Franz Mattenklott
Encyclopedia
Franz Mattenklott was a German
General der Infanterie
during World War II
and recipient of the renowned Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
. The Knight's Cross was Nazi Germany
's highest award for military gallantry and was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.
, Silesia
, in 1884. On 28 December 1903, at the age of 20, he was enlisted for service to the Königlich Preußische Armee
as Cadet
(Fahnenjunker) to the 4th Magdeburgian Infantry Regiment Nr. 67. He rose to the rank of Leutnant on 18 May 1905 and participated with his regiment in World War I
as Oberleutnant
. During the war, he was promoted to Hauptmann
(18 June 1915) and was awarded both classes (2nd and 1st) of the Iron Cross
, including some other decorations.
in 1918, Mattenklott remained in the – dramatically downsized in manpower, according to the Treaty of Versailles
– Reichswehr
. In the spring of 1920, he was appointed chief of the Wehrkreis VI (7th Military District) headquarters. and soon after named Company commander of the 7th Prussian Infantry Regiment. In the spring of 1924, he was transferred to the Generalstab
of the 6th Division
of the Reichswehr in Münster
. From 1925 to 1927 he belonged to the Generalstab of Artillerieführer VI in Münster (which was attached to the Wehrkreis VI). In this position, he received his promotion to Major
on 1 February 1928. Following his promotion, he worked to the Infantry School in Dresden
evidently until the spring of 1932. In this year, he rose to the rank of Oberstleutnant
(1 October 1932) and exactly two years later to Oberst
.
In the meanwhile, Adolf Hitler
's rise to power resulted in major changes considering the Armed Forces of Germany (ultimately renamed to Wehrmacht
). Aiming to restore Germany's military strength, Hitler ignored the terms of Versailles's Treaty and issued the expansion of the (approximately) 100.000-men Reichswehr, resuming compulsory conscription in the army.
Mattenklott, now ranked Oberst, was appointed commander of the newly formed Infanterie Regiment Stargard (Infantry Regiment Stargard). On 15 October 1935, the regiment was renamed to 25th Infantry Regiment. Mattenklott assumed his post on 1 June 1936 and two years later, he reached the rank of Generalmajor (1 March 1938). Before the outbreak of World War II he was in command of the border security units in Trier
, which formed the Grenz-Division Trier.
on 19 September 1939. Mattenklott was promoted to Generalleutnant on 1 February 1940. His division was stationed at Trier
during the Phoney War and took part in the Invasion of France
(May–June 1940). On 25 July 1940, he was temporarily detached as commander of Metz
for five weeks, but returned to the 72nd Infantry Division on 4 September 1940.
victory in the Balkans, with its southern flank secured, Nazi Germany launched a massive offensive operation (Operation Barbarossa
) against the Soviet Union
, though the peace treaty (Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
) was still in effect. 72nd Infantry Division advanced into southern Russia and Ukraine while Mattenklott was promoted to General der Infanterie
. On 6 November 1941, he put into reserve
. He was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
, one of Nazi Germany's highest decorations for military gallantry, on 23 November 1941.
Mattenklott, in a somehow unusual movement, ordered that special cards be handed to the soldiers of 72nd Infantry Division for Christmas on 24 December 1941. These cards included a photo of General Mattenklott and the following text:
roughly translated as
On 1 January 1942, he was named commander of the XXXXII. Armeekorps (or XLII Army Corps). Meanwhile, he served as commander of Crimea
(19 August 1942 – April 1943). A year later, he took a one-month leave of absence
(from 22 June 1943 to July 1943).
Between 14 and 24 November 1943 he was the commanding officer of the Army Detachment Mattenklott (Ameeabteilung Mattenklott), a large part of which was encircled and destroyed in the Cherkassy Pocket. The general staff of the detachment's remnants was transferred back to the XXXXII Army Corps and Mattenklott resumed his post as chief of the General Command.
, he testified in the High Command Trial
as a defense witness for his former superior. His signature was found on an order dated 28 November 1941, considering "Antipartisan warfare" in occupied territories. Among others, the order suggested establishment of various concentration camps where hostages
and, additionally, issued that civilians or "dispersed soldiers" would be shot on sight if they caught armed.
Mattenklott, during his interrogation on 19 May 1947, claimed that such measures were "necessary and justified", but explained that he considered them to be of deterrentive nature rather than retaliatory. He also stated that such incident (i.e. immediate execution of an armed civilian) never came to his attention.
When inquired about when he first learned of role of the "Security Service" (apparently referring to the SS) as a means of extermination against the Jews
, the Communists and other "undesirable elements", Mattenklott replied that he was not aware of these actions, but first heard of the infamous Komissarbefehl
only while in captivity - and, by that, claimed that he never implemented it. He also totally denied any acknowledgment about the extermination of the Jewish populations in Eastern territories. Specifically, when asked "And you knew nothing of the use of the Security Service as extermination groups, until the surrender when you were made prisoner?" his reply was
Franz Mattenklott died in Braunlage
, Lower Saxony
on 28 June 1954.
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
General der Infanterie
General of the Infantry (Germany)
General of the Infantry is a rank of general in the Imperial Army, Reichswehr or Wehrmacht - the second-highest regular rank. The same rank spread to the Imperial Russian Army and the Defence forces of Finland between the world wars...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and recipient of the renowned Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was a grade of the 1939 version of the 1813 created Iron Cross . The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was the highest award of Germany to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership during World War II...
. The Knight's Cross was Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany , also known as the Third Reich , but officially called German Reich from 1933 to 1943 and Greater German Reich from 26 June 1943 onward, is the name commonly used to refer to the state of Germany from 1933 to 1945, when it was a totalitarian dictatorship ruled by...
's highest award for military gallantry and was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.
World War I
Franz Mattenklott was born in GrünbergZielona Góra
Zielona Góra is a city in Lubusz Voivodeship, in western Poland, with 117,557 inhabitants within the city limits and 294,000 inhabitants within the metropolitan area, including three neighbouring counties ....
, Silesia
Silesia
Silesia is a historical region of Central Europe located mostly in Poland, with smaller parts also in the Czech Republic, and Germany.Silesia is rich in mineral and natural resources, and includes several important industrial areas. Silesia's largest city and historical capital is Wrocław...
, in 1884. On 28 December 1903, at the age of 20, he was enlisted for service to the Königlich Preußische Armee
Prussian Army
The Royal Prussian Army was the army of the Kingdom of Prussia. It was vital to the development of Brandenburg-Prussia as a European power.The Prussian Army had its roots in the meager mercenary forces of Brandenburg during the Thirty Years' War...
as Cadet
Cadet
A cadet is a trainee to become an officer in the military, often a person who is a junior trainee. The term comes from the term "cadet" for younger sons of a noble family.- Military context :...
(Fahnenjunker) to the 4th Magdeburgian Infantry Regiment Nr. 67. He rose to the rank of Leutnant on 18 May 1905 and participated with his regiment in World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
as Oberleutnant
Oberleutnant
Oberleutnant is a junior officer rank in the militaries of Germany, Switzerland and Austria. In the German Army, it dates from the early 19th century. Translated as "Senior Lieutenant", the rank is typically bestowed upon commissioned officers after five to six years of active duty...
. During the war, he was promoted to Hauptmann
Hauptmann
Hauptmann is a German word usually translated as captain when it is used as an officer's rank in the German, Austrian and Swiss armies. While "haupt" in contemporary German means "main", it also has the dated meaning of "head", i.e...
(18 June 1915) and was awarded both classes (2nd and 1st) of the Iron Cross
Iron Cross
The Iron Cross is a cross symbol typically in black with a white or silver outline that originated after 1219 when the Kingdom of Jerusalem granted the Teutonic Order the right to combine the Teutonic Black Cross placed above a silver Cross of Jerusalem....
, including some other decorations.
Between the wars
After the end of the war and the capitulation of the German EmpireGerman Empire
The German Empire refers to Germany during the "Second Reich" period from the unification of Germany and proclamation of Wilhelm I as German Emperor on 18 January 1871, to 1918, when it became a federal republic after defeat in World War I and the abdication of the Emperor, Wilhelm II.The German...
in 1918, Mattenklott remained in the – dramatically downsized in manpower, according to the Treaty of Versailles
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was one of the peace treaties at the end of World War I. It ended the state of war between Germany and the Allied Powers. It was signed on 28 June 1919, exactly five years after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The other Central Powers on the German side of...
– Reichswehr
Reichswehr
The Reichswehr formed the military organisation of Germany from 1919 until 1935, when it was renamed the Wehrmacht ....
. In the spring of 1920, he was appointed chief of the Wehrkreis VI (7th Military District) headquarters. and soon after named Company commander of the 7th Prussian Infantry Regiment. In the spring of 1924, he was transferred to the Generalstab
General Staff
A military staff, often referred to as General Staff, Army Staff, Navy Staff or Air Staff within the individual services, is a group of officers and enlisted personnel that provides a bi-directional flow of information between a commanding officer and subordinate military units...
of the 6th Division
6th Division (Reichswehr)
- Creation :In the Order of 31 July 1920 for the Reduction of the Army , it was determined that in every Wehrkreis a division would be established by 1 October 1920...
of the Reichswehr in Münster
Münster
Münster is an independent city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is located in the northern part of the state and is considered to be the cultural centre of the Westphalia region. It is also capital of the local government region Münsterland...
. From 1925 to 1927 he belonged to the Generalstab of Artillerieführer VI in Münster (which was attached to the Wehrkreis VI). In this position, he received his promotion to Major
Major (Germany)
Major is a rank of the German military which dates back to the Middle Ages.It equates to Major in the British and US Armies, and is rated OF-3 in NATO.During World War II, the SS equivalent was Sturmbannführer....
on 1 February 1928. Following his promotion, he worked to the Infantry School in Dresden
Dresden
Dresden is the capital city of the Free State of Saxony in Germany. It is situated in a valley on the River Elbe, near the Czech border. The Dresden conurbation is part of the Saxon Triangle metropolitan area....
evidently until the spring of 1932. In this year, he rose to the rank of Oberstleutnant
Oberstleutnant
Oberstleutnant is a German Army and Air Force rank equal to Lieutenant Colonel, above Major, and below Oberst.There are two paygrade associated to the rank of Oberstleutnant...
(1 October 1932) and exactly two years later to Oberst
Oberst
Oberst is a military rank in several German-speaking and Scandinavian countries, equivalent to Colonel. It is currently used by both the ground and air forces of Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark and Norway. The Swedish rank överste is a direct translation, as are the Finnish rank eversti...
.
In the meanwhile, Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler was an Austrian-born German politician and the leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party , commonly referred to as the Nazi Party). He was Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945, and head of state from 1934 to 1945...
's rise to power resulted in major changes considering the Armed Forces of Germany (ultimately renamed to Wehrmacht
Wehrmacht
The Wehrmacht – from , to defend and , the might/power) were the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945. It consisted of the Heer , the Kriegsmarine and the Luftwaffe .-Origin and use of the term:...
). Aiming to restore Germany's military strength, Hitler ignored the terms of Versailles's Treaty and issued the expansion of the (approximately) 100.000-men Reichswehr, resuming compulsory conscription in the army.
Mattenklott, now ranked Oberst, was appointed commander of the newly formed Infanterie Regiment Stargard (Infantry Regiment Stargard). On 15 October 1935, the regiment was renamed to 25th Infantry Regiment. Mattenklott assumed his post on 1 June 1936 and two years later, he reached the rank of Generalmajor (1 March 1938). Before the outbreak of World War II he was in command of the border security units in Trier
Trier
Trier, historically called in English Treves is a city in Germany on the banks of the Moselle. It is the oldest city in Germany, founded in or before 16 BC....
, which formed the Grenz-Division Trier.
France
The so-called Grenz-Division Trier formed the 72. Infanterie Division72nd Infantry Division (Germany)
The 72nd Infantry Division was created on 19 September 1939 in Trier from Grenz-Division Trier, which was a border security unit. It was destroyed on the Eastern front 25 March 1944 and reformed June 1944.-Commanding officers:...
on 19 September 1939. Mattenklott was promoted to Generalleutnant on 1 February 1940. His division was stationed at Trier
Trier
Trier, historically called in English Treves is a city in Germany on the banks of the Moselle. It is the oldest city in Germany, founded in or before 16 BC....
during the Phoney War and took part in the Invasion of France
Battle of France
In the Second World War, the Battle of France was the German invasion of France and the Low Countries, beginning on 10 May 1940, which ended the Phoney War. The battle consisted of two main operations. In the first, Fall Gelb , German armoured units pushed through the Ardennes, to cut off and...
(May–June 1940). On 25 July 1940, he was temporarily detached as commander of Metz
Metz
Metz is a city in the northeast of France located at the confluence of the Moselle and the Seille rivers.Metz is the capital of the Lorraine region and prefecture of the Moselle department. Located near the tripoint along the junction of France, Germany, and Luxembourg, Metz forms a central place...
for five weeks, but returned to the 72nd Infantry Division on 4 September 1940.
Balkans campaign and Soviet Union
With his division, Mattenklott participated in the Balkans Campaign (spring 1941). After the decisive AxisAxis Powers
The Axis powers , also known as the Axis alliance, Axis nations, Axis countries, or just the Axis, was an alignment of great powers during the mid-20th century that fought World War II against the Allies. It began in 1936 with treaties of friendship between Germany and Italy and between Germany and...
victory in the Balkans, with its southern flank secured, Nazi Germany launched a massive offensive operation (Operation Barbarossa
Operation Barbarossa
Operation Barbarossa was the code name for Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union during World War II that began on 22 June 1941. Over 4.5 million troops of the Axis powers invaded the USSR along a front., the largest invasion in the history of warfare...
) against the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
, though the peace treaty (Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
The Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, named after the Soviet foreign minister Vyacheslav Molotov and the German foreign minister Joachim von Ribbentrop, was an agreement officially titled the Treaty of Non-Aggression between Germany and the Soviet Union and signed in Moscow in the late hours of 23 August 1939...
) was still in effect. 72nd Infantry Division advanced into southern Russia and Ukraine while Mattenklott was promoted to General der Infanterie
General of the Infantry (Germany)
General of the Infantry is a rank of general in the Imperial Army, Reichswehr or Wehrmacht - the second-highest regular rank. The same rank spread to the Imperial Russian Army and the Defence forces of Finland between the world wars...
. On 6 November 1941, he put into reserve
Military reserve
A military reserve, tactical reserve, or strategic reserve is a group of military personnel or units which are initially not committed to a battle by their commander so that they are available to address unforeseen situations or exploit suddenly developing...
. He was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was a grade of the 1939 version of the 1813 created Iron Cross . The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was the highest award of Germany to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership during World War II...
, one of Nazi Germany's highest decorations for military gallantry, on 23 November 1941.
Mattenklott, in a somehow unusual movement, ordered that special cards be handed to the soldiers of 72nd Infantry Division for Christmas on 24 December 1941. These cards included a photo of General Mattenklott and the following text:
Zur Erinnerung an die Kämpfe am Westwall, im Frankreich, in Griechenland und Rußland.
Ich danke Euch allen für Eure Tapferkeit und Treue!
Mattenklott
Generalleutnant u.[nd]
ehem.[alige] Kde.(?)[Kommandeur] der 72. I.[nfanterie] D.[ivision]
roughly translated as
In remembrance of the struggle on Westwall, in France, in GreeceGreeceGreece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
and RussiaRussiaRussia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
.
I thank you all for your braveness and loyalty!
Mattenklott
Generalleutnant and
former Commander of the 72nd Infantry Division
On 1 January 1942, he was named commander of the XXXXII. Armeekorps (or XLII Army Corps). Meanwhile, he served as commander of Crimea
Crimea
Crimea , or the Autonomous Republic of Crimea , is a sub-national unit, an autonomous republic, of Ukraine. It is located on the northern coast of the Black Sea, occupying a peninsula of the same name...
(19 August 1942 – April 1943). A year later, he took a one-month leave of absence
Leave of absence
Leave of absence is a term used to describe a period of time that one is to be away from his/her primary job, while maintaining the status of employee...
(from 22 June 1943 to July 1943).
Between 14 and 24 November 1943 he was the commanding officer of the Army Detachment Mattenklott (Ameeabteilung Mattenklott), a large part of which was encircled and destroyed in the Cherkassy Pocket. The general staff of the detachment's remnants was transferred back to the XXXXII Army Corps and Mattenklott resumed his post as chief of the General Command.
Late war
On 14 June 1944, Mattenklott was transferred back in Germany and named commander-in-chief of the Deputy Command of VI. Armeekorps in Münster, simultaneously serving in the Command of Wehrkreis VI, position which he held until April 1945, soon followed by the end of the war and the unconditional surrender of Germany.Post-war
Mattenklott was arrested by Allied troops on 21 April 1945 and was released from captivity on 4 July 1947. As a subordinate of Generaloberst Hans von SalmuthHans von Salmuth
Hans Eberhard Kurt von Salmuth was a German general during World War II. A lifelong professional soldier, he served his country as a junior officer in World War I, a staff officer in the inter-war period and early World War II, and an army level commander...
, he testified in the High Command Trial
High Command Trial
The High Command Trial was the last of the twelve trials for war crimes the U.S. authorities held in their occupation zone in Germany in Nuremberg after the end of World War II. These twelve trials were all held before U.S...
as a defense witness for his former superior. His signature was found on an order dated 28 November 1941, considering "Antipartisan warfare" in occupied territories. Among others, the order suggested establishment of various concentration camps where hostages
and, additionally, issued that civilians or "dispersed soldiers" would be shot on sight if they caught armed.
Mattenklott, during his interrogation on 19 May 1947, claimed that such measures were "necessary and justified", but explained that he considered them to be of deterrentive nature rather than retaliatory. He also stated that such incident (i.e. immediate execution of an armed civilian) never came to his attention.
When inquired about when he first learned of role of the "Security Service" (apparently referring to the SS) as a means of extermination against the Jews
Jews
The Jews , also known as the Jewish people, are a nation and ethnoreligious group originating in the Israelites or Hebrews of the Ancient Near East. The Jewish ethnicity, nationality, and religion are strongly interrelated, as Judaism is the traditional faith of the Jewish nation...
, the Communists and other "undesirable elements", Mattenklott replied that he was not aware of these actions, but first heard of the infamous Komissarbefehl
Commissar Order
The Commissar Order was a written order given by Adolf Hitler on 6 June 1941, prior to Operation Barbarossa. Its official name was Guidelines for the Treatment of Political Commissars...
only while in captivity - and, by that, claimed that he never implemented it. He also totally denied any acknowledgment about the extermination of the Jewish populations in Eastern territories. Specifically, when asked "And you knew nothing of the use of the Security Service as extermination groups, until the surrender when you were made prisoner?" his reply was
Franz Mattenklott died in Braunlage
Braunlage
Braunlage is a town and health resort in the Goslar district in Lower Saxony in Germany. It lies within the Harz mountain range, south of the Brocken.Nowadays Braunlage's main business is tourism, particularly ski tourists...
, Lower Saxony
Lower Saxony
Lower Saxony is a German state situated in north-western Germany and is second in area and fourth in population among the sixteen states of Germany...
on 28 June 1954.
Award
- Honour Cross of HohenzollernHouse Order of HohenzollernThe House Order of Hohenzollern was an order of chivalry of the House of Hohenzollern. It was both a military and a civil award...
3rd Class with Swords - Brunswick War Service Cross 1st Class
- Brunswick War Service Cross 2nd Class with Proficiency Badge
- Knight's Cross of the Friedrich OrderFriedrich OrderThe Friedrich Order, German: "Friedrichs-Orden" or "Friedrichsorden" was an order of merit of the German Kingdom of Württemberg. It was instituted on the first of January 1830 by the second king of Württemberg, Wilhelm I in remembrance of his father, King Friedrich I.The order had one class...
1st Class - Honour Cross for CombatantsHonour Cross for CombatantsThe Honour Cross for Combatants was one of three versions of the Cross of Honor to be awarded.- Recipients :* Walther von Brauchitsch* Wilhelm Keitel* Günther von Kluge* Erwin Rommel* Albert Kesselring* Erwin von Witzleben* Erich von Manstein...
(circa 1934) - Wehrmacht Service Award
- Iron Cross 2nd ClassIron CrossThe Iron Cross is a cross symbol typically in black with a white or silver outline that originated after 1219 when the Kingdom of Jerusalem granted the Teutonic Order the right to combine the Teutonic Black Cross placed above a silver Cross of Jerusalem....
during World War I - Iron Cross 1st ClassIron CrossThe Iron Cross is a cross symbol typically in black with a white or silver outline that originated after 1219 when the Kingdom of Jerusalem granted the Teutonic Order the right to combine the Teutonic Black Cross placed above a silver Cross of Jerusalem....
during World War I - Clasp to the Iron CrossClasp to the Iron CrossThe Clasp to the Iron Cross was a metal medal clasp displayed on the uniforms of German Wehrmacht personnel who had been awarded the Iron Cross in World War I. It was displayed on the uniforms of many high ranking officers during World War II as most had also served in World War I...
2nd Class on 1 December 1939 - Clasp to the Iron CrossClasp to the Iron CrossThe Clasp to the Iron Cross was a metal medal clasp displayed on the uniforms of German Wehrmacht personnel who had been awarded the Iron Cross in World War I. It was displayed on the uniforms of many high ranking officers during World War II as most had also served in World War I...
1st Class in December 1939 - Order of Michael the BraveOrder of Michael the BraveThe Order of Michael the Brave is Romania's highest military decoration, instituted by King Ferdinand I during the early stages of the Romanian Campaign of World War I, and was again awarded in World War II...
on 19 September 1941 - Knight's Cross of the Iron CrossKnight's Cross of the Iron CrossThe Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was a grade of the 1939 version of the 1813 created Iron Cross . The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was the highest award of Germany to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership during World War II...
on November 23, 1941 as General der Infanterie and commander of 72nd Infantry Division72nd Infantry Division (Germany)The 72nd Infantry Division was created on 19 September 1939 in Trier from Grenz-Division Trier, which was a border security unit. It was destroyed on the Eastern front 25 March 1944 and reformed June 1944.-Commanding officers:... - Eastern Front MedalEastern Front MedalThe Eastern Front Medal, , more commonly known as the Ostmedaille was instituted on May 26, 1942 to mark service on the German Eastern Front during the period November 15, 1941 to April 15, 1942...
circa 1942 - German CrossGerman CrossThe German Cross was instituted by Adolf Hitler on 17 November 1941 as an award ranking higher than the Iron Cross First Class but below the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross respectively ranking higher than the War Merit Cross First Class with Swords but below the Knight's Cross of the War Merit...
in Gold on 22 September 1942 - Mentioned in the WehrmachtberichtWehrmachtberichtThe Wehrmachtbericht was a daily radio report on the Großdeutscher Rundfunk of Nazi Germany, published by the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht regarding the military situation on all fronts of World War II....
on 6 April 1944
Reference in the Wehrmachtbericht
| Date | Original German Wehrmachtbericht wording | Direct English translation |
|---|---|---|
| 6 April 1944 | Verbände des Heeres und der Waffen-SS haben unter dem Oberbefehl des Generalobersten Weiß und unter der Führung der Generale der Infanterie Hoßbach und Mattenklott nach tagelangen harten Angriffskämpfen durch die Pripjetsümpfe bei ungewöhnlichen Geländeschwierigkeiten den feindlichen Ring um Kowel gesprengt und damit ihre Kameraden aus der Umklammerung befreit. | Units of the Army and the Waffen-SS have, under the High Command of Generaloberst Weiß Walter Weiß General Walter-Otto Weiß was a Wehrmacht High Command officer in World War II. He became Commander in Chief of Army Group North on the Eastern Front in 1945. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves... and under the leadership of Generals of the Infantry Hoßbach Friedrich Hoßbach Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig Hoßbach was a German staff officer who in 1937 was the military adjutant to the Fuehrer of the Third Reich, Adolf Hitler. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves... and Mattenklott, after days of harsh fighting through the Pripyat Marshes at rough terrain, broken the enemy ring at Kowel and by that our comrades were freed from the clutch. |