Rgt.v.Köppen, 9th Panzer Division, Greece 1941

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Lannes
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Joined: 05 Oct 2005, 21:06
Location: Athens, Greece

Rgt.v.Köppen, 9th Panzer Division, Greece 1941

#1

Post by Lannes » 10 Nov 2007, 16:35

Folks,
I have seen reference to a "Rgt.v.Köppen", of the 9th Panzer Division, in the campaign in Greece in April '41. This is almost certainly Panzer Regiment 33, especially as it's mentioned in connection with the tank battle of Ptolamais on 13/4/41. My question is: does anyone know what attachments the regiment had at the time? British and NZ accounts suggest some motorised infantry, artillery and engineers- can a clearer picture of these units be obtained? The issue is complicated by the fact that the 9th PD doesn't have the sort of published detailed history the 10th or 21st have. Thanks in advance!
Aris Kosionidis

Ypenburg
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#2

Post by Ypenburg » 11 Nov 2007, 01:25

Olt. Hans-Joachim von Köppen was commanding Pz.Rgt. 33 from august 1940 - 31 may 1941 and 26 september 1941 - 3 october 1941.

Gliederung Pz.Rgt. 33
Stab, I. 1.-2.(le.-), 3.(m.-), le.Kolonne, Staffel Pz.Abt., II. 4.-5.(le.-), 6.(m.Kp.), le.Kolonne, Staffel Pz.
Abt., Pz.Werkstatt-Kp.


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Bernd R
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#3

Post by Bernd R » 12 Nov 2007, 00:14

Eventually you have seen the entry on Christoph's wonderful site,too: http://chrito.users1.50megs.com/1941/apr/13apr41.htm
(listed under Balkanfront / XXXX. AK / 9. Pz.Div)

The man :
Köppen von, Hans Joachim, 24.12.1941, Oberstleutnant, Pz.Rgt. 33 [German Cross in Gold]

His posts after the command in question :
Schießschule der Panzertruppen , Putlos
Kdr
Juni 1941 - Sept.1941 Oberst Hans Joachim von Köppen
Kdr.d.Heeres-Unteroffiziersschulen der Pz.Truppe , Krampnitz
Juli 1944 - Ende Oberst Hans Joachim von Köppen

Not really answering the question, Aris , but thought bits and pieces might be of help. Would be interested too, if it was Pz.Rgt 33 only (my guess) or a verst. Rgt.

Bernd

Lannes
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Posts: 39
Joined: 05 Oct 2005, 21:06
Location: Athens, Greece

#4

Post by Lannes » 12 Nov 2007, 10:28

Thank you both for your quick answers! Although I had the composition of PR33 from Jentz, the confirmation that it and Rgt v. Koeppen was the same is very welcome. Interesting that he was replaced in command and sent to the Schiessschule right after the end of the campaign.
Bernd, the problem is that all accounts of Ptolemais with any detail I've read are from "the other side of the hill". They do mention forces additional to the tanks, but some of these (engineers, motorcycle infantry) could be organic to the Regiment.
Thanks again!
Aris Kosionidis

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