General der Infanterie Karl Strecker (20 September 1884 - 10 April 1973) in the picture that was published in February 1943, the month he surrendered (along with other Axis forces from 6. Armee) to the Soviet at Stalingrad. Strecker was the commander of XI. Armeekorps during the whole battle at Stalingrad. After the remains of the 6. Armee had subsequentely surrendered since January 8th until February 1st, general Karl Strecker organised the last defence of the tractor factory Dhzreshinsky with his Corps - almost only a few thousand men - which held the apawling Russian forces for two days. The Germans were absolutely outnumbered, starving and had no ammunitions nor water - except for melted snow. Defending themselves with handguns, grenades and bayonets - and in some cases pieces of broken metal from the factory instead of bayonets - they could resist several attacks from the Red Army causing them severe losses. However, the German garrison was completely surrounded and the life conditions just weren't there. The dead remained where they failed and the wounded died of cold and starvation. Fierce man-to-man combat took place, while the starving Germans fought with metal and rocks the attackers. Strecker had a radio left, from which he knew about his promotion and Hitler's exhortations to carry out their historical duty - which they were doing! The Russians attacked with tanks, artillery and mortars. At 08:40 hours they transmited their last message and by 9 o'clock all resistance had been crushed. Only a few men were taken prissoners. He was held in the Soviet Union as a war criminal until 1955. Strecker's postwar claim that he was promoted to Generaloberst on the last day of the battle is unsubstantiated.
Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/31038/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Strecker
http://www.ww2f.com/threads/general-streckers-last-stand.5251/
