GM Erich Walther

[USAF1986]

Hello! Does anyone know the circumstances behind the apparent absence (wounds, illness, etc.) of Generalmajor Erich Walther from command of the Fallschirm-Panzergrenadier-Division 2 "Hermann Göring" during the period November 1944-March 1945? Several websites give the following divisional commanders:

Generalmajor Erich Walther, 24 September 1944 - November 1944
Oberst Wilhelm Söth (Heer), November 1944 - January 1945
Oberst Georg Seegers (Heer), February 1945 - March 1945
Oberst Helmuth Hufenbach (Heer), March 1945 - 27 March 1945
Generalmajor Erich Walther, March 1945 - 8 May 1945

If this is correct, it would seem that Seegers and Hufenbach each held brief, temporary commands of Fallsch.Pz.Gren.Div. 2 "HG" in the Heiligenbeil Pocket.

Keilig lists Seegers as commanding Grenadier-Regiment 431 of the 131. Infanterie-Division, a unit also trapped in the pocket. Keilig notes Seegers took command of Fallsch.Pz.Gren.Div. 2 "HG" in February 1945.

There is no mention in Keilig or Bradley of Hufenbach commanding Fallsch.Pz.Gren.Div. 2 "HG". He commanded the 562. Volksgrenadier-Division, also trapped in the Heiligenbeil Pocket, until his death in action on 27 March 1945.

Thanks for any assistance!

Best regards,
Shawn

[Ingo]

Hello,

Erich Walther was wounded untill he became his swords for the Knights cross. In April 1945 he was again the commander of this division.

[USAF1986]

Ingo,

Thank you! Do you, by chance, know how Walther was wounded (artillery fire, air attack, etc.) and the exact date? Thanks again!

Best regards,
Shawn

[Matthew Jordan]

http://www.eagle19.freeserve.co.uk/walther.htm

I'm running late, but it may be there.

Regards,
KRGvR

[USAF1986]

I found a bit more on Walther at Lexicon der Wehrmacht:
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Per ... herE-R.htm
He was badly wounded by grenade fragments and hospitalized. However, this biographical sketch indicates he was wounded after receiving the Swords on 1 Feb 1945.
Best regards,
Shawn

[genstab]

Would anyone have exact appointment and relief dates for GM Georg Seegers? That would help with when Obst Söth left the division and exactly when Obst Hufenbach took temporary command. I can't find a biography of Gen. Seegers anywhere.
Thanks,
Bill

[askropp]

Hufenbach was mstFb from 24 March until his death three days later.

[Rossano]

Happy Easter Askropp.
What is Your source for Hufenbach (re. Your last post) ?
His K.Karte, Keilig + Bradley, the Einteilung 4.45, etc. all read that Hufenbach died on 27.3.45 as Führer d. 562.VGD. But if Your source is correct, did he command in the last 3 days the 562 + the 2."HG" at the same time or the 562 until 23.3 only and then the 2."HG" ?
Also, if Hufenbach correct, Seegers bis 24.3 zul. GM. (16.3) ?
Finally re his K.Karte Söth "zwar" at the 2."HG" 11.- 12. 44 "aber" it is not specified whether as Führer
Thanks + Rgds., Rossano

[askropp]