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An apparent Unteroffizier lies dead in the interior of a Sdkfz250/1 of 2/. Kradschützen Abteilung GD, during Fall Blau in summer 1942.
He rests behind the driver’s position, next to the Mg34 periscope mount (used when firing to not expose the head or body).
1)
He rests behind the driver’s position, next to the Mg34 periscope mount (used when firing to not expose the head or body).
1)
This image shows the vehicle with its Div GD emblem, tactical Btl sign & Kompanie no.
It faces the opposite direction to the route of advance of other Div vehicles that continue on.
Carrying 5 men in addition to 2 crew, it would seem he may be the vehicle commander.
2)
It faces the opposite direction to the route of advance of other Div vehicles that continue on.
Carrying 5 men in addition to 2 crew, it would seem he may be the vehicle commander.
2)
Looking more closely we can see a dark outline over the Div ‘Stahlhelm’ emblem, which suggests this is the 2nd Schwadron (Kompanie) HQ vehicle.
Note no shield on the Mg34, as it has the periscope & remote firing facility.
3)
Note no shield on the Mg34, as it has the periscope & remote firing facility.
3)
His comrades struggle to remove his body.
With 30 Sdkfz 250s, 2nd Schw provided all-terrain Pz Grenadier support to secure objectives, provide foot patrols, skirmish lines & take & hold ground until the Div’s mot. infantry relieved them.
They suffered heavy casualties.
4)
With 30 Sdkfz 250s, 2nd Schw provided all-terrain Pz Grenadier support to secure objectives, provide foot patrols, skirmish lines & take & hold ground until the Div’s mot. infantry relieved them.
They suffered heavy casualties.
4)
The Kriegsberichter finishes with another intimate photo.
It’s with thanks to @KevinHuckfield that we may know further information about the man & circumstances surrounding these four dramatic pictures.
5)
It’s with thanks to @KevinHuckfield that we may know further information about the man & circumstances surrounding these four dramatic pictures.
5)
Here are the casualty cards for Gefreiter Walter Ramisch who was killed on the 30th July 1942 at Rasdorskaja, when a soviet aircraft bombed an area used by 2.Schwadron.
Kevin says there were 4 dead (with two dying in a Feldlazarette the next day) and 15 wounded.
6)
Kevin says there were 4 dead (with two dying in a Feldlazarette the next day) and 15 wounded.
6)
But as the man in the pictures does not appear to wear the kit of a Gefreiter, and Ramisch suffered a chest wound, I’m inclined to think this is not him.
7)
7)
The other person who died at the scene was Wachtmeister Hans Sonnrein, who died of a head wound.
So that, and the kit he wears, makes me inclined to think this man may be Sonnrein.
Apparently both mens bodies have never been recovered.
8)
So that, and the kit he wears, makes me inclined to think this man may be Sonnrein.
Apparently both mens bodies have never been recovered.
8)
Of the two other deaths from the air attack, Obergefreiter Hugo Langer died in the Feldlazarette the following day, after receiving bomb splinters to his hip.
Gefreiter Heinz Schultz died from bomb splinters to his thighs.
9)
Gefreiter Heinz Schultz died from bomb splinters to his thighs.
9)
So, this is not definitive, but a best guess based on the research to date.
A graphically emotive set of pictures, with perhaps some understanding of who he may be.
Again, my sincere thanks to @KevinHuckfield for his contribution.
10/end)
A graphically emotive set of pictures, with perhaps some understanding of who he may be.
Again, my sincere thanks to @KevinHuckfield for his contribution.
10/end)
