Query Regarding Major Alexander Sauter

[STUPA216]

Good evening all,

I am in the process of purchasing an M36 walking out tunic named to a Major Sauter, the tunic has loops for a German Cross on the right breast pocket. The tunic is for a panzer jager and the only candidate that I can find for this item would be Major Alexander Sauter who was awarded the DKiG in Feb 1942 when he was an oberleutnant and he served in Pz Jager Abteilung 137. He apparently also served in 1945 in Armee-Pz.Jg.Abt. 744. I was wondering if anyone had any further information on this individual. Any info on these units and whether or not they had STUGS or other armored vehicles? Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you
Kurt

[Simon O.]

It sounds like your man but it's worth mentioning that in the Jan.39 ranklists there's a Major Sauter commanding 5./Pz.Rgt.36.

As for Alexander, His seniority date for leutnant was 1.9.1938, he was first with panzerabwehr abteilung 5 but by jan 39 he'd been transferred to the 1 Kp. of panzerabwehr abteilung 46. In Oct.40 Panzerjäger abt.137 was formed from elements of 46 which explains why he is listed with that unit when he got his DKiG as an oberleutnant. The abteilung was a regular infantry division anti-tank battalion (the 137 Inf.Div.) and was equipped as such. In June 41 each of its three companies had 8 Pak36 and 3 ex-French 47mm guns.

In Oct.43 the stab and 2 Kp. of the abteilung were used to create Armee Panzerjäger Abt.744, which fought under the 2 Armee. As Sauter was promoted Major as of 1.11.43 it seems clear he was this unit's commander and it would appear that he was still so in 1945 as he is listed as being awarded the ehrenblattspange.
The unit was equipped, at least partially with the Marder III and i've seen reference to it receiving at least some Hetzers in March 45.

[STUPA216]

Thats Him Panzer

The tunic is marked to panzerabwehr abteilung 46 so I think we have our man. Thank you Simon it is greatly appreciated.

Kurt