Ritterkreuz Award Ceremony for Michael Wittmann and Bobby Woll

Following the two intense days of combat in the Eastern Front on 8th and 9th January 1944 which had seen the destruction of nine enemy Panzers and an anti-tank gun, on 10th January panzer ace SS-Untersturmführer Michael Wittmann (Zugführer in 13.Kompanie [schwere] / SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 / 1.SS-Panzer-Division LSSAH) was recommended by his divisional commander SS-Oberführer Theodor “Teddi” Wisch for the prestigious Ritterkreuz, the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. The official recommendation read as follows:

    SS-Untersturmführer Wittmann, platoon commander 13.(s)/SS-Pz.Rgt. 1 LSSAH, has himself destroyed 56 tanks in the period July 1943 to 7.1.1944, including several KVI, KVII, General “Sherman”, the rest were T34s.

    During a penetration near Sherepki by a Russian tank brigade on 8.1.1944 he and his platoon succeeded in stopping the attack and he himself knocked out 3 T34s and 1 assault gun.

    On 9.1.1944 he destroyed another 6 T34s during a penetration by enemy tanks and raised his total of tanks destroyed to 66. He once again demonstrated exceptional bravery in meeting and smashing the Russian tank attack.

    Signed Wisch, SS-Oberführer and Divisional Commander

Between his being recommended for the Ritterkreuz on 10th January 1944 and receiving the award four days later, SS-Untersturmführer Wittmann embarked on a what can only be described as a victory celebration of destruction. Over this short period, Wittmann’s Tiger had knocked out an astonishing twenty-two enemy tanks, which took his total to eighty-eight enemy tanks destroyed! Over the 12th and 13th January alone, Wittmann and his crew knocked out a phenomenal sixteen T34s and three anti-tank guns.

In what was a highly successful series of missions, the only moment of bad luck that took place was when Wittmann lost a front tooth in a freak accident in a Schwimmwagen – though other sources have stated that he had lost the tooth by hitting his head against the cupola of his Tiger after it had driven over an obstacle.

The story was not all about Wittmann, however: a successful Tiger not only needed a talented commander but also a well-knit, disciplined and skillful crew. Wittmann himself would continually acknowledge that his outstanding record could never have been achieved without his gunner, the crackshot Saarlander Balthasar “Bobby” Woll, who during his short career as a Tiger gunner had destroyed a total of eighty enemy tanks. Following the actions of 12th and 13th January Woll was also nominated for the Ritterkreuz. Both Wittmann and Woll were awarded their Ritterkreuzes on 14th January, by divisional commander “Teddi” Wisch, while the rest of the crew receives the Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse: SS-Panzerschütze Werner Irrgang (Funker), SS-Panzerschütze Sepp Rößner (Ladeschütze), and SS-Sturmmann Eugen Schmidt (Fahrer).

This video - which was taken in Vinnitsa, Ukraine - shows Wittmann and his four-man Tiger crew being congratulated by his regimental commander, SS-Obersturmbannführer Joachim “Jochen” Peiper, followed by congratulations from his comrades-in-arms. The medal ceremony itself had been held a few hours earlier, presided over by Divisionskommandeur, SS-Oberführer Theodor “Teddy” Wisch. In the background is Wittmann's Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger I Ausf.F “S04” with 88 victory rings (the reporter of ‘Die Deutsche Wochenschau’ had misstated the number as 89).

From left to right: SS-Obersturmbannführer Jochen Peiper (Kommandeur SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 LSSAH), SS-Untersturmführer Michael Wittmann (Zugführer in 13.Kompanie (schwere) / SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 LSSAH), SS-Rottenführer Balthasar "Bobby" Woll (Richtschütze), SS-Panzerschütze Werner Irrgang (Funker), SS-Panzerschütze Sepp Rößner (Ladeschütze), and SS-Sturmmann Eugen Schmidt (Fahrer).

From left to right: SS-Untersturmführer Michael Wittmann (Zugführer in 13.Kompanie (schwere) / SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 LSSAH), SS-Obersturmbannführer Jochen Peiper (Kommandeur SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 LSSAH), SS-Rottenführer Balthasar "Bobby" Woll (Richtschütze), SS-Panzerschütze Werner Irrgang (Funker), SS-Panzerschütze Sepp Rößner (Ladeschütze), and SS-Sturmmann Eugen Schmidt (Fahrer).

From left to right: SS-Untersturmführer Michael Wittmann (Zugführer in 13.Kompanie (schwere) / SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 LSSAH), SS-Obersturmbannführer Jochen Peiper (Kommandeur SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 LSSAH), SS-Rottenführer Balthasar "Bobby" Woll (Richtschütze), SS-Panzerschütze Werner Irrgang (Funker), SS-Panzerschütze Sepp Rößner (Ladeschütze), and SS-Sturmmann Eugen Schmidt (Fahrer).

After the award ceremony, posing in front of their monster, a Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf.E (# S04). From left to right: SS-Untersturmführer Michael Wittmann (Zugführer in 13.Kompanie (schwere) / SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 LSSAH), SS-Rottenführer Balthasar "Bobby" Woll (Richtschütze), SS-Panzerschütze Werner Irrgang (Funker), SS-Panzerschütze Sepp Rößner (Ladeschütze), dan SS-Sturmmann Eugen Schmidt (Fahrer). Note that the barrels of the Tiger's 88mm cannons behind them have been painted with white stripes, where one stripe equals one enemy tank/anti-tank destroyed.

From left to right: SS-Untersturmführer Michael Wittmann (Zugführer in 13.Kompanie (schwere) / SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 LSSAH), SS-Panzerschütze Sepp Rößner (Ladeschütze), SS-Panzerschütze Werner Irrgang (Funker), SS-Sturmmann Eugen Schmidt (Fahrer), and SS-Rottenführer Balthasar "Bobby" Woll (Richtschütze).

From left to right: SS-Panzerschütze Werner Irrgang (Funker), SS-Rottenführer Balthasar "Bobby" Woll (Richtschütze), SS-Untersturmführer Michael Wittmann (Zugführer in 13.Kompanie (schwere) / SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 LSSAH), SS-Panzerschütze Sepp Rößner (Ladeschütze), and SS-Sturmmann Eugen Schmidt (Fahrer).

SS-Untersturmführer Michael Wittmann (in the foreground, Zugführer in 13.Kompanie (schwere) / SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 LSSAH) poses proudly with the crew of his trusted Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger I Ausf.F “S04”, from left to right: SS-Panzerschütze Sepp Rößner (Ladeschütze), SS-Panzerschütze Werner Irrgang (Funker), SS-Rottenführer Balthasar "Bobby" Woll (Richtschütze), and SS-Sturmmann Eugen Schmidt (Fahrer). The 88 victory rings on the barrels of their cannons indicating the 88 enemy tanks destroyed so far.

This picture was taken previously, showing the interview of the new Ritterkreuzträger Michael Wittmann by the SS Kriegsberichter from Propaganda-Kompanie, using a Neumann CMV3/3A microphone. From left to right: unknown war reporter, SS-Untersturmführer Michael Wittmann (Zugführer in 13.Kompanie (schwere) / SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 LSSAH), SS-Sturmmann Eugen Schmidt (Fahrer), SS-Oberführer Theodor "Teddy" Wisch (Kommandeur 1. SS-Panzer-Division LSSAH), SS-Panzerschütze Sepp Rößner (Ladeschütze), and SS-Obersturmbannführer Joachim “Jochen” Peiper (Kommandeur SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 LSSAH).

From left to right: SS-Oberführer Theodor "Teddy" Wisch (Kommandeur 1. SS-Panzer-Division LSSAH), SS-Rottenführer Balthasar "Bobby" Woll (Richtschütze), SS-Untersturmführer Michael Wittmann (Zugführer in 13.Kompanie (schwere) / SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 LSSAH), and unknown war reporter.

SS-Untersturmführer Michael Wittmann (left, Zugführer in 13.Kompanie (schwere) / SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 LSSAH) and SS-Obersturmbannführer Joachim “Jochen” Peiper (right, Kommandeur SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 LSSAH).

SS-Obersturmbannführer Joachim “Jochen” Peiper (Kommandeur SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 LSSAH).

Source :
Die Deutsche Wochenschau Nr. 700 - 2 Februari 1944
https://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2025/07/upacara-penganugerahan-ritterkreuz.html
https://www.panzerace.net/biography/ostfront-1943-44/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXsseNnJQfc

Erwin Rommel Recounts the North African Campaign

Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel is perhaps the most famous German General of World War II.  Known for his bold, aggressive leadership, he is best known for commanding German troops in North Africa and advancing as far as El-Alamein, which made him famous in Germany, but also among his enemy, and he was given the nickname “Desert Fox”.

As he was popular and well-known both within Germany and among neutral and enemy countries, he was often featured in Nazi propaganda, such as newsreels and newspaper articles.

The following footage is from an interview that was filmed in October 1942, during a vacation of him in Germany, in which Rommel recounts the course of the operations in North Africa from April 1941 to September 1942, including famous battles, such as the Siege of Tobruk or the attack at El-Alamein.

During the interview, Rommel often overstates losses to the enemy and talks down Axis losses, for propaganda reasons.

Rommel is wearing his full uniform in this interview. Contrary to standard norms, he is not wearing a high-pinned collar, but a more modern, suit-like collar, which became more common among German officers and generals as the war progressed. He is wearing a Field Marshal Uniform, having been promoted to that rank in late June 1942. His medals include his Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Schwertern (Knights Cross with Swords), which he received in late January 1942, his World War I era Pour le Merite, which he received in December 1917. On his right chest pocket, he wears the Knight Grand Cross of the Italian Military Order of Savoy, which he was awarded in August 1942.

Source :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7kA9PA_ouE

Willi Schmückle and the Battle of Stettin

The start of Altdamm offensive operation near Stettin by the Soviets in 18 March 1945 were halted by intense German resistance. In this clip, we can also see Fahnenjunker-Oberfeldwebel Willi Schmückle (Zugführer in 6.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Fahnenjunker-Regiment 1241 / Panzergrenadier-Division "Kurmark"), who received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 15 March 1945 for his tenacious defence in the Oder Front.

 


Source :
Die Deutsche Wochenschau No. 755 - 22 March 1945
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWxWY4rFhTg

Otto Lasch and Festung Königsberg

Königsberg, the capital city of East Prussia, was surrounded by the Soviets in late January 1945 and besieged, although the seaside was still open and usable by the Germans. Since the frontline quickly moved further west in February, the capture of the city was of low priority  to the Soviets, and so the Soviet attack on the city only started on April 6th, and on April 9th, with the Soviets already in the city, the German defenders capitulated.

Otto Lasch (1893-1971) was functioned as Commandant of Königsberg in East Prussia from November 1944 onward. As Fortress Commandant of Königsberg he was responsible for defending the city and maintaining order among the flood of refugees fleeing from the advancing Red Army. Following heavy fighting and a three month siege of the city during the Battle of Königsberg by the 36-division-strong 3rd Byelorussian Front under Ivan Chernyakhovsky, Lasch disobeyed Hitler's orders and surrendered Königsberg to the Red Army on 9 April 1945. As a result of his surrender Hitler sentenced him in absentia to death by hanging, and his family, in Denmark and Berlin at the time, was arrested. Lasch went into Soviet captivity and was convicted as a war criminal in the Soviet Union and sentenced to twenty-five years in a corrective labor camp. He was released in 1955.

Source :
Die Deutsche Wochenschau No. 755 - 22 March 1945
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWxWY4rFhTg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_Lasch

First Volkssturm Ritterkreuzträger Ernst Tiburzy

Ernst Tiburzy (1911-2004) was a battalion leader of the Volkssturm and the first Volkssturm soldier to be awarded with the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes. He destroyed 5 or 9 Soviet tanks (sources vary) during the Battle of Königsberg on February 10th, 1945, preventing a breakthrough into the city and was awarded for that. He was one of only four or five Volkssturm soldiers who received the Ritterkreuz.

The following newspaper excerpt (dated 3 March 1945) describes why Tiburzy was awarded the coveted medal:

“First Volkssturm Ritterkreuzträger:

The Bolsheviks had succeeded in achieving a penetration in the Königsberg area. In response a German Volkssturm Bataillon commander, SA-Hauptsturmführer Tiburzy (who had previously been badly wounded during the Eastern campaign), initiated a counterthrust at the head of a small shock troop. The Volkssturm managed to roll up the trench that had been occupied by the enemy with Panzerfausts and hand grenades. In the process Tiburzy destroyed 2 Soviet T-34s with Panzerfausts. Later, as the Soviets launched a new attack against the Volkssturm blocking position two days later with tanks and infantry, Tiburzy launched a counterattack with his Bataillon on his own initiative. In the fighting which followed he personally destroyed another 3 T-34s in close combat, and the situation was restored. For this reason the Hauptsturmführer was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes by the Führer.”

Source :
Die Deutsche Wochenschau No. 755 - 22 March 1945
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWxWY4rFhTg
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/61903/Tiburzy-Ernst.htm

Bomb Disposal Specialist Egon Aghta

Egon August Agtha (1918-1945) was a German bomb disposal specialist in Berlin during World War II. Initially an artillery soldier, he was trained as a bomb disposal specialist from 1939-1941. He was severely wounded by the explosion of a British unexploded ordinance in 1942. He returned to active duty two years later and was made the leader of the Sprengkommando 1 (1st Bomb Disposal Unit) of the Luftwaffe (Air Force) in Berlin sometimes in 1944. He was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Knights Cross of the Iron Cross) on February 3rd, 1945, and promoted to Oberleutnant (First Lieutenant) by Hitler personally on the same day. He was further awarded the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz (Oak Leaves to the Knights Cross) on March 12th, 1945, and was again promoted by Hitler personally on the same day, this time to Hauptmann (Captain). He died during fighting with Soviet troops in Berlin on May 2nd, 1945.

Source :
Die Deutsche Wochenschau No. 755 - 22 March 1945
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWxWY4rFhTg
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28059/Agtha-Egon-August-Sprengkommando-1.htm

Award Ceremony of SS Division HJ in Normandy

SS-Standartenführer Wilhelm Mohnke (Kommandeur SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 26 / 12.SS-Panzer-Division "Hitlerjugend") awarded the Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse and I.Klasse medals at once(!) to one of his brave soldier, SS-Unterscharführer Heinz Degenhardt. The award ceremony, held in Normandy in June 1944, apparently took place shortly after Degenhardt's heroic actions in battle, during which the outstanding soldier had no time to rest, so fatigue and sleepiness were clearly visible on his face! Mohnke's action of patting Degenhardt on the cheek was a symbol of a father's love for his son - as most of the soldiers of the 12th SS Division were young boys - as well as the commander's thanks to his soldiers (the same practice was practiced by Hitler himself). Degenhardt - born May 30, 1925 - would later die in battle against British forces in Arnhem on October 6, 1944, and buried among the unknown.

Source :
Die Deutsche Wochenschau No. 720 - 21 June 1944
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-DzDJmt5F8
https://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2025/05/upacara-penganugerahan-medali-untuk.html
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/157995002/heinz-degenhardt

Joachim Barth and Georg Scholze in Normandy

This scene from "Die Deutsche Wochenschau" (German Newsreel) shows two Ritterkreuzträger from Panzer-Lehr-Division in Normandy Front, June 1944. From left to right: Major Joachim Barth (Kommandeur Panzerjäger-Lehr-Abteilung 130) and Oberst Georg Scholze (Kommandeur Panzergrenadier-Lehr-Regiment 901).

Source :
Die Deutsche Wochenschau No. 720 - 21 June 1944
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrwDehP8bzc
https://www.tumblr.com/fallschirmjager/88125302365/panzer-lehr-at-normandy-the-first-engagement

Ritterkreuz Award Ceremony for Korvettenkapitän Heinrich Hoffmann and Victor Rall

Ritterkreuz award ceremony for Korvettenkapitän Heinrich Hoffmann (Chef 5. Torpedobootsflottille) and Korvettenkapitän der Reserve Dr.-ing.Victor Rall (Chef 15.Vorpostenflottille) of the Kriegsmarine.

The following excerpt stands as a written tribute to the Ritterkreuz action of Heinrich Hoffmann: “From the very start of the Invasion Korvettenkapitän Hoffmann and his unit were present in combat against the allied fleet from one night to the next in an area that was heavily guarded by strong enemy naval formations. In this time he led his ships with great bravery and daring. Thanks to his strong will and outstanding naval acumen, he was able to overcome every difficulty and conduct multiple successful attacks with his unit. At least 3 enemy destroyers were torpedoed during these missions, of which one was almost certainly sunk.”

The following press article (dated 10 June 1944) describes why Rall would receive the Ritterkreuz: “The Führer was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes to Korvettenkapitän d.R. Viktor Rall, commander of a VP-Flotille on the Invasion front, for his bravery in the fighting against the enemy landing fleet. Korvettenkapitän Rall launched a raid into the Allied fleet on the first night of the Invasion, leading his own force of converted fishing boats. He fought against enemy landing craft of all types successfully while avoiding enemy 38-cm salvoes. On the second night he and his heroically fighting crews fought in further battles against overwhelming numbers of enemy destroyers and light craft, while still inflicting considerable damage to the enemy landing formations. In the following nights Rall and his Flottille continued to fight in numerous battles in the most intense moments of the fighting. Rall was born on 27 November 1896 in Reutlingen (Württemberg) and has already participated in the First World War as a Seeoffizier. Before the fighting on the Invasion front he operated with his Flottille in the English Channel for a long time, where he protected valuable German convoys in many hard-fought night battles, safely bringing them into their intended destination harbours.”

Source :
Die Deutsche Wochenschau No. 720 - 21 June 1944
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrwDehP8bzc
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/14643/Hoffmann-Heinrich-KM-Torpedoboot.htm
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/15109/Rall-Dr-Ing-Victor.htm

Divisionskommandeur Alexander Conrady with His Men in the Rest Village

German soldiers take recreation leave on Eastern Front. Animated map of Eastern Front from Narva to Jassy. Present lull allows two soldiers to leave trench for few days at Relaxation Camp behind lines. Facilities at log-cabin camp include sauna (sign), showers (End of Reel 1), barber, meals served by girls (Russian?) to Divisionskommandeur Generalmajor Alexander Conrady (36. Infanterie-Division) sitting eating with his men, extra rations and an open-air Variété performance with trapeze artiste, dancers (scanned by one soldier through his artillery periscope) and trick cyclists.

Source :
Die Deutsche Wochenschau No. 720 - 21 June 1944
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-DzDJmt5F8

Ritterkreuz Action of Willy Apitz

Ritterkreuzträger Unteroffizier Willy Apitz recounts his brave exploits beyond the Dnieper. Daily proof that German soldier is best and bravest individual fighter gains substance from first person account by Apitz, over supporting animation, of his experience beyond River Dnieper in being cut of by Soviet armour and calling down his own fire (Artillerie Regiment 81) and tanks to repel nearby Russian forces.

Willy Apitz received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 1 January 1944 as Obergefreiter and Funker in 10.Batterie / Artillerie-Regiment 81 / 97.Jäger-Division. During the autumn of 1943 Obergefreiter Apitz found himself engaged in his Division’s heavy defensive combat along the Lower Dnieper front between the Nikopol and Cherson bridgeheads. In this time, while he was serving as a radio operator at a forward observation post, all of his comrades were killed during a large-scale Soviet attack. When the Soviets proceeded to launch a renewed thrust with tanks and infantry, Apitz decided to personally direct the fire of his attached artillery even though he had no training in this role. However, despite being all alone, he managed to fulfill this role effectively and direct devastating artillery fire onto the attacking Soviet forces.

A unit of Soviet infantry that were passing by suddenly attacked Apitz at his position. He initially held them off with his carbine before ordering his own artillery to bombard his position. He had to repeat the order twice before his stunned comrades proceeded to do just that. Fierce artillery fire was then plastered on Apitz’s position for about a minute. However Apitz survived, and the Soviet infantry took such high losses that they decided to fall back to their jump-off position. With this the Soviet thrust came to an end.

Apitz would be initially decorated with the Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse for this action. Later on he also received the Ritterkreuz at the recommendation of his superiors.

Source :
Die Deutsche Wochenschau No. 720 - 21 June 1944
https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1060004235
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28123/Apitz-Willy.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-DzDJmt5F8

Ritterkreuzträger of the Fallschirmjäger (1942)

Excerpt from "Ganze Männer" showing the Ritterkreuzträger of the Fallschirmjäger

“Real Men” (Ganze Männer) is a short propaganda film about the training and combat mission of German paratroopers.

During WWII, Germany was the first country to use paratroopers on a larger scale; they were employed during the invasion of Denmark and the Low Countries in 1940.

But their most famous operation was the invasion of Crete, where over 14,000 German paratroopers landed on the island and managed to conquer it in May/ June 1941 but suffered heavy losses. Paratroopers after 1941 were used as regular ground troops, mostly on focal points on the front that were under high pressure.

Nevertheless, actual paradrop training was continued until early 1944. The following short shows scenes from Paratrooper training, exercise and combat footage from the landings on Crete. The title, "Real Men" refers to the fact that, according to this propaganda short, only "real men" can become paratroopers. This short was shown before propaganda newsreels and films in early 1942.

Oberst Bruno Bräuer (Kommandeur Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1). Received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 24 May 1940 for his heroic devotion to duty while leading his Regiment in the Westfeldzug, which held onto key communication nodes until reinforcements arrived. Oberst Bräuer, who originally came from the NCO ranks, demonstrated brave resolve and led his Regiment to great success at an important location.

Oberleutnant Horst Kerfin (Zugführer in 11.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1). During the aerial attack on Rotterdam on 10 May 1940, Oberleutnant Kerfin and his Zug had a special mission to complete. After landing near the suburb of Feyenoord, Kerfin and his men stormed through the village and found an electric street car at the edge of Rotterdam. They commandeered it and rode to a point just before their objective, the Maas island at the river bend in the southeast of the city. They eliminated the AA battery on this island, then fought their way over the Willems bridge and created a small bridgehead on the north bank of the Maas. This bridgehead was then reinforced by elements of the 9./Infanterie-Regiment 16, leading to a total strength of about 60 German troops in the bridgehead. Kerfin and his men then held it for five days until relieved by friendly forces, despite being given permission to retreat if the situation demanded it. For this act he would be decorated with the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 24 May 1940.

Leutnant der Reserve Wolfgang Graf von Blücher (Zugführer in 2.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1). Received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 24 May 1945. The following press report, dated 26 May 1940, describes why Blücher was awarded the Ritterkreuz: “Leutnant d.R. Graf von Blücher captured a strongly garrisoned enemy nest of bunkers in a display of outstanding devotion to duty and unstoppable forward drive.”

General der Fallschirmtruppe Kurt Student (left, Kommandierender General der Fallschirmtruppe). Received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 12 May 1940 for the success of his airborne and air landing forces during the Battle of France, specifically in Holland and at Eben Emael. As the father of these forces, the Ritterkreuz signified recognition of the ultimate role he had to play in these decisive battlefield accomplishments. Student received the Eichenlaub for his Ritterkreuz on 27 September 1943 for the important role his troops played in the Mediterranean during the summer of 1943, specifically in the battle of Sicily, the rescue of Mussolini and the disarmament of Italian forces around Rome.

Source :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHmbgGicnnM
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=29879&hilit=bl%C3%BCcher&start=26385
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/34529/Student-Kurt-Arthur-Benno.htm
https://web.archive.org/web/20091028111435fw_/http://geocities.com/orion47.geo/WEHRMACHT/LUFTWAFFE/General/BRAEUER_BRUNO.html

The Headstone of Wilhelm Bach

Ritterkreuzträger Wilhelm Bach is one of two men who have more than one headstone located at Woodland Cemetery, Canada.

As a final sign of respect for a fallen comrade, Bach’s fellow POWS took great care in hand carving a solid wood headstone for his grave in Gravenhurst, Ontario.

The men who skillfully carved the headstone would not have been aware that the Major had been posthumously promoted to Oberstleutnant. Consequently his rank of Major at his capture was used for the marker.

When Bach’s remains were exhumed from the Gravenhurst Cemetery and relocated to Woodland, the original headstone was moved too. However, that headstone no longer marks the location of Bach’s grave. Instead, a regulation, German-spec stone cross is now used in its place.

Placed in a prominent position within the cemetery’s alcove, the original marker now serves as a monument to Wilhelm Bach.

The wood marker has suffered over the years: Much shorter now, some of its original length has been cut off, presumably because of wood rot. Far more disturbing, it was defaced in April 1978, solely because of one reactionary Canadian Legion member.

The highest honour bestowed to Major Bach during his military career was the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross), which understandably had been carved into the headstone. This medal includes a swastika, which is integral to the Knight’s Cross design.

At one person’s behest, a person incapable of differentiating between politics, war crimes, and the bravery of common men whose only offense was to answer their country’s call during a time of war, a cemetery worker took a chisel to the wood marker and removed the swastika.

The original headstone for Bach's grave as it stood in Gravenhurst, Ontario. The photo was taken by one of Bach's men who also survived Halfaya Pass, but had been interred in Alberta. On the back of the photo, which shows his children at Bach's grave, is written "Hannelore brightens up the grave of my Major." The reverence held for Bach by the men he commanded is exemplified in this touching photo.

The original headstone as it looks today (2013). Shorter, and defaced as a result of ignorance, it no longer marks the location of Bach's grave.

The regulation, German government issued two-name.headstone now used to mark Bach's grave.

Source :
https://www.vorg.com/home/german-war-graves-in-canada/pow-history/oberstleutnant-wilhelm-bach/

Wilhelm Bach Visits Italian Positions in the Halfaya Pass

Hauptmann Wilhelm Bach, freshly awarded with the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 9 July 1941 and temporary commander of I.Bataillon / Schützen Regiment 104, visits Italian positions in Halfaya Pass on 22 August 1941. This picture shows Hauptmann Bach inspects an Italian battery adjacent to his own.

Hauptmann Wilhelm Bach, freshly awarded with the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 9 July 1941 and temporary commander of I.Bataillon / Schützen Regiment 104, visits Italian positions in Halfaya Pass on 22 August 1941. This picture shows Hauptmann Bach inspects an Italian battery adjacent to his own.

Hauptmann Wilhelm Bach, freshly awarded with the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 9 July 1941 and temporary commander of I.Bataillon / Schützen Regiment 104, visits Italian positions in Halfaya Pass on 22 August 1941. This picture shows Hauptmann Bach inspects an Italian battery adjacent to his own.

Source :
https://imagesdefense.gouv.fr/fr/le-capitaine-bach-commandant-d-une-batterie-du-schutzen-regiment-104-visite-des-positions-italiennes-halfayapass-2.html

Heinz Guderian in the Halftrack in France

General der Panzertruppe Heinz Guderian (Kommandierender General XIX. Armeekorps) inside the Sd.Kfz.251/3 halftrack vehicle. At left is a Horch 901 belong to the Luftwaffe, while at right is a Krupp L4500 of Panzergruppe Hoth (note the 'H' symbol). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Erich Borchert during the German advance in France, May 1940.

General der Panzertruppe Heinz Guderian (Kommandierender General XIX. Armeekorps) inside the Sd.Kfz.251/3 halftrack vehicle. At right is a Horch 901 belong to the Luftwaffe. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Erich Borchert during the German advance in France, May 1940.

Source :
Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-769-0235-31
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=897328073630834&set=a.895624837134491

Heinz Guderian and Adolf-Friedrich Kuntzen

General der Panzertruppe Heinz Guderian (Kommandierender General XIX. Armeekorps), inside the Sd.Kfz.251/3 halftrack vehicle, in conversation with Generalleutnant Adolf-Friedrich Kuntzen (Kommandeur 8. Panzer-Division), giving his last instructions before an attack to the enemy. For his bold forward drive and brave attitude during the breakthrough to the Channel coastline - especially in the Battle of Montreuil sur Mer - Divisionskommandeur Kuntzen would receive the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 3 June 1940. The picture itself was taken by Kriegsberichter Erich Borchert in France, May 1940.

Source :
Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-769-0229-02A
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/world-war-ii-heinz-guderian-german-general-leader-of-the-news-photo/92423822
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/69888/Kuntzen-Adolf-Friedrich.htm

Heinz Guderian and Enigma Machine

General der Panzertruppe Heinz Guderian (Kommandierender General XIX. Armeekorps) in a Sd.Kfz. 251/3 halftrack during German military campaign in France, May 1940. Note early 3-rotor Enigma machine in use. The Enigma was used by the German Army, Air Force, and Navy—as shown here. The SS, police, secret services, Reichspost (postal) service, railways, and German Foreign Office all used Enigma, too. Altogether, the Germans used about 50,000 Enigma machines during the war. Guderian, like many German commanders, preferred to direct operations from as close to the frontline as possible. His vehicle is fitted with a large radio and an enigma cipher machine for communications with high command and other units in the field. Waiting close by are several motorcycle dispatch riders, ready to carry messages to units in the thick of the fighting. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Erich Borchert.

General der Panzertruppe Heinz Guderian (Kommandierender General XIX. Armeekorps) in a Sd.Kfz. 251/3 halftrack during German military campaign in France, May 1940. Note early 3-rotor Enigma machine in use. The Enigma was used by the German Army, Air Force, and Navy—as shown here. The SS, police, secret services, Reichspost (postal) service, railways, and German Foreign Office all used Enigma, too. Altogether, the Germans used about 50,000 Enigma machines during the war. Guderian, like many German commanders, preferred to direct operations from as close to the frontline as possible. His vehicle is fitted with a large radio and an enigma cipher machine for communications with high command and other units in the field. Waiting close by are several motorcycle dispatch riders, ready to carry messages to units in the thick of the fighting. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Erich Borchert.

General der Panzertruppe Heinz Guderian (Kommandierender General XIX. Armeekorps) in a Sd.Kfz. 251/3 halftrack during German military campaign in France, May 1940. Note early 3-rotor Enigma machine in use. The Enigma was used by the German Army, Air Force, and Navy—as shown here. The SS, police, secret services, Reichspost (postal) service, railways, and German Foreign Office all used Enigma, too. Altogether, the Germans used about 50,000 Enigma machines during the war. Guderian, like many German commanders, preferred to direct operations from as close to the frontline as possible. His vehicle is fitted with a large radio and an enigma cipher machine for communications with high command and other units in the field. Waiting close by are several motorcycle dispatch riders, ready to carry messages to units in the thick of the fighting. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Erich Borchert.

Source :
Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-769-0229-12A
https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/photograph-of-general-field-marshal-heinz-guderian-and-a-radio-operator-with-the-enigma-encryption-machine-in-a-medium-weight-radio-tank-sd-kfz-251-3-during-the-battle-of-france-in-may-1940-eric-borchert-1911-1942/egFgPmhlnuoChA?hl=en
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/general-heinz-guderian-france-1940-news-photo/809916960
https://ww2db.com/image.php?image_id=9077
https://weaponsandwarfare.com/2021/01/02/german-army-frontline-leadership/

Heinz Guderian Inside Sd.Kfz. 251

General der Panzertruppe Heinz Guderian (Kommandierender General XIX. Armeekorps) inside a Sd.Kfz. 251/3 halftrack. This vehicle was a familiar sight, widely associated with the German infantry during all of World War Two.The halftrack was one of the several solutions given to the problem of low off-road capabilities of trucks and associated “special purpose vehicles” (Sonderkraftfahrzeug). The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Erich Borchert in May 1940 during German military campaign in France.

Source :
Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-769-0229-15A
https://www.bridgemanimages.com/en/noartistknown/heinz-guderian/photo/asset/2556960