SS-Oberscharführer Oscar Bang: Freiwilligen-Legion Norwegen

     A rather interesting photograph depicting a kriegsberichter (war correspondent) belonging to the Freiwilligen-Legion Norwegen. This Waffen-SS unit was raised in occupied Norway and was made up of Norwegian volunteers under the promise that the personnel would be led by Norwegian officers, the unit would continue to wear Norwegian military uniforms, and that the language within the unit would remain Norwegian. In addition, it was promised that the unit would only see action in Finland. All told, some 1,900 men volunteered and by June 29, 1941, Den Norske Legion (as the unit was called in Norwegian) was formed.

     In short order, two of the promises were completely ignored. The men wore standard German Waffen-SS uniforms and insignia, including unit specific insignia, rather than Norwegian military uniforms. This included the unit cuff title (called Ärmelstreifen) which read "Frw. Leg. Norwegen", special collar tabs featuring a heraldic lion, and those who belonged to the Norwegian NSDAP (Nasjonal Samling) wore a special sleeve patch. For the majority, the regular German Waffen-SS sigrunen (SS runes) tabs were used on the collars rather than the lion tabs. The second broken promise occurred when the Freiwilligen-Legion Norwegen was sent to the Rückwärtiges Heeresgebiet Nord (Army Group North Rear Area) in February 1942. This area of operations was to the rear of Heeresgruppe Nord (Army Group North). The main task of units in Rückwärtiges Heeresgebiet Nord was security and often, anti-partisan operations. The reason for not sending the unit to Finland was due to the Germans not wanting to give the Norwegians any validation of their territorial claims to the Kola and Petsano peninsulas (in Russia and Finland respectively). Freiwilligen-Legion Norwegen was posted to Krasnoye Selo, a town outside of St. Petersburg, Russia. The unit was subordinate to the 2nd. SS Infantry Division (mot.), the division having Dutch, Flemish, and Latvian units underneath it in addition to the Norwegians. The 2nd. SS Infantry Division took part in mass executions as well as the rounding up and deportation of any Russian Jews they found from 1941 through 1942 though it is unknown if Freiwilligen-Legion Norwegen was involved in any of these operations or took part in the atrocities. Later, the unit would be strengthened with the addition of a police company (Den Norske Legions Politikompani). By March 1943, the Freiwilligen-Legion Norwegen ceased to be, the unit being disbanded. This was because the 2nd. SS Infantry Division (mot.), which was very heavy with Latvian units, became the 2nd. SS Latvian Brigade and thus the Norwegians, along with the Dutch and Flemish, all had their respective units withdrawn and disbanded. All told, Freiwilligen-Legion Norwegen lost 180 to 190 men killed in action though there were some desertions and a handful of men were taken prisoner by Soviet forces. Following the disbandment of Freiwilligen-Legion Norwegen, those men who desired to continue their service in the Waffen-SS were transferred to SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 23 which was part of 11. SS-Freiwilligen Panzergrenadier-Division "Nordland".

     Freiwilligen-Legion Norwegen had its own Propagandakompanie (PK; Propaganda Company) that was led by one SS-Unterscharführer Breien. Under him were 15 men, including photographer SS-Rottenführer Ulf Tur, artist/illustrator SS-Sturmmann Finn Wigforss, and one SS-Sturmmann Holmung who served as the driver for the PK's vehicle(s). The man in the photograph is SS-Oberscharführer Oscar Bang. What we can tell about him is that he was attending the SS-Junkerschule Bad Tölz at the time this picture was taken. This can be told by the upper most cuff title on his left sleeve which reads “SS-Schule Tölz“. The school, one of several, was located in the town of Bad Tölz which was some 30 miles outside of Munich. Given this, Bang's rank at the time of the photograph is that of SS-Standartenjunker, or officer candidate. The various SS-Junkerschule taught military planning, logistics, small unit tactics, combat engineering, weapons training, and more but also the curriculum included political ideology and indoctrination. The SS-Standartenjunker could expect to be at the school for up to 19 months and if he successfully graduated, he was commissioned as a SS-Untersturmführer (equivalent to a U.S. Army 2nd. Lieutenant). Given he has the school's cuff title on his sleeve, it meant that Bang was not at the front with his unit but instead, was billeted at the school. Once he graduated, the school's cuff title would be removed from his uniform. The cuff title below it reads “SS-Kriegsberichter” and this identifies his position within the Freiwilligen-Legion Norwegen and that he is part of the unit's Propagandakompanie. Finally, the third cuff title is that of the unit, "Frw. Leg. Norwegen". However, Bang is wearing the last two in the incorrect order of precedence. The unit cuff title is superior to his position and so the “SS-Kriegsberichter” cuff title should be below the "Frw. Leg. Norwegen" cuff title. That the “SS-Schule Tölz“ cuff title is above the other two is because the school takes precedence over his position as well as his unit for the time he remains at SS-Junkerschule Bad Tölz.

     As a side note, the camera Bang is using appears to be a Leica III manual rangerfinder camera which was introduced in 1933 and built in various models all the way through 1960. The viewfinder was designed for a 50mm lens (which appears to be fitted) and shot 35mm film.

SS-Obersturmführer Roberts Ancāns: 19. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (Lettische Nr. 2)

     Roberts Ancāns was born on November 11, 1919 in the Latvian town of Tiļžys (Tilza). He attended the Bruoļu Skryndu primary school in the town of Aglyunys. He continued his education, having moved to Kuorsova, finally completing his pre-university schooling in 1938. That same year, he entered the Latvejis Universitates Saimesteibys (Lativan University of Applied Sciences) where he sought to earn a degree in law. While at university, he joined the “Lacuania” student fraternity. War, however, was on the horizon and Ancāns voluntarily enlisted in the Sauszemes Spēki (Latvian Land Forces) in the fall of 1939. Unfortunately for Latvia, the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact contained a secret protocol which literally handed Latvia to the Soviet Union and on August 5, 1940, Latvia became the Latvijas Padomju Sociālistiskā Republika (Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic). There was little fighting as the Latvian military was outnumbered, outgunned, and could expect no support against the Soviet juggernaut. This, however, changed when Operation Barbarossa kicked off on June 22, 1941 and the Germans poured across the Soviet borders which included Latvia. The arrival of German forces saw Latvians rise up against the Soviets, creating numerous skirmishes which aided the Germans in pushing the Soviets out. Following this, the Germans disarmed these paramilitary forces.

     Ancāns, and many other Latvians, volunteered to enlist in the Schutzmannschaften (auxiliary police units) which the Germans organized commencing in July 1941. In all, the Germans raised 47 Latvian Schutzmannschaft-Bataillonen (auxiliary police battalions). Initially put in charge of these units was Voldemārs Veiss who held the rank of Standartenführer (equivalent to a full Colonel). By September 1941, the 16.Zemgales Policejas Bataljona (16th. Zemgales Police Battalion) was formed as a combat unit rather than a rear-area policing force and in October 1940, Ancāns transferred into this unit. At this time, what combat Ancāns saw isn't well known but it is said he was within the Kholm Pocket in which a hodge-podge of German units fended off Soviet attacks from January 23, 1942 to May 5, 1942. 62 miles to the southwest, the Demyansk Pocket existed at the same time as the Kholm Pocket, lasting from February 8, 1942 to May 20, 1942. Ancāns is reported to have been decorated with the Demjanskschild (Demyansk Shield) and if this is accurate, then his presence within the Kholm Pocket would not be correct. Regardless of where Ancāns was, by this time, he held the rank of lieutenant and had been wounded during the combat which took place. Successfully evacuated and given time to convalesce, Ancāns would, by February 1943, join the newly formed 15. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (Lettische Nr. 1) (15th. Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st. Latvian)) which was part of the Latviešu Leģions (Latvian Legion). By now, the Germans had begun conscription within Latvia though there were still some volunteers that came into the recruiting stations for the unit's three regiments: Waffen-Grenadier-Regiment der SS 32 (located in Paplaka, Latvia), Waffen-Grenadier-Regiment der SS 33 (in Vainode), and Waffen-Grenadier-Regiment der SS 34 (in Cēsis). The division went into action on November 1943 but after fighting in the Leningrad districts of Ostrov, Novosokolniki and Novgorod Oblast, the unit had been ground down. What was left of the division retreated all the way back to Berlin, surrendering to U.S. forces between April 27, 1945 and May 2, 1945.

     Ancāns, however, had transferred to the 19. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (Lettische Nr. 2) which was created in January 1944, mainly from the Latvian troops that had been under the 2nd. SS Infantry Brigade. The unit was initially commanded by SS-Oberführer Hinrich Schuldt. Specifically, Ancāns was a SS-Untersturmführer (equivalent to a 2nd. Lieutenant) in Waffen-Feldersatz-Bataillon 19. The unit became trapped within the Courland Pocket and on December 24, 1944, Ancāns led 180 men from his battalion along with the 8./SS-Artillerie Regiment 19 to hold a vital position against Soviet attacks. This position, known as Rumbas Farm, was the meeting point between the 19. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS and the 21.Luftwaffen-Feld-Divisionen. The kampfgruppe repulsed four Soviet attacks which was supported by tanks, artillery, and close air support. A total of six tanks were knocked out by soldiers of which Ancāns claimed one of the destroyed tanks while the German artillery claimed three more tanks. In all, the Germans held the farm and 200 Soviet soldiers lay dead in the fields. This action earned Ancāns the Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse (Iron Cross 1st. Class) on December 27, 1944 and he was recommended by his superiors for the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross) which was approved and awarded to him on January 25, 1945. Ancāns was severely wounded and was one of the lucky soldiers that were evacuated out of the Courland Pocket before the German forces which remained surrendered to the Soviets on May 10, 1945. By now, Ancāns held the rank of SS-Obersturmführer (equivalent to a 1st. Lieutenant).

     The photograph of Ancāns is from his soldbuch (pay book) as evidenced by the ink stamp marks in the upper left and lower right corners. The Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes is around his throat, the Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse is on the left pocket while the ribbon for the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse is seen through his feldbluse's button hole. Underneath it is the ribbon for the Ostmedaille (East Front Medal). Just visible on his right sleeve is his Panzervernichtungsabzeichen (Tank Destruction Badge). Situated above the left pocket is the Nahkampfspange in Silber (Close Combat Clasp in Silver) while the remaining medals under the Iron Cross is the Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber (Infantry Assault Badge) and the Verwundetenabzeichen 1. Klasse (Wound Badge in Gold) as Ancāns had been wounded on six different occasions. Of interest is the Latvian badge seen on the right pocket of his feldbluse. This badge denoted that he graduated from the Latvian Platoon Commander's Course. It consisted of a sword and wreath with a “K“ on either side of the sword. A hand with two fingers outstretched is below the sword, the fingers touching the sword hilt. Across the top is the motto, in Latvian, “Tēvzemei un Brīvībai“ which means “For Fatherland and Freedom“ in English.

     Ancāns survived the war and resided in Augsburg, West Germany. During this time, he served as an administrator for the International Refugee Organization. Ancāns immigrated to the United States in 1955, taking up residence in the state of New York where he worked as a contractor for the Otis Elevator Company. On January 1, 1982, Ancāns died in Tannersville, New York at the age of 62.

Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf L: SS-Panzer Regiment 5

     The Panzerkampfwagen III (PzKpfw III) was one of the most numerous, indigenous tank designs within the German panzerwaffe. The design of the tank was a result of efforts by then Lieutenant-Colonel Heinz Guderian to mechanize German tank forces and develop mobile armored warfare, to include how to support such forces while on campaign. This would become the foundation of blitzkrieg or “lightning war.” A part of that was having more modern tanks and so Guderian envisioned two types of medium tanks. One would combat enemy tanks while the other would support the infantry. In 1935, a specification was issued to manufacturers Daimler-Benz, Krupp, MAN, and Rheinmetall-Borsig to tender designs to meet the specification for a medium tank to combat enemy armor. The Daimler-Benz contender was selected and in 1936, the PzKpfw Ausf A appeared. Subsequent models, the Ausf B and Ausf C, would be produced with new modifications to the design in 1937. But these models were only built in small numbers, with a total just under 40 tanks between all the makes. The Ausf D, introduced in 1938, would be the start of the model that would reach quantity production. On September 27, 1939, the PzKpfw III was officially accepted into service following a long period of troop trials. The tank would be baptized in battle with the commencement of the Polenfeldzug (Polish Campaign) which began on September 1, 1939. Only with the start of Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of Russia, on June 22, 1941 was the PzKpfw III the most numerous tank within German front-line tank forces. At the time, model depending, the PzKpfw III was armed either with a 3.7cm KwK 36 cannon or the short barrel 5cm KwK 38 gun. While these were effective against the majority of Soviet armor which consisted of T-26 tanks, as the combat wore on, the Germans encountered the T-34/76 medium tank and the KV-1 heavy tank more and more and both the armor and the armament of the PzKpfw III was coming up short. It was only through superior training, tactical deployment, and better crew ergonomics within the tank (that enhanced efficiency) which saw the PzKpfw III achieve a kill ratio of 6 enemy tanks destroyed of all types for every 1 German tank lost during the initial battles in 1941. Still, steps were taken to improve the protection and firepower of the PzKpfw III with the introduction of the Ausf J model which featured the long barreled 5cm KwK 39 gun. Earlier models were often retrofitted with the new gun as the tank designers had the forethought to build a turret from the outset that could accommodate larger armament. The next model, introduced towards the close of 1941, was the Ausf L and this had the same gun as the Ausf J but the front hull and turret armor was increased to 70mm. In addition, to further increase protection, the Ausf L featured 20mm of spaced armor on the mantlet and the superstructure front.

     The photograph depicts a PzKpfw III Ausf L belonging to one of the companies of SS-Panzer Regiment 5, 5. SS-Panzerdivision “Wiking“ (“Viking”). The photograph was likely taken sometime in late 1942 or early 1943. This unit identification is observed by the divisional Sonnenrad (“Sun Cross”) emblem, seen on the tank's fender. This emblem was a representation of the Nordic Sonnenrad but it was “broken” by having four gaps rather than being closed. This makes it more of a Hakenkreuz, or swastika. The tank is an early model of the Ausf L and this can be told by the fact the turret sides still have the pistol ports, one of which can be seen next to the open side hatch. Later models would remove them. It would appear that the tank is behind the lines as the machinegun has a cover on it to protect it from dust and grit and the crew appears to be in just their service shirts rather than their panzerjacke (panzer jacket).

Panzergrenadier Division Großdeutschland: War Games in Mailly-le-Camp

     It was not an uncommon occurrence that Waffen-SS units operated alongside and with regular German Heer (Army) forces, especially on the Eastern Front. This was often by necessity given the fluidity of the battlefield and what units were available to fill gaps in orders of battle. The photograph shown here illustrates just such an occurrence of close cooperation.

     The photograph was taken by Kriegsberichter (war correspondent) Stöpfgeshoff sometime in 1944 during a war game held on the training grounds located in Mailly-le-Camp, France. Stöpfgeshoff was part of Luftwaffe Kriegsberichter Kompanie 3 (Lw KBK 3) which was assigned to Luftflotte 3 (Air Fleet 3) that supported Axis troops in occupied France (to include Vichy France), Belgium, and the Netherlands. While certainly war correspondents that served with the Luftwaffe had a priority to their own, they were by no means restricted to just documenting Luftwaffe forces. The training grounds had been used by the French military since 1902 and by the 1930s, it was exclusively used by French armored forces. Following the fall of France, the Germans occupied the grounds and used it to train their own armored troops.

     The central subject depicts a Waffen-SS soldier holding the rank of SS-Unterscharführer which is the equivalent to a U.S. Army sergeant. This determination is made solely by the silver tress on his uniform's schulterstücke (shoulder boards) and the absence of any rank pips on it. As for the uniform itself, he is wearing what is called a “panzerkombi” (literally, “tank suit”) and this is basically a pair of overalls. In this case, the uniform is cut from what collectors today call the “SS-Eich-Platanenmuster” camouflage pattern. It is a combination of two types of Waffen-SS camouflage, “Oak” (“Eich”) and “Plane Tree” (“Platanenmuster”). This camouflage pattern appeared early in 1943 and the “panzerkombi” he is wearing is one of the early makes as it does not have the thigh pocket. Of note is that the entire uniform is reversible from a “spring” side which uses green hues as the dominant colors and a “fall” side in which brown hues are the main colors. He is wearing the black M1938 feldmütze (field cap) on his head. Although difficult to see, he has a pair of binoculars in his hand and a pair of kopfhörer (headphones) over his ears. Although his unit's cuff title is not visible as it was not worn on the “panzerkombi”, he is from the 9. Panzer Regiment, 9. SS-Panzerdivision "Hohenstaufen".

     The other two men are part of the elite Panzergrenadier Division Großdeutschland (specifically, 1st. Kompanie, Großdeutschland Panzer Regiment) and this can be told by the “Großdeutschland” cuff title on their right sleeve (visible only on the crewman leaning out of the rear hatch) and the cipher on their schulterstücke. Both wear the typical black panzer uniform consisting of the black panzerjacke (tank jacket, more commonly referred to as the panzer wrap) and black trousers. They also wear the M1938 feldmütze. The pink piping, the waffenfarb (branch color) of panzer troops, does not appear present on the collar of the panzerjacke which suggests a mid- to late war manufacture when it was done away with to simplify construction. It is, however, present around the schulterstücke and the collar tabs. The soldier in the rear hatch looks to have been awarded the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd. Class) as evidenced by the ribbon on his lapel.

     The tank is a Panzerkampfwagen V Panther and we are looking towards the back of the turret. The tank's commander is in the upper hatch while the other man, likely the tank's loader, is in the turret's circular rear hatch. This is because the gunner sat below and to the front of the commander while the loader was on the opposite side and was nearest the hatch. For the war game, men from 9. Panzer Regiment served as referees and to identify them as such, they wore a white band around their arm. He is listening in to conversations on a Großdeutschland radio communications network, discussing an outcome of an engagement, or receiving instructions from higher command.

SS-Obersturmführer Oskar Wolkerstorfer: 1./SS-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 105

     In Linz, Austria, on November 2, 1919, Oskar Wolkerstorfer was born. While still attending primary school, he became an apprentice at Heinrich Korb, a bookstore in Linz (the company is still in business to this day), on September 10, 1933 at the age of 13. Prior to his apprenticeship, Wolkerstorfer joined the Austrian Hitlerjugend (HJ) in August 1933. At this time, the HJ was illegal in Austria but was given clandestine support by the German Sturmabteilung (SA). He did not remain in the HJ for very long as in July 1934, he transferred into the Austrian Sturmabteilung and found himself almost immediately incarcerated for fourteen days after the failed July Putsch that took place in Vienna, Austria on July 30, 1934. Despite this, exactly three years after becoming an apprentice, Wolkerstorfer was hired on as a regular employee. However, he resigned his position, joined the Allgemeine-SS (General SS) on January 1, 1937, and departed Austria for Germany. By this time, he had already earned the Deutsches Reichssportabzeichen (German Sports Badge). On June 30, 1937, Wolkerstorfer was transferred into SS-Verfügungstruppe (SS Dispositional Troops), SS-Sturmbann “N” (SS Battalion “N”) that was formed in Prittlbach, Germany. The “N” stood for Nürnberg (Nuremberg) which was the garrison city selected for the unit. SS-Sturmbann “N“ was subordinate to SS-Standarte “Deutschland“ and participated in the Anschluss Österreichs (Annexation of Austria) that took place on March 12, 1938. By this time, Wolkerstorfer had the rank of SS-Mann (equivalent to a Private) but his superiors saw much potential in him and so on April 12, 1939, he was promoted to SS-Junker (officer candidate) and upon entering SS-Junkerschule Braunschweig on November 9, 1939, he had the rank of SS-Standartenjunker (also officer candidate but received while in officer school). Wolkerstorfer performed well, graduating on December 20, 1939, and his high marks and evaluations saw him considered for the Waffen-SS (Armed SS) as an officer. This was approved and on January 1, 1940, Wolkerstorfer reported to the SS-Unterführerschule Bresla-Lissa and by April 20, 1940, he graduated as a newly promoted SS-Untersturmführer (equivalent to a 2nd. Lieutenant) with his first posting being the 2./SS-Infanterie Regiment “Der Fuhrer“, 2. SS-Panzer-Division "Das Reich". Interestingly, Wolkerstorfer did not receive his SS number until sometime in 1940 despite his being in the SS since 1937. When received, it was 353112.

     On February 8, 1941, Wolkerstorfer was moved to 1./SS-Infanterie Regiment Deutschland, 2. SS-Panzer-Division "Das Reich" where he served as a platoon leader within one of the four companies underneath the 1st. Battalion and later, he would become the adjutant to the 1st. Battalion. Wolkerstorfer performed expertly during the campaigns in France and the Netherlands which earned him the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd. Class) on July 28, 1941. He was still with the battalion when it went into Russia during Unternehmen Barbarossa (Operation Barbarossa) which kicked off on June 22, 1941 and once again, Wolkerstorfer proved his mettle which was rewarded with the Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse (Iron Cross 1st. Class) on October 1, 1941. He was made company commander of 15./III.Bataillon, SS-Infanterie Regiment “Der Fuhrer“ in September 1941 and the unit saw heavy combat from September through November 1942. It was during this time that Wolkerstorfer earned his third of four Panzervernichtungsabzeichen (Tank Destruction Badge) when he destroyed a Soviet T-34 tank on September 23, 1941. He had destroyed two tanks prior during combat near Moscow on December 1, 1941. These awards, plus the Verwundetenabzeichen 2. Klasse (Wound Badge in Silver), were bestowed on Wolkerstorfer while he recovered from injuries suffered during combat around Istra, Russia in November 1942. Also, on December 5, 1941, Wolkerstorfer was recommended for promotion to SS-Obersturmführer (equivalent to a 1st. Lieutenant) and this was approved.

     Following his long convalescence, Wolkerstorfer returned to his unit in February 1943 and was once again in the thick of battle soon after his arrival. In combat that occurred between February 16-25, 1943, Wolkerstorfer again proved himself, earning the Deutsches Kreuz im Gold (German Cross in Gold) which was awarded on April 9, 1943. On April 20, 1943, he would earn his fourth (and last) Tank Destruction Badge. On October 1, 1943, Wolkerstorfer was transferred into the V. SS-Freiwilligen-Gebirgskorps where he was put in command of 1./SS-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 105 (1st. Battalion, SS Reconnaissance Division 105). Four days later, he was recommended for promotion to SS-Hauptsturmführer (equivalent to Captain) which was also approved. V. SS-Freiwilligen-Gebirgskorps operated in the Balkans and saw combat against partisans. During this time, Wolkerstorfer was decorated with the Nahkampfspange im Silbur (Close Combat Clasp in Silver) on March 3, 1944. At some point, Wolkerstorfer became the commander of SS-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 505 as a report dated October 20, 1944 listed him at that position. Thus, SS-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 105 had became a Sondertruppen der Reichsführung-SS (Special Troops of the Reich Leadership) unit, hence the change in designation to SS-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 505. After being wounded for the sixth time, Wolkerstorfer was awarded the Verwundetenabzeichen 1. Klasse (Wound Badge in Gold) on February 13, 1945. His name was submitted to receive the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross) on March 19, 1945 but this decoration was not approved prior to the end of World War Two.

     The photograph depicts Wolkerstorfer when he was an SS-Obersturmführer. Visible decorations include three of his four Panzervernichtungsabzeichen on his right sleeve and the Deutsches Kreuz on the right pocket of his feldbluse. Sewn through the buttonhole on the feldbluse is the ribbon for the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse and beneath it, the ribbon for the Ostmedaille (Eastern Front Medal). On the left pocket is the Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse. Other decorations that he received during his World War Two military career include the Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938 (Anschluss Commemorative Medal; received in 1939), the Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 (Sudetenland Medal; received in 1939), Verwundetenabzeichen 3. Klasse (Wound Badge in Black; received in 1941), Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen (Infantry Assault Badge; received in 1942), Panzerkampfabzeichen (Tank Combat Badge; received in 1942), the SS-Ehrenring (SS Honor Ring; received in 1942), and the Orden der Krone von König Zvonimir, 3. Klasse mit Schwertern (Croatian: Red Krune Kralja Zvonimira III.Stupnja s Macevima; Order of the Crown of King Zvonimir, 3rd Class with Swords; received in 1944).

     Wolkerstorfer passed away in his hometown of Linz on January 11, 1971.

SS-Hauptsturmführer Friedrich Hannes: 12. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 9 "Germania"

     Somewhere on the Eastern Front, SS-Hauptsturmführer Friedrich Hannes checks to see how well a M24 Stielhandgranate (stick hand grenade) fits into the muzzle of the 76.2mm ZiS-3 gun utilized on the Soviet SU-76 (Samokhodnaya Ustanovka-76) assault gun. Hannes, whose rank was equivalent to a Captain in the U.S. Army, was the commander of 12. Kompanie, III. Bataillon, SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 9 "Germania", of the 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking”. Born on August 27, 1913, Hannes would eventually join the Waffen-SS and his membership number was 297 080. His promotion to SS-Hauptsturmführer occurred on June 21, 1944 and he would later be awarded the Deutsches Kreuz im Gold (German Cross in Gold) for his acts of bravery and combat prowess while company commander on October 9, 1944.

     The technique of using a stick grenade and shoving it down the gun barrel of an enemy tank or tank destroyer was taught to infantrymen as a means to attack enemy armor. The intent was to detonate the grenade inside the gun tube and hope the explosion caused enough damage to render the gun inoperable. A skilled “panzerknacker” (“Tank Breaker”) used the M24 stick grenade in other ways to achieve kills against enemy armor. One such way consisted of removing the wooden shaft from six grenades and using wire to secure the warheads around a seventh grenade, creating what was called a Geballte Ladung or bundled charge. The explosive power of seven grenades was able to render tanks immobile by blowing off tracks, damaging running gear, or causing engine damage if placed on the thinly armored rear deck of tanks. Even a single M24 stick grenade had the possibility of inflicting engine damage with a good placement. Another method of using the M24 consisted of lashing one grenade to a einheitskanister (a 20 liter metal fuel can...better known as a “Jerry Can”) which was ¾ full of fuel and throwing the can up onto the engine deck of an enemy tank. The resulting explosion was enough to cripple a tank. It was standard procedure for truck drivers to maintain one of these improvised anti-tank devices on their vehicles in case enemy armor broke through into rear echelon areas. The Eierhandgranate 39 (Egg Grenade Model 1939) could also be utilized to create a Geballte Ladung as well as be thrown down a gun barrel. Since it was egg shaped and depending on the elevation of the enemy tank's gun, it had the potential to roll down and detonate near the breech and if the “panzerknacker” was lucky, a round was already loaded or the grenade rolled out into the fighting compartment when the breech was opened, exploding inside the tank.

     Of course, to utilize any of the methods above required the infantryman to be very close to the target, even next to it. In an urban combat zone, tank hunters have more cover and opportunity to get close enough to utilize grenades. While still risky, more so if infantry were supporting the tanks, the odds were a bit more in favor of the tank hunter. In more open terrain, without some form of cover, attacking a tank at such close range was not likely to succeed. However, there was a variant of the M24 stick grenade, the Nebelhandgranate 39 (Nb.Hgr.39), or Smoke Hand Grenade Model 1939, and “panzerknackers” found a way to use them effectively to help them assault a tank. A six foot length of rope or cord connected two smoke grenades together. In one hand, one grenade was held facing upwards and the other facing downwards. Upon throwing, centrifugal force pulled the grenades apart, extending the rope. The target was the gun barrel of the enemy tank. The rope would catch on the barrel and wrap around it and by this time, the smoke commenced to issuing from the grenades and obscured the vision of the tank's driver and the hull machine-gunner (if the tank had one) as well as made it difficult for the commander in the turret to utilize his vision blocks to see what was happening. This allowed the “panzerknacker” to have a better chance to get up to the tank and effect an attack using explosive hand grenades or other close combat methods.

SS-Rottenführer: SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 "Deutschland"

     A studio portrait of a SS-Rottenführer belonging to the SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 "Deutschland" which was a part of the 2. SS-Panzerdivision "Das Reich". His rank is denoted by the sleeve chevron while his unit affiliation is evidenced by the cuff title on the sleeve of his feldbluse. Speaking of the feldbluse, he is wearing Die Feldbluse Modell 1936, often called the M36 feldbluse by modern collectors and the more evident features of the M36 included the dark blue-green collar, the three-pointed pocket flaps, and the box pleats on the pockets themselves. Despite being a pre-World War Two feldbluse, it continued to be worn during the early war years. However, the M36 was superceeded by the Feldbluse Modell 1940, or M40, which did away with the blue-green collar and replaced it with a collar using the same feldgrau (“field gray“) color as the rest of the feldbluse. Interestingly, some soldiers liked the look of the M36 and kept it for as long as possible or modified later feldbluse by stitching a salvaged collar from a M36 over the existing collar. The piping on his uniform's shoulderboards (schulterstücke) as well as the piping on his uniform cap (schirmmütze) is white, the waffenfarbe (meaning, corps or branch color) for infantry and panzergrenadiers. Speaking of the schirmmütze, it was a popular piece of headgear for NCOs (non-commissioned officers) who often removed the cap spring which kept the rigidity of the schirmmütze. This allowed it to be shaped by wear, giving it a “crushed“ look which became a sign of a veteran soldier. Given the pinched appearance of this man's cap on either side of the metal eagle, it is evidence that he has taken the spring out though he may have primped the cap up to make it more regulation appearing for this formal photograph.

     On the right upper pocket is a signal whistle, something often carried by NCOs who led men into battle. The whistle is tucked into the pocket with only the lanyard visible. A loop on one end of the lanyard secured it around the pocket's button. For decorations, he has earned the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd. Class) whose ribbon has been sewn through the feldbluse's button hole. On his upper left pocket is the Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse (Iron Cross 1st. Class), Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen (Infantry Assault Badge), and a Verwundetenabzeichen 3. Klasse (Wound Badge 3rd. Class) as evidenced by it being painted black. The single ribbon seen above the left pocket is most likely the Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 (Winter Battle in the East 1941–42 Medal). This particular award is more often called the Ostmedaille (Eastern Medal) by collectors but during the war, given it was earned by seeing combat on the Eastern Front, German troops called it the “Gefrierfleischorden“ which meant “Order of the Frozen Meat“. This was because one of the ways to get the medal was to suffer a frozen limb which was severe enough to warrant being awarded a Wound Badge.