Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-266
€55,00Original Death Card (“Sterbebild”) of U-boot member Christoph Kubitza who lost his life while serving with U-266. Good condition.
Sunk on 15 May 1943 in the North Atlantic north-west of Spain, in position 45.28N, 10.20W, by depth charges from a British Halifax aircraft (58 Sqn RAF/M). 47 dead (all hands lost). (Source: Read more about U-266.)
Josef Huber – Schlachtgeschwader 77
€0,01Original Postwar Signature on a Wartime Studioportait of Josef Huber. Oberfeldwebel Josef Huber (18.07.1915 in Kempten † 24.05.2008 in Kempten) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on July 20, 1944 as Oberfeldwebel und Flugzeugführer in the 8. Staffel/ Schlachtgeschwader 77.
Provenance: This signature comes from one of the largest postwar signature collection I’ve ever commissioned. This collection was started by a Waffen-SS Veteran, Werner H., in the 1950’s until he passed away.
Karl-Heinz Schomann – Lehrgeschwader 1 (Wartime Signed)
€0,01Original Wartime Signature on a Wartime Photo (Pasted on Card!) of Karl-Heinz Schomann. Major Karl-Heinz Schomann (14.06.1914 in Lübeck † 21.08.2006 in Molfsee) earned the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on December 23, 1942 and the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on October 29, 1943 as Major und Kommandeur of the I. Gruppe/ Lehrgeschwader 1.
Provenance: This signature comes from one of the largest postwar signature collection I’ve ever commissioned. This collection was started by a Waffen-SS Veteran, Werner H., in the 1950’s until he passed away.
Alois Wosnitza – Schlachtgeschwader 77
€0,01Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Alois Wosnitza. Oberfeldwebel Alois Wosnitza (17.11.1914 in Gleiwitz † 13.12.1982 in Schweinfurth) earned the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on August 21, 1942 and the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on March 26, 1944 as Oberfeldwebel und Flugzeugführer in the 6. Staffel/ Schlachtgeschwader 77. Size: 7,4×10,1cm.
Provenance: This signature comes from one of the largest postwar signature collection I’ve ever commissioned. This collection was started by a Waffen-SS Veteran, Werner H., in the 1950’s until he passed away.
Karl-Ludwig Johannsen – Nachtjagdgeschwader 6
€0,01Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Karl-Ludwig Johannsen. Leutnant Karl-Ludwig Johannsen (15.05.1921 in Kiel † 11.08.2009) earned the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on May 25, 1944 as Unteroffizier in the 1. Staffel/ Nachtjagdgeschwader 6 and the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on March 20, 1945 as Leutnant und Bordfunker in the I. Gruppe/ Nachtjagdgeschwader 6. Attached with photo corners on a postcard.
Provenance: This signature comes from one of the largest postwar signature collection I’ve ever commissioned. This collection was started by a Waffen-SS Veteran, Werner H., in the 1950’s until he passed away.
Karl-Heinrich Welzel – Schlachtgeschwader 10
€0,01Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Karl-Heinrich Welzel. Feldwebel Karl-Heinrich Welzel (28.08.1916 † 06.02.2002) earned the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on January 16, 1944 with Sturzkampfgeschwader 77 and the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on September 5, 1944 as Feldwebel und Flugzeugführer in the 7. Staffel/ Schlachtgeschwader 10.
Provenance: This signature comes from one of the largest postwar signature collection I’ve ever commissioned. This collection was started by a Waffen-SS Veteran, Werner H., in the 1950’s until he passed away.
Ernst Börngen – Jagdgeschwader 27 (40+ Victories)
€27,50Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Ernst Börngen. Hauptmann Ernst Börngen (07.02.1916 in Meuselwitz † 30.06.1989 in Mering) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on August 3, 1944 as Hauptmann und Staffelkapitän of the 5. Staffel/ Jagdgeschwader 27 (after 40+ victories).
Provenance: This signature comes from one of the largest postwar signature collection I’ve ever commissioned. This collection was started by a Waffen-SS Veteran, Werner H., in the 1950’s until he passed away.
Wilhelm Messer – Transportgeschwader 2
€20,00Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Wilhelm Messer. Leutnant Wilhelm Messer (19.04.1917 † 05.04.2008) earned the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on January 16, 1943 as Feldwebel in the IV. Gruppe/ Kampfgeschwader zur besonderen Verwendung 1 and the Ritterkreuz on March 12, 1945 as Leutnant und Flugzeugführer of the II. Gruppe/ Transportgeschwader 2. Condition as seen.
Deathcard of Brothers: Waffen-SS & U-Boot Crewmember (U-613)
€0,01Original deathcard of two brothers, one was serving with the Waffen-SS and the other one as U-Boot Crewmember on U-613. Condition as seen.
2x Award Docs: ISA & VWA – Grenadier-Regiment 240 (106. Infanterie-Division)
€0,01Original award document set of Gefreiter Schneider, who served with the Stabskompanie/ Grenadier-Regiment 240 of the 106. Infanterie-Division. During his service, he earned the:
- Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber (Infantry Assault Badge in Silver) on August 20, 1943, for 3 separate infantry assault days during his service! Signed by an unknown officer.
- Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Wound Badge in Black) for his wound suffered on August 2, 1943. Signed by an unknown officer.
Wound Badge in Black Award Doc: Grenadier-Regiment 428 (129. Infanterie-Division)
€0,01Original Award document of Leutnant Helmut Dreisbach, who earned the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Wound Badge in Black) for his wound sustained on August 8, 1944, while serving with the 6. Kompanie/ Grenadier-Regiment 428 of the 129. Infanterie-Division. Document was signed by Oberst Günther Drange (RK). Condition as seen, has been folded in the past.
Wound Badge in Black Award Doc: Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 16 (16. Panzer-Division)
€0,01Original Award document of Gefreiter Haaß, who earned the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Wound Badge in Black) for his wound sustained on August 5, 1944 while serving with the Stab I. Abteilung/ Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 16 of the 16. Panzer-Division (previously destroyed in Stalingrad). Condition as seen, has been folded in the past.
Deutsche-Schutzwall Ehrenzeichen – Westwall Medal Award Doc
€0,01Original Award document of Unteroffizier Zimmermann for the Deutsche-Schutzwall Ehrenzeichen (Westwall Medal) which was awarded in Kassel on March 20, 1940. Bears a feldpoststamp of Landesschützen-Ersatz-Bataillon 12. Condition as seen.
KVK2X Award Doc: Kriegsmarine Kraftfahrer – Tromsö, Norway
€0,01Original Award document of Kraftfahrobergefreiten Aldenhoff for the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern (War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords) for his service on September 1, 1943, awarded in Tromsö! Document bears the stamp of Vizeadmiral und Kommandierender Admiral der norwegischen Polarküste Heinz Nordmann. Condition as seen.
KVK2X Award Doc: Wehrkreis III – von Kortzfleisch Variant
€0,01Original Award document of Oberfeldwebel Reulecke for the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern (War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords) for his service on April 20, 1943. Document was signed by an unknown Major. Interesting “Der Stellv. Kommandierende General des III. A.K. und Befehlshaber im Wehrkreis III, von Kortzfleisch, General der Infanterie” variant. Condition as seen.
Studioportrait of Helmut Mahlke – Sturzkampfgeschwader 1
€0,01Original Wartime Studioportrait of Helmut Mahlke. Major Helmut Mahlke (27.08.1913 in Berlin-Lankwitz † 26.12.1998 in Heikendorf) earned the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on March 31, 1944 as Major im Generalstab und Ia of the Luftflotte 6 and the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on July 16, 1941 as Hauptmann und Kommandeur of the III. Gruppe/ Sturzkampfgeschwader 1. Size: 11,2x17cm.
Award Doc, EKM & KVK2 Set of I. Abteilung/ Panzer-Regiment 6 (Equipped with Panther, Fought in Normandy with the Panzer-Lehr!)
€0,01Original Award document set + Erkennungsmarke (Dog tag) + Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwetern of a soldier who served with the I. Abteilung/ Panzer-Regiment 6! This unit interestingly was subordinated to the Panzer-Regiment 130 of the Panzer-Lehr-Division, also thus fighting in Normandy and the Western Front! They were equipped with the Panther!
- 2x Award documents (KVK2X & Winterschlacht im Osten). The KVK2x document was signed by Generalmajor Voigt. The Winterschlacht im Osten was awarded in 1944 and bears the Feldpoststamp of the Panzer-Regiment 130! Condition as seen – was folded and has the WIO has punchholes!
- Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern, maker marked “100”
- Erkennungsmarke
Mutterkreuz in Gold – Mother’s Cross in Gold
€0,01Original Mutterkreuz in Gold (Mother’s Cross in Gold). The Mother’s Cross was instituted to award mother’s for their exhibited probity, exemplary motherhood and who raised at least 4 children. The Cross came in 3 grades: Bronze (4 or 5 Children), Silver (6-7) and Gold (8 or more) and was awarded from 1939 until 1945. Complete with ribbon. Condition as seen.
Mutterkreuz in Bronze – Mother’s Cross in Bronze
€0,01Original Mutterkreuz in Bronze (Mother’s Cross in Bronze). The Mother’s Cross was instituted to award mother’s for their exhibited probity, exemplary motherhood and who raised at least 4 children. The Cross came in 3 grades: Bronze (4 or 5 Children), Silver (6-7) and Gold (8 or more) and was awarded from 1939 until 1945. Complete with ribbon. Condition as seen.
Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 – Einzelspange
€75,00Original Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 (1 October 1938 Medal also known as Sudetenland Medal), mounted on a “Einzelspange“, which was awarded to civilians and military personnel who took part in the annexation of the Sudetenland. Condition as seen.
Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938
€0,01Original Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938 (1 October 1938 Medal also known as Sudetenland Medal), which was awarded to civilians and military personnel who took part in the annexation of the Sudetenland. Medal is complete with ribbon. Condition as seen.
Hitlerjugend Membership Badge (RZM M1/34)
€70,00Original Hitlerjugend Mitgliedsabzeichen (Hitler Youth’s Membership badge). Maker marked RZM M1/34 for Karl Wurster, Markneukirchen. Condition as seen.
Hitlerjugend Membership Badge (RZM M1/6)
€0,01Original Hitlerjugend Mitgliedsabzeichen (Hitler Youth’s Membership badge). Maker marked RZM M1/6 for Karl Flensler, Pforzheim. Condition as seen.
Steirischer Heimatbund Pin Set (Smaller & Big Version!)
€0,01Original Set of “Steirischer Heimatbund” pins: the small and more seldom bigger version! The smaller one is maker marked Grossmann & Co., Wien. Condition as seen.
Edelweiss M43 Cap Badge
€40,00Original Edelweiss M43 Cap Badge (Mützenabzeichen), feinzink. Condition as seen.
Heinz Baurmann – Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 300
€25,00Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Heinz Baurmann. Hauptmann Heinz Baurmann (11.11.1919 in Aachen † 07.12.1996 in Meckenheim-Esdorf) earned the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on April 16, 1943 as Oberleutnant und Chef of the 3. Batterie/ Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 667 and the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on May 4, 1945 as Hauptmann und Kommandeur of the Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 300.
Provenance: This signature comes from one of the largest postwar signature collection I’ve ever commissioned. This collection was started by a Waffen-SS Veteran, Werner H., in the 1950’s until he passed away.
Manfred Büttner – Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 26 (9. Fallschirmjäger-Division)
€0,01Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Manfred Büttner. Fahnenjunker-Oberfeldwebel Manfred Büttner (25.02.1921 in Spittelndorf † 29.05.1992 in Plön) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on April 29, 1945 as Fahnenjunker und Feldwebel of 2. Kompanie/ Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 26 of the 9. Fallschirmjäger-Division.
Provenance: This signature comes from one of the largest postwar signature collection I’ve ever commissioned. This collection was started by a Waffen-SS Veteran, Werner H., in the 1950’s until he passed away.
Manfred Büttner – Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 26 (9. Fallschirmjäger-Division)
€0,01Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Manfred Büttner. Fahnenjunker-Oberfeldwebel Manfred Büttner (25.02.1921 in Spittelndorf † 29.05.1992 in Plön) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on April 29, 1945 as Fahnenjunker und Feldwebel of 2. Kompanie/ Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 26 of the 9. Fallschirmjäger-Division.
Provenance: This signature comes from one of the largest postwar signature collection I’ve ever commissioned. This collection was started by a Waffen-SS Veteran, Werner H., in the 1950’s until he passed away.
Manfred Büttner – Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 26 (9. Fallschirmjäger-Division)
€30,00Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Manfred Büttner. Fahnenjunker-Oberfeldwebel Manfred Büttner (25.02.1921 in Spittelndorf † 29.05.1992 in Plön) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on April 29, 1945 as Fahnenjunker und Feldwebel of 2. Kompanie/ Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 26 of the 9. Fallschirmjäger-Division.
Provenance: This signature comes from one of the largest postwar signature collection I’ve ever commissioned. This collection was started by a Waffen-SS Veteran, Werner H., in the 1950’s until he passed away.
SA-Sportabzeichen in Bronze (R. Sieper & Söhne)
€0,01Original SA-Sportabzeichen in Bronze, maker marked R. Sieper & Söhne, Lüdenscheid. Not marked with serial number. Condition as seen.
Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber – “11” Wilhelm Deumer
€0,01Original Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber (Wound Badge in Silber). Maker marked “11” for Wilhelm Deumer, Buntmetall. Condition as seen.
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Unmarked – “98” Rudolf & Souval)
€125,00Original Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class), which was awarded for bravery in the course of combat. Unmarked but can be attributed to “98” – Rudolf Souval. Complete with ribbon. Condition as seen.
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Unmarked – “109” Walter & Heinlein)
€125,00Original Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class), which was awarded for bravery in the course of combat. Unmarked but can be attributed to “109” – Walter & Heinlein. Complete with ribbon. Condition as seen.
Albert Frey – SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 1 “LSSAH” (Eichenlaub)
€0,01Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Albert Frey. SS-Standartenführer Albert Frey (16.02.1913 † 01.09.2003) earned the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on November 17, 1941 with SS-Infanterie-Regiment “Leibstandarte-SS Adolf Hitler”, the Ritterkreuz on March 3, 1943 as SS-Sturmbannführer und Kommandeur of the I. Bataillon/ SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 1 “LSSAH” and the Eichenlaub on December 29, 1943 as SS-Obersturmbannführer und Kommandeur of the SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 1 of the 1. SS-Panzer-Division “LSSAH“. Good condition. Signed on the front and reverse! Photo is from the Herbers collection, added a letter to it that I still had.
Provenance: This signature comes from one of the largest postwar signature collection I’ve ever commissioned. This collection was started by a Waffen-SS Veteran, Werner H., in the 1950’s until he passed away.
Albert Frey – SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 1 “LSSAH” (Eichenlaub)
€0,01Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Albert Frey. SS-Standartenführer Albert Frey (16.02.1913 † 01.09.2003) earned the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on November 17, 1941 with SS-Infanterie-Regiment “Leibstandarte-SS Adolf Hitler”, the Ritterkreuz on March 3, 1943 as SS-Sturmbannführer und Kommandeur of the I. Bataillon/ SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 1 “LSSAH” and the Eichenlaub on December 29, 1943 as SS-Obersturmbannführer und Kommandeur of the SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 1 of the 1. SS-Panzer-Division “LSSAH“. Good condition. Signature somewhat faded on the photo but better visible in real life then on scan.
Provenance: This signature comes from one of the largest postwar signature collection I’ve ever commissioned. This collection was started by a Waffen-SS Veteran, Werner H., in the 1950’s until he passed away.
Carl Emmermann – Kommandant of “U-172” (Eichenlaub)
€0,01Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Carl Emmermann. Kapitänleutnant Carl Emmermann (06.03.1915 † 25.03.1990) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on November 27, 1942 as Kapitänleutnant und Kommandant of U-172 and the Eichenlaub on July 4, 1943 as Kapitänleutnant und Kommandant of U-172. Size: 12,5x9cm.
Awarded the Knight’s Cross for the sinking of 17 ships with a total of 95429 GRT. This total included the US passenger freighter “Santa Rita”, and as the ship was being blown up Emmermann and his crew were able to capture a map showing the locations of the mine barriers guarding Cape Town. Another notable success amongst this total was the British troop transport “Orcades” (23456 GRT), which was sunk on the 10.10.1942.
Provenance: This signature comes from one of the largest postwar signature collection I’ve ever commissioned. This collection was started by a Waffen-SS Veteran, Werner H., in the 1950’s until he passed away.
NSDAP Parteiabzeichen (M1/100 – Werner Redo, Saarlautern)
€0,01Original NSDAP Parteiabzeichen (Membership Badge). Maker marked with RZM M1/100 for “Werner Redo, Saarlautern”. Condition as seen.
NSDAP Parteiabzeichen (M1/13 – Christian Lauer, Nürnberg)
€0,01Original NSDAP Parteiabzeichen (Membership Badge). Maker marked with RZM M1/13 for “Christian Lauer, Nürnberg”. Condition as seen.
NSDAP Parteiabzeichen (M1/77 – Foerster & Barth, Pforzheim)
€0,01Original NSDAP Parteiabzeichen (Membership Badge). Maker marked with RZM M1/77 for “Foerster & Barth, Pforzheim”. Condition as seen.
Panzerkampfabzeichen in Silber (Otto Schickle, hollow)
€0,01Original Panzerkampfabzeichen in Silber (Panzer Assault Badge in Silver).
Hollow variant, unmarked but attributed to Otto Schickle. Little finish left, zink. Condition as seen.
Wehrpass: Stabsarzt Jäger-Btl. 5, Ski-Jäger-Regiment – Killed in Action (2x Awards)
€0,01Original TOP Wehrpass of Stabsarzt Dr. von Cardona who during his service served with the Jäger-Bataillon 5, Ski-Jäger-Regiment 2 of the 1. Ski-Jäger-Division, Kriegslazarett-Abteilung 581 and ending with Kranken-Transport-Abteilung 581, when he was Killed in Action on August 24, 1944.During his service, he earned the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern and Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse. He even earned a Nahkampftag (Close combat day) on March 25, 1943 in Ustje! Condition as seen.
Wehrpass: Infanterie-Regiment 164 (62. Infanterie-Division, 2x Awards)
€0,01Original Wehrpass (Zweitschrift) of Gefreiter Judelka who served with the 9. Kompanie/ Infanterie-Regiment 164 of the 62. Infanterie-Division , most likely as Krankenträger (stretcher bearer). During his service, he earned the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse and the Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber. In September 1941, he was severely wounded, which ended his combat service. Cover denazified. Condition as seen.
5x Award Docs: A.R. 36 & Aufklärungs-Abteilung 34 (34. Infanterie-Division) (Italy)
€0,01Original Award document of Oberzahlmeister Kilthau who served with the Artillerie-Regiment 36 and the Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon 34 & Aufklärungs-Abteilung 34 of the 34. Infanterie-Division earning the:
- Divisions-Erinnerungszeichen der 34. Infanterie-Division. Signed by Heinrich Schubert.
- Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse mit Schwertern (War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords) for his service on January 30, 1945. Signed by Generalleutnant Theobald Lieb (Eichenlaub).
- Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern (War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords) for his service on January 30, 1944. Signed by unknown officer.
- Deutsche Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen awarded on March 20, 1940. Signed by Fritz Krause (DKIG).
- Drei-fache Schützenabzeichen, awarded in March 1938.
Condition as seen.
EK2 Award Doc – Nachtjagdgeschwader 2 (Westfront – November 1944)
€0,01Original award document of Unteroffizier Jakobs for the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class), awarded for courageous service on November 11, 1944, while serving with the 5. Staffel/ Nachtjagdgeschwader 2 of the 3. Jagd-Division. Document was signed by Generalmajor Walter Grabmann. Condition as seen, has been folded in the past.
KVK1X Award Doc: 29. Panzergrenadier-Division (Italy, January 1945)
€0,01Original Award document of Unteroffizier Ludwig Reitz, who served with the Stab/ Kommandeur-Divisions-Nachschubtruppen 29 of the 29. Panzergrenadier-Division, for the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse mit Schwertern (War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords) for his service on Januar 30, 1945. Signed by Generalmajor Dr. Fritz Polack. Condition as seen.
Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-3523
€65,00Original Death Card (“Sterbebild”) of U-boot member Anton Feldwebel who lost his life while serving with U-3523. Good condition.
U-3523 was sunk by depth charges from a British B-24 Liberator of 86 Squadron/G RAF about 10 nautical miles (19 km; 12 mi) north of Skagen Horn, in the Skagerrak on 6 May 1945. All 58 crewmen were lost. (Source: Read more about U-3520.)
Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-3520
€0,01Original Death Card (“Sterbebild”) of U-boot member Rudolf Singer who lost his life while serving with U-3520. Good condition.
U-3520 was sunk by mines on 31 January 1945, northeast of Bülk, in the Baltic Sea. None of the crew of 85 survived. (Source: Read more about U-3520.)
Max Wünsche – SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 “LSSAH” & 12 “Hitlerjugend” (Eichenlaub)
€0,01Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Max Wünsche. SS-Standartenführer Max Wünsche (20.04.1914 † 17.04.1995) earned the Ritterkreuz on February 28, 1943 as SS-Obersturmbannführer und Kommandeur of the Stab der I./ SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 of the 1. SS-Panzer-Division “LSSAH” and the Eichenlaub on August 11, 1944 as SS-Obersturmbannführer und Komanndeur of the SS-Panzer-Regiment 12 of the 12. SS-Panzer-Division “Hitlerjugend”.
Max Wünsche was born on 20 April 1914 in Kittlitz. In July 1933 Wünsche joined the SS. In 1935, he graduated from SS-Junkerschule at Bad Tölz and was promoted to Untersturmführer. Wünsche was then posted to the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler (LSSAH) as a platoon leader. In October 1938, Wünsche was assigned as an orderly officer for Hitler. In that role, Wünsche joined the Führerbegleitkommando (the SS bodyguard unit), which provided personal security for Hitler. In January 1940 he was again posted to the LSSAH, as a platoon commander in a motorcycle company under the command of Kurt Meyer, for the invasion of the Netherlands and the Battle of France. In December 1940 he became an adjutant to Sepp Dietrich during the invasion of the Balkans (Operation Marita) and the invasion of the Soviet Union (Operation Barbarossa). In February 1942 Wünsche was given the command of the LSSAH Sturmgeschütz (assault gun) battalion. In 1942 Wünsche completed the General Staff training course at the Staff College in Germany and was promoted to Sturmbannführer. In September 1942 he was posted to the LSSAH and resumed command of the Sturmgeschütz battalion; in October he assumed command of a battalion in a panzer regiment of LSSAH. His battalion’s first action was at Kharkov in 1943. On 25 February 1943 Wünsche’s battalion went into action against a defensive position manned by the Soviet 350th Rifle Division. Supported by artillery and a company of SS grenadiers, Wünsche’s battalion attacked and overran the Soviet front lines. Wünsche’s assault would lead to the destruction of 47 artillery pieces and anti-tank guns. For his actions during the battles for Kharkov, Wünsche was awarded the German Cross in Gold and later the Knight’s Cross, both in February 1943. In June 1943, Wünsche was transferred to a new division forming in France, 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend, to take command of the 12th SS Panzer Regiment. On 6 June 1944, the Allies landed in Normandy (Operation Overlord) and the division was committed to action on 7 June. The division was later trapped in the Falaise pocket, where on the night of 20 August, Wünsche escaped on foot. He was wounded and taken prisoner by British soldiers. Wünsche spent the rest of the war as a prisoner of war in camp 165 at Caithness, Scotland, a special camp for high-ranking German officers. In 1948 Wünsche was released and returned to Germany. He died in 1995.
Read more on Max Wünsche (Wikipedia)