Erwin Kressmann

Oberleutnant, schwere Panzerjager Abteilung 519. Awarded the Knights Cross in 1944.

20.10.1936 Eintritt als Freiwilliger 1. Kompanie Pz.Abw.Abt, 32 Kolberg/Ostsee Grundausbildung, Fahrausbildung in allen Klassen, Schirmmeistergehilfenausbildung, Werkstattunterweisung, Lehrgange zum Unteroffizier und besondere Waffenausbildung Entrance as a volunteer 1st company Pz. Abw. Abt, 32 Kolberg/Baltic Sea reason education, load education in all classes, screen master assistant education, workshop instruction, courses to the corporal and special weapon education.
01.10.1937 Beforderung zum Gefreiten Promoted to Gefreiter
01.09.1938 Versetung zur 3. Kompanie Pz.Abw.Abt. 12 Schwerin Mecklenburg als Ausbilder Transferred to the 3rd Company Pz. Abw. Abt. 12 Schwerins Meklenburg as an instructor.
01.10.1938 Beforderung zum Unteroffizier, Ausbilder vorwiegend Kompanietruppfuhrer und Zugfuhrer Promoted to Unteroffizier, instructing predominantly Kompanietruppfuhrer and Zugfuhrer.
01.09.1939 Polenfeldzug eingesetzt als Kompanietruppfuhrer und Zugfuhrer, ab Oktober 39 Verlegung der PzAbwAbt ins Rheinland, Lehrgang zum Fahrlehrer, anschliessend Fahrlehrerprufung fur alle Klassen 1,2,3, danach Fahrschulausbildung innerhalb der Kompanie Used as Kompanietruppfuhrer and Zugfuhrer on the Poland expeditions. Completed 39 missions with Pz. Abw. Abt into the
Rhineland. before completing a driving instructors course in October. Subsequently became Fahrlehrerprufung for all classes,
I, II and III, before load school education.
10.05.1940 Westfeldzug Belgien / Niederlande / Frankreich West expedition - Belgium, Netherlands and France.
01.06.1940 Beforderung zum Feldwebel, gleiche Funktionen wie vorher, Kustenschutz im Raum Cherbourg, Verlegung als Besatzung in den Niederlanden, Leitung der Ortskormmandantur in Boxtel, Lehrgang an der Panzertruppenschule in Wunstorf bei Berlin Promoted to Feldwebel, undertaking similar tasks as before. In action near Cherbourg, placed in a garrison in the Netherlands, and oversaw the Ortskommandantur course at the tank troop school in Wunstorf in Berlin.
01.06.1941 Beforderung zum Oberfeldwebel, Verwendung in gleicher Dienststellung wie vorher Promoted to Oberfeldwebel.
22.06.1941 Russlandfeldzug, eingesetzt im Nordabschnitt Kessel von Demjansk, Ernennung zum Offiziersanwarter Russian expedition - used in the north section, Demjansk, appointment to the Offiziersanwarter.
Mai 1942 Versetzung zur PzJgAbt. 24 auf der Krim, Krimfeldzug bis zur Einnahme von Sewastopol Transferred to Pz. Jg. Abt 24 in the Crimea, for the capture of Sebastopol.
01.06.1942 Beforderung zum Leutnant, Zugfuhrer, stellvertr. Kompaniefuhrer Promoted to Leutnant.
22.08.1942 Verlegung der PzJgAbt. 24 in den Nordabschnitt Russland, Kampf um Leningrad, Mga und Stellungskrieg am Wolchow, Ernennung zum Kompaniefuhrer Went with Pz. Jg. Abt. 24 to north Russia, and the fight for Leningrad, Mga, and the strategic battle at the Wolchow, appointment to the Kompaniefuhrer.
01.01.1943 Beforderung zum Oberleutnant, Ernennung zum Kompaniechef 2.Kompanie PzJgAbt. 24 Promoted to Oberleutnant. Appointed commander of 2. Kompanie Pz. Jg. Abt 24.
Juli 1943 Versetung zur Neuaufstellung sPzJgAbt. 519 (Hornisse 8,8), Chef 1. Kompanie in Spremberg/Niederlausitz, Restaufstellung und Ausbildung, Verlegung zum Truppenubungsplatz Oldebroek/Holland Transferred to the newly assembled sPzJgAbt 519 (Hornet 8.8), commanding the 1st Kompanie in Spremberg / Niederlausitz.
Subsequently moved to Oldebroek / Holland.
November 1943 Verlegung der Abteilung 519 im Eiltransport nach Russland, Mittelabschnitt Moved with 519 Abt. in fast carrier to the Russian Central Front.
13.12.1943 bis 18.02.1944 2 Schlachten um Witebsk bei der 3. Panzerarmee unter Fuhrung von Generaloberst Reinhard und Chef des Stabes General Heitkamper Took part in two battles around Witebsk with the 3rd Army under the leadership of Generaloberst Reinhard and Chef des Stabes General Heitkamper
18.02.1944 Beforderung zum Hauptmann Promoted to Hauptmann.
22.06.1944 3. Schlacht / Ruckzugsschlacht der 3. Panzerarmee bis zur ehemaligen Grenze Polens, Fastzerschlagung der sPzJgAbt. 519 3rd battle for the 3rd Army near the former border of Poland, almost leading to the destruction of 519 Abteilung.
Aug/Sept. 1944 Neuaufstellung der sPzJgAbt. 519 in Milau / Truppenubungsplatz, Umrustung auf Jagdpanther, Abteilungsstab 3 Jagdpanther, 4 Schutzenpanzerwagen, 6 gepanzerte Flugabwehrgeschutze, Versorungskompanie, Werkstattkompanie, Panzerbergezug und 3 18t Zugmaschinen,
1. Kompanie 14 Jagdpanther (8,8)
2. Kompanie 14 Sturmgeschutze III (7,5)
3. Kompanie 14 Sturmgeschutze III (7,5)		 519 sPzJgAbt is reformed at Milau with new vehicles, including - 1st Kompanie : 14 Jagdpanthers (8.8), 2nd Kompanie : 14
Sturmgeschutz III (7.5) and 3rd Kompanie : 14 Sturmgeschutz III (7.5).
Anfang Okt. 1944 Verlegung an die Westfront, Einsatz im Raum Aachen, Wurselen, Hurtgenwald, Julich, Stolberg, Teilnahme an der Ardennenoffensive im Rahmen der VI. SS-Panzerarmee, weiterer Einsatz um Niedeggen, Inden und Pattern, zwischenzeitlich Kommandeur der Abteilung bis zurn Eintreffen des neuen Kommandeurs Major Rosenthal Transferred to the Western Front, in action near Aachen, Wurselen, Hurtgenwald, Julich and Stolberg. Took part in the Ardennes Offensive with the VI SS-Panzerarmee. In action again around Niedeggen, Inden and Pattern, commanding 519 Abteilung until the arrival of the new Kommandeurs Major Rosenthal.
15.02.1945 Tapferkeitsurlaub nach Verleihung des Ritterkreuzes (09.12.1944), in der Zeit bei dem Besuch der PzJg Ersatzabt. 43 Eingriff des Festungskommandanten von Spremberg, mit sofortiger Wirkung an die Ostfront kommandiert in den Kampfraurn Kustrin, Frankfurt / Oder, hier Verwendung in der Division des General Nickel als Kommandeur einer PzJgAbt. und PzJg Sperrbrigade, wenn ich nicht irre handelte es sich urn die PzJgAbt. 342 Went on a courage vacation after being awarded the Knight's Cross on 9th December 1944. Served in the division of General Nickel as a Kommandeur of a PzJgAbt and PzJg Barrier Brigade. 
Anfang Mai 1945 Nach Zerstorung zweier Sowjetkampfwagen durch T-Minen, schwere Verwundung am Bein durch konzentrierten, starken eschuss durch Granatwerfereinsatz der Sowjets, danach auf abenteuerliche Weise bis zur Elbe durchgeschlagen.Nach langerem Aufenthalt am Elbufer durch ein Sturmboot der Amerikaner abgeholt und in Gefangenschaft genommen. Von hieraus in ein deutsches Lazarett uberfurt. Kurz vor Ubernahme des Lazaretts durch die Russen Flucht in das Reservelazarett in Helmstedt After destroying two Soviet tanks using T-mines, Erwin Kressmann was wounded in the leg from concentrated heavy fire of 
Russian grenade launchers. Afterwards, he made an eventful passage to the Elbe, where after a long stay he was captured by
an American warship. From here he was taken to a German infirmary, from where he was flown by the Russians to the reserve
infirmary at Helmstedt.
Feb. 1946 Entlassung aus der Kriegsgefangenschaft Released from war captivity.


Awarded the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross
Knights
Cross

OUR RECOMMENDATION FOR THIS SIGNATURE

Operation Zitadelle by David Pentland. (F)

DHM0797F. Operation Zitadelle by David Pentland.

Panzer v Ausf. D Panthers of SS Panther Division Das Reich make their debut during the initial stages of the German summer offensive for Kursk. This unit with others of the SS Panzer Korps made the deepest advances into the well-prepared Soviet lines. Complete success however, was to elude them when outrunning their supporting divisions at Prokhorovka they were forced to halt for six days.

Erwin Kressmann.

Erwin Kressmann Knights Cross signature series edition of 20 prints (Nos 621 - 640) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints.

Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm)

Price : £145.00

Items Signed by Erwin Kressmann

It is August 1944, barely two months since the Allies landed their first troops on the beaches of Normandy. After the failed Operation Lüttich (codename given to a German counterattack during the Battle of Normandy, which took place around the American positions near Mortain from 7 August to 13 August, 1944 ) The German Panzer Divisions were in full retreat, The British and American Generals believed it to be critical to halt them before they cauld regroup. Caught in the Gap at Falaise, the battle was to be decisive. Flying throughout a continuous onslaught, rocket-firing Typhoons kept up their attacks on the trapped armoured divisions from dawn to dusk. The effect was devastating: at the end of the ten day battle the 100,000 strong German force was decimated. The battle of the Falaise Pocket marked the closing phase of the Battle of Normandy with a decisive German defeat. It is believed that between 80,000 to 100,000 German troops were caught in the encirclement of which 10,000 to 15,000 were killed, 45,000 to 50,000 taken prisoner, and around 20,000 escaped . Shown here are German Tiger I tanks under continues attack by Royal Aoir Force Typhoons. Taming the Tiger by Geoff Lea. (F)Click For DetailsDHM0402F
Oberfeldwebel Albert Kerscher, commander of 2nd company 511 Heavy Tank Battalion aided by a Panzer IV, two Hetzers, a Kingtiger and a Pak gun, successfully defended against concerted Soviet air and armoured attacks, his action buying valuable time for the evacuation of German wounded from Pilau and scoring his 100th victory in the process. Kerschers Defence of Neuhauser Forest by David Pentland. (F)Click For DetailsDHM0584F
Panzer IVF2 tanks of 6th Panzer Division, Panzer Armee Hoth, attempt to fight their way through to the beleaguered Sixth Army at Stalingrad, 12th December 1942. On the 21st the operation was abandoned when the expected breakout from Stalingrad failed to materialise, the relief column was only 25 miles from the city. Operation Winter Tempest by David Pentland. (D)Click For DetailsDHM0786D
Ernst Barkmanns (Das Reich, 2nd SS Panzer Division) famous day long solo engagement against an American Armoured breakthrough towards St. Lo, Normandy, 26th July 1944. Barkmanns Corner by David Pentland. (D)Click For DetailsDHM0792D
Panzer v Ausf. D Panthers of SS Panther Division Das Reich make their debut during the initial stages of the German summer offensive for Kursk. This unit with others of the SS Panzer Korps made the deepest advances into the well-prepared Soviet lines. Complete success however, was to elude them when outrunning their supporting divisions at Prokhorovka they were forced to halt for six days. Operation Zitadelle by David Pentland. (F)Click For DetailsDHM0797F
Oberssturmbannfuhrer Jochim Peiper, commander of the armoured spearhead of 1st SS Panzer Division, in conference with some of the officers of other units under his command. Aside form men and tanks of his own division, these included King tigers of the 501st heavy tank battalion and paratroops of 1st battalion, 9th Fallschrimjager regiment. Kampfgruppe Peiper by David Pentland. (D)Click For DetailsDHM0846D
Although in the process of regrouping after their escape from the Cherkassy Pocket, Panthers and Panzer Grenadiers of the crack 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking are part of the relief force hastily assembled and thrown in to free the strategically important city of Kowel in the Pripet Marshes. By April 10th the Soviet encirclement of the city was broken and Wiking were pulled out of the line to continue refitting. Fight for Kowel, Poland, March/April 1944 by David Pentland. (C)Click For DetailsDHM0954C
Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel, commander of Army Group B, consults with his former subordinate from North Africa, now divisional commander of the elite Panzer Lehr, General Fritz Bayerlein and the Colonel Rudolf Gerhardt of Panzer Regiment Lehr, over the imminent transfer of the division to confront the Americans at St. Lo. Rommel in Normandy, France, 2nd July 1944 by David Pentland. (C)Click For DetailsDHM1025C
On the 30th April, Untersharfuhrer Georg Diers and his crew of tank 314, were ordered to take up a defensive position at the Reichstag buildings. This was one of only two remaining King Tigers belonging to Heavy SS Tank Battalion 503 in Berlin. By that evening they had knocked out about 30 T34s, and the following day led a successful counterattack against the Kroll Opera House directly opposite the Reichstag. Their efforts though, merely postponed the inevitable and by the end of the day the order was given to abandon the position and prepare to break out of Berlin. Defence of the Reichstag, Berlin, 1st May 1945 by David Pentland. (C)Click For DetailsDHM1109C
A Tiger I and PAK 40 anti tank gun of the Müncheberg Division, field a final defence of the capital in front of the Brandenburg Gate under the shattered remains of the famous Linden trees. The under-strength division had just been formed the previous month from a mixture of ad hoc units and various marks of tank. Despite this it put up a spirited fight until its final destruction in early May. Tiger at the Gate, Berlin, 30th April 1945 by David Pentland. (C)Click For DetailsDHM1178C
Unterscharfurher Karl-Heinz Turk of the Schwere SS Panzerabteilung 503, in one of the units few remaining Kingtigers, defends the Potsdammer Platz along with elements of the Munchberg Division against the rapidly encroaching Soviet forces. The Last Battle, Berlin, 30th April 1945 by David Pentland. (B)Click For DetailsDHM1179B
Sturmgeschutz IIIF of Stug Battalion Grossdeutschland, and supporting infantry from GD Regiment 1 battle against Soviet forces defending the strategically important city of Voronezh on the Don. Combined arms operations such as this proved the value of the assault gun, which took a terrible toll on enemy armour and men alike. Assault on Voronezh, Russia, 2nd - 7th July 1942 by David Pentland. (B)Click For DetailsDHM1218B
Following Hitlers death, the decision was taken by the officers and men of Sturmartillerie Brigade 249 to break out of the doomed capital. Shortly before midnight on the 3rd, what remained of the unit fought to the edge of the city at Spandau. By this time the brigade had been split into two elements, the first under Hauptmann Herbert Jaschke successfully punched their way out to the west. The second group was not so lucky, and its survivors fell into Soviet captivity. Escape to the Elbe, Berlin, 3rd May 1945 by David Pentland. (C)Click For DetailsDHM1293C
The crew of a late model Tiger I of the 3rd SS Totenkopf Division, manage to take a short break from the fighting around Warsaw, during the German assault, having pushed the Soviet forces out of the city and across the Vistula River. Tiger I of the 3rd SS Totenkopf Division, Poland 1944 by Randall Wilson. (F)Click For DetailsDHM1402F
With assault troops on board, a king tiger from Schwere Panzer Abteilung 511 leads a Jagdpanther down a morning misty road May 1945. Konigstiger Ausf B by Randall Wilson. (F)Click For DetailsDHM1501F
While commanding an emplaced Panther tank turret east of Piedimonte, the young Gefreiter Herbert Fries, from 2./FschPzJägAbt 1, slowed down the Allies who were trying to outflank what was left of 1FJD. In two days he and his crew knocked out 17 enemy tanks. Panther Stellung, Monte Cassino,  Italy, 21st -22nd May 1944 by David Pentland. (P)Click For DetailsDP0136P
In early 1945 Obersturmführer Walter Girg was given command of a small unit of SS commandos whose task was to operate Russian tanks behind enemy lines. One such mission took him to the area of the enemy-encircled Kolberg garrison. The German forces there however believed Girg and his men to be Seydlitz agents (German soldiers working for the Soviet forces) and they were taken to be shot. Luckily the mistake was discovered a short time later and Girg remained in Kolberg until 18 March 1945 when the garrison was evacuated by sea. Jagdverbande Mitte, Pomerania, Germany, March 1945 by David Pentland. (P)Click For DetailsDP0137P
Hornet self propelled 88mm anti-tank guns of Heavy Anti-tank Battalion 519 attached to 3rd Army, Army Group Center. Oberleutnant Erwin Kressmann commanded 1st company, while its 1st platoon was led by the soon to be famous Lt Albert Ernst, who in an engagement during the Witebsk battles destroyed 14 Soviet tanks with just 21 rounds. Hornisse, Central Russia, November 1943 by David Pentland. (P)Click For DetailsDP0144P
Hornet self propelled 88mm anti-tank guns of Heavy Anti-tank Battalion 519 attached to 3rd Army, Army Group Center. Oberleutnant Erwin Kressmann commanded 1st company, while 1st platoon was led by the soon to be famous Lt Albert Ernst, who in an engagement during the Witebsk battles destroyed 14 Soviet tanks with just 21 rounds. Lull in the Battle, Central Russia, December 1943 by David Pentland. (P)Click For DetailsDP0145P
Jagdpanther self propelled 88mm anti-tank guns of Heavy Anti-tank Battalion 519 attached to 6th SS Panzer Army during the ill fated Ardennes offensive. Only the 1st company commanded by  Hautmann Erwin Kressmann took part in the campaign. Winter Offensive, Ardennes Forest, Germany, December 1944 by David Pentland. (P)Click For DetailsDP0146P
Jagdpanther self propelled 88mm anti-tank guns of Heavy Anti-tank Battalion 519 attached to 6th SS Panzer Army during the ill fated Ardennes offensive. Only the 1st company commanded by Hauptmann Erwin Kressmann took part in the campaign. Jagdpanthers in the Ardennes, Ardennes Forest, Germany, December 1944 by David Pentland. (P)Click For DetailsDP0147P
Erwin Kressmann

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