707. Inf.Div. - war crimes

[hopsi]

Hi
I just received some documents and awards from my friend`s grandfather, who was serving as an artillery officer within 707. Inf. Div. .
After doing some research ,I found out about the activities and war crimes between spring 1942 - spring 1943 of the division.
Some award documents are signed by GenMaj Frhr. von Bechtolsheim, who was responsible for giving orders for operations against Belorussian partisans and jews. Hopefully this artillery officer was not involved in this kind of actions. Any infos about 3./le. Art.Abt 657 would be welcomed.
Best regards Stephan

[hopsi]

duplicat EK I

[hopsi]

what was it ??

[gnadenlose]

It's always questionable if activities against partisans classify as war crimes. Freedom fighters for some, terrorists for others, quite extistential dilemma. Sorry for OT.

[Simon O.]

not much to say except both the 2nd and 3rd Battery was equipped with 4 10.5cm guns.

[hopsi]

Thanks for replies
Stephan

[hucks216]

707 Infantry Division was involved in the murder of over 10,000 Jews in Belorussia. Page 132 of The German Army And Genocide (Edited by the Hamburg Institue For Social Research) lists some of the Aktions from October to December 1941 in which it was involved, although it only mentions Infantry Rgt 727 of the division, and also has two excerpts taken from interrogation reports of members of IR 727.

[hopsi]

some more fotos to come....

[hopsi]

russian POWs ???

[hopsi]

last one ...

[PZIV]

They seem to be wearing different things, but I don't see any women or children. That might lead me to believe they are just males from a village...which can never be good in this type of setting. I guess I will not jump to conclusions, though...

[hopsi]

Sounds good to me...