RFSS Begleit-Bataillon

[freiwillige]

Hello,

I'm very confused about this unit. In 1941 existed a Begleit-Btl. RFSS, upgraded after up to SS Division (16th).
Then, I read that a Bataillon of the ORPO continued serving as bodyguard of Himmler.(http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic. ... 2&start=15)

In the excellent Axis History Factbook (http://www.axishistory.com/index.php?id=761) we see that a RFSS Begleit Btl. "for special use" was attached to the 38th Waffen SS Division.

Again, in the Forum (http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic. ... rtsmartial) we know that the Battalion participated in the Battle for Berlin.

Someone can explain clearly the diference (if exist) beetween these units?

Thanks.

Ferran.

[c.g.]

This is a confusing story indeed:
As it seems there were 3 Begleitbataillon RFSS:
1) 1941 built and employed in the frame of the Kommandostab RFSS. It fought in Russia at t front and again partisans (destroyed several villages in 1942). By the 1942 originated the SS-Sturmbrigade RFSS (Arys, Bretagne, Italy, Corsica) which evolved into the 16. SS-Pz.Gren.Div. RFSS.
2) A new Begleitbataillon RFSS was created in 1943 in the East (Feldpost-Nr. 01010). In the Springtime of 1944 it was transferred to the 16. SS-Pz.Gren.Div. RFSS, where it became the II./SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 35 (later notorious because of the Sant'Anna di Stazzema massacre of 12. August 1944).
3) At the same time (Spring 1944), the old II./SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 35 was sent to East Prussia and became there the new Begleitbataillon RFSS. It was apparently this one which took part at the battle of Berlin.
Best regards
CG

[freiwillige]

Thanks for you info C.G.

The history is very confusing. Can you cite your sources?

Many thanks.

Ferran

[c.g.]

Sources:
1) Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt), Berlin, Ordre de Bataille: Begleit-Bataillon RFSS, SS-Sturmbrigade RFSS, 16. SS-Pz.Gren.Div. RFSS
2) BAB, NS 33/39, Kommandostab RFSS, Tätigkeitsbericht 7.-14.8.1942, v. 10. November 1942, Bl. 190, zit. nach Gerlach, Kalkulierte Morde, S. 942.
3) Truppenkameradschaft (Hrsg.), Im gleichen Schritt und Tritt, S. 22.

[freiwillige]

Thank you again C.G.

Ferran

[Auseklis]

On the ORPO Begleit plese check out:

http://www.feldgrau.net/phpBB2/viewtopi ... highlight=

[Miha Grcar]

Eingegliedert in die Division wurden :

A ) Teile der 30. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (russ. Nr. 2) im raum Ingolstadt.
B ) SS-Polizei-Bataillon Siegling
C) Am 9. April 1945 verfügte das SS-FHA, dass nach Auffüllung das Begleit-Bataillon RF SS zur 38. Division kommen sollte.
D) SS-Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung (vormals 6. SS-Gebirgs-Division Nord)
Kommandeur : SS-Sturmbannführer Nestler
1. Kompanie : SS-Hauptsturmführer Jobke
Stärke ca. 100 Mann
Am 8. Mai 1945 in Mühlbach (Österreich) kapituliert.

from: http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=30482

When I have written the text I should have pointed this out more specifically. It should be extra pointed out that the men which came to the "Nibelungen" were surplus men intended for the Begleit-Bataillon RF SS. At least that's what the text is saying if I understand it correctly..

best,
Miha / Nibelung

[jarek_g]

Hi guys,

more about (first) Begleit Bataillon Reichsführer SS of c.g.'s list:

formed: 25.04.1941 (1. - 3. Kp.)
proceed in Sturmbrigade RFSS: 23.02.1943 (1. - 8. Kp., 2 cm Flak Bttr., 8,8 cm Falk Bttr.)
CO:
from 20.11.41: SS-Sturmbannführer Herbert Garthe
from 1.02.42: SS-Obersturmbannführer Karl Grimme
from 17.02.42: SS-Obersturmbannführer Arved Theuermann
from 27.02.42: SS-Sturmbannführer Paul Massel
from 27.02.42 (oneself day): SS-Hauptsturmführer Kahl
from 5.10.42: SS-Obersturmbannführer Karl Gesele

1. I dont know, whether this full list CO?
2. First name of Hstuf. Kahl?
Bestreg.
Jarek

[Jan-Hendrik]

Any nearer info on the BeglBtl. RFSS that fought in Arnswalde 1945 ( see also :

http://www.feldgrau.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=16019 ) ??

Jan-Hendrik

[Glynwed]

Hallo, I have a question. In April 1945 the RFSS Begleit Bataillon was send to Berlin and take defense positions at ZOO garden. (source: Trevor Roper - The last days of A.H.).

What was the uniform and insignia of this unit? i assume that they wear the standard field grey Feldbluse with SS insignia, but what abouth cuff title? Reichsfuhrer SS or RFSS? And saw that unit some battle before send to Berlin in 1945?

Thanks for reply.

[Auseklis]

That was the Police-Bataillon, a gift from Himmler to Hitler on his last birthday. His personal escort for joining the battle of Berlin. They had standart OrPo uniforms without any distinctiv marks.
But they were redirected befor reaching Berlin (coming up from Salzburg) to Prenzlau. There they meet Himmler and escorted him to the north-west, out of the danger zone.

[Michi]

That was the Police-Bataillon, a gift from Himmler to Hitler on his last birthday. His personal escort for joining the battel of Berlin. They had standart OrPo uniforms without any distinctiv marks.
But they were redirected befor reaching Berlin (coming up from Salzburg) to Prenzlau. There they meet Himmler and escorted him to the north-west, out of the danger zone.

This Police-Battalion is most likely :
one Police-Battalion of the Police Regiment "Biesenthal"
at least parts of SS-Pol.Btl. z.b.V. 101 (a.k.a SS-Pol.Btl. "Grube") of the Pol.Rgt. "Biesenthal" were flown into Berlin on 27th April 1945.
In March 1945 already one Police Battalion of the Pol.Rgt. "Biesenthal" was sent to Austria.
That's the only link with Austria.
2 Battalions were still north-north-east of Berlin. in April 1945.


A little bit more discussions and links are here:

http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=65061&


MfG Michi

[Auseklis]

Nope...

Not SS, it's OrPo.

Polizei-Begleit-Bataillon Steiermark

Do you have a Fieldpostorder at hand to check out FpNr. 35360 ?
This FpNr. ist listed as "Der Reichsfüher SS und Stab Pol.Begl.Bat. Steiermark"

[Michi]

Nope...

Not SS, it's OrPo.

Polizei-Begleit-Bataillon Steiermark

Do you have a Fieldpostorder at hand to check out FpNr. 35360 ?
This FpNr. ist listed as "Der Reichsfüher SS und Stab Pol.Begl.Bat. Steiermark"

Accroding JoeW you are correct:

The first was FP Nr.35 360 listed with unit name "Begleitkommando Heinrich". This FP Nr. carries a listing in Kannapin's three volume set of "Reichsfuhrer SS" and "Reichsfuhrer SS und Stab Pol. Begl.Btl. Steiermark".

MfG Michi

[Auseklis]

They left Himmler when he reached Flensburg and moved down to Hamburg. There they surrenderd to the british.