RSHA - Gruppe VI F

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E-IV
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RSHA - Gruppe VI F

#1

Post by E-IV » 12 Sep 2011, 17:22

Hello,
help is kindly requested on the reconstruction of the organization of Gruppe VI F within the SD Ausland.
This group was named "Technische Hilfsmittel für den Nachrichtendienst im Ausland" (Technical means for the intelligence service abroad) and had 6 Referate. It developed all kind of technical means and devices to be used by the agents of the SD Ausland, such as encryption systems, explosives, micro-photography, toxines, forged documents, handheld devices to spot enemy radio stations, etc.
I have several names for its commanders:
SS-Ostubaf. Walter Rauff (19.06.1906 in Köthen, Anhalt – 14.05.1984 in Santiago de Chile),
(Hans) Hermann Bielstein
SS-Stubaf. Hermann Dörner (Jörner?)
SS-Stubaf. Rudolf Lassig
Its Referate were:
VI F 1: unknown
VI F 2: apparently supervision of V-men on training
VI F 3: Botanische Versuchsanstalt Kranichsfelde/ Untersteiermark under the command of the dutch SS-Ustuf. Johannes Ebben or - more likely -: school for micro-photography
VI F 4: unknown, VI F 4a: passports and documents (under the command of SS-Stubaf. Bernhard Krüger (* 26. November 1904; † 1989) as well as forgery of british pound notes
VI F 5: unknown
VI F 6: information about enemy secret services
VI F "H": apparently technical training of agents on radio devices and encryptation. "H" possibly stands for the name of its headquarters.
Can anyone assist me with details on this interesting group?
Thanks!

radevich
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Re: RSHA - Gruppe VI F

#2

Post by radevich » 18 Sep 2011, 19:26

Gruppenleiter: SS-Stubaf. Jörner, Hermann / Oberstltn. Boening (15.12.1944)


Phil Nix
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Re: RSHA - Gruppe VI F

#3

Post by Phil Nix » 19 Sep 2011, 12:14

The Vertreter to Walter Rauff was SS Obsbf Rudolf Führmann
Phil Nix

E-IV
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Re: RSHA - Gruppe VI F

#4

Post by E-IV » 22 Sep 2011, 10:36

Thanks to Radevich and Phil!
Is there additional info on the Referate, anyone?

Polizei51
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Re: RSHA - Gruppe VI F

#5

Post by Polizei51 » 22 Sep 2011, 18:06

As of January 1945

Gruppe VI F
    [Techincal Support] Sturmbannführer RudolfLassig (acting)
    H (Havel Institute) Radio Sturmbannführer Peter Siepen
    3 Chemical and Mechanical Sabotage Sturmbannführer Rudolf Lassig
    4 Forgeries, Photography Sturmbannführer Bernhard Krüger
    5 Technical Means of Assistance Hauptsturmführer Erich Weideling
    6 Instruction Sturmbannführer Dr. Heinrich Fesel
    P Personnel, Administration Hauptsturmführer Kurt Nötenberg
    Hauptsturmführer Markus Faulhaber


    Hope this helps.

    Peter

    BB-WA
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    Re: RSHA - Gruppe VI F

    #6

    Post by BB-WA » 25 Sep 2011, 18:45

    Hi Peter and E-VI

    I have this addition
    Referate VI F _? - Zentral Kartenstelle - Central Registry Office. -
    Leiter.: -
    23.05.1943. - 00.00.1945. - SS-Sturmbannführer. Dr. "Heinrich" Ludwig Johann Fesel SS# 272 638 - (first officer rank Ostuf 01.06.36, Hstuf 30.01.38, [Stubaf 20.04.39]) - "SS Astrologist"?? - By RSHA decree of 23.05.1943, SS-Stubaf. Dr. Fesel was to set up a "zentral Kartenstelle" within VI F, RSHA -

    Anyone know what Referate number the zentral Kartenstelle (Central Registry Office) was given?
    According to Peters 1945 list Fesel was later "Leiter, Referate VI 6 - Instruction Sturmbannführer Dr. Heinrich Fesel". Was this the same office re-named?

    On E-IV's list he has
    Referate "VI F 3: Botanische Versuchsanstalt Kranichsfelde/ Untersteiermark under the command of the dutch SS-Ustuf. Johannes Ebben or - more likely -: school for micro-photography"
    What is the source for this? I'm curious, it sounds like it belongs more under the SS-Ahnenerbe which had Botanists and Botanical Institutes.

    Regards
    Brian

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    Re: RSHA - Gruppe VI F

    #7

    Post by E-IV » 26 Sep 2011, 10:30

    Thanks Brian and Peter for your valuable information.
    The info on "VI F 3: Botanische Versuchsanstalt Kranichsfelde/ Untersteiermark" comes from the editor of "Der Freiwillige", however w/o indication of the source. I only know of the Kranichfeld castle in Thuringia (which I think was administered by the Ahnenerbe to install an observatory), but none in Lower Styria. That is why I am more inclined to believe that VI F 3 was related to micro-photography. I've read somewhere in the internet, that Prof. Walter Zapp - the Baltic German inventor of the subminiature camera - worked for VI F 3.
    Regarding the "Botanische Versuchsanstalt": it could well be that this was established within VI F. It seems to me that the botanical research within the Ahnenerbe - and WVHA - was more focussed on "Ersatz" (breeding of horses and angora rabbits, medicinal herbs, rubber, etc.), whereas VI F could have developed toxines. At least that would fit into the category "technical means".
    Regards
    E-IV

    E-IV
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    Re: RSHA - Gruppe VI F

    #8

    Post by E-IV » 26 Sep 2011, 10:44

    Two more things:
    1. Peter: could you please provide the source and german designations of the January 1945 VI F organization?
    2. Brian: the official designation of VI F 6 was not "information about enemy secret services". This was only meant as description of its tasks, since the only hint I have for this Referat are the booklets it issued with the title "Information" (they contained info on enemy secret services).

    BB-WA
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    Re: RSHA - Gruppe VI F

    #9

    Post by BB-WA » 27 Sep 2011, 16:16

    Hi E-IV
    Some explainations and questions.

    Kranichsfeld(e) - seems to be a spelling error by "Der Freiwillige" I can only find the 2 below
    * Kranichsfeld - Appears to be South of Maribor / Untersteiermark / Slowenien (Slovenia) - The one you mention.
    * Kranichfeld - It is situated on the river Ilm, 18km SE of Erfurt, and 16km SW of Weimar / Thuringen - (BTW the Ahnenerbe Sternwarte (Observatory) as far as I can tell was the "Forschungsstätte für Astronomie / in der "Sternwarte" iGrünwald beim München (Research center for Astronomy) - It was the only SS-Ahenerbe one (There were plans for the construction of other "SS-Sternwarten", but these were abandoned after the outbreak of WW II)

    Does anyone have any info on the Dutch SS-Ustuf. Johannes Ebben that E-IV mentions. Of interest would be if Ebben specialized in any particular field of expertise, this would help a lot.
    BTW - Ebben must be a common name as a Google search for Johannes Ebben only gives me pages of sites on family trees, so it was of no help.

    Gruppenleiter VI F -
    Hermann Dörner (Jörner?) - No indication of any (Jörner or Joerner maybe a typo?) in the DAL's I have.
    I have found a Hermann Dörner - he was in the SD-HA later RSHA, but no info where he was posted. Could this be the Gruppenleiter VI F?
    00.06.1942. - (00.00.1944.) - Hermann Dörner (Jörner?) SS# 47 639 - (Ustuf 13.09.36, Ostuf 20.04.37, Hstuf 00.00.00, Stubaf 20.04.41, Hstuf.d.R. 00.00.00, [Ostubaf 09.11.43], Ostubaf.d.R. ) - SD-HA 1937 DAL - RSHA 01.10.1942 - 1943 & 1944 DAL -
    and
    15.12.1944. - 00.00.1945. - SS-Sturmbannführer. u. Oberstleutnant.d.R. Wilhelm Boening SS# 346 642 - ([Stubaf 01.09.43], OberstLt.d.R. 00.00.00) - zug. 00.07.1944. - 00.00.1945, Leiter, Amt Mil E & Amt Mil F, AmtMil, Amt VI, RSHA. -

    (Prof.?) Walter Zapp - * Riga 04.09.1905 - + 17.07.2003 -
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Zapp
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minox
    Invented in 1936 by German-Latvian Walter Zapp. Introduced to the market in 1937 / 1938. It was manufactured VEF (Valsts Elektrotehniskā Fabrika) electrotechnical manufacturing concern in Riga. Production began in Riga at VEF, running from 1937 until 1943. The camera attracted the attention of intelligence agencies in America (There is at least one document in the public record of 25 Minox cameras purchased by the US Office of Strategic Services intelligence organisation in 1942), Britain and Germany, due to its small size and macro focusing ability. The camera became both a luxury gift item for Nazi leaders as well as a tool for their spies.
    Before the Russian occupation in 1940, Zapp moved to Germany. I didn't find anything linking him directly to, or employment by Referate VI F, but they used his camera's. Zapp seems to be more involved in further development of the camera with VEF in Latvia where it was based and produced. No indication a factory was set up in Germany.

    As for Botanical studies in Gruppe VI F, maybe as you say, the name was a misnomer given to the office to cover its true purpose. But the RSHA was so secretive about what it did very few people outside of the RSHA and higher SS / NSDAP circles even knew what its purpose was. So why bother with a Botanical cover name, especially as Untersteiermark that was a hotbed for Partisan activity?
    Something so sensitive as macro-photography training and development of film from agents wouuld be done in house in Berlin or where ever Referate VI F was based. This is why I think that the "Botanische Versuchsanstalt Kranichsfeld(e)/ Untersteiermark" sounded more at home in the Ahnenerbe rather than the RSHA. Actual research for plant toxins (which could as you say possibly be considered a technical aid to agents) would be beyond the scope of RSHA resources. Whereas the SS-Ahnenerbe was funded exactly for this sort of thing with specialists / academics and research staff in their particular field.

    This is off topic but just for your information -
    As regards the SS-WVHA what you say is true, it was more interested in the economics of agricultural and animal production but not research to investigate plant toxins. It didn't breed horses for consumption, but horse meat was a welcome supplement to the Heer / SS and general population whenever available in later years.
    (1) - Amt D, SS-WVHA - As we know most KL's had there own "in house" herb and vegetable gardens, but this was for the benefit of the SS personal in the camps to supplement their rations rather than any prisoner nutritional requirements.
    (2) - Amt W, SS-WVHA - Amt W had many business operations and one of these companies was "Deutsche Versuchsanstalt für Ernährung und Verpflegung GmbH". (German Research Institute for Nutrition and Provisions Ltd). Despite the companies name it was not really a Research Institute, but it did investigate cross breeding to improve crop yield and meat production in farm animals (beef, pigs, poultry, etc). It operated agricultural and animal production projects on a large scale, on land "mostly acquired" or leased and also in certain KL's.
    It operated (Ca.28) large scale production farms, these were not the smaller camp herb-vegetable gardens for the camp personal consumption mentioned above.

    The SS-Ahnenerbe it was not involved in crop or animal production it was a research organization. Despite its post war reputation, the SS-Ahnenerbe did have some bona fide fields of research - "not only the quack and sinister research" it also carried out.
    The Botanical section was concerned with plant identification (new species and classification) and there uses and properties (for industrial process', medicinal properties or for drug production, toxicity etc) and was equipped with proper laboratories and staff. Some of the SS-Ahnenerbe's main Lehr- und Forschungsstätte carried out there research at more than one central location.
    SS-Ahnenerbe - to 1938 then re-structured and many offices re-named.
    (1) - Abteilung für Botanik.: - Botany -
    00.07.1938. - 00.00.0000. - Phillip Freiherr von Lutzelburg (Lützelburg) -
    (2) - SS-Ahnenerbe - Late 1938 -
    Forschungsstätte für Botanik.: - Research centre for Botany -
    00.00.1938. - 00.00.0000. - Phillip Freiherr von Lutzelburg (Lützelburg) -
    (3) - In 1939 some further offices were formed and some original ones re-named again -
    Lehr- und Forschungsstätte für Pflanzengenetik.: - Teaching and research center for Plant Genetics (Botanical Strains and Properties) - This is possibly the same office as above re-named -
    00.00.0000. - 00.00.0000. - No post holder named

    SS-Ahnenerbe also had an Institute for Horse Breeding (Est. Ca. 1939).
    Lehr- und Forschungsstäte für Pferdezucht.: - Teaching and research center for Horse Breeding -
    Genetic research into bloodlines for build, speed, strength, stamina, etc. To breed a horse best suited to its particular task - Transport or Cavalry -
    00.00.0000. - 00.00.0000. - No post holder named

    Regards
    Brian

    NicoH
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    Re: RSHA - Gruppe VI F

    #10

    Post by NicoH » 27 Sep 2011, 19:19

    Hi

    The Botanischer Versuchsanstalt Kranichsfeld is indeed in the Untersteiermark (Landkreis Pettau).

    On Untersturmführer der SD Johannes Ebben
    Born:10.11.1916, Cuijk/Netherlands
    Joined RSHA Mai 1943
    Profession: Horticulturist/tree farmer.

    He and his familiy's firm had worked for the german Airforce in the NEtherlands from 1940 onwards in the natural camouflage of the many airfields.
    In 1943 he joined the RSHA, VI F-3 (Source: his file in the SS-Rasse-und Siedlungshauptamt) and first worked in the Botonical department of IG Farben under Prof. Dr. Tauböck, in botanical research. With him he made journeys to southern Russia to get plants and information on these plants there.
    Later Prof. Dr. Tauböck intructed him to establish and lead the Botanischer Versuchsanstalt in Kranichfeld/Ustmk.
    He became an US POW only in 1946, released in 1947.
    Then worked in "Gebietsbauleitung für Wildbach und Lawinnenverbauung Lungau "between 1947 and 1950.
    Later from 9.11.50 to 1.12.51 he also was in dutch jail for his sevice in the German Armed forces
    Died 1986 in the Netherlands.
    Member of NSB and Germanic SS in the Netherlands.

    regards

    Nico

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    Re: RSHA - Gruppe VI F

    #11

    Post by BB-WA » 28 Sep 2011, 15:44

    Hi Nico

    Great info on SS-Untersturmführer der SD Johannes Ebben , (Member of NSB and Germanic SS in the Netherlands) the lower officer ranks are often hard to get information on throughout early 1940's. Does it say in his SS-RuSHA file if he had any Dutch professional qualification like an equivilent of a" German - Diploma Landwritchaft or possibly Doktorate" in this field. (Horticulturist is classed as a tradesman in Australia).

    Thanks also for confirming the Botanischer Versuchsanstalt Kranichsfeld is in Untersteiermark (Landkreis Pettau). I had already figured out "Kranichsfeld(e)" was a typo.

    As he was a Horticulturist / tree farmer I guess that rules him out of working for Referate VI F!

    You say that - "Prof. Dr. Tauböck intructed him to establish and lead the Botanischer Versuchsanstalt in Kranichfeld/Ustmk" Did the institute remain a part of the IG Farben empire or under some other NSDAP controlling body or SS, as you say he was SD?

    Anyway thanks for the info.

    Regards
    Brian

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    Re: RSHA - Gruppe VI F

    #12

    Post by NicoH » 28 Sep 2011, 18:41

    Hi Brian

    yes, information on lower rank officers is alway more difficult to find. I have included his hand written biography from his RuSHA file.
    It says about learnig: primary education, Gymnasium, and further studies in Greek, Latin and maths. He then joined his family's firm, where he learned the profession of Baumzüchter/("professional Tree grower")

    Further he clearly states he worked with the RSHA VI-F-3. and in the last few sentences he mentions the "eins"tze in the Crimea and Southern Russia, and that he now was working in the Balkans.

    Further documents in this file only deal with marriage things but are all addressed to SS-Untersturmführer Johan Ebben, Kranichfeld/ Kreis Pettau(Ustmk).

    Your question as to whether or not the Versuchsanstalt was part of IG Farben or within the RSHA Framework, I can not answer definetely. I can only assume given the fact he was an officer of the SD within the RSHA,it would be logical that the RSHA had at least approved him being there. Given the good relations between IG Farben and the SS , it would be to both parties advance.
    But this is only speculative from my part.

    Best regards

    Nico
    Attachments
    ebben001.jpg
    Lebenslauf RuS HA Akte JWH Ebben/source bundesarchiv Berlin (ehem BDC)

    BB-WA
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    Re: RSHA - Gruppe VI F

    #13

    Post by BB-WA » 30 Sep 2011, 08:59

    Hi Nico

    Thanks for the copy of Lebenslauf RuS HA Akte JWH Ebben. My German is not very good, especially when hand witten but I can roughly understand what it says.

    Looks like his full name was Johann Wilhelm (Heinrich) Ebben

    August 1940 onwards he was a member of the NSB and WA u.a. (amongst other things) he was also (_)gruppenleiter (_), leiter und (_)kommandant der WA, (Schulungs? leiter, Distrikts propogandaleiter der WA (La_), Mitarbeiter an "de (_land)" , Mitglied der Technische Nothilfe, des Arbeitsfrontes und der (_). Deutsche Kulturgemeinschaft.

    Seit Mai 1943 bin ich Baumzüchter im R.S.H.A. VI-F-3. Berlin.
    This is the bit that intrigues me if I read "Baumzüchter" correctly in the Lebenslauf. Is he saying that was his profession as a passing comment. (The SD considered itself rather elitist employing many professionals, academics, people wiyh special skills, etc into its ranks).
    "or"
    That he was emloyed because he was a "Baumzüchter". If so I still can't understand why VI-F-3 would need the services of a professional tree grower.

    Seit 1943 mitglied der (_) SS in (_) Niederlanden und SS Untersturmführer beim SD with Einsatz (action) in Crimea, Southern Russia. Now in the Balkans.

    If anyone can fill in the blanks it would be appreciated. It seems from 1940 to 1943 when he joined the SS he was a busy person. But I can't see the IG Farben and Botanischer Versuchsanstalt Kranichsfeld connection in the document and time frame this was.

    Any help more than welcome.

    Regards
    Brian

    NicoH
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    Re: RSHA - Gruppe VI F

    #14

    Post by NicoH » 30 Sep 2011, 16:18

    Hi Brian

    Filling in some of the blanks:

    full name is johan willem heinrich ebben,

    "dort lernte ich das Fach des Baumzüchters: there I learned the trade of tree-grower"
    Später auch des der Gartenarchitekts: later also the trade of Garden-designer"
    In thefirm of his father he later was leader of the foreign trade department. "reiste viel im Ausland und studierte in der Freizeit: Travelled lots abroad and in his pare time he studied languages such as German French, english and Spanish.
    "Im ausland besuchte ich mehrere Geschäfte ausländische Kollgen zur Vergr"sserung meiner Fachlichen Kenntnisse: Abroad I visited firms of foreign collegeaus to broaden and expand my knowledge of the trade.

    Seit 1934......
    From 1934 member of different dutch national-socialistic parties,since august 1940 member of NSB and WA (weerafdeling)
    Ortsgruppenleiter,propagandleiter und Vendelkommandant (Company CO (in WA)), Schulungsleiter und distriktpropagandaleiter der NSB (hauptamtlich), Mitarbeiter and "de Opstand", Mitglied der Tech.Nothilfe und der niederl.(ändisch) deutsche Kulturgemeinschaft.

    Hope this is clearer now.
    as can been seen he was quite an educated person, in this particular field.

    The IG Farben connection is not mentioned in the document, which dates from early 1944, as he ask permission to be married . He married in October 1944 and all correspondence was to him in Kranichfeld.
    The information on IG Farben, Versuchsanstalt Kranichfeld were given by him.
    Also he mentions a meeting in october 1942 with SS-Stubaf Lassig of the RSHA at the Dellbruckstrasse 6 in Berlin. During his travels in southern Russia he was administratively with the SSPF Simferopol. During his time in Kranichfeld he was administratively with the KdS und SD für die Untersteiermark.
    His first trip into russia was in June 1943

    hope this helps

    Nico

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    Re: RSHA - Gruppe VI F

    #15

    Post by BB-WA » 02 Oct 2011, 07:00

    Hi Nico

    Thanks for your time in giving the translation. Much appreciated.

    Regards
    Brian

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