German Soldier in the Iron Cross Award Ceremony

A young German Heer (Army) soldier in the day he receive the Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class) medal. He already got the Verwundetenabzeichen (Wound Badge) and Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen (Infantry Assault Badge). He is wearing a model 1940/1941 field blouse. The collar is already made of field grey basecloth, but the breast pockets still have pleats and scalloped pocket flaps (The dark green collar was abolished in May 1940, the pleats in late 1941 and the scallops in 1943). The helmet looks like a rolled-rim M40.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2279922#p2279922

Oberleutnant Ramón Escudé Gilbert of the Spanish Blue Squadron

Photo of Oberleutnant Ramón Escudé Gilbert, pilot of 2ª Blue Squadron in the Russian Front, 1942. Note Spanish Pilot's Badge above the Luftwaffe eagle, and also Spanish shield in his sleeve as a recognition for his status as a Spanish volunteer in the Wehrmacht.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=38122&start=60&fbclid=IwAR2lDgrPpvYtz3pfhTAIprpoxcBjdpd60MUOJlf0zwrQYd5nab59AlKZZiA
http://thirdreichcolorpictures.blogspot.com/2012/03/oberleutnant-ramon-escude-gilbert.html

Ritterkreuz Action of Ludwig Crüwell

Ludwig Crüwell (20 March 1892 – 25 September 1958) as a Generalmajor and Kommandeur 11. Panzer-Division. He received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes #286 on 14 May 1941.

The following wartime excerpt describes why Crüwell was awarded the Ritterkreuz:

“Generalmajor Crüwell broke through the Yugoslavian border positions in the Nisava valley with his Panzer-Division. He and his men captured Nisch on the 09.04.1941 and broke the fighting capabilities of the Yugoslavian Army and People with the capture of Belgrade on the 13.04.1941. 40000 prisoners, 30 batteries, 24 aircraft and a large amount of other materiel fell into the hands of the 11. Panzer-Division.”

The following press excerpt further details these actions as follows…

“While serving in his role as commander of a Panzer-Division, Generalmajor Crüwell broke through the Yugoslavian border positions in the Nisava valley and reached the assigned objective of Belgrade within five days despite the very bad weather and road conditions. In the process he and his men smashed at least five enemy divisions and a cavalry division while also triggering the disintegration of further significant elements of the Yugoslavian army. The resistance of the enemy was thus shattered to the point where the government was forced to make an offer of a ceasefire already on the day after Belgrade’s capture.

This success can be attributed to the brave personal actions of Generalmajor Crüwell, who operated amongst the lead elements of his Division. His ruthless energy helped to ensure that his soldiers were able to overcome all the difficulties created by the weather, terrain and exhaustion.”

Submitted on April 17th 1941.
Preliminary document and decoration on May 19th 1941 to AOK 12.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=2282510#p2282510
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/13410/Cr%C3%BCwell-Ludwig.htm

Buick Cabriolet Belong to Gebirgsjäger

A very fine 1937 Buick Cabriolet from a Wehrmacht Mountain unit (WH-707309), from the estate of former Kai Rossmann collection, dissolved many years ago on ebay. Note the unidentified unit marking - A grape and a guy with a wine bottle. Different variants of grapes were on badges of 94., 263. and 332. Infanterie Division. Unfortunately none of them is really close to this badge.

Source :
Akira Takiguchi collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10221460267009571&set=pcb.1500530410132377&type=3&theater&ifg=1

Chester W. Nimitz Sitting in a Bamboo Chair

Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, in his office at CinCPac / CinCPOA Advanced Headquarters at Guam, in July 1945. Note Bent bamboo chair, and green stockings worn with his tropical khaki uniform.

Chester William Nimitz, Sr. (February 24, 1885 - February 20, 1966) was a fleet admiral of the United States Navy. He played a major role in the naval history of World War II as Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas, commanding Allied air, land, and sea forces duringWorld War II. Nimitz was the leading US Navy authority on submarines. Qualified in submarines during his early years, he later oversaw the conversion of these vessels' propulsion from gasoline to diesel, and then later was key in acquiring approval to build the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, USS Nautilus, whose propulsion system later completely superseded diesel-powered submarines in the US. He also, beginning in 1917, was the Navy's leading developer of underway replenishment techniques, the tool which during the Pacific war would allow the US fleet to operate away from port almost indefinitely. The chief of the Navy's Bureau of Navigation in 1939, Nimitz served as Chief of Naval Operations from 1945 until 1947. He was the United States' last surviving officer who served in the rank of fleet admiral.

Source :
NHHC (Naval History and Heritage Command), courtesy of Tobi Moll
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=296158311653000&set=pcb.1502070179978400&type=3&theater&ifg=1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester_W._Nimitz

Paris under Occupation

Paris under occupation: Avenue des Champs-Elysées in the eyes of an unknown SS-Kriegsberichter who travelled with Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler Division to France.

SS-Kriegsberichter posing in front of Eifel Tower

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10220780743501908&set=gm.1443269669191785&type=3&theater&ifg=1

OT (Organisation Todt) in Norway

These pictures showing the activity of Organisation Todt (OT) in the occupied Norway. They were made by photographer Franz Guthausen.

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/groups/237076659811098/permalink/1076685392516883/

The Explosion of ST Voorbode

The Dutch steam trawler Voorbode was a fishing vessel, until it was confiscated by the Germans during World War II and used for military transport. In April 1944, it was on its way from Oslo to Kirkenes when it faced mechanical problems, forcing it to seek repair in Bergen, Norway. Due to lack of control, the ship was allowed entrance to Bergen harbour loaded with 124,000 kg (273,000 lb) of explosives, even though the ship did not satisfy security regulations and should not have been allowed into major cities with this cargo.

On April 20 at 8:39, the ship exploded at the quay in the center of Bergen. The force of the explosion caused a water column that was hundreds of metres high, spreading heavy debris. Several ships were thrown on land and Voorbode's anchor was later found on the 417-metre-high (1,368 ft) mountain Sandviksfjellet at 60.41756°N 5.34043°E at a distance of 3 km away from the blast area. The air pressure from the explosion and the tsunami that followed flattened whole neighbourhoods near the harbour; then fires broke out and further destroyed the wooden houses, leaving 5,000 people homeless; 160 people were killed and 5,000 wounded, mostly civilians. The Nykirken was among the buildings which were severely damaged.

The Germans initially tried to conceal the extent of the catastrophe, probably because it exposed their failure to maintain security regulations. Because the explosion occurred on Adolf Hitler's birthday, there was some suspicion of sabotage, but investigations revealed that the explosion was an accident caused by self-ignition. Rescue efforts after the event were extensive and have been well documented.

The pictures were all taken by photographer Franz Guthausen.

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ST_Voorbode
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10220914645449373&set=gm.1453693828149369&type=3&theater&ifg=1

Luftwaffe Training Glider

A DFS SG 38 training glider, most likely at Wasserkuppe, Germany. About 10.000 were built and used throughout the war for Luftwaffe pilot training. This photo itself come from the estate of a Luftwaffe flying personnel from his time during glider training.

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10221002087195362&set=pcb.1460824884102930&type=3&theater&ifg=1

Interesting Red Cross Flag

Interesting Red Cross flag found in color slide group of 16. Panzer-Division. The sign says:  "Vorgeschobene Verwundeten-Hilfe" (advanced casualty assistance).

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10221014698350633&set=gm.1461844117334340&type=3&theater&ifg=1

Organisation Todt Dog Sled

OT (Organization Todt) in Norway - dog sledding by an OT skier in warm clothes. From the estate of Franz Guthausen, three dogs pull a sled that carry two "OT" labeled boxes.

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10221071107640830&set=gm.1466913416827410&type=3&theater&ifg=1

World War II Snow Blowing Machines

 

Snow blowing machines used by the Germans in Norway during World War II. From the estate of Franz Guthausen, two pictures of snow blowing machines in action in Norway. The first one (top) was snow blower on a DER ( Diesel-Elektrisch-Raupenantrieb ) built on Renault R40 drive train by Süddeutsche Maschinenbaugesellschaft Erich Schad & Co.  The other is one (bottom) on a "BER" ( Benzin-Elektrisch-Raupenantrieb ). For more information, take a look at a thread in Missing Lynx forum - https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/missinglynx/identification-request-for-a-raupenfahrzeug-t324308-s10.html

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10221137924551211&set=pcb.1472700962915322&type=3&theater&ifg=1

German Officers Holding Wolchowstock

Officers of 212. Infanterie-Division in Wolchow, holding Wolchow stocks in their hands. Variations of their uniform colors is remarkable.

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10221420448414131&set=gm.1497216527130432&type=3&theater&ifg=1

A Gebirgsjäger Oberleutnant

A lovely portrait from the former Kai Rossmann Collection, showing a Gebirgsjäger-Oberleutnant from unknown unit, with both classes of Iron Cross, wound badge and eastern front medal. He was attached to a Gebirgsjäger wehrmacht medical hospital unit and was in Orel and then into Kharkov in 1942.

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10221422606948093&set=gm.1497475623771189&type=3&theater&ifg=1

Bio of Canadian General Harry Crerar

General Henry Duncan Graham (‘Harry’) CRERAR, CH, CB, DSO, CD

Born: 28 April 1888 Hamilton, Ontario
Died: 01 April 1965 Ottawa, Ontario

Promotions
24/06/1909 Lt 4th Field Battery Canadian Artillery (CA)
22/09/1914 Captain 11th Battery Canadian Artillery
15/08/1915 Temp Major CO 10th Battery Canadian Artillery
07/12/1915 Captain Reverts to Captain
25/03/1916 Temp Major Brigade Major 11th Battery Canadian Artillery
19/07/1916 Temp Major CA
10/04/1917 Acting LCol CA
01/05/1917 Temp Major CA
10/11/1918 Brevet LCol CA
10/11/1918 Temp LCol CA
01/04/1920 Major RCA
01/01/1923 Temp LCol RCA
15/08/1938 Colonel RCA
15/08/1938 T/Brigadier Commandant RMC
25/01/1940 A/MGen VCDS
19/11/1941 LGen GOC – 1st Canadian Corps
20/03/1944 General GOC – 1st Canadian Army

Civilian
1909 Ontario Hydro-Electric Commission, Toronto

Military
20/08/1906 Officer Cadet Royal Military College 1906 to 1909
01/06/1909 Lieutenant 4th Field Battery Cdn Artillery Hamilton (Militia)
14/10/1914 Captain Overseas with 1st Contingent 11th Battery, 3 Brigade CFA
11/07/1915 Temp Major Acting Commander 10th Battery Cdn Field Artillery France
22/07/1916 Captain End Acting Commander 10th Battery Cdn Field Artillery
15/08/1915 Temp Major Acting Commander 10th Battery Cdn Artillery France
07/12/1915 Captain Reverts to Captain Seniority 22/09/1914 LG 26/01/1917+
25/03/1916 Major Promoted Temporary Major LG 05/09/1916+
06/07/1917 Major Brigade Major, 11th Battery, 3rd Brigade Cdn Field Artillery
01/03/1917 Major Brigade Major, 11th Battery, 1st Brigade Cdn Field Artillery
19/06/1917 Major Brigade Major, 11th Battery, 8th Army Brigade, CFA
17/08/1917 Major Brigade Major 5th Canadian Division Artillery France
21/06/1918 Major Staff Course England
15/07/1918 Major Staff Officer, Royal Artillery, Canadian Corps
10/10/1918 Brevet LCol Counter Battery Staff Officer/CBSO Cdn Corps France
09/02/1919 Brevet LCol To Canada – General Staff
18/08/1920 Major Staff Officer Artillery - Reorganization Plans
04/06/1923 LCol Staff College in Camberley
01/04/1925 LCol GSO2 War Office London
01/04/1927 LCol Officer Commanding B Battery RCHA
01/01/1928 LCol Professor of Tactics RMC
30/04/1929 LCol GSO1 NDHQ working on reorganization of Cdn Militia
15/02/1932 LCol Canadian Representative Geneva Disarmament Conference
18/12/1933 LCol Local LCol on Military Duty in the United Kingdom
01/05/1934 LCol Imperial Defence College London
01/01/1935 LCol Director of Military Operations & Intelligence
14/05/1937 LCol Canadian Representative London Imperial Conference
15/08/1938 BGen Commandant RMC
14/10/1939 BGen Brigadier General Staff CMHQ London
01/03/1940 MGen Mobilization Plans at NDHQ
06/07/1940 MGen Vice-Chief of General Staff Ottawa
22/07/1940 MGen Chief of General Staff Ottawa
23/12/1941 LGen GOC - 2nd Cdn Infantry Div (never actually in command)
06/04/1942 LGen GOC – 1st Canadian Corps
01/11/1943 LGen GOC – 1st Canadian Corps in Italy
20/03/1944 General GOC – 1st Canadian Army
30/07/1945 General Retires
01/08/1947 General Head of Canadian Mission on Japanese Peace Settlement
19/06/1952 General Appointed ADC General to the Queen

Honours
CG 07/07/1945 CH Companion of Honour
CG 09/01/1943 CB Companion of the Order of the Bath
CG 01/09/1917 DSO Distinguished Service Order
CG 17/03/1945 Commander Legion of Merit (USA)
CG 28/07/1945 Medal Distinguished Service Medal (USA)
CG 29/09/1945 Grand Officer Order of Leopold (Belgium)
CG 29/09/1945 Croix Croix de Guerre 1940 with Palm (Belgium)
CG 04/11/1944 5th Class Order of Virtuti Militari (Poland)
CG 02/11/1946 Order Order of the White Lion for Victory (Czechoslovakia)
CG 05/10/1946 1st Class Order of the White Lion (Czechoslovakia)
CG 14/04/1945 Commander Legion of Honour (France)
CG 14/04/1945 Croix Croix de Guerre avec Palme en Bronze (France)
CG 28/07/1945 Grand Cross Order of Orange Nassau with Swords (Netherlands)
CG 04/10/1945 1st Class Order of Kutozov (USSR)
LG 19/05/1945+ MID Mentioned-in-Despatches
LG 23/06/1945+ MID Mentioned-in-Despatches
LG 02/04/1946+ MID Mentioned-in-Despatches
LG 04/04/1946+ MID Mentioned-in-Despatches
LG 07/01/1955 KStJ Knight of the Order of St. John

Source :
"Canadian Generals in World War II"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Crerar_e010750463-v8.jpg

Afrikakorps Soldiers Eating

DAK (Deutsches Afrikakorps) soldiers eating their rations in the desert of North Africa. The very important issue of rations had to be addressed as well and was not just a matter of transferring the European diet and applying it the the Tropical theatre. The hot climate would turn many foods inedible in a relatively short space of time and foods such as potatoes and bread were replaced with black bread in a carton and dried peas and beans. Rice was also issued but the main food was bread which was either German Kommisbrot or Italian Maisbrot with olive oil instead of butter which would go off rapidly in the heat of the desert but the olive oil proved very unpopular with German troops. The Italians were forced to provide foodstuffs for the Germans which included coffee beans, cooking oil, marmalade and tins of preserved meat which was also very unpopular with both German and Italian troops. The tins were stamped with the initials AM which stood for "Administrazione Militare" but the Germans always refereed to this as Alte Mann (Old Man) or as some Italians called it "Asinus Mussolini" (Mussolini's Arse) due to it's rancid taste but they  went one better calling it Arabio Morte (Dead Arab). Captured tins of British corned beef, white bread, jam, hard tack biscuits and tinned fruit were considered a luxury and was most a most welcome supplement to the bland tasting rations issued to the Afrika Korps. The British thought their rations were terrible and welcomed captured German foodstuffs as well! Fresh meat was sometimes procured in the shape of a goat or pig but this was a rare occurrence as livestock was relatively hard to come by and the preservation of fresh meat in the desert was difficult to say the least. Perhaps the most important commodity in the desert was water. Vital for sustaining life and keeping vehicles moving it was important to preserve it as best as possible. The "Jerrycan" as it was nicknamed by the British could hold 4.5 gallons of either water, fuel or lubricants and was much preferred to the British petrol can which would often leak and much of its precious cargo of fuel or water would be lost, a very serious situation as being stranded in the desert miles from friendly or even hostile lines could prove fatal. Both sides marked their respective water cans with a white cross to denote it was carrying water and  this would mean that the particular can in question would never hold the wrong substance as water stored in a can that previously contained petrol would be undrinkable ( a lesson found out by the United Nations troops stationed in the congo during the 1960's).

Source :
http://deutsches-afrikakorps.blogspot.com/2010/12/life-in-afrika-korps.html
https://id.pinterest.com/davidmichaeld/dak/

Soldiers and Civilians in Poland 1939

Slide group from 1939, 8 films (5 are color, 3 are B/W), Frame 28 of film 0. Film 0 is from September 1939 (the photographer's note). Civilians in varying clothes and soldiers, vehicles, a bicycle and a somewhat out-of-place baby car.  Many soldiers wear brown boots.

Source:
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10221173543481662&set=ms.c.eJxNzckNQkEQA9GMkN12b~%3BknhuDPIK7vUEVEUFmq6A4ILx6JtmKH~_wi3FVtdQhxppeVh1RUtRRc1utIb4SZz~%3B8SZDPIRNIkuY~_4ddO0oUTodIDDNTd3XRzbI9ORXsPSoas30T8ppr~%3BrpoAdtJbiYIyoUG57lGzSgNYY~-.bps.&type=3&theater&ifg=1

German Artillery on the Way to Stalingrad

Advancing to Stalingrad: 10cm guns of 16.Panzer-Division, August 1942. These are sK18 10cm guns firing at flat trajectory. Note the sighting poles in two colors (white/red and white/black).

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10221356362772030&set=ms.c.eJxNzckNQkEQA9GMkN12b~%3BknhuDPIK7vUEVEUFmq6A4ILx6JtmKH~_wi3FVtdQhxppeVh1RUtRRc1utIb4SZz~%3B8SZDPIRNIkuY~_4ddO0oUTodIDDNTd3XRzbI9ORXsPSoas30T8ppr~%3BrpoAdtJbiYIyoUG57lGzSgNYY~-.bps.&type=3&theater&ifg=1

Two Luftwaffe Officers and a Bird

Two Luftwaffe Flak officers looking at a bird at peacetime. Well, just after Anschulß but before Sudetenland, March 30, 1938.

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10221356274329819&set=gm.1491259877726097&type=3&theater&ifg=1

General der Infanterie z.V. Hans Schmidt

Hans Joachim Hermann Schmidt
* 28.04.1877 Ulm
† 05.06.1948 Stuttgart

11.07.1895 Fahnenjunker
15.02.1896 Fähnrich
18.10.1896 Sekondeleutnant
01.01.1899 Leutnant (Umbenennung)
13.09.1906 Oberleutnant ohne Patent
14.04.1907 Patent erhalten
01.10.1912 Hauptmann
18.04.1917 Major
20.03.1922 Oberstleutnant (m. W. v. 01.04.1922; RDA: 01.08.1921)
01.12.1926 Oberst
01.10.1929 Generalmajor
31.01.1931 Charakter als Generalleutnant
26.08.1939 Generalleutnant z.V.
01.02.1942 General der Infanterie
31.10.1943 General der Infanterie a.D.
21.07.1944 als General der Infanterie reaktiviert


Sohn des kgl. württembergischen Oberstabsarztes II. Klasse und späteren Generalarztes Dr. med. Hermann (von) Schmidt (* 23.12.1839 Brackenheim , † 16.03.1915) und seiner Ehe-frau Adelheid geb. Krell (* 31.10.1849 Plieningen/Württ., † 13.06.1930);
Bruder des Generalleutnants z.V. Wolfgang Schmidt-Logan {auch Generalmajor der Landespolizei, SA-Oberführer]

11.07.1895 Eintritt in das 3. Württembergische Infanterie-Regiment “Alt-Württemberg” Nr. 121, Ludwigsburg
00.00.1895 - 00.00.1896 Besuch der Kriegsschule
01.10.1899 Adjutant des III. Bataillons des 3. Württembergischen Infanterie-Regiments “Alt-Württemberg” Nr. 121
27.01.1906 Regimentsadjutant des 3. Württembergischen Infanterie-Regiments “Alt-Württemberg” Nr. 121
20.03.1911 zum Großen Generalstab kommandiert
22.04.1914 im Generalstab des Gouvernements Thorn/Westpreußen (heute: Toruń/Polen)
15.02.1915 im Generalstab der 36. Infanteriedivision
00.00.1915 Bataillonskommandeur im 3. Württembergischen Infanterie-Regiment “Alt-Württemberg” Nr. 121
30.10.1917 im Generalstab des XXV. Reservekorps
25.08.1918 im Stab der 9. Infanteriedivision
00.00.1919 im Grenzschutz von Oberschlesien
00.05.1919 im Generalstab der Reichswehr-Brigade 29, Bernstadt/Niederschlesien (heute: Bierutów/Polen), der Vorläufigen Reichswehr
01.10.1919 Bataillonskommandeur im Reichswehr-Schützen-Regiment “Alt-Württemberg” Nr. 25, der Reichswehr-Brigade 13. Stuttgart, der Vorläufigen Reichswehr
01.10.1920 Kommandeur des Ausbildungs-Bataillons des 13. (Württembergischen) Infanterie-Regiments, Schwäbisch Gmünd
01.10.1921 im Stab der 5. Division, Stuttgart
01.08.1925 im Stab des 13. (Württembergischen) Infanterie-Regiments, Ludwigsburg
01.03.1928 Kommandeur des 13. (Württembergischen) Infanterie-Regiments, Ludwigsburg, zugleich Landeskommandant von Württemberg
01.03.1930 Infanterieführer VI, Hannover
31.01.1931 Abschied
15.05.1933 - 20.05.1933 hält einen “Führerlehrgang” für Polizeioffiziere in Stuttgart ab
26.08.1939 z.V. gestellt und Kommandeur der 260. Infanterie-Division
01.01.1942 mit der Führung des IX. Armee-Korps beauftragt
01.02.1942 Kommandierender General des IX. Armee-Korps
15.10.1943 Führerreserve OKH (V)
31.10.1943 Abschied
30.11.1943 MobBestimmung aufgehoben
31.01.1944 z.V.-Stellung aufgehoben
21.07.1944 reaktiviert, Kommandierender General des Stellvertretenden Generalkommandos V. Armeekorps und Befehlshaber im Wehrkreis V, Stuttgart
08.08.1944 Befehlshaber des “Erkundungsstabes Vogesen”
22.09.1944 Kommandant der “Befestigungen Vogesen”
17.10.1944 Befehlshaber des “Erkundungsstabes Donaueschingen” für einen Rahmenverband mit dem Tarnnamen 24. Armee zur Irreführung des Gegners an der linken Flanke der gesamten Westfront zwischen Dreiländereck Schweiz-Frankreich-Deutschland und Ostrand des Schwarzwaldes bei Lörrach gegen eine vermeintliche alliierte Offensive über die Schweiz
00.11.1944 Oberbefehlshaber der 24. Armee; anfänglich nur ein paar Baukompanien und vier Erkundungsstäben, es soll eine Abwehrstellung bzw. ein Sperrriegel gegen einen vermute-ten alliierten Angriff über die Schweiz erkundet bzw. ausgebaut werden
00.02.1945 die “24. Armee” wird dem AOK 19 unterstellt
00.04.1945 die Garnisonen Radolfzell, Konstanz und Friedrichshafen werden übernommen, ferner 5 Bataillone Zollgrenzschutz [Zollgrenzschutz-Bataillone Oberrhein VIII, IX, X, XII, XIV] und eine Panzerspähkompanie (Holzgas), insgesamt 10 Btle. zu je 300 Mann, ausgebildet waren eigentlich nur 2 Bataillone
26.04.1945 die im Raum Bad Wurzach stehende Division Nr. 405 unter Generalleutnant Karl Faulenbach wird von der 19. Armee als Ersatz- und Ausbildungsdivision mit sechs Bataillonen überstellt. Der Verband erhält den Verteidigungsauftrag für Vorarlberg [Vorarlberg scheidet damit aus dem Befehlsbereich des Gen. d. Geb.Tr. Valentin Feurstein aus]
27.04.1945 Beginn der Bildung von drei Verteidigungszonen: Immenstadt mit einer ad hoc gebildeten Ersatz- und Ausbildungstruppe unter GLt (Erich ?) Hofmann mit 1½ Marschbataillonen, Staufen mit Kampfgruppe Oberst Jurkschat (2 Marsch-Btle. aus Isny und Leutkirch) und schließlich Weiler-Bregenz unter GLt Faulenbach mit 6 Ersatzbataillonen der 405. Ersatz- und Ausbildungs-Division, dem einzig wirklichen Verband. Das sind insgesamt 8.000 bis 9.000 Mann, einschließlich versprengter Waffen-SS, Standschützen, Ordnungstruppen etc., dazu kommt 1 Bttr. Leichte Geb.Flak (12 x 2 cm). Nun schützt das AOK 24 den Westeingang der letztlich nicht existenten “Alpenfestung”
24./25.04.1945 um nicht eingeschlossen zu werden überquert die Truppe mit Booten bei Lochau und Eglofs den Bodensee und sucht Anschluss an das AOK 19, was am 26.04. nördlich Ulm gelingt
26.04.1945 Gefechtsstand in Eglofs
27.04.1945 Gefechtsstand in Weiler
28./29.04.1945 Gefechtsstand in Haselstauden
30.04.-02.05.1945 Gefechtsstand in Satteins
04.-05.05.1945 Rückzug durch den Arlberg-Tunnel nach Strengen
04.05.1945 Parlamentäre dieser kleinen Streitmacht (noch 4 schwache Bataillone) sind vor den Linien der 1. Französischen Armee. Kurz vorher war deren OB, General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny. vom vorgesetzten OB der 6. Alliierten Armeegruppe, General Jacob L. Devers, aufgefordert worden, seinerseits einen Parlamentär zu den Verhandlungen mit dem deutschen AOK 19 zu entsenden. Fälschlicherweise folgert der Franzose nun, dass er wohl zur Übergabe des AOK 19 geladen würde, gleichzeitig aber selber berechtigt sei, die Übergabe des AOK 24 ausschließlich an die grande armée anzunehmen
05.05.1945 der Stab des AOK 24 ergibt sich der 44. US-Division und geht in Gefangenschaft
05.05.1945 auch Schmidts vorgesetzte Heeresgruppe G kapituliert durch Gen.d.Inf. Hermann Foertsch im Auftrag von GFM Kesselring in Haar bei München
So muss Schmidt dem indignierten General de Lattre mitteilen, dass sich eine alleinige Kapitulation seines AOK 24 damit erübrigt habe. Der Franzose, nachdem er von Devers dessen Übereinstimmung mit Schmidt‘s Auffassung erfahren hatte, widerspricht mit dem Hinweis, dass in den Kapitulationsdokumenten vom AOK 24 überhaupt nicht die Rede sei!
Auf Wunsch von Devers sendet er nun einen Kurier zu General Brandenberger (OB AOK 19), damit dieser das AOK 24 auffordere, vor den Franzosen zu kapitulieren. Bis dahin werde weiter gekämpft!
Beim AOK 24 bzw. bei dessen einzigem Verband, der E.u.A.D. 405, nimmt man Waffenruhe ab 05.05.1945 18h an, und ist nun doch vom französischen Angriff nach diesem Termin überrascht
In der Nacht zum 06.05.1945 wird die Truppe im Raum Innsbruck in die amerikanische Zone abgedrängt, die Demarkationslinie ist den Deutschen nicht bekannt
De Lattre de Tassigny glaubt nun, dass die bösen Deutschen dies absichtlich getan hätten, um ihn um den Ruhm zu bringen, eine ganze Armee gefangen zu haben. Der ebenso untröstliche wie realitätsferne Franzose meint schließlich, der deutsche General Schmidt habe noch am Abend des 04.05.1945 seine “Armee” im deutschen AOK 19 aufgehen lassen, um der Kapitulation vor einer französischen Armee zu entgehen
Nur ganz wenige Soldaten gerieten in französische Gefangenschaft, das Gros kommt zur US-Army in Gefangenschaft


Seit 03.03.1922 mit Selma geb. Nagel, verw. Wintterlin verheiratet


Kgl. Preuß. Kronen-Orden IV. Klasse
EK II
EK I
Ritterkreuz des Kgl. Preuß. Hausordens von Hohenzollern mit Schwertern
Ritterkreuz des Kgl. Württembg. Militär-Verdienstordens
Ritterkreuz II. Klasse des Kgl. Sächs. Albrechts-Ordens
Kgl. Bayer. Militär-Verdienstorden IV. Klasse mit Schwertern
Kgl. Bayer. Militär-Verdienstorden IV. Klasse mit Schwertern und mit der Krone
Ritterkreuz I. Klasse des Kgl. Württembg. Friedrichs-Ordens mit Schwertern
Hamburgisches Hanseatenkreuz
k.u.k. Österr. Militär-Verdienstkreuz III. Klasse mit der Kriegsdekoration
Kgl. Württembg. Dienstehrenzeichen I. Klasse
Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer
Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung IV. - I. Klasse
Spange zum EK I: 04.07.1940
Spange zum EK II: 31.12.1939
22.09.1941 Ritterkreuz
Medaille “Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/1942”
06.11.1942 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
24.11.1943 Eichenlaub (334.)

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=199947
http://www.historicalwarmilitariaforum.com/topic/6937-ritterkreuztr%C3%A4ger-photos-in-color-thread/?page=31&tab=comments#comment-52326

General der Panzertruppe Smilo Freiherr von Lüttwitz

Smilo Walther Hinko Oskar Constantin Wilhelm Freiherr von Lüttwitz (23 December 1895 – 19 May 1975) was a German general during World War II and son of Walther von Lüttwitz. After World War II he joined the Bundeswehr on 1 June 1957 and retired on 31 December 1960.

Lütwitz was born on 23 December 1895 in Straßburg (now Strasbourg) into a family with a long history of military service. He joined the military service during the mobilisation on 3 August 1914 as an officer cadet in the 25th Division in Darmstadt. Lüttwitz was posted to the Eastern Front and saw combat at Tannenberg, Courland and Düna. He was severely wounded twice in 1915 and received the Iron Cross 1st class. He was commissioned as an officer in 1915.

In 1916 Lüttwitz was transferred to a staff position with the X Corps in the Heeresgruppe Kronprintz for two years. The corps was under the command of his father General Walther von Lüttwitz. His father, a recipient of the Pour le Mérite, was one of the most highly decorated generals of the German Empire. He returned to front line duty in 1918 as an adjutant with the Darmstädter Dragoner in the temporary occupation of the Ukraine and southern Russia. By the end of World War I he had received both classes of the Iron Cross and the Wound Badge in Silver. He remained in the Weimar Republic's Army, serving in various cavalry units. After the beginning of the Nazi leadership he joined the Panzer (armor) branch.

In 1939 he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and served as adjutant in the XV Army Corps. He was later commanding an infantry regiment and the 4th Rifle Brigade. He served on the Eastern Front. Later, he commanded the 26th Panzer Division in Italy, the LXXXV Army Corps and the 9th Army. During this time, he learned of the government issued orders for summary justice. He opposed it and faced a trial but was allowed to retain command of his unit.

He was released from internment in 1947. He then went to the Evangelical Academy in Friedewald. During the period from 1954-1957 he was the head business manager for the relief organization Order of St. John in Rolandseck. Later he returned to the Evangelical Academy as Head of Administration.

In 1957, he joined the new West German army (Bundeswehr) as a lieutenant general. He was appointed commanding general of the III Corps in Koblenz. He retired in 1960. In 1963, he became chairman of the board for a defense industry. In 1955, Lüttwitz was made a knight in the Order of St. John. In 1963, he took over as president of that organization. At the end of his military service, Lüttwitz received the American Legion of Merit in recognition of his service.

Promotions:
August 4th, 1914: Fahnenjunker;
June 16th, 1915: Leutnant (entering August 10th, 1914);
April 1st, 1925: Oberleutnant;
May 1st, 1930: Rittmeister;
?: Major;
January 1st, 1939: Oberstleutnant;
November 1st, 1941: Oberst;
September 1st, 1942: Generalmajor;
October 1st, 1943: Generalleutnant;
September 1st, 1944: General der Panzertruppe (entering April 1st, 1944);
1958: Generalleutnant Bundeswehr.

Career:
August 3rd, 1914: Leib-Dragoner-Regiment (2. Großherzoglich Hessisches) Nr. 24, Darmstadt;
1916: Ordonnanzoffizier Korpskommandos / Stab der "Heeresgruppe Kronprinz";
1918: Regimentsadjutant Leib-Dragonerregiment (2. Großherzoglich Hessisches) Nr. 24;
?: Reiterregiment 7, Breslau;
?: Reiterregiment 6, Pasewalk;
?: 1. Eskadron / 6. (Preußischen) Reiterregiments, Pasewalk;
?: 2. Adjutant (II b) "Kommando der Kraftfahrkampftruppen";
1935: Kommandeur Panzeraufklärungsabteilung 5, Kornwestheim;
1938: IIa-Offizier Heeresgruppe 4, Leipzig
1939: Adjutant XV. Armeekorps, Jena;
July 24th, 1940: Kommandeur Schützenregiment 12;
March 1st, 1942 - April 1st, 1942: Kommandeur 4. Schützenbrigade;
April 1st, 1942: m.F.b. 23 Infanterie-Division;
July 24th, 1942 - July 10th, 1944: Kommandeur 26. Panzer-Division;
July 24th, 1944: Kommandierender General LXXXV. Armeekorps;
September 1st, 1944 - January 19th, 1945: m.F.b. 9. Armee;
March 29th, 1945 - May 7th, 1945: Kommandierender General LXXXV. Armeekorps;
May 7th, 1945 - 1947: American POW;
?: Evangelischen Akademie, Friedewald;
1954 - 1957: Hauptgeschäftsführer Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe, Rolandseck;
June 1st, 1957 - December 31st, 1960: Kommandierender General III. Korps, Bundeswehr;
December 31st, 1960: Retirement;
1963: Vorsitzender der Gesellschaft für Wehrkunde;
1963: Präsidentschaft der Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe.

Awards:

Clasp to the Iron Cross (1939) 2nd Class (6 October 1939) & 1st Class (27 May 1940)
German Cross in Gold on 27 October 1941 as Oberstleutnant and commander of the Schützen-Regiment 12
Knight's Cross on 14 January 1942 as Oberst and commander of the Schützen-Regiment 12
426th Oak Leaves on 16 March 1944 as Generalleutnant and commander of the 26. Panzer-Division
76th Swords on 4 July 1944 as Generalleutnant and commander of the 26. Panzer-Division
Rechtsritter (Knight of Justice) of the Order of Saint John (Bailiwick of Brandenburg)

Great Cross of Merit with star

Legion of Merit

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smilo_Freiherr_von_L%C3%BCttwitz
http://www.historicalwarmilitariaforum.com/topic/6937-ritterkreuztr%C3%A4ger-photos-in-color-thread/?page=5&tab=comments#comment-36744
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/11491/L%C3%BCttwitz-Freiherr-von-Smilo.htm

Afrikakorps Soldiers Sleeping

These young Afrikakorps troopers are resting somewhere in the Western Desert, probably during 1942. Their uniforms need to be suitable for the hot days and cool nights.

Source :
https://www.histclo.com/essay/war/ww2/camp/eur/na/wd/wd-ak.html