Brenner

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Jampol
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Brenner

#1

Post by Jampol » 20 Nov 2007, 20:05

Could somebody confirm me if this is Karl-Heinrich Brenner ?
Picture found on this website.
Thanks in advance,
Jampol
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Michael Miller
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#2

Post by Michael Miller » 20 Nov 2007, 20:26

That is most definitely SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS und der Polizei Karl Heinrich Brenner - complete with empty left eye socket (really wish he'd worn a glass eye or eyepatch for this photo - but at least it's black and white).

Best,
~ Mike

P.S.~ Although not requested, here is my biographical sketch of Brenner (from Leaders of the SS & German Police, Volume I, R. James Bender Publishing 2006):


Brenner, Karl Heinrich Jakob
SS-Gruppenführer
und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS und der Polizei



Born: 01.05.1895 in Mannheim / Baden.
Died: 14.02.1954 in Karlsruhe (heart failure).

NSDAP-Nr.: 3 460 685 (Joined 01.05.1933)
SS-Nr.: 307 786 (Joined 11.09.1938 [with seniority from 01.07.1938])

Promotions:
18.01.1917 Leutnant (mit Patent vom 01.09.1915)
01.04.1923 Polizei-Oberleutnant (mit RDA vom 01.04.1925)
01.04.1932 Polizei-Hauptmann (mit RDA vom 01.02.1930)
01.11.1935 Polizei-Major (mit RDA vom 09.11.1935)
01.09.1936 Charakter als Oberstleutnant der Landespolizei
20.04.1937 Oberstleutnant der Landespolizei (mit Wirkung vom 01.04.1937 & RDA vom 20.04.1937)
01.07.1938 SS-Mann
11.09.1938 SS-Obersturmbannführer (mit Wirkung vom 01.07.1938)
20.04.1939 Oberst der Schutzpolizei
15.08.1939 SS-Standartenführer
09.11.1941 SS-Oberführer
09.11.1941 Charakter als Generalmajor der Polizei
30.01.1942 SS-Brigadeführer
30.01.1942 Generalmajor der Polizei (mit RDA vom 21.10.1941)
15.03.1944 Generalleutnant der Polizei (mit Wirkung vom 01.01.1944 & RDA vom 01.03.1944)
16.03.1944 SS-Gruppenführer (mit Wirkung vom 15.03.1944)
[17.11.1944] Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS und der Polizei (precise date of promotion unknown)

Career:
ca. 1900 – ca. 1904 Attended Volksschule.
00.00.1904 – 00.00.19__ Attended a Handelshochsschule (trade high school). Graduated Untersekunda..
03.08.1914 – 17.10.1914 Entered service as Kriegsfreiwilliger, assigned to Ersatz-Abteilung / Feldartillerie-Regiment 30 (Base: Rastatt).
17.10.1914 – 00.11.1918 Frontline service with Feldartillerie-Regiment “von Scharnhorst” (1.Hannoversches) Nr. 10, assigned from 1917 to 1918 as Zugführer, Batterieführer, and Regiments-Adjutant. Wounded four times in World War I, on one of these occasions losing his left eye.
15.01.1919 – 01.04.1920 Führer of Badische Freiwilligen-Batterie Ost in Badischen Freiwilligen-Bataillon Ost. Participated in the Kapp Putsch, Berlin, 03.1920.
01.09.1919 – 01.04.1920 Service with Reichswehr-Infanterie-Regiment 17, then Infanterie-Begleit-Batterie 61.
01.04.1920 – 00.00.1935 Entered the Sicherheitspolizei in Baden, assigned as Zugführer and Hundertschaftsführer, then for several years as a Sportoffizier (Sports Officer); later transferred to the Baden Landespolizei. He excelled in sports, being a Landesmeister in the 10km road race and a Polizei-Meister in ski racing.
00.00.1926 – 01.03.1935 Hitler-Jugend service in Baden (rising to rank of HJ-Bannführer assigned to HJ-Gebiet 21, Baden). Left the HJ but retained his rank in that organization.
01.05.1933 Joined the NSDAP.
00.00.1935 – 00.00.1935 Attended an instructional course at the Landespolizei-Führerschule in Berlin.
00.02.1935 – 00.09.1936 Leiter of the Zentralabteilung (Central Department) of the “Reichsstab der Preussischen Landespolizei” and Adjutant to the “Befehlshaber der Preussischen Landespolizei” (Kurt Daluege), Berlin.
01.05.1935 – 01.06.1935 Attended an instructional course at the Artillerie-Schießschule Jüterbog.
00.09.1935 – 00.09.1935 Training with Artillerie-Regiment 41 (Base: Ulm).
00.10.1936 – 01.08.1939 Transferred from the Landespolizei to the Schutzpolizei, assigned as Amtsleiter K/R (Reit- und Fahrwesen / Riding and Driving Matters) in Stab Chef der Ordnungspolizei.
12.03.1938 – 22.03.1938 Assigned to the Berittenen (Mounted) Schutzpolizei-Gruppe in the annexation of Austria.
13.04.1938 Submitted application for membership in the SS.
01.07.1938 – 20.04.1939 Joined the SS, attached to the Stab SS-Hauptamt.
20.04.1939 – 01.09.1944 Attached to the Stab Reichsführer-SS.
00.01.1939 – 01.08.1939 Leiter of Amtsgruppe Sport (Office Group for Sports) in the “Kommandoamt des Hauptamtes Ordnungspolizei.”
00.00.1939 – 00.00.1945 Member of the Lebensborn Society.
01.08.1939 – 04.11.1939 Kommandeur of the “Sportschule der Polizei” in Berlin-Spandau. Succeeded by Major Niemann.
04.11.1939 – 12.03.1940 Kommandeur of Polizei-Regiment 3 (redesignated Polizei-Regiment “Warschau” on 19.10.1939) and “Kommandeur der Ordnungspolizei in Distrikt Warschau. First holder of these posts. Succeeded in both by Max Montua.
00.01.1940 – 00.03.1940 Chef des Stabes to the “Befehlshaber der Ordnungspolizei im Generalgouvernement” (Krakau).
12.03.1940 – 04.05.1940 Kommandeur (temporary) of Artillerie-Standarte / SS-Totenkopf-Division. First commander of this newly established unit. Succeeded by Fritz Allihn.
04.05.1940 – 01.11.1941 Kommandeur of SS-Polizei-Artillerie-Regiment / SS-Polizei-Division. First to hold this post. Succeeded by Fritz Schmedes.
00.10.1941 Wounded in the right thigh by a landmine explosion near Leningrad.
28.10.1941 – ca. 00.12.1941 Hospitalized at the “SS- und Polizei-Lazarett Berlin-Lichterfelde.”
09.11.1941 – 08.05.1945 Attached to the Stab Reichsführer-SS.
01.12.1941 – 06.02.1942 “Befehlshaber der Waffen-SS beim Höherer SS- und Polizeiführer in die Niederlanden” (Short title: “Befehlshaber der Waffen-SS Nordwest.” HQ: Den Haag). Succeeded Kurt Knoblauch. Succeeded by Alfred Karrasch.
01.12.1941 – 06.02.1942 Kommandeur of the Ersatz-Einheiten (Replacement Units) / SS-Polizei-Division
06.02.1942 – 01.07.1942 “Inspekteur der Ordnungspolizei beim Höheren SS- und Polizeiführer Alpenland im Wehrkreis XVIII” in Salzburg (subordinate to the HSSPF Alpenland, Erwin Rösener). Succeeded Helmut Mascus. Succeeded by Oskar Knofe. He actually left the post in 06.1942 to assist in forming the SS-Generalkommando.
00.06.1942 – 07.10.1942 Assigned to the Aufstellungsstab (Formation Staff) of the SS-Generalkommando (SS Army Corps HQ).
07.10.1942 – 01.02.1943 Artillerie-Kommandeur (Arko) of the SS-Generalkommando (redesignated Generalkommando SS-Panzerkorps on 14.09.1942). Succeeded Curt Brasack. Relieved of this command by the Reichsführer-SS based on telex from Paul Hausser documenting Brenner’s lack of fitness for the post (see text in notes, below).
25.11.1942 – 00.12.1942 Kommandeur of SS-Kampfgruppe “Brenner” (also known as Kampfgruppe Hafen Toulon). One of 4 battle groups operating under the SS-Panzer-Korps used in “Operation Lila”, the attempt to take over the French fleet at Toulon. The particular task of Brenner’s Kampfgruppe was to follow Kampfgruppe A under Army Oberst Edgar Feuchtinger and occupy the Sanary area of Toulon.
01.02.1943 – 07.03.1943 Assigned as an Amtsleiter in Hauptamt Ordnungspolizei, Berlin.
07.03.1943 – 30.09.1943 “Befehlshaber der Ordnungspolizei beim Höheren SS- und Polizeiführer Alpenland im Wehrkreis XVII” in Salzburg and “militärischer Einsatzführer der Bandenkampf in Oberkrain-Untersteiermark” (Military Operations leader for combating partisans in Upper Carniola and Upper Styria, subordinated to HSSPF “Alpenland” [Erwin Rösener]). Succeeded Oskar Knofe. Succeeded by Walter Griep.
15.12.1943 – 01.06.1944 “Befehlshaber der Ordnungspolizei im Reichskommissariat Ukraine” (HQ:
Rowno). Succeeded Werner Lorge. Succeeded by the same officer, who, by that time was head of the winding-up staff based in Breslau.
10.02.1944 – 27.03.1944 “Stellvertreter-Kommandeur und militärischer Führer” (Deputy Commander and Military Leader) of Kampfgruppe “Prützmann” (under Hans-Adolf Prützmann), attached to Panzer-Armeeoberkommando 4.
27.03.1944 – 29.03.1944 Führer of Polizei-Kampfgruppe “Brenner.”
17.04.1944 – 26.04.1944 Führer of Gruppe “Brenner”, subordinated to XIII.Armee-Korps / 4.Panzer-
Armee / Heeresgruppe Nord.
06.06.1944 – 23.07.1944 “militärischer-Führer der Bandenkampfaktionen” (Military Leader of Anti-Partisan Actions) attached to the HSSPF “Russland-Mitte und Weissruthenien” (Curt von Gottberg).
02.07.1944 – 23.07.1944 Führer of Gruppe “von Gottberg.”
00.07.1944 – 26.08.1944 “Vertreter des Chefs der Bandenkampfverbände” (Deputy to the Chief of Anti-Partisan Forces), Erich von dem Bach.
23.07.1944 – 01.09.1944 Führer of Korpsgruppe “von Gottberg” (also known as Gruppe “Brenner” from 02.08.1944 – 05.08.1944). Succeeded Curt von Gottberg.
01.09.1944 – 10.03.1945 Kommandeur of 6.SS-Gebirgs-Division “Nord.” Succeeded Friedrich-Wilhelm Krüger. Succeeded by Franz Schreiber.

Postwar Internment and Activities:
Surendered to U.S. Army troops, 02.04.1945. After his release from a U.S. internment camp, he lived in Karlsruhe. In 1953, Brenner was a candidate for election to the Bundestag (representing the “Nationalen Sammlung” in Wahlkreis 175 [City of Karlsruhe]).

Decorations & Awards:
31.12.1944 Ritterkreuz des Eisernes Kreuzes as SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS und Polizei and Kdr. 6.SS-Gebirgs-Division “Nord” / 20.(Gebirgs-)Armee (for his leadership of the Division during the German retreat from Finland. Award based on recommendation by General der Infanterie Friedrich Hochbaum dated 17.11.1944; approved by Oberbefehlshaber 20.(Gebirgs-)Armee, Generaloberst Dr. Lothar Rendulic on 25.11.1944.)
16.06.1944 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold as SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant der Polizei (for his part in anti-partisan operations in Byelorussia; award recommendation written and submitted by Heinrich Himmler on 10.06.1944)
17.08.1941 1939 Spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse
04.08.1941 1939 Spange zum 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse
00.00.191_ 1914 Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse
00.00.191_ 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse
01.09.1942 Kriegsverdienstkreuz I. Klasse mit Schwertern
24.07.1940 Kriegsverdienstkreuz II. Klasse mit Schwertern
00.00.191_ Oldenburgische Verdienst-Kreuz I. und II. Klasse
10.11.1917 Ritterkreuz II. Klasse des Grossherzoglich-Badischen Ordens vom Zähringer Löwen mit Schwertern
31.01.1917 Badische Silberne Karl-Friedrich Militär-Verdienstmedaille
00.00.191_ Preussische Militär-Verdienstmedaille II. Klasse am Kämpferband
27.09.1941 Verwundetenabzeichen, 1939 in Gold
00.00.1918 Verwundetenabzeichen, 1918 in Silber
06.05.1944 (or 28.05.1944) Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen
00.00.194_ Medaille “Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42”
05.07.1939 Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938
00.00.193_ Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938
ca. 1934 Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer
00.00.19__ Goldenes Hitler-Jugend Ehrenzeichen (Nr. 12 410)
01.08.1938 Polizei-Dienstauszeichnung 2. Stufe (with effect from 14.05.1938)
00.00.193_ Deutsche Olympia-Ehrenzeichen II. Klasse
00.00.19__ Abzeichen der Deutschen Lebensrettungsgesellschaft- DLRG- in Bronze
00.00.19__ Deutsches Reichssportabzeichen in Gold
00.00.19__ Deutsches-Reitersportabzeichen in Silber
30.01.1939 Ehrendegen des Reichsführers-SS
00.00.19__ Totenkopfring der SS
00.00.19__ SS-Zivilabzeichen (Nr. 164 277)
00.00.19__ Julleuchter der SS
00.00.193_ Ehrenwinkel für alte Kämpfer

Notes:
* Son of the salesman Georg Jakob Brenner and his wife Anna Elisabeth, née Leucht.
* Religion: Protestant until 1940, then declared himself “gottgläubig.”
* 30% disabled in World War I.
* Married on 11.04.1935 to Ursula Moninger (born 26.03.1915 / died 1983); divorced 01.12.1941 (his first wife had an affair- and a son out of wedlock- with “Sepp” Dietrich, marrying him on 19.01.1942; despite this, Brenner and Dietrich remained friends). Remarried on 19.01.1943 to Ursula (Ursel) Spielhagen, née Bueb, born 05.08.1905 in Berlin, member of NSV). One son (Bolko [?], born 16.02.1939) and three daughters (born 11.08.1932; 01.02.1934; and 24.02.1944).
* Height: 5 ft., 11 in (181 cm).
* The following is the telex from Paul Hausser, commander of the SS-Panzer-Korps, to Himmler concerning the need to relieve Brenner of his Artillery Commander assignment with that formation (followed by Himmler’s reply)(translations courtesy of Guenter Thalhaeuser):

Telex 30.1.43

to
Reichsführer-SS

Repeat recommendation to disband the Stab – Artillerie-Kommandeur of the Generalkommando. Remainder of staff to be utilized as Generalkommando - artillery staff officers. Brenner not transferred from Generalkommando. (I have) no previous knowledge of service history. After transfer (Brenner) agitated to commence duties.
Assessment: Brenner is unsuited for position. No overview skills [poor situational awareness]
Not able to think for himself, inadequate practical and theoretical knowledge of the leadership requirements for larger artillery forces. This last absolutely necessary in the East.
Acting (position) as subordinate to an artillery commander requested and approved by Army Group.
Request consideration be given for recall of Brenner. Not suited for divisional commander.

SS-Generalkommando
[signed] Hausser
SS-Obergruppenführer





T e l e x

To the
SS-Führungshauptamt
Berlin


Disbanding of Stab – Artillerie-Kommandeur for Generalkommando SS-Panzer-Korps as per request by SS-Obergruppenführer Hausser is hereby granted.
Recall of SS-Brigadeführer B r e n n e r due to urgent requirement within the Provincial Police. His reassignment as Inspekteur der Ordnungspolizei for Oberabschnitte Alpenland, Steiermark, and Kärnten is necessary given the current situation within these areas.

SS-Obergruppenführer Hausser is formally requested, in my name, to notify Brenner of the unsuitability and lack of qualifications which have resulted in his departure. This to avoid a situation whereby Brenner may be convinced that he is being unjustly demoted despite exemplary performance of his duties.

[signed] H. H i m m l e r

1.2.43



* The following character assessment was submitted by Brenner’s superior SS-Obergruppenführer und General der Polizei Erwin Rösener from Laibach (Ljubljana, Slovenia) on 09.11.1943:

“Generalmajor Brenner served again from 7.03.1943 until 30.09.1943 as Befehlshaber der Ordnungspolizei Alpenland and acted as military task force leader for anti-partisan activities in Oberkrain-Untersteiermark.

“Generalmajor Brenner carried out his assignments with great passion and care and is a man who possesses great feelings of camaraderie. In the last half-year, General Brenner’s overall manner has changed greatly to his credit and I can only award him praise. He enjoys a glass or two without losing his composure.”


Sources:
National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland:
SS-Personalakte of Karl Heinrich Brenner. Microfilm document collection A3343SS
Nix, Philip:
Biographical Notes from the archives of Mr. Nix, Birmingham, England
Schulz, Andreas & Zinke, Dr. Dieter:
Die Generale der Waffen-SS und der Polizei 1933-1945, Band I (Abraham - Gutenberger). Biblio-Verlag, 2003
Yerger, Mark C.:
Waffen-SS Commanders - Augsberger to Kreutz. Schiffer Military History, 1997
SS-Personalkanzlei and SS-Personalhauptamt:
Dienstaltersliste der Schutzstaffel der NSDAP, Stand vom 1. Dezember 1938
Dienstaltersliste der Schutzstaffel der NSDAP, Stand vom 30. Januar 1942
Dienstaltersliste der Schutzstaffel der NSDAP, Stand vom 20. April 1942
Dienstaltersliste der Schutzstaffel der NSDAP, Stand vom 9. November 1944


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Reader3000
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#3

Post by Reader3000 » 20 Nov 2007, 21:48

Although off-topic, I ask this here:

Mike, was the term for the trade high school really "Handelshochschule" in those days?

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Michael Miller
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#4

Post by Michael Miller » 20 Nov 2007, 22:58

I probably got that wrong- rather than "trade high school", Handelshochschule would probably translate as "business college". Thanks for pointing out the error. I must have been trying for a literal translation, thinking of "Handel" in terms of trade (as in commercial trade), followed by "hoch" (high) and "schule" (school).

:oops:


Best,
~ Mike

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Reader3000
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#5

Post by Reader3000 » 21 Nov 2007, 00:13

Maybe it was a höhere Handelsschule?

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Michael Miller
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#6

Post by Michael Miller » 21 Nov 2007, 01:29

That could be. I don't remember, and don't have access to my notes at the moment.

~ Mike

Andreas Schulz
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#7

Post by Andreas Schulz » 21 Nov 2007, 10:34

Michael Miller wrote:
20.04.1937 Oberstleutnant der Landespolizei (mit Wirkung vom 01.04.1937 & RDA vom 20.04.1937)
Dear Mike,

Brenner changed on 01.10.1936 from the Landespolizei to the Schutzpolizei. On 20.04.1937 he was promoted to Oberstleutnant der Schutzpolizei.

AnDie

Phil Nix
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#8

Post by Phil Nix » 21 Nov 2007, 13:04

I always felt sorry for Brenner he lost his post as an Artillery Kommandeur due to 'lack of qualifications and he lost his wife to Sepp Dietrich. He does not seem to have let this spoil what seems to be a successful career
Phil Nix

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