Research

[ZT692]

Hello I am attempting to research some individuals, in particular my award groupings of DKIG and KC winners. What is the best way to start? How do I access the Totenbank?
Steve

[Simon O.]

The German war graves database is here
http://www.volksbund.de/graebersuche/content_suche.asp

You can get a little RKT info here
http://www.das-ritterkreuz.de/

DKiG holders names here
http://www.ww2awards.com/


That's the quick and free way to start. Next up would be books. If you'd give us some names then we could point you in the direction of some books or other resources to help find the man behind the award.

[ZT692]

Names

Simon,
thank you for the reply.
I am researching the following groups:

Wilhelm Druke
KC 30.12.44
Rgt 294

[ZT692]

More Names

Leonhard Berghofer
DKIG 20 Aug 44

[ZT692]

Last One

Paul Heimsath
DKIG 21 Oct 43
Gr. Rgt.58

[RaymondG]

Hi Steve

I have just checked the information that I have, and I have a slither of more information on Leonhard Berghofer for you:

Berghofer, Leonhard
Stabsfeldwebel
Wetter-Erkundungs-Staffel

The rest of my resources do not give you any more nuggets of information, I'm afraid


Raymond

[ZT692]

Leonhard Berghofer

Thank you for the information. I have a large amount of documents related to this man, see below. Since I cannot translate into German, I am not sure what is all here. I would like to learn more about his career, especially his action for the DKIG.

[ZT692]

More

another pic

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more pics

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More Pictures

again

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Last One

more

[Larry deZeng]

Steve wrote:
I would like to learn more about his career, especially his action for the DKIG.

Berghofer was a Wetterflieger, so I would recommend the following recently published book:

KINGSTON, John A. and Franz Selinger. Wekusta: Luftwaffe Meteorological Reconnaissance Units and Operations 1938 – 1945. 20 Dec 2006. 256p. Maps. Color photos. Color profiles. Appendix with list of c.1,000 Wekusta aircrew personnel.

I can't guarantee that it will give you details of how Berghofer got the DKiG, which in the Luftwaffe was usually based on the number of Feindflüge (combat or combat-related missions) a fellow flew, but there should be some information on him. Not many Wetterflieger got the DKiG.

--Larry

[RaymondG]

Hi

For translating, you can always use an online translator which will make it less painful to wade through.

Here is a good one:

www.freetranslation.com

Raymond

[Simon O.]

Simon,
thank you for the reply.
I am researching the following groups:

Wilhelm Druke
KC 30.12.44
Rgt 294

http://www.das-ritterkreuz.de/index_...rchword=Drüke

In january 1939 he was commander of the 5 schwadron, kavallerieschützen regiment 4 (later renamed panzergrenadier rgt.4 of the 6 panzer division) as rittmeister (hauptmann). His seniority date for that rank was 1 March '38. He promoted Major 1.1.42. i don't know when he made oberstleutnant but it was late '44 at least.

I don't have it, but i believe the most complete bio you're going to find on him will be in Biblio verlag's 'Die ritterkreuzträger der Infanterie' series volume.5 which covers names from Dra.to Emm.

I take it you know that he got it for his command of the regiment that took St.Vith during the Ardennes offensive?

[ZT692]

Druke

Simon,
Yes I was very interested in this award grouping once I learned of his role during the Battle of the Bulge and at St. Vith. I will post the other documents in this group later tonight, it is a great grouping and I feel lucky to have it. Do you know what happened to him during the rest of the war?