A thread about the Kampfgruppen

[Kozlov]

I'd love to say I have some knowledge to start this thread, but i don't!

So talk to me about Kampfgruppe stuff and show me what you have....

[Garulfo]

Here you are :

I'm sure they are a lot of things to add.

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...ht=kampfgruppe

[Mike G.]

Thanks Garulfo

THE KAMPFGRUPPEN der ARBEITKLASSE:

The Kampfgruppen der Arbeiterklasse (Combat Groups of the Working Class) was a paramilitary organization in East Germany, founded in 1953 and abolished in 1990. Its founding was in part a response to the Workers Revolt of 17 June (that same year). The KdA was similar to a National Guard; however, unlike a National Guard, it was strictly controlled by the governing Socialist Unity Party of Germany. It fell under the Command and Control of the MdI, but actually received much of its Field Training from the NVA. Each large factory, along with many neighborhoods, had their own Kampfgruppen, each made up of about 100 workers. Membership was voluntary; and many chose to enlist in the KdA so as to avoid being drafted into the army. A KdA member trained with his group after work and on weekends for a total of 136 hours annually. The KdA were organised like infantry, and were to join the military and police during political emergencies, such as protests against the government. The largest use of the KdA for this purpose was during the construction of the Berlin Wall: KdA members stood in a line in front of the Wall, with orders to shoot anyone who tried to pass through. As they were sanctioned by the Volkspolizei, the KdA had at their disposal many of the weapons that the police would use in riot situations, such as SK-1 armored personnel carriers, mortars, anti-aircraft guns and anti-tank guns. Medals and badges unique and specific to the Kampfgruppen were created for presentation to its members for "Long Service" and "Meritorious Service", similar to that of other military organs of the DDR. KdA camps were held annually, usually in the wilderness, for training purposes. By 1989, the KdA's membership exceeded half a million, meaning that one of every 36 East Germans was a member.

[Ralph P]

Hey Kozlov...I hope this assists you.

To follow behind Mike G and Garulfo in assisting you. The link below has some interesting pictures of Kampfgruppen "in action".

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...t=Kampfgruppen

[Kozlov]

Thanks for the pointers so far Comrades!

Those are great pictures Ralph!

[Soviet]

This is nice, if you speak german.

http://kampfgruppen.de/

But I still have a question. I'm always mixed up with "Kampfgruppen" and "Kampftruppen". Can somebody please help me with this ?

[Ralph P]

Hey Soviet...That is a good question...something of which I for sure had not thought about. I took a brief look at the web site you posted, but do you know if the web site discusses anything about the Kampftruppen?

I did a brief search...but from my limited search; I think(???) that the Kampftruppen was established 13 August 1961 and were stationed in Berlin to protect the city. They too were volunteers from the working class.

I am most likely outside my lane on my response, but I do not have much else and I hope a fellow members comes to the rescue to answer your question.

Hey Kozlov...thanks!!!

[skip]

I think Ralph just has a typo in and means Kampfgruppen and not kampftruppen.

Kampfgruppen are the factory organized territorials.
Kampftruppen are any sort of combat troops.

Heres some of the medals and badges you sometimes see them wearing.

Skip

[skip]

sorry that these are a bit blurry but they are so shiney its hard to get a good pic.

[Kozlov]

Any chance of a description of them Skip?

In case you hadn't worked it out, I'm dipping my toe into DDR stuff for the first time with the Kampfgruppen and trying to learn as much as possible.

Have already pulled quite a few of those medals and badges together, but some good background info would be good.

[Soviet]

So does that mean that any soldier is from the "Kampftruppen" in the NVA ?

[skip]

Hi Kozlov

I´ve updated the pics so you can see what the various things are for.

I must admit that Kampfgruppen were always a bit of a "Stepchild" for me.
I was more into NVA but knowing that these were military related I picked them up along the way.

You´ll notice that I´m missing the Best Soldier and Marksmanship Badges grades 2-5. These appear to be harder to find otherwise I would probably have them as well.

Soviet,

"Kampfgruppen" is the name of the unit as a whole, Like "Guards" or "Felix Dzierzynski". An honoury title so to speak.

Kampftruppen is a general term for combat troops. Any infantryman or tanker would belong to kampftruppen (fighting troops). A driver or cook, although in the NVA, are not kampftruppen.

Skip

[Kozlov]

Thanks for that Skip!

I've tucked those pics away as a handy quick reference for my shopping

I have quite a few of those already, but some of the others I maybe overlooked as I wasnt sure what they were... I shall be going back over those lists now!

Andy

[Mike G.]

Hi Skip,

Excellant posts and well documented. Nicely done.

To follow through if I may, and cap this off, here is a descriptive account for most of the awards and decorations, where research was possible.

I opted to address the awards in the order first conceived and authorised.

Verdienst Medaille der Kampfgruppen der Arbeitklasse:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o></o>

Kampfgruppen Achievement Medals: <o></o>

Approved September 25, 1961. Initially, it was awarded as a single medal die cast in bronze in recognition of, and for appreciation of meritorious service. Beginning in 1973, the medal could also be awarded to individual Teams, as well as Combat Units. In 1978 the medal was increased from the one medal to a total of three medals comprised of bronze, silver and gold. The Medal is worn on the left upper side of the Tunic.

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[Mike G.]

Medaille fuer Ausgezeichnete Leistungen in den Kampfgruppen der Arbeitklasse:

Kampfgruppen Meritorious Medal:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o></o>

Approved October 6, 1965. It was presented for outstanding achievement toward further strengthening of the combat team, relevant guidance and training, as well as, care and maintenance of equipment and armament. The medal is worn on the upper left side of the Tunic.

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