Oberleutnant Eckel, 14./Fallschirmjägeregiment 4

[D. Löwenhamn]

I am searching for information about Oberleutnant Eckel, who commanded 14./Fallschirmjägerregiment 4.

Best regards/ Daniel

[Óscar G]

Hi, Daniel:
This link can provide you with some interesting info
http://www.fallschirmartz.com/af_obfjr4.html
Best regards.
Óscar

[Óscar G]

"When a company of the New Zealand 20th Armoured Division made a surprise assault through the mountainous terrain, on March 19, 1944, six of the attacking tanks were rendered out of action by the German artillery. In close combat the German paratroopers destroyed the remained eleven. Oberleutnant Eckel, Commanding Officer, 14./FJR4, personally wiped out three tanks during the battle" (Böhmel/Haupt (1971), Fallschirmjäger. Bildband und Chronik 1939-1945. Dorheim: Podzun-Verlag, page # 211)

Another source (Stimpel H.M. (1998), Die deutsche Fallschirmtruppe 1942-1945. Einsätze auf den Kriegsschauplätzen im Süden. Hamburg: Mittler & Sohn, page #309) states that on March 18th, several New Zealander and Idian units, supported by an American tank company, attacked the Albaneta area, against the III./FJR4. The Kompaniechef of the 14. Fallschirm-Panzerjägerkompanie, Oberleutnant Raimund Eckel, a "Melder" and a "Kriegsberichter", who was overtook by the attack and was attached to the HQ of the II. Bataillon, faced the Allied tanks with a Panzerschreck and some Tellermines. They destroyed - probably - six vehicles, some Shermans among them. Shortly after this encounter, the defence was reinforced. The final result was that from 40 Allied tanks, only 18 came back.

This is his photo (shown in the link above and taken from the Böhmler´s book).
Hope this helps. Regards.
Óscar

[JYN]

Another Source :

Der Weg der 14.Kompanie des Fallschirmjäger-Regment 4 - von 1942 bis 1945, by Franz Kaupa, 202 pages. Date : unknown. Pirinted by the TK.

Jean-Yves

[D. Löwenhamn]

Óscar, great reply. Also a thank you to Jean-Yves. Very helpful!

Best regards/ Daniel