Ritterkreuzträger Werner Kost?

[Admiraal]

Hey Guys,

As you probaly saw on this section of the forum, i got a small lot of Ritterkreuzträger picture's with autographs.
With those was this modern photo, on the back the name "Werner Kost" is written, aswell as on the front as an autograph.

But when i look up the guy i can't find him anywere on any RK receivers list!
Whats up with that? must this be a staged photo? or is he "forgotten" on the lists?

I believe Werner Kost wrote a book about the DAK or something and he was an officer in a Gebirgsjeager unit.

The picture:

[Ian Jewison]

I found little info of a Kost in 2 Gebirgsjäger Kompanie, Sonderverband 288, however at the moment can not add any more!

He is not listed as a holder of high awards....if the name is correct that is!

/Ian

[Ian Jewison]

The book:

Gebirgsjäger in der Wüste Libyens by Werner Kost. ISBN 3-924181-32-2

A photographic documantry of the former Mountain Troop Company of Sonderverband 288.

I have found nothing further regarding Herr Kost!

Uncannilly not one hour ago I was looknig at a Soldbuch in my collection from the same unit.....I need to get a copy of this book now if it is still available!

/Ian

[Ian Jewison]

Leutnant Werner Kost.
Zugführer: 1 Zug, 2 Gebirgsjäger Kompanie, Sonderverband 288

Same person?

Rittmeister Werner Kost.
Kommandeur: Gebirgs Aufklärungs Abteilung 54. Feb. 1944 - Oct. 1944.

[Admiraal]

Thanks!

Same person?

It must be, but i find it very strange that he is wearing an RK, don't you?

[Ian Jewison]

Looks like he could be one of the many Ritterkreuzträger that received their RK during the closing stages of the war but their award did not go through correct channels.
In this case, they were awarded by Divisional and Korps Commanders etc. but without OKW approval......some were approved and some were not!

Fellgiebel's book goes into some depth about these cases........how many were there like this? Over the years I have seen around 10 examples where the RK was noted in the Soldbuch or Wehrpaß only for them not to be listed in any work and unfotunately their award revoked........

OF course then you have those that added the award themselves or felt they should have had a higher award for their actions than they actually received!

I do know of DK holders also in this same catagory.

This is not counting the many fakes as well!!!

/Ian

[Sepp45]

This is a postwar photo of him wearing the KC