SS-Panzerjäger-Abteilung 7 (Div. "Prinz Eugen")

[FransN]

The SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. "Prinz Eugen" was formed in the end of 1942 at Weißkirchen (Bela Crkva) consisting of
1. Kompanie (Kp.), (FPNr. 16538)
2. Kp. (FPNr. 25613)
3. Kp. (FPNr. 24286)
(Source: Bohumir Kudlička & Radoslaw Szewczyk: "Prinz Eugen, the story of 7. SS-Freiwilligen-Gebirgs-Division 1942-1945, Mushroom Model Publications, Petersfield, 2014, page 28)

in early July 1942 Hstuf. Albert Landwehr (* 25.12.1907) was transferred from SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. "Das Reich" to the new SS-Frw. Div. "Prinz Eugen". No specific subunit was mentionned.
(Source: Mark C. Yerger: "German Cross in Gold", Volume 1, R.J. Bender Publishing, San Jose, 2003, page 89).
He became the first CO of SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. "Prinz Eugen".

The Pz. Jg. Abt. was mentioned as still being in formation in October 1942.
(Source: Otto Kumm: "Vorwärts Prinz Eugen", Munin Verlag, Osnabrück, 1978, page 44)

What was the exact month in 1942 that the Pz. Jg. Abt. started its formation?

A StuG Bttr. was formed for the division "Prinz Eugen" with order of SS-FHA Org.Tgb.Nr.II/5046/43 geh. of 08.07.1943.
Later in time it would serve as 1. Bttr. of the StuG. Abt./V. SS-Geb. Korps.
(Source: BA-MA RS 3-7/3)
On 10.12.1943 said StuG. Abt. would receive the number 105.
(Source: Pierre Tiquet: "Sturmartillerie de la Waffen-SS", tome III, Heimdal, Saint-Martin-des-Entrées, 2022, page 38)
On 17.06.1944 SS-StuG Abt. 105 was renamed SS-StuG Abt. 1007.
(Source: BA-MA Vopersal archive folder N756/149c)
Last-said unit was sometimes also referred to as SS-StuG Bttr. 1007, since this unit was always only of company size.
(Source: Tiquet, page 59)

According to SS-FHA Org.Tgb.Nr. 1666/44 gKdos of 17.06.1944 the SS-Flak Abt. 7 was disbanded. Its 1. (2 cm) Batterie was to be incorporated into SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7 as its 3. Kompanie (i.e. 3. (Flak)/SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7).
(Source: BA-MA N756/149a; see also Hans Stöber: "Die Flugabwehrverbände der Waffen-SS", Verlag K.W. Schütz KG, Preussisch Oldendorf, 1984, page 151)

An organisational scheme showing the actual situation (Ist-Gliederung) of the 7. SS-Frw. Geb. Div. on 01.08.1944 shows the composition of the Pz. Jg. Abt., i.e.
1. (Pak) Kp.
2. (StuG) Kp.
3. (Flak) Kp.
(Source: BA-MA RH 19 XI/32)

An eye-witness report describes the fate of the first platoon of 3. (Flak)/SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7 from September till late October 1944, when this unit was annihilated near Niš.
(Source: Kumm, pages 287-290).

In a table dated 08.10.1944 showing the German forces in e.g. Niš and Knjazevac, the following subunits from 3. (Flak)/SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7 are listed:
One platoon in Niš-North under KGr. Fischer
Two platoons in Knjazevac under KGr. Grattenauer.
(Source: Kaloyan Matev: "Red wind over the Balkans, the Soviet offensive south of the Danube, September-October 1944", Helion & Co., Warwick, 2019)

So far, so good. Now comes the tricky part:

Status reports are available for SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7 starting in October 1943 and ending in February 1945.
On 19.10.1943, 25.11.1943, 25.12.1943 and 25.01.1944 these reports have been signed by Stubaf. Albert Landwehr (* 25.12.1907)
On 06.03.1944, 05.04.1944, 02.05.1944, 04.06.1944, 02.07.1944, 02.08.1944, 07.09.1944 and 04.02.1945 by Hstuf., later Stubaf. Hans Schmutzler (* 22.10.1913)
(sources: BA-MA RH 10-335 and BA-MA N756/149a)
Between Landwehr and Schmutzler another officer my have been CO of the Pz. Jg. Abt.: Hstuf. Kurt Besuch (* 31.03.1908). He was killed in/near Araci on 08.02.1944. I have not been able to find that location on a map.
(Source: John P. Moore: "Führerliste der Waffen-SS", Atglen, 2002)

From the period 10.1943 - 09.1944 said status reports show the following composition
1. Kp. 9 x 7,5 cm Pak
2. Kp. 9 x 7,5 cm Pak
3. Kp. 6 x 4,7 cm Pak (t) (Sfl) auf Pz. Kw. I Ausf. B (Soll-Stärke: should be 10)
(Source: BA-MA RH 10-335 and BA-MA N756/149a)

In late September or early October 1944 a KGr. Schmutzler was formed, comprising
Stab
1. and 2./SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7
StuG Abt. 1007
14. (Pz. Jg.)/SS-Frw. Geb. Jg. Rgten 13 and 14
a Pi. Kp. from the Pi. Btl.
I./Jg. Rgt. 749
(source: BA-MA N756/150b)

"The division continued to use six obsolete 4,7 cm Pak (t) (Sfl) auf Pz. Kw. I Ausf. B in October 1944."
(Source: Matev, page 511)

Remnants of SS-StuG Abt. 1007 were incorporated into (what was left of) SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7 in November 1944
(Source: Tiquet, page 59, footnote 3)
Thus, not right after 17.06.1944, as ordered, but much later!
Between 17.06.1944 and November 1944 SS-StuG Abt. 1007 operated parallel to the companies of SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7 in their old composition (i.e. as in the status reports)

A final status report over the period 01.01 - 31.01.1945, signed by Schmutzler on 04.02.1945, shows that
A) from the remnants of the 3 companies with the old composition (i.e. as in the earlier status reports) a new "schwere Kompanie" was formed. So far it had only 2 "Beute" 7,5 cm Pak 40 guns
B) The foreseen Jagdpanzer-Kp is being formed in the Fatherland.
C) The remnants of the Flak-Kp. have been split up over several unit. No resurrection of the Kp. is foreseen at the moment.
(Source: BA-MA RH 10-335 and BA-MA N756/149a)

In conclusion for the period of 17.06.1944 until October 1944:
There is evidence that the 3. Kp. of SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7 maintained its old composition with the obsolete 4,7 cm Pak Selbstfahrlafetten (FPNr. 24286).
But there is also evidence that in this period the 3. Kp. was equipped with 2,0 cm Flak (with FPNr. 30067 from former 1./SS-Flak Abt. 7 ?).
Can anybody help me with this issue?


Best regards,
Frans

[FransN]

Some additional (translated) data from a report (KTB ?) from Generalkommando XXXIV. AK:

19.12.1944 SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7 in Brod

24.12.1944 Transfer of SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7 from Vinkovci in E-Transport (by train) to Zupanja or Brod.

26.12.1944 SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7 ordered to Gradisle (SSW Vinkovci)

(illegible data, 18.?) 12.1944 :

with 118. Jg. Div.:
Remnants KGr. Schmutzler (SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7)
SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7 (1 7,5 cm Pak)
(no idea why this unit is mentioned twice, as if two different units! Stubaf. Schmutzler was CO of SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7)
with Div. Stephan:
1 platoon/SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7 (Fla. Kp.)

(Source: BA-MA Freiburg, Vopersal Archive folder N756/261b)

Best regards,
Frans

[Kelvin]

HI, Frans, may I ask if 7.SS Frewilligen-Gebirgs Division Prinz Eugene 's 7.SS StuG Abt and 7.SS Panzer Abteilung still had AFV in late 1944 ? like Hotchkiss 39, Char B2 and Char B2 Flammpanzer and StuG L6 177(i) and L6/40 light tanks ? thank

[Tom3277]

Hello,

In may 1945 PzJgAbt 7 had some MIA in the area of Kranj and then Klagenfurt.

Very best regards

[FransN]

#3 Kelvin
No, in late 1944 7. SS-Frw. Geb. Div. "Prinz Eugen" ITSELF did not have any tanks anymore.
French Char B2 (including flame-throwing) tanks were present only in late 1942.
French Hotchkiss tanks were present only in most of 1943.
Around October 1943 SS Pz. Abt. "Prinz Eugen" (CO: Rudolf Ihrig) ceased to exist. It became a corps-level unit: SS Pz. Abt. 105 (V. SS-Geb. AK), in 1944 equipped with Italian tanks. These tanks may have been used during operations with the "Prinz Eugen" Division, but were no longer an integral part of it!
From 17.06.1944 onwards, the only AFV unit within the division was SS-StuG. Abt. 1007 equipped with StuG III (CO: Harry Paletta). This unit was more or less annihilated in October/November 1944 (after the heavy fighting around Belgrado and in Baranja) and its remnants were absorbed into SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7.

#4 Tom 3277
Thanks Tom! What are your sources? "Der Freiwillige", Red Cross? Would you please be so kind to show some examples? Thanks in advance!

Best regards and best wishes for 2023,
Frans

[Tom3277]

#4 Tom 3277
Thanks Tom! What are your sources? "Der Freiwillige", Red Cross? Would you please be so kind to show some examples? Thanks in advance!

Best regards and best wishes for 2023,
Frans

Hello Frans,

Yes, source is the PE Vermisstbildliste.

Apparently the PE units retreated to Austria along different routes.
This is also confirmed by Kumm; big parts of the division arrived in Kranj around 14.05.1945 trying to enter Austria via Wurzenpass; others, like the Div.Jg.Stab.Kp. (Joanni) retreated via Dravograd.
In May 1945 PE had a lot of MIA in Celje, amongst them at least 1 member of the SS-Pz.Jg.Abt. 7; I guess they were at least in part the ones which were apparently found after the war in the massengrab of Brežice.

https://www.diepresse.com/608960/slowen ... -weltkrieg

BTW, do you have any info about SS-Ustuf. Kreb of Krebs of PE? I'm trying to ID his unit.

Very best regards

[Kelvin]

#3 Kelvin
No, in late 1944 7. SS-Frw. Geb. Div. "Prinz Eugen" ITSELF did not have any tanks anymore.
French Char B2 (including flame-throwing) tanks were present only in late 1942.
French Hotchkiss tanks were present only in most of 1943.
Around October 1943 SS Pz. Abt. "Prinz Eugen" (CO: Rudolf Ihrig) ceased to exist. It became a corps-level unit: SS Pz. Abt. 105 (V. SS-Geb. AK), in 1944 equipped with Italian tanks. These tanks may have been used during operations with the "Prinz Eugen" Division, but were no longer an integral part of it!
From 17.06.1944 onwards, the only AFV unit within the division was SS-StuG. Abt. 1007 equipped with StuG III (CO: Harry Paletta). This unit was more or less annihilated in October/November 1944 (after the heavy fighting around Belgrado and in Baranja) and its remnants were absorbed into SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7.

#4 Tom 3277
Thanks Tom! What are your sources? "Der Freiwillige", Red Cross? Would you please be so kind to show some examples? Thanks in advance!

Best regards and best wishes for 2023,
Frans

Hi, Frans, thank a lot. I guess you mean it became SS.StuG.Abt.105 of V SS Gebirgs Korps ? right

[FransN]

Hi Kelvin,

Please carefully read again my initial post (#1) of this thread.
SS-StuG Abt. 1007 (with StuG III and always of a mere battery strength, despite its name!) was formed on 17.06.1944 from SS-StuG Abt. 105. So it went from corps level (V. SS-Geb. AK) to divisional level (7. SS-Frw. Geb. Div. "Prinz Eugen"), not the other way around! It was intended to form part of the SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7 as its 2. (StuG) company, but said 2. company remained with its towed 7,5 cm Pak guns till at least September, probably October 1944. Both the 2. (7,5 cm Pak)/SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7 and SS-StuG. Abt. 1007 were severely mauled during the fighting around Belgrado and further North along the Danube river in October and November 1944.

It should be mentioned that during the fighting of the bulk of the "Prinz Eugen" division around Niš, the division had no means to defend itself against enemy armour at all. All antitank units of the division fought at that moment in the Belgrado area. Probably the reason for the heavy losses of the division in the Niš area. Nearly all heavy weapons were lost there.

Best regards,
Frans

[FransN]

Hi Tom,

Thanks for your info! I guess they come from the "Der Freiwillige" magazine?

I checked John P. Moore's "Führerliste der Waffen-SS" and found the following entries:

Krebs, Johann (* 10.06.1904 Berlin) SS-Nr. 34979
TFK IV./Art. Rgt. 7 in 01.1944 as a Hstuf.
SS-Kraftfahr. Ausb. u. Ers. Rgt. in 10.1944 as a Hstuf.

Krebs, Karl (* 03.10.1908 St. Ulrich) SS-Nr. 231629
2./SS-Kav. Rgt. 1 in 05.1940 as a Sturmmann
IVa in SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7 in 08.1944 as an Ostuf.

I found no officer with the name Kreb

Since you are mentioning the rank of "Ustuf.", I just want to cite:
Krech, Rudolf (* 16.08.1912 Leipzig) SS-Nr. 245443
7. SS-Frw. Geb. Div. in 11.1943 as an Ustuf.

Best regards,
Frans

[Tom3277]

Many thanks Frans,

Nope, they are from the PE DRK-Vermisstbildlisten.

Very best regards

Hi Tom,

Thanks for your info! I guess they come from the "Der Freiwillige" magazine?

[Kelvin]

Hi Kelvin,

Please carefully read again my initial post (#1) of this thread.
SS-StuG Abt. 1007 (with StuG III and always of a mere battery strength, despite its name!) was formed on 17.06.1944 from SS-StuG Abt. 105. So it went from corps level (V. SS-Geb. AK) to divisional level (7. SS-Frw. Geb. Div. "Prinz Eugen"), not the other way around! It was intended to form part of the SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7 as its 2. (StuG) company, but said 2. company remained with its towed 7,5 cm Pak guns till at least September, probably October 1944. Both the 2. (7,5 cm Pak)/SS-Pz. Jg. Abt. 7 and SS-StuG. Abt. 1007 were severely mauled during the fighting around Belgrado and further North along the Danube river in October and November 1944.

It should be mentioned that during the fighting of the bulk of the "Prinz Eugen" division around Niš, the division had no means to defend itself against enemy armour at all. All antitank units of the division fought at that moment in the Belgrado area. Probably the reason for the heavy losses of the division in the Niš area. Nearly all heavy weapons were lost there.

Best regards,
Frans

Hi, Frans, thank for your help.