Landespolizei Training

Young artillerymen training with a 7,5 cm leichtes Infanteriegeschütz 18 (7,5 cm le.IG 18), autumn of 1936. This light artillery piece was introduced in 1932, intended to provide artillery support on regimental level. It was crewed by five, and could fire a 6 kg grenade up to 3.5 kilometers. The uniforms of the gun crew are from Landespolizei. They look like police uniforms, with their dark, two-button cuffs and many front buttons. The boots seems to be police issue, too. The Army-style national eagle over the breast pocket wasn’t a feature on police uniforms, even if there were exceptions. The M1918 Stahlhelm doesn’t add to the mystery, though, as the newly introduced M35 helmet hadn’t been produced in sufficient numbers by then. The boots are probably the three-buckle Army boots used before the traditional jackboot was reintroduced again. The buckled boots had lacing, but there were issues with them leaking, so the older style was preferred.

Source :
Photo collection Björn Hellqvist
https://ww2inphotos.wordpress.com/2017/07/24/mystery-uniform/

Gebirgsjäger with Sami Women

A Gebirgsjäger (mountain ranger) posing together with a couple of young Sami women (in traditional clothing), Finnish Lapland, probably the winter of 1941-42. The truck to the left and the trailer carry the Edelweiss flower emblem of the 6. Gebirgs-Division. The other truck has the tactical sign of a mountain ranger motorized signals company vehicle. The firewood on the trailer and in the sack will be welcome in the sub-Arctic cold. It might appear strange that at least four mountain ranger divisions were sent to the Finnish Lapland front, as the tallest mountain in that part of Finland is Korvatunturi (486 meters/1594 feet over the sea), which to people raised in the Alps is nothing more than a speed bump. The reason was that they were considered experts in winter warfare, but as their Finnish brothers-in-arms were under diplomatic pressure to not launch any major offensive on the port city of Murmansk or the railroad carrying supplies to the south, the front was relatively quiet for long periods of time. A little-known fact is that Sweden allowed the Germans to use a couple of large warehouses outside the port of Luleå for storing supplies (mostly foodstuff) for the troops in Norway and Finland. They were destroyed in a fire in 2016.

Source :
Photo collection Björn Hellqvist
https://ww2inphotos.wordpress.com/2017/07/26/north-by-northeast/

A Crash-Landed Junkers Ju 88

A crash-landed Junkers Ju 88, probably an A-4. The Ju 88 was a twin-engined multirole combat aircraft, which turned out to be one of the most versatile and successful airplane designs of WW2. This one didn’t enjoy much success, though, but at least the crew had a decent chance of walking away from the wreck. The Ju 88 saw service in many different version, like a bomber, dive bomber, radar-equipped night fighter, torpedo bomber, reconnaissance aircraft, heavy fighter, and even flying bomb. In 1943, 105 Ju 88 A-4s were used in the attack on the port of Bari, one of the most succesful Luftwaffe attacks of the war, resulting in the sinking of 28 Allied ships. The Germans lost just one aircraft in the raid. One covered up effect of the attack was the release of mustard gas, which was carried on one of the sunk US ships, injuring hundreds of sailors, medical personnel and civilians, killing at least 83. One of the reasons the presence of chemical weapons was hushed down was that the Allies didn’t want the Germans to consider using gas on the battlefield. Hitler, who had been a victim of a gas attack during WW1, opposed its use (one of the few moral things he did), and if it had become known that the Allies had a ship full of artillery gas grenades, he might have reconsidered that decision. Only two complete Ju 88s have survived the war. I’ve seen one of them, which is kept at the RAF Museum in Hendon, just north of London. The museum is a must to visit if one has an interest in combat aircraft of the 20th century.

Source :
Photo collection Björn Hellqvist
https://ww2inphotos.wordpress.com/2017/07/27/junked-junkers/

In the Skies Above Paris

In the skies above Paris… Not really. An army Unteroffizier and his navy buddy have their photo taken in a studio in Paris, 1940. I have seen this very set used in at least one more photo, so I guess it was a rather popular souvenir back then. Those were the happy days being a German soldier. Sure, at least 27,000 of them had been killed in the Battle of France, but the campaign was short and triumphant, and the humiliation of the defeat in 1918 paid back. The war against the Soviet Union was a year off in the future, and instead the German soldiers could enjoy occupation duty in France. There were plans and preparations for the invasion of Britain, Operation Seelöwe, but while the Luftwaffe fought in the skies over England, soldiers on leave had a fun time in Paris. A year and a half later, many of them would be freezing to death on the Eastern Front…

Source :
Photo collection Björn Hellqvist
https://ww2inphotos.wordpress.com/2017/07/28/those-magnificent-men-in-their-flying-machines/

Messerschmitt Bf 109 at Airshow

Curious German civilians crowd around a Messerschmitt Bf 109, probably an E-1, patiently waiting in line to get a chance to take a look in the cockpit. It’s apparently a publicity stunt, showing the people that Germany possessed some of the finest fighter aircraft in the world. The all-metal construction, powerful engine, and, starting with the E-3, improved armament made it a respected adversary on all fronts. The Bf 109 was the mainstay of the Luftwaffe, serving in different versions during the entire war. 33,984 were built between 1936 and 1945, making it the most numerous fighter aircraft in history. It was the mount of aces like Adolf Galland, Hans-Joachim Marseille, Gerhard Barkhorn, Günther Rall, and the ace of all aces: Erich Hartmann, who with his 352 aerial victories will probably never be bested. Today, just a few original Bf 109’s are in flying condition. The roar of their Daimler-Benz engines can still be heard at some airshows, and I hope to see one in the air sometime before I die!

Source :
Photo collection Björn Hellqvist
https://ww2inphotos.wordpress.com/2017/07/29/your-tax-money-at-work/

Panzermann and SS Soldier

This studio portrait of two young soldiers, who I presume are friends, contains some interesting details, a couple of enigmas, and some historical background. My guess is that the photo was taken in 1941 or 1942. The Place is the small town of Dürnholz, since World War II known as Drnholec in Moravia in the Czech Republic. The young men are most likely Sudeten Germans, the Volksdeutsche – ethnically German – population of western Czechoslovakia that the Nazi government in Germany used to further their territorial claims. When the war was over, Czechoslovakia was ethnically cleansed, the Sudeten Germans forced to flee to the zones under Western Allied administration. The Soldat on the left is a Panzer crewman. He wears the black side-buttoned tunic typical of the Panzer crews. His collar tabs sport the silver skulls of the armored troops. Those had their roots in the skulls worn on the headdress of Napoleonic-era Prussian Hussars, symbolizing the do-or-die attitude of the daring cavalrymen. Many Panzer divisions were mechanized cavalry units, changing horses for tanks and armored cars. His shoulder straps are partially covered by slip-on fabric loops used to obscure the regimental number. This was done for operational secrecy, but there’s the possibility that his regiment is one of those that use differently-colored loops to differentiate between the battalions. His black sidecap indicates that the photo is taken after 1940. His friend is a Waffen-SS Sturmmann (lance corporal) of some experience, implied by his Iron Cross, 2nd class, ribbon and the silver Wound Badge. He’s a member of a Waffen-SS division, but as his cuff title isn’t visible, it’s impossible to tell which one. One intriguing detail is the Edelweiss flower tucked in his cap. It’s a real flower, and not the embroidered patch of the SS-Gebirgsjäger mountain rangers. It obviously has some personal meaning, as it wasn’t an official feature of the uniform. The skull on his cap is the SS version, which symbolizes the willingness of the SS soldiers to die for the Reich. It wasn’t uncommon for Panzer crewmen to be confused with SS troops because of the skulls and black uniforms. If they were taken prisoner, they ran the risk of being shot straightaway, as both western Allied and Soviet troops thought they were SS soldiers. One can but wonder about the final fates of the two young men in the photo.

Source :
Björn Hellqvist photo collection
https://ww2inphotos.wordpress.com/2017/07/30/skulls/

German Flak 88

One of the most well-known guns of World War II was the 8.8 cm Flak 36 anti-aircraft gun, often referred to as the “Eighty-eight” or German “Acht-acht“. It had its origins in World War 1, but the versions that saw action during WW2 were developed in the 1920’s and 30’s. During the Spanish Civil War, it was discovered that the gun was very effective against vehicles, tanks and other ground targets. It was mobile, but required an Sd.Kfz.7 half-track tractor to pull it. It could fire a 9.4 kilo grenade to an altitude of 9900 meters, posing a serious threat to Allied bombers. Used as an anti-tank gun, it could knock out most tanks at a range of up to 2 kilometers. The 8.8 cm gun was also the basis for the main gun of the Tiger tank, one of the most feared tanks of World War II. In the photo, eight of the 11-man crew are visible. Flak batteries were operated by the Luftwaffe, and the stationary batteries defending German cities were often crewed by boys aged 15-16 years old. One of many ironies of the war was that many of the crews serving these powerful guns weren’t old enough to buy a beer.

Source :
Björn Hellqvist photo collection
https://ww2inphotos.wordpress.com/2017/07/31/acht-acht/

Germans in White Camo in Positions

A squad from III. Abteilung, Armee-Nachrichten-Regiment 501 in positions in a Russian village during the winter of 1942-43. Part of the 16th Army, Army Group North, it spent most of the war on the northern part of the Eastern Front. The Soldiers are armed with an MP 38 submachinegun, an MG 34 machinegun, and Kar 98k carbines. Wearing reversible snow suits, they are better equipped for the winter than a year ago. The Germans used black and red armbands buttoned to the upper half of the sleeves for recognition purposes. The combination of colors and which sleeve they were worn on changed from day to day, just like code words, as a way of minimizing the risk of Red Army infiltrators.

Source :
Björn Hellqvist photo collection
https://ww2inphotos.wordpress.com/2017/07/27/its-grim-up-north/

Eckhard Christian and Werner Kreipe

Beginning of August 1944: Eventual General der Flieger Werner Kreipe in conversation with Oberst Eckhard Christian. During his time at the Military College in Munich, Kreipe participated in Hitler’s march on the Feldherrnhalle, and therefore he wears the ribbon of 9 November 1923, the so-called Blood Order“ award, on his right breast pocket. Following the assassination attempt on 20 July 1944, from which Giinther Korten was critically wounded and died shortly afterwards, Kreipe was temporarily entrusted with the business of the Luftwaffe Chief of the General Staff.

Source :
Fotos aus dem Führerhauptquartier - Hermann Historica München

Major Willi Braun of Grenadier-Regiment 576 in the Battle of Stalingrad

Major Willi Braun, the commander of Grenadier-Regiment 576 / 305.Infanterie-Division in the Battle of Stalingrad (1942-1943). He was an avid sportsman who excelled at swimming, skiing, marksmanship and horseriding, the latter bringing him to grief in May 1939 when a fall during a tournament put him out of action for two months. He was also a keen motor enthusiast and was one of the first in his home town of Hasenweiler to own a private car. He began his career as a police officer and it lasted for 13 years, until he was transferred over to the army in October 1935. Various postings followed until he was transferred in late November 1940 into the newly-forming 305. Infanterie-Division as commander of II./Infanterie-Regiment 576. And he had commanded that battalion ever since. The entire summer campaign had been difficult but it all paled into insignificance compared to the weeks in Stalingrad. When the regiment commander, Oberstleutnant Karl-Heinz Krüder, went on leave in October 1942, and the substitute commander Oberstleutnant Werner Gunkel was transferred in late October, Braun took temporary control of the regiment.

Source :
"Island Of Fire: The Battle For the Barrikady Gun Factory In Stalingrad November 1942 - February 1943" by Jason D. Mark

Oberstleutnant Hans-Georg Brandt of Grenadier-Regiment 577 in the Battle of Stalingrad

Oberstleutnant Hans-Georg Brandt, the commander of Grenadier-Regiment 577 / 305.Infanterie-Division in the Battle of Stalingrad (1942-1943). He cared deeply for his men. One example will suffice. On 2 July 1942, Gefreiter Franz Winter, a messenger on the staff of 6. Kompanie in Brandt’s II. Battalion, witnessed a shocking event during a Soviet tank attack that would ultimately demonstrate how Brandt felt about his men: "We had a good view over the battlefield from our elevated position. What we saw happening there caused the blood to freeze in our veins: to the left of us, in the hollow of a valley, the third platoon of our fifth company was attacked. We saw how they surrendered and ran towards the tanks with their hands above their heads. These monsters circled around our comrades, opened fire and pulped them under their tracks". Winter’s unit was ordered to fall back and the situation gradually eased. It was then that Winter and his comrades saw Major Brandt: "Sitting in a roadside ditch, surrounded by officers, was our battalion commander, a beaten man. I had never seen a German officer in such a state. A person who was otherwise seen by us ordinary soldiers to be head and shoulders above us, in appearance and conduct, now sat there and we could see that he was also only a human, like us, how he was depressed and tormented by anxiety. He had observed the tragedy down below through binoculars. He probably also felt responsible for it". Brandt had commanded his battalion in Grenadier-Regiment 577 from the first day of its creation. In fact, it is probably correct to say he even commanded it before that because he led III./Infanterie-Regiment 520, the unit which was transferred en masse on 4 December 1940 to form II./Infanterie-Regiment 577. When regiment commander Oberst Max Voigt was transferred home at the end of September 1942 due to heart problems, Major Brandt took over as Regimentsführer and led the regiment in an exemplary manner. The fighting in Stalingrad-North had been a severe test but his superiors were impressed by his performance and he received a promotion to Oberstleutnant in November 1942.

Source :

"Island Of Fire: The Battle For the Barrikady Gun Factory In Stalingrad November 1942 - February 1943" by Jason D. Mark

Generalmajor (Luftwaffe) Erich Riva

Erich Riva (20 June 1888 - 4 March 1954) joined the Austrian Feldjäger Battalion 25 on 30 September 1905 as a one-year volunteer. On September 30, 1906, he was transferred to the Infantry Regiment 101 and promoted to 1st Lieutenant on 1 January 1907. Activated on November 1, 1909, he was appointed on April 1, 1911 to the bailiff-Akzessist and transferred to the military-building department of the VII Corps. At the same time he joined the military construction. On July 28, 1914 he was transferred to the military-building department of the XVI. Corps. On June 28, 1914 he came to the military construction department Mostar. On October 10, 1914, he returned to the army and served as train commander in the Austrian Infantry Regiment 101. On January 20, 1915 promoted to lieutenant, he came on 16 February 1915 as platoon and company commander in the Austrian infantry Regiment 26. On May 1, 1917, he was promoted to captain. At the end of the war, he joined in November 1918 in the Volkswehr Company in Eferding, until he was transferred to the March 1, 1919 in the reserve and discharged from military service. On May 1, 1921, he was reactivated in the Austrian army and transferred to the Alpine Hunters Regiment 8. On March 1, 1923, he was promoted to Chief of Staff and on October 17, 1923, transferred to the Alpine Hunters Regiment 7. He was promoted to Major on October 29, 1924. From July 1, 1926, he served as a teacher at the Army School Enns , From 1 September 1928 to 6 January 1930, he returned again to the Alpine Hunters Regiment 7, to teach again at the Army School Enns. From 1 September 1932 he was commander of the academician battalion at the Theresian Military Academy in Wiener-Neustadt. On December 18, 1934, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and transferred on April 1, 1937 in the staff of the Infantry Regiment 14. On September 16, 1937, he eventually became commander of the 1st Battalion of the Infantry Regiment 17. On March 15, 1938, he joined the German Air Force and became officer z.b.V. of the Reich Aviation Ministry and Commander in Chief of the Air Force. On July 1, 1938, a command to the airbase Aibling followed. In the same year he was promoted to airport area commander Wels and on 1 April 1919 to the colonel. In 1941 he was promoted to airport area commander 5 / CVII and on August 1, 1942 major general. On August 15, 1943, he was finally transferred to the Führerreserve of the OKL and released on July 31, 1944 from military service.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=14230&start=10320
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Personenregister/R/RivaErich-R.htm

General der Flieger Erich Petersen

General der Flieger Erich Karl Alexander Petersen (25 August 1889 – 4 July 1963) was a German Luftwaffe general during the Second World War. Petersen served as commander of the 7. Flieger-Division (1 October 1941 - 31 October 1942), until being tapped for promotion to commanding general of the IV. Luftwaffe-Feldkorps (1 August 1943 - 18 November 1944). He also served as commanding general of the LXXXX Armeekorps (19 November 1944 - 8 May 1945). Following the war, he was tried and acquitted of war crimes in France. He was released on 18 January 1950.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erich_Petersen
https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=15967

SS Soldier Inspects U.S. M45 Quadmount

A soldier from the Stabskompanie / SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 1 / 1.SS-Panzer-Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" next to a M45 Quadmount "meat chopper" found at the US supply dump at Honsfeld on the 17th of December 1944 (photo by SS PK-Berichter Büschel). Members of the Stabskompanie - particularly from its Panzerspähzug (armoured recce platoon) and the Fahrradzug (bicycle platoon) which hitched a ride at the enginedecks of the armoured cars - were pictured at the abandoned American supply dump and later near Born.

Source :
Timo R. Worst collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10219546730164692&set=gm.442666669869864&type=3&theater&ifg=1

Gebirgsjäger Ski Patrol

This picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Finke, with the original caption: "Auf dem wege zur Front" (On the way to the front). It shows a Gebirgsjäger ski troopers in a patrol through the forest and snow. The NCO at front wearing Narvik Shield in his arm.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordic_skiing

German Sniper at Kandalaksha Front

German scharfschütze (sniper) at Kandalaksha Front. He is wearing his ski as a bipod for his Kar 98k Mauser rifle. He is also wearing a white smock for winter camouflage. This picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Strassl. In July 1941, during World War II, the town was the primary target of an unsuccessful German-Finnish offensive which attempted to cut the strategic Murman Railway.

Source :
'Mauser Military Rifles' by Neil Grant

U-18, The Black Sea Boat with the Soviet Star

 

In the course of the Russian campaign the Wehrmacht conquered large areas of southern Russia including the Crimea and the Taman Peninsula. The Soviet Black Sea fleet subsequently withdrew to ports in the Caucasus. The OKW was then faced with the problem of powerful Soviet naval forces intervening in land battles and posing a constant threat to supply lines and flanks. On the German side, however, there were no naval units with which to guard the Black Sea, which is greater in area than the Baltic. The OKW bad anticipated this threat before the attack on Russia. At a Fübrer conference on 18 March 1941, consideration was given to sending small submarines to Rumania, however nothing was done. The idea was revived by the naval command in December 1941 and, after a further delay, was made reality in spring 1942. Three Type II B boats (U-19, U-24 and U-9) were initially selected for service in the Black Sea. To conceal what was happening, the boats were taken out of training service and decommissioned. They were then partially disassembled and transported down the Kaiser-Wilbelm Canal to Hamburg and then on to Dresden. From there the boats were transported overland on large flatbed trailers to the port of Ingolstadt on the Danube. From Ingolstadt they were shipped on pontoons down the Danube to Galati, Rumania, where the boats were reassembled and placed back in service. The submarines made the last part of trip down the Danube to its mouth on the Black Sea near Sulina, and from there along the coast to their new base in Constanza, under their own power.

After the success of this first transport, Hitler authorized the transfer of three more Lype II B boats. One of these was the U-18. Taken out of service on 18 August 1942 and shipped, on 11 May 1943 it sailed into Constanza, becoming the 30th Submarine Flotilla’s fourth boat. The boat's captain was 38-year-old Oberleutnant zur See Karl Fleige. Having joined the navy in 1924, it was Fleige’s first command. In 1940-41 Fleige bad served on U-20 and U-123, both commanded by Kapitänleutnant Moeble, as senior helmsman. In August 1941, again under Moeble’s command, he assumed the position of flotilla helmsman with the 5th Submarine Flotilla in Kiel. Then in August 1942 he began commander training and finally on 6 May he commissioned the U-18. The veteran “canoe” now began its period of operations in the Black Sea. Like the other boats of the 30th Flotilla, the U-18 also received the typical Black Sea camouflage finish. This began at the base of the conning tower with a dark gray ring, extending upwards in ever lighter rings. Fleige adopted as the submarine’s emblem a Red Star struck by a TO, which was applied on the front of the conning tower.

U-18 began its first sortie (7th in total) in its new area of operations on 26 May 1943, however no success was achieved. A torpedo was fired at a steamer on 30 May, but it missed. Pursued by a minesweeper, the U-18 did not get another opportunity to shoot. The next day the submarine was fortunate to escape an attack by a Soviet SB bomber just as it rendezvoused with U-9. The Russian aircraft circled twice, but it apparently identified the U-19 as a Russian boat because of the red star on its conning tower. The bomber instead attacked U-9. The only “sinking” achieved on this patrol was a drift mine, which was exploded by machine-gun fire on 7 June. The U-18 achieved success on its 8th patrol (16 June — 22 July 1943). While it missed an opportunity to attack a Soviet submarine on 18 June, according to its war diary it subsequently sank two steamers and a lighter. Available records do not confirm the sinking of either steamer. The Leningrad (1,783 GRT), claimed sunk on 23 June 1943, bad been damaged by a German aircraft in October 1941 and during the period in question was in drydock in Batumi undergoing repair. The second ship claimed by U-18, the steamer Vorosbilov (3.906 GRT), had also been damaged by a German aircraft in May 1942, and in June 1943 was in dock in Suchimi.

Given what we know today, however, these sinkings appear doubtful. The first confirmed success came on the boat's 9th patrol (21 August - 24 September 1943), when it sank the 400-ton minesweeper trawler Dzhalita (1SC-11) on 29 August. The next evening U-18 shot up the small sub chaser SKA-0132 (56 GRIT) with its 20-mm anti-aircraft gun. However the attack had to be broken off when the boat was illuminated from ashore by a searchlight. After the 10th patrol (27 October — 24 November 1943), Oblt. Fleige claimed a 1,500-GRT steamer as sunk, but in fact the motor tanker Josif Stalin (7,745 GRT) was only damaged on 18 November. The submarine’s 5th patrol in the Black Sea (29 January - 29 February 1942) saw it make a night attack on the port of Batum on 16 February, however just one steamer was damaged.

On 25 April 1944 during its 12th patrol, U-18's red star was almost its undoing. After attacking a Soviet submarine, a BV 138 flying boat opened fire on the “suspected Russian” despite the 18 recognition flares fired by U-18. U-18 was bit by gunfire and finally dove to safety. In the eyes of the flying boat crew the red star had too clearly identified the submarine as Russian!

Earlier on this patrol on 7 April the U-18 had sunk a small cargo ship with its deck gun. Two more operations followed in the summer of 1944 off the coast of the Caucasus. Both produced no results. On 18 July 1944 Oblt.z.S Fleige was decorated with the Knight's Cross for his success as commander of the U-18. He was the only Black Sea submarine commander to be so decorated.

The Red Army's advance and Rumania’s declaration of war on Germany ended German submarine operations in the Black Sea. The bases had to be evacuated. This also meant the end of U-18. Heavily damaged in an air raid on Constanza immediately after its 14th patrol, on 25 August 1944 it was scuttled by its crew off Constanza at position 43°47’ N/28°45 E.

Filmed by war Kriegsberichter Gerhard Garms while balanced on the railing of the Wintergarten platform, U-18 returns to Constanza from its 3rd Black Sea patrol on 21 September 1943. The boat sank two enemy ships on this patrol. Note the new pedestal mount for the forward 20-mm anti-aircraft gun. Of particular interest is the camera housing on the starboard side of the conning tower for shooting newsreels.

An Oberfeldwebel and petty officers in front of U-18's conning tower, which bears the unusual emblem which confused friend and foe alike! In the foreground is the 20-mm anti-aircraft gun’s “pressure cooker”, which was later replaced with a standard pedestal mount.

 On 22 July 1943 U-18 returned to base from its 2nd Black Sea patrol flying three sinking pennants. Note the multicolor banded camouflage on the conning tower. After this patrol the “Big Wintergarten” platform was installed on the boat.

Rough seas, not unusual in the Black Sea. Well bundled up, the bridge watch and captain Oblt.z.5. Fleige scan the horizon. Note the empty Naxos pedestal on the port side and war correspondent Garm's pressure-tight camera bousing on the starboard side.

Group photo with gladiolas in front of the police station in Constanza. After a safe return home, the captain of the U-18, Oblt.z.8. Fleige, poses with his Ist Watch Officer Lt.z.S. Rudolf Arendt (left) and his leading engineer Oblt. (Ing.) Fritz Deutschmann. Interestingly, Fleige is wearing a white neckerchief bearing the boat's emblem.

Source :
U-Boot im Focus - ediiton no.2 (2007)

SS-Obersturmführer Rolf Schackert from Legion Freies Indien

Studio photo of SS-Obersturmführer Rolf Schackert (Chef Stabskompanie / Indische Freiwilligen Legion der Waffen-SS), who wore his new SS uniform in lieu of the old Heer uniform. Note the use of a plain black collar on the left, which is intentionally left blank while awaiting for the arrival of the "Tiger's head" kragenspiegel, which is the official insignia of the this SS Regiment consisting of Indian volunteers. In Schackert's arm we can also see the shield of "Freies Indien" (Free India), which has been used by members of the Indian Legion from the time they were in the Heer. Like all other non-Reichsdeutsche (German descent within the Reich's territory) members of the Waffen-SS, Indian members of the Freiwilligen Legion der Waffen-SS were forbidden to wear "double flash" SS symbols on their collars. Instead, they are allowed to display unit symbols on their collars and arms. This photo itself is a private collection of Christopher Ailsby, author of the book "Waffen-SS: Hitler's Elite in Photographs"

Source

Bio of Hitler's Adjutant Otto Günsche

 SS-Hauptsturmführer Otto Günsche was born on 24 September 1917 in Jena. He was an early volunteer in the “Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler”, joining the regiment in 1934 at the age of 17. By 1936 he was serving in the Führer’s personal escort commando in which he would stay until the war started. He would then participate in all of the military campaigns of the “LSSAH” until 1942 when he was sent to a war time officer’s training class at the SS-Junkerschule “Tölz”. After becoming an SS-Untersturmführer, Günsche was posted to Adolf Hitler’s personal adjutant staff in January 1943, taking over the position of an adjutant who had fallen ill. He held that position for a few weeks before he was reassigned to the “Liebstandarte” and returned to front line service. After receiving, among other decorations, the Iron Cross, Ist Class, thus proving his “military” capabilities and courage, he returned to the Führer’s personal staff in February 1944. He would now remain Hitler’s personal adjutant until the end of the war. Günsche became probably most noted for having to cremate the bodies of Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun during the battle of Berlin. The now SS-Hauptsturmführer Günsche was captured by the Soviets in early May 1945 while trying to breakout of Berlin. He became a “prime” captive of the Reds and spent a number of years in the NKVD/KGB Lubiyanka Prison in Moscow undergoing numerous rounds of torture and interrogation. In 1956 he was released from Soviet captivity and turned over to the tender mercies of the East German communists who promptly jailed him again. After much effort and some diplomacy, he was finally allowed to immigrate to West Germany. Despite his horrible travails, Günsche was able to build a successful new life for himself. He remained active in Waffen-SS veteran’s affairs and due to his unique position as an “eyewitness to history” was constantly sought after by historians and history buffs, whom he graciously accomodated for the rest of his life. Otto Günsche passed away on 2 October 2003 at around 90 years of age.

Source :
'Siegrunen 80' by Richard Landwehr

Bio of Oskar Wolkerstorfer

By: Rich Deveau-Maxwell

My biography of SS-Hauptsturmführer Oskar Wolkerstorfer:

“I, Oskar Wolkerstorfer was born on 2.11.1919 in Linz, Austria as the 6th child of the unskilled worker Josef Wolkerstorfer and his wife Therese Wolkerstorfer, née Weinberger. I attended 4 classes of Volksschule and 4 classes of Hauptschule. On 10.9.33 I entered the Ebenhöchsche bookshop, Heinrich Korb Linz, as an apprentice. On 10.09.36 I was taken on as an employee and remained with this company until the day of my entry into the SS-VT. During my apprenticeship I completed 3 years of university study. In August 1933 I joined the Hitlerjugend and in July 1934 I transferred into the SA. On 1st January 1937 I joined the Allgemeine-SS and led a group there until my departure for the Reich. I was arrested for fourteen days on the occasion of the July 1934 coup in Austria. On June 30, 1937, I entered the SS-VT "N" Donau. On January 30, 1938 I left the Roman Catholic Church. I possess the basic sports certificate and the Reichssportabzeichen.”

Despite standing at only 5ft 6” tall, Oskar Wolkerstorfer was clearly a man with a promising military career; being promoted from SS-Mann to SS-Junker on 12.04.39, and then shortly after to SS-Standartenjunker on 09.11.39.

Wolkerstorfer attended the SS-Junkerschule Braunschweig from 9.11.39 to 20.12.39 and was described on 20.12.39 as consistent, with very good soldierly knowledge, and “dashing and committed in service.” His performance as Zugführer, was rated “1” according to the following: ( 1 - good, 2 - mediocre, 3 - poor) with the following remarks: Suitable as a platoon commander. (Assault Squad Leader). Bizarrely, the comment regarding his special aptitude after the war described him as suitable for service in the SS-Sicherheitsdienst or Allgemeine-SS, presumably due to his university education. Wolkerstorfer graduated the SS-Junkerschule Braunschweig with the following grades and assessment:

1. In Ideological Education: sufficient.
2. In Tactical Instruction: pretty good.
3. In Topography and Cartography: sufficient.
4. In Military Service: good.
5. In Engineer's Training: sufficient.
6. In Signals Classes: ---
7. In Armoured Combat theory: sufficient.
8. In Aviation: ---
9. In General Practice Army Doctrine: sufficient.
10. In Orienteering: sufficient.
11. In military Affairs: quite good
12. In Infantry Combat theory: pretty good.
13. In Sport: sufficient.
14. In Riding: sufficient.

Wolkerstorfer was described as a sincere, helpful and reliable companion, with an easygoing disposition. His instructors described him as attentive, and a fast learner. While his Junkerschule assessment stated he had only an “elementary school education” despite his university term, Oskar was described as “one of the best in the auditorium” during the course. His superiors noted his “good soldierly attitude”, and clean and tidy appearance. They ascertained that Oskar Wolkertorfer was energetic, and was suitable to develop his skills as an SS-Officer.

On 24.12.39, Oskar Wolkerstorfer married his fiancée Hansi Klimstein.

On the 1.1.40, Wolkerstorfer was sent to the Unterfuhrerschule of the SS-Totenkopverbande at Breslau, and received his commission as SS-Untersturmführer on 20.4.40. Following his promotion, Wolkerstorfer was transferred to the 2./SS “Der Fuhrer” Regiment of the SS-Division “Reich” on 5.7.40. The details on his erkennungsmarke read “2./SS “DF” 130”.

An evaluation dated 7.10.40. during Wolkerstorfer's short time with 2./SS “DF”, stated “Wolkerstorfer is a fresh, safe and self-confident SS officer. He has a solid theoretical knowledge, but still lacks experience and practice. He has good teaching ability and good general education, who appears interested in aspect of his role. His open personality is respectable and balanced.” Deemed ideologically consolidated, Wolkerstorfer was complimented on performing his role as platoon leader well.

At around this time, the question surrounding Wolkerstorfer's lack of SS-number came again to the fore; on 14.10.40, Wolkerstorfer's wife wrote the following curt communication to the SS-Hauptamt-Ergänzungsamt in Berlin. “Subject: SS number. I ask you to give me the SS number of my husband. My husband joined the SS in Linz in 1936 and then on 15 June 1937 came to Dachau to the Nuremberg Standarte and was promoted to SS-Ustuf on 20 April 40. His name is Oskar Wolkerstorfer. At the moment he is with the “Der Fuhrer” Regiment, field post number 15807 C. I ask you to do this as soon as possible. HH. Hansi Wolkerstorfer. Linz. A/D, Ringstrasse 52.” Following this communication, and after much back and forth, Wolkerstorfer finally received his SS-number; 353112.

Shortly afterwards on 8.2.41 Wolkerstorfer was again transferred, to the 1./SS “Der Fuhrer” under the command of Vinzenz Kaiser. Wolkerstorfer distinguished himself in the Western campaign as platoon leader and later as the adjutant of the 1./SS "DF" with special personal bravery. For his actions he was awarded the EKII on 28.7.41. Due to his special achievements as a platoon commander in the 1./SS "DF" in the fighting of Operation “Barbarossa” he was awarded the EKI on 1.10.41.

Wolkerstorfer led the 15th /SS "DF" from September 1941, “and as company commander led his unit perfectly, and was not only a prudent leader but also an example of bravery and recklessness.”

On 23.9.41 the "DF" Regiment was in position in front of Sakunowo. The enemy had managed to maneuver strong forces into the rear of the II./SS "DF". The 15th company, as regimental reserve had to be deployed. In a surprisingly short time Wolkerstorfer, had penetrated his company into the village, and succeeded in destroying the surprised enemy. The company had to battle against Russian tanks which unexpectedly pushed into the area. One of these tanks was destroyed by Wolkerstorfer in close combat, while two more were destroyed by assault guns. The rest prudently withdrew. “Due to the special bravery of Wolkerstorfer and his prudent leadership, as well as the swift deployment of the 15th Company, the rear of the 2nd Battalion was cleared, and numerous prisoners and equipment were captured.” This action would mark Wolkerstorfer's first enemy tank destroyed in close combat.

On 8.10.41 Wolkerstorfer found out by reconnaissance in the direction of the motorway Misnk - Moscow that the enemy had brought large reserves at night from the direction of Moscow. In the dawn of the 9.10 Wolkerstorfer advanced with 2 SPW, 1 Motorcycle platoon, and PAK at the head of the II./SS "DF" and penetrated into Oreschewo. Before the opponent came to his senses, the motorcycle platoon had already taken the first positions and thus enabled the following 6th company to penetrate the defences of the bitterly defending, numerically superior opponent. Wolkerstorfer, in the decisive moments before the enemy units came to readiness, advanced at high speed with the help of two armoured cars and the motorcycle platoon, ensuring the capture of the position.

21.10.41 found Wolkerstorfer advancing in the direction of Borrisovo. Borrisovo was occupied by strong enemy forces and was taken under attack by the "DF" regiment. Wolkerstorfer covered the left flank of "DF" regiment, which later penetrated into the rear of the enemy positions at Borrisowo, but was repelled by enemy counterattacks.
Wolkerstorfer and his unit were crucial in the actions around the capture of the bridge at Borrisovo, as exposed to enemy fire, with the help of anti-tank and machine guns his unit managed to keep the bridge covered until the II./SS "DF" managed to reach it.

On 24.11.41 the 15./SS "DF" received the order to advance in the direction of Istra. With a subordinated assault gun Wolkerstorfer made a surprise advance on Istra, and destroyed the enemy outposts in the positions on the height before Istra. With supporting fire from the assault gun, Pz.Sp.Wg and anti-tank guns the enemy lost the strength of several companies. Pursuing the fleeing Russians, Wolkerstorfer, and his company reached the Istra bridge with some men before it could be blown up, despite heavy losses due to the strong defensive fire of tanks and artillery from the heights. During the attempt to remove the explosive charges, Wolkerstorfer was severely wounded at close range by a bullet. He remained with his company until they had succeeded in forming a small bridgehead, allowing the following III./SS "DF" to enter Istra and occupy the heights behind.

Due to his conduct at Istra, SS-Brigadeführer Wilhelm Bittrich sent the following communication on 5.12.41 to the SS-FHA. “Promotion due to bravery before the enemy. The division submits a promotion proposal to SS-Obersturmführer for SS-Untersturmführer Wolkerstorfer, Company Commander 15./SS "DF". The division asks to announce the promotion because of bravery before the enemy. Wolkerstorfer was particularly brave in forming the Istra bridgehead. In the leadership of his company, he proved himself through bravery and operational readiness, as well as clear and exemplary leadership. SS-Untersturmführer Wolkerstorfer was severely wounded during the fighting at Istra.”

Heavily wounded, on 26.1.42 Wolkerstorfer was admitted to the Heidelberg Military Hospital. The following report details Wolkerstorfer's diagnosis and convalescence:
“27.1.42: Single shrapnel wound in the groin or in the middle of the buttock healed without irritation. In the area of the right hand there is a distinct pulsating pre-curvature.
29.1.42: Arteriography: percutaneous arteriography of the femoral artery in an aneurysm in the area of the flexure of the leisten. The femoral artery is located at the upper end of the contrasting column. Somewhat below the hip joint one sees a cherry-sized dilated site. The arteriography should be repeated.
30.1.42: The patient goes on holiday.
10.2.42: The patient is back from vacation.
23.2.42: The aneurysm did not increase significantly during the treatment.
25.2.42: Arteriography shows the aneurysm spurium of the femoral artery, the size of a bonnet, a little above the bend of the ridge.
2.3.42: The patient is presented again to Prof. Dr. Kirschner, who does not consider an operation of the small aneurysm to be necessary at the moment. A new check in a 1/4 year is necessary.
9.3.42: Dismissal. Summary: Wolkerstorfer was wounded by a bullet in the right hand. The wounds healed well. However, an aneurysm of the femoral artery formed in the area of the flexure of the shoulder. The arteriography shows that it is an aneurysm spurium of the femoral artery. Since the small aneurysm did not increase in size during an observation period of several weeks, the consultant surgeon, Prof. Kirschner, recommended that the operation not be performed for the time being. Should the operation ultimately become necessary at a later date, the prognosis for the operation would be more favourable due to better development of the collateral circulation. Wolkerstofer is discharged for 1/4 year convalescence. This period of convalescence is absolutely necessary.”
Whilst in hospital, Wolkerstorfer was awarded three Tank Destruction Badges, for the first action, and two further tanks destroyed during the fighting near Moscow on 1.12.41. The awards were presented on 20.2.42 when he also received the Wound Badge in Silver for his wounds sustained at Istria.
Following his convalescence, Wolkerstorfer returned to the front; On 4.2.43 the regiment was positioned on the east-west axis in the area of Woltschansk. The 15th Company was ordered to reconnoitre the enemy positions in Jefremowka and then to establish itself south of Jefremowka for defence. Ostuf Wolkerstorfer led the reconnaissance himself and brought back the best results in the shortest time. On 5.2.43 he advanced from Jefremowka against Malaya-Volchia, against the enemy, and destroyed numerous heavy weapons and anti-tank guns, and brought back documents and strength reports about the enemy.

Until 16.2.43 the regiment was in position northwest of Bereka when the order was received to detach from the enemy. During that period the Russians pressed hard and it was not possible to disguise the withdrawal. The 15th Company was ordered to secure the release of the 2nd Battalion east of Ochochaje. As soon as the 2nd battalion had marched through Ochochaje to the west, the Russians attacked with strong cavalry against the 15th company. Obersturmführer Wolkerstorfer himself led counter-attacks and his company repulsed the Russian attacks, laying minefields at critical locations favourable for an enemy advance. When the remaining elements of the regiment had disengaged, Wolkerstorfer and his company withdrew.

On 20.2.43 the 15th company was ordered to reconnoitre in front of the regiment in the direction of Novomoskovsk. At Goshoffka the 15th Company encountered the enemy. In order to throw back the Russians Wolkerstorfer deployed the company and advanced into the village with his first platoon. After the initial advance it became clear that the enemy had occupied the village with strong forces and tanks. Wolkerstorfer and his company immediately attacked. After hours of fighting, they had managed to push the enemy out of the essential parts of the village. With two 5cm PAK the 15th company destroyed two Russian tanks. The following II. Battalion occupied and secured the village.

On 25.2.43 the regiment advanced from Pawlograd in the direction of Losawaja. The 15th Company had been sent ahead of the advance. South of Yurievka, the 15th Company encountered the enemy's rearguards, who had settled in positions along the railway line. The reconnaissance result of the 15th company allowed the possibility of destroying the enemy by surprise. Wolkerstorfer attacked with his company, penetrated the field positions and engaged the enemy. After the fighting, over 110 Russian dead remained, 10 heavy mortars, one 4.7 PAK, 3 Pz.Büchsen and a heavy MG were captured.

Regimental commander SS-Obersturmbannführer Otto Kumm wrote in Wolkerstorfer's recommendation for the German Cross in Gold “In addition to these bravery acts and examples of an impeccable and exemplary leadership, Wolkerstorfer has shown a long series of outstanding performances. He has always stood with his man where the going was tough in all previous campaigns. Every task, no matter how difficult it may seem, was handled without hesitation and thus essential successes were achieved. In spite of this, Wolkerstorfer is still a daredevil, and yet one of the bravest soldiers. Wolkerstorfer has earned the German Cross in Gold not only because of his outstanding one-time achievements, but also because of his constant 100 percent commitment.”

20.4.43 saw Wolkerstorfer's fourth and final award of the Tank Destruction Badge, and his last award as SS-Obersturmführer.

For his achievements, the following note dated 5.10.43 regarding Wolkersorfer's impending promotion to SS-Hauptsturmführer stated; “Wolkerstorfer is a proven SS officer; he has proven himselfiin the field and especially in the hard offensive and defensive actions in February and March. Additionally, as a result of his character and personality he is considered worthy of promotion.

On 1.10.43 Wolkerstorfer was transferred to the Balkans to the newly formed V.SS-Gebirgs-Korps.

17.3.44 would see Wolkerstorfer awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Silver, commanding 1./SS AA 105.

A V. SS-Gebirgs-Korps assessment dated 15.7.44 stated of Haupsturmführer Wolkerstorfer:

Personality evaluation, strength of character, weaknesses, inclinations: Decent, but not always of transparent character and tends slightly towards boastfulness. Good soldierly performance, but always requires exaggerated recognition, especially for awards and promotions that he is fully deserving of.
Mental and physical disposition, official services and knowledge: Very agile mentally with good achievements, has good tactical, skill at arms and technical knowledge.
Appearance and behaviour towards superiors, comrades and subordinates; off-duty behaviour: Of good appearance, but often falls back on immature, moody ideals. Prefers his subordinates to treat him with a certain blind adoration, which alienates some of his subordinates. In this area, maturity must be developed.
Ideological orientation: Convinced national socialist and old fighter, good ideological teacher. In his present role as company commander his performance is excellent. He fulfils his current position as deputy Battalion commander. Old Eastern Front veteran. His current aptitude and suitability is for the time being as commander of a Reconnaissance battalion.

Shortly afterwards, a V. SS-Gebirgs-Korps report on 20.10.44 when Wolkerstorfer was the commander of SS Aufklärungsabteilung 505 described him as a “tactful, sincere, and extremely active SS officer, an excellent soldier, enthusiastic about life with excellent organizational skills and personal readiness for action.” Regarding his aforementioned character traits, a cautionary note described Wolkerstorfer as “extremely capable of development; however, a strong leading hand is often necessary, as Wolkerstofer is sometimes still jumpy, with juvenile exuberance.”

On 19.3.45 Wolkerstorfer was nominated for the Knight's Cross, but the award was never ratified. His final decoration was the Wound Badge in Gold, which he received on 13.2.45 after being wounded for the sixth time.

Oskar Wolkerstorfer died in Linz, Austria on 11 January 1971.

Awards:


Infantry Assault Badge in Bronze (1942)
Wound Badge in Black (1941)
Wound Badge in Silver (1942)
Wound Badge in Gold (1945)
German Cross in Gold on 9 April 1943 as SS-Obersturmfuhrer in the 15./SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Der Fuhrer"
Iron Cross 2nd Class (1941)
Iron Cross 1st Class (1941)
3 x Tank Destruction Badge in Silver (1942)
1 x Tank Destruction Badge in Silver (1943)
Panzer Badge in Silver (1942)
Close Combat Clasp in Silver (1944)
Sudetenland Medal (1939)
Anschluss Medal (1939)
SS-Honour Ring (1942)
Eastern Front Medal (1942)
Croatian Order of the Crown of King Zvonimir, 3rd Class with Swords (1944)

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