Uschkulan is one of two villages (second is Khuzruk) which Groth's expedition passed before they started ascend on mount Elbrus. They were there two days prior this hoto was taken (14-15 August aproximately). On 17 August Groths high mountain company captured alpinist base "Prijut-11". On 21 August they went on their famous expedition and planted the flag (with Geb.Div.1 and 4 pennants) on the summit of mount Elbrus. But in true that was not the real summit - due to bad weather they made a mistake and chose the wrong place for the flags which was not the highest point. Also they did not manage to make good photos on summit again because of weather. Mistake was discovered by a small group of alpinists leaded by mountain guide leutnant Leupold 23/08/42. Later there when the weather got fine a new expedition put the flag on the real summit of Elbrus. And that was filmed by war journalist Hans Ertl. If you see the film "Kameraden untern Edelweiss" - the moment when they on summit with flag is filmed by Ertl. So the real conquer of summit was later than 21/08.
Regarding breast eagle - I think there can be any reason to it, except one - this is not due to his some political anti-Hitler views. Geb. Div.1 was an elite Wehrmacht Division and I can't believe that high officier in stuff of this unit could be unloyal to 3d Reich.
Regarding breast eagle - I think there can be any reason to it, except one - this is not due to his some political anti-Hitler views. Geb. Div.1 was an elite Wehrmacht Division and I can't believe that high officier in stuff of this unit could be unloyal to 3d Reich.
Dan, you are right. I agree. For sure he was loyal Staff officer.
I have many prooves for that. He was a big patriot and true Reichsdeutsch.
I just cant remember seeing such situation ( no breast eagle) on any pictures I have seen before ??? That is why I mentioned this here in this thread.
Comment