Panthers of Großdeutschland as a Part of Panzer-Regiment 11

From an album of Oberst Johannes Schmidt, Commander of Panzer-Regiment 11 / 6.Panzer-Division from August till December 1944. In the fall of 1944, I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment "Großdeutschland" was fighting as a part of Pz.Rgt.11. Here's the panthers of the batallion.

Source :
http://www.history.jp/wehrmacht/008b.htm

Experimental Self-Propelled 8.8cm Gun on the 12-ton Halftrack

10 experimental self-propelled 8.8cm gun on the 12-ton halftrack (Sd.Kfz.8) was first put into service in 1939 in 1./s.Pz.Jg.Abt.8 (detached company formation. 6 assigned to 3 platoons in 1940). The unit also went to Russia under a Leutnant in 1941 under Panzergruppe 3 (Hoth) to show its awesome power against russian tanks while losing two. Here is a beautiful picture of this rarity.

Source :
http://www.history.jp/wehrmacht/008.htm

Sturmgeschütz III of Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 210

Sturmgeschütz III Ausf.C/D from Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 210 (StuG.Abt.210) in 1941.This unit was famous for its insignia "Tigerkopf" (Tiger's head). It was sometimes drawn on the center of glacis plate, sometimes on the fender as seen here.

Source :
http://www.history.jp/wehrmacht/008.htm

A Sd.Kfz.263 of 6. Panzer-Division in Poland

Panzerspähwagen is one of Akira Takiguchi (the owner of the photo) favorite vehicles in the Wehrmacht. A Sd.Kfz.263 was pictured in Poland. 6.Panzer-Division cherished this kind until at least winter 1942, as shown in Scheibert's divisional photo history.

Source :
http://www.history.jp/wehrmacht/008.htm

SS-Hauptsturmführer Wilhelm Matzke from Das Reich Division

SS-Hauptsturmführer Wilhelm "Willi" Matzke (born in 28 January 1918) received Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on 23 April 1944 as SS-Obersturmführer and Chef 3.Kompanie / I.Abteilung / SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 / 2.SS-Panzer-Division "Das Reich". He would became the commander of I. Abteilung in 26 July 1944 replacing SS-Sturmbannführer Rudolf Enseling. Matzke survived the war.

SS-Hauptsturmführer Wilhelm Matzke (Chef 3.Kompanie / I.Abteilung / SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 / 2.SS-Panzer-Division "Das Reich") ride a donkey in a company celebration held in May 1944 (possibly to celebrate the company's commander awarding of Deutsches Kreuz in Gold a couple of days before). A few words about the photo: On that day, there were a lot of wine for all soldiers, especially a few officers looked a bit too much in their glasses, and so the young comrades took the drunken officer (Matzke) on a donkey and go around! A lot of pictures were taken from this scene, but on the next day the order was given to the company to deliver all taken negatives. This picture is the very last one that survived the action! One thing for sure: It stands under punishment if pictures like this were ever seen after the action, and it's understandable, because such pictures takes the officer in question.

Source :
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=7690&hilit=wilhelm+matzke
http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=726113

Scout of 4. Panzer-Division in 1939

The reconnaisance troops of the 4. Panzer-Division was Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 (Pz.A.A.7.). In the photo album of the soldier of the Abteilung you can see a Panzerbefehlswagen III Ausführung D1 and Sd.Kfz.231 and Sd.Kfz.232. 

Panzerbefehlswagen III Ausführung D1

 Sd.Kfz.231 and Sd.Kfz.232

Source :

http://www.history.jp/wehrmacht/008.htm

Polish Vehicles in German Inventory in 1939

A lot of Polish vehicles were either destroyed or abandoned after the end of Fall Weiss (German military campaign in Poland), like C7P artillery tractor and C2P tractor. Some Polish tanks were incorporated into German ranks like the 7TP. There's also some rarely found Brückenleger I and Panzer Is. 

 C7P artillery tractor

C2P tractor

7TP

Brückenleger I and Panzer Is

Source :

http://www.history.jp/wehrmacht/008.htm

German Panzers in a French Town during Fall Gelb

A pair of Panzerkampfwagen 38(t)s and a Panzerkampfwagen II rest in a French town, amongst abandoned British transport (a pair of Bedford lorries to the right and a Guy “Ant” at left), while two officers and a motorcycle dispatch rider stand at left. There is a marking on the side of the turret of the Panzer II, but it is not discernable in the photograph. Note how the camouflage pattern of the British lorries has been continued on their canvas “tilts”!

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Panzer IIs in the Rain during French Campaign

It is a bit difficult to determine which model of a Panzerkampfwagen II (Ausf.A, B or C) one is viewing unless certain features such as the vision ports can be clearly seen. The panzer in the foreground can be any one of these, but it does have a visible retro-fitted feature, the addition of 20mm armor to the turret front (note the bolt heads towards the top of the curved portion to the side of the mantle). When this was done, the superstructure front also had additional 20mm armor fitted, as did the bow. In the latter case, its profile was changed from round to square, giving the armor the added benefit of being “spaced”. This panzer is marked as being from a Panzer-Regiment’s II. Abteilung (II 05), in large white-outline characters on the turret, as well as small solid characters on the superstructure side. The lack of a Notek black-out head lamp, as well as the hard-surface road, indicate that the photo may have been taken during the French Campaign of 1940. Colors should then consist of the two-tone scheme of dunkelgrau Nr.46 base with dunkelbraun Nr.45 overspray.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Column of Panzers in the French Campaign

This column of panzers moves up a slight incline along a tree-lined road, probably during the French Campaign of 1940. Note the characteristic girder on the suspension of the near panzer, which identifies it as a Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf.b (note that the designation was in lower case letters; this is not a missprint!). There are no cupolas on the tanks, although these were retro-fitted to the Panzer II series later on. The next furthest vehicle has a tactical number (“511”) on the turret rear, probably in yellow; the near vehicle’s number is obscured by stowage on the engine deck. The far tanks are difficult to identify, but may include a Panzerkampfwagen 35(t) or 38(t).

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Panzer II during Training before French Campaign

This Panzerkampfwagen II is an Ausf.A, B or C photographed during training. It carries a small rhomboid plate behind the “Nebelkerzenabwerfvorrichtung” (smoke candle deployment rack with a solid-colored (probably yellow) “306” as a tactical number. Further on, there is a bit of the balkenkreuz national insignia on the rear face of the superstructure in white outline form. Another rhomboid plate, as well as another balkenkreuz can be seen on the superstructure sides, behind the stowage. Another point to note is not only the angles of the spring bundles for the suspension system, but the fact that some have a different number of spring plates within a bundle. The snow and the style of markings indicate that this photo may have been taken in the winter of 1939-40, during the so-called “Sitzkrieg” in the West prior to the French Campaign. The lack of the tail-lamp from the Notek black-out driving system also makes this more likely. The color scheme should be the two-tone type consisting of dunkelgrau Nr.46 base with dunkelbraun Nr.45 overspray.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Panzer II Maintenance of 2. Panzer-Division

This Panzerkampfwagen II (Ausf.A, B or C), is undergoing a rather extensive bit of maintenance in a field workshop. The rear half of the superstructure has been lifted away to allow the engine to be removed for easier access to its components. A crewmember stands in the open bow hatch, where he could access the panzer’s transmission and final drive unit. The 2cm KwK30 main gun, as well as the co-axial MG34 have been removed from the mantle for disassembly and cleaning. The panzer has some of the later retro-fitted features such as turret, superstructure and bow supplementary armor, but retains the original split hatch arrangement for the commander, rather than the vision cupola. There is no Notek head-lamp fitted. The markings consist of two small yellow dots representing the 2. Panzer-Division (as of 1 November 1939), while the white-outlined balkenkreuz national insignia is split between the superstructure side and the antenna storage trough. The environment, vehicle features and markings indicate this photo may pre-date the French Campaign of 1940. If this is the case, the panzer should be finished in two-tone scheme of dunkelgrau Nr.46 base with dunkelbraun Nr.45 overspray.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Panzer IIs in the Battle of Warsaw

While infantrymen shelter in the lee of some buildings, a pair of Panzerkampfwagen II (they are either Ausf.As or Bs) attempt to clear the way in Warsaw during the Polish Campaign of September 1939. Both vehicles have early features such as split hatches on the turret roof, rounded bow, idler wheels with spokes and no Notek black-out head-lamp. The near panzer has a large white balkenkreuz national insignia on the turret side as well as a white "R03" tactical number, indicating that it is from a Panzer-Regiment's command element. The numbers and national insignia are toned down with what appears to be mud, which has also softened the edges of the characters. These panzers would have been finished in the two-tone system of dunkelgrau Nr.46 base with a dunkelbraun Nr.45 overspray.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Panzer Is and IIs during Maintenance and Training in Winter

A group of Panzerkampfwagen Is and IIs, representing at least a company-sized detachment, receive maintenance amidst the snows of winter. There are no discernable markings on any of the panzers, while the condition of the Panzer IIs indicate that no retro-fitted armor is installed. The various crewmen visible wear the black M1934 panzer uniforms, some with M1935 greatcoats. Some men wear M1934 berets, while one hardy soul to the left is getting by with a pull-over sweater! The photo probably dates from the winter of 1938-1939.

In blizzard-like conditions, another Panzer-Kompanie is photographed during training. The snow covering the vehicles makes it impossible to determine which models they are, except that they are Panzerkampfwagen Is and IIs. Several crewmembers pose for the camera wearing the M1934 black panzer uniforms and berets.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Kradschützen Converses with Panzer Commander

A motorcycle dispatch rider converses with the commander of a kleine Panzerbefehlswagen (Sd.Kfz.265), probably during the opening stages of “Operation Barbarossa” in June of 1941. At this time, the vehicle would have been painted in overall dunkelgrau RAL 7021; there are no markings visible. This vehicle has the added “Rahmenantenne” (frame antenna), which was sometimes seen in service after the campaigns of 1939 and 1940. Note how the posts that support the frame are themselves reinforced with strips connecting them to the superstructure. The motorcyclists are wearing their gas mask canisters slung across their chests, a common practice. The motorcycle combination in the background is based on the BMW R75, which is identified by the characteristic framework foreward of the fuel tank; the near one is a DKW NZ 350.

In a second view of the same kleine Panzerbefehlswagen, a solo-motorcycle dispatch rider as well as a Panzer crewman (sensibly wearing his steel helmet while away from his mount!) quickly scribble information from the commander of the panzer. The motorcycle is a DKW NZ 350. Note the extensive stowage on the panzer, including: small logs wired together to help in overcoming soft ground, spare road-wheel, box, tarp, etc. This panzer has a stowage locker behind the superstructure, which carries a black balkenkreuz with a white outline.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Children Receive Instructions from Panzermänner

An apparently fascinated group of children receive instructions on the running gear of a Kleine Panzerbefehlswagen from one of the crewmembers. The vehicle has added armor on the superstructure front; note how the visors and MG ball mount are flush with the surface. There is no bolted-on-armor plate on the superstructure side at the fender top and no Notek blackout head-lamp has been fitted (although the device was accepted for use in June of 1939). The balkenkreuz national insignia consists of a black center with a white outline, but it has been over-painted on the bottom. Both crewmen wear the black M1934 uniform; one wears an M1935 “Feldmütze” (field cap), while the other wears the black M1934 beret over a padded inner helmet. This combination of uniforms, vehicle finish and features, as well as the weather and terrain may place this photo in the early part of 1940, prior to the French Campaign.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Panzer-Abteilung z.b.V.40 in Operation Weserübung

No panzer divisions took part in “Operation Weserübung”, the invasion of Norway. However, a small number of panzers were deployed as part of “Panzer-Abteilung z.b.V.40”. By 25 April 1940, after seeing combat, the unit reported 29 Panzerkampfwagen I, 18 Panzerkampfwagen II and four Kleiner Panzerbefehlswagen, as well as three Neubau-Panzerkampfwagen IV as being operational. Some of its panzers came from Panzer-Regiment 15 or 31 from 5. Panzer-Division, which is indicated by the over-painted markings on the turret. These consisted of a segmented yellow-black-yellow band at the base of the turret. In this photo, the band as well as the tactical number (possibly “29”) have been over-painted. The insignia of 3. Kompanie / Panzer-Abteilung z.b.V.40 is on the superstructure rear plate along with a white-outline balkenkreuz. This is a 2.serie/La.S chassis as denoted by the view-port to the left of the balkenkreuz. It has the retro-fitted armored cowls over the air intakes as well as “Nebelkerzenabwerfvorrichtung” (smoke candle deployment rack) on the hull rear.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Instandsetzungskraftwagen of Panzergruppe Kleist

A column of Panzerkampfwagen III (Ausf.D, E or F) leads a Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.B ohne Aufbau, which has been converted into a vehicle to carry maintenance equipment for the panzer company’s repair and recovery sections, by the removal of its superstructure and turret. It was also known as “Instandsetzungskraftwagen I”. Note the yellow gothic “I” (which appears to be a “J”) that identifies the vehicle’s function, on the rear corner of the engine deck, as well as the white “K” of Panzergruppe von Kleist. Note also the small square tactical markings on the rear turret face of the Panzer IIIs and the racks for jerry cans on their rear decks.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

12. Panzer-Division in Ssinjawino (Sinjavino) Heights

12. Panzer-Division incorporated remaining tanks from Panzer-Abteilung z.b.V.66 such as this VK 16.01. The picture also showing the commander with Generalfeldmarschall Georg von Küchler (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe Nord) in late 1942. The VersuchsKetten VK-1601 (experimental fully tracked vehicle 16 tons model 01) was a tank slightly based on the Panzer II. The object was to improve the armor and therefore the survivality in the battefield. In order to do so the frontal armor was 80 mm and 50 mm in the side hull /turret. This tank copied the crew layout in the Pz II , with an Tank commander/gunner/ loader, radio operator and driver. The development for an "ZERO" series was issued in December 1939, development of the chassis was entrusted ton MAN and the turret went to Daimler-Benz. The fisrt VK1601 was completed in June 1940.

Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.F (VK 18.01) of 12. Panzer-Division in Sinjavino Heights, 1943.

 Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.G "B11" of 8.Kompanie / II.Abteilung / 12.Panzer-Division (ex 1.Kompanie / Panzer-Abteilung z.b.V.66) in Sinjavino Heights, 1943

Source :
http://www.history.jp/wehrmacht/008a.htm
http://panzerserra.blogspot.co.id/2012/10/panzer-ii-ausf-j-alan-135-part-01.html

StuG.III mit 150mm I.G.33

StuG.III mit 150mm I.G.33 intended for street fighting, was first thrown into Stalingrad battle. One of the few pictures of "before Stalingrad"

The Sturm-Infanteriegeschütz 33B was a German self-propelled heavy infantry gun used during World War II. A new, fully enclosed, and heavily armored boxy casemate superstructure was built on the chassis of the Sturmgeschütz III. It mounted the improved sIG 33/1 infantry gun, offset to the right side, for which 30 rounds were carried. It could only traverse 3° left and right, elevate 25°, and depress 6°. A Maschinengewehr 34 machine-gun was fitted in a ball mount on the left side of the superstructure with 600 rounds. Its traverse limits were 15° left and 20° right, and it could elevate 20° and depress 10°.

Sources differ as to the development history. Chamberlain and Doyle say that Alkett was ordered in July 1941 to convert a dozen Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. E chassis and that these were finished in December 1941 and January 1942 - but not issued. On 20 September 1942, another dozen Sturmgeschutz IIIs were ordered to be converted, and the existing vehicles were rebuilt. Trojca and Jaugitz contend that all twenty-four were built by Alkett starting in September 1942 from repaired Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. B, C, D and E chassis.

The first dozen were delivered by the end of October 1942 and assigned to Sturmgeschütz-Abteilungen (Assault Gun Battalions) 177 and 244, then fighting in Stalingrad. The remaining dozen vehicles could not be delivered to Sturmgeschütz-Abteilungen 243 and 245, also fighting in Stalingrad, after the Soviets surrounded the German 6th Army on 21 November. Instead, the vehicles were formed into Sturm-Infanterie-Geschütz-Batterie/Lehr-Bataillon (Assault Infantry Gun Batterie/Demonstration Battalion) XVII. The battalion was assigned to the 22nd Panzer Division as the Germans attempted to relieve the trapped 6th Army. The Division was virtually wiped out in the fighting and the battery was assigned to the 23rd Panzer Division where it became the Sturm-Infanterie-Geschütz-Batterie/Panzer-Regiment 201 (also known as 9. Kompanie/Panzer-Regiment 201) for the rest of the war. The last strength report to mention them lists five remaining in September 1944. Only one survives at the Kubinka NIIBT Research Collection at Russia.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturm-Infanteriegesch%C3%BCtz_33B
http://www.history.jp/wehrmacht/008a.htm

A Selbstfahrlafette auf VK 30.01(H) "Sturer Emil"

Very rare photograph of a Selbstfahrlafette auf VK 30.01(H). The 12.8 cm Selbstfahrlafette auf VK30.01(H) "Sturer Emil" (German for "Stubborn Emil") was an experimental World War II German self-propelled anti-tank gun. It was based on the Henschel VK30.01 chassis and armed with a Rheinmetall 12.8 cm K L/61 gun (based on the 12.8 cm FlaK 40). This gun could traverse 7° to each side, elevate 10° and depress -15°. It carried 15 rounds for the main gun. The chassis was left over from Henschel's submission for the canceled VK30.01 heavy tank program, but the hull was stretched and an extra road wheel added to accommodate the large gun, which was mounted on a pedestal ahead of the engine. A large, open-topped, fighting compartment was built where the turret was intended to go in the original design. Two vehicles (named after Max and Moritz) were built, both of which served on the Eastern Front. One vehicle was destroyed, the other captured at Stalingrad in January 1943, with 31 kill marks painted on the barrel. This captured vehicle is now displayed in the collection on the Kubinka Tank Museum.

Source :
http://www.history.jp/wehrmacht/008a.htm

Panzer III mit Schachtellaufwerk on a Flatcar

From the owner of these pictures, Akira Takiguchi: Panzerkampfwagen III mit Schachtellaufwerk on a flatcar. Two of this rare tank with experimental running gear are seen. These tanks were used in shooting a propaganda movie (the most recent Waffen-Arsenal Panzer III book has several photos from this grouping, including this very picture. How I wish they could have been able to reproduce the photos in better quality!).

Several years after I had acquired the first picture, I was able to acquire a larger grouping with more pictures, like this one - a true gem!

Yet more years has passed... and today, finally, again, "seek, then it will be found!" This picture proves that Panzerkampfwagen III mit Schachtellaufwerk were produced at least three! 

The Germans were in a race to re-arm their army and get everything in place for the anticipated war.  They were in the place that the US Army would be in 1942-43 - volume over pure quality.  Despite having a central planning office they did not use nearly as many standardized components as the Americans (for instance).  Each manufacturer used the components they saw fit within certain guidelines.  Plus, as mentioned, the interleaved suspension is technically superior for ride and weight distribution, but it's a maintenace headache in poor conditions.  So, yes there were "better" suspensions available, but "good enough" beat "perfect".

Schachtellaufwerk was the preferred German tracked vehicle suspension. It was employed on more then 50,000 3/4 track vehicles from 1934 onward plus all German tanks designed after 1941. this overlapping road wheels gave a smother ride. But this "technically" better solution came at the cost of complexity and made maintenance difficult. With the overlapping wheels you increase the number of individual wheels and suspension units required. Adding to production requirements and the maintenance load.  Plus to carry out maintenance on the inside wheels or the suspension units you need to remove the outside wheels to get access. Mud also tended to clog between the overlapping wheels impacting on mobility, especially when it froze. Not good if the Russians were coming.

Source :
http://www.history.jp/wehrmacht/008a.htm
http://warships1discussionboards.yuku.com/topic/25023/WWII-Vehicle-Suspension-Why-not-use-existing-technology#.VsOFR0Aprgw

Panzer IV mit Vorpanzer of Ersatz-Regiment "Hermann Göring"

A Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.D (Sd.Kfz.161) mit Vorpanzer in Ersatz-Regiment "Hermann Göring". The picture was taken in Holland, as seen in dutch order "Voor Juden Verboden" (no jews allowed). The Ausf.D (Fgst. 80638) features "Zusatzpanzerung" on the hull front and Ausf.E running gear.

Source :
http://www.history.jp/wehrmacht/031.htm

Panzer IV Ausf.D with Gepäckkasten

Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.D with Gepäckkasten (stowage bin) behind and Ausf.E running gear. Possibly from Panzer-Regiment 31 / 5.Panzer-Division.

Source :
http://www.history.jp/wehrmacht/031.htm

Panzer IV Ausf.E mit Vorpanzer with a Standard Gepäckkasten

Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.E mit Vorpanzer which shows a standard Gepäckkasten (stowage bin). Its running gear is Ausf.E standard, 38cm track and thinner road wheels - this feature is also shared in an Ausf.E example from the replacement unit of Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler. Please note that the Gepäckkasten is fixed in a slightly different way when compared to the scale drawing in Begleitwagen book. The scale drawings appear to have a bit too wide Gepäckkasten - it is apparent when comparing the original drawing (Begleitwagen p.160/166) with Ausf.F scale drawing (p.164).

Source :
http://www.history.jp/wehrmacht/031.htm

Hauptwerkmeister Bahr with Vorpanzer

Hauptwerkmeister Bahr was assigned to Panzer-Instandsetzungs-Kompanie "Großdeutschland", he is pictured sitting on an a Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.E mit Vorpanzer. This could well be the same tank as the tank shown in Füsilier Hermuth Herzog photos. Note the warped antenna deflector behind the Gepäckkasten (stowage bin). This tank featured: 40cm track, sprocket and thicker road wheels (Ausf. F features); special, squarish Gepäckkasten. Please note that not all Vorpanzer Ausf.E had these features!

Source :
http://www.history.jp/wehrmacht/031.htm

Panzer IV Vorpanzer in GD Ceremony

A series of photos showing a Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.E mit Vorpanzer that participated in the oath ceremony of Großdeutschland new recruits.

Source :
http://www.history.jp/wehrmacht/031.htm

A GD Panzer IV Vorpanzer

A Panzerkampfwagen IV Vorpanzer of Panzergrenadier-Division "Großdeutschland". The tank was so clean, probably painted in gray, and it have a rare GD monogram on it. The vorpanzer was a modification to the standard tank with increased armor on the front of the tank. They added a thicker bolt on plate to the lower hull. The armor plate in front of the driver and radio operator was fitted with stand off armor of about 2cm thickness. This enabled the round that hit the tank to break up before the actual tank was hit increasing the chance of survival. It was also common that the sides of the crew conpartment had bolt on armor this was most likely about 1-2 cm thick depending on the model of the tank The idea was that the vorpanzer would take the lead positions in a atack as they had the thicker front armor.

Source :
http://www.history.jp/wehrmacht/033.htm
http://intscalemodeller.com/viewtopic.php?t=7626

Short Biography of SS-Sturmbannführer Friedrich Zipp

Friedrich Zipp was born in 4 September 1917 in Sulzbach. He joined the SS in 1 October 1936 (SS number 286 585), promoted to SS-Untersturmführer in 20 April 1939, SS-Obersturmführer in 20 April 1941, and SS-Hauptsturmführer in 20 April 1943 (his promotion date to SS-Sturmbannführer is not known). Zipp started his career as a youth in Hitlerjugend (1 April 1933 - 1 October 1935) and Reichsarbeitsdienst (1 October 1935 - 1 October 1936). In October 1936 he joined the 1.Sturm / SS-Standarte "Deutschland", followed by officer training in SS-Junkerschule Braunschweig (1 April 1938 - 20 April 1939). In 1 January 1941 he served as Adjutant in SS-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 3 "Totenkopf", and in january 1944 already as a Chef of 1.Kompanie / SS-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 3 "Totenkopf". In February 1945 he became Ib Quartiermeister (Logistik, Verwundeten- und Versorgungsdienste) of XI. SS-Armeekorps. Zipp received these following decorations: SA-Sportabzeichen in Bronze, Reichssportabzeichen in Bronze, Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft Abzeichen, Julleuchter der SS, Danziger Kreuz II. Klasse, Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse und I.Klasse; and Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (8 September 1943 as SS-Hauptsturmführer and Chef 1.Kompanie / SS-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 3 / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Totenkopf").

Source :
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=143487

Wiking Division Heading to Budapest

The 5. SS Pazer Division Wiking is heading to Budapest in January 1945. In late December 1944, Wiking and Totenkopf grouped together in IV. SS-Panzerkorps were removed from Warsaw sector and rushed to Hungary in an attempt to rescue the besieged city of Budapest and its garrison. They began their efforts at the beginning of January 1945, and got to within 24km (15 miles) of Budapest before the arrival of the last Soviet reserves, stopped them in their tracks, and in turn launched a counterattack which forced IV. SS-Panzerkorps on to the defensive.

Source :
http://5sswiking.tumblr.com/post/138889493052/5sswiking-the-5-ss-pazer-division-wiking-is

The Liberation of German Forces in Kovel

Huge congratulations to the relief force who attacked and liberated the city of Kovel which had been surrounded by the Soviet Army in mid-March 1944. The relief force consisted of elements from 5. SS Panzer Division Wiking, 4. Panzer-Division and 5. Panzer-Division, and 131. Infanterie-Division which together broke through the Soviet lines on 5 April 1944 and established a permanent linkup with the defenders in Fortress Kovel led by SS-Gruppenführer Herbert Otto Gille.

Source :
http://5sswiking.tumblr.com/post/139204735122/huge-congratulations-to-the-relief-force-who