My 2nd german Cross in Gold Group for 2015

[Lionel H.]

Now both german cross documents, don't need to say that "Brauchitsch-Signature" on it is more scarce that Keitel's one. The formal award as been cut so fit a normal A4-Size, unfortunately it has been often done.... Good point is the original Letter to accompany the sending at Home was preserved. </P><p><img src="http://cdn03.trixum.de/upload2/r/N/rN6TVRJvYput142340926475P1683.jpg"></p>
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[Lionel H.]

Krimschild. </P><p><img src="http://cdn04.trixum.de/upload2/C/E/CEPK76vc9xdF142342637515P1683.jpg"></p>

[Hank C.]

Thanks for the extra pix Lionel! Great documents - trimmed or not. And the group overall, as others have said: fantastic!

all the best
Hank

[PanzerElite]

[Lionel H.]

Thanks ! Here are two close up of the last 2 Awards documents, the SWB and GWB, the later one received for his last Wound during the battle of the Bulge. I will do my best to avoid my Friends a too long waiting until the next German Cross Group ! Lionel. </P><p><img src="http://cdn03.trixum.de/upload2/p/x/pxE4zN8PHTfV142351919184P1683.jpg"></p>
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[Archi]

Hi Lionel !

Congratulations for another really great grouping !
And so many interesting signatures as well, on those fascinating docs !

The Major and Kdr. of Pz.Abw.Abt. 38, who signed the Dienstauszeichnung 3. Klasse, should
have been the later Gen. d. Panzertruppen Karl Decker (RK m. Eichenlaub u. Schwertern):
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/.../DeckerK-R.htm
http://www.panzer-archiv.de/content/personen.php?id=6

(The Kdr. of Pz.Abwehr-Abteilung 37 should be identifiable as well, but not for me yet ...)

According to Vorausabteilung Baacke (= VA Baacke) :
The 72. Inf.Div. formed such a makeshift unit (also under command of Hptm. Baacke) already during
the attack against Greece, which helped in the breakthrough of the Thermopylae chokepoint. This unit
was in the beginning composed of one of the regular infantry batallions (but equipped with additional bicycles),
the Radfahrschwadron 72, the Pz.Jg.Abt. 72 and one Kp.(mot.) of Pi.Btl. 72, but this composition changed.
I do not have any info on the composition of VA Baacke in July 41 and later, but it could be very similar.

What I think is rather unusual (at least in my oppinion) is, that this [B]VA Baacke[/B] seemed to have
existed consistently at least until sometime in November 1941.
[Is there any mentioning in the Soldbuch ?!]
(This and the following information is based on excerpts of the KTB of 72. ID, published by the
Truppenkameradschaft of 72. Inf.Div.).

According to the actions when he was first wounded and probably received his EK II in July 1941 :
72. Inf.Div. assembled from the 7.7.41 onward north of Jassi and crossed the river Pruth
and seized a bridghead at Ungheni (~15 km WNW of Jassi) from the 9.7.41 onward.

From this position, the Vorausabteilung (VA) Baacke started its attack towards Kishinew at
20:00 on the 11.07.41. The first task was to occupy the eastern rim of the woods west of Sipoteni.
On the 12.7., VA Baacke was fighting against a stubborn enemy (strength ~ 2 Btls. and tanks) near Bachmut.
(possibly here he was wounded). The enemy could stop the attack first, but withdrew from the town during
the following night.

Elements of 72. ID and VA Baacke advanced further during the next days. On the 15.7.41 Bykowez was taken
and on the 16.7. Kishinew.

Over the next weeks, the division was very successful and crossed the Dnjestr (25.7.), the Bug (15.8.),
the Dnjepr (29.8.) and advanced as far as Mariupol. In mid October, the division was ordered to return
to the "Krim chokepoint" near Perekop, where it achieved a breakthrough and took Simferopol on 1.11.41
and advanced towards Sewastopol, where Fort Balaklawa was taken on the 14.11.41. For the rest of the year,
the division took part in encircling Sewastopol. During one of this battles he must have been awarded the DKiG.

I hope that adds some useful informations,
Cheers,

Archi

[Lionel H.]

Hi Archi ! You are really a stunning Guy !! Almost sure you have spent more time researching on this Group that myself I will have tomorrow a more detailed Look throughout the SB's page . Also I had the chance to discuss some Hours with the daughter who gave me some information concernings his Dads Carreer, who started in the "Reichswehr". I will have a Look to the Notes I took there, they were good détails about his Wounds. In the Soldier's archives, they were some old copies from Baacke's Carreer, so I mean both had a very close Relationship and appreciated each others.... I just regret the Lack of Photos, she had two Albums (Reichswehrzeit) which were not very attractive for me, and she doesn't want to part with, so....
But before all, thank you for these Researches, they are for sure interesting for me, I will print this msg and also sent a copy to the Daughter too ! Sie freut sich bestimmt daran ! Thanks. L.

[Angel Farré]

Lionel this is like hunting, your quota has been reached and you are not allowed to hunt for more DKiG groups till next year so pass em and other collectors, in this order, all your contacts to other groups so we can also have some fun and not only the pleasure to see how you show us so gently your new prizes.

Really a wonderfull group with a really early award, happy for you my friend.

Archi, you are sure one of the best, always helping us, I still rmember how you help me researching a Panzerjager group.

Lionel dont forget this, no more hunting or we will revoque your permit

Angel

[Lionel H.]

Hi Angel. Just coming back from bavaria..... The Family I have met had a fantastic Group (German Cross + Tankkiller), but no Luck this time. They keep anything. The only "souvenir" I was able to bring back is this nice - but empty - Box and some cool Pics..... Better than nothing..... So your commandations are OK for this time. Lionel. </P>

[Angel Farré]

Ok; due my actual financial situation I decided to give you my annual quota so go hunt and show your success to us.

Not always Lucky, but sure you enjoy a good time with the family, is the vet alive? Show us the photos, will be nice to see a Panzeknacker pictures.

Angel

[Angel Farré]

Ok; due my actual financial situation I decided to give you my annual quota so go hunt and show your success to us.

Not always Lucky, but sure you enjoy a good time with the family, is the vet alive? Show us the photos, will be nice to see a Panzeknacker pictures.

Angel

[Lionel H.]

Thanks Angel..... Here is a small part of the Group I have missed It is a little bit "camouflaged", you'lle understand that, because my chances will be bigger the next time..... Enough to understand it could be a nice Group in my collection. Note the heavy Facewound he suffered during his Tank-destruction Action !! But enough..... it is no more the Subject of this Thread ! Lionel. </P><p><img src="http://cdn02.trixum.de/upload2/K/H/KHTGNcW3BFs2142427353887P1683.jpg"></p>
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[Angel Farré]

Really nice, hope we all can see it when you obtain it.

Thanks

Angel

[PanzerElite]

[Tom B]

Very nice grouping ! Tom