Kompaniechef von Mutius Awarded Medals to His Soldiers

Kompaniechef Oberleutnant Erhard von Mutius awarded the medals in a paper box to the soldiers of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 64 (part of 16. Panzer-Division). The picture was taken on the Eastern Front in July-August 1942. War medals such as the Allgemeines-Sturmabzeichen were awarded with the approval of the regimental headquarters, but the scale of the award ceremony was determined by the grade of the medal being awarded, and the ceremony held only by the company was the smallest ceremony. Although the ceremony was held on the front lines in the summer, it is interesting to note that the company commander also had his first button undone, his pants were made of cotton, and the recipients were casually dressed. Incidentally, in July 1942 the 16. Panzer-Division was assigned to Heeresgruppe Süd (Army Group South) and participated in the battle for Kharkov, Ukraine. In August, it was assigned to Heeresgruppe A and moved to Artemovsk, Ukraine, and then in September. It was used in the struggle against Stalingrad. On 8 July 1942 Oberleutnant von Mutius was appointed as the commander of the 7.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 64 / 16.Panzer-Division. Previously, he was the commander of the 2nd company of the 16th Panzer Rifle Battalion, which was formed from armored personnel vehicles from the 64th and 79th Schützen Regiments of the 16th Panzer Division . He was awarded the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold and later promoted to Hauptmann (Captain), before being killed in action at Stalingrad on 6 December 1942.

Oberleutnant Erhard von Mutius' old-style officer's peaked cap (crusher cap), lapel pin, and epaulettes use the military color Wiesengrün (literally translated as "grass green"). It is being said, since the officer belongs to the Panzergrenadier-Regiment unit, one would think that it would be the color of the Panzergrenadier, but grass green was made the color of the motorized infantry (Schützen) and Panzergrenadier only came into being in June 1942 (while the photo was taken from July to August 1942), so we cannot deny the possibility that the old-style field cap and insignia for officers in the new service colors were procured in about a month, even though the Oberleutnant's old-style field cap for officers looks like new. In fact, this grass green came in two shades: the lighter one was used by motorized infantry and units that had been converted from motorized infantry into armored grenadiers, while the darker one was used only by armored grenadiers. As you can see in this photo, it seems that the darker color is used, but these two colors are actually for light infantry units: Jäger and Gebirgsjäger It is difficult to distinguish it from the light green, which is the waffenfarbe for ordinary infantry. It is said that there were four types of light green, and although there was no clear distinction between their uses, it is said that light infantry often used bright colors. What is interesting is the history of Panzergrenadier Regiment 64, to which Oberleutnant Mutius belonged: The Panzergrenadier Regiment 64 was formed in the Wehrkreis VI on 15 October 1935, and was incorporated into the 16. Infanterie-Division, which had been formed in 1934. When the 16. Panzer-Division was formed in November 1940, the regiment was extracted from the 16. Infanterie-Division, reorganized as the Infanterie-Regiment 64 (motorisiert), and then incorporated into the 16. Panzer-Division. Furthermore, in June 1942 it was reorganized into a Panzergrenadier Regiment, but when it was first formed as an infantry regiment in 1935, it was originally a Jäger battalion. Therefore, it is possible that the 2nd Battalion came to use the Grass Green color at the same time that the Jägers were given the color. In the Defense Forces, Jäger and Gebirgsjäger initially belonged to the infantry category, but later on they were given a new Waffenfarbe (military color) as a type of elite unit and were distinguished from regular infantry, so it is possible that the soldiers have been using this light green military color since the days of infantry regiments.

The picture shows the Gefreiter (Corporal) who is about to receive his medal, but he is already a veteran warrior who wears the Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse, and his epaulettes include the title "Panzerjäger'" (it has a "P" embroidered on it). Tank hunters, who were equipped with anti-tank guns, and heavy weapons companies, which operated heavy machine guns, heavy mortars, etc., were divided into groups into grenadier companies as needed for each operation. At first glance, this Gefreiter looks like a gun commander who detached from Panzerjäger-Abteilung 16 (a tank hunter battalion attached to the 16. Panzer Division). But this Gefreiter's field cap has a chevron insignia (sautache) in the military colors that were abolished in July 1942, and we can see that the color is green. The color of the Panzergrenadier class was established in June 1942, while the sautache field cap was abolished in July 1942, and this unit was reorganized as the Panzergrenadier Regiment in June of the same year. The picture shooting period was from July to August. It is difficult to say for certain, as various things are concentrated during this period. If there is a description in the division history that new military-colored uniforms were issued during this period, then this would be a solution. Also note that the military color of the lapel pin is rose pink. The service color piping on the epaulettes is not visible, but the "P" indicating tank hunter appears to be off-white. In this way, regarding the mismatch between the service color of the field cap and field uniform, it can be seen here and there in the photo, and it is as introduced for the assault gun crew uniform , but in fact, the "P" on the epaulettes is rose pink, which is the color of the service. It is more unusual that it is off-white.

Another Gefreiter is also pictured to the right of the first Gefreiter above, and the bright green military color can be seen on this Gefreiter's field cap and epaulettes. If you look closely at the photo, you can see a green sautache on the field caps of the company members lined up in the rear, confirming that this military color is used by each unit. The Gefreiter's uniform is a herringbone cotton work jacket with lapel pins and epaulettes, and his epaulettes don't even look new! This field gray epaulet was introduced at the same time as the 1940 model field uniform, and was commonly issued in 1942, so there is little to be said about this company and when the green military color was introduced. Although it is useless, if this is a dark green epaulet, it is likely that the green military color was used before June 1942.

The Hauptfeldwebel (Sergeant Major) in the left corner of the photo has two tresse sewn on his sleeve, identifying him as the company's senior noncommissioned officer (spiess). Since there are no officers other than the company commander at company headquarters in the German Army, the oldest non-commissioned officer - who is respected by all the company members - usually serves as the "Spiess" (Mother of the Company) and coordinates all other NCOs. At the same time, he was assigned tasks other than direct combat command. This Spiess, pictured above, appears to be checking the list of recipients of the medals prepared by the company secretary. A black neckerchief with white polkadots can be seen at the collar of the 1936 field uniform, which was worn with an open collar. This Spiess field cap also has a green sautaché, but unfortunately the color of the military color piping on the epaulettes not clearly visible.

In the lower left of the photo, there is a paper box containing military medals that put in a helmet casually placed in it, but considering the rank, the person holding the stahlhelm seems to be the 1st platoon commander (Zugführer). The company commander itself is not a Hauptmann (Captain) but a Oberleutnant (First Lieutenant), so it is unknown how many officers there were in the 7th Company at the time this photo was taken, but usually the role of the Zugführer for the 1st platoon is reserved for a Leutnant (Second Lieutenant). In the Wehrmacht organization at the beginning of the war, each platoon leader was a Leutnant, but due to the loss of personnel because of the protracted war, the platoon leaders, except for the 1st platoon, were later changed to non-commissioned officers. In any case, the fact that the helmet was used as a container for the medals is an indication that the awarding ceremony was held at the frontline.

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
http://steiner.web.fc2.com/uni/p/029/029.html
https://twitter.com/atakiguchi/status/1709921746860884441/photo/1

First Batch of German POWs from Normandy

1,096 German prisoners of War have arrived at Hardway on HM Landing Ship Tank (LST-165) at Gosport. June 1944. This is the first transport with prisoners from Normandy invasion. They will be interrogated and distributed to various camps according to their classification but first, marched to either the holding camp in the Mill lane area or onward to other camps by rail from Gosport station.

Source :
https://www.agefotostock.com/age/en/details-photo/ww-ii-historical-war-world-war-second-world-war-operation-overlord-overlord-invasion-german-prisoners-nazi-national-socialist-soldier-march/H44-10957047
https://www.akg-images.co.uk/archive/-2UMEBM9OJZ.html
https://www.alamy.com/ww-ii-historical-war-world-war-second-world-war-operation-overlord-image68448510.html
https://www.bridgemanimages.com/en/noartistknown/1-096-german-prisoners-of-war-have-arrived-on-hm-landing-ship-tank-lst-165-at-gosport-hampshire/photograph/asset/860850
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=813159515881924
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/some-of-the-1-096-german-prisoners-of-war-who-have-arrived-news-photo/183097384

Mules-Drawn Gebirgs AA Gun

Athens in 1941. This mules-drawn 2cm anti-aircraft gun, which is rarely seen, bears the markings of the German 1. Gebirgs-Division. The Gebirgsjäger are not immune to air attack and have their own anti-aircraft guns to keep the skies clear. They use the 2cm FlaK38 anti-aircraft gun because it is light and mobile, ideal for the rough terrain that they normally fight in.

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjWoKLIgt-BAxUB-jgGHaiDDoYQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.flamesofwar.com%2FPortals%2F0%2FDocuments%2FBriefings%2F2-and-6-SS-Gebirgsdivisions.pdf&usg=AOvVaw0eGE0t4PudtK4v6l1qWHgv&opi=89978449
https://www.reddit.com/r/GermanWW2photos/comments/11iwnjv/a_horsedrawn_2_cm_antiaircraft_gun_rarely_seen/
https://twitter.com/atakiguchi/status/1632363595311841280

Gotthard Heinrici and Heinrich von Vietinghoff

From left to right: General der Infanterie Gotthard Heinrici (Kommandierender General XXXXIII. Armeekorps) and General der Panzertruppe Heinrich von Vietinghoff (Kommandierender General XXXXVI. Armeekorps). The picture was probably taken in the autumn of 1941 when both Army Corps were under the command of 4. Armee (Hans-Günther von Kluge). The picture was taken from the photo album of XXXXVI. Panzerkorps, courtesy of Akira Takiguchi.

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
https://twitter.com/atakiguchi?lang=en

Hitler Walking with Entourages at the Legion Condor Ceremony

Adolf Hitler (Führer und Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht) at the welcoming ceremony for the Condor Legion personnel, which were held in Lustgarten, Berlin, on 6 June 1939. Behind Hitler is his Chief Adjutant, SA-Obergruppenführer Wilhelm Brückner; slightly to the right (wearing a brown shirt facing the camera) is one of the commander of Condor Legion, Hellmuth Volkmann (last rank General der Flieger); three men in the center is, from left to right: Großadmiral Erich Raeder (Oberbefehlshaber der Kriegsmarine), Generaloberst Walther von Brauchitsch (Oberbefehlshaber des Heeres) and Generalfeldmarschall Hermann Göring (Oberbefehlshaber der Luftwaffe); the officer walking on the far right wearing a brown shirt and his face covered with a flag is the last commander of the Condor Legion, Generalmajor Wolfram Freiherr von Richthofen (last rank Generalfeldmarschall); behind von Richthofen in a black Allgemeine-SS uniform - you will surely know - is Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler (Chef der SS und deutschen Polizei), while the Luftwaffe general next to him is Generalmajor Otto Deßloch (Kommandeur 6. Flieger-Division). The nameplates in the background contain those from the Condor Legion personnel who had fallen in the battlefields of Spain during Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The picture was taken by Hugo Jaeger.

 
Source :
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2017/10/upacara-penerimaan-legion-condor-di.html
https://artsandculture.google.com/search?q=hugo%20jaeger&hl=en

Eisenhower Speaks in Front of the 101st Airborne Division

General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, addresses troops of the 101st Airborne Division during ceremonies in which the entire division received the Presidential Citation, the first division so honored. The picture was taken at Mourmelon, France, March 15, 1945.

Source :
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=9254131128006951&set=gm.2372742259577850&idorvanity=237076659811098
https://www.reddit.com/r/wwiipics/comments/o48pzw/general_dwight_d_eisenhower_awarded_the/

6th German Shooting Competition in Tyrol (September 1943)

Video and caption from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZPiUjVhj0Q

During the Third Reich, shooting as a sport, and shooting competitions, were promoted by the Regime, with huge state-wide shooting competitions being held in various regions.
The goal was to get people, especially young boys and men, interested into shooting, to prepare them for their future life as soldiers.

These festivals and competitions, because they were considered important for the war effort, continued well into 1945.

This is a short film about the 6th State Shooting Competition in Tyrol, which was held from 4th to 18th July 1943. The film itself was released in September 1943.

Remarks:
00:25 Innsbruck is a large city in Austria and capital of Tyrol.
00:33 Sadly, I wasn’t able to find many details about Uli Ritzer, except that he apparently continued producing films after the war, there are three movies listed for him in the IMDB database, all from the 1950s.
00:45 AGFACOLOR is the name of a series of color films produced by the Afga company in Germany, first introduced in 1932. Especially the 1936 variant of it, Afgacolor Neu (New) is considered one of the best color movie technology of its time.
00:53 The State Shooting Competition in Tyrol was held between 4th and 18th July 1943.
00:59 Tyrol-Vorarlberg was the official name of the region. The gau was in western Austria, bordering Switzerland and Italy. It consisted of (Northern) Tyrol and Voralberg, with the capital city being Innsbruck. In 1939, it had a population of 331,000 people.
01:13 The Standschützen were originally a kind of volunteer militia in Tyrol, formed in the 15th century out of members of shooting clubs and was used in various conflicts, such as the War of the First Coalition (1796-1797), the Franco-Austrian War (1859) or the Austro-Prussian War(1866). By the time of this movie, and nowadays, they are only used as representational formation and are no longer an active wartime unit.
01:46 Franz Hofer was Gauleiter (Regional Governor) of the Gau Tyrol-Vorarlberg during the Nazi era. He joined the (Austrian) Nazi Party in September 1931, and became Gauleiter of Tyrol-Vorarlberg in November 1932. Because the Nazi party was banned in Austria, he was sentenced to two years jail time in June 1933, however he escaped to Germany, where he spent the next few years. After the German annexation of Austria, he was again made Gauleiter of Tyrol-Vorarlberg in May 1938. In November 1944, he proposed the idea of the so-called “Alpine Fortress”, e.g. the creation of large fortifications in the Austrian alps. This was however largely just a fantasy, and when the American army closed in, he declared Innsbruck an open city; he was captured by the Americans on May 6th, 1945. After the war, he was sentenced to 3 years and 5 months imprisonment. He stayed in Germany where he died in February 1975, remaining a convinced National Socialist for the rest of his life.
02:00 Franz Defregger (1835-1921) was a famous Austrian artist, known for depicting everyday and historical scenes from his Tyrol native country. Because basically his entire art is focused on themes and persons from Tyrol, he is especially well known there.
04:00 These men are from the RAD, the Reich Labor Service. On parades, RAD men would usually carry their spades as a “parade weapon”
05:12 These are wounded soldiers, who were allowed to attend the parade.
05:37 Meran is a city in South Tyrol.
05:45 Despite South Tyrol being a part of Italy since after WWI, it was and is still part of the (Austrian) culture of Tyrol, and therefore delegations from South Tyrol are featured in this parade.
09:23 The “war of liberation” refers to the failed Tyrol rebellion against the French and Bavarian occupation of Tyrol from April-November 1809. This rebellion was later often glorified.
09:44 A Marketenderin is a female sutler.
11:04 Landesoberschützenmeister is the highest rank of the Standschützen, which was granted to Hofer as he was the Gauleiter of Tyrol.
11:45 The white-red flag with the eagle that flies in the wind on the right side here is the flag of Tyrol.
11:57 I have no idea what these people are doing, and honestly I don’t want to know

Heldengedenktag in Offenburg (12 March 1944)

In 1919, the German War Graves Commision proposed a national day of mourning to remember the fallen of WWI. This day was called Volkstrauertag ("peoples day of mourning") and was first celebrated in 1922 with a remembrance ceremony in the German Parliament. It was held two Sundays before the first day of Advent, so usually in November.

When the Nazis came to power, they completely changed the meaning of the day, shifting towards hero worshipping instead of a sober remembrance ceremony. The day was made a national holiday, nig parades and rallies were held, and the day was instrumentalized for Nazi Propaganda. Its name was changed to Heldengedenktag ("Day of Commemoration of Heroes"), and it important dates were often held closely to it, for example, in 1936, German troops entered the Rhineland one day after this day.
In 1939, Hitler ordered the day to be celebrated on March 16th or the Sunday before March 16th, the day of re-introduction of conscription in 1936, removing any religious connection.

The day was held throughout the war, the last time on March 11th, 1945, were it was used one last time to urge people to continue fighting, despite the war situation already being hopelessly turned against Germany.

This video shows some raw color Propaganda footage from the Heldengedenktag 1944 held in Offenburg, a city in southwest Germany, close to the French border.

It shows as Wehrmacht parade, as well as the marching by of various NSDAP party organization, Hitler Youth etc.
It also shows what appears to be the swearing in of new recruits.

As this is raw, unprocessed footage, there is no sound or narration, and therefore no subtitles.

Remarks: As written above, this is raw camera footage, so there is no sound or narration. Back then, many cameras had no microphones, and sound would only be added later in the studio. This is also true for many Wochenschau issues.

00:19 I don’t know where exactly this is, but it looks like some kind of military barracks ground.
00:23 This officer is wearing his full parade uniform, which includes a white belt and all of his decorations. This was common on this day, as you will see later on this footage.
00:35 This is a delegation of WWI veterans. The officers in the brown uniform with the tricorne hat are WWI Africa veterans.
00:39 This is a delegation of various party officials, an RAD-officer and some civilian politicians.
00:50 This appears to be the swearing-in of new recruits.
01:01 This is a troop flag, the white color symbolizing infantry. Here is a link to a Wikimedia image showing how it looks: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Heeresfahne_Infanterie.svg/323px-Heeresfahne_Infanterie.svg.png
01:29 The guns next to the podium are 3,7cm PaK 36, a light AT-gun.
01:53 While I’m not 100% sure, I believe the two flags on the left are old Imperial German army flags, possibly from WWI or even before, which were often flown/shown on Heldengedenktag.
03:02 The wreath-laying process for the fallen war deaths.
03:32 This is a unit of Hitler Youth boys.
03:48 This is a unit of Deutsches Jungvolk, recognizable by the single “S” rune. The Deutsches Jungvolk was the organization before the Hitler Youth, for boys aged 10-14 (Hitler Youth was for boys aged (14-18).
04:25 These are again various SS, Wehrmacht and Party Officials in their full-dress uniforms. The person on the far right is the Mayor of Offenburg, Wolfram Rombach (1897-1987), wearing the mayoral insignias.
04:34 I’m not sure what these flags are, but probably some kind of WWI veterans organization.

Source :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pewg9saKOMk

Bf 109 of JG 54 on the Eastern Front

Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 Werknummer 16xxx or 18xxx "Schwarze 4" ("N?+??") of 2.Staffel / I.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54) "Grünherz" on the Eastern Front, Summer 1943. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Michael Sobotta.

Source :
https://falkeeins.blogspot.com/2009/12/luftwaffe-colour.html
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=8996094540477279&set=gm.2345884138930329&idorvanity=237076659811098

Panzergrenadier in Action

The mechanization of war gave rise to a new branch of troops: the Panzergrenadiers. Initially traveling on trucks or the main battle tanks and later equipped with their own half-track vehicles, they secured the conquered terrain and supported the main battle tanks: grenadiers and tanks complemented each other, and one was never happy to be in battle without the other.

Source :
https://www.zinnfigur.com/en/Books-Media/Others/Calendars/Zweiter-Weltkrieg-in-Farbe-2023.html

Luftwaffe Generals after Captured (Video)

Original color World War II footage about high ranking Germans in captivity, including: Generalleutnant Adolf Galland (00:05), General der Flieger Hans-Georg von Seidel and Generalingenieur Dipl.-Ing. Rudolf Spies (02:53), General der Flieger Karl-Heinrich Bodenschatz (04:30), Generalfeldmarschall Albert Kesselring (06:10), and Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring (07:00).

Source :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmaH77bGS4I

Canadian Soldiers with M1928 Thompson

The propaganda photograph above dates from the summer of 1943 and shows a pair of Canadian troops from the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps training in the UK. A private and a sergeant both have M1928 Thompsons, their weapons are unloaded and both have been equipped with webbing slings. The Thompson in the foreground has lost its forward sling swivel and the sling has been looped around the submachine gun’s barrel near the end of the cooling fins. Both soldiers are wearing battledress and have the 1937 Pattern webbing gear, and a matching pair of excellent pencil moustaches. The M1928 Thompson was adopted by the British Army in 1940, with over 300,000 being ordered via the British Purchasing Commission in the US. Only approximately 100,000 of those orders arrived, however, and the British adopted the indigenously made Sten in March 1941. The Thompson remained in service, however, and was extensively used by British and Commonwealth troops in North Africa, Italy, France and the Far East. They were especially well liked by Commando units, who refused to give them up when it was planned to issue Sten guns. The Thompson became a prominent feature in Britain’s propaganda with the first guns to arrive often moved between units which appeared in newsreels and print articles to give the impression of widespread issue.

Source :
https://www.historicalfirearms.info/post/158684164594/in-action-thompson-m1928-the-propaganda

British Soldier with a M1928 Thompson

British soldier aiming machine gun, possibly during training. The MG is a M1928 Thompson with a drum mag, quite rare sight for the Brits! During World War Two (1939-1945), the Thompson was favored by British soldiers for its reliabilty, compactness, large .45 ACP bullet, and high volume of automatic fire. This M1928A1 is fitted with a 50-round drum magazine, but these were rarely used in combat situations because of their tendency to rattle. Most Thompson's were fitted with box magazines during the war. The drum magazine Thompson became infamous during the Prohibition era in America (1920-1933) as the gun most favoured by gangsters!

Source :
https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1965-10-89-1
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=9162613050492093&set=gm.2363679020484174&idorvanity=237076659811098

Bio of U-Boat Captain Hanns-Ferdinand Massmann (1917-2010)

U-boat commander Oberleutnant zur See Hanns-Ferdinand Massmann with his submarine U 137 of the type II-D, which served as a training boat, in the spring/summer of 1941 in Danzig harbor. Born on June 25, 1917 in Kiel, he was taken prisoner of war after his boat U 409 was sunk in the Mediterranean in July 1943, from which he was released on February 27, 1948. Massmann died on October 2, 2010 in Bremen. The picture was taken by Hugo Jaeger.

Hanns-Ferdinand Massmann

Date of Birth: 25.06.1917 - Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein (German Empire)
Date of Death: 02.12.2010 - Bremen (Germany)

Promotions:
03.04.1936 Offiziersanwärter
10.09.1936 Seekadett
01.05.1937 Fähnrich zur See
01.07.1938 Oberfähnrich zur See
01.10.1938 Leutnant zur See
01.10.1940 Oberleutnant zur See
01.08.1943 Kapitänleutnant

Career:
03.04.1936 Entered the Kriegsmarine as Offiziersanwärter (Crew 36)
03.04.1936 - 13.06.1936 Basic training at the II. Schiffsstammabteilung der Ostsee in Stralsund
14.06.1936 - 21.09.1936 On-board training at the sailing training ship GORCH FOCK.
22.09.1936 - 29.04.1937  On-board training at the training ship SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN.
30.04.1937 - 27.11.1937 Main course for ensigns with subsequent officer main examination at the Marineschule Flensburg-Mürwik
28.11.1937 - 02.04.1938 Fähnrichslehrgänge (Ensign courses)
03.04.1938 - 02.04.1939 Not determined
03.04.1939 - 00.01.1940 Zugoffizier (Platoon Officer) in the 7. Schiffsstammabteilung in Stralsund
00.01.1940 - 00.01.1940 Adjutant beim Befehlshaber der U-Boote in Kiel
00.01.1940 - 00.05.1940 Wachoffizier in U 17
05.06.1940 - 14.06.1940 Construction instructions for U 137 at the U-Boote Ostsee in Kiel
15.06.1940 - 14.12.1940 I. Wachoffizier in U 137
15.12.1940 - 07.12.1941 Kommandant U 137
08.12.1941 - 20.01.1942 Construction instruction for U 409 at 7. Kriegsschiffbaulehrabteilung Danzig
21.01.1942 - 12.07.1943 Kommandant U 409
12.07.1943 - 27.02.1948 After the loss of U 409 in the Mediterranean sea northeast of Algiers, he was taken prisoner of war
12.07.1943 - 27.02.1948 POW in England

Awards and Decorations:
08.03.1940 U-Bootskriegsabzeichen 1939
00.04.1940 Dienstauszeichnung IV. Klasse
00.09.1940 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
00.04.1943 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse

Oberleutnant zur See Hans-Ferdinand Massmann

Source :
https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/hitler-jaeger-file/5AGL8Mq8csRg6A?hl=en&ms=%7B%22x%22%3A0.5%2C%22y%22%3A0.5%2C%22z%22%3A8.694963005207958%2C%22size%22%3A%7B%22width%22%3A2.976126926214648%2C%22height%22%3A1.2375%7D%7D
https://uboat.net/men/commanders/791.html
http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/Hanns-Ferdinand_Massmann
https://www.zinnfigur.com/en/Books-Media/Others/Calendars/Zweiter-Weltkrieg-in-Farbe-2023.html

Bio of Ritterkreuzträger Rudolf Krüger

Oberfeldwebel Rudolf Krüger (Zugführer in 6.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 32 / 24.Infanterie-Division) during home leave in Germany, a couple of days after he received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, October 1941.

Rudolf Krüger (4 November 1911 - 28 October 1972) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 5 October 1941 as Oberfeldwebel and Zugführer in 6.Kompanie / II.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 32 / 24.Infanterie-Division. The following newspaper excerpt (dated 11 October 1941) describes why Krüger received the Ritterkreuz:

“On 18 August 1941 the Bataillon of Oberfeldwebel Rudolf Krüger was among the units involved in the attack against the enemy bridgehead at Cherkassy. On this day it crossed the Irdyn river/swampland at a point north of the Budki brickyard (located west of Smela) in order to establish a bridgehead. Meanwhile the right neighbouring Bataillon was tasked with carrying out a similar objective 1.5 km to the east.

Oberfeldwebel Rudolf Krüger’s mission for this day was to establish contact with the right neighbouring Bataillon with his Zug. Such an objective was an unenviable one, as fulfilling it required moving through a 1.5 km stretch of forest adjacent to the swamp, all while contending with both an unclear enemy situation and an open left flank.

While advancing through this forest Oberfeldwebel Krüger encountered strong enemy forces that had the support of both heavy weapons and built-up field positions. From these positions they had already successfully prevented the right neighbouring Bataillon from crossing the river/swamp at this location. Oberfeldwebel Krüger swiftly resolved to attack these Bolshevik positions, and he skillfully employed his Zug for a surprise strike into the flank and rear of these defenses. Within a short time he and his troops had eliminated 18 enemy resistance nests in close combat (including 1 anti-tank gun and 1 mortar position).

This bold deed by Oberfeldwebel Krüger spared his Bataillon many potential casualties that would otherwise have been incurred whilst expanding its own bridgehead, and by clearing the way for the right-neighbouring Bataillon it also paved the way for the Regiment to carry on with its general attack.”

Source :
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_146-1970-018-54,_Rudolf_Kr%C3%BCger.jpg
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/79866/Kr%C3%BCger-Rudolf-Infanterie-Regiment-32.htm

Wehrmacht Light Field Howitzer

Large parts of the Wehrmacht were not motorized, but mounted. This was also the case for this artillery unit with a 10.5 cm leFH 18 leichte Feldhaubitze (10.5 cm light field howitzer 18). The gun was pulled by six horses, and the operating crew rode along on the Protze. The gun remained in use throughout the war, was continually improved and partly motorized. From 1935 to the end of the war, 11,848 were produced, along with 10,265 of the leFH 18/40 variant.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10.5_cm_leFH_18
https://www.zinnfigur.com/en/Books-Media/Others/Calendars/Zweiter-Weltkrieg-in-Farbe-2023.html

Luftwaffe Soldiers Inspecting T-34 Tank

Members of the Luftwaffe inspects a captured Russian T-34/76 medium tank. The enemy's vehicles were always of great interest. This tank in particular was a nasty surprise, as it was initially superior to the German combat vehicles. However, the open commander's hatch shown in the picture was a disadvantage because it was difficult to open and close and therefore did not have a good overview of the battle.

Source :
https://www.zinnfigur.com/en/Books-Media/Others/Calendars/Zweiter-Weltkrieg-in-Farbe-2023.html

Wounded Japanese POWs in Guam

Japanese prisoners of war (POWs) resting in a quonset hut infirmary in a stockade, Guam, 1945. Except for one, they all appear to be turning away from camera or hiding their face. A Navy corpsman is tending to one POW in the right background.

Source :
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=9124816540938411&set=gm.2359832834202126&idorvanity=237076659811098

Wehrmacht MG Team

The Wehrmacht crew of a dug in MG nests secure the flank next to the advance route. It was only with a field mount that it possible to use the MG 34 as a heavy machine gun use and set the combat distance up to 1,200 meters to increase. The soldier in the middle shoot the targets according to the instructions of the Gruppenführer at right, while the soldier on the left takes care of the Ammunition feed. However, the withered camouflage should soon be renewed.

Source :
https://www.zinnfigur.com/en/Books-Media/Others/Calendars/Zweiter-Weltkrieg-in-Farbe-2023.html

German Paratroopers Jump Out of a Junkers Ju-52 during Exercise

"Aus der Luft ins Gefecht" (From the air into combat). This is the principle of the Fallschirmjägertruppen. From a Junkers Ju 52 - nicknamed "Tante Ju" (Aunt Ju) - the men jump into action. The parachutes are deployed automatically, which can be seen by the pulling lines blowing backwards. It is also important when taking off that men jump off one after the other in order to land close to each other on the ground.

Source :
https://www.zinnfigur.com/en/Books-Media/Others/Calendars/Zweiter-Weltkrieg-in-Farbe-2023.html

Bio of Panzer Commander Johannes Kümmel (1909-1944)

Johannes Kümmel was born in Coswig, Saxony on July 21st of 1909. He joined the Reichswehr in 1928 and quickly obtained a rank of Unteroffizer (Junior NCO). Kümmel remained in the military as the Reichswehr became the new Wehrmacht and in 1938 was transferred to the newly formed 8th Panzer Regiment of the 10th Panzer Division at Boblingen near Stuttgart, southwestern Germany. In 1939, he was promoted to the rank of Oberfeldwebel (First Sergeant) and received the command of panzer platoon in the 1st Company. He commanded the unit during the Polish Campaign and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class on September 27th of 1939. Johannes Kümmel received the award as a recognition for taking part in numerous operation including knocking out three Polish light tanks (or probably tankettes). On October 20th of 1939, after the conclusion of the Polish Campaign, Kümmel was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class for knocking out four more enemy tanks during the campaign. Soon after, he was promoted to the rank of Oberleutnant (First Lieutenant).

On April 1st of 1940, Johannes Kümmel was promoted to the rank of Hauptmann (Captain) and received the command of the 1st Company of 8th Panzer Regiment. During the German offensive in the West of 1940, 10th Panzer Division was part of Guderian's XIX Panzer Corps, which broke through at Sedan, fought in the Low Countries and France, finally reaching the English Channel. Kümmel as the commander of the company remained at the frontlines and on June 5th of 1940, was slightly wounded when a mine blew up his tank.

After the defeat of France on June 25th of 1940, Germany was forced to help Italian ally in their unsuccessful struggle against the British in North Africa. On January 18th of 1941, 8th Panzer Regiment was transferred to the 15th Panzer Division (formed on February 1st of 1940). The division along with 5th Leichte (Panzer) Division formed new Deutsches Afrika Korps (German Africa Corps) commanded by Erwin Rommel, destined for Tripoli. On February 14th of 1941, leading elements 5th Leichte (Panzer) Division along with their commander Erwin Rommel landed in Tripoli and were joined in early May by 15th Panzer Division. Germans found Italians to be demoralized by the defeats inflicted upon them by British from May of 1940 during fighting in Cyrenaica (Operation Compass). The 8th Panzer Regiment had 20 Panzerkampfwagen IV, 71 Panzerkampfwagen III and 55 Panzerkampfwagen I, Panzerkampfwagen II and command tanks.

On June 15th of 1941, British under General Wavell launched Operation Battleaxe and again fighting took place in Cyrenaica. At Halfaya Pass, which has been converted to defensive strongpoint, Hauptmann Wilhelm Bach and his group held his position, while Italian Division Trento held area Sollum-Capuzzo-Bardia under the command of 15th Panzer Division. Johannes Kümmel and 8th Panzer Regiment with some 80 tanks were in reserve between Bardia and Capuzzo. British moved towards Capuzzo and Sollum, while attacking Bardia with 50 tanks from 7th Armored Division. The attack was temporarily halted by a single 88mm gun, which destroyed three leading enemy tanks. The rest of British tanks halted their attack to regroup and attack again under cover of smoke. This delay allowed the 8th Panzer Regiment to reach the area of Capuzzo and attack the enemy with the 1st Panzer Battalion including Kümmel's company with two short-barrel Panzerkampfwagen IV tanks. They soon knocked-out one British Matilda II and reinforced by company's Panzerkampfwagen III tanks continued to fire at the enemy armor. Fierce tank battle resulted and Johannes Kümmel found himself in the center of it all. During the battle, panzer commanded by Oberleutnant Peters was hit and he called Kümmel to ask for covering fire, while leaving their panzer. Johannes Kümmel soon found himself firing at two enemy tanks, which kept firing to finish off Peters' panzer. He soon knocked them out and regrouped his company to attack British anti-tank positions. German panzer destroyed the enemy positions and the battle soon involved the entire 8th Panzer Regiment. Then, another group of 20 British Matilda IIs were spotted on the flank and regiment's commander Hans Cramer ordered Johannes Kümmel to attack the enemy and protect the flank. With half of his company including two Panzerkampfwagen IV tanks, Kümmel soon knocked out eight enemy tanks, putting an end to the British attack. British advance was halted but both sides suffered heavy losses. Following the action, on June 18th, Kümmel received his nickname: "Der Löwe von Capuzzo" (The Lion of Capuzzo) and his tank was decorated with the "roaring lion" by his fellow soldiers. On July 9th of 1941, Kümmel was awarded the Knight's Cross following the recommendation by the commander of the 15th Panzer Division Generalleutnant Neumann-Silkow himself for his heroic action.

In May of 1942, Johannes Kümmel was given the command of 1st Panzer Battalion in time of the German offensive in Cyrenaica and into Egypt - Operation Theseus, which was launched on May 26th of 1942. On June 15th, Kümmel tanks reached the coast and by the evening took Port Piastrino. On June 21st of 1942, Tobruk garrison surrenders to Rommel's forces. Following the fall of Tobruk, three more offensive took place, two launched by the British to drive the Axis out of Egypt and Cyrenaica and one by the Germans to drive into Egypt. Before the last British offensive, on October 11th of 1942, Kümmel was awarded the Oakleaves to his Knight's Cross. In November of 1942, he was given the command of Panzer Battalion and on December 1st, received a promotion to the rank of Major. Following his promotion, Kümmel was transferred to Southern Italy.

Back, in Europe, Kümmel was promoted to the rank of Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel) and was assigned at the Headquarters of XIV Panzer Corps under General Hans Valentin Hube in Southern Italy. In October of 1943, he received command of 26th Panzer Regiment of the 26th Panzer Division, which fought at Salerno and Cassino areas. On January 30th, Kümmel's regiment was part of the attacking force, which was to destroy the enemy landing at Anzio-Nettuno but failed. Second attack on the enemy forces was to take place on February 27th of 1944, but Kümmel didn't take part in as the day earlier he was killed in a road accident near Cisterna. On May 20th of 1944, Johannes Kümmel was posthumously promoted to the rank of Oberst (Colonel). In his memory, there was a plate erected in his hometown of Boblingen on April 7th of 1943, honoring Johannes Kümmel as the holder of Knight's Cross with Oakleaves.

 


Source :
http://www.achtungpanzer.com/gen13.htm

German Exchange POWs in Stuttgart

German exchange POWs (mostly Afrikakorps) during welcoming ceremony in Stuttgart, summer of 1944. The Geneva Convention makes provision for the repatriation of all Prisoners of War, even during hostilities. During 1939-1945 it was only possible for the British and Germans to reach agreement over the seriously ill and disabled. For the majority of the 40,000 British servicemen who were taken prisoner in 1939 and 1940, the war was to be a very long and dispiriting experience. Negotiations, conducted through the Red Cross, over the repatriation of seriously wounded men, had begun in late 1940. They did not progress very far because there were far fewer German men in this category than British. It was only after substantial numbers of Germans were taken prisoner in the Desert campaign of 1942 that the talks resumed. The actual exchange of prisoners did not take place until October 1943. Other pictures from this series can be seen HERE.

Source :
https://artsandculture.google.com/search?q=hugo%20jaeger&hl=en
https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/history-research-third-reich-ww2/you-war-over-period-photos-german-pows-686919-76/

Afrikakorps Exchange POWs

Two German soldiers smiles to the camera. They were part of exchange POWs (mostly Afrikakorps) who just returned from England. The picture was taken by Hugo Jaeger in Stuttgart, summer of 1944. Other pictures from this sequence can be seen HERE.

Source :
https://artsandculture.google.com/search?q=hugo%20jaeger&hl=en

Ritterkreuzträger Josef Stigler

Ritterkreuzträger Josef Stigler as a Major der Reserve. He received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 10 July 1942 as Oberleutnant d.R. and Führer II.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 42 / 46.Infanterie-Division. He is one of the few Ritterkreuz recipients who was also the holder of the Blutorden (Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 9. November 1923). Stigler would ended the war as Gaustabsführer of the Volkssturm in Bayreuth, his birthplace.

Source :
https://www.zinnfigur.com/en/Books-Media/Others/Calendars/Ritterkreuztraeger-in-Farbe-2023.html

SS Nord with Tent and White Camo in the Snow

The winter war in the far north brought many additional stresses to the fighting troops: cold, wet and months of darkness. However, these soldiers of the SS-Division "Nord" are equipped with good winter clothing and are therefore better protected from the weather. The tent in the background is constructed from several tent panels tied together, of which each soldiers carried one with them.

Source :
https://www.zinnfigur.com/en/Books-Media/Others/Calendars/Zweiter-Weltkrieg-in-Farbe-2023.html

Ritterkreuzträger Josef Dörfel and Hitlerjugend Member

Ritterkreuzträger Oberfeldwebel Josef Dörfel (2 March 1915 - 3 April 2002) chats with the youth member of Hitlerjugend. Dörfel received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 4 March 1942 as a Zugführer in Infanterie-Regiment 439 / 134.Infanterie-Division, but later transferred to Großdeutschland Division.

Source :
https://www.zinnfigur.com/en/Books-Media/Others/Calendars/Ritterkreuztraeger-in-Farbe-2023.html

German Exchange POWs after Returning from England

Welcoming ceremony in Stuttgart for the German exchange POWs (mostly Afrikakorps) who just returned from England. The picture was taken by Hugo Jaeger in the summer of 1944. Other pictures from this series can be seen HERE.

 

Source :
https://artsandculture.google.com/search?q=hugo%20jaeger&hl=en

General Rudolf Veiel Inspecting Exchange POWs

General der Panzertruppe Rudolf Veiel (Kommandierenden General vom Stellvertretenden Generalkommando V. Armeekorps in Stuttgart und Befehlshaber vom Wehrkreis V) inspecting German exchange POWs in Stuttgart who just returning from England, summer of 1944. His right pocket breast star should be the Bulgarian Military Merit Order 1. Class with War Decoration (which he received on 15 August 1941). Behind him is SA-Obergruppenführer Dr.jur. Jonathan Schmid (württembergischer Innenminister). Many of these prisoners are member of the Afrikakorps. They were exchanged with some British POWs. The picture was taken by Hugo Jaeger. Other pictures from the same series can be seen HERE.

Source :
https://artsandculture.google.com/search?q=hugo%20jaeger&hl=en
https://www.zinnfigur.com/Ritterkreuztraeger-in-Farbe-2023.html#&gid=1&pid=5

German Exchange POWs in 1944

General der Panzertruppe Rudolf Veiel (Kommandierenden General vom Stellvertretenden Generalkommando V. Armeekorps in Stuttgart und Befehlshaber vom Wehrkreis V) inspecting German exchange POWs in Stuttgart who just returning from England, summer of 1944. His right pocket breast star should be the Bulgarian Military Merit Order 1. Class with War Decoration (which he received on 15 August 1941). Behind him is SA-Obergruppenführer Dr.jur. Jonathan Schmid (württembergischer Innenminister). Many of these prisoners are member of the Afrikakorps. They were exchanged with some British POWs. The picture was taken by Hugo Jaeger.

The Geneva Convention makes provision for the repatriation of all Prisoners of War, even during hostilities. During 1939-1945 it was only possible for the British and Germans to reach agreement over the seriously ill and disabled. For the majority of the 40,000 British servicemen who were taken prisoner in 1939 and 1940, the war was to be a very long and dispiriting experience. Negotiations, conducted through the Red Cross, over the repatriation of seriously wounded men, had begun in late 1940. They did not progress very far because there were far fewer German men in this category than British. It was only after substantial numbers of Germans were taken prisoner in the Desert campaign of 1942 that the talks resumed. The actual exchange of prisoners did not take place until October 1943

Welcoming ceremony in Stuttgart for the German exchange POWs (mostly Afrikakorps) who just returned from England. The picture was taken by Hugo Jaeger in the summer of 1944.



Two German soldiers smiles to the camera. They were part of exchange POWs (mostly Afrikakorps) who just returned from England. The picture was taken by Hugo Jaeger in Stuttgart, summer of 1944.



German exchange POWs (mostly Afrikakorps) during welcoming ceremony in Stuttgart, summer of 1944.

Source :
https://artsandculture.google.com/search?q=hugo%20jaeger&hl=en
https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/history-research-third-reich-ww2/you-war-over-period-photos-german-pows-686919-76/#post1825154
https://www.zinnfigur.com/Ritterkreuztraeger-in-Farbe-2023.html#&gid=1&pid=5

Spanish Pilot of Escuadrilla Azul

Oberleutnant Andrés Robles Cebrián of Escuadrilla Azul. He is the veteran of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), served in Escuadrilla 3-E-3 (Robles ended the war with 1 biplane victory).

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/forum/wehrmacht-era-militaria/photos-and-paper-items-forum/13994058-escuadrilla-azul-color-slide