse spange). Fritz Jäger received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 26 May 1940 as Major and Kommandeur II.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 8 / 3.Infanterie-Division. He was a resistance fighter in Nazi Germany and a member of the 20 July Plot. On 20 July 1944, the day of the attempt on Hitler's life, Jäger was commander of the Panzer reserve troops in defence districts II (Stettin) and XXI (Kalisch). After the briefcase bomb exploded at the Wolf's Lair in East Prussia, Jäger received orders from Claus Schenk von Stauffenberg to arrest an SS Oberführer. Furthermore, he was also to arrest Joseph Goebbels and occupy the radio station in Masurenallee. After it became known that Hitler had survived the attempt on his life, however, the soldiers under his command would no longer take his orders. Jäger himself was arrested by his own army on the same day when the plot failed. On 21 August 1944, Friedrich Gustav Jäger was sentenced to death for treason by Roland Freisler at the Volksgerichtshof, and he was hanged later the same day at Plötzensee Prison in Berlin. His family's property was confiscated.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedrich_Gustav_Jaeger
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=29879&start=7680