Welcome to the "Let's Build SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross" thread in which we, the forum, try to reconstruct this late war unit. Any input regarding SS-Panzer-Brigade "Gross" is appreciated: Order-of-Battles, biographical information, photographs or combat reports, everything is welcome.
Enjoy!
Best regards,
Timo
Let's Build SS-Panzer-Brigade "Gross"
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Timo
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Let's Build SS-Panzer-Brigade "Gross"
Last edited by Timo on 09 Nov 2002 18:00, edited 1 time in total.
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Timo
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Here's an update. Any additions/corrections are still very welcome:
In the summer of 1944 weak Soviet forces had advanced towards Mitau. They took Mitau and Tuckum and threatened the Kurland. To save contact with Riga, the SS-Panzer-Ausbildungs-und-Esatz-Regiment from Truppenübungsplatz Seelager in Windau is mobilized and manages to push back the Russians to Mitau. Meanwhile Truppenübungsplatz Seelager has to be cleared and the SS-Panzer-Ausbildungs-und-Esatz-Regiment and the SS-Panzer- Aufklärungs-Ausbildungs-Abteilungen 1 and 2 are used to form SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross, under command of the commander of the SS-Panzer-Ausbildungs-und-Esatz-Regiment, SS-Sturmbannführer and Ritterkreuz-träger Martin Groß (Frankfurt/Mainz, 15.04.1911 - Luer, 01.03.1984 / SS-Nr. 6 684). Formation of SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross starts on 08.08.1944. SS-Sturmbannführer Fritz Herzig becomes Gross' adjutant. He already served with Gross as commander of III./SS-Pz.AuE.Rgt.
SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung Gross is formed with a Kradschutzen-Kompanie, a Pz.Späh.-Kompanie and a RAD/Kettenrad-Kompanie, under command of SS-Hauptsturmführer Hans-Henning Heuer (Schlagenthin, 11.04.1916 - 06.08.1986 / SS-Nr. 309 439)
SS-Panzer-Abteilung Gross is formed with two companies (10-15 Pz.III and Pz.IV, other source says 23)
Two Artillery Batteries from the 19.Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (lett. Nr.2)
1. SS-Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung (12 StuG III)
A provisional Pionier-Kompanie with a Pionierzug (mot.) and a Werferzug.
A Flak-Kompanie with four platoons (from Luftwaffe-units and from SS-Flak-Battalion 54)
An Instandsetzungskompanie under SS-Obersturmführer Otto Tübcke (Berlin, 22.05.1903 / SS-Nr. 72 481)
The Brigade is immediately sent into combat to counterattack Soviet advance and gets involved in heavy combat against an entire Soviet Calvary Corps, Libau (Latvia). Their attempt to take back Tuckum with an improvised armored train fails.
A schwere SS-Panzer-Kompanie (seven Tigers) from s.SS-Pz.Abt.103 is assigned to the Brigade on 15.08.1944.
By 19.08.1944, the Brigade has attained a personnel strength of 2500 and is attached to a new and temporary Divisional Command: Panzer-Division Strachwitz, reinforced with five additional Pz.Kpfw.IV. One day later the entire formation went into action against the Soviet 51st Army units in and around Tuckum. They manage to clear Mitau and to secure the coastline to Reval, which means the evacuations from the Ostsee to the west can proceed. On 28.08.1944 SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross is transferred to Joesuu. After the fighting in Latvia, the Division was transported from Bulduri (Riga) to Estonia, were they stayed at Lake Peipus until the first week of September.
In September, Brigade Gross was detached from Panzer-Division v. Strachwitz and dispatched back to Latvia, to the Dorpat area, to counter another Soviet offensive. Constantly engaged with Russian forces in the Baltic area, the Brigade was pushed back to Lituania and finally retreated to Memel, were it arrived in early October. Due to heavy combat only fragments of the Brigade are left by this time, and for that reason it is pulled back to Truppenübungsplatz Sennelager in the Steinhagen-area (Westphalia). Other survivors of SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross gather at Truppenübungsplatz Windau (Prussia) and are transported to Danzig, to be moved on to Sennelager. There the Brigade is broken up and its sub-units were used as replacements for the 6.Panzer-Armee. Disbanding of the Brigade is disguised as the forming of the imaginary SS-Panzer-Regiment 26 "Reichsmarschall"
In the summer of 1944 weak Soviet forces had advanced towards Mitau. They took Mitau and Tuckum and threatened the Kurland. To save contact with Riga, the SS-Panzer-Ausbildungs-und-Esatz-Regiment from Truppenübungsplatz Seelager in Windau is mobilized and manages to push back the Russians to Mitau. Meanwhile Truppenübungsplatz Seelager has to be cleared and the SS-Panzer-Ausbildungs-und-Esatz-Regiment and the SS-Panzer- Aufklärungs-Ausbildungs-Abteilungen 1 and 2 are used to form SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross, under command of the commander of the SS-Panzer-Ausbildungs-und-Esatz-Regiment, SS-Sturmbannführer and Ritterkreuz-träger Martin Groß (Frankfurt/Mainz, 15.04.1911 - Luer, 01.03.1984 / SS-Nr. 6 684). Formation of SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross starts on 08.08.1944. SS-Sturmbannführer Fritz Herzig becomes Gross' adjutant. He already served with Gross as commander of III./SS-Pz.AuE.Rgt.
SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung Gross is formed with a Kradschutzen-Kompanie, a Pz.Späh.-Kompanie and a RAD/Kettenrad-Kompanie, under command of SS-Hauptsturmführer Hans-Henning Heuer (Schlagenthin, 11.04.1916 - 06.08.1986 / SS-Nr. 309 439)
SS-Panzer-Abteilung Gross is formed with two companies (10-15 Pz.III and Pz.IV, other source says 23)
Two Artillery Batteries from the 19.Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (lett. Nr.2)
1. SS-Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung (12 StuG III)
A provisional Pionier-Kompanie with a Pionierzug (mot.) and a Werferzug.
A Flak-Kompanie with four platoons (from Luftwaffe-units and from SS-Flak-Battalion 54)
An Instandsetzungskompanie under SS-Obersturmführer Otto Tübcke (Berlin, 22.05.1903 / SS-Nr. 72 481)
The Brigade is immediately sent into combat to counterattack Soviet advance and gets involved in heavy combat against an entire Soviet Calvary Corps, Libau (Latvia). Their attempt to take back Tuckum with an improvised armored train fails.
A schwere SS-Panzer-Kompanie (seven Tigers) from s.SS-Pz.Abt.103 is assigned to the Brigade on 15.08.1944.
By 19.08.1944, the Brigade has attained a personnel strength of 2500 and is attached to a new and temporary Divisional Command: Panzer-Division Strachwitz, reinforced with five additional Pz.Kpfw.IV. One day later the entire formation went into action against the Soviet 51st Army units in and around Tuckum. They manage to clear Mitau and to secure the coastline to Reval, which means the evacuations from the Ostsee to the west can proceed. On 28.08.1944 SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross is transferred to Joesuu. After the fighting in Latvia, the Division was transported from Bulduri (Riga) to Estonia, were they stayed at Lake Peipus until the first week of September.
In September, Brigade Gross was detached from Panzer-Division v. Strachwitz and dispatched back to Latvia, to the Dorpat area, to counter another Soviet offensive. Constantly engaged with Russian forces in the Baltic area, the Brigade was pushed back to Lituania and finally retreated to Memel, were it arrived in early October. Due to heavy combat only fragments of the Brigade are left by this time, and for that reason it is pulled back to Truppenübungsplatz Sennelager in the Steinhagen-area (Westphalia). Other survivors of SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross gather at Truppenübungsplatz Windau (Prussia) and are transported to Danzig, to be moved on to Sennelager. There the Brigade is broken up and its sub-units were used as replacements for the 6.Panzer-Armee. Disbanding of the Brigade is disguised as the forming of the imaginary SS-Panzer-Regiment 26 "Reichsmarschall"
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Timo
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I received an email from John Moore about Pz.Brig. Groß.
He points out that there was no Aufkl.Abt. in the Pz.Brig. He attached scans of two pages from Kleitmann's book "Die Waffen-SS" as confirmation of this statement The SS-Pz.Aufkl.Aub.Abt.1 and 2 became Infantrie battalions 1 and 2 of the Brigade. He's not sure if 1./Pz.Aufkl.Ausb.Abt.1 became 1./Inf.Btl.1/Groß. From the files he has seen it looks like about everyone who was at Riga Strand, etc. became part of the Brigade.
He points out that there was no Aufkl.Abt. in the Pz.Brig. He attached scans of two pages from Kleitmann's book "Die Waffen-SS" as confirmation of this statement The SS-Pz.Aufkl.Aub.Abt.1 and 2 became Infantrie battalions 1 and 2 of the Brigade. He's not sure if 1./Pz.Aufkl.Ausb.Abt.1 became 1./Inf.Btl.1/Groß. From the files he has seen it looks like about everyone who was at Riga Strand, etc. became part of the Brigade.
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Erich
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Brigade Groß
Timo :
I was wondering if you have a listing for 7 Panthers with the unit... ? Need to check my files but this unit seemed to have them from research sent to me some 10 years ago. Probably old news which you already have in your possession, but I thought I would ask.....
E
I was wondering if you have a listing for 7 Panthers with the unit... ? Need to check my files but this unit seemed to have them from research sent to me some 10 years ago. Probably old news which you already have in your possession, but I thought I would ask.....
E
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Martin Månsson
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Here are some additional names on officers from Pz.Brig. Gross, will dig into my archive and add much more information when time allows.
Arnold, Alfred 2.1.15 Stubaf. KDR I./Pz.Brig Gross
Bachinger, Otto 12.6.03 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Bachmeier, Walter 25.8.18 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Bade, Hans 26.5.22 Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Bader, Hans 1.7.17 Ostuf. 3./Inf.Btl I Pz.Brig. Gross
Berghofer, Ernst 16.5.10 Ostuf. TFK
Blessing, Richard 5.5.12 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Brandt, Klaus 16.2.22 Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Burkhardt, Otto 8.4.23 Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Dreher, Max 21.3.08 Ustuf. Adj.Inf.Btl II/ Pz.Brig. Gross
Eldh-Albeitz, Wolfgang10.10.20 Ustuf. AA/Pz.Brig. Gross
Ernst, Herbert 31.7.16 Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Gass, Walter 6.12.21 Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Gross, Martin 15.4.11 Stubaf. KDR Pz.Brig. Gross
Hentschel, Gerd 7.9.?? Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Herzig, Fritz 1.7.15 Stubaf. 1a Pz.Brig. Gross
Heuer, Hans-Henning 11.4.16 Hstuf. KDR AA/Pz.Brig. Gross
Huper, Jürgen 1.11.20 Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Hüsing, Wilhelm 16.5.15 Hstuf. 1./Inf.Btl.I/ Pz.Brig. Gross
Kanis, Kurt 6.5.19 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Kühl, Rolf 30.10.20 Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Nordhaus, Heinz 29.1.22 Ustuf. 2./Inf.Btl.I/Pz.Brig. Gross
Pätschke, Horst 25.4.14 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Philipp, Güstav 28.3.12 Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Rammler, Walter 31.3.07 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Rees, Alexander Dr. 6.7.10 Hstuf. Abt.Arzt
Rehse, Heinrich Ostuf. 3./Inf.Btl.I/ Pz.Brig. Gross
Riderich, Herbert 8.8.20 Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Röhrl, Sebastian 12.8.10 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Rumpf, Hans Dr. 23.8.18 Ustuf. Pz.Abt./Pz.Brig. Gross
Runge, Walter 14.10.07 Hstuf. KDR Inf.Rgt.II/Pz.Brig. Gross
Schäffler, Ludwig 9.2.02 Hstuf. 4./Inf.Btl.I/ Pz.Brig. Gross
Scheibler, Josef 7.10.19 Ustuf. 2./Inf.Btl.I/ Pz.Brig. Gross
Schiemann, Albert 19.2.19 Ustuf. 9 ? ./Pz.Brig. Gross
Schmidt, Eitel-Friedrich27.7.20 Ustuf. AA/ Pz.Brig. Gross
Schneider, ?? Pz.Brig. Gross
Scholz, Reinhold 17.2.19 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Stengiln, Stephan 5.2.12 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Söhrens, Ernst 23.3.10 Stubaf. KDR Pz.Abt./ Pz.Brig. Gross
Stiebler, Günther 1.7.20 Ustuf. 3./Inf.Btl.?/ Pz.Brig. Gross
Thoma, Hans 23.7.14 Ostuf. 4./Inf.Btl.II/ Pz.Brig. Gross
Tübcke, Otto 22.5.03 Ostuf. Inst.Kp./ Pz.Brig. Gross
Voogas, Boris 10.11.97 Stubaf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Werkmeister, Albert 24.10.14 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Wolf, Rudolf 3.6.13 Ustuf. 2./Inf.Btl.?/ Pz.Brig. Gross
Zöhrer, ?? Pz.Brig. Gross
Other soldiers that I'm aware of who served in Gross are:
SS-Unterscharführer Johan Westrin (AA Gross)
SS-Rottenführer John-Erik Eriksson (Einheit Runge - Kompanie Stenglin)
Further unit's within Pz.Brif. Gross were Kompanie Stenglin and Einheit Runge, if those units only were names or acted as KAmpfgruppe is yet unknown to me, will return with additional information.
Best
Martin
Best
Martin
Arnold, Alfred 2.1.15 Stubaf. KDR I./Pz.Brig Gross
Bachinger, Otto 12.6.03 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Bachmeier, Walter 25.8.18 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Bade, Hans 26.5.22 Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Bader, Hans 1.7.17 Ostuf. 3./Inf.Btl I Pz.Brig. Gross
Berghofer, Ernst 16.5.10 Ostuf. TFK
Blessing, Richard 5.5.12 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Brandt, Klaus 16.2.22 Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Burkhardt, Otto 8.4.23 Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Dreher, Max 21.3.08 Ustuf. Adj.Inf.Btl II/ Pz.Brig. Gross
Eldh-Albeitz, Wolfgang10.10.20 Ustuf. AA/Pz.Brig. Gross
Ernst, Herbert 31.7.16 Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Gass, Walter 6.12.21 Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Gross, Martin 15.4.11 Stubaf. KDR Pz.Brig. Gross
Hentschel, Gerd 7.9.?? Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Herzig, Fritz 1.7.15 Stubaf. 1a Pz.Brig. Gross
Heuer, Hans-Henning 11.4.16 Hstuf. KDR AA/Pz.Brig. Gross
Huper, Jürgen 1.11.20 Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Hüsing, Wilhelm 16.5.15 Hstuf. 1./Inf.Btl.I/ Pz.Brig. Gross
Kanis, Kurt 6.5.19 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Kühl, Rolf 30.10.20 Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Nordhaus, Heinz 29.1.22 Ustuf. 2./Inf.Btl.I/Pz.Brig. Gross
Pätschke, Horst 25.4.14 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Philipp, Güstav 28.3.12 Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Rammler, Walter 31.3.07 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Rees, Alexander Dr. 6.7.10 Hstuf. Abt.Arzt
Rehse, Heinrich Ostuf. 3./Inf.Btl.I/ Pz.Brig. Gross
Riderich, Herbert 8.8.20 Ustuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Röhrl, Sebastian 12.8.10 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Rumpf, Hans Dr. 23.8.18 Ustuf. Pz.Abt./Pz.Brig. Gross
Runge, Walter 14.10.07 Hstuf. KDR Inf.Rgt.II/Pz.Brig. Gross
Schäffler, Ludwig 9.2.02 Hstuf. 4./Inf.Btl.I/ Pz.Brig. Gross
Scheibler, Josef 7.10.19 Ustuf. 2./Inf.Btl.I/ Pz.Brig. Gross
Schiemann, Albert 19.2.19 Ustuf. 9 ? ./Pz.Brig. Gross
Schmidt, Eitel-Friedrich27.7.20 Ustuf. AA/ Pz.Brig. Gross
Schneider, ?? Pz.Brig. Gross
Scholz, Reinhold 17.2.19 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Stengiln, Stephan 5.2.12 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Söhrens, Ernst 23.3.10 Stubaf. KDR Pz.Abt./ Pz.Brig. Gross
Stiebler, Günther 1.7.20 Ustuf. 3./Inf.Btl.?/ Pz.Brig. Gross
Thoma, Hans 23.7.14 Ostuf. 4./Inf.Btl.II/ Pz.Brig. Gross
Tübcke, Otto 22.5.03 Ostuf. Inst.Kp./ Pz.Brig. Gross
Voogas, Boris 10.11.97 Stubaf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Werkmeister, Albert 24.10.14 Ostuf. Pz.Brig. Gross
Wolf, Rudolf 3.6.13 Ustuf. 2./Inf.Btl.?/ Pz.Brig. Gross
Zöhrer, ?? Pz.Brig. Gross
Other soldiers that I'm aware of who served in Gross are:
SS-Unterscharführer Johan Westrin (AA Gross)
SS-Rottenführer John-Erik Eriksson (Einheit Runge - Kompanie Stenglin)
Further unit's within Pz.Brif. Gross were Kompanie Stenglin and Einheit Runge, if those units only were names or acted as KAmpfgruppe is yet unknown to me, will return with additional information.
Best
Martin
Best
Martin
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Timo
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Martin Månsson
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Panzer-Brigade Gross had indeed one AA unit, I have a copy of an award document (Verliehungsurkunde) for SS-Uscha. Erich Finke which says following:
Dem SS-Unterscharführer
Erich Finke
SS-Pz.Aufkl.Abt. der SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross
Verliehe ich für tapfere Teilnehme an
16 Nahkampftagen die 1 Stufe der Nahkampfspange
Brg.Gef.St. den 9/11 1944
Signature
SS-Onersturmbannführer
und Brigadekommandeur
Does anyone has Tessin's book for checking ??
Best
Martin
Dem SS-Unterscharführer
Erich Finke
SS-Pz.Aufkl.Abt. der SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross
Verliehe ich für tapfere Teilnehme an
16 Nahkampftagen die 1 Stufe der Nahkampfspange
Brg.Gef.St. den 9/11 1944
Signature
SS-Onersturmbannführer
und Brigadekommandeur
Does anyone has Tessin's book for checking ??
Best
Martin
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Martin Månsson
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John P. Moore
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Aufkl.Abt./SS-Pz.Brig.Groß
Martin appears to be correct that there was an AA, despite what was listed in Kleitmann's book. I checked another reference in my archive, Feldpostübersicht, Teil III from 25.8.1944 with updates. It contains the following sub-unit listings under the SS-Panzer Brigade Groß:
Stab FPN 34 951 A
Feldgend.Tr " B
Versorg.Abt. " C
Werkst.Kp. " D
SS-Inf.Btl.1
Stab 25 581 A
1.Kp. " B
2.Kp. " C
3.Kp. " D
4.Kp. " E
SS-Inf.Btl.2
Stab 46 794 A
1.Kp. " B
2.Kp. " C
3.Kp. " D
4.Kp. " E
gem.SS-Pz.Abt.
Stab 26 871 A
1.Kp. " B
2.Kp. " C
3.Kp. " D
4.Kp. " E
SS-Pz.Aufkl.Abt.
Stab 44 989 A
1.Kp. " B
2.Kp. " C
3.Kp. " D (a line was drawn throught the 3.Kp.)
No other units were listed.
Regards,
John Moore
Stab FPN 34 951 A
Feldgend.Tr " B
Versorg.Abt. " C
Werkst.Kp. " D
SS-Inf.Btl.1
Stab 25 581 A
1.Kp. " B
2.Kp. " C
3.Kp. " D
4.Kp. " E
SS-Inf.Btl.2
Stab 46 794 A
1.Kp. " B
2.Kp. " C
3.Kp. " D
4.Kp. " E
gem.SS-Pz.Abt.
Stab 26 871 A
1.Kp. " B
2.Kp. " C
3.Kp. " D
4.Kp. " E
SS-Pz.Aufkl.Abt.
Stab 44 989 A
1.Kp. " B
2.Kp. " C
3.Kp. " D (a line was drawn throught the 3.Kp.)
No other units were listed.
Regards,
John Moore
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Martin Månsson
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Timo
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Timo
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Timo
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I started to puzzle:
Stab (34 951 A)
- Kommandeur: Stubaf. Martin Groß (6 684)
- Adjutant: Stubaf. Friedrich "Fritz" Herzig (49 371)
- TFK: Ostuf. Ernst Berghofer (139 508)
- Arzt: Ostuf. Fritz Sabel (274 810)
- Nachr.Uffz.: -
Feldgend.Tr - (34 951 B)
Versorg.Abt. - (34 951 C)
Werkst.Kp. - (34 951 D)
SS-Infanterie-Battalion 1
Stab (25 581 A)
- Kommandeur: Stubaf. Alfred Arnold
- Adjutant:
1.Kompanie Hstuf. Wilhelm Hüsing (25 581 B)
2.Kompanie - (25 581 C)
3.Kompanie - (25 581 D)
4.Kompanie Hstuf. Ludwig Schäffler (25 581 E)
Infanterie-Battalion 2
Stab (46 794 A)
- Kommandeur: Hstuf. Walter Runge (45 582)
- Adjutant: Ustuf. Max Dreher
- Arzt: Hstuf. Alexander Rees (Dr.Med.) (146 317)
1.Kompanie - (46 794 B)
2.Kompanie - (46 794 C)
3.Kompanie Ostuf. Stephan Stenglin (46 794 D)
4.Kompanie - (46 794 E)
gem.SS-Pz.Abt.
Stab (26 871 A)
- Kommandeur: Stubaf. Ernst Söhrens (61 709)
1.Kompanie - (26 871 B)
2.Kompanie - (26 871 C)
3.Kompanie - (26 871 D)
4.Kompanie - (26 871 E)
Aufklärungs-Abteilung "Groß"
Stab (44 989 A)
- Kommandeur Hstuf. Hans-Henning Heuer (309 439)
- Adjutant: Wolfgang Eldh-Albietz
1.Kompanie - (44 989 B)
2.Kompanie - (44 989 C)
3.Kompanie (44 989 D) (a line was drawn through the 3.Kp.)
Tübcke:
Inst.Kp., but where? Panzer-Abteilung?
Runge:
Martin says 2.Rgt.(???), John says 1.Btln., but as Arnold is given as Kdr. 1.Btln. I've listed Runge with 2.Btln. for the moment. In this case 2.Btln. is similar to "Einheit Runge" and Stephan Stenglin aka "Kompanie Stenglin" Chef 3./Inf.Btln.2, which fits the available info.
Stab (34 951 A)
- Kommandeur: Stubaf. Martin Groß (6 684)
- Adjutant: Stubaf. Friedrich "Fritz" Herzig (49 371)
- TFK: Ostuf. Ernst Berghofer (139 508)
- Arzt: Ostuf. Fritz Sabel (274 810)
- Nachr.Uffz.: -
Feldgend.Tr - (34 951 B)
Versorg.Abt. - (34 951 C)
Werkst.Kp. - (34 951 D)
SS-Infanterie-Battalion 1
Stab (25 581 A)
- Kommandeur: Stubaf. Alfred Arnold
- Adjutant:
1.Kompanie Hstuf. Wilhelm Hüsing (25 581 B)
2.Kompanie - (25 581 C)
3.Kompanie - (25 581 D)
4.Kompanie Hstuf. Ludwig Schäffler (25 581 E)
Infanterie-Battalion 2
Stab (46 794 A)
- Kommandeur: Hstuf. Walter Runge (45 582)
- Adjutant: Ustuf. Max Dreher
- Arzt: Hstuf. Alexander Rees (Dr.Med.) (146 317)
1.Kompanie - (46 794 B)
2.Kompanie - (46 794 C)
3.Kompanie Ostuf. Stephan Stenglin (46 794 D)
4.Kompanie - (46 794 E)
gem.SS-Pz.Abt.
Stab (26 871 A)
- Kommandeur: Stubaf. Ernst Söhrens (61 709)
1.Kompanie - (26 871 B)
2.Kompanie - (26 871 C)
3.Kompanie - (26 871 D)
4.Kompanie - (26 871 E)
Aufklärungs-Abteilung "Groß"
Stab (44 989 A)
- Kommandeur Hstuf. Hans-Henning Heuer (309 439)
- Adjutant: Wolfgang Eldh-Albietz
1.Kompanie - (44 989 B)
2.Kompanie - (44 989 C)
3.Kompanie (44 989 D) (a line was drawn through the 3.Kp.)
Tübcke:
Inst.Kp., but where? Panzer-Abteilung?
Runge:
Martin says 2.Rgt.(???), John says 1.Btln., but as Arnold is given as Kdr. 1.Btln. I've listed Runge with 2.Btln. for the moment. In this case 2.Btln. is similar to "Einheit Runge" and Stephan Stenglin aka "Kompanie Stenglin" Chef 3./Inf.Btln.2, which fits the available info.
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Timo
- Member
- Posts: 3869
- Joined: 09 Mar 2002 22:09
- Location: Europe
Help comes from the Feldgrau forum!!!
Frederick L Clemens wrote:Hi Timo,
I have some info on SSPB Gross which I will give here. I have collected it while researching a biography of Meinrad von Lauchert who took over PD/PV v Strachwitz after Strachwitz was injured. It was renamed PD/PV v Lauchert.You can see from the following how hard it is to establish a true OB for an ad hoc unit under such chaotic circumstances!
*Noe that all numbers given are for the SSPB Gross component only...I have left out the PB101 and other attached units!!
AOK 18 strength report for SSPB Gross, dated 21.8.44
"20 Panzer all types
2 SPW Companies (30-40 SPW)
1 Heavy Company on SPW"
Panzer-Division Strachwitz strength report, dated 22.8.44
"total of 720 men
Mixed Panzer Bn (3 Panther, 5 PIII & PIV, 3 T34, 20 SPW)
Gren Bn (part mot) (20 LKW)
Supply and Repair facilities, mostly in area east of Windau
60 ton transport column, mostly east of Windau"
Panzer-Division Lauchert organization chart, dated 12.9.44
"Brigade Hq with Signal Platoon and MP Platoon
Mixed Panzer Bn with 2 Panzer companies(include 1x 5 cm L42, 7x 5cm L60, 1x 7,5 cm L24, 1x7,5 cm L43, 3x 7,5 cm L70, 1x 7,5cm L48 StuG) and one SPW Company(17 SPW)
Gren Bn 1
Aufkl Abt 1(8 SpaehWagen)"
Panzer-Division von Lauchert strength report, dated 20.9.1944
"SSPB Gross departing division with
Strength 300
2 StuG, 1 T34, 3 PIII, 2 PIV, 4 SPW"
OKH teletype, dated 16.11.44
"SS-FHA reports:
PzAOK 3 has retained a Kampfgruppe from SS-Pz.Brig. "Gross" with a strength of 6 officers, 165 NCOs and enlisted. The SS-Pz.Brig. "Gross" was the alarm unit for the SS-Pz.A.u.E.Rgt. in the Riga area.
The Brigade was released, retention of the Kampfgruppe is illegal. The personnel are urgently needed by the SS-Pz.A.u.E.Rgt. for the training of front replacements. Immediate pull-out and transport to Sennelager is requested."
H.Gr.Mitte orders the immediate transport of the Kampfgruppe to Sennelager.
BTW, thanks for the info you have posted!
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Timo
- Member
- Posts: 3869
- Joined: 09 Mar 2002 22:09
- Location: Europe
Here's an update. This is what the article about the Brigade contains at this moment:
In the summer of 1944 weak Soviet forces had advanced towards Mitau. They took Mitau and Tuckum and threatened the Kurland. To save contact with Riga, the SS-Panzer-Ausbildungs-und-Esatz-Regiment from Truppenübungsplatz Seelager in Windau are mobilized and manage to push back the Russians to Mitau. Meanwhile Truppenübungsplatz Seelager has to be cleared and the SS-Panzer-Ausbildungs-und-Esatz-Regiment and the SS-Panzer- Aufklärungs-Ausbildungs-Abteilungen 1 and 2 are used to form SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross, under command of the commander of the SS-Panzer-Ausbildungs-und-Esatz-Regiment, SS-Sturmbannführer and Ritterkreuz-träger Martin Groß (Frankfurt/Mainz, 15.04.1911 - Luer, 01.03.1984 / SS-Nr. 6 684). Formation of SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross starts on 08.08.1944. SS-Sturmbannführer Fritz Herzig becomes Gross' adjutant. He already served with Gross as commander of III./SS-Pz.AuE.Rgt. The Brigade Stab (feldpostnummer 34 951 A) consists of a Feldgend.Trupp (34 951 B), a Versorgungskompanie (34 951 C) and a Werkstattkompanie 34 951 D). TKF is SS-Obersturmführer Ernst Berghofer (SS-Nr.139 508).
SS-Infanterie-Battalion 1 is formed under SS-Sturmbannführer Alfred Arnold (SS-Nr. 263 781). The OO is SS-Obersturmführer Günther Lahr (SS-Nr. 346 147)
Stab (feldpostnummer 25 581 A)
- 1.Kompanie (25 581 B) under SS-Obersturmführer Wilhelm Hüsing
- 2.Kompanie (25 581 C)
- 3.Kompanie (25 581 D)
- 4.Kompanie (25 581 E) under SS-Hauptsturmführer Ludwig Schäffler
Infanterie-Battalion 2 is formed under command of SS-Hauptsturmführer Walter Runge (SS-Nr. 45 582). His adjutant was SS-Untersturmführer Max Dreher (SS-Nr. 18 787), the doctor was SS-Hauptsturmführer Alexander Rees (Dr.Med.) (SS-Nr. 146 317)
- Stab (46 794 A)
- 1.Kompanie (46 794 B)
- 2.Kompanie (46 794 C)
- 3.Kompanie (46 794 D) under SS-Obersturmführer Stephan Stenglin
- 4.Kompanie (46 794 E)
SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung Gross is formed with a Kradschutzen-Kompanie, a Pz.Späh.-Kompanie and a RAD/Kettenrad-Kompanie, under command of SS-Hauptsturmführer Hans-Henning Heuer (Schlagenthin, 11.04.1916 - 06.08.1986 / SS-Nr. 309 439). His adjutant was SS-Untersturmführer Wolfgang Eldh-Albietz
- 1.Kompanie (44 989 B)
- 2.Kompanie (44 989 C)
- 3.Kompanie (44 989 D)
a line was drawn through the 3.Kompanie.
Gem. SS-Panzer-Abteilung Gross is formed with two companies (10-15 Pz.III and Pz.IV, other source says 23), commanded by SS-Sturmbannführer Ernst Söhrens (SS-Nr. 61 709)
- Stab (feldpostnummer 26 871 A)
- 1.Kompanie (26 871 B)
- 2.Kompanie (26 871 C)
- 3.Kompanie (26 871 D)
- 4.Kompanie (26 871 E)
Two Artillery Batteries from the 19.Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (lett. Nr.2)
1. SS-Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung (12 StuG III)
A provisional Pionier-Kompanie with a Pionierzug (mot.) and a Werferzug.
A Flak-Kompanie with four platoons (from Luftwaffe-units and from SS-Flak-Battalion 54)
An Instandsetzungskompanie under SS-Obersturmführer Otto Tübcke (Berlin, 22.05.1903 / SS-Nr. 72 481)
The Brigade is immediately sent into combat to counterattack Soviet advance and gets involved in heavy combat against an entire Soviet Calvary Corps, Libau (Latvia). Their attempt to take back Tuckum with an improvised armored train fails.
A schwere SS-Panzer-Kompanie (seven Tigers) from s.SS-Pz.Abt.103 is assigned to the Brigade
on 15.08.1944.
By 19.08.1944, the Brigade has attained a personnel strength of 2500 and is attached to a new and temporary Divisional Command: Panzer-Division Strachwitz, reinforced with five additional Pz.Kpfw.IV. One day later the entire formation went into action against the Soviet 51st Army units in and around Tuckum. They manage to clear Mitau and to secure the coastline to Reval, which means the evacuations from the Ostsee to the west can proceed.
One day later, on 20.08.1944, AOK 18 reports a strength for SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross of 20 Panzer (all types), two SPW-Kompanien (30-40 SPW) and a schwere Kompanie on SPW.
For 22.08.1944, Panzer-Division Strachwitz reports the following strength for SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross: a personnel strength of 720, a mixed Panzer-Abteilung with three Panther, five Pz.III and Pz.IV, three T34 Beutepanzer and twenty SPW. The Brigades supply and repair facilities are mostly in the area east of Windau as is their 60-ton transport column.
On 28.08.1944 SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross is transferred to Joesuu. After the fighting in Latvia, the Division was transported from Bulduri (Riga) to Estonia, were they stayed at Lake Peipus until the first week of September.
In September, Brigade Gross was detached from Panzer-Division v. Strachwitz and dispatched back to Latvia, to the Dorpat area, to counter another Soviet offensive.
The Gliederung of Panzer-Division Lauchert, dated 12.09.1944, details SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross - A Brigade Stab with a Nachrichtenzug (signals platoon) and a MG-Zug.
- A mixed Panzer-Abteilung with two Panzer-Kompanien, including one Pz.III (L42), seven Pz.III (L60), one Pz.IV (L24), one Pz.IV (L43), three Panther, one StuG (L48) and one SPW-Kompanie with seventeen SPW),
- A Grenadier-Battalion
- An Aufklärungs-Abteilung with eight Panzerspähwagen
Panzer-Division von Lauchert reports the strength of SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross on 20.09.1944 as 300 personnel, two Sturmgeschütze, one T34 Beutepanzer, three Pz.III, two Pz.IV and four SPW. Constantly engaged with Russian forces in the Baltic area, the Brigade was pushed back to Lituania and finally retreated to Memel, were it arrived in early October. Due to heavy combat only fragments of the Brigade are left by this time, and for that reason it is pulled back to Truppenübungsplatz Sennelager in the Steinhagen-area (Westphalia).
An OKH teletype, dated 16.11.1944, tells us:
"SS-Führerhauptamt reports, Pz.AOK 3 has retained a Kampfgruppe from SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross with a strength of six officers, 165 NCOs and enlisted. The SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross was the alarm unit for the SS-Panzer-Ausbildungs-und-Esatz-Regiment in the Riga area. The Brigade was released, retention of the Kampfgruppe is illegal. The personnel are urgently needed by the SS-Panzer-Ausbildungs-und-Esatz-Regiment for the training of front replacements. Immediate pull-out and transport to Sennelager is requested." Heeresgruppe Mitte orders the immediate transport of the Kampfgruppe to Sennelager."
Other survivors of SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross gather at Truppenübungsplatz Windau (Prussia) and are transported to Danzig, to be moved on to Sennelager. There the Brigade is broken up and its sub-units were used as replacements for the 6.Panzer-Armee. Disbanding of the Brigade is disguised as the forming of the imaginary "SS-Panzer-Regiment 26 "Reichsmarschall"
In the summer of 1944 weak Soviet forces had advanced towards Mitau. They took Mitau and Tuckum and threatened the Kurland. To save contact with Riga, the SS-Panzer-Ausbildungs-und-Esatz-Regiment from Truppenübungsplatz Seelager in Windau are mobilized and manage to push back the Russians to Mitau. Meanwhile Truppenübungsplatz Seelager has to be cleared and the SS-Panzer-Ausbildungs-und-Esatz-Regiment and the SS-Panzer- Aufklärungs-Ausbildungs-Abteilungen 1 and 2 are used to form SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross, under command of the commander of the SS-Panzer-Ausbildungs-und-Esatz-Regiment, SS-Sturmbannführer and Ritterkreuz-träger Martin Groß (Frankfurt/Mainz, 15.04.1911 - Luer, 01.03.1984 / SS-Nr. 6 684). Formation of SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross starts on 08.08.1944. SS-Sturmbannführer Fritz Herzig becomes Gross' adjutant. He already served with Gross as commander of III./SS-Pz.AuE.Rgt. The Brigade Stab (feldpostnummer 34 951 A) consists of a Feldgend.Trupp (34 951 B), a Versorgungskompanie (34 951 C) and a Werkstattkompanie 34 951 D). TKF is SS-Obersturmführer Ernst Berghofer (SS-Nr.139 508).
SS-Infanterie-Battalion 1 is formed under SS-Sturmbannführer Alfred Arnold (SS-Nr. 263 781). The OO is SS-Obersturmführer Günther Lahr (SS-Nr. 346 147)
Stab (feldpostnummer 25 581 A)
- 1.Kompanie (25 581 B) under SS-Obersturmführer Wilhelm Hüsing
- 2.Kompanie (25 581 C)
- 3.Kompanie (25 581 D)
- 4.Kompanie (25 581 E) under SS-Hauptsturmführer Ludwig Schäffler
Infanterie-Battalion 2 is formed under command of SS-Hauptsturmführer Walter Runge (SS-Nr. 45 582). His adjutant was SS-Untersturmführer Max Dreher (SS-Nr. 18 787), the doctor was SS-Hauptsturmführer Alexander Rees (Dr.Med.) (SS-Nr. 146 317)
- Stab (46 794 A)
- 1.Kompanie (46 794 B)
- 2.Kompanie (46 794 C)
- 3.Kompanie (46 794 D) under SS-Obersturmführer Stephan Stenglin
- 4.Kompanie (46 794 E)
SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung Gross is formed with a Kradschutzen-Kompanie, a Pz.Späh.-Kompanie and a RAD/Kettenrad-Kompanie, under command of SS-Hauptsturmführer Hans-Henning Heuer (Schlagenthin, 11.04.1916 - 06.08.1986 / SS-Nr. 309 439). His adjutant was SS-Untersturmführer Wolfgang Eldh-Albietz
- 1.Kompanie (44 989 B)
- 2.Kompanie (44 989 C)
- 3.Kompanie (44 989 D)
a line was drawn through the 3.Kompanie.
Gem. SS-Panzer-Abteilung Gross is formed with two companies (10-15 Pz.III and Pz.IV, other source says 23), commanded by SS-Sturmbannführer Ernst Söhrens (SS-Nr. 61 709)
- Stab (feldpostnummer 26 871 A)
- 1.Kompanie (26 871 B)
- 2.Kompanie (26 871 C)
- 3.Kompanie (26 871 D)
- 4.Kompanie (26 871 E)
Two Artillery Batteries from the 19.Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (lett. Nr.2)
1. SS-Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung (12 StuG III)
A provisional Pionier-Kompanie with a Pionierzug (mot.) and a Werferzug.
A Flak-Kompanie with four platoons (from Luftwaffe-units and from SS-Flak-Battalion 54)
An Instandsetzungskompanie under SS-Obersturmführer Otto Tübcke (Berlin, 22.05.1903 / SS-Nr. 72 481)
The Brigade is immediately sent into combat to counterattack Soviet advance and gets involved in heavy combat against an entire Soviet Calvary Corps, Libau (Latvia). Their attempt to take back Tuckum with an improvised armored train fails.
A schwere SS-Panzer-Kompanie (seven Tigers) from s.SS-Pz.Abt.103 is assigned to the Brigade
on 15.08.1944.
By 19.08.1944, the Brigade has attained a personnel strength of 2500 and is attached to a new and temporary Divisional Command: Panzer-Division Strachwitz, reinforced with five additional Pz.Kpfw.IV. One day later the entire formation went into action against the Soviet 51st Army units in and around Tuckum. They manage to clear Mitau and to secure the coastline to Reval, which means the evacuations from the Ostsee to the west can proceed.
One day later, on 20.08.1944, AOK 18 reports a strength for SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross of 20 Panzer (all types), two SPW-Kompanien (30-40 SPW) and a schwere Kompanie on SPW.
For 22.08.1944, Panzer-Division Strachwitz reports the following strength for SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross: a personnel strength of 720, a mixed Panzer-Abteilung with three Panther, five Pz.III and Pz.IV, three T34 Beutepanzer and twenty SPW. The Brigades supply and repair facilities are mostly in the area east of Windau as is their 60-ton transport column.
On 28.08.1944 SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross is transferred to Joesuu. After the fighting in Latvia, the Division was transported from Bulduri (Riga) to Estonia, were they stayed at Lake Peipus until the first week of September.
In September, Brigade Gross was detached from Panzer-Division v. Strachwitz and dispatched back to Latvia, to the Dorpat area, to counter another Soviet offensive.
The Gliederung of Panzer-Division Lauchert, dated 12.09.1944, details SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross - A Brigade Stab with a Nachrichtenzug (signals platoon) and a MG-Zug.
- A mixed Panzer-Abteilung with two Panzer-Kompanien, including one Pz.III (L42), seven Pz.III (L60), one Pz.IV (L24), one Pz.IV (L43), three Panther, one StuG (L48) and one SPW-Kompanie with seventeen SPW),
- A Grenadier-Battalion
- An Aufklärungs-Abteilung with eight Panzerspähwagen
Panzer-Division von Lauchert reports the strength of SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross on 20.09.1944 as 300 personnel, two Sturmgeschütze, one T34 Beutepanzer, three Pz.III, two Pz.IV and four SPW. Constantly engaged with Russian forces in the Baltic area, the Brigade was pushed back to Lituania and finally retreated to Memel, were it arrived in early October. Due to heavy combat only fragments of the Brigade are left by this time, and for that reason it is pulled back to Truppenübungsplatz Sennelager in the Steinhagen-area (Westphalia).
An OKH teletype, dated 16.11.1944, tells us:
"SS-Führerhauptamt reports, Pz.AOK 3 has retained a Kampfgruppe from SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross with a strength of six officers, 165 NCOs and enlisted. The SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross was the alarm unit for the SS-Panzer-Ausbildungs-und-Esatz-Regiment in the Riga area. The Brigade was released, retention of the Kampfgruppe is illegal. The personnel are urgently needed by the SS-Panzer-Ausbildungs-und-Esatz-Regiment for the training of front replacements. Immediate pull-out and transport to Sennelager is requested." Heeresgruppe Mitte orders the immediate transport of the Kampfgruppe to Sennelager."
Other survivors of SS-Panzer-Brigade Gross gather at Truppenübungsplatz Windau (Prussia) and are transported to Danzig, to be moved on to Sennelager. There the Brigade is broken up and its sub-units were used as replacements for the 6.Panzer-Armee. Disbanding of the Brigade is disguised as the forming of the imaginary "SS-Panzer-Regiment 26 "Reichsmarschall"