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Date: Tuesday, 20 April 1943
Place: Staraya Russa, Novgorod, Soviet Union
Photographer: Unknown
Ritterkreuz
award ceremony for Major Wilhelm Eggemann (Kommandeur II.Bataillon /
Grenadier-Regiment 94 / 32.Infanterie-Division), which was held on 20
April 1943 at Staraya Russa, Novgorod, Soviet Union. The one draping the
medal on the right is Generalleutnant Wilhelm Wegener (Kommandeur 32.
Infanterie-Division), while the one helping to drape it in the center is
most likely Rittmeister Hans-Joachim von Koeckritz (Kommandeur
Aufklärungs-Abteilung 32 / 32.Infanterie-Division). In this photo,
Koekritz is seen wearing a schirmmütze (visor hat) with the totenkopf
crest on the front. This is because he is a former member of the
Reiter-Regiment 5, one of Germany's leading cavalry units with a long
history, which members - or former members - proudly displays the skull
symbol in their caps.
Eggemann’s Ritterkreuz recommendation reads as follows:
“During
the great defensive battle in the time period 26.02.-18.03.1943 the 32.
Infanterie-Division defended the area between Borossino and Lowat, with
its frontline facing southwards. In this time Major Eggemann and his
Bataillon (which was involved in all the major combat from the start and
had by now become badly depleted) were deployed to a thick, coverless
swampy area east of Koslowo. Following endless artillery fire of all
kinds the enemy struck against the front of this Bataillon on the
15.03.1943 with the support of tanks.
On the morning of that day
an enemy tank-supported penetration on the left wing of the Bataillon
threatened to turn into a breakthrough. A Kompanie which had been
temporarily attached to the Bataillon was supposed to withdraw to the
positions of the heavy Pak in an orderly fashion. However it was instead
threatening to fall into confusion, and had lost contact with its
neighbours. The enemy sent in tanks and infantry through the extant
frontline gap. An enemy breakthrough seemed inevitable. Such a move
would seriously compromise the Regiment, which had by now used up its
last reserves. It would probably also make it impossible for the
Division to carry out its planned withdrawal to the Redja river during
the following night.
In this situation Major Eggemann chose the
reckless and yet only feasible option given the circumstances. Using the
remnants of his staff and individual soldiers who happened to be in the
vicinity, he formed the core of an offensive group. He personally
dashed from squad to squad, directing the men of the left Kompanie and
compelling them to hold out. He also gathered up individual squads in
order to strengthen his own assault group. Now leading at the head of
this group, he threw himself at the head of the enemy. He did this
despite the exhausted state of his men and having personally been
wounded twice in this fighting. With his machine-pistol in hand he was a
model for his Grenadiers in the ensuing close combat. Along with his
assault group he was able to eliminate the battalion sized enemy force
that had penetrated the lines down to the last man. Two enemy tanks also
ended up destroyed behind friendly lines. This restored the old combat
situation, and the front could now be held until after nightfall, when
the planned withdrawal was commenced.
This battlefield success
was achieved with energy, boldness and fearless devotion to duty.
Furthermore it was the prerequisite for the successful withdrawal of
friendly lines to the Redja position. Eggemann’s Bataillon enabled the
Regiment to carry out its withdrawal movement without leaving behind any
heavy weapons, equipment or ammunition in spite of the extreme
difficulties associated with the terrain.”
Source :
Leander Haslerud photo collection
http://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2013/07/album-foto-32-infanterie-division.html
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/3888/Eggemann-Wilhelm.htm
https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/1939-eisernes-kreuz-forum/minty-ek1-wear-105499/
