by omega_chile on 15 Jun 2012 05:48 (Taken for an article in the national news paper)
The explosion of the bombs shakes the ruins of Breslau. On the streets covered by clouds of dust can see hundreds of civilians seeking food or just trying to pick a weapon of soldiers killed by enemy fire. Among the landscape at once unreal and far away, a group of soldiers emerge speaking in Spanish. Some sing. And in between some laughter is heard just at the moment one, two, ten faces take definite shape. They wear German uniforms. They fight an enemy that week does not cease to attack them.
They are soldiers of the Waffen-SS. And are Chilean.
After a while they come and greet me including Captain Miguel Serrano, the man in charge of the only Chilean forces fighting in the heart of Germany.
- We can talk here - I said Serrano - return to the front in a couple of hours.
Is it the same Serrano, one young writer Vicente Huidobro and nephew a few years ago caused controversy in the country to edit the "True Story Anthology of Chilean"? Right. Now wearing military jacket in his hands and wears a modern assault rifle. Did you change the letters of arms?
- Yes - answered smiling. - But poets are also warriors. That's what we are. No ordinary soldiers. We are warriors. Like the Greeks at Thermopylae.
And if the Greeks at Thermopylae were three hundred, Breslau Chileans are more than five hundred, all volunteers recruited by the Waffen SS for almost two years. Will they follow the fate of the Greeks in the famous battle? If so, write a page more unusual but not rare in the history of Chile, when we consider the 77 men who died in La Concepcion For over one hundred years.
Poets are soldiers. If so, the story of these men give for a novel. In the last two years have fought in Normandy, the Netherlands, Hungary and are now defending Breslau of Soviet forces who have surrounded the city. And although the situation is critical in Germany and the war is practically lost, Serrano and his men have other plans.
"We have not thought of surrender," he says. "Also, it makes little sense to give up. We know that the policy is to run the Russian commissars SS soldiers, especially if foreign volunteers. "
Of the nearly 2,000 volunteers Chileans who came to Germany in 1944 are now only just over 800, most fighting in Breslau and the rest spread over the various fronts of Germany. A little over a year the journalist Joaquín Edwards Bello chronicled in this newspaper in which he described so these men: "They come from all over the country, although most are from the provinces, and as expected, in southern Chile. There are unemployed, clerks, workers, party members Marres Von, and ex - military. Men who have lived in quiet desperation of city life. All share an ideal and a sense of duty that goes beyond our borders and lifts the sacred fire of the country into regions where the earth is shaken to the heat of combat. They are part of a common destiny and a common cause. Do not ask for anything. Instead they just want to fight to the last bullet, until the last breath. His only wish is to die with his comrades. "
It all started in late 1943 when von Marres called his supporters to support the struggle in Germany. Hundreds of volunteers came forward, although by then the government of Juan Antonio Ríos ordered the Police Department to avoid any action that would jeopardize the neutrality to Chile. Fifty Research Department was able to arrest some volunteers but most managed to cross the border and arriving in Argentina, where they were received by the government of Peron, who gave them every opportunity to embark for Germany, where the Embassy work in that country played a leading role.
The actions of this handful of men surprised the high command of the Waffen-SS. "Together with the Norwegians, Belgians and Danes, Chileans have proved to be the best volunteers of our forces. They have an innate discipline and fighting spirit. Instinctively absolutely share our principles. There was no need to instruct them politically, "he told this newspaper in 1944 the Oberst-Gruppenführer Paul Hausser, chief of the Waffen-SS troops who affectionately called" Papa. "
The good impression made by the Chilean volunteers in the German high command can be seen in the equipment with the count. "We have dedicated team that even has Wehrmacht" says Serrano. Among this team may be assault rifles MP-44, anti-tank guns Panzerfaust, and the latest in German technology, the feared and amazing night vision Vampir system, with which it has equipped the urban sniper units and have caused havoc in the Russian patrols.
The Waffen-SS troops are among the most fierce and fanatical Germans, to the point that in battles involving often lose over 50% of its staff. They are equip with the best weapons and well provided the logistics. Its hallmark is the classic skull called Totenkopf and his motto "Our honor is called loyalty." They received their baptism of fire in Poland, and after that have taken part in many major battles of this war, except for Stalingrad and North Africa.
At first the Waffen-SS were supported by the Wehrmacht, whose commanders criticized the excessive recklessness in combat. However, this has been true for many in the capacity of the seal and Waffen-SS, whose units often fight to the last man, turning imminent defeat into small tactical victories but unusual, as the recapture of Kharkov in 1943.
Although the Waffen-SS was originally composed only of German citizens, with the invasion of the Soviet Union, Hitler decided to accept volunteers from many countries engaged in the fight against communism. An extensive and efficient government propaganda spread by the German occupied countries calling to fight against the Bolsheviks. The high command of the Wehrmacht thought it was crazy and that such a policy would not succeed. However, thousands of volunteers joined the Waffen and organize their numbers forced into divisions.
Another records that have the Waffen-SS are the number of awards they have received their officers and men, showing that it is not simply opportunistic, but exceptional soldiers capable of dealing with the best allied troops. From their ranks emerged names that surely remain in history as the late Michael Wittman, the man who has destroyed more tanks in this war, as German propaganda, and is remembered for his performance in Villers-Bocage, at the Normandy campaign.
Serrano nods. He was there.
"In Normandy saw children with explosives covered Hitlerjugend division and then move against the allied tanks. Ravaged mechanized regiments of Canadians. Never saw them fear, doubt or anxiety. I would say that their faces were full of excitement and enthusiasm, "he says.
"I have no problem saying that in the midst of the fight, no one has surpassed the Waffen-SS."
But Serrano knows that the chances of surviving in Breslau are few. However, the idea of he and his men is barely able to move to Berlin. "We have received authorization, but we know that some units will leave Breslau to go to the capital. We've talked to my guys and we decided to go anyway, even though we have the necessary authorization. I think our duty as officers of the Chilean and Waffen-SS is living and fighting in the heart of the Third Reich. I feel that it would make little sense to die here, but if it occurs, will be the work of destiny. "
His men nod their faces. Some used to send messages to their families or loved ones. Others ask about daily life in the country. Looking at them, does not seem to be living imminent defeat. Their faces do not denote bitterness and fear. On the contrary, seem to be eager to return to the fight, while listening to his Captain.
"A year ago, an officer of the SS-Division" Das Reich "told me we were all part of a Schicksalgemeinschaft, which in Spanish means" community of destiny. " At that time I did not understand what it meant, but now I know. Fate brought us together in the fight and therefore we owe to each other. Life and death are meaningless. Only combat care and be true to our principles and our comrades. "
Serrano nods kindly to his face and says goodbye. Then he gathers his men and gives a few instructions. Check their equipment and weapons, and then embark on a trek to the east of Breslau, to a destination that can not be reversed.
Chilean military in Germany, 1935
At the end of 1935 traveled to the Third Reich (which was led by Adolf Hitler's National Socialist Party) three senior Air Force official: Basaure commander, Captain Nolle flock Gonzalez and Manuel Franke Air Commodore. Chilean guests visited the Krupp armaments consortiums in Essen, Siemens in Berlin, Daimler Benz and Klemm aircraft factory in Stuttgart, being deeply impressed by the "extraordinary organization and discipline" of the host country.
The result of this visit was to include Germany as main stage of the journey of several months in Europe in 1937 made the commander of the Chilean Air Force (FACH), General Diego Aracena, with a group of officers.
The Chilean military delegation was received at the highest level, even by the Hermann Göring, Hitler's right arm and head of the Luftwaffe. "In training camp of the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) in Neuruppin was received by General Aracena and guests with the highest military honors, and had not been given before a general one" (so the Nazi newspaper published Westküsten-Beobachter, No. 196, 07.08.1937, p. 30).
After that trip were purchased new aircraft for the Air Force and National Airline (LAN Chile), in Germany ordered two dozen Focke-Wulf 48 million pesos, in Italy (a country that was under the thumb of the fascist Benito Mussolini) twenty Breda 32 million machines in Denmark flight material for 5 million and U.S. seaplane for an amount of 2 million pesos. The Chilean Air Force already had a number of Junker bombers trimotors acquired in 1926-27 through the good offices of Hans von Kiesling.
It is therefore clear that even before the Second World War, the Chilean army had very good relations with the German army and it was not uncommon that several Chilean staff officers undertake courses in regular units of the Wehrmacht.
Thus in 1937 the young Lt. Col. Theophilus Gomez (Telecommunications) serves on the Communications Group Number 16 in Munster Westphalia. One of his instructors was none Marshal Erwin Rommel, who was deeply encouraged to "recognize" the potential of telecommunications in a modern war quickly and decisively.
In the photographs below, Lt. Teofilo Gomez (highlighted by a circle) is involved 'as a soldier' (with Chilean army uniform) military maneuvers in the Nazi army was indeed preparing the invasion of Poland, Czechoslovakia and North Africa.
image upload
During 1938 participates in numerous war games where he had to take part in the planning of a "possible scenario", the invasion of Poland. Thanks to his outstanding work in Germany, is taking over the Führer, in the graduation ceremony, a book autographed by him, by the following "private and personal advice" ... no public comment on anything he has done here, remember that these are issues of security of hosts and should be treated internally only.
On his return to Chile, Lt. Gomez took an active part in the severe and profound restructuring of the telecommunications weapon, his career moved solidly coming to Major General and Chief of General Staff of the Army in 1952, but not without first becoming 1939, "the voice analysis expert Chilean military about what happens to the war in Europe"
Peter Hansen: The Chilean was "Father" in the German SS Artillery.
Hansen was born on September 30, 1896 in Santiago, Chile. Its roots were of Germanic and Italian, which allowed him in his childhood in addition to speaking Spanish, the language could learn German and Italian.
Coming of age, Peter went to Germany and entered the Army of the Second Reich to fight as a volunteer in the First World War. Despite being a Chilean immigrant in 1916 was selected to fight in the trenches where he excelled in an artillery regiment. For his merits he was promoted to Lieutenant.
After finishing the War he returned to Chile, there would be a long time and can not return to Germany as a soldier by the limited number of soldiers that the Weimar Republic imposed on the Wehrmacht. During the 20's Chile was his native home, until things changed and in 1933 Adolf Hitler rose to power, Hansen then returned to Germany and entered the SS and the NSDAP with the number of militant 2.860.864. In 1934 amounted to SS-SS-Obertruppführer, Scharführer in 1935 came to SS-Haupsturmführer early 1939 and became SS-Obersturmbannführer.
When World War II broke out, as SS-Standartenführer directed his own artillery batteries in front. In 1940 came to be part of the Waffen-SS with the rank of SS-Oberführer, thus being one of the first non-European foreigners to get to this degree.
During the first stage of the conflict came little in combat, but reaching 1943 he distinguished himself greatly at the Battle of Kursk, in the army Kempf. After the Kursk disaster, Peter Hansen helped organize volunteer Lettische Division by Latvian Waffen-SS and anti-partisan struggle taught. But surely that was done by Peter Hansen was famous for his work on the 29. Waffen-SS-Division, of the Italians.
When the Republic of Salò in Italy, Waffen-SS had to create a division of Italian fascists, so it was essential to its high degree of proficiency in Italian to enlist and instruct them, that was Peter Hansen, with the rank of Division Commander Peter was promoted to General to lead the soldiers of an Italian named Piero Manelli commander, with whom he would build friendship. That's how Peter changed the German uniform by the Italian, because Italian volunteers was the only division of the Waffen-SS who were not wearing costumes Germanicus. Hansen did a great job with the Italian SS, indoctrinated by the German tactics in Muzzingen training camp in Poland. Once finished the statement, the unit was renamed the 29. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (ital. Nr. 1)
The first battle of Chilean General in charge of the Italians would take place in Piedmont, Italy, where a large number of guerrillas occupied Vinadio Force, the new SS Hansen were evicted in just three hours provoking heavy casualties. Since then Peter Hansen would get big wins against the partisans, the most obvious examples were the battles in Germanasca, Chisone, Spoleto, Assisi and Gubbio Sliver, all these victories of Chilean General.
But undoubtedly the most important action of Peter Hansen was the Battle of Anzio, in the spring of 1944, the 29. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (ital. Nr. 1) was sent to the beach of Lazio where detained the U.S. Army, the Americans surprised to see Italian troops SS against which suffered heavy losses. When Anzio joined British and American forces, the Italian SS Hansen resisted very old RPGs and weapons on the streets Neptune and Viterbo, leading to losses of the allies of them suffered and delaying the advance towards Rome. On June 4, 1944 Rome he fell into Allied hands and Hansen escaped by a hair of being surrounded, the Chilean can be proud of himself for, because he suffered 300 casualties in the division compared to more than triple that caused them to allies. After Anzio was decorated.
Peter Hansen turned back the German Army, but this time it was as Commander of Panzer unit. At the end of World War II tried to return to Chile, but it hindered the Allies, so they had to stay in Germany. For many years he resided in German lands, unable to return to his native country, died on May 23, 1967 in Viersen.
Peter Hansen can be considered a character in the history of Chile very important, that has unfortunately been forgotten because of the censorship of the victors. As well as being the only Chilean volunteer in the Waffen-SS, it was with the rank of General and came to command one of 39 divisions, in this case the 29. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (ital. Nr. 1) . It is also one of the few if not the only American to have such a high position.
Heinrich von Holleben
Nació el 13 de marzo de 1919 en Viña del Mar. El 1 de abril de 1943 llegó a ser Oberleutnant zur See, y el 4 de marzo de 1944 fue nombrado comandante del U 1051 (Tipo VIIc), permaneciendo hasta el 31 de diciembre en la 5ª Flotilla de Entrenamiento. En 1945 entró a la 11ª Flotilla en operaciones, hundiendo dos buques con un total de 2452 toneladas. Sin embargo, el sub fue interceptado por una flotilla de fragatas británicas al sur de la Isla de Man (53.39N, 05.23W) y hundido con cargas de profundidad, muriendo von Holleben y los restantes 46 tripulantes. Su viuda y su pequeño hijo del mismo nombre estuvieron entre los repatriados a Chile por el transporte Errázuriz en 1947.
Erwin Schwager
Nació en Santiago el 9 de enero de 1917. Entre el 15 de diciembre de 1942 y el 8 de febrero de 1943 comandó al sub U 143 (Tipo IId), perteneciente a la 22ª Flotilla (de Submarinos Escuela), siendo ascendido a Käpitanleutnant el 1 de abril de 1944.
Chileans fighting for the Empire of the Sun
Gonzalo Jaramillo The Kamikaze forgotten:
born on October 19, 1917 in valparaiso
in 1935 traveled to Japan for an aircraft mechanics course at that period he met his future bride yuki Khatami when war broke out was how the Japanese went to war with enthusiasm to protect their families in spite of all jaramillo was suffering from indifference of some Japanese, but as more time pasba was entering the culture and the April 5, 1942 joined the Air Force in Okinawa where 1 of the few foreign pilots in the Imperial forces, on March 17 joined the Shinpu tokubetsu kōgeki tai (kamikaze) to fight
against American forces. with the intention of demonstrating that the Chileans are a warrior race and honor
Pablo Martinez:
born on November 25, 1899 in Santiago, Chile
in 1906 his uncle returned from his travels in the Far East and brought a comic sub Japanese feudal age, which began to grow his interest in culture in April 1920 traveled to Japan to study more about the feudal era to study kendo enter In 1937 he enlisted as a soldier in the imperial army to fight in the Sino-Japanese being asendido lieutenant in 1943, died in Burma in 1945
Ignacio red:
born on April 14, 1910 in Puerto Natales
he joined the imperial army in 1936 participated in the wars in China, Guadalcanal, Singapore, Iwo jima and where where I felt a great admiration for General Tadamichi Kuribayashi. died in the same place as part of a suicide attack north america.
Jorge yoshida:
born on August 19, 1905 in Santiago, Chile, the son of a Chilean mother and father joined the Japanese Imperial Army on February 25, 1941 and he took part in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Pedro Sotomayor:
born March 15, 1900 in Viña del Mar
was serious and reserved man who possessed a great honor sentiido joined the Japanese Imperial Army. fought in the Russo-Japanese War Sino-Japanese where he was awarded the medal Jugunkisho in the invasion of Burma where he received the medal for wounds of war, January 14, 1944 was sent to Saipan where he died on 17 June 1944 during the Battle of Saipan.
