Traditionsabzeichen "Kampfstaffel Rommel"!

[Ian Jewison]

Wasn't too sure where to post this!
Below is an image taken from a Soldbuch to a member of Panzerjäger Abteilung 543 part of 3 Panzer Division.
What is interesting amongst his awards is the entry

Gemaß A.T.B. Nr. 5/45 vom 1.3.45 zum Tragen des Traditionsabzeichen der ehemaligen Kampfstaffel Rommel berechtigt

Any one any ideas what the Traditions badge looked like and what it was for?

Thanks, Ian

[Rick Research]

Ian: what the heck is "Pharmacy Captain and Platoon Leader" up top? That's not one I've ever seen, a druggist awarding the Rumanian "Crusade" Medal!

[Ian Jewison]

Hi Rick,
This guy's service included the following:
1941-43 Sanitäts Park 522, Armee Sanitäts Park 579 in occupied territories,1944 Feldersatz Bataillon 59 part of 8 Panzer Division in Russia (Tarnopol), Sturm Regiment, Panzer Armee Oberkommando 4 in North Ukraine (Weichsel, Cholm-Lublin), wounded by infantry gun burst 24.7.1944 and to Panzer Grenadier Ersatz Bataillon 3 based in Schwedt. After convalescing to Panzerjäger Abteilung 543 part of 3 Panzer Division, 1945 in Russia (Narew), Hungary, Steirmark. Hospitalised again 19.3.1945.
/Ian

[Frank Heukemes]

Dear Ian,

not sure at all, but I know of two not very well researched badges that COULD fit this description:

1) There is a metal pin with the Afrika Korps palm with swaz, white enamel, I assume not much taller than 20 mm.

2) Cloth badge oval shape, sized like a Jägerbadge, also palms and swaz.

sorry, no pics but next time I see them, I will post them here.
Does anbody know what I am talking about? Could that be a possibility?

Cheers, Frank H.

[J Melvin]

More interesting to me are the "1945" dates for the award of the award. HMMMM????

[Chris Boonzaier]

Are we all 100% sure it says "Rommel"?

[Ian Jewison]

I thought it said Rommel but no idea of the connection to Panzerjäger Abteilung 543 and/or 3 Panzer Division.

Remember it says Traditions Badge of the former Combat Squadron "Rommel".....or who ever! So 1945 is the date he joined Pz.Jg.Abt. 543 and entitled to this badge....This guy was never in the Africakorps.........

I will try and find any reference on the net somewhere.....

Does anyone have the book on the history of 3 Panzer Division?

/Ian

[atcase]

Hi to all,
bit of a mystery here , the cloth badge Munich refers to is i belive the arem insignia for `Sonderverband 288`but i can not find at first glance any mention of Pz Abt 543 in the 3 Pz division or in the21 pz div to which it was later assigned ??

Ashley

[Ian Jewison]

Hi Ashley,
Panzerjäger Abteilung 543
Formed 26.8.1939 as Panzerabwehr Abteilung 543 through WK VI in Armeepaket “M” (Münster); renamed 1.4.1940; Nov. 1944 replenished with new FP No.;
U: Army troops;1940 18 Armee; 21.1.1941 3 Panzer Div.
E: 3 Potsdam, WK III

/Ian

[Shannon]

Bout that pin

I have a little pin it's a white enamled palm tree with a black swastika,marked ges.gesch,I know nothing about it what did you say it was?