Fritz von Broich Surrender in Tunisia

Generalleutnant Friedrich "Fritz" von Broich (left) and Generalleutnant (Luftwaffe) Gotthard Frantz when surrendering to British forces in Grombalia / Wilāyat Nābil (Tunisia) on May 12, 1943. At that time Broich served as Commander 10. Panzer-Division, while Frantz as Commander of 19. Flak-Division "Afrika" (motorisiert).

Source :
Paul E. photo collection
http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/content/

Major Georg Briel with His Comrade

Two original photos of Major Georg Briel after the award of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes in the Western desert, 23 July 1942. He was commander of Heeres-Flak-Bataillon 606 (motorisiert).

Source :
Paul E. photo collection
http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/content/

Johann de Boer with His Dog

Johann de Boer with his dog

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=93841&hilit=johann+de+Boer

Max Simon Wearing Black SS Uniform

The future Ritterkreuzträger Max Simon as SS-Sturmbannführer and Kommandeur of I.Sturmbann / SS-Totenkopf-Standarte 1 "Oberbayern"

Source :
https://id.pinterest.com/pin/436849232596712099/

Unteroffizier Josef Schwertherr

Josef Schwertherr (20 September 1919 - 21 January 1943) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 6 October 1942 as Unteroffizier and Gruppenführer in I.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 77 / 26.Infanterie-Division.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2267013#p2267013
https://sandeboetiek.com/product/war-time-portrait-picture-of-an-army-ritterkreuztrager-knight-cross-recipient-14x10/

Bio of Generalleutnant Willibald Borowietz

Generalleutnant Willibald Borowietz (17 September 1893 – 1 July 1945) was a German general during World War II who commanded several divisions. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves of Nazi Germany. Borowietz surrendered to Allied forces together with the Afrika Korps. He was held as a POW by the United States in Camp Clinton, Mississippi, where he committed suicide by electrocuting himself in a bathtub on 1 July 1945. Officially his death was attributed to a cerebral hemorrhage. His wife, Eva Ledien, was of Jewish descent. She committed suicide in October 1938 so that their children could be Aryanized. Eva's sister, Käthe (Ledien) Bosse, was killed in Ravensbrück concentration camp on 16 December 1944.

Willibald Borowietz received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes #371 on 24 July 1941 as Oberstleutnant and Kommandeur Schützen-Regiment 10 / 9.Panzer-Division / XIV.Armee-Korps / Panzergruppe 1 / Heeresgruppe Süd. The following wartime excerpt describes why Borowietz was awarded the Ritterkreuz: “After overrunning several enemy resistance lines, Oberstleutnant Borowietz led his Vorausabteilung in a thrust forwards toward Zbaraz via Plurow—Zalosce (northwest of Tarnopol). He was able to achieve a swift forward march through a bold pursuit action in the evening and night. In the process his Vorausabteilung captured or destroyed 92 enemy tanks, 16 artillery pieces, 12 anti-aircraft guns and innumerable additional materiel. His prudent and exemplary leadership here resulted in the destruction of a Russian tank division.”

He then received the Eichenlaub #235 zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 10 May 1943 as Generalmajor and Kommandeur 15.Panzer-Division / Heeresgruppe Afrika. The following press article, dated 18.05.1943, describes why Borowietz was awarded the Eichenlaub: “During the last major combat in Tunisia, Generalmajor Borowietz served as the commander of a Panzer-Division west of Tunis. Here the enemy attacked the German lines with an overwhelming superiority that included strong support from artillery and air forces. The divisional commander defended against the enemy onslaught at the head of his soldiers in a heroic battle. Pulling back before the enemy’s might, he occupied new defensive positions before Tunis and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy from here. The enemy continued to assail the strongpoints with innumerable tanks, and once again the General and his few soldiers offered up brave resistance to the last man. By doing so they bought time for the destruction of all militarily important facilities in the city of Tunis and for the creation of new defensive positions.”

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibald_Borowietz
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2267085#p2267085
https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/712976184729850854/

Hermann Göring Smoking

During a visit to II.Gruppe / Kampfgeschwader 1 in Sedan (France) in June 1940, Generalfeldmarschall Hermann Göring (Oberbefehlshaber der Luftwaffe) casually enjoys his pipe, in this canteen photo that was part of photo album belong to Oberleutnant Oscar Müller of Kampfgeschwader 1. The future Reichsmarschall looks much thinner and decrepit than usual!

Source :
https://www.alamy.com/search.html?CreativeOn=1&adv=1&ag=0&all=1&creative=&et=0x000000000000000000000&vp=0&loc=0&qt=Oberleutnant%20M%C3%BCller&qn=&lic=6&lic=1&imgt=0&archive=1&dtfr=&dtto=&hc=&selectdate=&size=0xFF&aqt=&epqt=&oqt=&nqt=&gtype=0

Hauptmann Erich Darnedde in the Trench

Hauptman Erich Darnedde (14 December 1906 - 11 November 1996), who received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 8 February 1943 as Kommandeur of I.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment 277 / 83.Infanterie-Division.

Source :
ECPAD Archives, courtesy of Blanluet Christophe
https://www.facebook.com/groups/152986901863424/
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28954/Darnedde-Erich.htm

Adolf Galland and Max Ibel

Generalmajor Adolf Galland and Oberst Max-Josef Ibel in the officers' lounge, village of Gouvieux near Creil airbase, September 1943.

Source :
ECPAD Archives, courtesy of Blanluet Christophe
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158377921223308&set=gm.848387908989983&type=3&theater&ifg=1

The Capture of Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt

Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt, brilliant Prussian military strategist, and acknowledged dean of Junker generals, surrendered to 2nd Lt. Joseph E. Burke and a ten man patrol from Company A, 141st Infantry, on May 1, during the battle for Bad Tolz. A prisoner taken by the 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry, first revealed that Von Rundstedt was in the area. When further questioned, he told of the house in which the marshal's party was quartered. As Lt. Burke entered the hospital residence, Von Rundstedt, his wife and son, jumped up from their seats before the fire. Said the field marshal, "It is a most disgraceful situation for a soldier to give himself up without offering resistance." The son, Lt. Hans Gerd von Rundstedt, stated that his father had last seen Hitler on March 12 when he had been relieved of his command of all German armies on the Western Front. The aging Rundstedt had been taking a bath cure at Bad Tolz in an effort to heal a leg ailment. Despite a noticeable limp he retained the traditional Junker austerity.

Rundstedt arrived at the HQ of 36th Infantry Division, 2 May 1945

Rundstedt with U.S. Major-General John E. Dahlquist, Commander of 36th Infantry Division, 2 May 1945


Rundstedt with U.S. Major-General Frank W. Milburn, Commanding General of U.S. XXI Corps, 2 May 1945

Rundstedt with Lieutenant-General Alexander M. Patch, Commanding General of U.S. 7th Army, 5 May 1945

FLTR: Lieutenant Dr. Hans von Rundstedt, Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt, and Lieutenant-General Alexander M. Patch, Commanding General of U.S. 7th Army, 6 May 1945

Source :
http://www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org/36division/archives/seigfri/prize.htm

Helmuth Ott Inspecting Trenches

Hauptmann Helmuth Ott (Chef 3.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment 97 / 46.Infanterie-Division) speaks with young soldier in the trenches near Yass, Romania, 1944. Ott wears the Knight's Cross. He was killed in action on April 24, 1945, six days before Hitler committed suicide. Note the Mg42 machine gun in the foreground.

Source :
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/305330049729090184/
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/39263/Ott-Helmuth.htm?c=aw

Close Combat Training by Josef Fitzek

Close combat course handed out by Leutnant Josef Fitzek (Zugführer in 5.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment 482 / 262.Infanterie-Division), holder of the Ritterkreuz and Nahkampfspange. Ostfront, October 1943. Very much posed, if very nice, photos. The MP-40 sling, as most slings even today, are ill suited for using it that way. Either just around the neck or loose. Even the manual said so. Put the guys are putting up a nice show!

Source :
Blanluet Christophe photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158230312113308&set=pcb.819562951872479&type=3&theater&ifg=1

Bio of Generalleutnant Hellmut von der Chevallerie

Hellmut von der Chevallerie (9 November 1896 – 1 June 1965) was a general in the Wehrmacht during the World War II. On 9 March 1942 Chevallerie took command of the 10th Rifle Brigade, and kept this command after its re-designation as 10th Panzergrenadier Division. After spending parts of the summer 1942 in reserve, he took command of 22nd Panzer Division on 8 October 1942, which was in reserve in the Don River curve at the time. On 1 November 1942 he was promoted to Generalmajor and was given command of 13th Panzer Division, which he led into the Battle of the Caucasus. Severely wounded just one month into his command, he had to give up his command to his deputy Wilhelm Crisolli on 1 December 1942, and did not return to command until 15 May 1943. In the meantime, he had been awarded Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 30 April 1943 and had been promoted to Generalleutnant on 1 May 1943. On 25 October 1943 he was wounded again and was moved to the reserve (Führerreserve). On 15 November 1943 he took command of the 273rd Reserve Panzer Division in the southwest of France, and went back into the reserve on 10 May 1944. On 15 August 1944 he took command of 233rd Reserve Panzer Division in Denmark. On 1 November 1944 he was given command of the Truppenübungsplatz Bergen, and went back into reserve on 20 February 1945. On 1 April 1945 he took command of the Sudetengau, which he handed over on 9 May 1945 upon the capitulation of Germany, and entered confinement as a prisoner-of-war until June 1947.

Source :
https://www.alexautographs.com/lot-46255.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellmut_von_der_Chevallerie

Hauptmann d.R. Karl-Heinz Jäger

Karl-Heinz Jäger received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes #1927 on 4 October 1943 as Leutnant der Reserve and Führer 1.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment 167 / 86.Infanterie-Division / XXXXI.Panzerkorps / 9.Armee / Heeresgruppe Mitte, awarded for distinguishing himself during his Division’s assaults in the northern sector of Operation Citadel. He would also received the additional Eichenlaub #786 for his Ritterkreuz on 16 March 1945 as Hauptmann der Reserve and Führer Grenadier-Regiment 448 / 251.Infanterie-Division / XXVII.Armeekorps / 2.Armee / Heeresgruppe Weichsel, awarded for further distinguishing himself during the heavy retreat battles in February 1945, specifically in the Tucheler Heide (near Graudenz, West Prussia).

Source :
Blanluet Christophe photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158350624483308&set=p.10158350624483308&type=1&theater

Walther von Brauchitsch in France

Generaloberst Walther von Brauchitsch (2nd from right, Oberbefehlshaber des Heeres) together with German officers on the Grote Markt in Ypres, Belgium. June 1940. At right wearing monocle is Oberstleutnant Curt Siewert (1. Adjutant Oberbefehlshaber des Heeres).

Source :
Tobi Moll photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=239966457272186&set=gm.1429997340519018&type=3&theater&ifg=1

Divisionskommandeur Fritz Witt in France

SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS Fritz Witt as Kommandeur of 12. SS-Panzer-Division "Hitlerjugend" in France, spring of 1944.

Source :
Librarius13 photo collection
http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1043934

Franz Begemann Playing Chess Inside the Tank

Ritterkreuzträger Leutnant Franz Begemann from 20. Panzer-Division playing chess inside the turret of his Panzerkampfwagen IV. The picture was taken in the winter of 1943-44 in the Eastern Front.

Source :
Blanluet Christophe photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158352920238308&set=pcb.843587482803359&type=3&theater&ifg=1

Luftwaffe Ace Helmut Lent in a Car

Luftwaffe night fighter ace Helmut Lent in the backseat of a car.

Source :
Rich Deveau-Maxwell photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=546677746105076&set=p.546677746105076&type=1

Oberst Herbert Ewert

Herbert Ewert received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 18 August 1942 as an Oberst and Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Regiment 104 / 21.Panzer-Division. Ewert’s Ritterkreuz recommendation reads as follows…

“After reaching the stone slopes that led from El Alamein to Qatarra, on the 01.07.1942 the Division received the mission of cutting off strong enemy forces located in the El Alamein position (specifically at Quaret el Abd and further south of there) through a thrust of its own towards Alam Nayil.

The Division thrusted past the identified enemy forces located near Deir el Shein. As Oberst Ewert was marching towards the area northeast of Deir el Shein with the spearhead of his Regiment, he received continuous bombardment from the east and southwest. He realized that the well-constructed and heavily-manned enemy strongpoint at Deir el Shein was far larger and extended farther to the east that had been previously supposed.

Immediately recognizing that the completion of the Division’s mission through a further swing to the east was not possible because of an extended fieldwork that flanked the advance, Oberst Ewert decided to suspend the march and capture the strongpoint of Deir el Shein through a surprise attack. This bold decision led to a total success for the Division. Personally led by Oberst Ewert, the foremost elements of the Regiment swiftly entered into the enemy’s fieldwork (which was protected by mines and barbed wire) despite the strong hostile resistance. Over the course of the day this was captured in close combat: About 1500 prisoners, 25 artillery pieces, 15 anti-tank guns, 2 self-propelled guns, 57 vehicles as well as numerous anti-tank rifles, MGs and mortars were captured. With this the first redoubt of the Alamein position fell into German hands.

Over the course of previous operations Oberst Ewert has shown himself to be a very brave and prudent leader of his Regiment. His personal and bold actions led to noteworthy successes by his Regiment during the thrust towards the sea west of Acroma, the storming of Tobruk and the defensive battles near Sidi Muftah.”

Source :
ECPAD Archive
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1728158044141689/

Generalleutnant Otto Drescher

Otto Drescher received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 6 April 1944 as a Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of 267. Infanterie-Division. The medal was awarded for the achievements of his Division during the time period 21.-29.02.1944. According to a Wehrmachtbericht excerpt from the 01.03.1944 he and his Division had held out during all this time against much larger attacking forces, and defeated all hostile breakthrough attempts despite the difficult terrain and weather conditions. The 4. Armee specially recognized the Division for its efforts during the time period 22.02.-02.03.1944, during which it withstood the main effort of the Soviet offensive and prevented an enemy breakthrough to Stary Bischoff and Mogilev. It is also known that Drescher saved the frontline from being torn open a total of three times during this period, all through his own independent actions. He particularly distinguished himself when the Soviets were pushing back a neighbouring Division. On this occasion Drescher removed one of his Grenadier-Regiments from the frontline and dispatched it along with some artillery in such a way that contact to the neighbouring Division was maintained. This action also secured an important road/railway junction. He also achieved a major tactical victory on the night of the 25./26.02.1944, when the Soviets tried to infiltrate through the line. They succeeded, however Drescher was able to eliminate this force with his last reserves (comprised of remnant and security units).

Source :
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/country.asp?countryid=56
https://zihuatanexo.livejournal.com/2372809.html